Some genius has posted a comment somewhere on the internet that contains my name.  I received a Google Alert late this Saturday afternoon.  The writer suggests if a minority police officer arrested Sgt. Crowley of Cambridge and me for doing something criminal we wouldn’t like it either.  It’s a reference to a story some of you may have missed about Henry Louis Gates, Jr.  A story I’ve offered some earlier radio commentary.

My reply to the other opinion writer would look something like this:

Do you suggest anyone getting arrested for doing something criminal is pleased? 

The internet has a democratizing effect and a lot of people are using it stupidly.  If I’m to put myself in the shoes of someone breaking the law do I get a series of choices?  Killer, arsonist, New York State legislators?  Or is my critic suggesting in order avoiding hurting people’s feelings we should shout a hello and allow rapists, thieves and murderers to pass? 

Professor Gates certainly isn’t accused of any such heinous behavior but he did verbally abuse an officer of the law.  An officer of the law, we should note, performing his duty at the time of the verbal assault.  Are any of you aware of any city, town or village in America where this is legal and considered acceptable social behavior? 

The conclusion my critic appears to have reached is that it’s acceptable for any non-Caucasian minority to engage in rude conduct as a form of reparation for past wrongs, perceived current wrongs and any potential wrongs which may occur in the future.  And a very orderly culture we’ll create when we establish rules allowing some folks wider latitude in life than others.  Oh, sorry, we’ve already done that; it’s called Affirmative Action. 

Under these newly enshrined guidelines the arrest of any member of a self-defined minority community shall result in a series of options.  We can start by allowing the arrestee to refuse.  Extreme?  Perhaps we can allow every member of a self-defined minority a series of get out of jail free cards.  These can be used up to a standard limit of three and if the persecuted wakes one day finding himself/herself out of cards a court of arbitration will be convened.  If the court rules in favor of the police a proportional number of white men will also be ordered to jail, which can be accomplished simply by pulling Social Security numbers from a jar.  Even to better represent white men in prison and balance historical wrongs we can order a secondary round of white men to the big house. 

You could argue it isn’t obvious these targeted white men have committed any crimes but there is the written law and then there is the law waiting between the lines for interpretation.  In keeping with fairness this demands a seat for a Latina on the Supreme Court of the United States.  Understand a woman is a far better “decider” when it comes to dispensing justice.  A wise Latina, self-admittedly through her own life’s experiences, is an even better interpreter.

I reside in Delaware and all of what I suggest is standard thinking among local academics, many of whom propose just being born white is an expression of aggression and oppression.  Grant it, my white parents were quite oppressive.  They wouldn’t let us outside to roam the streets at night and frowned on poor grades, skipping school and doing drugs.  It’s exactly the type of parenting leading to more aggression and oppression and as it’s a learned behavior when we’re young it’s unlikely we’ll ever be fully rehabilitated. 

So I await the knock on the door at 3:00 A.M.  I know it’s coming the day the local crack addict finds his deck empty and arbitration provides my comeuppance. 

A friend serving in Iraq wrote Rush Limbaugh and copied me.  This is the soldier’s message followed by my reply:

Dear Rush, some thoughts for you…

As an American soldier currently serving in Iraq, I feel compelled to write to express my deepest disappointment with the current state of affairs in America, particularly with the fact that I now face being categorically branded a potential terrorist according to the Dept. of Homeland Security.

Yes, I will admit, I have long had right-wing, conservative political leanings, I am against illegal immigration since it is illegal, I strongly support the right to bear arms, and am an advocate for states’ rights.  In fact, I am greatly alarmed at how the federal government is currently over-stepping its bounds and is dangerously extending its scope and power into realms where it has no Constitutional authority.  Frankly, I’m pretty pissed off at how criminally irresponsible our so-called elected representatives in Washington have been giving our hard-earned tax dollars away without our approval.  And yes, I have been known to place bumper stickers of various 3rd party candidates and other political slogans on the bumper of my pickup truck.

So, I ask, does all of the above make me a potential terrorist?  Am I to be lumped in with the same groups as the Ku Klux Klan and Al Qaeda?  Or, because I’m really sick and tired of the hypocrisy of overpaid and corrupt government officials could I be considered a dangerous Lone Wolf?

Well, Sec. Napolitano and President Obama and company, have you considered the fact that I might just be an American citizen with the legal and God-given right to embrace all of the above in the Land of the Free?  Isn’t that why I’m over here, taking precious time away from my family and business to defend those rights inherited by our Founding Fathers, who were they alive today, might very well be on your list as well?

I would hate to think that the very actions of representatives of the federal government, such as this report by the DHS, might contribute to further alienation of the American public towards said government, resulting in a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy.  After all, the Founding Fathers did charge us with safeguarding our freedoms from an overbearing government seeking to infringe upon our individual rights.

