A week ago Cedar Posts wrote about blogger "Crime In Charlotte's' shocking encounter with a couple of CMPD Independence Division officers. The story titled CMPD Independence Officer Goes Postal Over Blogger With A Camera shows the amazing power of the Internet, which brought over 20,000 page views and attention from across the nation to this story.
The story also got the attention of Charlotte's Chief of Police Rodney Monroe who responded to the "incident" with not only his classic spin, but also some frank talk, most notably:
"Based on the recent incident with CiC, we will reinforce to our officers that photographs may be taken as long as no one’s safety is jeopardized and the officers have an adequate safe zone in which to do their work. We will also review our written directives to ensure they are clear on this matter."
Chief Monroe's email in it's entirety is below, at the request of the blogger, her full name has been replace with CiC.
From: Monroe, Rodney
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 6:08 PM
To: Walton, Curt; Newbold, Mark
Cc: McCarley, DeWitt; Campbell, Eric D.; Hagemann, Robert
Subject: RE: CiC Incident
Curt
The Mayor and Council have recently received e-mails regarding CiC being told not to photograph an arrest which occurred in her apartment complex. CiC writes a blog called Crime in Charlotte but, in this instance, was acting as a private citizen who wanted to photograph the arrest to show her landlord that there was a felon on the property. The officers making the arrest instructed CiC to step back from the area. As word of this incident spread, a blog began showing several videos of police officers interacting with citizens attempting to film arrests or accident scenes.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department does not attempt to prohibit anyone, either a credentialed journalist or a private citizen, from photographing police activity unless the taking of photographs creates a safety hazard.
While we do not prohibit photography, we do have the right to designate the area from which the photographs can be taken. The officers’ priority is to designate a “safe work area” which is defined as the area he needs to do his work in a manner that protects the safety of everyone involved, including the officer. The safe area varies depending on the type of scene or the circumstances involved and restrict anyone not related to the incident from being a distraction or danger to the officer in the performance of his duties. Examples include:
Crime Scenes: Protecting the crime scene from contamination, protecting victims and witnesses on the scene and providing room for officers to interview the parties involved and process the scene.
Arrest Scenes: Providing an area where the arrest can be safely executed and the officers can maintain control over the arrestee. This ensures the safety of the officers, the arrestee, and any bystanders.
Accident Scenes: protecting citizens from an area which may be unsafe, protecting the privacy of injured victims, providing an area for interviewing witnesses, and allowing adequate space for all emergency personnel to do their work as rapidly and efficiently as possible so that injured victims can be treated and the roadways cleared.
Credentialed journalists understand the protocol at police scenes and wait to be directed to the area from which they can take video and photographs. With the proliferation of camera phones, there are now more private citizens who wish to take photographs which create a challenge for officers performing police functions and directing citizens to a safe area to take photographs.
There are instances where the demeanor of the individual taking the photographs can be a factor which may distract officers from the task which requires their attention. Several videos from the internet depict officers being distracted by those taking videos while arguing with and cursing at officers.
Based on the recent incident with CiC, we will reinforce to our officers that photographs may be taken as long as no one’s safety is jeopardized and the officers have an adequate safe zone in which to do their work. We will also review our written directives to ensure they are clear on this matter.
Also attached is a specific preliminary report reference the encounter with CiC.
Rodney Monroe
Chief of Police
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Police Department
"Without a sense of urgency, desire loses it's value." - Jim Rohn
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Charlotte North Carolina 5th On The National List of Black Tar Trouble Spots
An unidentified male was unresponsive when Cedar Posts found him
behind a South Charlotte Harris Teeter. MEDIC Confirmed he had overdosed
on heroin. Photo Credit: Cedar Posts
During Monday's Charlotte City Council meeting CMPD Major Glen Neimeyer detailed the surge in overdoses of and arrests for the possession of Black Tar heroin and explained why Charlotte is in the top five US cities for black tar heroin use.
Major Neimeyer told city council that black tar heroin has become so popular because it's the most potent but least expensive drug available.
According to Fox News Charlotte, He also said our "major interstates make it easier to transport the drug into the Queen City".
What Fox doesn't report is that Charlotte's high concentration of Mexican immigrants both legal and illegal has fueled the explosion of overdoses, deaths and drug related crimes all connected to Black Tar Heroin.
Cedar Posts prior story "Charlotte, North Carolina is now The Main Distribution Center for Mexican Heroin" covered the spread of "Black Tar Heroin" throughout the Queen City.
Cedar Posts expose' "The Dark House at the End of The Street" explores the death of a local police chief's daughter, the murder of a Mexican drug dealer and the two teens charged with stabbing him to death during a drug deal gone bad. The link between the four individuals "Black Tar Heroin".
Want more detailed information on the spread of "Black Tar Heroin" in Charlotte read Crossing the Mississippi: How Mexican Black Tar Heroin moved into the Eastern United States which is here.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
CMPD Officers Dealing With Video Idiots
Cedar Posts does not condone the actions of the person or persons shooting the video in any of these shorts. While Cedar Posts empathizes with the CMPD Officers who have to deal with all the crazies pointing video cameras in their direction, there are wrong ways and right ways to deal with the fools.
WARNING GRAPHIC LANGUAGE AND THE "N" WORD ABOUT FIFTY TIMES IN THE FOLLOWING VIDEOS.
First up the wrong way number one. Trying to grab the guy's camera and pushing him around will not earn you any points:
Next wrong way number two:
Though I'd probably let her put the cuffs on me any day, since I'm a sucker for ponytails. But again is this the Charlotte we want showing up on CNN?
Finally the same 4Vision guy (Cito Scott) uptown again, and running his mouth with all kind of nonsense but CMPD Officer Holmes does it up right.
So your turn. Who is right and who is wrong? Sound off speak up.
WARNING GRAPHIC LANGUAGE AND THE "N" WORD ABOUT FIFTY TIMES IN THE FOLLOWING VIDEOS.
First up the wrong way number one. Trying to grab the guy's camera and pushing him around will not earn you any points:
Next wrong way number two:
Though I'd probably let her put the cuffs on me any day, since I'm a sucker for ponytails. But again is this the Charlotte we want showing up on CNN?
Finally the same 4Vision guy (Cito Scott) uptown again, and running his mouth with all kind of nonsense but CMPD Officer Holmes does it up right.
So your turn. Who is right and who is wrong? Sound off speak up.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
CMPD Independence Officer Goes Postal Over Blogger With A Camera
CMPD Officers arrest a suspect in Uptown Charlotte
Photo Credit: News Channel 14
Just after midnight Wednesday a couple of CMPD Independence Division Officers threw the US Constitution out the window and had a major "Nutty" when a well known and well respected blogger tried to take a photograph of an arrest in progress.
When one of the officers saw that a photo was about to be taken, he shouted that the blogger was not allowed to take a photo of the arrest, and then threatened jail by saying that if a photo was taken the blogger would be arrested for "interfering with an investigation."
The blogger these officers threatened with arrest was none other than the well known author of the Crime In Charlotte blog. It was the blogger's earlier call to 911, that helped the officers locate the convicted felon and make an arrest on an outstanding warrant.
CMPD has a lot of great officers, many are personal friends of Cedar Posts, but nothing gets my blood boiling faster than a jackass cop.
But wait there's more:
When Crime In Charlotte requested the officer's name he told her that his name was Williams. Turns out he forgot that his name was M. Thompson and that the other officer's name was Williams.
When Crime In Charlotte called CMPD's Public Information Officer Rosalyn Harrington to discuss what happened, Harrington was unapologetic saying that officers were within in their rights to arrest Crime In Charlotte. When Harrington was pressed on the validity of the law she stated that Charlotte had rules that are different from other cities like Baltimore, as she continued to explain away the officers actions as justifiable.
Cedar Posts contacted CMPD point man Rob Tufano seeking comment on Harrington's explanation that Charlotte has "different rules" and the actions of CMPD officers. 12 hours later still nothing but crickets. A CMPD Internal Affairs investigation is reportedly underway.
All of this ahead of next year's Democratic National Convention doesn't give Charlotte a very tolerant image, rather we are suddenly looking more like a 3rd world "Police State".
So here's a news flash for officer Thompson and Ms. Harrington, I'll try to make it simple for these two or any other CMPD officer who might be a little camera shy.
The First Amendment Reads:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
In other words it is not illegal to take a photo of police making an arrest or doing anything else on a public street or area.
But can't "local governments" make laws keeping people from photographing the police?
No!
The answer in short is found with the decision in Gitlow v. New York, 268 U.S. 652 (1925), the Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment applies to each state, including any local government.
But blogger's and the public aren't really the press, so the First Amendment doesn't afford any protection to bloggers.
Wrong again!
In Lovell v. City of Griffin, 303 U.S. 444 (1938), Chief Justice Hughes defined the press as, "every sort of publication which affords a vehicle of information and opinion." Pretty simple.
Need a little more convincing?
How about this from the Seattle Times: "An amateur photographer who was taken into custody last year after shooting pictures of two Seattle police officers while they were making an arrest on a public street received an $8,000 settlement this week, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington said this morning." You can read the rest of the story here.
Cedar Posts is no fan of the ACLU, as a card carrying member of the NRA and the Republican Party nothing goes against the grain more than the ACLU, except when it comes to the right of free speech and the press.
So there you go, want to be a jackass? Fine go ahead, make my day. I need the money.
In fairness to the 99% of good officers out there they do have a right to ask that photographers stay out of the way, a good telephoto lens works well for this. If it is a crime scene, the police have a right and an obligation to tape off the area and insist that you stay out of that area.
Cedar Posts often takes photos of arrests, accidents and crime scenes, it is in my DNA. Frankly I don't have a problem with an officer requesting that his or her identity or face not be published and I normally honor that request.
At night I don't use a flash unless it is unavoidable.
Finally consider this, how many times has an amateur photo or video been the only evidence of a crime? People like Crime In Charlotte are the real first line in crime fighting so lighten up Independence guys.
Need more? Read Carlos Miller's story about his arrest by Miami Beach Police Officer David Socarrasand and Miller's subsequent acquittal on the same "interfering" charges here.
Want to go more in depth on this issue? Read War on Cameras here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Report: January Subway Restaurant Robber Shot 4 Times As He Ran Away
On January 17 of this year Jamal Steven McKenith tried to rob a Subway restaurant. Things didn't go so well and he ended up taking two bullets in the back, one in each leg and dying just a few yards from the front of the store.
