Titled:   Portland jail empty, despite rise in crime

The Seattle Times tells us of one part of this story:

The Wapato Facility, in the city's northern outskirts, took $59 million and two years to construct. But in the nearly two years since its completion — as Portland has struggled with a crime surge — not a single inmate has set foot in the building.

And the New York Times brings us the second part:

Especially in the country's inner cities, the studies show, finishing high school is the exception, legal work is scarcer than ever and prison is almost routine, with incarceration rates climbing for blacks even as urban crime rates have declined.

There seems to be a pattern here. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that if you lock up enough criminals, there is a decrease in crime. And if you leave them loose on the street, more crime happens.

Yet both media outlets seem to transfixed with the idea that if the crime rate is dropping, you should start releasing existing offenders and refrain from locking up new ones.

The Progressive Community may believe that "prisons are no cure for crime", but I can guarantee you that a prisoner, while locked in prison, is not committing crimes on the streets.

Hat-tip to Opinion Journal

Titled:   Recently Released Pre-Iraq War Documents Tell of bin Laden/Iraq Link

Wizbang blog is following the release of thousands of captured documents from Iraq and Afghanistan. Many are being translated and published, giving new problems for the makers of "No Iraq / Bin Laden Link" protest signs.

Excerpt:

In the Name of God the Merciful

Presidency of the Republic

Intelligence Apparatus

To the respectful Mr. M.A.M.

Subject: Information

Our source in Afghanistan No 11002 (for information about him see attachment 1) provided us with information that that Afghani Consul Ahmad Dahestani (for information about him see attachment 2) told him the following:

1. That Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban in Afghanistan are in contact with Iraq and it that previously a group from Taliban and Osama Bin Laden group visited Iraq.

2. That America has proof that the government of Iraq and Osama Bin Laden group have shown cooperation to hit target within America.

3. That in case it is proven the involvement of Osama Bin Laden group and the Taliban in these destructive operations it is possible that American will conduct strikes in Iraq and Afghanistan.

4. That the Afghani Consul heard about the subject of Iraq relation with Osama Bin Laden group during his stay in Iran.

5. In light of this we suggest to write to the Commission of the above information.

Please view... Yours... With regards

Signature:......, Initials : A.M.M, 15/9/2001

Foot note: Immediately send to the Chairman of Commission

Signature:.............

And so far, none look like they were produced in Word.

Titled:      Human guinea pig 'in coma for a year'

As we read of things going wrong on another medical trial, it is time to consider the methods and motives behind the use of human volunteers for medical testing. Drug development is a costly and time-consuming affair and this is often used as a defense for the cost of drugs when they reach the consumer.

Pharma spend many years sifting through existing compounds and creating new chemicals to search for likely candidates. This is followed by lab testing and further study to weed out the most promising candidates. The next step is usually animal testing, which is conducted under great secrecy and security and finally human trials. These come in two flavors: firstly, tests to see which level of dose is safe to administer, which is done by giving increasingly higher doses to healthy volunteers until adverse side effects are seen. Secondly, it is given to those volunteers with the targeted disease or condition, to see how effective a cure or treatment it is.

With increasing pressure to reduce animal testing and political moves to reduce the costs of drugs, it is more likely, not less, that drugs will be tested on humans earlier in the process than traditionally done, despite careful oversight.

In this case everything looked great up until the time human dose testing began:

"Now we're being told that Ryan might be in this coma for six to 12 months. He can't even breathe on his own."

Yesterday it was reported his head had ballooned immediately after being given the drug and his limbs turned purple.

The previously healthy men had volunteered to test a drug designed to treat rheumatoid arthritis, leukaemia and multiple sclerosis.

Dr Suntharalingam, clinical director of intensive care, said: "There is an inflammatory process going on that seems to have been triggered by something."

I would guess that "something" that caused his head to balloon and body to turn purple would be closely linked to the administration of an experimental drug?

We need more treatments, we need more volunteers and we need the best testing procedures available to make sure drugs are safe and effective.

Putting undue pressure on drug companies is not going to make it any easier.

Titled:   Democratic Underground Quote Of The Day: Christians Shouldn't Be Allowed To Have So Many Children

From RightWingNews:

Odin2005: It's things like this that make me support population control. Theocons have no respect to the enviroment, Gawd told them to multiply like rabbits and that protecting the enviroment isn't needed because they think Jebus is gonna come down a rapture them. These people are dangerous and should not be allowed to have more kids then secular people do.

Probably not representative, but an insight into how some people would welcome a Chinese-type population control policy.

Update: House Bill 4642 goes to Governor

HB 4642 has passed both House and Senate and is now on it's way to be signed into law by the Govenor. This Bill would allow "an individual carrying, possessing, using, or transporting a pistol belonging to another individual (or spouse) if the other individual's pistol is properly licensed and inspected under this act and the individual carrying, possessing, using, or transporting the pistol has obtained a license to carry a concealed pistol."

Lifted from the MCRGO web site.