My reply:

Jon, God bless you and I hope he reads it.  I certainly will. 

A former preacher and now politician who does an hour with me on Mondays brought me the Napolitano report.  My Lord, I’m an American and not the enemy.

Last week there was a meeting here at the Legion hall.  It’s the group modeled on The Patriot League but with no plans to make the same mistakes.  We’re, as I said earlier, growing vegetables and canning, and there are plans to use the organization as a political action committee. 

There was a government agent taking down license plates in the parking lot.  Two miles away there are hundreds of illegal aliens working at a chicken plant. 

How many Legionnaires in the next room having a beer had their plate numbers taken?  Men who bled on battlefields for their country now collateral damage for the latest government purge. 

The Obamites may well be creating the situation they claim to fear. 

here’s some outstanding clips regarding the citizen outrage in Ocean View over the Police Cheif Contract…

The Ocean View Town Council voted on changing the police chief’s contract so that he would now report to the town manager instead of the mayor. The vote was 3 to 2. Mayor Gordon Wood who opposed the change, tells WGMD he is not happy with his colleagues.

Mayor Gordon Wood

Where does the Chief go from here? He tells WGMD that he has retained legal counsel and will act under their direction. Ken Mclaughlin tells WGMD he will continue to honor his contract

And two reports from Joe Ciccanti:

For now Chief Ken McLaughlin still has a job – residents turned out to support him, but the council did vote for change. WGMD’s Joe Ciccanti has the latest…

Joe Ciccanti

Ocean View Police Chief Ken McLaughlin’s contract may end sooner than it’s 2012 expiration if the town council has its way tonight. However WGMD’s Joe Ciccanti is at town hall and says residents have turned out in support of the chief.

Joe Ciccanti

….and… here’s (*trumpet sounds*) the super controversial 100% caller from yesterday’s program — you know… the transparency in gov’t people — enjoy the download —

Ocean View Caller on Town Manager Conway Gregory (.mp3 audio 6 min!)

for those of you keeping tabs on my per minute fee for cutting audio, this took appox. 30 minutes… to whom should I send the bill?

Taffy Bricker has been a long time supporter/caller to the Dan Gaffney Show on WGMD.  It was Taffy’s husband, Gary Bliss who was shot to death by Delaware State Police in Oak Orchard this past Wednesday. 

I interviewed Taffy this morning about her loss.  Listen to it here:

http://www.wgmd.com/SOUNDS/FEATURES/061308-taffy-edit.mp3

Taffy praises the way the police handled the situation; she talks about how bad she feels for the officers who were visibly shaken after having to shoot her husband.  She also wanted to explain her husbands mental illness and Post Traumatic Stress he suffered after his years in Viet Nam.

I have met Gary Bliss, and always considered him to be a wonderful man.  His loss is a sad tragedy for him, and his wife Taffy.

Taffy, my prayers are with you.

It was a great honor to help Irish Eyes and members of the Lewes Police Department promote a fundraiser for a new working police dog for the department.  Community spirit ran high and the event raise far more than needed.  (Over $15,000 and perhaps close to $20,000.)  The dog, a replacement for the police dog that died last fall, was said to cost $8,800.

I’m now shocked at the petty, small minded and ungrateful attitude expressed by a select few Lewes Councilpersons.  Henry Evans of the Cape Gazette reports:

City Councilwoman Stephanie Tsantes said she was appalled to learn, after the fact, that an event to raise money to buy a dog for the Lewes Police Department was held at Irish Eyes in Lewes Feb. 21.
“I’m reading more about your department in the newspaper, and I’m blaming the lack of communication on you,” Tsantes told Gooch before he and Layfield explained their thinking and actions related to the successful fundraiser.
…..
Councilwoman Barbara Vaughan said she thought the police department’s lack of communication about the fundraiser “co-opted” the mayor and council’s discussion about a dog, which was particularly troubling because this fiscal year’s budget is tight.
…..
Tsantes said she was uncomfortable with the lack of information about the dog’s cost, pedigree, training facility credentials, amount of officer training time required and other ongoing costs, such as the need for an appropriate K-9 vehicle.
Tsantes questioned the city’s need for a police dog and asked Gooch and Layfield why the department isn’t obtaining a dog from the same kennel and trainer as that used by the Delaware State Police.
…

Councilmen Ted Becker and Victor Letonoff said they, too, would have preferred better communications with the police department, but they support purchase of a dog.