Apparently McKenith's family members are upset and feel his death should be treated as a homicide, yet Mecklenburg District Attorney Andrew Murray has declined to charge the restaurant employee saying that he didn't believe a jury would convict the man.
CMPD officers that Cedar Posts spoke with following the shooting sided with the Subway employee as well, noting the McKenith had been a thorn in their sides for much too long, off the record they repeated the classic saying "he needed killing".
According to the "Mecklenburg ME" autopsy report, McKenith died of "multiple gunshot wounds", one of the bullets struck his heart and a right lung. Another injured his right kidney, gallbladder and liver.
The coroner's report also noted that as they were removing McKenith's clothes to examine his body, a revolver with black tape wrapped around the handle fell from his pants.
The shooting happened around 7 p.m. on Sugar Creek Road in the Hidden Valley community. According to police, McKenith and Demetrius Nathaniel Thomas, 19, walked into the Subway armed with handguns and tried to rob the restaurant. An altercation began when the employee refused to comply with the suspects' demands. The employee opened fire, shooting at both men.
The suspects fled and McKenith was found dead at the end of the strip mall, the statement said. Thomas showed up a short time later at Carolinas Medical Center, suffering from a gunshot wound. He remained in Mecklenburg jail late Tuesday charged with robbery, conspiracy and possessing a stolen firearm.
Cedar Posts has obtained a copy of the Mecklenburg Medical Examiner's Report which is here.
It is interesting to note the trajectory of the bullets may indicate that McKenith fell with the first shot and was hit with the remaining 3 shots as he fell.
Summertime (repeated)
Summertime like a great aunt, whose girth blocks out the Carolina blue sky, swoops down on the Low County, her gelatin like flesh moist in perspiration, a suffocating grip that refuses to let go.
The humid air from the Gulf of Mexico has marched north like Sherman's great army and will lay against the Blue Ridge Mountains until nearly October, for the Carolina Low Country is a place where summer lasts well past necessary and on into ridiculous as if there should be a 13th month called Augtember.
Throughout the "dog days" of Summer our SUV's are left running while we quick step across pavement that can give 3rd degree burns to bare feet darting into the CVS for another can of Deep Woods Off, SPF 45 sunscreen and a cold 12 pack of Miller Lite.
In summertime's pre dawn hours there's a brief respite from the sun's relentless attack, it's the only time my Black Labrador Retriever Madison and I can go for a run. But the sun is pushing against the darkness, soon it will win out and bake the sands of Folly Beach makeing it so hot that by 3 o'clock you won't be able to walk across it without your flops.
Summer's heat can make your mind wander back to Charleston summers long since forgotten. Road side stands with peach and watermelon, boiled peanuts, fireworks and shrimp are part of my childhood, as no trip to the beach was complete without all of the above.
I don't care for boiled peanuts, but I'll take a fresh peach, and a bag full of M-80's if you don't mind, both make summer's heat a little more tolerable. For some unknown reason I have not been to a park for a "summer cook out" since the late 1980's but I remember it looking much like the photo below.
By mid day Madison has made her millionth appearance at the glass door that leads to the deck, her pink tongue hangs out a short mile or more, pleading for relief. I give in and open the door, she darts inside and collapses into a pile of blackness on the cool tile floor then slowly inches closer to the a/c vent near the sink. Her panting begins to ease as the heat outside continues to climb past 90.
My niece and nephews are off to summer camp this week. If you've been to Camp Thunderbird, you know all about mystery meat and bug juice. Ask my 12 year old niece what she likes most about camp and her answer is Boys! I ask: "What about, sailing, watersking, swimming, campfires".... and Boys! She adds.
Ah the boys of summer, speaking of baseball of course, peanuts and cracker jack and beer. Add some fireworks and it's all the better.
In the late afternoon the ocean breeze builds, bringing cooler air to the Peninsula, a breeze that fails to reach Summerville and Goose Creek, where it's the perfect time for ice cream at the Dairy Queen, trips to the pool, fishing in the late evening, and bugs. Oh my God the bugs.
Cicadas that sing from dusk into late in the evening, a chourus of frogs, crickets and whatever that big thing is....did you hear it?....there it is again!
Lighting bugs, millions of them, have you noticed? They are gone. The the other day I saw one in my yard just one, where there used to be millions. I know my brother and I caught a lot of them but...
Somewhere around 9:30 hard dark comes and humidity and temperature change places, humidity goes to 99 percent and the temperature goes to 85 degrees. The dampness is everywhere, and the air becomes heavy and thick and in this stillness wet clings to everything.
By the time July 4th comes folks in New England will also revel with delight in the warmer months with trips to the shore, while we in Charleston are heading to the beach for the 13th week in a row, or avoiding the hot sun on tree covered verandas and darting in and out of our air conditioned confines.
Pity the poor Yankees whose summer ends just after labor day, where ours will seem endless come Augtember.
With morning the process will repeat its self, the dew will burn off and the temperature will soar while the himidity drops to less than 50%. Madison will guard the yard, the courtyard driveway and then give up when the temperature moves again towards 90 and she'll make another 100 or so nose prints on the window glass.
My grandmother passed away in the death grip of winter a few years ago, fitting as she lived for her garden and the warmth of summer and today her voice echos every time I go outside, "Keep that door closed, I'm not paying to air condition summertime".
The humid air from the Gulf of Mexico has marched north like Sherman's great army and will lay against the Blue Ridge Mountains until nearly October, for the Carolina Low Country is a place where summer lasts well past necessary and on into ridiculous as if there should be a 13th month called Augtember.
Throughout the "dog days" of Summer our SUV's are left running while we quick step across pavement that can give 3rd degree burns to bare feet darting into the CVS for another can of Deep Woods Off, SPF 45 sunscreen and a cold 12 pack of Miller Lite.
In summertime's pre dawn hours there's a brief respite from the sun's relentless attack, it's the only time my Black Labrador Retriever Madison and I can go for a run. But the sun is pushing against the darkness, soon it will win out and bake the sands of Folly Beach makeing it so hot that by 3 o'clock you won't be able to walk across it without your flops.
Summer's heat can make your mind wander back to Charleston summers long since forgotten. Road side stands with peach and watermelon, boiled peanuts, fireworks and shrimp are part of my childhood, as no trip to the beach was complete without all of the above.
I don't care for boiled peanuts, but I'll take a fresh peach, and a bag full of M-80's if you don't mind, both make summer's heat a little more tolerable. For some unknown reason I have not been to a park for a "summer cook out" since the late 1980's but I remember it looking much like the photo below.
By mid day Madison has made her millionth appearance at the glass door that leads to the deck, her pink tongue hangs out a short mile or more, pleading for relief. I give in and open the door, she darts inside and collapses into a pile of blackness on the cool tile floor then slowly inches closer to the a/c vent near the sink. Her panting begins to ease as the heat outside continues to climb past 90.
My niece and nephews are off to summer camp this week. If you've been to Camp Thunderbird, you know all about mystery meat and bug juice. Ask my 12 year old niece what she likes most about camp and her answer is Boys! I ask: "What about, sailing, watersking, swimming, campfires".... and Boys! She adds.
Ah the boys of summer, speaking of baseball of course, peanuts and cracker jack and beer. Add some fireworks and it's all the better.
In the late afternoon the ocean breeze builds, bringing cooler air to the Peninsula, a breeze that fails to reach Summerville and Goose Creek, where it's the perfect time for ice cream at the Dairy Queen, trips to the pool, fishing in the late evening, and bugs. Oh my God the bugs.
Cicadas that sing from dusk into late in the evening, a chourus of frogs, crickets and whatever that big thing is....did you hear it?....there it is again!
Lighting bugs, millions of them, have you noticed? They are gone. The the other day I saw one in my yard just one, where there used to be millions. I know my brother and I caught a lot of them but...
Somewhere around 9:30 hard dark comes and humidity and temperature change places, humidity goes to 99 percent and the temperature goes to 85 degrees. The dampness is everywhere, and the air becomes heavy and thick and in this stillness wet clings to everything.
By the time July 4th comes folks in New England will also revel with delight in the warmer months with trips to the shore, while we in Charleston are heading to the beach for the 13th week in a row, or avoiding the hot sun on tree covered verandas and darting in and out of our air conditioned confines.
Pity the poor Yankees whose summer ends just after labor day, where ours will seem endless come Augtember.
With morning the process will repeat its self, the dew will burn off and the temperature will soar while the himidity drops to less than 50%. Madison will guard the yard, the courtyard driveway and then give up when the temperature moves again towards 90 and she'll make another 100 or so nose prints on the window glass.
My grandmother passed away in the death grip of winter a few years ago, fitting as she lived for her garden and the warmth of summer and today her voice echos every time I go outside, "Keep that door closed, I'm not paying to air condition summertime".
Portrait of a Four Mile Greenway Parking Lot Scofflaw
Definition of "scofflaw" a "contemptuous law violator".
The signs prohibiting Greenway parking in the Shops at Piper Glen parking lot are everywhere. Besides being unfair to store owners who pay for the parking lot, and their patrons who are forced to go elsewhere for lack of parking spaces, some of these law breakers are simply a danger.
Cedar Posts is amazed at the effort this woman put into hiding her dirty deed. First she roamed the parking lot in her gold colored SUV, nearly backing into several cars in the process. Once she finally found her "discrete" parking spot, she backed her SUV into the tight space to hide her license plate making it more difficult to identify her vehicle. Of course all of her shady antics, near collisions and u-turns got Cedar's attention.
Once she stopped being a rolling hazard, she walked across the entire parking lot with her 3 young sons in tow. Pretending to stop for coffee at Starbucks before crossing the street and walking west on the Greenway.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Charlote FBI and CMPD Are Seaching for Man Seen In LYNX Restricted Area
FBI Press Release:
The Charlotte Division of the FBI and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are asking the public to help identify a man who was in a restricted area along the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) LYNX Blue Line in April. He was observed acting in a suspicious manner on a surveillance camera, and the incident was reported to the FBI. Agents and Task Force Officers are now asking if anyone may know this individual.
