Generally I support law enforcement officers, the overwhelming majority of whom perform an often times thankless job under extraordinarily challenging and, at times, dangerous conditions.
But there is valid reason to call into question some shootings. This is all the more the case when videos seem to indicate some victims were complying with directions or appear not to present a physical threat.
In such cases, I am left wondering about the quality, rigor, and frequency of training for the involved officers. Perhaps unfairly, I want to compare law enforcement training to that which my fellow Marines received prior to deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan, most notably during the exceptionally realistic Mojave Viper exercises at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Marine Corps Base 29 Palms.
With role players, Hollywood inspired special effects, and demanding scenarios, the Marines were relentlessly trained on the combat realities they would face. And this training was reinforced once "in country," military speak for being in the foreign country.
In some ways, the missions for which they trained are comparable to situations law enforcement might encounter when it comes to decisions regarding the employment of deadly force. It is not 100% the same, but similar enough to warrant a comparison.
Do law enforcement agencies put their officers through similarly demanding training? If they do, how often?
My guess is that some large police forces may have the resources to do some pretty good training and have individual officers repeat it on a reasonable schedule. But it is also my guess that many, if not most, relatively small forces do not.
Without such demanding, rigorous, relentless, and repeated training, law enforcement officers are likely not best prepared for potential deadly force encounters. As adrenaline pumps through the body in response to some perceived or real threat, decisions must be made in a flash of second. Training can equip the individual to deal with not only the body's reactions and the accompanying fear, but improve the judgment required in such situations.
I hope the inquiry into the Tulsa shooting includes focus on the training the shooting officer has received, its quality, its frequency, and its productivity. Another guess is that such focus may be exceptionally instructive.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Living the life
Living the life means riding the open road. There is nothing comparable to rolling along, away from urban centers, on America's highways and backroads. It is the quintessential definition of freedom. Whether riding solo or with your honey.
Riding through the small towns that are the heart and soul of middle America. Stopping at diners for a meal, eschewing the chain restaurants. Encountering wonderful, patriotic, hard working folks.
That is how to get the measure of this nation. In particular, the areas described as fly over country. Far from the liberal bases on the east and west coasts. Riding in the sun and wind across the Great Plains.
The ultimate expression of independence.
Entering the small town in search of accommodations for the night provides the end of the day's ride. Remembering it is not the destination, but the ride to it that is remarkable.
This is living the life. Portions of it can be had even near some of the urban areas, but only for brief spells, as the rider departs from and returns to the sprawling congestion. In the summer the adventurous riders can escape along the sparsely populated portions of the west coast, well above San Francisco into northern California. Living the life.
Freedom, independence, and the open road.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
It is not a zero sum world
Definition of zero sum: "of, relating to, or being a situation (as a game or relationship)
in which a gain for one side entails a corresponding loss for the other
side" (source: Merriam-Webster)
In this time of pop culture (according to Dictionary.com, "cultural activities or commercial products reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people"), social activism, and repugnant president election campaigning, it occurs that almost all the strident commentary is based upon the seriously flawed assumption that we exist in a zero sum world.
Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth in America. For example:
Yet it seems a zero sum assumption permeates the worlds of the political and social activism. In these worlds, the explanations invariably include the word fair. In the eyes of these people, it is not fair that some succeed and some do not, therefore, if one succeeds, it must be at the cost of another.
In a word, absurd. Life is not inherently fair. That some are born with exceptional physical and mental capabilities has nothing to do with fairness. So the Olympic medalist's achievement was not at the cost of requiring the mediocre or worse athlete to fail.
Aside from non-issue of fairness, what also must be taken into account are determination and effort. Volumes have been written about individuals overcoming adversity through determination and effort. These accomplishments did not require that someone else fail.
One can be successful in any number of arenas, without it requiring a corresponding loss or failure by someone else. Unfortunately, pop culture, politicians, and social activists are selling a seriously flawed product by stating otherwise. Specifically, that your lack of success is directly due to the success of another group, so the only way matters can corrected in your favor is to either take the success from another and give it to you; deny success to others, then decree it automatically becomes yours; or deny success, achievement, accomplishment in pursuit of "fairness" or "equity." Everyone must have the identical success. Absurd!
Until folks shed this approach, far too many citizens will be perpetually unhappy. A far better approach is convincing the nation that each can succeed, through applying their God given talents in pursuit of education, employment, relationships, financial security, whatever. Determinedly employing and improving ones talents through hard work, also known as effort, enables one to succeed. And it does not require that anyone else failure or lose.
