All Is Quiet At The Capital - No Assault, Unlike 4 Years Ago

Donald J. Trump’s presidential win was certified today without incident. To paraphrase House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, this cycle saw “no election deniers”—a stark contrast to four years ago when 147 Republican members of Congress voted against certifying Joe Biden’s victory.

These 147 Republicans rejected the certification, not on the basis of facts, but fueled by falsehoods and deceit ushered in by Donald Trump. Their votes against certification represented, arguably, an attack on the very foundations of our democratic republic (DR) —a government of the people, by the people, for the people. Their efforts sought to sow fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD), with the ultimate goal of forcing a “contingent” election under the 12th Amendment. But as most of us know and readily acknowledge, there was no factual basis for this FUD.

The harm caused by this behavior is profound. It has led to criminal convictions, broken relationships, and most damaging of all —undermined trust in our election system. The lies propagated by Donald Trump, and echoed by numerous Republican leaders at all levels of government, have inflicted lasting damage on our democratic processes.

Until the Republicans who perpetuated these false narratives acknowledge the harm they have caused, our DR remains at risk. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the principles that form the bedrock of our government. This is not merely a political struggle —it is a fight to ensure our unalienable rights are secure.

GOP Remove Your Knee From The Neck Of America

Wow!  Time flies.  I have failed to document my:

1. Door-to-door surveys conducted January and February of 2020 just prior to the stay-at-home orders due to COVID to learn people’s thoughts on DJT
2. Door-to-door outreach of homeowners with Trump yard signs prior to the election (i.e. encourage them to take them down, which a couple did)
3. Door-to-door outreach of homeowners with Trump banners, flags, etc… post the January 6, 2021 insurrection (i.e. encourage them to take them down, which a couple did) and
4. Daily messages to my two Republican Senators, which I initiated in the Fall of 2020.

In reference to the latter, the following is the message I left today.

Remove your knee from the neck of America [in a slow deep voice]

GOP remove your knee from the neck of America! [A little louder]

This week we learned from the trial of Derek Chauvin that many bystanders pleaded with Derek Chauvin to remove his knee from George Floyd’s neck.

Your unwillingness to confront irresponsible gun use has led to tragic deaths; we now have 3 mass killings in a span of 3 weeks.  Just this week a mother sought to protect her son, yet he died in her arms.  She will carry this horror the rest of her life, which will be a living hell. [I paused at the beginning, used my voice to emphasis the 3 mass killings & strung out "living hell" because it is hell for the survivors, is it not?]

We have pleaded for you to help stop the senseless killings. You are against abortion.  Why are you not against post-birth-abortion?  In this case, 4000 days later.  When you seek to allow people to obtain a gun without any requirements --such as being responsible and ensuring they will respect other’s unalienable right to life, are you not giving them the instrument to perform to what amounts to, a post-birth-abortion? [A little crazy on the concept, but I have a little over a minute to make a point that I hope will stick in their brain]

Remove your knee from the neck of America.[in a slow deep voice]

I encourage you to use with your GOP elected representatives wherever they may hold office.

JAX Firefighters Purchase Bulletproof Vests!

This morning I read a news report that Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department has purchased bulletproof vests, the same kind used by the Sheriff’s Department, to protect its firefighters.

This fact is disturbing to me and should be to you, too, because why do firefighters need bulletproof vests?

Obviously, the world is becoming unsafe.  We have made it unsafe.

Today’s news is anecdotal evidence demonstrating the universal law of cause and effect in action.  Think about – there have been firefighters for as long as there have been fires, yet until now for the most part they did not need to worry about being shot.

It does not have to be this way.  SCOTUS (Supreme Court of The United States) states that our Second Amendment (2A) right has limits, but yet do we have any?  Essentially none.  In America:

1. Any adult can obtain a gun without verification of any sort if they know where to look and
2. The gun industry operates under broad immunity so its irresponsible behavior can go unchecked.

As a result of this lack of limits, limits that SCOTUS advocates having, we have as many guns within our borders as people. Something is bound to happen and it does from time to time!

I am doing my part to protect our unalienable rights. Prior to posting this blog entry I called my Republican representatives in Washington and I have also sent them emails.

What are you doing?  More importantly, if you are a gun owner then what are you doing to ensure that everyone’s unalienable rights will not be infringed upon by and from irresponsible gun owners?  Hopefully, you see that more guns is not the answer.  How about limits as SCOTUS points out?  Universal background checks would be a good start.  Call your representative.