“The safety and security procedures that we have established along the light rail line assisted in detecting the individual in an area that is off limits to the public. We immediately notified our partners at the FBI and CMPD,” said Bryan Leaird, CATS’ General Manager of Safety and Security. “The combined efforts of CATS and our local and federal law enforcement agencies help keep the transit system safe for our customers, which is our top priority.”
“We do not want to create a sense of alarm releasing these surveillance photos. Our job as law enforcement is to track down suspicious activity. Recent events have created an atmosphere of heightened awareness, and that type of vigilance is a good thing,” said Chris Briese, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Charlotte Division. “We hope someone in the community has information that can help us.”
Anyone who has information that may help the FBI identify the man pictured in the surveillance image is asked to call the Charlotte Division at 704-377-9200.
Cedar's Take:
Whoa! April? You have got to be kidding me! This is almost July, why has this just now become a concern? Did CATS just now review the tape? Or is the FBI that overwhelmed with possible terrorist suspects? Has it taken this long for CMPD to admit that they don't have a clue who this guy is? Or what he was up to? Who dropped the ball this time?
I doubt there is anyone among us who doesn't think that it was exactly this sort of complacency and incompetence that brought down the world trade center towers ten years ago. This is a serious screw up.
Even so I'm not too worried unless the obviously Arab man was driving something that looked like this:
Mega Props to the Cedar Posts reader who sent this:
That guy sure looks familiar, I think I know who the mystery perp is, he's Darryl from Newhart!
CMPD VCAT Gets Another Runner Shamond Glenn Age 16
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are on the hunt for Shamond Glenn age 16 a black male who is 6'1" and heavy weighing in at around 170. (The Local Paper reports he is 6 feet tall while the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's website says he is 5'1" based on the mug shot if he's 5 feet tall he carries the weight well.)
CMPD's Violent Criminal Apprehension Team is looking for the teen who has been arrested 4 times since his 16th birthday in December. Most recently for 2nd degree sex offense.
CMPD says Glenn cut off his electronic monitoring device this morning and is now on the run.
Anyone with information about Glenn's whereabouts is asked to call police at 704-336-VCAT or call 911.
Cedar's Take: Please tell me why we let violent offenders and in this case a rapist out of jail? All these felons cutting off their ankle bracelets makes Cedar Posts wonder why we let any of them out in the first place. Further why they aren't these montioring devices armored? How about going back to shackles and chains? Just sayin...
Monday, June 20, 2011
Monday's Odds and Ends
NBC Deletes "Under God" and Twitterverse Goes Nutty - The United States Golf Association held it's annual US Open Golf Championship no more than a pitching wedge away from the Nation's Capital this past weekend. Sunday's final round was broadcast by NBC.
During NBCs opening video montage that included children reciting the pledge the network decided to edit out the words "under God" and indivisible.
3 hours into the broadcast NBC issued a meek apology:
"We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago, and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation's capital for the third time," announcer Dan Hicks told viewers. "Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone, and we'd like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it."
It seems clear that NBC deliberately removed the words "under God" and considers those offended to be nothing more than a very small minority.
The pledge in the current form is simple and straight forward:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty
and justice for all."
But before you get all upset with NBC consider that the original pledge was this:
"I pledge allegiance
to my flag
and the republic for which it stands:
one nation indivisible with liberty
and justice for all."
Cedar Posts was raised back in the day when the pledge was a daily routine in grades K-5, so I have come to expect the words "under God" which were added in 1954.
But the pledge has changed often since it was first introduced more than 100 years ago. And good thing because I suppose this photo of children reciting the pledge and saluting the flag in 1941 might be a little disturbing.
Back in 1941 reciting the pledge without "under God" while holding your arm straight out and elevated was considered a very patriotic way to show your love of our country. Of course now it would be considered an insult to just about everyone. Thank you Italy and Nazi Germany.
So maybe its time to remove the "Under God" from the pledge? Change it up a little, I'm thinking a "rap version" ..... maybe recognizing beer and pizza how about you? You can find more about the Bellamy Salute here and the history of the pledge here.
More about CMPD Lieutenants - Word is that Chief Monroe plans on add the re-created position next month. Seems all RACs will become Lieutenants. There may be others that get the automatic change. Also noted is that sergeants going through the captain's selection process may find themselves instead as Lieutenants.
In case you missed it - An off-duty Chicago Police officer was dressed as a clown and leaving a community event for toddlers when he fatally shot a man trying to rob him on the South Side Friday night. The officer described is "very active" in the community and was in the costume because he was entertaining toddlers attending a sleepover at a daycare center prior to the shooting, according to police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli.
The officer was leaving the fundraising event when the incident occurred, and no children were nearby, according to Mirabelli.
The suspect approached the off-duty Chicago Police officer about 10:10 p.m. in the 1900 block of West 87th Street, produced a gun and tried to rob the officer, according to a statement from police News Affairs.
The officer and the robber struggled, and the gun discharged and struck the robber, the statement said. The weapon was recovered at the scene.
The man, believed to be in his 20s, was dead on the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
During NBCs opening video montage that included children reciting the pledge the network decided to edit out the words "under God" and indivisible.
3 hours into the broadcast NBC issued a meek apology:
"We began our coverage of this final round just about three hours ago, and when we did it was our intent to begin the coverage of this U.S. Open championship with a feature that captured the patriotism of our national championship being held in our nation's capital for the third time," announcer Dan Hicks told viewers. "Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone, and we'd like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it."
It seems clear that NBC deliberately removed the words "under God" and considers those offended to be nothing more than a very small minority.
The pledge in the current form is simple and straight forward:
"I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty
and justice for all."
But before you get all upset with NBC consider that the original pledge was this:
"I pledge allegiance
to my flag
and the republic for which it stands:
one nation indivisible with liberty
and justice for all."
Cedar Posts was raised back in the day when the pledge was a daily routine in grades K-5, so I have come to expect the words "under God" which were added in 1954.
But the pledge has changed often since it was first introduced more than 100 years ago. And good thing because I suppose this photo of children reciting the pledge and saluting the flag in 1941 might be a little disturbing.
Back in 1941 reciting the pledge without "under God" while holding your arm straight out and elevated was considered a very patriotic way to show your love of our country. Of course now it would be considered an insult to just about everyone. Thank you Italy and Nazi Germany.
So maybe its time to remove the "Under God" from the pledge? Change it up a little, I'm thinking a "rap version" ..... maybe recognizing beer and pizza how about you? You can find more about the Bellamy Salute here and the history of the pledge here.
More about CMPD Lieutenants - Word is that Chief Monroe plans on add the re-created position next month. Seems all RACs will become Lieutenants. There may be others that get the automatic change. Also noted is that sergeants going through the captain's selection process may find themselves instead as Lieutenants.
In case you missed it - An off-duty Chicago Police officer was dressed as a clown and leaving a community event for toddlers when he fatally shot a man trying to rob him on the South Side Friday night. The officer described is "very active" in the community and was in the costume because he was entertaining toddlers attending a sleepover at a daycare center prior to the shooting, according to police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli.
The officer was leaving the fundraising event when the incident occurred, and no children were nearby, according to Mirabelli.
The suspect approached the off-duty Chicago Police officer about 10:10 p.m. in the 1900 block of West 87th Street, produced a gun and tried to rob the officer, according to a statement from police News Affairs.
The officer and the robber struggled, and the gun discharged and struck the robber, the statement said. The weapon was recovered at the scene.
The man, believed to be in his 20s, was dead on the scene, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Retired CMPD Captain James "Andy" Martin Passes Away
James Andrew Martin, Jr., 70, died Wednesday, June 15, 2011 in Presbyterian's Harris Hospice Unit. Born in Charlotte on June 7, 1941.
Mr. Martin was a retired Police Captain having served thirty years with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church where he served on the church council. He was a graduate of Gardner-Webb University and the F.B.I. Academy. Mr. Martin was Master Mason and a member of West Gate Masonic Lodge #738. He was an Oasis Shriner and had served as Past Captain of the Director of Staff and was also a member of the Royal Order of the Jesters Court #109. Mr. Martin was also a member for FOP Lodge #9 and served as a State Trustee as well as a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Association.
A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00PM, Monday, June 20th at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Elissa Ashely officiating. Masonic burial rites will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens with The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department serving as honor guards.
Serving as pallbearers will be Michael Jones, Jimmy Jones, Mike Ward, Paul Earls, Ed McBride, Luther Whitson and Trey Martin.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, from 4:00PM to 7:00PM in the fellowship hall of Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2422 Ashley Road.
It Took A While But....
In the hysteria, hype and smoke screen from CMPD command staff immediately following the Speed Street Shootings and Riots, police thought that a robber and car jacking at UNCC might have been the shooting suspect. He wasn't.
According to a UNCC safety alert back on June 2, 2011 a man approached a women at the campus West Deck and showed a silver revolver before demanding the keys to her SUV and driving away.
Now two weeks later police say they've arrested three men in connection with that car jacking.
On Thursday, police arrested Gregory Deas, 21, and on Friday, police arrested Gerald Antonio Stanley III, and Demarice Deon Terrell, both 19.
Terrell
Stanley
Deas
Each was being held Friday in Mecklenburg jail, charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and financial transaction card theft.
Police say Deas was wearing an electronic monitoring device at the time of the robbery. Deas has a long track record of minor and serious crimes, and this one should provide for his permanent incarceration.
No word on why it took so long to run through the GPS read out of Deas' where abouts, but you got to hand it to CMPD they always get their man, or for benefit of Deas "stupid is as stupid does".
According to a UNCC safety alert back on June 2, 2011 a man approached a women at the campus West Deck and showed a silver revolver before demanding the keys to her SUV and driving away.
Now two weeks later police say they've arrested three men in connection with that car jacking.
On Thursday, police arrested Gregory Deas, 21, and on Friday, police arrested Gerald Antonio Stanley III, and Demarice Deon Terrell, both 19.
Terrell
Stanley
Deas
Each was being held Friday in Mecklenburg jail, charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and financial transaction card theft.
Police say Deas was wearing an electronic monitoring device at the time of the robbery. Deas has a long track record of minor and serious crimes, and this one should provide for his permanent incarceration.
No word on why it took so long to run through the GPS read out of Deas' where abouts, but you got to hand it to CMPD they always get their man, or for benefit of Deas "stupid is as stupid does".
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday Odds and Ends
Heart Breaking Video From Puppy Mill Raid
The Humane Society Press Release is here.
