It keeps going and going... until the batteries wear out

With Cedar Rapids utilizing technology to extort traffic law violators, they still pull out the old fashioned radar gun from time to time. Thursday, they forgot to charge the batteries.

The laser speed gun an officer was operating from the Glass Road overpass ran out of batteries late in the morning, which stalled the enforcement project.

Speed trap stalls; laser gun runs out of battery power

Omaha officer pulls gun on driver

But not in the interest of public safety, just his own.

An Omaha police sergeant has been reassigned as investigators look into an incident that resulted in his being charged with reckless driving and aggravated assault.

Sgt. Lance Harrison, 42, pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges Wednesday in Sarpy County Court. He is accused of pulling a gun on a motorist who reported him for reckless driving. The incident occurred May 24 in Bellevue.

Officer accused of pulling gun on 911 caller

If you or I (mere common citizens) had pulled their firearm on another driver, do you think we would be charged with a misdemeanor?

Capt. Herb Evers of the Bellevue Police Department said officers were called to the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 75 at Capehart Road to investigate.

Evers said a man called 911 to report a reckless driver, then stayed on the line as he followed the driver.

The 911 caller said the other driver then stopped his vehicle.

The driver walked back to the 911 caller's vehicle, pulled a gun, identified himself as a police officer and demanded to know why the caller was following him.

Demanded?

Evers said the police officer then left. Based on a license plate number, Bellevue police went to Harrison's Bellevue home to continue the investigation.

Evers said Harrison was uncooperative and refused to come outside.

Deferential treatment, again?

This sounds like Gov Chester's driver owns the road minus the governor.

Only Ones Own The Road (bumper sticker near you)

Teach your children well, again

Toaster at Green Mountains Homesteading, reveals the danger that is the NEA

According to the NEA website, the Radical Communist Saul Alinsky’s Book, “Rules for Radicals” is recommended reading to all of their members :

"of our Association who are involved in grassroots organizing, especially Association Representatives (ARs) — also known as building reps or shop stewards — and leaders at local affiliates"

And

On the NEA website, in the Diversity calendar, there was a posting on October 1st that read this:

“OCT 1; Communist China Established

In Tiananmen Square in 1949, Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Communist Party of China, proclaimed the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. Saying that the “Chinese People have stood up!”

That post has subsequently been removed.

Teachers don't know much about history, then?

"Bill Ayers (the former Weather Underground member), you would think is so radical that he would be rejected. Instead he's been elected as vice president of a leading organization that writes curriculum. So Bill Ayers is writing social-justice curriculum for America's schools," [Worldview Weekend President Brannon] Howse continued.

Read more (if you can stomach it) at The NEA Recommends its Members Read and practice Saul Alinsky’s “Rules For Radicals”

Gun shop burglars indicted

Two alleged burglars of Pete's gun shop have been indicted. Seems they allegedly used some of the guns in a bank heist in Minnesota.

SIOUX CITY -- Two Minnesota men arrested for bank robbery have been indicted for the theft of more than 40 firearms earlier this year at a Northwest Iowa gun shop, documents state.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Sioux City announced Wednesday that Felix Mendez, 22, and Jose Osoria-Mendez, 19, both from Worthington, Minn., were indicted last week on one charge each of theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee.

Authorities allege the two men stole the guns between May 29-31 from a gun shop in Vail, a city approximately 10 miles east of Denison.

Alleged bank robbers indicted for Crawford County gun thefts

Teach your children well

Education Secretary, Arne Duncan knows what's best for our kids:

"I think schools should be open 12, 13, 14 hours a day, seven days a week, 11-12 months of the year,” Duncan said. “This is not just more of the same. There would be a whole variety of after-school programs. Obviously academics would be at the heart of that. But you top it off with dancing, art, drama, music, yearbook, robotics, activities for older siblings and parents, ESL classes.”

Education secretary calls for 12-hour school days, longer school year

Better to keep kids away from family that way they can truly teach a child in the way they want, so they won't depart from it.

Why am I reminded of a Pink Floyd song...?

Hans Trousil arrogance revisited

Reader no4gman did his own digging into West Burlington and their knowingly violating state law regarding firearms. Or that could be negligently violating. Either way the result is clear:

In a council meeting held 8/12/2002, citizens read the State pre-emption law to the West Burlington City Council, and objected to the new ordinance to ban guns from city buildings.

The Mayor and Council then were INFORMED of the Law, but chose to break the law anyway!

(The matter was referred to the City Attorney, but I could not find a copy of the City Attorney's opinion.)

PUBLIC SAFETY – Discuss Restricting the Carrying of Firearms or Weapons in Public Buildings to Law Enforcement Personnel – Council Member Johnson said he asked for this topic to be placed on the Agenda. He said in the past the Council had required any one attending Council Meetings to be checked for weapons. He would like to see this reinstated.

Al Nielson, Hwy 99, presented a copy of the section of the Iowa Code which he said prohibits political subdivisions of the state from enacting an ordinance regulating the ownership, possession, legal transfer, lawful transportation, registration, or licensing of firearms when the ownership, possession, transfer, or transportation is otherwise lawful under the laws of the state. He said individuals who have permits to carry have already gone through specific procedures. He objects to further restrictions and believes it is prohibited.

The Council agreed to present the question to the City Attorney for an opinion.

http://www.westburlington.org/archive/minutes/2002/081202.htm

This is great that others are keeping an eye on Hans Trousil and his flying circus of a city council. In reply to his comment: "Maybe the voters in the next election will decide the issue," the voters had a chance and through negligence or apathy, they stayed home.

But if you want to understand the arrogance of an out-of-control political hack with a two-bit chip of power on his shoulder, read this from the council session dated 9/23/02:

Consider Ordinance Establishing Firearm/Weapons Free Zones in Municipal Buildings – Mayor Trousil presented an Ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to the Council for consideration. Crowner moved, second by Johnson, to approve the first consideration of an Ordinance establishing Firearm/Weapons free zones in Municipal Buildings in the City of West Burlington. Mayor Trousil asked for comments from the Council. There were none. Visitors in the audience wanted to comment on the Ordinance but the Mayor said the Council had heard all of the arguments before and did not feel they would add anything new. Council Member Hockett argued this was not the policy followed in the past. He said the Council had never denied public comment about any topic they wanted to discuss. Mayor Trousil said we have been through it all before and he doesn’t want to hear it again. He called for the roll call. Ayes: Lees, Crowner, Pilger and Johnson. Nays: Hockett. Motion carried.

http://www.westburlington.org/archive/minutes/2002/092302.htm

When Trousil spews out of his mouth the argument that only out of towners came to the council meeting to voice their concerns, he may have been right. There's no way to tell because he wouldn't allow the citizens to speak.

