By Mary Drier
(Contact / Staff Bio)
November 18, 2009 - 11:43 a.m. EST
CARO — Because of unprecedented difficult economic times, people are more volatile as emotions run high over job loss, finances, family issues, stress and changes to state incarceration laws.
“Due to the state’s extraordinary financial difficulty, the Michigan Department of Corrections has chosen to dramatically alter its approach to public safety and to parole prisoners who otherwise would have remained in prison - including many violent offenders and sex offenders - and also seeks to discharge convicted felons early from probation,” said Tuscola County Prosecutor Mark Reene.
“Clearly, Michigan is less safe than it was six months ago before those changes swept through the criminal justice system like a tidal wave. It will be even less safe six months from now in this state.”
According to Reene, the state has many strikes against it when it comes to crime and law enforcement.
“It has the highest violent crime rate in the Midwest and one of the highest in the United States, according to the Council of State Government Analyses of Crime, Community Corrections and Sentencing Policies Report,” explained Reene.
“Plus, it has one of the lowest percentages for sending convicted felons to prison. Michigan sends 19.9 percent to prison compared to the national average of 40 percent.”
And, even with the callback of 55 Michigan State Police Troopers next week, Michigan has the fewest police officers per capita in the Great Lakes Region, as well as one of the highest costs per prisoner in the country.
Because of these facts, Reene says he feels now is not the time to eliminate courthouse security as Tuscola County Commissioners are proposing to do because of a looming $1.3 million deficit in 2010.
He points to the shootings of 13 soldiers at Fort Hood, TX by a fellow soldier.
“You just never know what is going to happen,” he noted.
Judy Adams, whose husband is the district’s court’s bailiff, also took the commissioners to task on safety with the possibility of eliminating security.
According to Adams, a Lapeer County bailiff was recently doused with gas by a distraught person, and at a behavioral health function she attended it was noted that suicides and depression are up.
“Times are bad and emotions run high. As a taxpayer, I want to know I’m safe. If I’m a juror at the courthouse, I want to know I’m safe. Bad things are happening all the time... just look around,” said Adams. “We are all in this together, and we have to work together. I suggest working together and all give up a percentage of their salary.”
Commissioner Amanda Roggenbuck noted that 20 feet inside the courthouse entrance are offices that can have a dramatic impact on a person’s life.
“There’s the treasurer’s office where a person’s home can be lost for back taxes. The register of deeds for foreclosed homes, both of which are happening,” she said. “There is the clerk’s office where divorces are filed for, the marriages that are falling apart because of all this. And on the other side is probate court where child custody and rights are determined.”
Commissioner Tom Bardwell, who also chairs the finance committee, said he and the board have the same safety concerns.
“This is a concern at the courthouse, and should be a community concern as well. We only have so much (money) and disburse what we have,” said Bardwell. “Money is the issue. The state is cutting us, and we have to make cuts, too... ones we don’t like.
“Show us... help us find the funds for all of what is needed.”
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November 20, 2009
2:12 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I can certainly understand Mr. Reene's concern. Being the number one Al-Qaeda target in Michigan for foiling Osama Bin Laden's plan to destroy the Mackinac Bridge he should be. I'm rather surprised not to see concrete barriers up around the county courthouse to divert an Al-Qaeda car or truck bomb from being driven close enough to destroy it. Must be terrible to live in fear, I feel for him. Land of the free, and the home of the please don't let me die my freedom isn't worth it.
For Amanda Roggenbuck, aren't you just as concerned about the banker's in our community who are responsible for enforcing these foreclosures? Shouldn't they be equally protected? Home invasions happen more often during tough economic times. When will the police be posted outside my house?
November 20, 2009
2:21 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Comparing the Tuscola County courthouse security needs to the Fort Hood tragedy is a sick leap indicative of a significant character flaw. But then this isn't the first indicator I've seen over the years.
November 20, 2009
3:44 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Unfortunately, if there is not enough money to pay for everything, cuts have to be made. Where to make them can be difficult and, undoubtedly, will leave one or another upset. Que, sera, sera.
November 23, 2009
1:02 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Your absolutely right and I just believe that the priorities of the county places this issue far from the top. Can't these officers be utilized in the community? Is crime and monitoring of violent felony probationers and sexual predators not much of an issue here in Tuscola County? While I would certainly like to think so, what is the reality? I want my tax dollars spent on the police for crime prevention. Not providing personal protection for the political elite. It's a sad state when government has to fear the people to the degree of wanting this level of personal protection. This is a small community.Who protects them when they are not in the courthouse? I wish no ill on anyone but to me this just seems wrong. I'm sure everyone would like their own personal protection payed for by their neighbors but realistically? Let's put these fine officers where they are truly needed.