The Fear of Taco Trucks - They are the ubiquitous taco trucks, a rolling metaphor that illustrates perfectly our fear of the Latino invasion of the United States of America.
Taco Boy Truck in Charleston, from one of Cedar's Favorite Photographers Joan Perry. Check out Joan's photos of Cedar Posts' working home here.
Long time residents of Charlotte, like myself wonder what happened. Our city seems to be under attack from all sides.
We no longer feel safe in uptown, or east Charlotte. Our "turf" has been reduced to a wedge that to the south boarders between Monroe Road and South Boulevard and in the north the LKN area. The rest is no-man's land.
A drive down Central Avenue might as well be "East LA" rather than East Charlotte. Sure there are pockets of "before" but for the most part Eastway and Central are a waste land of Asian and Latino markets, payday loans and western union stores, as well as noticeable "white flight".
And as recently as four years ago East Charlotte was also the perfect place to find a taco truck.
Perhaps that is why in 2008 the Charlotte City Council set out to "ban taco trucks". The trucks are a mainstay of cities like Los Angeles, and Dallas, where they have replaced the blue collar lunch wagon with authentic Mexican/Latin fast food. The argument was that they cause litter and crime. The over bearing rules passed by Charlotte City Council worked, reducing the number of taco trucks from 50 to 7.
Charlotte's stand against the Latin invasion may be over, as the city council looks into de-regulating a business that they deem un-attractive. Of course it might just go the other way, the fatal blow given to the taxi owners on Monday may just signal a continuation of the heavy handedness.
Mary Newsome Departs - The journalistic talents of the Charlotte Observer's queen of liberal nuttyness could be debated ad nauseum. But not her career length, she is the perennial wall flower of the far political left. Sadly she is another casualty of McClatchly cut backs, or maybe she just saw the handwriting on the wall, regardless she has left the Observer building.
Some will celebrate her departure, and while I found her views extreme and journalist conduct far from acceptable, her habit of censoring dissent was revolting, she did add perspective to the world around her. Once you had Mary's view you always knew you could find the center by going to the right. Her final humor filled blog post is here.
Passing of Former CMPD Sergeant William Durham Branch - Mr. Branch, was 90, He was born on April 26, 1921 in Lumberton, son of the late Ellis and Lessie Bowen Branch.
Mr. Branch was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II. After the war he joined the Charlotte Police Department, retiring as a Sergeant in 1979.
A funeral service was held on Monday, June 13, 2011 in the chapel of Hankins & Whittington, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. Entombment with military honors was conducted at the Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum .
Your Credit Score is Meaningless - You've seen the countless ads, telling you that you should know your credit score, purporting to "reveal" your credit score and provide you with the tools to actively manage your credit file.
Did you know that the number you are given has nothing to do with the number the credit report companies provide your bank or credit card company? It's true that 780 number you are so proud of is being reported to your bank as a 640. The number and the scale are variables based on predetermined parameters set by some magic set of guidelines. More on this soon.
The Humane Society Press Release is here.
The Fear of Taco Trucks - They are the ubiquitous taco trucks, a rolling metaphor that illustrates perfectly our fear of the Latino invasion of the United States of America.
Taco Boy Truck in Charleston, from one of Cedar's Favorite Photographers Joan Perry. Check out Joan's photos of Cedar Posts' working home here.
Long time residents of Charlotte, like myself wonder what happened. Our city seems to be under attack from all sides.
We no longer feel safe in uptown, or east Charlotte. Our "turf" has been reduced to a wedge that to the south boarders between Monroe Road and South Boulevard and in the north the LKN area. The rest is no-man's land.
A drive down Central Avenue might as well be "East LA" rather than East Charlotte. Sure there are pockets of "before" but for the most part Eastway and Central are a waste land of Asian and Latino markets, payday loans and western union stores, as well as noticeable "white flight".
And as recently as four years ago East Charlotte was also the perfect place to find a taco truck.
Perhaps that is why in 2008 the Charlotte City Council set out to "ban taco trucks". The trucks are a mainstay of cities like Los Angeles, and Dallas, where they have replaced the blue collar lunch wagon with authentic Mexican/Latin fast food. The argument was that they cause litter and crime. The over bearing rules passed by Charlotte City Council worked, reducing the number of taco trucks from 50 to 7.
Charlotte's stand against the Latin invasion may be over, as the city council looks into de-regulating a business that they deem un-attractive. Of course it might just go the other way, the fatal blow given to the taxi owners on Monday may just signal a continuation of the heavy handedness.
Mary Newsome Departs - The journalistic talents of the Charlotte Observer's queen of liberal nuttyness could be debated ad nauseum. But not her career length, she is the perennial wall flower of the far political left. Sadly she is another casualty of McClatchly cut backs, or maybe she just saw the handwriting on the wall, regardless she has left the Observer building.
Some will celebrate her departure, and while I found her views extreme and journalist conduct far from acceptable, her habit of censoring dissent was revolting, she did add perspective to the world around her. Once you had Mary's view you always knew you could find the center by going to the right. Her final humor filled blog post is here.
Passing of Former CMPD Sergeant William Durham Branch - Mr. Branch, was 90, He was born on April 26, 1921 in Lumberton, son of the late Ellis and Lessie Bowen Branch.
Mr. Branch was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during World War II. After the war he joined the Charlotte Police Department, retiring as a Sergeant in 1979.
A funeral service was held on Monday, June 13, 2011 in the chapel of Hankins & Whittington, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203. Entombment with military honors was conducted at the Sharon Memorial Park Mausoleum .
Your Credit Score is Meaningless - You've seen the countless ads, telling you that you should know your credit score, purporting to "reveal" your credit score and provide you with the tools to actively manage your credit file.
Did you know that the number you are given has nothing to do with the number the credit report companies provide your bank or credit card company? It's true that 780 number you are so proud of is being reported to your bank as a 640. The number and the scale are variables based on predetermined parameters set by some magic set of guidelines. More on this soon.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
CMUD Welcome to the Matrix
Last night Charlotte City Council approved the 2012 budget that will more than likely increase your water bill.
You have to hand it to CMUD as they have managed to cook up another brilliant move that will confound even the most seasoned accountant. A formula so complex that it had Charlotte City Council member Warren Cooksey tongue tied last night, while trying to explain why the big users will pay more.
Back in February Charlotte City Council approved a rate "re-structure" for CMUD customers. The idea, as the sales pitch goes is to lower rates for the lowest and highest users, while "bumping up" the rates for the average user, which if the scheme proves true will make for better average revenue flow.
(Note: CMUD can't effectively manage the changes between peak and off peak seasons.)
But the scheme doesn't decrease the rates for anyone, as it is expected to increase the average monthly bill by nearly 10%.
How did we get to this point?
In the early 90's CMUD decided it needed to adopt a "tiered" rate structure, that sent a "conservation message" and helped to recover the "additional cost of meeting excess demand" in other words a pricing scheme that penalized those who used more water per month than the rest of us and the windfall would be used to build bigger waterlines to meet the larger demand.
So back in 1994 the first tier was set at 1-18 ccf which is where most of us found ourselves, and the new bills didn't seem to cause much confusion. In reality if you went crazy and filled up a swimming pool and went over the 18 ccf, you expected a bill spike.
In 2001 the tiered rates matrix was "tweaked" to reflect updated consumption data by lowering the first tier from 18 ccf to 16 ccf. Still no real issues since most citizens used less that 16 ccf even during the summer.
All was well and fine until the drought of 2002 when the tiered rates were raised by nearly 60% for "high use" customers. The sales pitch back in the day was to "force" more conservation.
Then in 2007, CMUD and mother nature along with the help of Duke Power drained the water in the Catawba River System to scathingly low levels. This prolonged drought did two things, if forced residents to re-think how they managed their water use and taught CMUD a valuable lesson, that consumers are as fickle as the weather.
So CMUD rolled out the new "four" tiered system lowering the first tier to 4 cff a second tier was created at the 5-8 ccf level and another at 9-16 and the fourth at 17 cff and above.
This caused some unforeseen consequences. First it was a massive "stealth" price increase as most customers averaged in the 9-16 range, second it complicated the billing for nearly 93% of customers who found themselves with consumption that jumped month by month between two price tiers.
Who could forget the March 2008; notice that CMUD customers received thanking them for conserving and informing them of a 15% rate increase due to the decreased demand for water. A letter so comical it was even featured on the "Ripley's Believe it or Not" television show.
Charlotte Observer - April 8, 2008 "its official, Charlotte-Mecklenburg water and sewer customers: Your rates will go up because you conserved. Charlotte City Council approved an unusually steep water and sewer rate hike Monday - double the normal annual increase - to make up for lower water sales in recent months, as the region has stopped lawn watering. The vote was 7-3, and several council members including Andy Dulin in support of the motion complained that they had little choice."
What CMUD soon discovered is that those in Charlotte who have expensive homes and irrigation systems will pay for water up to a point. But, as a local doctor explained it to Cedar Posts, "just because I can afford a 50 dollar hamburger doesn't mean I'll buy one."
The entire pricing system was counter intuitive. Normally if you buy more you "earn" break points, buy the extra large size of laundry detergent and it costs less per ounce.
The other lesson learned was that the tiered system was so confusing and the penalty for going to tier 4was so steep, causing huge price spikes that it over whelmed the customer service side of CMUD. Customer service began to fail, as call center staff resorted to out right lies, and denial.
In 2010 CMUD finally admitted it had issues with its billing and metering system. While they are still making excuses and claim errors in billing are less than 1% at least they acknowledged a problem that citizens have long known existed.
The simple reason for all of the upheaval is that as long as the water rates were low, and a 15% error was only a couple of dollars it didn't matter to most people. But after years of increases often at a rate nearly 10 times that of inflation these spikes have become really money.
The ugly truth is the CMUD has been "stealing" from Charlotte citizens for years. The system so bloated with employees and so shockingly inefficient and so accustom to an endless stream of revenue that it is not a business but a ponzi scheme. The only way it could stay afloat was to bring in new investors and expand the matrix.
Now council members Dulin and Cooksey have again joyfully approved the changes. The effect will mean an across the board increase for the majority of Charlotte's citizens that will show up in their mail boxes sometime in July.
CMUD has been to the feed trough time and time again buffaloing their way to higher rates and ever more creative fees and charges.
