Wednesday, December 30, 2009

SAD NEWS

As most of you know, Deputy Mundell passed away after being removed from life support.

He is the 6th law enforcement officer to die in the course of duty in the Puget Sound Region within the past 60 days.

Deputy Mundell died the hero's death – giving his life that another (his partner) might live.

In Deputy Mundell's last official act as a Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputy, he shot and killed their assailant. Deputy Mundell's aim was true. Mission accomplished.

May Deputy Mundell rest in peace.

Friday, December 25, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS PRAYER REQUEST

Merry Christmas to all.

Please take a moment to pray for the complete recovery of Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Kent Mundell, who remains in critical condition on life support systems in the intensive care unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

Thank you.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

WHITE CHRISTMAS

It is that time of year when we hear the Christmas music.

One of my favorites is White Christmas, by Bing Crosby.

Here is a link to Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds, singing “White Christmas” (written by Irving Berlin, who was Jewish), in the film “Holiday Inn,” in 1942, the year I was born.

Notice the all-time Christmastime fire hazard - lit candles on the Christmas tree.

In addition to singing, Bing Crosby had another musical talent - the ability to whistle to written music, or to adlib whistling to almost any type of music. The song on this video demonstrates both his voice and his whistling.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mjb4yLMeK8&feature=email

To learn more about the amazing life of Bing Crosby, and his musical inventions, check out this link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bing_Crosby

I met Bing Crosby once, in 1966, when I was visiting San Francisco for the day. I had a day off from school and decided to have lunch in an authentic Chinese restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Prior to lunch, I was sitting on some steps on Market Street watching all the people walking by on the sidewalk. There were scads of people. It was almost noon, and I was in the financial district. As noon approached, thousands and thousands of people came streaming out of the tall buildings, heading for their lunch spots. It looked as if someone had disturbed a gigantic ant nest.

I saw Bing Crosby walk by, and I got up and walked very fast to catch up to him. He was a very fast walker, but not as fast as me. Plus, my legs were a tad longer than his. He wore slacks, shirt and tie, an expensive looking type of sport coat and a hat. He looked very dapper indeed.

I walked next to him, in step with him. It was fun watching the looks on people's faces as we walked. It was the turned head, "say, isn't that Bing Crosby?" look.

I introduced myself and thanked him for donating funds to help build the Saratoga Youth Center. (Most people do not know it, but his charitable foundation did things like that. He was a big financial supporter of youth centers.) He mentioned that that was the first time a complete stranger had ever thanked him for making such a donation. We walked and talked for about five minutes, before he had to make a right turn and go into a tall building for an appointment.

That chance encounter made my day more special. Plus, the Chinese food was great too.

Friday, December 18, 2009

MADE IN CHINA

I saw something deeply disturbing on TV today, as I watched the news on CNN. It was nearly flabbergasting to see a commercial in support of “MADE IN CHINA.”

It mentioned various general products, but added the source of inspiration. Made in China, inspired by American electronic engineers. Made in China, designed by French fashion designers. ETC. I am sure you can get the picture.

In these days when many people, not just in the U.S., but in England, France, Italy, Germany etc. are giving more serious thought to buying less from China, apparently Chinese marketing professionals are taking aggressive action, trying to strike first, to blunt the effort of Buy American, British, French, etc.

Nowadays, it is very difficult to find "American products" that are not “Made in China.”

For example, X–ACTO is a U.S. company founded in New York in 1917, known for making their X–ACTO knife and other drafting and office supplies. I went to STAPLES today to buy an electric pencil sharpener – an X–ACTO pencil sharpener – and was very disappointed to learn that it was “Made in China.”

Try to find footwear, or most any type of clothing that is not “Made in China.” The past year, I saw some shirts “Made in Guatemala,” and some “Made in Vietnam.”

It was during the summer that I got an email about “one light bulb at a time,” and how the person was trying to find light bulbs made in the U.S. Apparently, the name brand light bulbs are no longer made in the U.S.