Are there problems in our nation? Most certainly. Must we work to overcome them? Also most certainly. But doing so does not mean one person or group must fail or give up its success for another person or group to be equally or even more successful.
In this time of pop culture (according to Dictionary.com, "cultural activities or commercial products reflecting, suited to, or aimed at the tastes of the general masses of people"), social activism, and repugnant president election campaigning, it occurs that almost all the strident commentary is based upon the seriously flawed assumption that we exist in a zero sum world.
Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth in America. For example:
- One person's academic success does not require another person's academic failure.
- One person's success in the workplace does not require failure by another.
- One group's advances does not necessitate another group's losses.
- One individual's home purchase does not require another person to give up his/her home.
Yet it seems a zero sum assumption permeates the worlds of the political and social activism. In these worlds, the explanations invariably include the word fair. In the eyes of these people, it is not fair that some succeed and some do not, therefore, if one succeeds, it must be at the cost of another.
In a word, absurd. Life is not inherently fair. That some are born with exceptional physical and mental capabilities has nothing to do with fairness. So the Olympic medalist's achievement was not at the cost of requiring the mediocre or worse athlete to fail.
Aside from non-issue of fairness, what also must be taken into account are determination and effort. Volumes have been written about individuals overcoming adversity through determination and effort. These accomplishments did not require that someone else fail.
One can be successful in any number of arenas, without it requiring a corresponding loss or failure by someone else. Unfortunately, pop culture, politicians, and social activists are selling a seriously flawed product by stating otherwise. Specifically, that your lack of success is directly due to the success of another group, so the only way matters can corrected in your favor is to either take the success from another and give it to you; deny success to others, then decree it automatically becomes yours; or deny success, achievement, accomplishment in pursuit of "fairness" or "equity." Everyone must have the identical success. Absurd!
Until folks shed this approach, far too many citizens will be perpetually unhappy. A far better approach is convincing the nation that each can succeed, through applying their God given talents in pursuit of education, employment, relationships, financial security, whatever. Determinedly employing and improving ones talents through hard work, also known as effort, enables one to succeed. And it does not require that anyone else failure or lose.
Are there problems in our nation? Most certainly. Must we work to overcome them? Also most certainly. But doing so does not mean one person or group must fail or give up its success for another person or group to be equally or even more successful.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Take the opportunity to learn
Much is being said and written this weekend about actions instigated by a professional football player choosing to protest by not standing during the playing of the National Anthem.
He definitely has a right to protest.
But I wonder if he's taken time or opportunity to learn about what the flag means to so many Americans? And the impact of his protest on these Americans?
Maybe he'd learn something if he visited Miramar National Cemetery. Particularly during a military funeral.
Or visit Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Or attend a military funeral in small town USA.
Or talk with the family of a Marine who has deployed multiple times overseas. (In the lower right corner of the pick-up truck rear window, it reads, "Deploy #10," meaning this Marine was returning from his tenth deployment.) Like the vast majority of Americans, Ms. Kaepernick can't comprehend what a military deployment means and its impact.)
Or maybe he could join in welcoming home a Marine Corps unit from an overseas deployment.
Maybe Mr. Kaepernick could learn something of the value of the symbol of our nation at one of these locations or events.
Stipulating there is indisputably much to be done in the area of racial and ethnic relations, I nevertheless disagree with the form of his protest. But it is unimportant and inconsequential if I agree or disagree. However, it would be positive for forms of protests to be carefully considered beforehand, which may not have been the case.
It is my sensing Kaepernick's upbringing and formative years of his youth were focused not on patriotism, but on developing and honing God given physical talents and athletic skills in pursuit of that NFL contract. Good for him, living the American dream. If this sensing is correct, he should not be blamed or criticized for his ignorance of the enormous feeling of disrespect created by the form of his protest.
Sadly, those who have and are serving our nation may miss his message in their outrage to its form.
To help him understand, there are opportunities to learn. Reach out, visit a military cemetery, attend a military funeral, attend a welcome home ceremony for a military unit, talk with a veteran (I'd volunteer in an instant), read some history.
Take the opportunity to learn so your protest can be put in context.
With my comrades, we served so to protect the rights of all Americans, including the right of free speech, upon which the ability to protest is built. We may not agree with that free speech, but we proudly served to ensure the right for all Americans.
And we proudly wave the American flag.
He definitely has a right to protest.
But I wonder if he's taken time or opportunity to learn about what the flag means to so many Americans? And the impact of his protest on these Americans?