Under the new rate structure, about 94 percent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utility customers will pay between $1.60 and $6 more a month for water and sewer. City Manager Curt Walton projects that the increase will be mostly due to two new monthly "availability charges" of $3.73 for sewer and $2.19 for water.
Council members approved the new rate structure with an 8-3 vote, with Democrats Michael Barnes, Warren Turner and Patrick Cannon voting no.
Sobering thought, the department is more than $1 billion in debt, and about 60 percent of revenue goes toward debt services, according to Charlotte council member Warren Cooksey.
Cedar's Take: So here's what troubles me, the reason we all live in a city versus the wide open spaces is economies of scale. Providing cost effective basic services should be a mandate in Mecklenburg County.
But over the last five years our water rates have increased on average more than 8 1/2 times the rate of inflation.
2007 Rate Increase 6.25%
2008 Rate Increase 14%
2009 Rate Increase 5.2%
2010 Rate Increase 7.6%
2011 Rate Increase 10.0%
CMUD has managed to complicate the obvious and trivialize the momentous. Their past efforts to confuse and deceive have created a monster that even they don't understand.
CMUD's pricing scheme has become so complex that it required the hiring of "outside" consultants to prepare a document to justify another rate increase and further complicate the rate structure in an effort to optimize billing and revenues.
A report so filled with calculations that city council member's eyes simply glazed over from confusion. Leaving members Cooksey and Dulin little choice but to vote to approve the change, for fear of actually having to understand what a mess they have approved.
The bottom line is Charlotte’s past record of growth can not be maintained in the future because it is incompatible with our water resources. Justifying continual rate increases with comparisons to other water departments, on the state or national level is misguided. Numbers and percentages do not equate to "local" taxpayer's cost of living.
We need to elect local representatives who will not only put a stop to reckless spending and growth of government but reduce the size of the matrix, and strive to simplify the billing process and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Finally the water supply provided by God in the Catawba Basin is finite. We have reached the point were "water wars" are inevitable, and this is an issue that can not be fixed by council members with limited ability to grasp complex concepts.
Cedar Posts Extra Credit: Want to dig in to the matrix further? Check out the Mayor's Water Solution Task Force report to Cornelius mayor Jeffery Tarte which is here.
CMUD tries to explain the method to their madness here.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday's Odds and Ends
NBA Championship - Goes to Dallas, as if you didn't expect that to be the outcome. LeBron James for all hype, trash talk and self promotion, and "The Decision" just couldn't come through for the Heat. It was a slow motion train wreck of missed shots, turnovers and JV mistakes.
Mark Cuban Mavrick's Team Owner on the left.
While the talk today will be of LeBron's failure, (the best wrap-up on the Cleveland - LeBron James fallout is here), someone should step up and say "Way to Go" Mark Cuban. The NBA needs more grass roots owners like Cuban. He's been a thorn in NBA commissioner David Stern's backside for years and when he had a chance to say I told you so, in front of an area full of Miami Heat fans, he stepped back and let Donald Cater the team's original owner accept the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy. That's pure class from a guy who many said didn't have any.
Tommy Tomlinson speaks up about LeBron James and his lack of class here.
CMPD Props - The past week I tweeted (Yes Cedar has a tweeter account) about a couple CMPD heros. First major kudos to the unknown CMPD Officer I saw changing a tire for someone's grandfather on a day when the outside temp was 93 and the temp of the pavement was well over 105. Those of you who wear the blue uniform know it wasn't made for a pit crew.
Props to the officers who pulled two seniors out of their home Saturday, quick thinking and action that saved their lives.
To the CMPD officers who stood out in the street at Park Road and Archdale Drive on Saturday night. Kudos for cuffing and stuffing the drunks! I'm always amazed at the number of people who don't have valid drivers license, insurance or registrations.
Shout out to the two officers at McD's on Friday morning who stopped by to chat it up with Cedar Posts. Thanks for all the kind words about the blog.
CDIA - Interesting how the "Local Paper" explains that Jerry Orr's airport will break up 10000 feet of concrete and replace the 18-36C runway at a cost of 26 million this summer.
"Runway 18C-36C will have its concrete surface ripped up and reconstructed started(ing) Aug. 15. Officials say that work should take about two months and is being paid for with $26.5 million in bonds."
Reality Check - The work is being paid for by taxpayers. I don't care how Jerry Orr spins the airport operation we the citizens of Charlotte pay for the airport. Mainly via inflated ticket prices thank you US Airways.
US Airways Fail - Speaking of US Airways, Mrs Cedar had to make some last minute changes to her flight plans back in April. A last minute change meant paying a change fee ($150.00)a higher fare, changing flights and destinations. Being the nice husband that I am handled the change for her and even paid the extra charge for a "Choice Seat".
When Mrs Cedar checked in at the gate she was bumped out of her "Choice Seat" and sent to the back of the bus. Thus began a two month Odyssey to reclaim my $39.00 "fee" for what used to be free.
I have spent no less than 3 hours and countless emails trying to pry the funds back away from US Airways. Its amazing that this airline would commit so many man hours to keep a couple of Hamilton's. I can't help but laugh at the call center employees on the other side of the world who don't really speak English and have fake names.
Good News - later this year US Airways will phase out their overseas call center operations and all calls will be taken by US based employees. Score one for the USA! Bad News - Another dead end and another email from Useless Airways requesting more information and still no refund.
Up and Coming Hotness - I'll blame this one on Mrs. Cedar who made me watch the subtitled foreign film "Till det som ar vackert" (To What is Beautiful) retitled for the US as "Pure". Alicia Vikander plays the role of Katrina.
This film is sexy gone mad, if sex in public places is your thing then this film is a must see. But the real value is that besides being pure hottness Alicia Vikander is a "shooting star" and she is in the running to sign a deal to appear in World War "Z" along with Brad Pitt.
"Z" continues the sudden fascination with Zombies, I have no idea why but World War "Z" the book was a hit and so now a movie. And yes she does speak English, but does it even matter?
Turmoil at Matthews PD? - Word is that three officers have departed the small Matthews Police Department in recent weeks. No word as to why, but given the forty man department's size I suspect some thing is up.
Mark Cuban Mavrick's Team Owner on the left.While the talk today will be of LeBron's failure, (the best wrap-up on the Cleveland - LeBron James fallout is here), someone should step up and say "Way to Go" Mark Cuban. The NBA needs more grass roots owners like Cuban. He's been a thorn in NBA commissioner David Stern's backside for years and when he had a chance to say I told you so, in front of an area full of Miami Heat fans, he stepped back and let Donald Cater the team's original owner accept the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship trophy. That's pure class from a guy who many said didn't have any.
Tommy Tomlinson speaks up about LeBron James and his lack of class here.
CMPD Props - The past week I tweeted (Yes Cedar has a tweeter account) about a couple CMPD heros. First major kudos to the unknown CMPD Officer I saw changing a tire for someone's grandfather on a day when the outside temp was 93 and the temp of the pavement was well over 105. Those of you who wear the blue uniform know it wasn't made for a pit crew.
Props to the officers who pulled two seniors out of their home Saturday, quick thinking and action that saved their lives.
To the CMPD officers who stood out in the street at Park Road and Archdale Drive on Saturday night. Kudos for cuffing and stuffing the drunks! I'm always amazed at the number of people who don't have valid drivers license, insurance or registrations.
Shout out to the two officers at McD's on Friday morning who stopped by to chat it up with Cedar Posts. Thanks for all the kind words about the blog.
CDIA - Interesting how the "Local Paper" explains that Jerry Orr's airport will break up 10000 feet of concrete and replace the 18-36C runway at a cost of 26 million this summer.
"Runway 18C-36C will have its concrete surface ripped up and reconstructed started(ing) Aug. 15. Officials say that work should take about two months and is being paid for with $26.5 million in bonds."
Reality Check - The work is being paid for by taxpayers. I don't care how Jerry Orr spins the airport operation we the citizens of Charlotte pay for the airport. Mainly via inflated ticket prices thank you US Airways.
US Airways Fail - Speaking of US Airways, Mrs Cedar had to make some last minute changes to her flight plans back in April. A last minute change meant paying a change fee ($150.00)a higher fare, changing flights and destinations. Being the nice husband that I am handled the change for her and even paid the extra charge for a "Choice Seat".
When Mrs Cedar checked in at the gate she was bumped out of her "Choice Seat" and sent to the back of the bus. Thus began a two month Odyssey to reclaim my $39.00 "fee" for what used to be free.
I have spent no less than 3 hours and countless emails trying to pry the funds back away from US Airways. Its amazing that this airline would commit so many man hours to keep a couple of Hamilton's. I can't help but laugh at the call center employees on the other side of the world who don't really speak English and have fake names.
Good News - later this year US Airways will phase out their overseas call center operations and all calls will be taken by US based employees. Score one for the USA! Bad News - Another dead end and another email from Useless Airways requesting more information and still no refund.
Up and Coming Hotness - I'll blame this one on Mrs. Cedar who made me watch the subtitled foreign film "Till det som ar vackert" (To What is Beautiful) retitled for the US as "Pure". Alicia Vikander plays the role of Katrina.
This film is sexy gone mad, if sex in public places is your thing then this film is a must see. But the real value is that besides being pure hottness Alicia Vikander is a "shooting star" and she is in the running to sign a deal to appear in World War "Z" along with Brad Pitt.
"Z" continues the sudden fascination with Zombies, I have no idea why but World War "Z" the book was a hit and so now a movie. And yes she does speak English, but does it even matter?
Turmoil at Matthews PD? - Word is that three officers have departed the small Matthews Police Department in recent weeks. No word as to why, but given the forty man department's size I suspect some thing is up.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
A Word to the Class of 2011
There is an amazing range of emotion in this photo by the "Local Paper's" Diedra Laird - showing the North Mecklenburg High School class of 2011. Look closely, from elation to despair it has been captured, a moment in time made un-mistaken and absolute.
During the last couple of weeks there have been scores of graduations and with all the time honored traditions. There are of course the commencement exercises, some big, some memorable, many small, some so large that you you have to claim your diploma on Monday.
There are of course speakers at graduation the Class President speaks, the department heads speak, your parents speak, even your great Aunt Edna speaks. Everyone is talking except you. There you stand wearing a goofy cap and gown, while the entire world makes a fuss over something you either couldn't wait to get over with or like an execution hoped would never come.
