Perception...

The shooting rampage in California will of course be blamed on guns.  What IS known right now is that the shooter's father and mother work in Hollywood, and that the shooter's family was worried about the condition of his mental health BEFORE the shootings.  The family actually called the police to go check on him after he posted a video on You Tube where he talked about killing people and committing suicide.  The shooter wrote in a "manifesto" which documented his rejection by girls at a college he attended, that the police came, but did not search and find his guns and ammunition  (a "welfare check" by police would not allow for a search of the residence without consent.  The family, however, could have searched any time they wanted).  The press is reporting that the guns and ammunition possessed by the shooter were "legally purchased."

"Did Man create God"

The father of the shooter, who created a 2009 documentary called Oh My God with a budget of $1.25 million and earnings of $38,244, said the family "is staunchly against guns."

A father of one of the victims said, "The talk about gun rights…when will enough people say 'Stop this madness, we don't have to live like this, too many people have died.'"

Legal in all 50 states

I certainly have sympathy for the parents of the victims, but…it seems that (Hollywood, modern college life, etc. aside) it is another case of a mentally ill person not receiving appropriate care.  He could have legally purchased BMW, without possessing a firearm.  After he did not complete college, did his father take his BMW away?
driven over more people in his

I do not know California state law, but in most if not all states, if there is a belief that a person is a danger to themselves and others (let alone supported by video on You Tube) a family member can obtain an emergency committal order of some duration where a mental health review is conducted.  Law Enforcement can be used to execute and enforce the order.  During that time the family could have searched the apartment and discovered the firearms.  However, the firearms were just one tool he could have used, the real danger was that he was left alone.

I am jumping to as many conclusions as the media.  They believe stronger gun laws will prevent future tragedies.  I believe stronger families will prevent future tragedies...

See, They Told You So...

Yeah Right...

It is as if Attorney General Eric Holder does not understand how our system of justice works. At all.

The Real Dream Act

Clemency for Drug Offenders

Long story short:  President Obama and Eric Holder believe there are too many black men in prison in America.  I agree.  And that is where the agreement ends.

They are there because they come from the inner cities where drug abuse is high, and therefore many are involved in the trafficking of drugs.  They are there because they come from the inner cities where there is virtually no marriage (except in the rich downtown gay area) and therefore no traditional nuclear families.

Obama and Holder believe that Justice has not been blind in these situations.

Most really long term drug sentences in federal court are the results of the defendant's refusal to cooperate after arrest.  The refusal to agree to testify against co-defendants.  The refusal to identify their supplier.  The refusal to identify the method and means by which the drug trafficking will continue after they are incarcerated.

But, there almost certainly are cases wherein defendants are sentenced to too many years.  So, contrary to what one might think…I am not against this.

IF the criteria is that a defendant already served 10 years, was not involved in violence, did not have other criminal history (prior convictions)…then their case should be REVIEWED.  However, how many cases are going to fit this?  It is a very small percentage.  No prior criminal history.  Please.

Mr. Holder, please direct your focus elsewhere.  Do not redirect government attorneys and resources as you have said.  Let the ACLU, whom you have already asked for help, identify those eligible.  Help redirect their efforts...

Don't Worry, There's a Bunny...

Standardized Complaints about Common Core...

I do not know much about Common Core.  But, I know that people do not like it.  It reminds me of "Race to the Top," and "No Child Left Behind," in that it is disliked by the Left and Right alike.  I heard Jeb Bush (not a fan) talk about it, and I thought it was a good idea.  He said states and communities would create the standards.  But it never seems that way when the federal government is involved.

I don't have a lot of time these days, but I clicked on this video:

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I'm sure Common Core is a problem, as are many federal mandates, and especially in education.  BUT, it bothers me more that the "teacher" can not articulate what she does not like, what about the program she can not work with, etc.  First she describes it as "insane." So the host tries to pull more out of her.  So, she complains that her son "couldn't keep up with where they wanted him to be."  Does Common Core say to leave him behind? Is it "Leave some Children Behind"?  That would probably share the same hatred as Common Core.

I don't know, but clearly this teacher does not know either.  So the host again tries to ask again - How is Common Core changing teaching?  The answer: "It has become very specific, it has certain things that they want us to teach, kindergarten through high school.  They have certain skills that they want kids to have at a certain time, a certain age, a certain grade level…"  HOW DARE THEY! Who the hell do these Common Core people think they are!

As usual, the teacher complains that they are to "teach-to-the-test."  Why?  Does Common Core say HOW she has to teach?  I do not know (I keep saying that, so that somebody does not think I support Common Core).  She also complains about "standardized testing."  Does she prefer "Non-Standardized Testing?"

Again, I don't know anything about Common Core (see, really, I don't) - but I have yet to hear (from friends or smart people) what they do not like about it.  All I have heard, is that it is hard for the students, and it sets standards too high.  Who set these standards?  I can tell you this - Princeton and some other top schools have started to lower their grades, meaning an 'A' at Princeton is more than an 'A' at Harvard.  That sounds like "Better than Common Core" to me.

I think the problem, again, is that NO solution to our education problem, can come from Washington DC, except FREEDOM.  Free the teachers, free the schools, and mandate free choice.

If I were king for a day - I would reduce the Department of Education to a Secretary and his or her secretary.  I would reduce the budget to that person's salary, and traveling expenses.

I guess Common Core is not the solution - but it has been good for one thing - exposing bad teachers.

Save Your Money...

Is a college education important? It used to mean something.

I just killed an hour of my Saturday watching Dan Joseph videos.  It was worth it.  

These people are hopefully getting SOMETHING for their tuition, but lets not call it an "education."

Higher Learning...

Don't waste your hard earned dollars on college...

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