How dare a common resident of the town one lives in to voice a concern in Herr Trousil's presence.

Thanks to no4gman to bringing this to my attention. Outstanding.

Wednesday Wings 7/28/10

(Photo by Mark Holloway, Beatty, Nevada)

The B-17 Sentimental Journey will be at the Ankeny Regional Airport until Thursday, where it will depart for Sioux City until August 2nd.

For more information Arizona Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, press release

Bawb's War on Food

Not his war, beut he's reporting on those fighting to control our food and ultimately, our lives.

It's odd. The government happily allows to take things out of our bodies, such as unborn children; it's Choice. Yet we are now apparently not allowed to decide what we can put into our bodies. Apparently choice is a rather nebulous thing.

The Cream Police

Bawb gives us another example of government bureaucrats using the muscle of law enforcement to make our lives better.

You know, because we're too stupid.

I remember a time where we rode in a car without seatbelts, hitched a ride in the back of a pickup with only our hands to hang on with and raced our bikes or played baseball without helmets.

It's a wonder I'm still alive.

Straightarrow gone but not forgotten

On Sunday, David Codrea gave sad news that Charles Sawders (aka Straightarrow) passed away last week. R.I.P. Straightarrow

He had a take-no-prisoners and plain-English approach that reminded me of my father. He brought value to this and other blogs and boards and took me to task more than once (deservedly so).

I'm kicking myself for missing the opportunity to meet the man last month when he was in Iowa. Our paths did not cross.

I do not have the right to be sad about the passing of a man I only knew from the printed word.

But I do.

Iowa speeders beware: More traffic cameras are planned

Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Muscatine.....

Iowa State Patrol says they aren't going to use them on the interstates, but as Cedar Rapids and other cities have shown, it generates revenue.

Cedar Rapids began using the first such system on an Iowa interstate earlier this summer. Since June, the city has issued automated speeding tickets along a busy stretch of Interstate Highway 380, where the first such camera was placed. Police said three more will be installed soon.

"The best way to get people to slow down or engage in good behavior is to give them a ticket," Hallmark said. "Cameras are very effective when used appropriately."

Iowa speeders beware: More traffic cameras are planned

Be good little children or a government bureaucrat will take your money.

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master." -George Washington

Monday (out of) Steam

Roofing (again) this weekend reminds me of how out of shape I'm in.


Dad worked on the C, B & Q and then later with Burlington Northern.

McAdam Family Benefit update

I received an update from Jessica:

The benefit for the family of murdered Iowa County resident, Jeffery McAdam, is scheduled for October 9th in Victor, IA at the HLV Schools Gym in Victor.

A dinner is planned with a silent auction followed by a live auction at the end of the evening. A raffle will also be held.

Teams wearing blaze orange shirts (like shown above) will be selling meal and raffle tickets in Hartwick on August 7th and in Ladora on August 14th.

For more information please go to: McAdam Family Benefit website where there are updates almost daily with raffle and auction items and keep up with any news.

[NEW] The McAdam Family Facebook Page

Jeffrey McAdam posts

Sunday not so funnies, 7/25/10

(H/T Borepatch)

Lake Delhi dam breaks

Please keep the people down stream on the Maquoketa River in your prayers, as well as all the victims.

Iowa dam fails, threatens Iowa towns

Iowa flood worries flow southeast to Hopkinton, Monticello

AFTERMATCH PHOTOS: Scene After Lake Delhi Dam Failed

Friday (out of) steam 7/23/10

26 hours at work Thursday/Friday. Out of steam today so enjoy the Number 9 from Midwest Central Railroad in Mt Pleasant, IA



I bet Sam is familiar with the narrow gauge railroad.

Twin Tyrants

More from Spike regarding Mayor Hans Trousil:

Making of America seminar

Reader Jim Carley sent me a notice for an upcoming SOAR (Save Our American Republic) event and I thought I would pass this along.

(Click image for details)

SOAR's mission statement:

Our mission shall be to educate the American public as to the ideology of the founding fathers as to the letter and spirit of the United States Constitution; to express to the public and to our elected officials at all levels from the smallest community to the federal government, how said officials are governing contrary to the Constitution. As a 9-12 based organization, we believe the nine principles and twelve values espoused by Glenn Beck. We will strive to elect officials that will represent us in a manner that supports those principles and values.

Wednesday Wings 7/21/10

The Aluminum Overcast, a B17 Flying Fortress, will be at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids though today, Wednesday the 21st.


People walk around the "Aluminum Overcast" B-17 Flying Fortress on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. Tours and flights will continue Wednesday. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)


Wendell Maakestad of Cedar Rapids moves a scale model of a B-17 into place next to the "Aluminum Overcast" B-17 Flying Fortress on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. The model has a wingspan of 10-foot wingspan to the B-17's 103 foot nine inch wingspan. (Liz Martin/The Gazette)

For more pictures: B-17 Flying Fortress at Eastern Iowa Airport

Covering for Trousil

A West Burlington city councilman is on vacation for a couple of weeks and admits that he's been out of the loop with "iffy" cell and internet access. But he "knows" Mayor Trousil was misquoted regarding the "nut jobs" remark.

Right.

Falcon holds his ground and tosses out some more Trousil's Totalitarian Tumults.

Remember when he told fire department EMT's they wasted their time giving a person CPR because the person died anyway? How about when he KNOWINGLY made an illegal appointment to the airport authority, then after he was caught said. "Yeah we broke the law, so what." Remember when a District Court Judge slapped a permanent injunction on him (and others) after he illegally banned a councilman from meetings and afterward he proclaimed, "We didn't do anything wrong."

The list goes on and on. But you get the idea.

WB Gun Ban?

Mayor Trousil - Every city should have one just like him.

Tri State Gun Club permit classes

With the permit law changing on January 1st, there is an increased interest in taking certified classes. Tri State Gun Club Near Fort Madison, is offering 7 classes until the end of the year.

The courses not only teach the safe handling of a handgun and live firing, but give information about legal issues about carrying a concealed weapon, familiarization with several types of handguns, ammunition, carrying techniques and accessories to effectively do so.