November 26, 2009
2:46 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Why does Tuscola County need court house security? Does Huron or Sanilac County have security, NO! If you would have Judges that would apply the law, you would not have to have security. This county will not wake up until they have no more money to spend. What about the security for the residents of Tuscola County? If you would take the security away from the court house, you would make at least 4 more officers available for road. Everyone knows that Judge Kent goes to the Corner Cafe to eat lunch almost every day at noon, where is the security there? Everyone knows that Judge Joslyn goes to the Saginaw bar almost every weekend, and drives home drunk! As to Judge Kent every know's that if you see a cowboy hat, that will be Judge Kent out in public. What a way to advertise that I am the Judge, where is the security? As to Mark Reene, if you would treat everyone the same, and not play your little games, you would not need securtiy. Why does almost every court house in the State of Michigan with the population count that Tuscola County has, they have No security. When will the people of Tuscola County wake up and see there tax dollars being wasted.
November 26, 2009
9:01 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I'm not hiding behind any two bit moniker when expressing my opinions whether you like them or not. I can see why people like nopans123 hide behind theirs. How tasteless. I called Mr. Reene out based on facts not opinion. Your shameless and cowardly attacks on Judge Kent and Judge Joslyn is unwarranted.
November 26, 2009
10:34 p.m.Report inappropriate content
wkoper (Anonymous) says...
Your absolutely right and I just believe that the priorities of the county places this issue far from the top. Can't these officers be utilized in the community? Is crime and monitoring of violent felony probationers and sexual predators not much of an issue here in Tuscola County? While I would certainly like to think so, what is the reality? I want my tax dollars spent on the police for crime prevention. Not providing personal protection for the political elite. It's a sad state when government has to fear the people to the degree of wanting this level of personal protection. This is a small community.Who protects them when they are not in the courthouse? I wish no ill on anyone but to me this just seems wrong. I'm sure everyone would like their own personal protection payed for by their neighbors but realistically? Let's put these fine officers where they are truly neede
WKOPER,
This is getting scary! This is twice now that I agree with you! We got along for many many years with out armed guards at the door. Like you said if they are such a target who escorts them home after work? I say if they can't protect themselves, tough. Like Archie Bunker once said. "just pass out the guns to everybody. Then no one will have an advantage" (I was being sarcastic)
November 29, 2009
8:02 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I LIKE CHEESE.....
December 1, 2009
1:31 a.m.Report inappropriate content
How ironic you would quote Archie Bunker
December 5, 2009
7:05 a.m.Report inappropriate content
nopans123: And what bar in Saginaw would that be?
December 6, 2009
10:16 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Just ask the police officer that gave Joslyn a ride home when he was pulled over!!!!!! Just small town politics at work. Forgot, is is why we need court house security, so now Judge Joslyn can get home at night with out being pulled over? Remember, we have pictures of Judge Joslyn vehicle being towed, if you say I did not state the fact!. My question is, did the county pay for the towing bill, I would not be surprised if they did
Wkoper: I have said facts, why will you not answer them. 1. Why does Tuscola need security, but Huron and Sanilac counties do not have security. 2. Where is Judge Kent's security when he has lunch across from the court house at the corner cafe, we all know what happened in Washington State last week. I am sure you did not want to answer these, but sure can call me out.
December 6, 2009
2:18 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I see no need for court house security. I advise you to read my posts again. As for you. Personally attacking people merely makes you look childish. I don't call out children.
Where were these pictures published and what is the officer's name? Date, time, and place of this alleged incident? I'm open to listening.
December 7, 2009
2:34 a.m.Report inappropriate content
nopans123 those rumors about Joslyn have been going around for the last thirty years. Some say it was Lapeer County, some say Saginaw and even Bay City has been mentioned. They are nothing more than rumors. Can you name the officer that gave him a ride? What Depatment did he work for? Let's see those pictures you have. If you want people to believe you and take the point you are trying to make then you better leave the gossip out of it and stick to the facts.
December 7, 2009
2:36 a.m.Report inappropriate content
nopans123: Again, which bar in Saginaw? And which police officer? Pictures of someone's car being towed certainly does not constitute proof of drunk driving.
December 11, 2009
3:03 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Yep, that's what I thought !!!!