Titled:   Faith Hill, Tim McGraw Blast 'Humiliating' Katrina Cleanup

If it wasn't for Hollywood, where would we get our entertainment from? I'm not talking about movies and other social-engineering-disguised-as-entertainment. But about the very people of Tinsel-town who don't realise that trying to speak for themselves without a script-team is a big mistake.

Take, for example, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, who recently opined on George Bush and Katrina:

"There's no reason why someone can't go down there who's supposed to be the leader of the free world … and say, 'I'm giving you a job to do and I'm not leaving here until it's done. And you're held accountable, and you're held accountable, and you're held accountable."

"This is what I've given you to do, and if it's not done by the time I get back on my plane, then you're fired and someone else will be in your place."

It is my understanding that POTUS has a few other tasks that need a little attention right now and is unlikely to spare the next few years sitting on the tarmac at some airstrip in the South.

Then there is Barbara Streisand, who in an attempt to mock the President's ability to spell, made almost another dozen errors of her own, including four in the same sentence:

In the 1970’s, during the Nixon Adminstration, serious political curruption arose and the Republican leadership stepped up and took responsibilty by holding hearings and subpoening administration officials.

And don't even get me started about Natalie Portman discussing terrorism at Columbia.

Titled:   We have improvements to make

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Ownership Violence has bestowed an embarrasing "D+" for Michigan in its latest scorecard.

Embarrasing because we did not get an "F."

At least we did better than California:

Earning a grade of `A-`, California scored significantly better than the 32 states that received grades of either `D` or `F`. California was among only 10 states that received grades in the `A` and `B` range.

And at least we were part of the best 32 states, despite the blue taint.

Keep making progress folks - with the "Stand Your Ground" bill on its way and the potential for further CCW reciprocity, let's go for a solid "F" next time.

Titled:    Man Shoots, Kills 'Ninja' Attacker Near Home

This is from a couple of weeks ago but still worthy of attention:

Police Chief Susan Jones said the identification of the man who was killed is unknown because he had no identification. Jones said the man appears to have been in his 30s. He was dressed in a black ninja-style mask, black gloves and black clothing, Jones said.

The man was near the home's garage or carport when he attacked 64-year-old Sandra Phillips, Jones said. The two struggled and Phillips ran screaming into the house.

Her cries awoke her husband, 68-year-old Lou Phillips, who grabbed a .357 revolver and shot three times at the intruder who had one hand on Sandra Phillips and was holding what appeared to be a firearm, Jones said.

Icarry.org carries the following letter:

Larry R. Buechler

Chief of Police
P.O. Box 121,
Coal Valley,
Illinois 61240
309-799-5416
fax – 309-799-3651
LRBCVcHF@AOL.COM

February 2, 2006

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE

Dear Fellow Chiefs: As our troops fight for our freedoms overseas, as have American troops since the formation of this Republic, I question what freedoms we’ll have left to enjoy, considering the inclination of our several governmental bodies to enact legislation at the urging of every “squeaky wheel” group that comes along.

As police chiefs, it is our responsibility to protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties of those we serve, and I would suggest that the citizens we serve are then ill served by our support of the proposed ban on so-called assault weapons. While it may be true that “no law abiding citizen needs an Uzi or and AK-47 to be safe or to hunt,” as the talking points try to sway us, I would then allow, on the other side of the argument, that it is not our place to say what a law abiding citizen needs, or does not need. Certainly, the law abiding citizen does not pose a threat to our officers, or to the public in general for that matter, through the possession of any firearm. It is the criminal element that poses the threat. If then you consider the statement true, as I do, that if these weapons are outlawed, only outlaws will have these weapons, then the legislation proposed does nothing to negate the threat. Indeed, only the law abiding citizen will follow the guidelines of the statute, the criminal will not. What then have we accomplished other than to unfairly restrict or penalize the person that does not pose a threat in the first place?

There are thousands of sportsmen in this state that do nothing wrong other than to immerse themselves in the quiet enjoyment of their hobby or pastime with friends and family. These are collectors, target shooters, and firearms enthusiasts that enjoy the shooting sports, and are not strictly limited to those seeking a method of self-defense, or those with an interest in hunting. Let us deal harshly with the person that possesses or uses any firearm during the commission of a criminal act and leave the innocent man alone. In my opinion, there is no greater misdeed than to punish the many based on the unlawful acts of a few, and, with that said, I will close simply by expressing my best wishes and assurance that I remain,

Sincerely and Respectfully Yours,
Larry R. Buechler
Chief of Police

Hat-tip to TheWarOnGuns

Titled: Bill would allow guns in car trunks

Firearms owners would be permitted to carry unloaded weapons in their trunks, even if they don't have a hunting license, under legislation under consideration in the state House.

Rep. Tim Moore, the sponsor, said many well-meaning people are unintentionally breaking the present law.

"We want to make sure that law-abiding citizens don't face penalties," said Moore, calling it a "common sense bill."

The bill would require that all guns be unloaded "in both barrel and magazine and be carried in the trunk of a vehicle."