As the costs of doing business increased in the U.S. (labor, materials, benefits, etc.), many businesses and manufacturers started looking for sources of cheaper labor and products. These penurious, almost greedy, business people zeroed in on Third World Countries, to take advantage of people willing to work for the equivalent sum of $1.50 a day or less.

Many companies almost stumbled over themselves to set up manufacturing in Mexico, Costa Rica, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, and China. They could manufacture the same products almost for pennies, yet sell those products for very big prices, thus expanding and increasing their profits by almost obscene margins.

So, it was mostly about being greedy, instead of being happy with a reasonable profit. It became a “want more $$ situation.”

Nowadays, we, (you and I, and the rest of the U.S.), owe China Trillions of $$, due to the trade deficit. (We buy more from China than China buys from U.S.) Who would have ever guessed that China would end up owning the U.S. ?? Check out this info: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/01/30/world/main4765108.shtml

To quote the late Walt Kelly’s cartoon character Pogo, “We have met the enemy, and he is us.”

By the way, you need to check your favorite brand of toothpaste and chocolate. Sorry, but I will not be buying toothpaste, light bulbs, or chocolate, that is “Hecho en Mexico.” Toothpaste made in Canada, maybe.

So, with my remaining Christmas shopping for 2009, and starting the first of the year, I will definitely be looking at the labels on everything I buy – in order to make a conscientious effort to “Buy American.”

I believe that we need to support our own workers and our own economy. Many big and small businesses should learn about what happens when nobody wants to buy their stuff manufactured elsewhere and imported to the U.S.

Afterall, considering the U.S. wineries, who needs French, Australian or New Zealand wine?

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

Hmmm...

In the Pacific Northwest, and other areas of the U.S., several big mountains attract climbers, and hikers. There are times when cold death visits these mountains.

Anyone who decides to climb a mountain that is prone to sudden changes in weather, especially during winter months, must be reasoning impaired.

Any climber, or group of climbers, should be required to buy a $$ One Million $$ insurance policy, to cover the costs of rescue efforts or search efforts, which can easily amount to $200,000 or more during GOOD weather.

Climbing during the winter months should be prohibited.

It is not fair to expect the public to pay for the emergency services and providers who put their lives at risk when they have to respond to the foolish behavior of careless climbers.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

CARBON MONOXIDE WARNING

Recently, there was a news article about a person who had died from carbon monoxide poisoning. With the colder temperatures visiting the Pacific Northwest, and other areas of the country, many people have been scrambling to find ways to stay warmer in their house or apartment.

Apparently, the man and his wife decided that it was a good idea to augment the heat in their house by buying and using a propane powered space heater inside their home.

As a former firefighter, it is very difficult for me to believe that as the year 2010 approaches, something like this could happen.

Every type of "space heater," that burns any type of fuel, produces invisible, and often odorless, “products of combustion” that have the ability to make people very sick or very dead. You can't see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide, but it can cause brain damage; and, it can kill you.

Also, may people mistakenly believe that it is OK to burn charcoal briquettes to heat the inside of their house or garage, when it is not safe to do that.

Especially during colder weather, the fire service and news media need to cooperate better to inform the public about residential fire safety information – and that would include information about the dangers of alternative heating sources.

Plus, manufacturers need to step up to the plate and provide a more responsible warning about their products. If something can produce carbon monoxide and other products of combustion, there needs to be a VERY BIG WARNING about it.

Of prime concern is the importance of having working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in each home. Many people are not vigilant about this.

With 13 years of fire service experience, I know how fast fire can spread, and I know how a fire can smolder for hours before breaking into flame stage. Those are the reasons why I have a working smoke detector in every bedroom, and hallway, plus closets where there are electrical appliances. I also have a strategically located carbon monoxide detector, installed per manufacturer’s specifications.

If people can afford to buy three packs of cigarettes, or a 12–pack of beer, they can afford to buy a smoke detector to help protect them against the invisible and odorless fumes caused by products of combustion.

There are many possible sources of carbon monoxide. For further information about carbon monoxide, please visit the Center for Disease Control website, at http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm

Sunday, December 6, 2009

December 7, 1941 & December 8, 1980 - days of infamy.