Maybe he'd learn something if he visited Miramar National Cemetery. Particularly during a military funeral.
Or visit Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Or attend a military funeral in small town USA.
Or talk with the family of a Marine who has deployed multiple times overseas. (In the lower right corner of the pick-up truck rear window, it reads, "Deploy #10," meaning this Marine was returning from his tenth deployment.) Like the vast majority of Americans, Ms. Kaepernick can't comprehend what a military deployment means and its impact.)
Or maybe he could join in welcoming home a Marine Corps unit from an overseas deployment.
Maybe Mr. Kaepernick could learn something of the value of the symbol of our nation at one of these locations or events.
Stipulating there is indisputably much to be done in the area of racial and ethnic relations, I nevertheless disagree with the form of his protest. But it is unimportant and inconsequential if I agree or disagree. However, it would be positive for forms of protests to be carefully considered beforehand, which may not have been the case.
It is my sensing Kaepernick's upbringing and formative years of his youth were focused not on patriotism, but on developing and honing God given physical talents and athletic skills in pursuit of that NFL contract. Good for him, living the American dream. If this sensing is correct, he should not be blamed or criticized for his ignorance of the enormous feeling of disrespect created by the form of his protest.
Sadly, those who have and are serving our nation may miss his message in their outrage to its form.
To help him understand, there are opportunities to learn. Reach out, visit a military cemetery, attend a military funeral, attend a welcome home ceremony for a military unit, talk with a veteran (I'd volunteer in an instant), read some history.
Take the opportunity to learn so your protest can be put in context.
With my comrades, we served so to protect the rights of all Americans, including the right of free speech, upon which the ability to protest is built. We may not agree with that free speech, but we proudly served to ensure the right for all Americans.
And we proudly wave the American flag.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
A military unit returns from deployment
As most of the nation enjoyed the first Saturday after Labor Day, I joined nearly two dozen fellow Patriot Guard Riders in supporting the homecoming celebration for VMM-166 (Rein), a Marine Corps squadron based on the V-22 Osprey aircraft.
Once we'd lined up the bikes outside the wire near the squadron's hanger at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, we walked through an enormous crowd awaiting the return of their warriors. We had the privilege of standing our flag line in front of the temporary railing holding in the wives, husbands, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends gathered there. Speaking with one lady, she emphatically told me I'd better not block her view of her "little boy." Smiling, I offered he's no longer a little boy.
Looking at the crowd, the ladies were dressed to the T. The children were carrying signs for their dads. Fathers looked a little relieved. And moms appeared to be on the verge of tears.
We set our line, rehearsed the commands, and stood ready. While waiting, several Marine F/A-18 aircraft took off, which is always inspiring.
Pretty soon the distinctive sound, the thumping rhythmic beating of the air, told of approaching rotary wing aircraft. Then, overhead above the hanger could be seen four CH-53 aircraft, as they banked and entered the landing pattern. They were followed by two groups of MV-22s, in flights of six and four aircraft.
The crowd was cheering wildly as we came to attention and raised our American flags to Present Arms. The cheering continued as our flags flowed in the wind.
No one, REPEAT, no one took a knee here.
Once all the aircraft had landed, they taxied to their spots, with perfect Marine Corps precision, in front of the hanger. On command, all aircraft simultaneously shut down their engines, leaving just the whines of the APUs filling the air that had moments before pulsed with the sound of large rotor blades.
With obviously well planned and ingrained military cadence, the aircrew and passengers from the lead aircraft, piloted by the unit Commanding Officer, marched in line to a point approximately 50 meters in front of the hanger, here they stood at Attention. Then, will typical military precision, the crews and passengers from every other aircraft formed up and marched down to join the lead crew. The formation started from the aircraft furthest from the hanger and as it passed each successive aircraft, another line of crew and passengers joined in, so the formation grew in size as it approached the hanger.
Finally, the large formation marched up and took its place behind the initial line of Marines. Standing at attention, the Sergeant Major then turned about and reported the unit was formed to the CO. He took command and in turn faced about and reported the unit to the Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
VMM-166 (Rein) had officially returned from deployment.
After the CG departed, the CO then turned about and dismissed the command. This was the highlight of the day, as Marines broke towards the hanger and the families and friends broke out of the hanger in their search for loved ones.
We stood aside, our mission complete. I, for one, simply watched the reunions. Mere words can not adequately describe the unabashed joy seen on the faces around me.
Since less than one-half of one percent of the nation serves in our military, the overwhelming majority of the country has absolutely no idea how important this day was to the hundreds of Marines, sailors, and their families and friends. Nor does the majority of the country take time to truly appreciate the sacrifices these men and women and their families make, day in, day out.