The key note address is usually painful, someone talking about nothing, and its so painfully boring that you think you might die right there in your seat. But there are exceptions.
This may well be the best and most original commencement address ever delivered. Brad Delson, UCLA alum and guitarist for Linkin Park, strips down to a Bruins b-ball jersey and shorts; channels Britney Spears; talks about James Franco, Conan O'Brien, Jamie Foxx and Ellen DeGeneres; and offers some poignant words of wisdom in his spirited keynote address at the UCLA College of Letters and Science commencement ceremony on June 12, 2009.
Part 2 is here.
I have no advice for recent grads, just be warned from now on life moves faster, and a decade will pass and you will wonder what the hell happend.
I think the best advice ever given to graduates is this:
They're not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - - Carpe - - hear it? - - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary. - John Keating Dead Poets Society
Congratulations Class of 2011!
During the last couple of weeks there have been scores of graduations and with all the time honored traditions. There are of course the commencement exercises, some big, some memorable, many small, some so large that you you have to claim your diploma on Monday.
There are of course speakers at graduation the Class President speaks, the department heads speak, your parents speak, even your great Aunt Edna speaks. Everyone is talking except you. There you stand wearing a goofy cap and gown, while the entire world makes a fuss over something you either couldn't wait to get over with or like an execution hoped would never come.
The key note address is usually painful, someone talking about nothing, and its so painfully boring that you think you might die right there in your seat. But there are exceptions.
This may well be the best and most original commencement address ever delivered. Brad Delson, UCLA alum and guitarist for Linkin Park, strips down to a Bruins b-ball jersey and shorts; channels Britney Spears; talks about James Franco, Conan O'Brien, Jamie Foxx and Ellen DeGeneres; and offers some poignant words of wisdom in his spirited keynote address at the UCLA College of Letters and Science commencement ceremony on June 12, 2009.
Part 2 is here.
I have no advice for recent grads, just be warned from now on life moves faster, and a decade will pass and you will wonder what the hell happend.
I think the best advice ever given to graduates is this:
They're not that different from you, are they? Same haircuts. Full of hormones, just like you. Invincible, just like you feel. The world is their oyster. They believe they're destined for great things, just like many of you, their eyes are full of hope, just like you. Did they wait until it was too late to make from their lives even one iota of what they were capable? Because, you see gentlemen, these boys are now fertilizing daffodils. But if you listen real close, you can hear them whisper their legacy to you. Go on, lean in. Listen, you hear it? - - Carpe - - hear it? - - Carpe, carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary. - John Keating Dead Poets Society
Congratulations Class of 2011!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
CMS Educates a Samurai Wanna Be
Armano Washington
Charlotte Mecklenburg Police arrested Armano Washington, 18, a senior at Garinger High School, on Monday June 6th after he brought a 42-inch Samurai sword to school hidden in his pants.
That's right folks in his PANTS!
Investigators say Washington also had hidden a small knife in the handle of the sword.
He was allegedly going to sell the weapons at school. He is charged with possession of a weapon on school grounds and carrying a concealed weapon.
But wait there's more..... Washington was arrested back on December 1, 2010 the charge? You guessed it POSSESSION OF WEAPON ON SCHOOL GROUNDS!
Which reminds me of the world's best Samurai John Belushi
John Belushi as Samurai Futaba
No word if Samurai Fail Washington will be allowed to graduate with his Garinger High School classmates today, but his diploma needs to have a few asterisks.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Friday Odds and Ends
Roadway Update: A few weeks ago I wrote about Roadway an abandoned Labrador Retriever. I've checked the last couple of trips down I-26 at the Bowman Pilot Truck Stop and the word is Roadway is gone. Not sure if the family I wrote about adopted her or not but I'm an optimist so I hereby declare it so. The original post is here.
CMPD's Deputy Chief Harold Medlock goes all Fallujah at Comstat Meeting - Or at least that's what Cedar Posts is hearing. Seems the South Area's top officer has a different view of the Speed Street riots, and is busy throwing certain people under the bus.
DC Harold Medlock speaking in South Charlotte
While Chief Monroe states that "at no time did we loose control", Medlock is blaming certain command staff and RAC's for never having control and allowing the whole thing to get out of hand.
Emails and comments suggest Medlock's attack is born out of complete disrespect for rank and file and a management style whose key ingredient is FEAR and not intelligence.
"I am not on command staff, but out here in the real world we just don't get it.
And it's demoralizing....you don't know who to trust, who is really looking out for the troops. It seems people are mostly just looking out for themselves. And the people that are looking out for us don't stand a chance! We've all heard about this latest bashing, and it pisses us off."
"It was more like a bloodletting, really obvious and very personal with no redemptive value whatsoever. People I talked to were shocked, and all agreed it was punitive, even for (Medlock)."
Cedar's Take: I am not sure what really went down, but it doesn't seem to be over and if backfire and karma have anything to do with it, Medlock may have just set the city up for a major troublesome event come July 4th. Keep in mind that 12 hour shifts don't make for happy troops. I'd expect we'll have a week or more off 12 on 12 off, til we get past the upcoming holiday weekend.
Fear and intimidation have been the hallmarks of Rodney Monroe's CMPD since day one. But true leadership is not that of an iron fist and then taking the day off to play golf while your henchmen beat up subordinates. Leadership is best when its by example.
Note: Do not under any circumstances email Cedar Posts from your CMPD computer. It will cost you an active suspension, just ask around.
Has the "Uptown Crackdown" Begun? According to the "Local Paper" an effort to crack down on young urban African American youth may have gotten underway at Charlotte's EpiCenter.
Last week Phillip Agnew headed to Charlotte's EpiCentre. But now he says it's unlikely he'll ever return after a sideways-turned hat resulted in his arrest.
Agnew's Mug Shot
Agnew said on June 2, he was outdoors on the EpiCentre's top floor, when a security officer approached him and told he was violating the dress code, he said. He was asked to turn his hat around.
Agnew refused "I told them I was dressed just like everybody else for the weather," he said.
Then two police officers approached and asked him to turn his hat around, but again he refused. That's when he was escorted out, handcuffed and taken to jail. He was charged with second-degree trespassing.
Signs are posted throughout EpiCentre, lay out a dress code.
"The following is not permitted: Profanity on clothing, sleeveless shirts on men, bandannas, hats not worn forward, excessively torn clothing, undershirts, work boots, excessively baggy or sagging clothing, shirts of an inappropriate length, sweatsuits or athletic attire," the signs read.
The signs also say that dress codes of venues inside the EpiCentre may vary, and management reserves the right to refuse admission to or remove from the premises anyone whose "conduct is deemed to be disorderly or who fails to comply with the terms of entry."
Agnew, said he believes the policy discriminates against young urban African-Americans. Agnew has launched a Facebook page called "Do Not Enter the (Epi)Center" to raise support for his boycott. Agnew's Facebook page is here.
You can read the full story here.
NC House Approves Voter Id Law The measure would require voters to show a driver’s license or other photo identification in order to cast a vote in all elections.
The voting law is popular with Republicans who feel that many GOP races were lost to voter fraud during the Obama 2008 "Hope and Change" wave. Democrats on the other hand are crying foul with words like "Chains" and "Jim Crow".
But to this voter, and my perfect voting record over the last 20 years, its more personal. The polling place is one of the last threads of true community we have. The annual visit to the precinct, bumping into neighbors I haven't seen all year is part of the joy felt while casting a vote. The simplistic act of signing in without an ID and the feeling of belonging without question will be lost with the demand to see your ID.
Gone will be the good feeling of being known, the respect of the "I Voted" sticker lost to being nothing more than a stamp that say I too comformed to proving my citizenship and now I follow the rest of the lemmings to the cliff.
CMPD's Deputy Chief Harold Medlock goes all Fallujah at Comstat Meeting - Or at least that's what Cedar Posts is hearing. Seems the South Area's top officer has a different view of the Speed Street riots, and is busy throwing certain people under the bus.
DC Harold Medlock speaking in South Charlotte
While Chief Monroe states that "at no time did we loose control", Medlock is blaming certain command staff and RAC's for never having control and allowing the whole thing to get out of hand.
Emails and comments suggest Medlock's attack is born out of complete disrespect for rank and file and a management style whose key ingredient is FEAR and not intelligence.
"I am not on command staff, but out here in the real world we just don't get it.
And it's demoralizing....you don't know who to trust, who is really looking out for the troops. It seems people are mostly just looking out for themselves. And the people that are looking out for us don't stand a chance! We've all heard about this latest bashing, and it pisses us off."
"It was more like a bloodletting, really obvious and very personal with no redemptive value whatsoever. People I talked to were shocked, and all agreed it was punitive, even for (Medlock)."
Cedar's Take: I am not sure what really went down, but it doesn't seem to be over and if backfire and karma have anything to do with it, Medlock may have just set the city up for a major troublesome event come July 4th. Keep in mind that 12 hour shifts don't make for happy troops. I'd expect we'll have a week or more off 12 on 12 off, til we get past the upcoming holiday weekend.
Fear and intimidation have been the hallmarks of Rodney Monroe's CMPD since day one. But true leadership is not that of an iron fist and then taking the day off to play golf while your henchmen beat up subordinates. Leadership is best when its by example.
Note: Do not under any circumstances email Cedar Posts from your CMPD computer. It will cost you an active suspension, just ask around.
Has the "Uptown Crackdown" Begun? According to the "Local Paper" an effort to crack down on young urban African American youth may have gotten underway at Charlotte's EpiCenter.
Last week Phillip Agnew headed to Charlotte's EpiCentre. But now he says it's unlikely he'll ever return after a sideways-turned hat resulted in his arrest.
Agnew's Mug Shot
Agnew said on June 2, he was outdoors on the EpiCentre's top floor, when a security officer approached him and told he was violating the dress code, he said. He was asked to turn his hat around.
Agnew refused "I told them I was dressed just like everybody else for the weather," he said.
Then two police officers approached and asked him to turn his hat around, but again he refused. That's when he was escorted out, handcuffed and taken to jail. He was charged with second-degree trespassing.
Signs are posted throughout EpiCentre, lay out a dress code.
"The following is not permitted: Profanity on clothing, sleeveless shirts on men, bandannas, hats not worn forward, excessively torn clothing, undershirts, work boots, excessively baggy or sagging clothing, shirts of an inappropriate length, sweatsuits or athletic attire," the signs read.