Hey Comrade, We’re Playing Russian Roulette

The Google search engine defines Russian roulette as “the practice of loading a bullet into one chamber of a revolver, spinning the cylinder, and then pulling the trigger while pointing the gun at one's own head; an activity that is potentially very dangerous.”

On a national level all US citizens currently participate unknowingly in a game of Russian roulette.  Instead of loading a lone bullet into a chamber there are an untold number of guns with magazines loaded with bullets that could be fired at anytime.  The tipping point is when the owner becomes mentally unstable for a myriad of reasons, but the main one is that they believe killing people will solve their problem.

We have allowed this to happen because … well I am at a loss for words to succinctly describe how the electorate allowed themselves (today it is “ourselves”) to be duped by marketing interests that twist(ed) and manipulate(d) our patriotism to fill the coffers of a few with nary of a concern and respect by those few for America’s core value of “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.”   This misleading marketing wrapped up in the American flag has gone on for such a long time (in excess of 50 years), it is hard for people to see, let alone say, that they have been duped so they continue promulgating the message; that message essentially being, guns for everyone. Even the lead creator of the manipulative messaging, the NRA, got duped as evidenced by the picture below when some of its high level executives unwittingly and infamously visited Russia a little over three years ago.

As a result of this avarice a third of Americans now have enough guns so every American can have one.  Yet, do we have mandatory:

1. Firearm training on a periodic basis, no less than 2x a year
2. Firearms under lock when not in use and
3. Mental health checks to ensure one is of sound mind to handle an instrument of death?

No, no and NO!

As result, we can be shot anytime, anywhere for no good reason – kind of like Russian roulette.  Look at my posts from last week.  Better yet, walk less than a mile from my house and you will see the scene of a shooting that occurred less than 2 hours before I started writing this post.  The shooting left a bicyclist dead. DEAD, spelled with a capital “D,” capital “E,” capital “A,” and a capital “D!”

For 10 years I rode my bicycle to work.  Numerous times I almost got hit because drivers did not know the rules of the road.  If I could I would engage the driver in a conversation to help them know what rule they broke.  Sadly, I got in yelling match with one driver, he finally came to his senses when I told him I may be right, but I do not want to be dead right.

We do not know whether the above killing was crime or road rage related.  Regardless of the impetus, the use of a gun is highly destructive and should only be used as a last resort in saving one’s life; there are many other things that can be done prior to getting in that situation, such as walking away.

Separately, I recently attended an event at a Jewish Community Alliance (JCA) facility to watch a one of my children in a play sponsored by this local JCA.  As I sat there, I wondered if someone might walk in at anytime with a weapon or two to kill us just like what happened in Pittsburgh of Colorado or.... well, you get the picture.  Others did too, sadly, as evidence by armed security guards standing out front at the same performance the following week.

This is sad on many levels.  Sad that:

• I and others have lost some freedom (of thought) as we now have to think about how to protect our lives and those of our loved ones and
• The local JCA has to now spend money on non-accretive activities instead of enriching programs for its members 

It does not have to be this way. I do not want to be in this game of Russian roulette. If you do not want to play Russian roulette then I encourage you to:

• Have conversations with extended family members, friends and neighbors and
• Tell all of your elected representatives that we want and must have “people laws” to ensure responsible gun ownership by only those deemed capable of owning an instrument of death because “guns do not kill people; people kill people.”

I provide scripts below you may consider using to overcome what I believe are the four (4) main objections heard when discussing how to end gun violence.  These 4 are:

1. There is no need for more restrictions, as guns do not kill people, people kill people.
2. The US Supreme Court Opinion for DC vs. Heller says that I have the right to own a gun for self-defense.
3. Per capita death rates have declined over the last forty years; we do not need gun restrictions.
4. Restrictions will infringe on my Second Amendment Right

Good luck and I look forward to learning from you how we may improve this dialog to end gun violence and this game of Russian roulette.

More Guns or Better Control

In a span of a week, two separate gun owners, arguably with mental health issues, each committed mass murder with the guns they legally obtained, one in Tallahassee, FL last week and one much larger in Los Angeles, CA yesterday.

The question we should be asking is, do we need more guns or better control? 

Let’s explore both sides.

In reference to more guns, I do not think that is the answer because as I have previously shown conclusively, more guns have led to more deaths; please see the post entitled,  Who Are These People That Kill People? 

In reference to better control, most people believe that I refer to gun control.  I actually refer to people control because “guns do not kill people, people kill people” and those people are typically gun owners under mental duress.  However, if we do not sadly have people control we will end up with gun control, which is why I think the NRA is the threat to our Second Amendment (2A). The NRA fails to acknowledge that people are humans and humans are well human. 