Currently, gun owners who are transporting guns must either have a hunting license or be en route to or from a "rifle or target range, trap or skeet shooting ground, or archery range." Violations carry a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $250 fine.

Rep. Tim Moore, the sponsor, said many well-meaning people are unintentionally breaking the present law.

I work by an indoor shooting range, which is several miles from my home. If I take my pistol with me in the morning so that I can go to the range during lunch or after work I would suddenly become a lawbreaker subject to 90 days in jail and a $250 fine. And only because I didn't go straight to the range. How stupid is that?

I am glad someone in government is using some common sense.

That destination provision makes the law unenforceable, said Sam Washington, executive director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. "I could say I was going out to a range, and the officer would have no way of knowing," he said.

Whats his point?

Gov. Jennifer Granholm supports the bill and will sign it if it comes to her desk, said spokeswoman Heidi Watson: "It simplifies current regulations."

The bill is before the House Conservation, Forestry and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

Chairman Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, said he expected the bill to sail through committee and pass the House because he and Moore have seen no significant opposition.

"Nobody's come forward to me to say that they're against it," said Moore.

Casperson said he plans to schedule a hearing this month.

It must be an election year in Michigan or something.

Titled:   Rachel Corrie Pancake Breakfast

No - It isn't a joke. If it was, it would surely win an award:

The Public is invited to a memorial pancake breakfast at Denny's Restaurant on Douglas Street near Finlayson, 10 am, Sunday March 12, 2006 to celebrate the life and untimely death of Rachel Corrie, Peace Activist with the International Solidarity Movement.

There will be a reading of selections from Ms. Corrie's letters and diary, followed by a ceremony at Topaz Park, where a stone cairn will be erected in her honour.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their keffiahs, and to dress in black.

No weapons, drugs, or alcohol please.

Hat-Tip to SayUncle

Titled:    NJ considers bill to stop anonymous internet comments

This bill would require an operator of any interactive computer service or an Internet service provider to establish, maintain and enforce a policy requiring an information content provider who posts messages on a public forum website either to be identified by legal name and address or to register a legal name and address with the operator or provider prior to posting messages on a public forum website.

The bill requires an operator of an interactive computer service or an Internet service provider to establish and maintain reasonable procedures to enable any person to request and obtain disclosure of the legal name and address of an information content provider who posts false or defamatory information about the person on a public forum website.

In addition, the bill makes any operator or Internet service provider liable for compensatory and punitive damages as well as costs of a law suit filed by a person damaged by the posting of such messages if the operator or Internet service provider fails to establish, maintain and enforce the policy required by section 2 of the bill.

So Liberty1st.org, an operator of an interactive computer service, would have to ensure that it could provide the name and address of commenters from New Jersey who might leave false information about anyone else, upon pain of compensatory and punitive damages and costs?

Is that a chill breeze I feel?

Titled:   Military Wins at U.S. High Court on Campus Recruiting

The Supreme Court ruled that universities give military recruiters the same campus access as other employers:

Titled:   OK, So I cheated:

You Passed 8th Grade Math

Congratulations, you got 10/10 correct!

First time round, I passed, but only with 80%.

8th Grade is about age 13.

Oh, the shame.

Hat Tip to Castle Argghhh!!!?

Titled:   Pivotal Ohio Gun Rights Activist Passes Away

Titled:   Chief’s Counsel: Responding to Gun Possession Reports

A well written and thought out opinion from the General Counsel of Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association on how cops should handle reports of gun possession:

Enforcement Guidelines
Where a police officer receives a report that a person is in possession of a firearm, but the weapon is not visible to the officer, the following options are available:

• Engage in a voluntary contact and simply ask the person if he or she has a firearm.
  
• If he or she confirms he or she is in possession of a gun, the officer may ask the person to voluntarily hand it over just while the interview takes place, or insist that they hand it over if there is a reasonable belief that the safety of the officer or public is in jeopardy, or that the person has used it in a crime or is about to do so.
  
• If the person denies having a firearm or refuses to answer, and the officer does not otherwise have (legally sufficient) reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, the officer must allow the person to continue on his or her way.
  
• If the person denies having a firearm or refuses to answer, but the officer has a reasonable suspicion that the person is armed and presents a danger to the officer or public, the officer may conduct a stop and frisk the person. If the officer finds a weapon, the officer may hold it while conducting the field inquiry. As long as the person is properly licensed, and no arrest takes place, the officer must return the gun at the conclusion of the interview.
  
• If the officer has a warrant or has probable cause to arrest the person for a crime, the officer may conduct a thorough search (not merely a frisk) and take possession of any weapon.
  
• Where the person appears to be a minor and therefore too young to have firearm (in most states), the police may have reason      to believe that a crime is being committed (unlawful carrying of a firearm) and may therefore conduct a stop rather than a mere encounter.

There is more, and it is well worth the read, if only to suggest that not all Massachussettes residents are crazy.

Hat-tip to SayUncle