Participants will be given instruction in threat perception, engaging a threat and live fire drills.

The classes’ last eight hours include about four hours of classroom work and four hours of practical exercises and live firing.

Hunold said a trend is the interest women are showing in the courses.

He said in the first five years he was an instructor he didn’t have any women take courses. In the last two years, interest has risen and he always has at least one woman in class and usually two or three.

Elaine Eschman, who was firing at the gun club on Thursday, said women who have children should consider taking a firearms course because more than likely their children will come across a gun at some point. She said the course will help mothers teach their children to appreciate guns and to be safe around them.

State gun permit law change increases local gun class sizes

It's good to see more women involved in self defensive weapon training and the club is scheduled to have an all women instruction class on October 17.

The courses are offered by MD Training Associates and are taught by NRA and Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certified instructors.

Participants will be required to complete a liability waiver prior to taking any course. Pre-registration and a deposit is required. Deposits are refundable in the event of a course cancellation or upon a minimum two-week notice by registrant.

Contact instructors Mark Vogel at 524-1428 or [Dave] Hunold at 524-4936 for more information.

And this is a good thing?

Iowa second only to Hawaii in Senate experience

Like peas in a pod

Sunday not so funnies, 7/18/10

Me neither.

The arrogance that is Mayor Trousil

Calling gun owners "gun nuts' seems a mild comment if you look at the history of West Burlington, IA mayor Hans Trousil.

Mayor Trousil was elected in 1985 to serve on the West Burlington City Council through 1989. In 1992 he again was elected to serve as a Council Member until his election as Mayor in 1994. He has served as Mayor since 1994.

West Burlington council

(Looking for council minutes, there are none since March - odd, but seems typical given the history of Hans Trousil. See what Spike posts at Burlington Derailed - Hans Trousil. I found the T-shirt there. Another good source is Falcon at West Burlington City -Trousil)

For years there have been sewer and drainage complaints to the city, but with no results. It would wise to remember Mt. Pleasant's mayor was murdered in 1986 over a sewer issue.

(From a city council meeting in October 2009) The second controversial issue was the flooding problem of the woman on WB Ave. She has had her downstairs flooded numerous times when Ruthella St. overflows, runs across her back neighbor's yard and into her house. She finally, after 26 years, has gotten an answer from the city - Too bad, it's not our fault, it's yours. Of course, Mayor Trousil dared her to take the matter to court.

West Burlington City - No Video

Trousil's violations of state law run from overreaching (West Burlington to search every renter’s home next year.) to direct violation of state code. By appointing a full-time city employee, as in the police chief, to the regional airport authority:

Under Iowa code section 330A.5, " ... an elected official or full-time paid employee of a member municipality is not eligible for appointment to the board."

Bob Brammer, a spokesman for the Iowa Attorney General's office, said the intent of the code is clear.

"If you read that section of the code, it clearly says an employee of a member municipality cannot sit on the board. On its face, it seems they (the city) could be in violation of the code. However, I'm not in the position to make that legal interpretation," Brammer said.

State, W.B. mayor opinions at odds

Seems pretty clear to me, but the good mayor says it's okay because the appointment was "temporary". This article was 5 years after the appointment. That's temporary?

The money quote:

"We all knew the code said what the code says. Now what do you want me to say, that we violated the code? If we did, we did. So what, life goes on. If we violated the code, we violated the code. What else can I say? I mean life is going to go on," Trousil said.

There is no consequence to the city and their officials when in direct violation of state code. Why wouldn't he be defiant and stand up to the NRA and IFC when they pointed out their anti-gun ordinance will be challenged? He's never had his hand slapped.

Spike at Burlington Derailed refers West Burlington as Trousilgrad and with good reason it seems.

He, along with Falcon at West Burlington City have done a fine job of informing the citizens of Des Moines county of the corrupt officials in Southeast Iowa.

Too bad the citizens haven't listened to them and booted these guys out of office.

At the root is that Trousil is afraid of the residents of West Burlington and if a piece of paper (ordinance) let's him sleep at night, he's okay with that. A piece of paper won't stop people breaking the law, ask anyone at the state pen in Fort Madison. Ask Trousil, he seems to know that concept quite well.

The billboard that won't go away (updated)

Like a really bad horror movie, you can tell this has bad acting, cheesy props and cardboard characters. But you keep watching it until the end.

Mason City councilman, Scott Tornquist, is worried about the town's image.

...because folks from all over the country are expressing concern the city is supporting and promoting the sign.

Tornquist disagrees, and says the actions of a few people expressing their freedom of speech do not reflect the city's view.

Billboard has Impacts on the Community

So it's the city's view that they don't want people to express their freedom of speech if someone else doesn't like it?

Maybe this clears up my question:

In fact, this is not the first controversial sign the tea party's put up in town.

Tournquist said, "what's unique about this particular one that its offensive to such a large majority regardless of political party."

So now free speech is okay if it isn't offensive?

(Update - I posted before about one of their billboards at Truth in advertising placed in the same location as this dreaded one)



I don't understand what is so offensive about the billboard. But from the comments left behind at the news sites I've listed over this, it's because the billboard is racist.

So socialists are a minority protected by law? Who would have thought that?

But the howling left in this country need a scapegoat and found one in The Rose Bowl, a popular bowling alley the teaparty members use for their meeting. But that would be in a past tense, as in used to meet there. It seems that the business was receiving protests from around the county and now they caved and told the teaparty to practice picking up spares somewhere else.

The left can claim a victory for freedom and democracy now. Hurrah.

In a bold move of counting their chickens before they come home to roost (mixing my metaphors again):

Since the controversy, Democrats are now planning to use the billboard in a fundraising push for mid-term elections.

One of the local democratic leaders who worked on the Obama campaign says the tea party has given them an opportunity.

Dean Genth said, "I think because they put the billboard up and gave us a challenge, Democrats far and wide are gonna be energized to say we don't want that kind of vile, despicable behavior "

"That's despicable!" - Dean Genth.


He must think that Democrats, who give money to Democrats, will now give money to Democrats because of this billboard. Confused, yet?
(As a reader pointed out, "That's despicable," is actually a Daffy Duck quote. True, but I found this costume first.)

In a last ditch effort of statesmanship fail:

Tornquist tells us the city council could take action such as not allowing billboards in town, but he cautions by doing that they would be involving the government with the freedom of speech.