Some people take responsibility for their actions, but not all.  It is those that fail to act responsibly that require laws and regulations to promote and ensure that responsibility.  These laws and regulations are a form of people control.

The first thing we should do is remove guns from those that are deemed mentally unstable or in other words, not of sound mind.  Once these people demonstrate mental stability they can have their guns back.  This is not gun control; this is people control.  Moreover and more importantly, it is F*#@ING common sense.

Our Usual Ritual – Thoughts and Prayers

On Saturday October 27, 18 Robert Bowers, A GUN OWNER, killed ten (10) people in a Pittsburgh, PA synagogue.  If you have not given your “thoughts and prayers” then you should.  They are obligatory are they not?  Nothing else and we can go about our lives until it is our time or that of some other unsuspecting American to be the sacrificial lamb. That is the price we pay to have the Second Amendment (2A) per one NRA member.

They may be willing to trade their life un-needlessly, but I do not want to and neither should you.

We do not need gun restrictions because “guns do not kill people.”

However, we do need laws to ensure that “people” (that either own or seek to own a gun):

1. Are mentally stable to ensure they respect and will not infringe upon everyone else’s unalienable right,
2. Properly store and care for a weapon of death and destruction, and
3. Receive proper training on a periodic basis to use a firearm with reasonable safety

Because “people kill people” and when they use a gun they are so much more lethal as observed for the past goddamn 20 years.

I am so fed up with the obstinate behavior of some gun advocates.  Hopefully, you are, too.

If you have been reading my posts, I have given you tools to counter these people’s arguments by using their own words.

I encourage you to:

1. Agree with gun advocates when they say, “guns do not kill people, people kill people.”  You should tell them we do not need gun restrictions, but instead restrictions on people with unstable minds or people that fail to demonstrate responsibility in properly handling a weapon or people that fail to respect others’ unalienable right.
2. Remind a gun advocate/gun owner that the US Supreme Court tells us in item 2 on page 2 (of the 157 page) Heller opinion which says the 2A applies to self-defense, the Justices state that there needs to be prohibitions on those that are not mentally stable and
3. Inform the gun advocate/owner they should use the total number of gun owners, not total number of Americans, to calculate homicide rates from guns because as shown above it’s the gun owners that are committing or enabling the killings of others and when that is done, homicide rates have increased – because the number of guns have increased – duh!

Home Of The Brave

I recently worked in an industry in which conviction was expected. If you believed in your vision then you were obligated to stand tall and stand proud even when events ran counter to your belief. If you could not pound the table with conviction during such events, then you lost the respect of your audience – competitors, employer and customers. With that in mind, I find it interesting that the gun lobby shrinks back into the shadows following the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) on Valentines Day, a day of love and compassion. Their actions imply guilt and remorse for what occurred.

Yet, the gun lobby has worked tirelessly and insidiously for decades promoting their vision.  The Supreme Court essentially rewrote the second amendment with a ruling based on a tortured analysis of just one sentence’s structure allowing the narrow majority to infer the authors’ intent 215 years later instead of validating and reinforcing what was actually written. The Supreme Court says the Second Amendment now pertains to self-defense, which has helped crystallize the gun lobby’s vision for America.

If the gun lobby truly believes their vision for America is right then they are duty bound to pound the table with conviction that the gunman at MSD would have been literally stopped dead in his tracks if guns were allowed on campus.  Just today, Rush Limbaugh advocated for guns on campus.  I am led to believe, the gun lobby has lived for this moment so they could advocate for all to have guns, including but not limit to teachers, administrators and most importantly, students. That’s right, students.

The killing of innocent Americans by an American on American soil should be a rally cry by the gun lobby for Americans to own guns, not just adults, but all Americans. Self-defense classes should begin in kindergarten and continue through twelfth grade graduation. Why, you may ask. Surely, you have not forgotten that kindergarteners died in the Sandy Hook massacre. Surely, the gun lobby would not want anything like that to happen again and is not just a price that is paid to have the right to own a gun for self-defense (which could be accomplished by myriad of other less dangerous activities).  We must arm these young tots, adolescents and teens so they are ready for the dangers they will encounter (regardless whether the adults allowed these dangers to manifest, germinate in the first place – that’s immaterial). Shootings like those at MSD and Sandy Hook and Virginia Tech and ... are like a war zone and the students must be armed.

Weekly trips to the firing range are a must, so are target practice and unscheduled drills to simulate armed intruders.  Since schools have tight budgets and cannot add this training to the curriculum then courses such as art, music and other unnecessary electives should be dropped, but definitely not gym because we want the students physically fit. In addition to buying pencils, pens and notebooks to begin the school year, parents could buy ammo and new cool holsters that match lunch boxes and back packs.