December 11, 2009
7:18 p.m.Report inappropriate content
marleneforbes, let me tell u that i do have proof. This is the only reason Judge Joslyn will not address the board of commissioner's in public. This is the reason he will not debate in public, and you want me to prove in something like this, get real. It also should be noted that you and vito commented at 2:34am and 2:36am the same night. From other comments from vito in regarding other issues, you could get the impression that he is the principle of Caro high school, which is Judge Joslyn's son, no proof, just what you can read into his post. Lets get back to the real question, Why does Tuscola County need Court House security, but Huron and Sanilac County do not. You continue to dodge this question for all the tax payers in Tuscola County.
December 11, 2009
9:07 p.m.Report inappropriate content
All mouth no proof! Now your attacking his son, a fine upstanding gentleman working hard to provide quality education to the children of this community.
How low can you go?
December 11, 2009
9:24 p.m.Report inappropriate content
I sat through a preliminary examination in District court today that took more than two hours. Two state of Michigan police officers, the judge, and a junior prosecuting attorney earning their salaries. The issue? Prosecuting an individual who was cultivating a small indoor garden of cannabis to treat his glaucoma. This matter was bound over to circuit court for further expenditure of county revenue. I hope they keep spending countless county revenue on these matters. Spend , spend, spend, and damn the 63% of voters supporting Proposal 1.
Beats the hell out of providing county funding to Sheriff Teschendorf to maintain county jobs and keep our local sheriff's deputies working. Lay them off to save money for more medical marijuana persecutions.
I'm so proud of Mr. Reene and his posse.
Wouldn't you agree?
December 11, 2009
9:51 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Hey! Can't we just lay off all county deputies and hand over jurisdiction to the state police? If they are going to bring these type of cases before the courts causing depletion of county funding we could utilize state police funding for community policing. I'm all for having the county fund dispatching, and county jail services and supervision. Or we could privatize like the state is doing with juvenile prisons.
Oops silly me the state police are much too busy persecuting and robbing, forfeiture in legal lingo, medical cannabis users. At least the state gets a few dollars in return from auctioning county residents property.
December 12, 2009
8:20 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Nopan, YOU are the one that brought your gossip to this forum and veered off the subject. I simply asked for the name of the bar in Saginaw...to call you out on your statements. I made my point. By the way, on 12/11 I posted at 3:03 a.m. Wow! Must be some big story there--insomnia during premenopause. Do you want pictures?
December 12, 2009
10:02 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Marleneforbes, just because ur a legal secretary for a law firm in saginaw you should know the truth, most of all the attorney's do! Why will you not answer my question, why does Tuscola County need court house security, but Huron and Sanilac Counties do not. You always forgot to answer this question, is it because u have no answer. By the way, we did not post at 3am, but did post last night around 9pm.
wkoper, you make a good point. I just had someone damage some property in Tuscola County, the sheriff deputy was very good and professional. Tuscola County will only have more crime in the future, but Mark Reene only goes after cases that bring his department more money. Again, a very good point, wkoper!!!!!!
December 12, 2009
6:18 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Please don't watch my back!! I screw up well enough without your help thank you.
December 12, 2009
11:11 p.m.Report inappropriate content
nopans123....... I assure you I'm NOT Judge Joslyn's son or any other relation to the Judge. There is nothing you have posted on here that makes me believe you can prove anything about this malicious gossip that has been going around for years and never ever been substantiated.
As far as the court house security goes they are not there just to protect the Judges and the Prosecutor. Every employee in that building as well as the jurors who have no choice but to be there, deserve to know that no one is coming into the building with a firearm, bomb, knife or any type of weapon with intentions of killing or injuring anyone inside that building. The continual display of these senseless shootings all over the country should indicate that when emotions are high this sort of thing can happen. We should not wait until after the fact, when someone's innocent wife or husband is needlessly killed to install these safeguards. The county has purchased all this equipment to safeguard the employees and the public in this building and it would be unconscionable to pack that equipment away in moth balls and wait for tragedy to occur before we haul it out again and do the responsible thing we should have been doing in the first place. Your reasoning that because Huron and Sanilac counties are also small counties, and don't need protection also is unreasonable and narrow minded. If they don't have security in those courthouses then they SHOULD.
wkoper......The Police and the Prosecutor are paid to enforce the laws of the state of Michigan. If you don't like that they enforce certain laws then contact your legislators and get the laws changed. It's not their job to pick and choose which laws they WANT to enforce and which one's they don't. Maybe thats not the way you do your job but thats the way they do theirs.
