Stop and Frisk

On By scottpetersenIn Stop & FriskLeave a comment

(A timely repeat from 8/23/13)

When I was an Assistant States Attorney, I occasionally rode along with Chicago Police. One day, we were driving west on 18th Street. Suddenly, the officer in the front seat pointed at a car going in the opposite direction and hissed “They’re dirty.” We squealed a U-turn, going boots and saddles (lights and siren). The car stopped, officers hopped out – guns drawn. Pointed.  In the car were two gang bangers (both with records), drugs and two sawed off shotguns. I often wonder whose life was saved that day.

New York City’s murder rate fell from the thousands to a few hundred thanks to stop & frisk “with reasonable suspicion.”  The bad guys didn’t know when they’d be stopped so they weren’t packing.  Chicago on the other hand is the murder capital of the (un)civilized world where 77% of homicide victims are black. Thousands of shooting victims. Many innocent. Many spontaneous. Explosions of gunfire. Especially in poorer neighborhoods. But of course Chicago doesn’t like stop & frisk. As it “may offend.”  Result?  Gangs rule. Senseless violence. Mayhem. Butchery. Death. And Chicago slides into the abyss.

Police are not the problem. Criminals are the problem. The bad guys. Chicago gun laws are the most stringent in the country yet the bad guys have guns. But in Chicago, there’s no deterrent for the bad guys who carry them. And then use them.

Yes – it is a tough situation. There are no easy solutions to this problem but ignoring stop & frisk as an option is madness. I cannot fathom the mindset of those misguided souls who oppose stop & frisk with reasonable suspicion. If they want to debate the statistics or the Fourth Amendment issues, they will lose.

[Afterword – And now we have “no cash bail” in Illinois. So the bad guys can be released over and over and over again. . . . ]

I Speak Cardinal

On By scottpetersenIn I speak CardinalLeave a comment

I can get by in a few languages but the one that I seem to be using most often these days is Cardinal. Now that the temperatures have warmed and the sun is out, birds are flocking to our backyard birdbath and bird feeder. Among them – cardinals.

The male cardinal is red and the female brown. They are found mostly in the Central and Eastern portions of the United States and as far south as Mexico. Cardinals do not migrate south during the winter and remain somewhat territorial. If food becomes scarce in their “territory,” they will move to other areas in search of sustenance. It is interesting that both the male and female cardinal “sing.” It is that singing that has led me to pick up a bit of Cardinal.

During these warm spring days, I sit at our kitchen table, sipping coffee and reading the news. And we have the back door open allowing the cool breeze to envigorate our mornings. It seems that lately the cardinals have been having a convention out back singing and twirping like crazy. AND – given my desire to be included – I whistle. Just like the cardinals (check out https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tUby8Gg9efw ). And would you believe – they literally fly back and forth – outside our door – trying to figure out who is this character with the funny accent?? AND WHERE IS HE??

The Barber

On By scottpetersenIn Camp Napowan, The BarberLeave a comment

When I was a kid, there was no KidSnips or Pigtails. My father was my barber. He would give me haircuts while I sat on the toilet seat in the basement bathroom. Dad had an antique clippers that worked reasonably well – to deliver the usual buzz cut – which he called a “crew cut.” My first trip to a real barber (Mister Conroy) occurred when I was about 15. There wasn’t much difference between my dad’s pompadour and Mr. Conroy’s.

When I went off to Boy Scout camp (Camp Napowan in Wild Rose, Wisconsin), I brought the old clippers along. And I offered to give haircuts to campers for a whopping fifty cents. One young man (nicknamed “Lightnin”) with curly hair left my “barbershop” with essentially a baldy sour. On parts of his head. . . . . My friend Bill tried to fix the “problem.” Without success. I never got many customers after that experience.

When I went off to college, I don’t think I went to a barber for a year. Or more. My hair – like many guys of my generation – just grew. And grew . . . . (“shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen“).

Now – fasten your seat belts. When Donna and I first got married – would you believe – that for the first year or so, Donna cut my hair(!). I mean – newly-married. Both finishing school. Living in a dumpy walkup apartment. Trying to save money. She wasn’t bad. Though it dawned on me – and her – that I could probably do better. These days, I don’t need a barber all that much . . . .

The Best Medicine

On By scottpetersenIn Humor Exchange, The Best Medicine1 Comment

[An oldie from April 3, 2014] Joseph Addison – the 17th Century English writer – said “man is distinguished from all other creatures by the faculty of laughter.”  Sigmund Freud in his The Joke and its Relation to the Unconscious states that “jokes” release us from traditional inhibitions which make up the veneer of our personalities.  

Historically, the earliest known “smile” is etched on the lips of a statue of Ebbeh – a Mesopotamian factotum who lived in 2400 B.C. (Ebbeh now resides in the Louvre).  Four centuries later, we enter Biblical times.  There were no Old Testament comedians, but the word “laugh” (or “laughter”) makes its debut in the Book of Genesis.  When Abraham and Sarah are told they will have a son, both fall on their faces – laughing.  Perhaps that is why their son was named “Isaac” which in Hebrew is “He [or God] laughs.” The word “laugh” or its derivations appear 43 times in the Bible (6 of those in the New Testament).  The Koran chronicles 16 uses of the word but most relate to the faithful laughing at the inglorious fate of unbelievers. 