Guns are part of America’s heritage and all should embrace it.  Understandably, there are some adults who do not (that's me if you have not figured out), but if we start the process of training and more importantly, indoctrinating the use of guns at a very young age then over time there will be greater acceptance, would you not agree?

 Just imagine, if this vision were executed ten years ago then the students at MSD would have been able to coolly duck for cover, pull out their weapon and drop the perp in seconds saving many lives. Per President Trump, “no child, no teacher, [would] ever be in danger in an American school [again]. No parent [would] ever have to fear for their sons and daughters when they kiss them goodbye in the morning.” That would be awesome, would it not?!

Some of you reading this may think that this vision smacks of a third world country and you would be right.  USA has the highest gun ownership per capita in the world followed by, you guessed it – third world countries, predominately those in the Middle East.

To paraphrase Charlton Heston, let them pry the guns from our cold, dead hands – after the dust settles, of course. 

Go America! We are the home of the brave because we have to be if this vision becomes reality.

Corrine Brown Has Her Day In Court

I have a friend, shocking as it may seem, who once told me that politicians should be limited to two terms, one in office and one in jail.  I could not agree more, especially so, as it pertains to my former opponent, Corrine Brown. 

Ms Brown has been charged with 22 counts attributed to fraud, obstruction and filing false tax returns.   We all await the results of the jury deliberations.  Regardless of the verdict, the case illustrates two sad facts, which are:

1. It is hard to break free from crime and 
2. We should expect more from our elected officials, not less as referenced by the aforementioned joke.

In reference to the former stated fact, Ms. Brown, grew up in area known in Jacksonville, FL as the “Northside”, which is an euphemism, code, whatever you want to call it, to paint a  picture that depicts the lives of the residents living in this geographic area as challenging due to a myriad of causes.  The main cause and effect is poverty followed by low literacy rates and higher crime rates that further perpetuates the situation.  Arguably, residents of this community know at least one and possibly many fellow residents that have been affected by crime, whether as a victim or as perpetrator. As a side note, I met many on the campaign trail eight years ago. Regardless, I believe this knowledge of crime and its effects within this community leads to understanding, which leads to tacit acceptance of (& a blind eye to) criminal behavior that I further believe begins in childhood.  Ms. Brown through hard work seemed to have broken free from this cycle of crime, but sadly, she fell back in, which proves the old adage, “you can take a [girl] out of the country, but you cannot take the country out of the [girl].”

In reference to the latter stated fact, I recently saw results of a Gallup survey that showed that the majority of people believe that politicians are corrupt.  Using the same logic in my former argument, if people believe that politicians are corrupt then I contend that these same people expect this behavior whether they acknowledge it or not, which I further contend is tacit acceptance and therefore, it becomes reality as exemplified by the situation in which Corrine Brown finds herself.  I find that unacceptable and so should everyone else.  Moreover, I believe our elected officials should be held accountable for their behavior to at least the same level as ordinary citizens because they are role models. Without the rule of law, anarchy can occur, which is not good for anybody.

Our legacy is what we leave behind when we die is it not? Should we not seek to improve the lives of future generations so that our spirit continues long after we are gone?  Should not every successive generation be the greatest generation? It comes down to what we value is it not?  I value a lot of things such as truth and honest, but germane to this situation, I value the rule of law when someone fails to be honest and commits a crime, how about you?  Hopefully, the jury will see the facts as I see them to convict Corrine Brown on some if not all counts.

Human Capital Development

It is quite apparent (or should be for most) that human capital development (HCD) is most needed in Florida Congressional District Five (FLCD-5).  If one were to read my prior posts pertaining to my walks and talks within the district then they may conclude that I have repeatedly pointed out the need for HCD even though I never mention the term specifically.

HCD is not just important to FLCD-5; it is also important to America and the world. I support this assertion with  the following anecdotal evidence from:

1. My recent jury duty and
2. Broad economic observations as its pertains to:

• Quantitative easing (QE) and
• Structural unemployment to which I can personnel attest.

 Jury Duty

Several months ago I performed a civic duty as a jurist in a domestic battery case.  Both the prosecution and defense agreed that the battery occurred; however the defense argued that the act was in self-defense.  As I listened to the testimony I thought that if the accused and the accuser had better problem solving skills (as a result of HCD) then a battery most likely would have never occurred, which would allowed everyone involved in the case (from immediate family members, to police officers, attorneys, court officials and jurists) to focus on value creating activities. 