Lest we forget, it was President Franklin Roosevelt who addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress, on December 8, 1941, at 12:30 P.M.

“Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 -- a date which will live in infamy -- the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph -- so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.”

Jump forward to December 8, 1980, another day of infamy, when John Lennon was assassinated by a person with a grudge of some sort. I no longer write or speak the assassin’s name, because I do not want to empower him in any way.

There are some people who believe in John Lennon conspiracy theories, and these links explain some of them. If you think there are some conspiracy theories about the Kennedy killings, wait until you read these:
http://www.john-lennon.com/theassassinationofjl.htm
http://www.john-lennon.com/whokilled.htm

Many people miss John Lennon, especially his family. I know that I do. Creativity, imagination, the ability to see things in his mind and make them happen, all snuffed out by a killer, a piece of manure, who still is breathing air in a Special Housing Unit (SHU) at Attica Prison in the State of New York. It is amazing to me that he still is alive in the prison system. I hope that I live long enough to read his obituary.

Imagine if John Lennon were still living…

In some respects, December 9, 2009 will also be another day of infamy. People of all walks of life will be gathering at the Tacoma Dome, to pay tribute to, and celebrate the lives of, the four police officers who were assassinated as they prepared to do their jobs for the day. The ceremonies start at 1 PM, and will be televised on Seattle TV stations. Please take a moment of silence out of your busy day, to pray for the families and others troubled by this devastating incident. Thank you.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

PROTECTING A KILLER

One has to wonder what was going through the minds of family and friends who went out of their way to provide help to a suspected cop killer.

Any one of them could have picked up a phone, and made the call to say, "He's here, and he needs medical help." By doing so, they would have received a $125,000 reward. That kind of money could have been a life–changing event.

Instead, they made the choice to mislead police, and they tried to provide rudimentary first aid. According to reports, they also provided money and transportation.

Then, it turns out, most of the “friends” have felony records, and at least one of them might have been a prison mate of the suspect while they were serving time in Arkansas.

Now, police have seven people in custody, and I think that prosecutors are charging five of them with felony rendering assistance. Maybe they will be looking at 60 months in prison. I hope the prosecutors will go for the maximum amount of charges, and sentence.

I think that by providing assistance to a killer, their behavior is just as bad as his. They should get the death penalty, or at the least, life in prison without the possibility of parole. Why? Clearly, society does not need this type of criminal–minded people among the rest of us.

My cousin, Percy Clark, was a Salt Lake City Police Detective who was killed on duty in 1973. Even after all these years, the pain never leaves the family. He left a wife and seven children. Here is a link: http://odmp.org/officer/3109-detective-percy-lindsay-clark

The Utah Peace Officers Association has a web site, including a memorial page that includes this poem.

Partners, please think kind thoughts, as you remember me,

It was God's will so my leaving was meant to be,
Hear the songs that speak of life's end,
And to my family, now with me gone, I hope you'll tend,
I loved the job; you know that's true,
And what made it so special was being partnered with each of you,
I'm up here now where all is good,
But I'll be watching as you patrol the 'hood,
For now and forever I'm 10-7,
But some day I hope we'll partner up again in Heaven.
Duane Preimsberger Ret . Assist. Sheriff, LASD

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

END OF THE ROAD

Updated: 8:29 am PST December 1, 2009
SEATTLE -- The 40-hour manhunt for the suspect in the quadruple killing of four police officers ended with the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Maurice Clemmons, Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman Ed Troyer said. Clemmons was shot at 2:45 a.m. by a lone Seattle police officer on South Kenyon Street in the Rainier Valley.

Seattle Police Department Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel said the officer came across a car reported stolen when he detected movement behind him as he approached the car.

Pugel said the officer recognized Clemmons and ordered him stop and show his hands. "He wouldn't stop or show his hands. The officer fired several rounds and took the person into custody. Clemmons died from his injuries,” Pugel said.

Note: It is standard operating procedure to handcuff, or “take into custody,” any wounded or deceased suspect in such circumstances.