The signs also say that dress codes of venues inside the EpiCentre may vary, and management reserves the right to refuse admission to or remove from the premises anyone whose "conduct is deemed to be disorderly or who fails to comply with the terms of entry."
Agnew, said he believes the policy discriminates against young urban African-Americans. Agnew has launched a Facebook page called "Do Not Enter the (Epi)Center" to raise support for his boycott. Agnew's Facebook page is here.
You can read the full story here.
NC House Approves Voter Id Law The measure would require voters to show a driver’s license or other photo identification in order to cast a vote in all elections.
The voting law is popular with Republicans who feel that many GOP races were lost to voter fraud during the Obama 2008 "Hope and Change" wave. Democrats on the other hand are crying foul with words like "Chains" and "Jim Crow".
But to this voter, and my perfect voting record over the last 20 years, its more personal. The polling place is one of the last threads of true community we have. The annual visit to the precinct, bumping into neighbors I haven't seen all year is part of the joy felt while casting a vote. The simplistic act of signing in without an ID and the feeling of belonging without question will be lost with the demand to see your ID.
Gone will be the good feeling of being known, the respect of the "I Voted" sticker lost to being nothing more than a stamp that say I too comformed to proving my citizenship and now I follow the rest of the lemmings to the cliff.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Google Honors Les Paul
The talanted people at Google came up with a fun way to honor the 96th birthday of the father of the electic guitar Les Paul, a doodle that is an interactive playable guitar in the form of a Google Logo.
Which got me thinking of some of the great guitar riffs, the really memorable ones, those that from the first few notes you reconize.
Eric Clapton's Layla is one of those and would be my choice. What's yours?
I'm thinking it must be in a top ten list or maybe I'm just old. If later as the first cords of the piano coda begin you find yourself getting chills then you might be old as well.
Which got me thinking of some of the great guitar riffs, the really memorable ones, those that from the first few notes you reconize.
Eric Clapton's Layla is one of those and would be my choice. What's yours?
I'm thinking it must be in a top ten list or maybe I'm just old. If later as the first cords of the piano coda begin you find yourself getting chills then you might be old as well.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Good Cop - Other Cops
Keeping you on your toes so that you never know what to expect. Here a short by Frank Ferri a little law enforcement over the top humor. By the way I promise to post this crud randomly until someone gives me a copy of the email outlining how CMPD changed crime reporting methods.
GOOD COP/AD COP
GOOD COP: Cooperate and I can help you.
AD COP: I can help you, too. I can help you take years off your appearance. Just sign this order form within the next eight minutes and you'll get not one, but THREE jars of our special anti-aging cream. While you're filling that out, fill out this confession, too.
GOOD COP/DAD COP
GOOD COP: First off, I want you to know that no one is judging you.
DAD COP: Except for me. I'm judging you. Why are we wasting our time with this loser anyway? He did it. No surprise there. Yep, the Big Disappointment screwed up again. Isn't that right, Mr. Screw Up?
GOOD COP/GLAD COP
GOOD COP: Just tell us what happened and everything is going to be fine.
GLAD COP: Everything really is going to be fine! I look around and see the most common place things, and they inspire me! That chair you're sitting in, those cuffs you're wearing, the laceration you got from this violent interrogation. It's all so beautiful. Life is good. Well, maybe not for you.
GOOD COP/GRAD COP
GOOD COP: I'm on your side, just work with me.
GRAD COP: Work? Just try to get a job now. I graduated from college and all I have to show for it is $45k a year and a police uniform. And student loans that won't end until Halley's Comet returns. You going to jail means one more job opening up for me. What? You're unemployed? I can't catch a break!
GOOD COP/MAD COP
GOOD COP: Would you like something to drink or eat while we talk?
MAD COP: How about some of my mom's cooking? Might not get you talking, but it'll get you puking. You picked the wrong day to break the law, you sonofabitch! Damn neighborhood kids keyed my car, my wife served me with divorce papers, and there was no whiskey left for breakfast! I'm in no mood!
GOOD COP/PLAID COP
GOOD COP: You look like a hardworking fella. Now tell me what you know so I can help. Us hardworking guys gotta stick together. Me? I've put 19 years in on the force. I earned my stripes.
PLAID COP: Stripes? No thanks. I wear colorful, hand-tailored suits of attractive criss-crossing patterns. They call me the Sartorial Rebel around the station house. And this rebel doesn't care much for an unpatterned sleazeball like you. Hope you like solid-orange jumpsuits.
GOOD COP/RAD COP
GOOD COP: I don't want to see you do time for this. I want to see you get help. But I need to know who your supplier is.
RAD COP: Dude. DUDE! You are so busted. Oh, bro, what were you thinking? You can't stash your junk in your shorts when you see a K-9 unit approaching. Fido gonna sniff that good stuff. I'm gonna take this herbage down to evidence myself. See you two later.
GOOD COP/SAD COP
GOOD COP: Come, now. Your life isn't over. You can still salvage what's left of it by fessing up.
SAD COP: How is a person even capable of this? I read your case file and then had to visit my shrink. She put me on a high dose of Zoloft. Of course, that wasn't enough, so she tacked on Abilify, because it's FDA-approved to help with depression when added in small doses to certain antidepressants. Anyone have a tissue? Oh god, here I go with the waterworks again.
GOOD COP/AD COP
GOOD COP: Cooperate and I can help you.
AD COP: I can help you, too. I can help you take years off your appearance. Just sign this order form within the next eight minutes and you'll get not one, but THREE jars of our special anti-aging cream. While you're filling that out, fill out this confession, too.
GOOD COP/DAD COP
GOOD COP: First off, I want you to know that no one is judging you.
DAD COP: Except for me. I'm judging you. Why are we wasting our time with this loser anyway? He did it. No surprise there. Yep, the Big Disappointment screwed up again. Isn't that right, Mr. Screw Up?
GOOD COP/GLAD COP
GOOD COP: Just tell us what happened and everything is going to be fine.
GLAD COP: Everything really is going to be fine! I look around and see the most common place things, and they inspire me! That chair you're sitting in, those cuffs you're wearing, the laceration you got from this violent interrogation. It's all so beautiful. Life is good. Well, maybe not for you.
GOOD COP/GRAD COP
GOOD COP: I'm on your side, just work with me.
GRAD COP: Work? Just try to get a job now. I graduated from college and all I have to show for it is $45k a year and a police uniform. And student loans that won't end until Halley's Comet returns. You going to jail means one more job opening up for me. What? You're unemployed? I can't catch a break!
GOOD COP/MAD COP
GOOD COP: Would you like something to drink or eat while we talk?
MAD COP: How about some of my mom's cooking? Might not get you talking, but it'll get you puking. You picked the wrong day to break the law, you sonofabitch! Damn neighborhood kids keyed my car, my wife served me with divorce papers, and there was no whiskey left for breakfast! I'm in no mood!
GOOD COP/PLAID COP
GOOD COP: You look like a hardworking fella. Now tell me what you know so I can help. Us hardworking guys gotta stick together. Me? I've put 19 years in on the force. I earned my stripes.
PLAID COP: Stripes? No thanks. I wear colorful, hand-tailored suits of attractive criss-crossing patterns. They call me the Sartorial Rebel around the station house. And this rebel doesn't care much for an unpatterned sleazeball like you. Hope you like solid-orange jumpsuits.
GOOD COP/RAD COP
GOOD COP: I don't want to see you do time for this. I want to see you get help. But I need to know who your supplier is.
RAD COP: Dude. DUDE! You are so busted. Oh, bro, what were you thinking? You can't stash your junk in your shorts when you see a K-9 unit approaching. Fido gonna sniff that good stuff. I'm gonna take this herbage down to evidence myself. See you two later.
GOOD COP/SAD COP
GOOD COP: Come, now. Your life isn't over. You can still salvage what's left of it by fessing up.
SAD COP: How is a person even capable of this? I read your case file and then had to visit my shrink. She put me on a high dose of Zoloft. Of course, that wasn't enough, so she tacked on Abilify, because it's FDA-approved to help with depression when added in small doses to certain antidepressants. Anyone have a tissue? Oh god, here I go with the waterworks again.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Titanic Sinks Again!
From the Daily Telegraph - Most people would think twice before buying a boat named Titanic II. And sure enough, when Briton Mark Wilkinson took the 16-foot (4.8-metre) cabin cruiser out for its maiden voyage, it promptly sank.
"If it wasn't for the harbourmaster I would have gone down with the Titanic," Wilkinson, who had to be fished out of the sea at West Bay harbour in Dorset, told local media.
"It's all a bit embarrassing and I got pretty fed up with people asking me if I had hit an iceberg."
Wilkinson, in his 40s, had only recently bought the boat and brought it by road from his home in Birmingham for its first outing.
After a successful fishing trip, things started to go wrong when he entered the harbour and the boat began taking on water. Wilkinson was forced to abandon ship and pictures showed him clinging to a rail before he was rescued.
One eyewitness said: "It wasn't a very big boat -- I think an ice cube could have sunk it!"
"If it wasn't for the harbourmaster I would have gone down with the Titanic," Wilkinson, who had to be fished out of the sea at West Bay harbour in Dorset, told local media.
"It's all a bit embarrassing and I got pretty fed up with people asking me if I had hit an iceberg."
Wilkinson, in his 40s, had only recently bought the boat and brought it by road from his home in Birmingham for its first outing.
After a successful fishing trip, things started to go wrong when he entered the harbour and the boat began taking on water. Wilkinson was forced to abandon ship and pictures showed him clinging to a rail before he was rescued.
One eyewitness said: "It wasn't a very big boat -- I think an ice cube could have sunk it!"
Lieutenant Columbo Returns to CMPD
After a long absence CMPD will bring back the rank of "Police Lieutenant" and the word on the street is that the rank will be reserved for homicide investigators only.
No details if the uniform shirt will be white, or if those permitted to dress in civilian clothes will be required to dress as shabbily as possible, act seemingly slow-witted, forgetful and be hard of hearing.
Cedar Posts has confirmed that Chief Monroe's request that all CMPD Homicide Lieutenants drive beat up 1960 Peugeot 403 convertibles, while cost effective on paper and in abundant supply since they litter the junk yards of Europe, seems that finding Peuqeots that run is a little more of a challenge.