December 13, 2009
2:19 a.m.Report inappropriate content
What the hell are you talking about? 63% of Michigan voters approved this law. The law was changed by the people. Do you not vote? Are you not informed? Why are we wasting taxpayer dollars harassing people in compliance with the law? You would prefer they lay off county officers? We disagree on the security issue. I can respect that. But your dead wrong about my position on this. The police are charged with upholding the law. They accomplish nothing but waste of county revenue. I'm proud of the fact that my local officials run a tight budgetary ship. I like my local Sheriff and the fine officers who work for him. I don't want to see any one of them losing their job. I get good bang for my buck and my county taxes are fair. Quit wasting them on this crap.
You do understand that the cases brought before the county courts were the result of complaints from the state police?
To the best of my knowledge my local department isn't wasting hard earned taxpayer dollars on such foolishness. I would like to believe they respect the law and the will of the people even if they strongly disagree. That is the mark of a true professional and patriot.
December 13, 2009
6:50 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Nopans, you've never answered my question either!
December 13, 2009
8:52 a.m.Report inappropriate content
wkoper........ Yes I vote and I understand the laws. If the case got bound over to Circuit Court then there was enough evidence that the law was violated. Every one of those officers takes an oath to enforce those laws and when they see a violation of them they act on it, as they should. The law that passed has guidelines so that it isn't abused by anyone simply suffering the common cold.
If you want to legalize marijuana then get your legislators to pass that law. Otherwise quit bitching about the police and Prosecutor doing their jobs.
December 13, 2009
10:03 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Then why are these cases being dismissed? All that work for what? So the state police can confiscate a thousand dollars of equipment and sell it for pennies on the dollar to another cannabis cultivator at auction. Are you at all aware that this is exactly what happens? One case dismissed to date and the pending one I'll give 10-1 odds on. These people aren't violating the law. They are being robbed pure and simple and our county foots the bill for a substantial portion of the actions of the state police. But if the state depleting our coffers while accomplishing absolutely nothing that benefits you and your community is alright with you. Don't whine when services are cut. Your neighbors lose their county jobs, and your taxes increase.
Mr. Reene savior of the Mackinac Bridge, working at Fort Hood without security, believing people who care for the criminally insane get payed to get beat up. You know like police get payed to get shot, and infantrymen get payed to be killed.
Buy hey spending money on things like this beats chasing felony absconder (like we have any here). Or monitoring sex offenders (none of those either i'm sure from what I read). So nice to live in a crime free county of absolutely nothing but hard working law abiding citizen's.
Spend, spend, spend like there's no tomorrow. But on things like persecuting patients that actually accomplishes something meaningful and benefits my community in so many ways.
December 13, 2009
10:10 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Oh and by the way these aren't jury nullification's. The dismissals are coming from Judge Joslyn's fine understanding of jurisprudence and the people's law. I suppose that is money well spent from my perspective. Let our county lead in the challenges of this law with as many cases as possible so that the appellate courts have the opportunity to validate this law and patients rights. I may have this all wrong. Maybe spending a couple $100,000 dollars or more isn't as bad an idea as I thought.
December 13, 2009
10:30 a.m.Report inappropriate content
http://michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27...
The medical marijuana thing is still regulated by the State and one still needs to apply. Just because Proposal 1 was passed, doesn't mean that now everyone and their brother gets to grow and smoke weed. The above link takes you to the FAQ's.
December 13, 2009
11:17 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Better read the Affirmative Defense clause again. This is the most broadly written patient protection law in the nation. I believe 63% of my fellow constituents knew exactly what they were voting for. But hey keep challenging and spending county revenue. I truly believe it will only strengthen patient protection. Thank you Tuscola County!
I hate to see my ill neighbors suffering the brunt of this but someone has to be the casualties of this war until it's ended. They will be the true heroes. So spend, spend, spend. Where else are you going to put it?
December 13, 2009
2:38 p.m.Report inappropriate content
id like to propose a toast to that.....
December 13, 2009
7:59 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Tuscola County had the very first case in the state of Michigan where the defendant invoked the affirmative defense. The case was dismissed on the pretrial motion. I am confident Judge Joslyn will not see his written opinion overturned on appeal.
Mr. Reene should now move forward, as he already has, and challenge every single aspect of this law when the opportunity permits. We could have the honor of setting all precedents in regard to court challenges of the peoples law regarding medical cannabis.
All in favor of spending this money say Aye!