The Veda in Hindu text records the word “laugh” 8 times.   In Buddhist tradition, he “Laughing Buddha” was supposedly a real person – a wandering happy Zen monk named Pu-Tai who lived around 1000 A.D.  The world’s first stand-up comedian was Aristophanes (see post of 8/28/11).  He would lurch out on stage smeared with wine playing the Emperor – Cleon (the show didn’t last long). The first joke book was The Philogelos (“Laughter Lover“) “published” in the 4th Century A.D.  It was a collection of 264 jokes.  One depicts a chatty barber.  “How shall I cut your hair” he says to his customer.  “In silence” the man responds.   

On March 14, 2005, I delivered a paper to The Chicago Literary Club entitled “The Best Medicine” (see http://www.chilit.org). The paper delved into this history of humor.  But it also discussed the healing power of humor.  It works.  And can help.  A great deal. . . . . 

Post script – For years, Denise Driscoll, an oncological nurse in Lake County, sponsored “The Humor Exchange” – a monthly meeting open to the public. The purpose – to laugh, giggle, chortle and guffaw. Why? Because laughter helps release “T” cells – the cells that go after bad stuff. And makes everyone feel good. And better. . . .

The Billy Club

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During the Victorian era, police in London carried a one foot wooden baton – called a “billy club.” The term was first used in 1848 as a slang for a burglar’s crowbar. They were used defensively (to block an attack) or offensively (to strike, jab or bludgeon). A billy club can also be called nightstick, truncheon, baton, or cosh. Today, many batons or billy clubs are telescopic – allowing expansion and collapse.

There are also “side-handle” batons (sometimes called T-batons) which are derived from the tonfa – an Okinawan kobudo weapon. There is flexibility on how it can be held – and used. There are more defensive techniques that can be employed and more power in offensive use. It won’t roll away if dropped. It is harder for the bad guys to take them away.

Billy clubs are legal for law enforcement and military in most countries around the world. In modern police training, the primary target areas are muscle groups – mid-thigh, quadriceps and biceps. Modern protocol strictly prohibits hitting the skull, sternum, spine or groin – unless such attack is conducted in defense of life. Depending on the state – private citizens may carry billy clubs as well for self-protection.

I am curious as to why billy clubs are not used to deter the smash and grab criminals who commit forcible felonies, the protesters (of any stripe) who battle police and against the criminals like those who invaded our nation’s Capitol on January 6th (and threatened to kill America’s legislators). Appropriate? What do you think?

Liberia

On By scottpetersenIn Liberia, Liberia golf coursesLeave a comment

What’s the only country in the world outside of the U.S. to have its capital named after an American President? Answer: Liberia (Monrovia)     What is the only country whose flag copies the American flag – but has only one star?  Answer:  Liberia.   What is the only country in Africa where the U.S. dollar is the national currency?  Answer:  Liberia.   What is the only country in Africa which has English as its national language?  Answer:  Liberia.  What African country frowns on “African” first names?  Answer:  Liberia.  What is the only African country to declare independence without a revolt or incursion by another country?  Answer:  Liberia. 

Liberia.  “Land of the Free.”  Was settled in 1822 by the American Colonization Society.  And populated by former slaves — who had left the United States in search of a better life.  James Monroe was a supporter of the ACS.  Hence Monrovia.  

During the 1950’s, Liberia enjoyed the world’s second-highest rate of economic growth.   But then things began to unravel.  From 1989 to 1995, a bloody civil war claimed more the 200,000 Liberian lives.  Since then, there have been sporadic uprisings though the country has been fairly stable since 2005.  Today it is one of the poorest countries with literacy running around 60%. The country is 85% Christian with a Muslim minority.

Liberia encourages foreign investment and offers a “flag of convenience” in the maritime industry. It is the second largest maritime registry in the world (behind Panama) allowing ocean-going vessels to register under the Liberian flag for business and tax purposes. That said, corruption and crime remain big problems in country. The good news is — there is now three golf courses in Liberia — The Sea View Golf Club in Kenyayai; Firestone Staff in Cotton Tree; and LAMCO in Buchanan.  Thus Liberia is back on my bucket list . . . .   

10,000 Steps

On By scottpetersenIn 10,000 Steps, FitbitLeave a comment

[An oldie – from June 1, 2014] For our birthdays, Lauren & Trent presented Donna and me with our very own FITBIT.

The FITBIT is a wireless activity tracker that you wear on your wrist. The FITBIT records the number of steps you take, your calorie intake and expenditure, the amount of water you drink and your quality and quantity of sleep.  It also gives you a sharp electric jolt if you reach for a cookie.  JUST kidding about the cookie business.  It provides a “sleep score” each morning by recording your time awake, when you are restless and when in deep sleep.  My FITBIT gives me an electrical thumbs up when I reach 10,000 steps (about 5 miles).  And it tells me how many calories I’ve burned (if I’m interested). 

