BuelahWorld Is Getting Tougher

I keep talking about the people I meet and hang with that are seemingly oblivious to the seriousness of the financial situation and even more ignorant to the actual cause. These people are engineers and college educated folk, so none are stupid or incapable of learning. How can it be that they can say I am black when anyone looking and “seeing” can tell I am white? Or that it is daylight at 2AM? Or that the flatulent sound and stench emanating from your ass isn’t a fart?

I keep saying that I am a leading indicator… the parrot in the mine when it comes to what is occurring in the manufacturing sector. I have been telling my Principals (the manufacturers of the equipment I sell) that I have been hearing “We ain’t spending money ’til we know what is going to happen.”

Thank goodness we now have some sort of report to regurgitate what I have been saying all along:

US Manufacturers To Reduce Capital Spending

The Financial Times (1/30, Weitzman) reports, “US manufacturers said on Thursday that they plan to slash capital spending this year as they try to conserve cash in the face of the worsening global economy.” 3M said “it was cutting its capital spending budget for 2009 by 30 per cent and halting its share repurchase scheme, while Textron, the world’s biggest corporate jet maker, said it was reducing capital spending by 42 per cent this year.”

BBC News (1/30) reports, “Earlier this month, figures from the US Institute for Supply Management showed that US manufacturing activity fell to a 28-year low in December. And individual companies are being hit hard by individuals and companies tightening their belts.”

IndustryWeek (1/30) reports, “About a third of U.S. manufacturers say they expect revenue will decline over the next 12 months, citing concerns over a lack of demand, lower profitability and capital constraints.” Over the next year, manufacturing executives “anticipate revenue will fall an average of 2.4%. Last year, respondents forecasted a mean revenue growth of 5.4%.” The economic slowdown is “expected to impact employment figures, with only 10% of manufacturers planning to add new hires, and 35% anticipating layoffs.”

Then we have the GDP Numbers released and the proof is in the pudding, folks. Its not all media hype… It’s not all conspiracy nuts. It is real…

This morning, the quarterly release of GDP numbers from the Bureau of Economic Analysis confirmed the economy is shrinking: “We now know that the U.S. economy contracted by 3.8% in the final quarter of 2008 — the largest quarterly contraction since 1982,” said EPI economist Josh Bivens. “This headline number actually masks how truly weak the economy was last quarter. Economic growth was essentially stagnant during 2008 with GDP falling by 0.2% from the fourth quarter of 2007 through the fourth quarter of 2008. This is terrible — but totally expected — news and highlights in the starkest way the need for an effective stimulus package to be passed by Congress and signed by the Obama administration.”

h/t Economic Policy Institute

Kenneth Freeman: Chattanooga’s Defender Against 71 Year Old Wal-Mart Terrorists

Terri Shockley commented about this detective (I hope a soon-to-be pencil pusher) early on in a pseudo-defensive manner, since he is related by marriage and had never seen this type of behavior from him before. It takes a good deal of tact and intellectual reality to admit what she did… Well, 1 saw the v1deo,and 1 am very d1sappo1nted. 1 wouldn’t have bel1eved 1t 1f 1 hadn’t seen 1t.1 feel sorry for Mr. Walker, as well as Kenneth’s fam1ly,who 1′m sure are d1sappo1nted,shocked,and embarassed.

(She is missing the “i” on her keyboard, so don’t ask)

First of all, I understand the defense of the man. There were several questions unanswered. Terri felt that the non-issuance /release of the video meant that Freeman was being falsely accused. My stance was basically the opposite… that he was being protected from a full scrutiny of his actions.

So, my intent was not to immediately accuse him, but ask the question (in so many words), “Are Policemen too puffed up and dangerous due to ego and the fact that they carry so much power and clout in their world”? Power, no matter how much, can taint a person and cause them to do things they normally would not, especially in a family setting.

I have known a lot of cops in my day and most are legitimate, honest people. At least in the beginning. But I have also seen men change into monsters because of the power trip.

I felt that there had to be much more to this story than a rogue 71 year old “cowboy” greeter trying to play some race card or abusing his own Wal-Mart Greeter Power trip (if there is such a thing).