Tournquist hopes this is a learning experience for the community. It proves citizens can speak up and have their voice heard.

In the future, your voice may be heard only if the city council of Mason City approves it. Just like any common thug extortionist, this councilman is threatening a citizen's right to be heard with the implied "we'll deny all speech" if it's not an approved content.

So, who's acting like Hitler or Lenin, now?

Speak up, Mason City. Just don't say something that will give the city a bad image.

Iowa export not so gun smart

Hollywood haute and Iowa native Ashton Kutcher (grew up just a few miles from where I live - not that I care, though) displays his gun rights knowledge.

Of course I'm being sarcastic as David Codrea takes him to task at Why would Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore pledge servitude to a man who wants to ban their guns?

And his violation of the Four Rules in order to promote a movie.



He really knows his guns. (There goes my sarcasm meter again, sorry)

West Burlington Mayor responds to gun groups

Sean McClanahan reports of the Iowa Firearms Coalition's (formerly IowaCarry) efforts to encourage West Burlington Mayor Hans Trousil to understand he's on the wrong side of the law. West Burlington Mayor Trousil responds to NRA and IFC members

The NRA, specifically the leadership has put out only what it wants their members to see and not the whole story, and like sheep being let to slaughter the membership fell for it. - Trousil

That and the mayor's "I'm a gun owner, too" blather just doesn't cut it.

I've been critical of the NRA but Trousil hands out another insult. Regarding the NRA's stated efforts to fight the West Burlington ordinance:

"The NRA has put out a lot of crap again."

W.B. stands by city's gun ban: NRA opposes restriction for municipal buildings, saying it's too broad.

Trousil has a way with words. Maybe not. Compare this statement:

The mayor also took issue with what he described as his comments about "nut jobs" being taken out of context.

"I did not say that all gun owners are nut jobs," Trousil said. "I said there's a lot of nut jobs out there that own guns that wish to do harm to law-abiding citizens and elected officials."

"Not all gun owners are nut jobs," he reiterated.

With his previous words printed by the Des Moines Register:

"That's too bad," West Burlington Mayor Hans Trousil said about opposition to his city's ban from the National Rifle Association. "They need to sit in our chairs and worry about these nut jobs that go around with guns."

Which quote is right, Hans?

A couple of interesting items in the Burlington Hawkeye article posted at Leagle.
One - Mt. Pleasant doesn't ban weapons at city council meetings. Even after the 1986 murder of Mayor Ed King by Ralph Davis.
Two - showing more restraint than the mayor, the city attorney declined to comment.

Billboards and broadcasts

Democrats are making hay with the Teaparty billboard in Mason City, using it as a fundraiser:

“I think comparing a president of the United States to totalitarian dictators responsible for mass murder is appalling,” Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, executive director of the Democratic National Committee, said in a fundraising email. “I think calling Barack Obama a socialist is nonsensical. But I don’t think any of this is surprising.

“Republicans keep saying that they aren’t extremists – but they keep doing things like this. And don’t let the tea party label fool you, these people are Republicans, and the only thing that scares me about them is that they’re fired up to vote in November,” added Dillon, who asked for donations of $5 or more to finance a new billboard and nationwide advertising campaign because “this isn’t about an isolated group of nuts in Mason City.”

Billboard gone, but not forgotten

Oh really, Jennifer Two Last Names?

Let's agree for a second "comparing a president of the United States to totalitarian dictators responsible for mass murder is appalling", then what about the Bushitler, Bushulini and other plays on Bush's name to associate him with "dictators responsible for mass murder."

As reader Bawb pointed out, the Bushitler references were everywhere for 8 years and you can still see them. Google has over 89,000 pages to look at and go to Democratic Underground for a "brief" list.

Michelle Malkin agrees that the left is a little sensitive. Almost a year and a half ago: Nutroots suddenly hypersensitive about Nazi/president comparisons

"PC for thee and not for me"

Update on Mz Jones-Hall

When we first looked at this, (Open your mouth, lose your job) I thought she was just another elitist. But a new discovery for miss "I'm entitled" has been posted. It seems that she was a police officer in St. Louis.

According to online University of Iowa newsletters, Lisa Renee Jones-Hall “had worked as a St. Louis City Police Officer in the domestic violence response unit prior to admission to (the University of Iowa) law school.”

Woman who lost Linn County job after Marion traffic stop was once a police officer

Marion has been historically a "cop busting your chops for a ticket" place for years. But this has all sorts of stupid on it.

McAdam family benefit

A benefit for the family of murdered Iowa County resident, Jeffery McAdam, is scheduled for October 9th in Victor, IA. The location is yet to be determined.

A dinner is planned with a silent auction followed by a live auction at the end of the evening. A raffle will also be held.

For more information please go to: McAdam Family Benefit website

Jeffrey McAdam posts

See, no more poster

In a reaction to criticism of their poster (Obama-Hilter-Lenin billboard getting press), the local Tea Party relented and asked for it to be covered up.

Spokesman Bob Johnson had this to say:

"The sign is covered out of respect for other Tea Party people," he said.

"The national (Tea Party) people are right, in that it is a distraction from the message the Tea Party is trying to get out."

Controversial billboard in Mason City covered up

They intend to replace it with a much more subdued message in the next couple of days.

In a fit of hyperbole, Mayor Erik Bookmeyer said:

Placing Mason City in the limelight nationally and internationally in this manner is despicable and inexcusable. That message does not reflect the core values of our community.

Quit equating Obama with other socialists, because he probably won't be as bad or evil as Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, Stalin, Mao...

I should add the offensive billboard:

Open your mouth, lose your job

Trying to act like a big shot will sometimes get you in trouble. That's what happened to a "woman on track to become a Linn County prosecutor" last month. Woman Loses Job as County Prosecutor After Confrontation with Police

Lisa Jones-Hall acted like she was too important to receive a ticket for tinted windows from Marion police last month.

The officer asked Jones-Hall to sign a ticket because he said her windows were illegally tinted. But, she initially refused to sign it, called the officer names and then brought up the job she was supposed to start the following week. “Ok. I want you to arrest me for having tinted windows. I start with the Linn County Prosecutor’s Office next Tuesday. I want you to arrest me for not signing this.”

Ok, then.

After hearing about her little tirade, the Linn county prosecutor's office did the right thing and rescinded their job offer. Good for them.

