This is the first and only time I will write about the Sanford Florida issue.  Regardless of the recent outcome, I see the issue(s) as Mr. Zimmerman being over zealous in his pursuit, Mr. Martin as protecting himself. Mr. Zimmerman after being told to end the pursuit, continued thereby exacerbating a benign situation. Mr. Martin was “forced” to defend himself as he had no idea who Mr. Zimmerman was and felt threatened. Mr. Martin did what many of us would have done and made an attempt to end the situation. Mr. Zimmerman with his adrenalin pumping ended the attack by shooting Mr. Martin-Dead! This was clearly a mistake on the part of Mr. Zimmerman even though the Florida law seemingly supports Mr. Zimmerman. The Sanford police dropped the ball by not immediately taking Mr. Zimmerman into custody until the initial investigation was completed. What we have is an overzealous neighborhood watch person who was frustrated by the Sanford police department’s inability to protect his neighborhood and took the legal duties of the sworn law enforcement agency upon himself. This action on his part killed Trayvon Martin! This was  about Race! and a person who made a mistake due to his frustration with the inadequacy of the local law enforcement then his innate Racism kicked in causing him to disregard reasonable actions. When Mr. Martin confronted him-he panicked and Murdered Trayvon Martin. The details (most of them) are known but were not all presented at the trial.

Please Donate

Has anyone noticed that we know more about the workings of our government since Mr. Obama took office. This is probably due the extensive attempts to foil the President’s efforts at changing how Washington works, making a workable health care plan and other changes that did and does not sit well with the long serving Congress ( Dupublicans and Scamocrats). Through the constant media blurbs after any Presidential speech, presentation or even just an acknowledgment of a national tragedy, it has become clear that many of us would rather have a poorly functioning government than one headed by a non white. The many are fewer than in years past yet our elected officials have (seemingly) still not arrived in this century. This is well after several Presidents who have been competent at the job and some not so competent. Looking at the job itself, there is no manual or list of do’s and don’ts, just on the fly training with a lot of people wanting to be served (sometimes at the detriment of others). What we as voters need to take note of is: Our Congress has and is spending more time covering what is in their litter box than actually governing. That is enough to pay particular attention to them from now until their next election cycle and we can then send clear messages about what we like and dislike. We cannot force or coerce our elected representatives to do everything we want or need, even with our votes yet big money can get the candy store with a phone call. Consider this when the next election season rolls around.

Please Donate

Reading daily about proposed, supposed and seemingly inevitable new, renewed or revised firearm laws, it has occurred to me that most legislation is for people control not firearms. Firearms are inanimate objects and only activated by the user. What we really need to do is “correctly” make legislation that will make the ownership of firearms relate to the individual owners. It has been proposed to legislate against  criminals, mentally affected and illegal residents owning or obtaining firearms. This may be the way to go but with proper information on how it would affect everyone else. This legislation would exclude most legal owners of firearms and would probably not have any effect on current regional laws. This is not to say I am correct in my assessment but it is my opinion based on what I have read and observed.

Please Donate

While apparently running for re election, the Ilinois Governor has  taken the bull by the horns in an attempt to conjure up a solution to concealed carry. While in the  governor’s mansion in Chicago, he has made an announcement on what he intends to pass as the concealed carry law. I proposed in an earlier opinion that the Illinois State Rifle Association, the Sheriff’s department and local police departments who have access to shooting ranges be involved in the wording and rules governing Concealed carry along with the training (which should take no more than 8 hours). Some legal current firearm owners who avail themselves of the concealed carry option are not interested carrying at all times, just times when they could possibly be in a problem situation ( proper instruction could go a long way toward what is proper and prudent). With all the above being said, all that is required is for the legislature to cease running around in circles and expressing opinion in the media with no explicit options available. Please for all of our sakes, Governor and legislature “make a plan and execute it , then put it out to the media”.

Please Donate