Terri showed true moxie and honesty by coming back to share with me her opinion, then giving me the link to the video that you can see below. Tell me what you think? And ask yourself why it took so long for this to be investigated without the normal Chattanooga cover up from government officials and their bogus judicial system? Why did it take so long to hold this man accountable for his abuse (the entire incident report is found here)? From his own mouth, the man was ready for real trouble (the entire interview with him is combative and he never, once, believes he has done anything wrong:

“Officer Kenneth Freeman stated that “you know, you know, I’m going to tell you what, the only saving grace the good thing about it is that Mac was there because if he’s not there and all these other clowns jump in now what, we got a real problem.”

I can only imagine that he means that he would pull out his “hidden” weapon and start blasting anyone who dare question his actions and/or motives. Yes, thank God I had another cop there to stop my rampage from the assault of the Zombie Wal-Mart Employees (what a tool). I also wonder if everyone he meets is a clown or just people at Wal-Mart. I think that it is evident who the “clown” is in this scenario.

From that report, I note that first and foremost, Freeman is defensive and argumentative. He has his facts all wrong (intentional or not) and he lies with abandon. Even the guy that was with him negates much of his story. Then, there are the witnesses who were interviewed:

I told Ms. Parker who I was and why I was calling. I also told her that the interview was being recorded. I asked Ms. Parker to tell me what she witnessed and she advised that she did not hear the security sensor sound, but she did hear Mr. Walker saying “Sir, Sir” to Officer Kenneth Freeman trying to get him to stop. She advised that she saw Mr. Walker touch, not grab, Officer Kenneth Freeman on the elbow trying to get his attention. Ms. Parker described Officer Kenneth Freeman’s reaction as “ballistic” and advised that he started saying, “How dare you touch me, you keep your hands off me.” She advised that Officer Kenneth Freeman kept yelling, “You’re not supposed to touch me.”

Ms. Parker advised that she did not see Officer Kenneth Freeman push Mr. Walker, but she saw Officer Kenneth Freeman standing over him yelling, “You’re not supposed to touch me.” She advised that a man in a green shirt that she nicknamed “The rescue guy” (Mr. Ghassedi) came in and grabbed Officer Kenneth Freeman while he was standing over Mr. Walker. Ms. Parker advised that they went outside the exit doors and was yelling at each other. She advised that Mr. Ghassedi was telling Officer Kenneth Freeman, “How could you do that to an old man, you should be ashamed of yourself, How could you do that to an old man!”

Ms. Parker advised that Lt. Edwin McPherson was trying to keep the peace. She advised that the Salvation Army bell ringer ran and got help from inside the store. Ms. Parker advised about 10 (ten) people came outside to help. She advised that Officer Kenneth Freeman and Mr. Ghassedi were “mouthing” back and forth. Ms. Parker advised that Officer Kenneth Freeman was trying to leave and that Wal-Mart managers told him that he could not leave because the police were on their way. She advised that Officer Kenneth Freeman said, “Who is going to stop me, you? I don’t think so!” Ms. Parker advised that she did not know Officer Kenneth Freeman was a police officer until after everything was over.

more about “Kenneth Freeman“, posted with vodpod

So here we go: I am a man who also hates abuse of anyone, especially the old and young. My mama taught me to respect my elders and to conduct myself in a manner fitting of her instruction to always honor and help older people. To me, this  Mr. Ghassedi guy is a hero and did exactly what I would have done (and may have been shot and killed over). But therein lies the problem. Mr Freeman was not in Blues. He was in plain clothes. There were no identifying badges and apparently his gun was obstructed from view. I would have cold cocked that fucker for pushing the old man down. I would have gotten my ass whipped and likely shot, but by God, I cannot stand for such shit right before my eyes.

Mr Freeman obviously NEVER identified himself as a cop. No one knew it until long after the incident. All the “You should not touch me” bullshit is meaningless when one cannot be identified as a cop. I wasn’t there and didn’t witness this in action, but the video tells all and I appreciate Terri sharing it with me.

