Princess Paris Released....

Princess Paris Back in Jail

Poor girl. She must feel like a yo-yo, not knowing whether she's coming or going!

I work in a county jail. I know this is Florida and not liberal California, but I can't image our Sheriff allowing an inmate, no matter what their celebrity status (and we have had celebrities in our jail), to be released after a matter of three days without a court order. Shoot, we don't do anything without a court order.

I understand that Sheriff Baca (I think that's his name) operates under a Federal order stating that under over-crowding conditions non-violent inmates may be released. Paris might qualify as a non-violent offender, but I'm sure there are other non-violent inmates who might be more qualified for release. How about inmates who have actually served more than a few days of their time?

I also can't imagine our Sheriff going against a judge's expressed order that an inmate not be allowed home detention or electronic monitoring. Our judges would be incensed that their orders were not obeyed. Now, had our Sheriff contacted the judge and said that this inmated needed to be released under home detention/electronic monitoring for this specific reason, the judge might have allowed it. But, for the Sheriff to take it upon himself to make this decision...wow...I'm amazed at the size of his...uh...assets.

We currently have a 95-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of his 93-year-old wife who is suffering from dementia. You want to talk about extenuating circumstances? I think this might be it. The man probably will not live to see trial, much less do actual prison time if he is convicted. And there are some details that indicate that maybe the facts are different that what was reported to the investigating officers. In any case, while he is in jail, he will receive any mental health and medical attention he needs. It might not be as good as he would receive on the outside, but it will be adequate, considering the circumstances.

Princess Paris is apparently suffering a severe nervous breakdown. If Princess Paris actually is suffering a nervous breakdown, she needs to go somewhere to get professional help for her illness. I somehow doubt that going home to enabler Mommy is going to help her mental illness. I wonder if the "nervous breakdown" is caused by not getting out of this situation and having to take personal responsibility for her actions. This has all the earmarks of a spoiled little rich girl who thought that Mommy and/or Daddy would get her out of this bad (pouty lip) situation. And for the record, I don't paint all rich girls (young women, if you will) with the spoiled brat brush. Princess Paris has earned this in my book.

I also heard a report that a friend was shocked that she wasn't allowed to wax or use lotion. Her skin is dried out. If she needs lotion, the Medical Unit will authorize it. Waxing is a different matter. Sorry, but that's not something that is allowed even for her mental health.

Now as for Princess Paris. I don't have much sympathy for her. She has flaunted her disrespect for the judge, for the court, and for the law since the very beginning. She could have avoided this situation by 1. not driving under the influence in the first place. 2. Not driving with a suspended license. 3. Taking responsibility for her own actions and saying, "I drove drunk. I drove with a suspended license. I didn't do what my probation required me to do." 4. By entering the alcohol education program she had, what? Four months? to enroll in. 5. Do the community service work she was ordered to do. And let's not forget: she is in jail for violation of probation, not for the original DUI charge.

I think Mommy and Daddy kept telling Princess Paris that they would take care of everything and she wouldn't have to spend time in jail or have to do that yukky community service work or enroll in a class, for pity's sake! All of that is for losers who weren't born rich. And since she's probably never had to take responsibility for anything in her life, she never expected anything else.

New Pod?

Well, probably by the end of the month anyway. I was told a month or so ago that I would be moved to another Pod for more training. The one that I was told is a 4-dorm Pod with high security inmates.

I don't care that it's high-security inmates; I do care that it's a 4-dorm Pod. Oh, within a couple of weeks, I'll have it down. The basic job is no different pod-to-pod; just the number of dorms within a pod. A couple of the dorms are a little different in that they have inmates who move around, such as to the sewing unit or to the kitchen as trusties, or, as in the high-security dorms, locked down more. Lock down is a good thing. You always know where the inmate is - or at least where they are supposed to be. If they aren't there, you've got more problems than if they weren't locked down to begin with.

My basic problem is that I'm comfortable where I am; I don't like moving around. I could almost wish I could stay where I am until I retire. I don't like change (that's one of the reasons I haven't decided on what colors to use when I repaint the house).

I sort of wish they would pair CRO's to deputies and move them around as a team. I wouldn't mind moving so much. There are several deputies I wouldn't mind teaming with; they do their jobs and do it well. While all our deputies can do the job, some just do it better than others. Or maybe it's that I appreciate the way they do it more than I appreciate others. But teaming won't happen; they wouldn't want deputies and CRO's to become too "familiar" with each other. That might lead to problems.

I was watching the inmates the other day during feeding. They line up to get their trays, so there's plenty of time for me to observe them. I've talked before about the inmates and their clothing choices. They have limited choices: pants, shirts and shower slides. Perferrably undershorts, of which they do have some choice. I notice that several of the younger men may wear two pair of undershorts (or maybe the outer paid is actually shorts, but they still look like undershorts from where I make my observations), the outer shorts are worn lower on the hips than those worn next to the skin. Then, the uniform pants are worn even lower and I wonder what is keeping them up. Some roll the pant legs up to the knee, just above or just below. I swear, it looks like they are wearing their kid brother's pants.

Then, and I don't understand this, maybe it's a "guy" thing: their hands seem to always be inside their pants. I'm not sure what they are holding onto, whether it's their anatomy or their shorts, but they seem to be holding onto something. Maybe they are afraid that something will be stolen? My dog, Buck, seems to have that same concern; he's constantly checking his...assets...to be sure they are still there. He must know that I'm planning on removing them sometime soon.