I argue that if society focused on HCD then the need for law enforcement would be less.  I think both (policing & teaching) require money, but I ask, which one is better for society? It comes down to values and as I see it, we, as a society, as a nation, as a world, do not value HCD as much as we should…possibly because the benefits manifest themselves in the future and we have problems that we need to solve today. 

Broad Economic Observations

QE has arguably led to the sustained bull market in the face of light economic data – anemic GDP growth, low job participation rate and stagnant wages.  As a result of the Fed buying bonds, the capital that flowed into the market (to purportedly drive economic growth) led to the appreciation of all types of assets – most notably stocks.  Most people did not benefit from this appreciation as few people own stocks. The obvious beneficiaries are the wealthy.  The less obvious beneficiaries are those with pensions, which are arguably held by labor unions and local, state and federal government entities.  I consider the pensioners (not the wealthy) as the true beneficiaries of QE.  If we did not have such a dysfunctional government then our elected officials may have, should have produced legislation that would have improved our economy.  However, that would have meant coming up with an improved tax and spend legislation and a dealing with a whole host of issues, such as removing burdensome regulations that stifle innovations (& job creation).  Instead of buying bonds, we could have:

1. Built new bridges to replace deteriorating ones,
2. Built new K-12 schools,
3. Incentivized companies to train/retrain workers for new professions, etc…

One should notice that the latter is HCD, which would ultimately result in new product development, increased employment, improved wages, etc…

Hopefully, I helped you see the value of HCD.  If so then I encourage you to share with family, friends, co-workers the value of HCD.  I believe as a society if we collectively promoted HCD then eventually our elected officials would craft legislation that would promote HCD. Not an easy task, but it most be done if we seek to enjoy our current freedoms and more that we may desire.

No Easy Answer

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves”, Shakespeare. I believe no truer words have been spoken in such an eloquent fashion about human behavior. I think these words are very appropriate to explain the challenges we encounter in our nation and worldwide. These words also incorporate what I consider the number one of all natural laws, the law of cause and effect.

There have been recent headline grabbing events, which are essentially ‘effects’ that have subsequently induced (i.e. caused) our nation to ponder and reflect upon the possible ‘causes’ to these events. I think the one event that has had the most impact near-term has been the Newtown shooting.

While the shooter is dead, some (at least I) wonder whether we in someway helped contribute to the outcome.  I believe we did to a small degree by action, inaction and/or both. 

I do not believe arming teachers (or everyone) is the answer as the NRA does because such a position effectively implies that we do not have the mental capacity to solve our problems, that we must instead raise arms.  Near-term maybe so, but long-term, NO; as Mahatma Gandhi stated, "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

Arguably, it is a lack of thinking to the possible effects from our societal behavior (such as our infatuation with violence – we need not look far past the TV or other mass media) that has helped lead to a rise in mass shootings.  Lack of mental healthcare is another.  Yes, proliferation of guns does not help, but it is not the guns, but "ourselves." Sadly, I expect such violence to continue because we did not arrive here overnight. I also think increased governmental control and oversight will not change it much, except to reduce our freedoms.  Serious change comes from us deciding to change that of which we value.

Corrine Brown Outraged, I'm Outraged

Ms. Brown was recently quoted saying, "I am simply outraged by Florida Governor Scott's decision to reject $2.5 billion in federal funding for high speed rail…”

I am simply outraged, too! I am not outraged with Governor Scott's decision; I am outraged with Ms. Brown’s priorities.

As I pointed out in my October 5, 2009 post entitled, How Does SunRail Benefit The People?, Ms. Brown should focus her time and efforts on:

1. Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education;
2. Healthy Families and Communities; and
3. Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness.

I believe her efforts in those areas would help bring greater long-term benefit to her constituents, which the majority live in poverty.

As I pointed out in my April 23, 2010 post entitled, Saving Lives vs. Rail Transportation, Ms. Brown has invested 10,000 plus hours on transportation matters. Arguably, with Governor Scott's decision some of those hours have been wasted at the expense of children that will grow up in poverty and will probably stay in poverty the rest of their lives because they fail to receive the necessary skill sets to survive in the 21^st century.

I will say again, I am OUTRAGED! I am outraged with Ms Brown's priorities.

Saving Lives vs. Rail Transportation

What is more important, saving lives or advocating railroad transportation? I asked myself that question after reading Teen pleads guilty in pizza murder in the Metro section of the April 23^rd, 2010 print edition of the Florida Times Union.

Obviously, saving lives is more important. However, for Corrine Brown I believe advocating railroad transportation is more important (Ms. Brown chairs the Railroad subcommittee of the Transportation committee; the only other committee she sits on is Veteran Affairs).