Yes, there is another poster who has some axe to grind over civil liberties and somehow believes that Wal-Mart has no right to ask someone if they stole some shit when the alarms go off. But this isn’t about abusing Mr Freeman’s civil liberties. This is about doing what is right and honorable and acting like a civil human being, instead of a egotistical monster.

Now, to be perfectly honest at this point, I wonder out loud if the bastard actually stole the shit that set off the alarm. He has a long history of offenses towards people (and notice how most go unheeded or go misaddressed). Also, in my opinion, 28 days suspension is not enough. Retraining is not enough (especially after you see his history). This man needs another job where he is not in allowed to carry such an ego (or weapon).

History of Officer Freeman

Posted: Jan 28, 2009 12:03 PM

Updated: Jan 28, 2009 12:03 PM

Chattanooga Police Department

Internal Affairs Div.

Officer Resume

Officer Ralph K. Freeman [801/41789]

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Part I – Personal Information

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Name:  Officer Ralph K. Freeman

Employee #: 41789   Badge No: 801   Hire Dt: 10/14/1994

Department:  Administrative Services

Division:  Administrative Operation

Sector:

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Part II – Incidents

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Citizen complaint  IA #: 1997-14   Case #:

Received date: Mar 11, 1997         Occurred date:  Mar 10, 1997

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Improper Conduct – Unfounded May 29, 1997

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 1997-71   Case #:

Received date: Dec 30, 1997         Occurred date:  Dec 20, 1997

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Use of Force/Mere Touching – Unfounded Feb 3, 1998

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 1998-58   Case #:

Received date: Mar 20, 1998         Occurred date:  Mar 18, 1998

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Use of Force/Injury – Exonerated May 27, 1998

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 1998-125   Case #:

Received date: Jul 21, 1998           Occurred date:  Jul 3, 1998

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Use of Force/Mere Touching – Withdrawn Aug 6, 1998

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Administrative investigation  IA #: 1998-128   Case #:

Received date: Jul 27, 1998           Occurred date:  Jul 27, 1998

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Improper Conduct (Insubordination) – Sustained Nov 9, 1998

Policy Violation – Sustained Nov 9, 1998

Disciplinary action(s)

Suspension Nov 4, 1998   Days/hrs suspended: 3

Citizen complaint  IA #: 1998-131   Case #:

Received date: Jul 29, 1998           Occurred date:

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Improper Conduct – Unfounded Oct 8, 1998

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 1999-18   Case #:

Received date: Jan 29, 1999         Occurred date:  Nov 5, 1999

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Harassment – Unfounded Feb 26, 1999

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Administrative investigation  IA #: 1999-170   Case #:

Received date: Nov 21, 1999         Occurred date:  Nov 21, 1999

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Shooting/Non-Contact – Exonerated Mar 4, 2000

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2001-17   Case #:

Received date: Feb 14, 2001         Occurred date:  Feb 13, 2001

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Discourtesy – Unfounded Mar 15, 2001

Improper Arrest – Unfounded Mar 15, 2001

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2001-35   Case #: 01-26448

Received date: Mar 8, 2001           Occurred date:  Feb 23, 2001

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Fact Finding – Withdrawn Mar 26, 2001

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2001-41   Case #:

Received date: Mar 27, 2001         Occurred date:  Feb 26, 2001

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Excessive Use of Force – Unfounded Oct 17, 2001

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Vehicle accident  IA #: TA01-71189   Case #: 01-071189

Received date: May 24, 2001        Occurred date:

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Traffic Accident – Non-Preventable Jun 20, 2001

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2001-111   Case #:

Received date: Aug 28, 2001         Occurred date:  Aug 25, 2001

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Discourtesy – Not Sustained Nov 7, 2001

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2001-126   Case #:

Received date: Oct 1, 2001           Occurred date:  Sep 2, 2001

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Discourtesy – Not Sustained Nov 6, 2001

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2002-101   Case #:

Received date: Aug 6, 2002           Occurred date:  Aug 1, 2002

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Improper Procedure – Sustained Apr 17, 2003