In an article titled “The Pedometer Test” by Tara Parker Pope (October 19, 2010), it reported that Americans take about half as many steps per day than their counterparts around the world.  Australians log 9,695 steps per day.  Swiss – 9,650.  Japanese – 7,168.  American men take 5,340 and American women – 4,912.   Though Amish men average 18,000 steps per day and Amish women, 14,000.  So the FITBIT is a way to challenge yourself to go the extra mile.  Literally.

The FITBIT is made by Fitbit, Inc. of San Francisco.  Cost runs between $60 and $130.  And it is normally tethered to your Smartphone.  If you’re looking for a unique and useful gift, this is probably one that will satisfy. And perhaps make a difference. . . .   

Speaking of number 23

On By scottpetersenIn Number 23Leave a comment

As a follow up to the post of April 16th on the number 23 . . . . a few years ago, it was Groundhog Day. Donna and I were traveling with her sister and our brother-in-law in South America. We spent an evening in Port Iguazu, Argentina. The hotel – Casino Iguazu – featured a (duhhhh) casino. After dinner, we wandered off to the casino to check out the scene.

Now mind you – when I have gone to a casino or race track (which may occur once every five or ten years), I allot myself a few hundred dollars to spend s-l-o-w-l-y and to see what happens. I view it as an entertainment expense – as if we were going to the theater or special event.

As with Estoril, I gravitated to a roulette table – changed some bucks into chips – and began to bet. First off, I bracketed the number 23 on each of the four corners and each of the four sides. And I plunked one chip on the number itself. “Nada mas” said the croupier – no more betting – as he spun the wheel. And. . . . yep. . . . it hit on number 23.

To make a long story short, I hit number 23 three times in the space of perhaps one hour such that a security guard was dispatched to watch me place my bets. I was up a good chunk and ready to leave. My brother-in-law was playing Blackjack close to the door. I walked over and mentioned that I was pretty much ready. He had two or three hands to go so I sat down – by another roulette wheel. I glanced over and thought why not – and bracketed the number 23 with 9 chips. And – yep – DING DING DING DING!

Sanctuary Cities

On By scottpetersenIn Sanctuary citiesLeave a comment

[A timely update of April 30, 2017] Federal law mandates the enforcement of immigration laws.  Though the Supreme Court requires states to make social services available to all residents irrespective of immigration status.  The high court also prohibits the federal government from forcing states to enforce federal law (at their own expense).  Thus in America, some municipalities (and states) openly defy federal law.  And there’s the rub. . . . .

Millions of people around the world would love to move to the United States.  The poor. Homeless.  Uneducated.  Unemployed.   The question is — should we open our borders to them?  All of them?  Those who sponsor “sanctuary cities” say “yes.”  Those who favor open borders say “yes.”   And lately, we have.

Some communities require no showing of legal residence to receive drivers licenses, free education, free hospitalization, food stamps, welfare, unemployment compensation, subsidized housing, the right to sue and so on.  Even the right to vote. We seem to be opening America’s arms (and wallets) to everyone.  Without limitation. This leads to the logical question of who’s gonna foot the bill?   

Some well-meaning though politically-motivated people are fine with open borders — without addressing the underlying problems faced by immigrants in their own countries.  And our own. This has led to the divisive and costly (and potentially dangerous) dilemma we face today.   So what’s the answer? You tell me. . . . .

[Post script – Chicago – a sanctuary city – is enraged at having 25,000 immigrants to deal with. Yet Texas has to deal with millions of immigrants — and Texas gets criticized for sharing this crisis with other states. Wouldn’t it be more productive to work together to address the underlying problem?]

Typing

On By scottpetersenIn TypingLeave a comment

[A repeat from August 9, 2018] I had some good courses in college.  But the most useful was a year long course on advanced first aid which ended with a Civil Defense medical responder card (remember – this was 1966).  I thought – I’m an Eagle Scout – this’ll be a snap.  It was not.  But the knowledge gleaned from this course has come in very handy over the years.   

Of all the subjects I endured in high school — the most valuable course was typing.  It was called “touch typing” – a skill developed by Frank Edward McGurrin (a Salt Lake City court stenographer) in 1888.  Thank you, Mr. McGurrin!  I use this skill every day.  In abundance. . . . . 

I am able to type the way one was meant to type. Accurately. Fast.  Fingers flying (whooosh!).  None of this two finger business.  I often type my own letters, lengthy reports and loquacious emails at a speed of perhaps 60 words a minute with minimal error.  Rarely looking at the keyboard.  Typing.  What a value-added learning tool for a young person today.  But do schools teach typing the way they did?  I dunno but if not, it belongs on the menu. 

By the way – do you know the longest word in the English language that you can write using the letters on the top row of a typewriter or keyboard?  “Typewriter.”  Yep . . . .