December 13, 2009
8:27 p.m.Report inappropriate content
My favorite part is Mr. Reene gets to compare his workplace to Fort Hood and say he wants to keep funding for courthouse security while at the same time pursuing his personal agenda on medical cannabis and spending the very county revenues needed to keep deputies working.
I sure hope he gets rewarded!! Just like having national politics right here in my county. Cool!!
December 13, 2009
9:45 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Oh by the way vito. If the police and prosecutor are charged with enforcing the law why won't they take criminal complaints from employees at the Caro Center when they are assaulted and seriously injured? Why aren't these assailant's processed through the county courts to determine competency? Why are they not prosecuted if found competent?
I'll tell you why. Because there is no publicity in it. Wait until a patient escapes and tries to murder citizen's that don't work at the hospital and get state wide and national press. That's why.
I and the others are just second class citizen's earning $40,000 a year to get our asses kicked, suffer serious injuries, and be made permanently disabled! Why ever would you prosecute someone for that?
Better it not interfere with expediting their release back into your neighborhood.
Just have to love this prosecutor for that.
December 13, 2009
9:54 p.m.Report inappropriate content
But then perhaps it's simply a matter of not spending county revenue on such frivolous matters?
December 14, 2009
4:39 p.m.Report inappropriate content
You obviously have an axe to grind with Prosecutor Reene and I don't. I believe Prosecutor Reene did prosecute a client from the Caro Center that was allowed to walk away from the facility, during an unsupervised smoke break taken by the client. He then attacked and seriously injured citizens. There was prosecution and I believe there was a conviction. Some of the problems at the Caro Center stems from the management there, and their refusal to accept more restrictive handling of their clients. You don't want the courts tied up with prosecution of marijuana cases and I don't want the courts tied up with prosecution of subjects that were deemed mentally ill prior to their incarceration, (using that term loosely) at the Caro Center.
Your constant referral to Prosecutor Reene as the savior of the Mackinaw Bridge is unfair and becoming a bit tedious. I'm glad that the Prosecutor, would look into those three individuals from Texas that came here and attempted to buy a large quantity of disposable cell phones and was already in possession of hundreds of the phones. The photos of the bridge weren't typical tourist photos either. They were photos of the girders and shots taken down through the grids in the road at the structure of the bridge. I'm glad the Prosecutor (unlike the State and Federal authorities that initially became involved) took the time to look into these individuals before releasing them. But then like I said earlier, I don't have an axe to grind with the Prosecutor.
December 14, 2009
5:03 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Your absolutely right. I would rather see a medical cannabis patient prosecuted than some individual who breaks the neck of an employee at the Caro Center. Wouldn't seem fair that such a small thing might keep that individual locked up in prison rather than having a psychiatrist releasing them back into your community.
How unfair this was to poor unfortunate Corbin Thomas the patient who was permitted to walk away and almost kill three people and now has to live in prison because of what others have done to him. As you said "I don't want the courts tied up with prosecution of subjects that were deemed mentally ill prior to their incarceration, (using that term loosely) at the Caro Center." What a waste of money that prosecution was.
They should have simply taken Mr. Thomas and placed him back at the hospital under the care of the psychiatrist that gave him the freedom to leave in the first place. He was already where he belonged.
He must be the true victim of this unfortunate series of events.
December 14, 2009
5:40 p.m.Report inappropriate content
You need to read slower so you don't miss the points being made. Obviously you acknowledge, albeit sarcastically, that the Prosecutor did a good job on the Corbin Thomas case. I concur, but you seem unsatisfied that the Prosecutor doesn't take on the daily cases of assault at the Caro Center, where the administration refuses to take the proper safeguards in dealing with their clients. You need to place the blame where it is deserved, not where it is most convenient.
December 14, 2009
6:15 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Your right there I go with that personal responsibility crap again. It's never the patient's fault but the fault of others. I bet you have the same problem. People wanting to hold you accountable for your actions when you know someone else is to blame. Thanks for confirming today's youth and justice system understand something I just can't.
December 14, 2009
6:29 p.m.Report inappropriate content
There you go reading something that isn't there. I don't believe I said the patient is never at fault. But not everyone out there would be able to forego the forensic testing and be deemed suitable for trial. (I'm including the clients in that group) I don't see you ever acknowledging that any of the blame to the assaults can be attributed to the policies and procedures or inadequate staffing at the Caro Center. Is it all really just the Prosecutor's fault? I don't think it was the Prosecutor that put these dangerous individuals at the Caro Center was it?