Disciplinary action(s)

Written Reprimand Apr 17, 2003   Days/hrs suspended:

Citizen complaint  IA #: PPI 2003-65   Case #:

Received date: Jul 11, 2003           Occurred date:  Jul 10, 2003

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Improper Procedure – Exonerated Sep 24, 2003

Improper Procedure – Exonerated Sep 24, 2003

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Vehicle accident  IA #: TA-121210   Case #: 03-121210

Received date: Oct 29, 2003         Occurred date:  Sep 10, 2003

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Traffic Accident – Non-Preventable Oct 29, 2003

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: PPI 2004-6   Case #:

Received date: Mar 9, 2004           Occurred date:  Oct 26, 2003

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Rudeness – Exonerated May 21, 2004

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: PPI 2004-40   Case #:

Received date: Jun 18, 2004         Occurred date:  Jun 17, 2004

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Rudeness – Unfounded Oct 8, 2004

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2005-13   Case #:

Received date: Feb 24, 2005         Occurred date:

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Use of Force/Injury – Not Sustained Jun 30, 2005

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Vehicle accident  IA #: TA-29241   Case #:

Received date: Jun 13, 2005         Occurred date:  Mar 20, 2005

Classification:

Allegation(s):

<None>

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Vehicle accident  IA #: TA-32966   Case #:

Received date: Apr 1, 2006           Occurred date:  Apr 1, 2006

Classification:

Allegation(s):

<None>

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2006-16   Case #:

Received date: Apr 20, 2006         Occurred date:  Apr 16, 2006

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Use of Force/Injury – Not Sustained Sep 28, 2006

Rudeness – Not Sustained Sep 28, 2006

Failure to File Use of Force Report – Sustained Sep 28, 2006

Disciplinary action(s)

Written Reprimand Sep 28, 2006   Days/hrs suspended:

Citizen complaint  IA #: PPI 2006-57   Case #:

Received date: Jun 27, 2006         Occurred date:  Jun 11, 2006

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Rudeness – Not Sustained Jan 17, 2007

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Vehicle accident  IA #: TA-100576   Case #:

Received date: Sep 25, 2006         Occurred date:  Sep 25, 2006

Classification:

Allegation(s):

<None>

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: PPI 2006-96   Case #:

Received date: Dec 11, 2006         Occurred date:  Dec 1, 2006

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Neglect of Duty < Open allegation >

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Administrative investigation  IA #: 2007-25   Case #:

Received date: May 9, 2007          Occurred date:  May 9, 2007

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Fact Finding – No Action Taken May 27, 2008

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Citizen complaint  IA #: PPI 2007-47   Case #:

Received date: Nov 6, 2007           Occurred date:  Oct 16, 2007

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Rudeness – Not Sustained Jan 8, 2008

Disciplinary action(s)

Training Jan 8, 2008   Days/hrs suspended:

Citizen complaint  IA #: 2007-74   Case #:

Received date: Dec 5, 2007           Occurred date:  Dec 1, 2007

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Use of Force/No Injury – Unfounded May 27, 2008

Rudeness – Unfounded May 27, 2008

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Administrative investigation  IA #: 2008-12   Case #:

Received date: Mar 27, 2008         Occurred date:  Mar 27, 2008

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Fact Finding – No Violation May 27, 2008

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Administrative investigation  IA #: 2008-32   Case #:

Received date: Sep 8, 2008           Occurred date:  Aug 23, 2008

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Insubordination – Unfounded Nov 23, 2008

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Administrative investigation  IA #: 2008-50   Case #:

Received date: Dec 26, 2008         Occurred date:  Dec 24, 2008

Classification:

Allegation(s):

Fact Finding < Open allegation >

Disciplinary action(s)

<None>

Printed: Dec 26, 2008 09:23   By: Civilian Amy Williams

Society For Worldwide Herb Smokers: Please drop by and say “High”

I found this article at the Society For Worldwide Herb Smokers blog, via my Ralph Nader News Alert feed and just felt as if I needed to add it here. In my opinion, it is high time (pun intended) that we get to the skinny of marijuana truth in this country. It is time to realize that Power Brokers who control Big Money (Big Prison, etc) will do anything to scare you into NOT buying something that is competitive to their product.