Ms hyphenated-name declined to comment with a desire to get this incident behind her.

Lack of knowledge of the law (or willingness to disregard the law) and a haughty sense of self-importance is a bad combination for a county prosecutor.

Obama-Hilter-Lenin billboard getting press

This billboard in Mason City, IA is receiving some press from around the state

Obama, Hitler billboard ‘not disrespectful,’ Tea Party leader says

“It’s a statement on his policies.”

Tea Party billboard draws ire in Mason City

"It's borderline hate crime."

Iowa billboard compares Obama to Hitler; draws criticism

The White House declined to comment.

Counter-view on Iowa gun laws

Blue Wave News, a site that promotes the Democratic party, took a swipe at Paul Dorr and his victory in court last week. Previous post: Judge to sheriff, go back to class.

At IA Judge Puts Concealed Weapon in the Hands of Anti-Choice Activist With Conviction Record Elise tried to make a point that Mr Dorr has a (gasp) criminal record. Since he protested at abortion clinics, he had been arrested for misdemeanor trespassing etc. but never for a violent crime. Since he has no felony convictions and no misdemeanor domestic violence crimes in his past, he can pass a NICS check and actually purchase a gun from a real FFL dealer. The horrors.

I'm not going to pass judgment for his activities that some may consider political or religious. You know, like civil protests and such. But if someone can pass a background check (which some call Unconstitutional) then all right by me.

This week a Judge put a conceal carry permit in the hands of an anti-choice activist with a criminal record. Paul Dorr’s First Amendment rights were at risk and apparently those rights are more important than the rights and safety of millions of women in this country and the doctors and nurses helping them get medical attention at clinics. Dorr’s First Amendment rights are more important than the safety of public officials at City Council meetings, and more important than the safety of people in courthouses – because, you know, no one has ever been killed by a gun in a court house.

Lumping Dorr with regular thugs, criminals and abortion doctor murderers is borderline libelous.

The Iowa gun rights activists and the NRA aren’t going to stop with this conceal carry law, they’re aiming for bigger fish. They believe that many gun laws in Iowa are unconstitutional and they plan to challenge them – no matter who they would put at risk.

Because these laws are Unconstitutional, we are going to fight to repeal every one of them.

Referring to West Burlington's ordinance against firearms in city-owned facilities (previous post NRA lawsuit in Iowa):

Of course, West Burlington had every reason to enact this ordinance given some of the history of gun violence in Iowa.

With a line like that, you'd think Iowa would be the murder center of America. I think Chicago has us beat.

What Elise doesn't seem to understand is that Sheriff Weber could very easily denied a permit to a pro-abortion activist, like maybe her, listing that "people fear her". He would still be wrong.

The ruling, if she had decided to read it, (go to Only Guns and Money) Mr Dorr was denied for what he believed. He believes that government should be responsive to the people and he acted on it. That's why Weber denied the permit, because Dorr was asking about county finances, not his "anti-abortion activities."

In the future, when Elise has a right denied by a government official, her lawyer can point to this ruling and use it as a precedent and sue the crap out of them.

Monday (out of) Steam

(Recovering from weekend roofing project where I found how out of shape I am.)
Chinese built 2-8-2, JS8419, from the Boone and Scenic Railroad.

In honor of True Blue Sam, I'm taking a play from a theme of his called Weekend Steam.

The Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad in Boone, IA, provides one hour, 45 minute excursions utilizing several engines. They also have dinner, dessert and "picnic" trains and several events throughout the year, including full-sized Thomas the Tank Engine appearances.

When the boys were small we rode on a weekday excursion over the 156' tall Bass Point Creek High Bridge, "which is the highest single-track interurban railroad bridge in the United States." This provided a very scenic view of the Des Moines River valley, although my wife wouldn't look down.

Boone is also the birthplace of Mamie Eisenhower and the final resting place of Kate Shelley who saved a passenger train from crossing a collapsed bridge in 1881, saving 200 lives.

Sunday not so funnies, 7/11/10

NRA lawsuit in Iowa

The NRA has given notice to West Burlington, IA that their city ban on handguns in any "structure, dwelling, garage or shelter owned, leased or otherwise occupied by the city" will be fought "with every means at our [NRA] disposal." Passed in 2002, this ban includes any carried by people with permits. NRA: Gun bans violate state law

Gun advocates have warned that they may consider legal action against cities or counties seeking to approve further restrictions.

"That's too bad," West Burlington Mayor Hans Trousil said about opposition to his city's ban from the National Rifle Association. "They need to sit in our chairs and worry about these nut jobs that go around with guns."

"Nut jobs." - Cute.

Apparently Trousil is referring to the Mt. Pleasant Mayor, Ed King (mentioned in the article) would was murdered during a city council meeting by Ralph Davis in 1986. Describing Davis as "disgruntled" but not mentioning why, here is some background. After city "improvements", sewage was backing up into Davis' basement on a regular basis. After repeated attempts to get the city to solve the problem, it is rumored that Mayor King blew Davis off. Davis then shot, killed the mayor and wounded two council members, then sat and waited for police.

The politicians running Burlington/West Burlington and Des Moines County have a nasty habit of pushing citizens around. Read Burlington Derailed for a history. Maybe Mayor Trousil should be nervous.

The rifle association and affiliated organizations in Iowa anticipate more attempts to thwart Iowa's new gun permit law once it goes into effect in January. The groups are preparing legal action in the event that other such laws and ordinances are approved by city and county governments, said Scott Pope, a lobbyist with the Iowa Sportsman Federation.

Dubuque is another city that is threatening gun ordinances.

Politicians apparently believe that a piece of paper would prevent violence from taking place. Also, they don't seem to think that a citizen could be the one who comes to their protection.

Because, as we know, guns in the hands of law enforcement officers = good, in the hands of citizens = bad.

Some Iowa officeholders refuse pay cuts

Three Iowa officeholders haven't joined other statewide officials in taking pay cuts in the face of the state's falling revenues.

Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, Secretary of State Michael Mauro and Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald have refused to follow Gov. Chet Culver, who took a 10 percent cut in his pay.

Mauro pointed out he hasn't received a pay raise in four years.

I can't imagine the sacrifices that he must make just to make ends meet.

Some Iowa officeholders refuse pay cuts

Here's Patty Judge after she trimmed the fat:


Sorry that's an illusion, too.