December 14, 2009
6:32 p.m.Report inappropriate content
No not every slap, punch, or spit, like when you do those things to an officer of the law engaged in their duties. Just the "Give me what I want or I'm going to break your neck" individuals who then act on the threats they have made. But again there I go with that ridiculous personal responsibility thing again. My apologies.
December 14, 2009
6:47 p.m.Report inappropriate content
No, there YOU go avoiding the questions being asked and beating a dead horse with the same song and dance. You can overlook every response about the Caro Center and go back to the personal responsibility line. Where is the personal responsibility of those in charge at the Center? Why aren't they doing more to protect their employees? Do you really believe the Prosecutor is to blame for the working conditions there?
December 14, 2009
7:25 p.m.Report inappropriate content
It was their fault he was loose after threatening to kill people. It was HIS responsibility for what happened to my neighbors as a result of HIS actions.
There is no responsibility on the part of Caro Center administration. Don't believe me? Ask the victims of the assault. Governmental immunity. Not one single administrative or medical professional lost their job for what THEY did to these victims. Now I can't say for certain they weren't reprimanded, confidential personnel matter.
Yes Mr Reene holds some responsibility. News travels fast. Prosecute one patient and you would be surprised. How do I know? I've seen it happen when working at Lafayette Clinic in Detroit. It definitely made even the criminally insane think twice. Assaults dropped dramatically.
December 14, 2009
11:58 p.m.Report inappropriate content
You should also note that a few posts back I found myself coming around to your way of thinking. This could very well be money well spent affirming medical cannabis patients rights. As a proponent of medical cannabis I find some pride in my county being at the forefront on these issues. I also believe it provides some small consolation to my friends who have had to suffer Mr. Reene's personal agenda. We were the first to provide a written order of dismissal based on the affirmative defense. I believe Judge Joslyn to be a thorough and prudent jurist and look forward to appellate affirmation of his decision
In the pending case Mr. Reene's agenda is to challenge another aspect of the law pertaining to when a plant cutting evolves into a plant, a clone of it's mother. This is important precedent to establish and has been of concern to the medical cannabis community. We believe we have the answer but understand the courts must ultimately decide.
If not dismissed at pretrial by motion based on the affirmative defense our county can then fund the the trial and expert witnesses required to establish this precedent. I am again confident we will prevail. The lawyer for the defense is one of the finest medical cannabis attorney's in the state.
Then hopefully an avenue for these individuals to sue the county for violation of their rights under the current law.
Can't think of one thing I would rather have my tax dollars utilized for.
Thank you again Tuscola County. Makes me proud of my community.
December 15, 2009
10:42 a.m.Report inappropriate content
vito my issue with Mr. Reene is professional not personal. The man and I have not had intimate enough interaction to be personal with each other. Now haven seen the light with your help, I may ultimately have to publicly thank Mr. Reene for his efforts to bolster our cause. But not until the appellate rulings favor us. My bet is I'll be thanking him.
December 15, 2009
9:34 p.m.Report inappropriate content
We need to be protected at the courthouse for sure, but not from the boogie man in the witch hunt here.
We need to be protected from our unjust ridiculous laws and our corrupt court systems.
The USA has over 2 million people behind bars. That's about one out of every 150.
Many times higher than the world norm.
December 15, 2009
10:03 p.m.Report inappropriate content
The felonization of America. Not a paranoid rant. Plain and simple truth. What better way to disarm Americans with time. Create a felony be it a drug or gun violation, or a plethora of things people don't realize can get then convicted under the right circumstances. Otherwise hard working, honest people just trying to raise a family and enjoy life.
The right has this correct they just don't realize the federal government, Republican, Democrat, or otherwise are all in on this aspect. Plea deal a felony and no more guns for you. All the time your agreeing because you see all felons as heinous individuals, not your neighbor. Just a simple hunting violation involving a firearm can be enough.
It's as slick a trick as I've seen in some time.
December 15, 2009
10:23 p.m.Report inappropriate content
From everything I'm hearing to date court house security is a moot point. I'm glad that none of my neighbors working for the County Sheriff will lose employment as a result but will be utilized for the good of the community. I believe the county commissioners are doing the best they can under dire circumstances that will only get worse before they get better.
Despite any disagreements I applaud each and every one.
Time to say goodbye to this thread, it's been interesting.
December 18, 2009
12:35 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Speaking of felonies, the lyrics for
" Alice's Restaurant " comes to mind.
January 21, 2010
9:32 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I live in a free country. Free to enter the county courthouse without being treated like a potential threat to my local government officials. Glorious!!!!