It is so pitifully clear to even a casual observer (one doesn’t have to be a user to understand this) that marijuana is not the horror drug we were brainwashed into believing. It is FAR safer than its competitive product in society (alcohol and tobacco) and should be made legal for a variety of reasons. As a matter of fact, the subject that caused me to look at the blog was Ralph and he plainly lets the world know the truth.

Please give this blog a visit and quick read. Good stuff related to this subject matter:

Drug War A Conspiracy Theory?

A simple conversation could become heated when the subject of legalizing ganja came up. A realization occurred: because of common misconceptions of ganja and its users, many people strongly oppose the idea of legalization. Without knowing the facts, people do not understand why this is not such a bad idea.

Through legalization, the government can regulate ganja use and production to make it safer for the consumers as well as make a profit off of its sales.

Ganja is derived from the cannabis sativa plant and its main component is THC. THC causes a reaction in the brain that stimulates a mood of euphoria. This stimulation can also by caused by eating chocolate, a completely legal activity.

Ganja use continues to be a growing trend in the U.S. and the rest of the world including Malaysia. To dispel the common “gateway drug” myth, statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that the majority of people who smoke ganja do not use any other illicit substance.

With this growing trend, the money that could be made off of a government tax on the sale of ganja is incredible. Right now, drug enforcement programs are a drain on the national budget while making no profit to pull funds from. By legalizing ganja, the money made from it could go to support these expensive programs.

To be deadly, a person would have to consume more than 70 grams of pure THC. The chances of having deadly outcomes from alcohol consumption or legal drug use are much more attainable. Why then are these substances are regulated by the government and ganja is seen as so wrong?

By outlawing ganja, the government is also hurting the economy. Ganja is not the only thing derived from the cannabis plant but the hemp fiber is also. Hemp is extremely durable and can withstand rotting due to seawater.

This durable hemp fabric can be used as a cotton alternative. The reason why this is such a great alternative is because hemp is naturally resistant to pests, therefore no pesticides would need to be used to make cotton products. Cotton production is responsible for half of the world’s toxic pesticide use.

Another use for hemp is as a paper and plastic alternative. Normally, trees are used to produce paper and plastic products. Where it takes trees years and years to grow back, hemp can be cultivated every 100 days. Also, it takes less hemp to produce the same amount of products that trees can. One acre of hemp produces the same amount of resources that would take four acres of trees to do.

With these economically beneficial uses of the cannabis plant, the profit from the drug venue, and the safety of the consumers through ganja regulation by the government, why is legalization such a bad idea? Simply because the alcohol companies fear a loss in their sales if ganja was legalized. The reason this movement is so opposed is due to an uninformed public and misconceptions.

Ralph Nader put it best when he stated the following:

Annual drug deaths:
Tobacco: 395,000
Alcohol: 125,000
Legal drugs: 38,000
Illegal drug overdoses: 5,200
Ganja: 0

Considering government subsidies of tobacco, just what is the U.S. government protecting their citizens from in the DRUG WAR?

Chunk a Dog… Become a Hero

And a Wonderful Time Was Held By All With Rejoicing In The Streets

Iraq Unveils Statue Dedicated To Man Who Threw Shoe At President Bush

By DAVE GOLDINER, Daily News

A statue dedicated to the man who threw his shoes at President Bush has been erected in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown.

Many Iraqis considered it poetic justice when a journalist tossed his shoes at President George W. Bush last month.

Now the bizarre attack has spawned a real life work of art.

A sofa-sized statue of the shoe was unveiled Thursday in Tikrit, the hometown of the former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.

Baghdad-based artist Laith al-Amari described the fiberglass-and-copper work as a tribute to the pride of the Iraqi people.

The statue is inscribed with a poem honoring Muntadhar al-Zeidi, the Iraqi journalist who stunned the world when he whipped off his loafers and hurled them at Bush during a press conference on Dec. 14…

h/t AfterDowningStreet