Without even asking Ms. Brown, I know she would whole-heartily disagree. Who would not? Is it not human nature to have some natural instinct to care for others? However, realities of our own individual lives may leads us to take action(s) in the near-term that conflicts with this natural instinct.

In the case of Ms. Brown and the Democratic Leadership, it made perfect sense to place her on the Transportation Committee when she was elected in 1992 for 2 reasons:

1. There are railroads, airports, ports and waterways in her district; and

2. She and the Democratic Party would more likely receive donation from companies and individuals in these sectors than they would in say….early childhood development, lifelong learning, and communities.

I do not fault the individuals and companies that have donated to Corrine Brown. I would expect them to. I am all for railroad transportation, but what I do expect is for my representative, Ms Brown, to focus on representing more of the district than a select few for her and her political party’s financial well being (I say political party because the Republican Party is just as guilty). If she truly cared about the district then she would have found a way to be on a committee that would have a greater positive impact on the citizens of Florida’s 3^rd Congressional District (CD-3).

The following table shows all the committees our representatives could sit on (can click on chart to enlarge).

Based on what you may know of CD-3, which do you think would be appropriate? When I surveyed voters in the district, an overwhelming majority selected Education and Labor first. Transportation was typically fourth on the list after Financial Services and Small Business.

If I have not helped you convince yourself, please look at the subcommittees for Education and Labor and Transportation shown below and think about which would have the most impact on the people in CD-3 (can click on chart to enlarge).

Back to the above mentioned news article. The story is similar to most news articles pertaining to CD-3, young black person commits a crime ….. Sometimes, news outlets report about community representatives (ministers, social workers, community activists, etc..) that speak out against the police for either going over the line or not doing enough to prevent such a crime. I could lead into personal responsibility, family unity, etc…being most important in preventing crimes, but the purpose of this bog entry is show that Ms. Brown could have done more. I could go as far as to say that she has blood on her hands. However, she is like most of our elected officials in Washington. She is concerned more about donations and running for office than doing what is right.

For the past 18 years she has spent approximately 10,000 hours (or 5 years if one assumes a full-time career) on transportation matters. Just think, if she spent that same amount of time on the Education and Labor committee then is possible that one life in the district could have been saved? I definitely think so and it is just example on why we need term limits. She and the Democratic Party are obviously not going to change. She is too well entrenched. Term limits would force her out and give us the opportunity to have better representation.

Should We Hide Inmates On Work Release Programs?

I occasionally go to The Jacksonville Landing for lunch at the food court since it is a couple of blocks from my office. Upon leaving the food court this past Thursday, I noticed several women wearing bright orange outfits with “Jail” emblazoned on the back performing work around The Landing (which sits on city property).

Since crime is more common in Florida’s 3^rd Congressional District (CD-3) than the other surrounding congressional districts due in part to high unemployment and poverty, I picked up a conversation with one of the inmates in an attempt to learn what led her to commit a crime. In the process of talking to the inmate, I learned that she coincidentally lives with her mother in the district. However, I did not have the opportunity to learn more because a fellow patron and fellow resident of CD-3 took offense of me having a conversation with the inmate thinking that I would place her in further trouble. The gentleman also shared with me that he thought the Sheriff Department's decision to place her and her fellow inmates on display via a work detail was bad because it could negatively impact the inmates’ morale.

While I respect his concern that I may have placed the inmate in further trouble, I see nothing wrong in a properly supervised work detail comprised of low risk inmates for several reasons, which are:
1. The inmates committed a crime and owe a debt to society. More specifically, taxpayer dollars are used to house criminals; therefore, why not use inmate labor to maintain city property?
2. Should not the visible display of a work detail made up of inmates serve as symbol to others that crime does not pay?

I rhetorically asked the gentleman should not our interest lie more in helping to prevent a crime from ever taking place than worrying about an inmate’s psyche?

Crime prevention requires a two-prong attack, the stick and the carrot (in other words, fear and desire). A work detail just happens to be the stick; it should induce fear that crime leads to unpleasant things for the perpetrator. The perpetrator may then have desire to find work, which arguably would lead to a more satisfying and enjoyable life. If the person cannot find work then we need to find out why. Typically, the reason is lack of a proper education. However, in this case, I never did find out the real reason because the work detail moved on.

Breaking the Cycle in New Town

I recently visited a New Town Success Zone (NTSZ) monthly meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. New Town is an area within Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) and is representative of many of the inner city areas of CD-3. It is high in crime, poverty, etc...