Judge to sheriff: Go back to class

(Update - John Richardson has more and a copy of the ruling. Well Done, sir)

Related to a previous post Permit denial decision U.S. District Court Judge Mark W. Bennett ruled against Osceola County Sheriff Douglas L. Weber in the suit brought by Paul Dorr, a local rabble-rouser. I've never met the man but I have talked to a few of his children.

Apparently the good sheriff didn't like Dorr's snooping in his department and asking questions about his budget. After having a permit to carry for many years,

But then in 2007, after Weber was elected sheriff, he denied Dorr's application for a permit, listing the reason for his denial as "Concern from Public. Don't trust him."

Bennett's ruling says Weber, who was a deputy before he was elected sheriff, knew about Dorr's prior activities but it wasn't until Dorr began working for a local taxpayers association seeking county spending records, including records from Weber's office, that the sheriff rejected his application.

Judge orders Iowa sheriff to issue gun permit

One of the reasons I don't like the whole "asking permission" process we have in this state.

After ruling for the first time from the bench a month ago, Judge Bennett follows up with these comments:

“The court finds a tsunami, a maelstrom, an avalanche, of direct, uncontroverted evidence in Sheriff Weber’s own testimony to conclude beyond all doubt that he unquestionably violated the First Amendment rights of at least Paul Dorr,” Bennett wrote in his ruling.

Weber’s reason for disapproving the application was, “concern from public. Don’t trust him.” The following year Weber also denied Alexander Dorr’s application for a permit and informed Paul Dorr that he would deny any further applications from him.

Weber testified that he had heard people refer to Paul as “a whacko, delusional, a nut job, a spook, and narcissist,” Bennett’s decision noted. “Regardless of the adjective used to describe Paul, however, Sheriff Weber stated that Paul’s ‘lousy’ reputation was due to his political activities of writing letters to the editor and distributing fliers.”

The ruling continued, “Giving Sheriff Weber more deference than is due his elected status, the court finds that Sheriff Weber denied Paul’s application for a concealed weapons permit not because of the content of his First Amendment activity but because it was effective and agitated many members of the local community.”

And, Bennett said, “In denying Paul a concealed weapons permit, Sheriff Weber single-handedly hijacked the First Amendment and nullified its freedoms and protections. Ironically, Sheriff Weber, sworn to uphold the Constitution, in fact retaliated against a citizen of his county who used this important freedom of speech and association precisely in the manner envisioned by the founding members of our nation ...

"In doing so, this popularly elected Sheriff, who appears to be a fine man and an excellent law enforcement officer, in all other regards, blatantly caved in to public pressure and opinion and, in doing so, severely trampled the Constitution and Paul’s First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and association. This is a great reminder that the First Amendment protects the sole individual who may be a gadfly, kook, weirdo, nut job, whacko, and spook, with the same force of protection as folks with more majoritarian and popular views."

Federal judge orders Osceola County sheriff to issue gun permit

And the Coup de Gras:

Bennett required Weber take a class that must be a college-level course on the United States Constitution, “including -- at least in part -- a discussion of the First Amendment.” And Bennet said, Weber must obtain approval from the court before participating in the class. Upon completion of the class, Weber must also file anan [sic] affidavit with the clerk of court showing successful completion with a passing grade.

That's gotta smart.

Sheriff Weber wouldn't comment in any article I found.

Sean McClanahan has some thoughts on this as well: District Court Judge awards permit and requires training for Sheriff

Fun with Brady's statistics

A new (to me) blog, South Dakota Politics cites a work by a third year law student at the University of Miami Law School. This student's work suggests there is no relationship between Brady's state rankings of how good their gun laws are and homicide rates of that state.

Does Strict Gun Control Reduce Gun Homicides? No.

McDonald ruling could lead to more gun laws

So says the chairman of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Firearms Committee, Scott M. Knight.

The chief of Chaska, Minn. thinks that the recent Supreme Court ruling would give cities and states a grand opportunity to enact more gun control laws. And he's right. The majority ruling in McDonald and Heller basically offered the groundwork to do that. But only if the laws are "constitutional" one might add.

A ruling handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court last week threatens Chicago's 28-year-old ban on handguns. But the court's finding that residents have a Second Amendment right to keep a handgun in their home for protection could also provide a new opportunity for Chicago -- and other cities and towns across the country -- to enact strict firearms policies.

Chief Knight is asking for an elimination of private sales by ridding the dreaded "gun show loophole" and get rid of "assault weapons" and armor piercing ammunition.

The obvious solution to this senseless loss of life is reasonable law on who can buy guns (close the "gun show -- no background check needed" loophole); on the kinds of guns and ammunition that can be purchased (e.g., military assault weapons and armor-piercing bullets do not belong on our streets); on the reporting of lost or stolen firearms, and on how guns are kept and stored.

Ignoring the fact that current laws prohibit certain convicted felons from possessing firearms, he advocates making something illegal more illegal. Outstanding logic.

Making the case that law enforcement and first responders need protection, he advocates more laws and a "Predatory Offender Registry" to keep track of the more violent criminals. And these "predators" are not incarcerated, why?

Gun violence is a destructive force and threat to our communities and society. We need sensible gun policies to reduce this threat. Last week's Supreme Court decision has provided all of us with an opportunity to make that happen.

Monopoly of force for governments is not a "destructive force and threat to our communities and society"?

Have a gander at the typical gun control arguments of "saving one life" etc. at: There's still plenty of room for sensible gun laws

New NASA logos

As in the New Arabic Sensitivity Administration: (From Snake on the Flag)

Previous post Obama tasks NASA with building muslim's self-esteem

Thanks to reader DeadCenter56 for a link to Michelle Malkin's logo contest NASA logo makeovers: New Arabic Sensitivity Administration

Officer's firing upheld

William Bowker's firing from the Ft. Madison police department was unanimously upheald by the city's Civil Service Commission. F.M. officer firing upheld

Readers may recall my post: Sex, lies and incompetence that the officer was fired for "incompetence, laziness and stupidity (cruising the internet at work)" besides having a sordid affair with the police chief's wife.

At the bottom of the article, the Hawkeye reports about a Iowa Supreme Court case:

The Iowa Supreme Court, in a 2002 opinion, summed up the plight of a police officer: "Since peace officers are charged with a public trust, the public has every right to expect these officers to conduct themselves with good character, sobriety, judgment and discretion. ... The image presented by police personnel to the general public is vitally important to the police mission."