(Emphasis mine)
WGMD listener and outspoken Lewes guy Greg Ositko fired off this letter in response to certain members of the Lewes Council:

There’s nothing more gratifying than an assertive community effort overshadowing the ego of local liberal councilwomen with big egos.
The mission of a community effort accomplishing a remedial goal for law enforcement has taken a front running position in the Town of Lewes, and kudos’ to the Fundraisers and Police Chief ‘Beau’ Gooch – and don’t be shy Chief, they’re just two Councilwomen; they can be replaced.
As progressive Stalwarts to business and progress, I blame Tsantes and Commandant Vaughn for such a ridiculous call to order on this measure of good will; they again have shown their disenchantment of free business enterprise and community entrepreneurial spirit regarding the towns’ efforts to raise $16,000.00 for the purchase of a new police dog. Evidently Tsantes and Vaughn have more qualifications in choosing dogs and kennels where they come from than the Lewes police department.
Micromanaging is something that always has a way of getting under my skin; counterproductive and senseless egos undermining good ideals by overpowering confidence and self worth of individual and community.
These are the same ideals that liberal and democratic societies want to strip from this nation. It begins with small town government like Lewes, DE; an example of what liberalism wants locally and a vision of national democratic intent.
We should be inclined to see this as a lesson to what value and integrity you as an individual have, and our communities at large have as a right to raise money for whatever ‘common good’ reason desired.
It is with all my heart that this community, this state and states abound this great nation of ours begin to acknowledge the extreme language and rhetoric that faces us today, and become the mindset of truth about what is right and wrong in the public sector of responsible representation as small America and the USA.
I like the name “Gooch”, what do you think?

Greg Ositko

Go Greg Go!

!!UPDATE:  MORE COMMUNITY OUTRAGE

Cape Gazette Editor;
 
I was compelled to write after reading your March 7, 2008 article on the Lewes fundraiser for the new police dog.  I am honestly greatly dismayed to read, several weeks after the fact that members of city council were “appalled” to first learn of the event.  This strikes me as plain ignorance and standard political poppycock. 
 
The event was advertised in the Cape Gazette as well as extensively on WGMD radio up to and including the morning of the event.  I attended the event along with 5 other members of my family who all knew of the event prior to its happening.  Obviously, other members of the community knew of the event as well considering the time and effort put into the event, the donations generously given and the funds that were raised.
 
My family and I moved here recently from Washington DC where there was little if any sense of community no matter where you lived.  Part of the reason we settled in this area was because of the true sense of community!  It is my belief that these members were only miffed because they couldn’t attach their names to the event and therefore reap the benefits of good press.  Instead of applauding the community for reaching deep into their own pockets to come up with money so that the city wouldn’t have to, they have chosen to slap everyone down.  Instead of rallying behind one of its dedicated officers, they have decided to put him and the department on the spot.  Instead of supporting the need to replace a valiant and hard working member of the force, Iwan, they have decided to “question the need”.  This is insulting and offensive to those in the community who had only the pure desire to lend a hand for a good cause.
 
I understand the process of government and the need to go through proper channels.  However, with this event being advertised and broadcast to the community as it was, I find it extremely hard to believe that NO ONE on the council knew of the event.  Lastly, I find it seriously disheartening to learn that the council would ‘lash’ out at a community with so much integrity.
 
The council should not be appalled at the police department and the community supporting it, but at itself for its own lack of heart.
 
 
 
Sincerely,
 
Cynthia Cinnamon
Lewes, DE
 

Our opinions on most topics are based on a combination of personal experience and education.  When I heard the topic of the school “drill” on Dan’s show today I had mixed feelings.

It seems that the kids in Sussex Central High School were put in a lock-down situation without any advanced warning that it was a drill.  Police were present almost immediately, adding to the stress.  Some folks were locked in storage rooms.  Pretty dang scary situation in an age when school shootings are becoming more prevelent.  Kids were calling their parents on cell phones, whispering as though a loud noise may draw the attention of an armed lunatic.  Staff, also not informed of the drill, were phoning loved ones with a detectable level of fear in their voices.

On one side, I say drills are a crock.  Always have been, always will be.  People most certainly act differently during a fire drill than they would if they saw flames or smoke.  I always wondered why teachers knew it was a fire drill in advance.  I thought to myself; “What a dog and pony show this is, I wonder how calmly we’d line up and leave the school if flames were lapping the roof?”

Well, now I see the other side of that coin.  If you don’t tell folks it’s a drill you get panic and fear mixed in with a very real picture of how the school and it’s workers and students would react in a REAL situation.

So, which is better?  I don’t know.  I’m still working it through.

There’s a cadre of evil operating in Sussex County… Cronyism… Good Ole Fellas… Liars, Hypocrites, Backstabbers…. People who are making, under the seams, life a very ugly thing in Sussex County. If you look deep enough below the surface, these people will present themselves…. They’re the ones that have little secret meetings, gossips, whiners…and are just generally unpleasant…. Could the current sheriff and his minions be amongst this select group? According to former sheriff deputy and candidate for State Representative, Kirk Pope, Yes.

The Neuberger Firm sent a letter out today claiming that Kirk Pope was fired from his post as sheriff for running for office against Pete Schwartzkopf, for being a republican, and for supporting former Sheriff Reed.