NTSZ is modeled after the Harlem Children’s Zone and per NTSZ’s website, it is “a community collaboration with the Jacksonville Children's Commission providing intensive resources to families living within the New Town area - supporting children from cradle to college and beyond.” ‘Intensive resources’ is an understatement.

Based on my onetime observation, I was amazed at the amount of resources being applied to this small area. In addition to tax dollars supplied through the city, the police department, a local hospital, and several community/regional charities also contribute resources of one form or another to this area. More importantly, there are many individuals, including outsiders, investing their time and efforts to help others improve their lives.

It is in our nation’s best interest to help people in communities such as New Town learn problem solving skills, etc... so they can become self-reliant. Once self-reliant, these individuals can become productive members of society and possibly help others do the same.

However, I am just not so sure how sustainable and scalable the NTSZ model is in solving the challenges of poverty, crime, etc… throughout CD-3 and elsewhere, yet we need to start somewhere.

Redemption, Caring, Challenging & Resourcefulness

I truly enjoyed my walk through the St. Nicholas area within Precinct 04S of Duval County. What made it so enjoyable were my observations from other areas of Florida Congressional District 3 (CD-3) are starting to meld together. The four separate discussions and the associated takeaways that stirred me the most are titled Redemption, Caring, Challenging, and Resourcefulness and are shown below.

Redemption
I met a convicted felon who was on his way to work as seen here to the right. He was nice young man who had made a bad decision early in his life. He sold drugs (aka recreational pharmaceuticals) resulting in him spending three years of his life in the Madison, FL prison.

I have met multiple felons in my travels through the district; it seems a conviction (regardless of the time spent in prison) is a life sentence. I have not completed a formal study, but for most felons, one time in prison is more than enough to drive them from crime. However, making a living by being on the straight and narrow is hard.

Arguably, felons did not learn good life skills prior to entering prison (or they would have mostly likely not committed a crime) and did not receive any life skills while in prison that would help them make a decent income so they can avoid a life of crime. As a result, it is very hard to find work on which they can live without subsistence from others. When they do find work, it is typically mind numbing and minimum wage. I can see how some fall back into the trap to become repeat offenders. A mind (and a life) is indeed a terrible thing to waste.

I believe the gentleman I met on my walk is sincere about staying free of crime and I hope he can. Something told me he had a lot of people praying for him, me included.

Caring
I had a very long conversation with a man who had his own business. As I walked away from his house to cross a small field, he followed me. As he followed me, he explained that he was going to pick up a piece of trash he saw at the far end of the field. I told him that I would pick up the piece of trash since it laid in my way. What made this occurrence so satisfying is that this man cared about the appearance of his neighborhood and he was doing something about it.

Since I have started my walks, one thing that has been quite common is the abundance of trash in the common areas in the less affluent neighborhoods, as seen in these photos.I just do not understand why people litter. The only thing I can think of is that they have no respect for other people and other people’s property, which leads them to indiscriminately debase our planet we share together. I believe there are people in these neighborhoods who care and would like to see a clean neighborhood, but they may hate picking up after others, may be too tired after a long day to go down to the corner to clean up someone else's mess, etc. I do not blame them; cleaning up after someone else is not solving the problem. Solving the problem begins with early childhood development and teaching right from wrong, etc., but if the parents are not there or do not know right from wrong themselves, where do we start as a society? Not an easy question to answer, to what seems to be so minor at first blush.

Challenging
Another man I met had very good thoughts and challenging questions. He worked in the precinct, but lived in the ‘Northside’ section of Jacksonville, which essentially comprises the majority of the CD-3 in Duval County. I suspect he may live in Precinct 07P where I previously visited or somewhere nearby.

His views were both conservative and liberal. He felt we needed stiffer prison sentences, which I find interesting/amusing/sad/frustrating after my discussion with the felon just described above, yet he was for a nationalized healthcare. He believed parents needed to take more responsibility in raising their children, yet he felt we could do more as society to help out the impoverished.

I agree with him about parents taking a greater role in their children’s lives, but what happens when the parents are not there due to a broken family, parents working two jobs, etc.? Who takes care of raising these children? While he might be from the community, I felt he was out of touch with the more challenging areas of the district.

I recently learned from attending a monthly meeting of the Jacksonville Alliance of Black School Educators, an affiliate of the National Alliance of Black, that 40% of all children in Jacksonville are born to single mothers. This statistic is alarming because of the secondary and tertiary effects that it portends. By lowering that number, I am sure there would be a less of a need for more prisons 15 plus years from now.