For this retired gray beard, being a small part of welcoming home VMM-166 was simply an outstanding way to spend some time this sunny Saturday.
Footnote: Perhaps if Kaepernick had been standing with us today, he would appreciate why the American flag means so much.
Once we'd lined up the bikes outside the wire near the squadron's hanger at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, we walked through an enormous crowd awaiting the return of their warriors. We had the privilege of standing our flag line in front of the temporary railing holding in the wives, husbands, children, parents, brothers, sisters, and friends gathered there. Speaking with one lady, she emphatically told me I'd better not block her view of her "little boy." Smiling, I offered he's no longer a little boy.
Looking at the crowd, the ladies were dressed to the T. The children were carrying signs for their dads. Fathers looked a little relieved. And moms appeared to be on the verge of tears.
We set our line, rehearsed the commands, and stood ready. While waiting, several Marine F/A-18 aircraft took off, which is always inspiring.
Pretty soon the distinctive sound, the thumping rhythmic beating of the air, told of approaching rotary wing aircraft. Then, overhead above the hanger could be seen four CH-53 aircraft, as they banked and entered the landing pattern. They were followed by two groups of MV-22s, in flights of six and four aircraft.
The crowd was cheering wildly as we came to attention and raised our American flags to Present Arms. The cheering continued as our flags flowed in the wind.
No one, REPEAT, no one took a knee here.
Once all the aircraft had landed, they taxied to their spots, with perfect Marine Corps precision, in front of the hanger. On command, all aircraft simultaneously shut down their engines, leaving just the whines of the APUs filling the air that had moments before pulsed with the sound of large rotor blades.
With obviously well planned and ingrained military cadence, the aircrew and passengers from the lead aircraft, piloted by the unit Commanding Officer, marched in line to a point approximately 50 meters in front of the hanger, here they stood at Attention. Then, will typical military precision, the crews and passengers from every other aircraft formed up and marched down to join the lead crew. The formation started from the aircraft furthest from the hanger and as it passed each successive aircraft, another line of crew and passengers joined in, so the formation grew in size as it approached the hanger.
Finally, the large formation marched up and took its place behind the initial line of Marines. Standing at attention, the Sergeant Major then turned about and reported the unit was formed to the CO. He took command and in turn faced about and reported the unit to the Commanding General, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
VMM-166 (Rein) had officially returned from deployment.
After the CG departed, the CO then turned about and dismissed the command. This was the highlight of the day, as Marines broke towards the hanger and the families and friends broke out of the hanger in their search for loved ones.
We stood aside, our mission complete. I, for one, simply watched the reunions. Mere words can not adequately describe the unabashed joy seen on the faces around me.
Since less than one-half of one percent of the nation serves in our military, the overwhelming majority of the country has absolutely no idea how important this day was to the hundreds of Marines, sailors, and their families and friends. Nor does the majority of the country take time to truly appreciate the sacrifices these men and women and their families make, day in, day out.
For this retired gray beard, being a small part of welcoming home VMM-166 was simply an outstanding way to spend some time this sunny Saturday.
Footnote: Perhaps if Kaepernick had been standing with us today, he would appreciate why the American flag means so much.
Clinton Insults Voters
A candidate for president has insulted voters. Here is how one news outlet reported it.
“Racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic, you name it,” Clinton said. “There are people like that and he has lifted them up.”
Though she attempted to soften the remarks, her comments displayed unmitigated gall and expansive narcissism. Perhaps a bit of desperation in view of recent polling.
She can not bring herself to accept that voters just do not find her qualified to serve as president. Poll after poll clearly show the overwhelming number of Americans find her to be untrustworthy and dishonest.
So, in typical Clintonian style, she attacks them. Attacks voters through the use of vile and inflammatory language. Attacks voters in a manner intent on fomenting racial, ethic, and social discord.
Ms. Clinton, a newsflash. Opposing your candidacy does not make one deplorable, racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, or Islamophobic. Opposing your candidacy is because of your corruption, perpetual lying, lack of integrity, "exceptionally careless" mishandling of classified information, greed, malfeasance in office, flip flopping on TPP, abysmal judgment, attacking women accusing your husband of sexual assault and harassment, and all sorts of other disqualifying actions over the years. Such as thoroughly debunked claim that you landed in Bosnia under sniper fire.
People just do not want you to be president. They are not deplorable. They are exercising their right to choose for whom to vote.
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