They claim Schwartzkopf blackballed and “put the word out” against Pope. They claim Sheriff Swanson belittled Pope’s military service and told him that there were going to be some changes because “I know you were loyal” to Sheriff Reed. They claim Sheriff Swanson told other Sheriff’s Office employees that they should vote “better,” meaning vote democrat.

Attorney Thomas Neuberger says that Swanson “believes he is above the law.” Attorney Stephan Neuberger calls Swanson a “renegade public official.”

So why does this apply, you thought Delaware was a hire-at-will state… Apparently, that doesn’t apply to elected officials… According to the Neuberger Firm:

Thirty-one years ago, the Supreme Court held that the First Amendment barred the newly elected Democratic Sheriff of Cook County, Illinois from firing his Deputy sheriff’s because of their political affiliations and activities.

Stephan Neuberger says that if it applied to Cook County, it applies to Sussex County.

I talked to Stephen Neuberger today to explain the details around this potential lawsuit… For everyone interested in the future of Sussex County, I urge you to listen to the below interview.

ATTORNEY S. NEUBERGER DISCUSSES POPE AND SWANSON (08-15-07 10:35am)

READ the Press Release and Complaint HERE.

The hottest topic in recent days has been the murder near Rehoboth Beach. We are told by police that last Friday in broad daylight, two armed thugs enter a home in the upscale Stable Farms development, and shoot to death the homeowner, 45 year old Paula Grossi. Two witnesses were in the home at the time, Paula’s son and a female friend. The two claim the killers “bound them” and ransacked the house before leaving. Police tell us, that after freeing themselves 911 was called and the police responded at 12:52 pm. State Police Sgt. Joshua Bushweller admits to WGMD some interesting facts, or lack of facts depending on your point of view.

1. No vehicle was seen or identified by anyone

2. Something was taken from the Grossi home, but police refuse to say what.

3. The story does not sound suspicious to the police at this time, and the story and description of the two assailants is being taken very seriously.

4. A somewhat detailed description has been released but no artist sketch of the suspects is available at this time. (four days later)

5. Suspect number one is described as white male 20-25, 5’ 7”, 160-170 lbs., black facial hair (unshaven). Wearing a wool hat, hooded jacket and white gloves.

6. Suspect number two is described as a white male about 40, 5’6”, 200 lbs with a small tattoo under his left eye. Wearing black overalls, brown construction boots, and dark gloves.

Police haven’t said what kind of tattoo under the eye. I wonder if it was a black teardrop? WGMD has also learned that the victim, Paula Grossi, cared for her two and a half year old grandson, and petitioned in Family Court for guardianship of the boy from her daughter Trisha Grossi. This petition was filed last June.

Speculation and unease abound over this very rare/unusual crime. Rare for here, and unusual that two total strangers enter and commit murder. (Perhaps these guys are only strangers to the witnesses. Did Paula know her killer?) Why would killers shoot this woman, and leave two witnesses? Why did the killers bind the two witnesses? What would lure these guys into the house; did she keep a lot of money around? (There is some talk of a safe in the house) Do the police really believe the witnesses story or are they just playing along to catch information from another suspect?

Many good State Police are working this case; I wish them all the best of luck in solving this. We don’t need another unsolved mystery around here.

Click this link to hear the latest from the police on WGMD.com

I spoke to Regional Operations Chairman of MADD Chesapeake - Joe Sikes today and he informed me that Yesterday there was an intruder in the MADD Delaware office. According to Sikes, someone came into the office, started yelling, turning over tables and causing a general scene. The one MADD staffer who was in the building was so scared (s)he had to leave the building.

Is there any wonder that this type of thing is occurring when the press has been so malicious lately.

I’ve seen headlines “I’m angry at MADD” - “uproar over MADD’s support of OCPD”

I even heard word that one of the MADD higher ups may be in danger of leaving her post due to anger directed towards the organization.

Where do you get off treating a volunteer organization that works awful hard to keep you safer like that?

Take a look inward, find out where all the anger is coming from and stay clear of people who are actually trying to do good in the world.

Dagsboro man, Bill Graham is looking for witness who observed his wife’s car accident on October 23rd, 2006 to help with an insurance claim.

Graham’s wife recieved an inattentive driving charge, however, here’s how Bill said it went down.

At appox 11:01am, in the Lewes/Rehoboth area of RT. 1 and RT. 9, a tractor trailer “popped a gasket” and leaked a huge pool of oil into the intersection. Graham’s wife, as she proceeded into the intersection, lost control of her vehicle, started hydro-plaining and “doing doughnuts” due to the oil spill.

Graham’s wife was driving a Blue 1999 Camaro, she has blonde hair and weighs appox. 130 lbs.

Graham is asking any witness to step forward to confirm this story. He asks you call him at 302-745-1268.