"Police officers must earn and maintain the public trust at all times by conducting themselves with good judgment and sound discretion," the high court stated.

Sounds good to me.

Obama tasks NASA with building Muslim self-esteem

According to Obama, the poor Muslim world has self-esteem issues with us, the infidels.

Charles Bolden, head of NASA, tells Al Jazeera that the "foremost" task President Obama has given him is "to find a way to reach out to the Muslim world and engage much more with predominantly Muslim nations to help them feel good about their historic contribution to science, math, and engineering." Thus, NASA's primary mission is no longer to enhance American science and engineering or to explore space, but to boost the self-esteem of "predominantly Muslim nations."

Exploring space didn't even make the top three things Obama wants Bolden to accomplish. The other two are "re-inspire children to want to get into science and math" and "expand our international relationships,"

Obama tasks NASA with building Muslim self-esteem

So, the primary function of a Space agency is not space exploration? It's in their name.

Found via Men are not Potatoes

Badger Guns conspiracy

Implying that there is a great conspiracy and an underlying congressional duplicity, a Wisconsin congresswoman presses for the ATF to crack down on Badger Guns

A Wisconsin congresswoman is demanding federal watchdogs get tougher on gun stores that sell a high number of guns used in crimes, citing a dealer in West Milwaukee that has sold firearms used to shoot six police officers in Milwaukee in less than two years.

U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Milwaukee) asked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to explain why a recommendation to revoke the license of Badger Outdoors in West Milwaukee was never pursued - as reported by the Journal Sentinel earlier this year.

Congresswoman demands tougher gun regulations

The revocation of the license was dropped because the owner sold the store to his son and has gone on record that he has nothing to do with the business.

With the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel breaking their arms patting themselves on the back for their "investigation" of Badger Guns, they keep piling it on. Saying there are "secret owners" behind Badger's and sounding almost disappointed that a recent shooting of a Milwaukee police officer "appears to have been sold by a different dealer".

The owners of Badger Guns have cooperated with local authorities even, reporting felons at their store.

If the current owners are so bad, why hasn't the ATF come down on them - hard?

Longshot candidate for governor

"If I get in the debates, I think my chances go from longshot to very good," said Narcisse, who announced Thursday that his choice for running mate is Rick Marlar, 57, a Washington County truck driver who finished third in a GOP primary in Iowa Senate District 45 garnering 681 votes --- 12 percent --- in last month's election.

Independent candidate aims for 'none of the above' vote

Longshot, indeed.

A couple of things, Sunday not so funny 7/4/10

Wait for the punch line and ask yourself, have we squandered both of these things as well?

Do we even need the 2nd Amendment?

After Iowa's Senator Grassley's garbled attempts to pin Elena Kagan on natural rights (Grassley grills Kagan on guns), Oklahoma's Senator Tom Coburn carried it a little further. Both senators were trying to pin Kagan down if rights preexisted the Constitution. Senator Coburn:

Sen. Coburn asked, ""Do you personally believe there is a fundamental right in this area? Do you agree with Blackstone? He said that [the right to self-defense through gun ownership] was a natural right."

Kagan responded, "To be honest with you, I don't have a view of what are natural rights independent of the Constitution."


"So," Coburn asked, "you wouldn't embrace what the Declaration says, that we have certain God-given rights" and that among these are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?"

Kagan answered, "I believe that the Constitution is an extraordinary document, and I am not saying that I do not believe there are not rights preexisting the Constitution and the laws, but my job as a justice is to enforce the Constitution and the laws."

Kagan Downplays Declaration of Independence

So when she uses "European Law" as other jurists have done lately, is she lying here?

This is basically a job interview for this position, it should never be a rubber stamp on whoever a president nominates. If I make a false claim in an interview and hired based on those claims, I can be fired. That is a given for almost everyone in this country. Why isn't this the same for a position that affects 330 million plus Americans? Why isn't Sotomayer being impeached after she agreed in the right to arms during confirmation, but now can't find any support within the Constitution or historical documents (A Vote for Kagan Is a Vote to Take Away Your Guns) Why should we expect anything different from Kagan?

The point of trying to pin these nominees down on preexisting rights is this: If the 2nd Amendment, or any other portion of the Constitution, is reversed by law or amendment, do these rights exist?

By Kagan's philosophy - no. The "living, breathing document" can be molded to fit any world view and therefore our rights codified in the Bill of Rights can be nullified.

I'm reminded of an article from years ago from Backwoods Home Magazine regarding a "fictional conversation" between fishing buddies. Editor John Silveira uses this technique to make a point: We don’t need no
steenking 2nd Amendment

“And do you also understand that the Bill of Rights is not the source of our rights. It’s not even a complete list of our rights.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked.

“Mac’s losing it,” Bill said and threw his arms up.

“I’m asking you if you understand that we do not get our rights from the Bill of Rights.”

“Of course we do,” Bill said. “That’s why they wrote the Bill of Rights.”

“I’ve got to agree with Bill,” I said.

Dave said nothing. He seemed to be thinking.

“I’m saying this because the Founding Fathers did not believe we got our rights from the Bill of Rights. Nor did they believe they came about as a result of being American, Christian, of European decent, or white. They believed everyone had these rights even if they lived in Europe, China, or the moon. They called them Natural Rights. Where these rights were not allowed, they believed they still existed but were denied.”

“You should be writing fiction,” Bill said.

“Well, it’s a question as to whether or not our rights exist apart from government,” Mac said. “Let me ask you this,” he said to Bill. “In a country where children have no civil rights, do they still have a right not to be molested? Do women in countries where they have a second-citizen status have the right not to be abused by their husbands, even if the government won’t protect them?”

Bill didn’t answer.

“Then is it too much of a stretch for you to understand that the Founding Fathers believed everyone has the right to free speech, freedom of religion, the right to fair trials...?” His voice trailed off.

Bill still wouldn’t answer.

“In other words,” Dave said, “it’s a question as to whether the rights of the citizens in China are at the pleasure of the government or if they have them but are being denied, or if the Jews had basic human rights in Germany even if Hitler didn’t let them exercise them?”

“Yes. All I want to know is if that’s hard for you to see.” He looked at Bill who was still silent.

Apparently Kagan is trying her best to be silent as well. She can't answer, because acknowledging that rights exist - period - throws the "civil-rights" based government laws right out. The Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts of the 60's are part of that philosophy.