On a more serious note; the pay scale at CMPD will need to be changed to accommodate the rank of lieutenant, because captains and sergeants are only within a few hundred dollars monthly.
Since it is clear sergeants would not take kindly to a pay cut, expect those ranks of captain and above to get a sizable pay raise. That's one way to get around the City Council idea of holding in line on spending, smoke and mirrors.
Other Notable Lieutenants in Uniform or Behind the Badge:
Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan Taylor: Gump and Bubba's commanding officer during the Vietnam
War.
Leslie Nielsen as Lieutenant Frank Drebin: Naked Gun
Peter Sell3rs as Inspector aka Lieutenant Jacques Clouseau: The Pink Panther
Monday, June 6, 2011
Another Monday After and More Spin
CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe, Mayor Anthony Foxx and CATS CEO Carolyn Flowers huddle during their Thursday presser. WFAE's Julie Rose covered the meeting here.
CMPD and Charlotte's civic leaders continued their spin on the melee from May 28th by having Chief Monroe and transit officials address Charlotte City Council Monday evening. Yet they didn't broadcast the public meeting.
Chief Monroe continued to state that at "no time did we loose control" and offered up the following video in a format that takes nearly an hour to download.
Cedar Posts has saved you the trouble of trying to view the video via CMPD and City computers by uploading it to You tube.
The video that doesn't have the familiar time and date stamp, begins with an arrest of a black man as he's put to the hood of a CMPD police car and ends sometime later with what seems to be the first of many scenes of people running during a night that boils over with a homicide and another shooting.
Transit Director Carolyn Flowers told Charlotte City Council that there was calm before, during and after Speed Street, and presented two screen saves of the transit center showing calm at 10:30 and more calm at 1:30. It's not hard to understand why they didn't present photos from 11:30 and 12:30.
Here's an interesting perspective of Charlotte's Transit Center:
One point of contention is that the media has blown the events out of control. At issue is the word riot. During Monday's meeting Chief Monroe offered his definition of riot:
Council member Warren Cooksey who sides with Chief Monroe, posted the above photo to his twitter account with the statement: "Unless you have a different definition, please stop using term rioting".
Perhaps the Official CMPD definition of riot should be used:
Riot: A public disturbance involving an assemblage of three or more persons who by disorderly and violent conduct or the imminent threat of disorderly and violent conduct results in injury or damage to persons or property or creates a clear and present danger of injury or damage to persons or property. The link to CMPD's Directives is here.
Cedar's Take: I supposed it depends on your position on crime, Cooskey has taken the "it was no big deal" position, I'd rather suggest zero tolerance should be Mr. Cooskey's position vs his "boys will be boys attitude."
Only someone willfully opposed to the truth would try to persuade citizens that events at Speed Street were not a riot or even near riot.
Another definition is here
Clearly Monroe's and Cooksey's idea of what constitutes a riot are far removed from normal.
A second point is the reports that there was looting, a video from WSOC offers an unexplained view of a mass exit of a store uptown which is here.
Again Officials and Rodney Monroe describe the event not as looting but, petty theft.
One of the advantages in working a job in Charleston, sometimes for days on end, is that it gives a good degree of perspective.
Anchored off a South Carolina barrier island over the weekend, far from the madness of Charlotte's Uptown it easy to see the spin.
The Charlotte Observer has described the Monroe - Foxx spin perfectly:
"Police Chief Rodney Monroe and Mayor Anthony Foxx, have tried hard this past week to find the right combination of acknowledging the problem and assuring us it's not really a problem."
The Op-Ed by Peter St. Onge is here.
Listening to Charlotte's Police Chief Rodney Monroe continually refer to Uptown Charlotte as the "Inner City" and stating emphatically that we have street fights every week end, and that "at no time did we loose control" are words from a man who clearly did not grow up in Charlotte and has no intention of living here any more than necessary to grab his take and move on.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday Odds and Ends
Facts Continue To Emerge as CMPD and Council Go Into Full Spin Control
CMPD released a report to select media sources late Wednesday night.
According to the local paper, the report says the disturbances did not happen at the uptown Speed Street festival, but that police were concerned about surging crowds of youths between ages 10 and 25 outside the event as early as 6 p.m. Saturday. Trouble escalated shortly after the festival closed at 11 p.m., including the 11:30 p.m. confrontation outside the Ritz-Carlton hotel between officers and the charging crowd.
The report also contains a map showing many of the arrests were concentrated near the transit center, the EpiCentre and Time Warner Cable Arena. The arrests include two for assault on an officer.
"Though the Center City area experienced large crowds and several fights, the fights were limited to small groups of individuals," the report says. "Control of the Center City was maintained at all times."
Cedar Posts has learned that Civil Emergency Unit officers were not exactly "staged" as first reported, but according to CMPD sources were within 20 minutes from Uptown.
The report apparently conflicts with an earlier accounts that stated that the troubles didn't start until hours after the "Speed Street" event had ended. The most recent account squares better with eyewitness account of youth taunting and heckling "Speed Street" attendees.
5th Annual Shelton and Clark Memorial Benefit Softball Tournament
On Saturday, July 2, 2011 and Sunday July 3, 2011, a benefit softball tournament will be held at Idlewild Road Park to pay tribute and honor Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark. Home Run Derby Contest begins at 12:00, Saturday, July 2nd with Tournament Play beginning at 8:00am Sunday, July 3rd.
Team registration fee: 200.00 per team
Home Run Derby registration fee: 20.00 per person
Team Trophy for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes
There will be food and fun for a great cause! Any and all donations accepted!
The first (8) Co-Ed Teams will be accepted and the first (8) MENS teams will be accepted (USSSA RULES)
If interested in supporting this cause, please contact:
Detective Darryl Seegars
Matthews Police Department
704-847-4069(office)
dseegars@matthewspolice.org
Cedar Says: This a great event that needs your support and its a great way to spend the July 4th weekend.
Charlotte City Council Split On Uptown Melee
Councilman Warren Turner said he is already convinced the department took the proper steps. Turner suggested the media has mischaracterized what happened.
"I feel like the city handled it well, the police department, very well," Turner said.
Councilman David Howard said uptown is one of the safest areas of the city, but "we have some perception issues."
City council member Patrick Cannon, who chairs the council's community safety committee, said a large number of people were loitering at the transit center instead of using it to board buses.
"We have to get our minds around managing large numbers of people using the transit center," Cannon said. "That's why the transportation piece, in my mind, is more important than anything else."
Mecklenburg County Magistrate Sylvia Cherry returned to work this weekend.
Cherry was suspended last week when she granted an unsecured bond, allowing 23-year-old Martin Diamond to sign himself out of jail.
Diamond is accused of attempted murder, rape, kidnapping, breaking and entering, and first degree sex offense based on allegations that he broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home, attacked her, broke her jaw, and raped her.
Local media reports that Diamond continues to update his "FaceBook" page while being on the run.
CMPD investigators say the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team is continuing to look for Martin Diamond.
Diamond is 6’0” and 155 pounds with a cross tattoo on his shoulder. He is considered extremely dangerous. If you see him or know his whereabouts, call CMPD or 911.
CMPD released a report to select media sources late Wednesday night.
According to the local paper, the report says the disturbances did not happen at the uptown Speed Street festival, but that police were concerned about surging crowds of youths between ages 10 and 25 outside the event as early as 6 p.m. Saturday. Trouble escalated shortly after the festival closed at 11 p.m., including the 11:30 p.m. confrontation outside the Ritz-Carlton hotel between officers and the charging crowd.
The report also contains a map showing many of the arrests were concentrated near the transit center, the EpiCentre and Time Warner Cable Arena. The arrests include two for assault on an officer.
"Though the Center City area experienced large crowds and several fights, the fights were limited to small groups of individuals," the report says. "Control of the Center City was maintained at all times."
Cedar Posts has learned that Civil Emergency Unit officers were not exactly "staged" as first reported, but according to CMPD sources were within 20 minutes from Uptown.
The report apparently conflicts with an earlier accounts that stated that the troubles didn't start until hours after the "Speed Street" event had ended. The most recent account squares better with eyewitness account of youth taunting and heckling "Speed Street" attendees.
5th Annual Shelton and Clark Memorial Benefit Softball Tournament
On Saturday, July 2, 2011 and Sunday July 3, 2011, a benefit softball tournament will be held at Idlewild Road Park to pay tribute and honor Jeff Shelton and Sean Clark. Home Run Derby Contest begins at 12:00, Saturday, July 2nd with Tournament Play beginning at 8:00am Sunday, July 3rd.
Team registration fee: 200.00 per team
Home Run Derby registration fee: 20.00 per person
Team Trophy for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishes
There will be food and fun for a great cause! Any and all donations accepted!
The first (8) Co-Ed Teams will be accepted and the first (8) MENS teams will be accepted (USSSA RULES)
If interested in supporting this cause, please contact:
Detective Darryl Seegars
Matthews Police Department
704-847-4069(office)
dseegars@matthewspolice.org
Cedar Says: This a great event that needs your support and its a great way to spend the July 4th weekend.
Charlotte City Council Split On Uptown Melee
Councilman Warren Turner said he is already convinced the department took the proper steps. Turner suggested the media has mischaracterized what happened.
"I feel like the city handled it well, the police department, very well," Turner said.
Councilman David Howard said uptown is one of the safest areas of the city, but "we have some perception issues."
City council member Patrick Cannon, who chairs the council's community safety committee, said a large number of people were loitering at the transit center instead of using it to board buses.
"We have to get our minds around managing large numbers of people using the transit center," Cannon said. "That's why the transportation piece, in my mind, is more important than anything else."
Mecklenburg County Magistrate Sylvia Cherry returned to work this weekend.
Cherry was suspended last week when she granted an unsecured bond, allowing 23-year-old Martin Diamond to sign himself out of jail.
Diamond is accused of attempted murder, rape, kidnapping, breaking and entering, and first degree sex offense based on allegations that he broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home, attacked her, broke her jaw, and raped her.
Local media reports that Diamond continues to update his "FaceBook" page while being on the run.
CMPD investigators say the Violent Criminal Apprehension Team is continuing to look for Martin Diamond.
Diamond is 6’0” and 155 pounds with a cross tattoo on his shoulder. He is considered extremely dangerous. If you see him or know his whereabouts, call CMPD or 911.
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