Resourcefulness
I met a retired gentleman who was in the process of repairing his tire which had a screw embedded in the tread. I mentioned I normally pay $20 to have it fixed at the tire store. He informed that he was retired and could not afford a $20 fee. However, he did have enough to purchase a repair kit for one-fourth that amount, which would allow him multiple repairs. After watching him repair the tire (as seen in this photo) I was embolden that I could do the same, which I figure would save me time in addition to the money. If I had not interrupted him with our conversation, I am sure he could have done the repair in under five minutes, which is far less than it would take me to drive to the tire store a mile or two from home. I suspect he is not alone in the district in being resourceful since the district has some of the highest poverty rates in the state of Florida and the nation.

Crime Ridden Neighborhood, Indeed

Earlier this week I visited an Orlando, Fla. neighborhood bracketed by I-4 to the north, Holden Ave to the south, OBT (Orange Blossom Trail/US441) to the east and Rio Grande Ave to the west. While the area was clean, what I found so striking were the not so subtle signs of crime. One of the more visible signs was a billboard with the word 'rape' in large bold letters within eye shot of three separate large apartment complexes that catered to families.

I just caught a glance of the billboard from the corner of my eye, but I believe it was a 'public service announcement' to help those that were victims of such a hideous crime. What was equally disheartening were the single women standing alone nearby at either a bus stop or street corner wearing short skirts and low cut tops; their appearance told me they were looking for more for than just a ride to the mall. I wonder how some parents of young girls that live in this neighborhood ensure their safety from predators.

At one of the apartment complexes, I met two security guards. I found several things interesting from this meeting:

1. The guards were young, not the older ones seen driving around in pick-up trucks at malls;
2. They wore bulletproof vests, wrap around sunglasses and carried several firearms. They definitely looked like they were ready for action; and
3. They gave me their business card so I could call them if I got into any trouble. I chuckle at their reasoning for giving me their card because I try to envision myself pulling out their card to find their number so I can dial it while I am running, ducking or hiding for my life. Yeah right.

However, from their point of view, having a business card and being willing to stand accountable for those to whom they give it, is a validation of the professionalism they aspired to in performing their job. I thanked each for their kindness and admire their service.

Based on my conversation with the security guards I thought it would better to walk the streets nearby that were lined with houses. At the first two houses I visited, I met two disgruntled old men. Our meetings were very brief. Both men slammed their front doors in my face. I wondered why they would be so angry, but upon leaving their neighborhood in the opposite direction from which I entered, I found my answer.

The quiet working neighborhood they had moved into many years ago had become crime ridden. Upon leaving, I met separate groups of recreational pharmaceutical salesmen just one to two blocks away. I can see how these men could be frustrated. The homes may be paid, but the resale value has probably not appreciated over the years and may even have depreciated, which limits their ability to move.

Further limiting their ability to 'vote with their feet' is their advanced age. If they have not already retired to live on a fixed income, they soon will. As a result, I think they must feel/believe they are kind of trapped in what may seemed to be an ever-worsening world around them. I just wonder how many others in the district feel trapped too.

Sadness And Hope In Durkeeville

I am truly baffled by the placement of multiple, infrequently used, very well maintained tennis courts in a community rife with poverty, crime and abandoned property; please see photos below.

I recently talked to citizens of precinct 09K within the historic community of Durkeeville in Jacksonville/Duval County, FL. I visited this community after the recent murder of Mary McAllister less than a week ago.

One concerned citizen questioned the wisdom and display of good judgment, building approximately 10 tennis courts in her neighborhood. I could not agree with her more since those courts could not be used due to locks holding the gates firmly closed.

I further agree with the lady that skill centers, not tennis courts are needed by the community. These skill centers would help children and young adults build skills that would be useful in finding a job/career that would provide a living wage, not a minimum wage.

While I talked to quite a few people in the community, I briefly talked to an elderly woman who by all intents and purposes appeared to be taking care of her grandson, arguably not an uncommon occurrence given the high crime rates in the area. The young boy struck me as being misplaced; he seemed so innocent. Maybe it was that his demeanor and politeness contrasted so much with the rough neighborhood just outside the front door of his grandmother’s dilapidated old house (similar to the one shown here).

I still wondered a day later when I wrote this; how will this boy will fare because I can see his potential. I am concerned that drugs and crime will be in his future since they are literally around the corner. However, I hold out hope that:

1. His grandmother will still be around because it appeared she truly wanted a better future for him given the old National Geographics strewn about on the bookshelf by the front door, and

2. That there will be some in government more in tune with community needs prior to providing future community services.

Feel free to write me, with how you feel at: votegilman@gmail.com