Do we need the thousands of laws on the books if the courts did one simple thing? Follow the Equal Protection clause?

Acknowledging natural rights would acknowledge that citizens are free to do as they wish without interference from government or others, so long as one is not infringing on someone else's rights.

The bureaucrat control freaks can't have that. If it's a law, it can be changed and your rights today will not be passed down to posterity.

Maybe that's the goal.

To disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them. - George Mason

Former cop: "I'm more important"

That would be what this guy (or girl) is implying. We don't know who it is because the media won't release the name of a former Wisconsin police officer who didn't want to wait in line, flashed his badge and gun when an argument started while he paid gas at a convenience store in Wausau, WI.

The officer, [former officer - ed] who is in his 80s, had a disagreement with another person in the gasoline pump line, and showed his badge and gun, which was in the holster, Kolb said. Wausau police confiscated the weapon and badge.

Former cop faces charges

Contrast that headline to this one: Impatient Customer Flashes Gun at Wausau Gas Station

A retired Wausau police officer, now in his 80s, is facing a misdemeanor charge after he flashed his gun and badge during an argument at the Mills' Fleet Farm gas station in Wausau.

It happened a little before 2 p.m. Friday. Officers say while waiting in line for gas an argument ensued over who was next. That's when the former officer revealed a holstered gun to another man. Police were then called to the scene.

This octogenarian could be trusted with carrying a concealed gun in Wisconsin because of his former profession and a trusting police chief. Common citizens are not allowed (the proper terminology here) to legally carry concealed in the Badger state - there is no permit process there. It's against the law for Sam the retired butcher to carry concealed in Wisconsin.

Would the same treatment have been accorded to a former school teacher, a retired programmer, or shoe-shine boy? We can be pretty sure that any of these people would have been hauled away and their names plastered in these stories.

Deferential treatment, perhaps?

Reasonable gun laws?

As Sean points out, reasonable gun laws are highly subjective: Open response to The Des Moines Register

We should trust Kagan's words, right?

With her hearings winding down, Elena Kagan is poised to join the Supreme Court. An inexperienced jurist (considering everyone with a high school education should understand the Constitution, that isn't normally a disqualifier) and a known political hack will replace another retiring political hack on the bench.

My pessimistic nature always takes hold after working more hours than I care to. For those who rejoiced over the recent McDonald ruling, relying on the courts to define our rights is dangerous foreplay leading to tyranny.

Consider the words from then nominee Sotomayer and now justice Sotomayer:

But despite her past decisions, Sotomayor clearly promised the Senate Judiciary Committee that as a Supreme Court justice she would follow Heller and accept its decision that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to own guns for self-defense. Here's this example from her 2009 confirmation hearing:

Senator Patrick Leahy: “. . . you, in fact, recognized the Supreme Court decided in ‘Heller’ that the personal right to bear arms is guaranteed by the Second Amendment of the Constitution against federal law restrictions. Is that correct?

Sotomayor: It is.

Yet, in the Supreme Court’s decision on Monday to strike down the Chicago handgun ban, Sotomayor apparently completely forgot her promise last year. She completely signed on to Justice Breyer's claim:

I can find nothing in the Second Amendment’s text, history, or underlying rationale that could warrant characterizing it as 'fundamental' insofar as it seeks to protect the keeping and bearing of arms for private self-defense purposes.

A Vote for Kagan Is a Vote to Take Away Your Guns

She either lied in '09, is ignorant of history or judicial rulings, or she's a complete moron. Look at the Dred Scott case, the Federalist Papers, or any of the founders' writings from Madison to Mason. She couldn't even look at Heller.

Kagan couldn't tell Iowa Senator Grassley whether our right to arms preexisted the Bill of Rights (Grassley grills Kagan on guns)

Can we trust Kagan after Sotomayer's hollow words?

******************************************

What would've happened if the 5-4 vote in McDonald went the other way?

It would not surprise me that someday the court will rule that the 2nd Amendment is unconstitutional. A few more "intellectuals" on the bench, and we will get that ruling.

The Paradigm of the ruling class is clearly opposite of the common citizen at this point in our nation's history. As such we are at a crossroads where one path leads to a re-awakening of our liberties and the other leads to an oppressed citizenry on its way to the gulags.

Broken chains at the feet of the Statue of Liberty:


Chains of bondage, or a symbol of freedom?

"We defend freedom here or it is gone. There is no place to run, only to make a stand. And if we fail, I think we face telling our children, and our children's children, what it was we found more precious than freedom. Because I am sure someday -- if we fail in this -- there will be a generation that will ask.""
--Ronald Reagan

(Found at Sailorcurt)

Cedar Rapids' red light cameras catch cops too

Or so they say. They being the police chiefs of the cities of Cedar Rapids and Marion.

“We want to be consistent and show no favoritism,” [Marion Police Chief Harry] Daugherty says. “If my people have a reason to be speeding, I will excuse them. On the other hand, if they don’t have a reason, I won’t. (Otherwise), I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if I didn’t.”

Touching sentiment, chief. Too bad the rest of us don't get a review:

Cedar Rapids Police Chief Greg Graham reports that the enforcement cameras had snapped photos of 26 Cedar Rapids police cars speeding or running red lights as of last week.

No, these photos don’t immediately end up being tossed aside, the chief says.

Upon review, Graham reports:

Five of the potential violations were deemed not to be violations; officers were operating in “legitimate” fashion. For instance, they were tailing a speeder at the speeder’s speed.

The enforcers get to enforce themselves and deem whether they get a ticket. Will a common citizen get the same opportunity?

Read more and the comments at: Red light cameras nab police cars speeding

Declaration of Independence copy found in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa state senator has located a rare copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Sen. Dennis Black of Lynnville says he located the copy while researching a central Iowa family's Civil War roots.

The document was printed in 1843 from a copperplate that is now on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C.

Black calls the print "an absolute treasure" that is owned by the citizens of Iowa. He says it will receive the special treatment it deserves and be put on public display for special occasions.

The document, printed on rice-paper, has been matted and encased in an inert environment.

Cultural affairs director Cyndi Peterson says the document will be on display during this year's Independence Day celebrations at the Iowa Historical Building in Des Moines.

Iowa state senator locates rare Declaration of Independence copy

Let's hope the state legislature, governor and judges take a good look at it and heed its words.