We had two codes called in the last two days. A code is called when there is a disturbance in the pods. A code 1 is for disturbance between inmates. A Code Red is when a deputy is involved. Both of these were for inmates fighting.

I'm working the weekend. Maybe it will be quiet. Friday will be the usual: court, GED classes, visitation, medical, and so on. It helps that the courts are closed on the weekends, so at least there will be no court and no GED classes.

New Shift?

With the rumors going around work, I'm curious as to who will be where by the end of the year.

One of my fellow CRO's said to me the other day that he wondered if we would be going to nights in December. I should have asked where that came from, but I was a bit stunned that the possibility even existed. Oh, I knew it existed but you know what I mean.

I have a concern that when the Youth Academy closes, the sergeant will be assigned to my shift. We know it will close. We just haven't heard when. The contract is up at the end of the month, so the word should be out by now. There "might" be an agreement to keep it open until the last group of kids leaves. I doubt it.

I had heard that the opposite rotation needed CRO's and our shift was going to have to give someone, or two, or three up. Gee....I wonder if they ever heard of "hiring" more people? I guess not, because I got a call yesterday from my former lieutenant who is now on that rotation asking if I would be interested in transferring over. I explained I'm happy where I am and would prefer not to change. I see no reason to change since I'm happy and there is nothing for me to gain. For one thing, it would mean working the holidays I now have off and still get comped for.

She then asked what my seniority was. Well, that's a bit complicated: my agency seniority says I have more seniority than just about, well, everyone. But on my shift, I'm the new girl on the block. Lt. J. said my lieutenant was going to make a general announcement offering the move to all the CRO's on our rotation. If there is someone who wants to go, then they'll have the opportunity. No one has said anything about wanting to go to the other rotation.

I'll probably be the first to go. And be assigned to Sgt. M's shift.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

This from Fox News Channel boss Roger Ailes, commenting on the Democrat candidates who refuse to participate in debates televised by Fox News:

"The candidates that can't face Fox News can't face Al Qaeda."

Remember this when considering who will get your vote in November 2008

Amnesty Bill Loopholes

Alabama Republican Senator Jeff Sessions released an excellent report of 20 different loopholes he found in the bill.

-Loophole 1 – Legal status before enforcement
-Loophole 2 – U.S. VISIT exit not in trigger
-Loophole 3 – Trigger requires no more agents, beds, or fencing than current law
-Loophole 4 -- Three additional years worth of illegal aliens granted status, treated preferentially to legal filers
-Loophole 5 – Completion of background checks not required for probationary legal status
-Loophole 6 – Some child molesters are still eligible
-Loophole 7 – Terrorism connections allowed, good moral character not required
-Loophole 8 – Gang members are eligible
-Loophole 9 – Absconders are eligible
-Loophole 10 – Learning English not required for a decade
-Loophole 11 – Earned Income Tax Credit will cost taxpayers billions in just 10 years
-Loophole 12 – Affidavits from friends accepted as evidence
-Loophole 13 – Taxpayer funded legal counsel and arbitration
-Loophole 14 – In-State tuition and student loans
-Loophole 15 – Inadequacy of the merit system
-Loophole 16 – Visas for individuals that plan to overstay
-Loophole 17 – Chain migration tippled before being eliminated
-Loophole 18 – Back taxes not required
-Loophole 19 – Social Security credits allowed for some illegal work histories
-Loophole 20 – Criminal fines not proportional to conduct

Illegal Aliens need not worry, it will become law despite the loopholes. Washington doesn't care unless it will get them votes.

And they call me cynical. I can't imagine why.

DO YOU KNOW YOUR HYMNS?

Dentist's Hymn............... Crown Him with Many Crowns

Weatherman's Hymn............ There Shall Be Showers of Blessings

Contractor's Hymn............ The Church is One Foundation

The Tailor's Hymn............ Holy, Holy, Holy

The Golfer's Hymn............ There's a Green Hill Far Away

The Politician's Hymn........ Standing on the Promises

Optometrist's Hymn........... Open My Eyes That I Might See

The IRS Agent's Hymn......... I Surrender All

The Gossip's Hymn............ Pass It On

The Electrician's Hymn....... Send The Light

The Shopper's Hymn........... Sweet Bye and Bye

The Realtor's Hymn........... I've Got a Mansion, Just Over the Hilltop

The Massage Therapist's Hymn... He Touched Me

The Doctor's Hymn............. The Great Physician

AND for those who speed on the highway - a few hymns:

45 mph....................... God Will Take Care of You

65 mph....................... Nearer My God To Thee

85 mph....................... This World Is Not My Home

95 mph....................... Lord, I'm Coming Home

100 mph...................... Precious Memories

Give me a sense of humor, Lord, Give me the grace to see a joke, To get some humor out of life, And pass it on to other folks.

Amnesty and the Financial Cost to Illegal Aliens

Received in email and presented for your review:

S. 1348 is an amnesty because it would immediately grant nearly every illegal alien in the country a legal status that can go on forever. This amnesty isn't free, but it is still an amnesty.

There are some rather small prices for seeking a green card and citizenship in the future included in the bill, but for a person who just wants to be able to have all the taxpayer-supported benefits of legal residence and legal access to U.S,. jobs, the cost of the amnesty is only about $5 a week.

The application for the amnesty at the beginning is only $1,000 for the head of household and $500 for each of the other members of the household. Wow, what a deal! They get "provisional status" within 24 hours. (Government officials are given the right to waive the cost for illegals who can make a sufficient claim of hardship!)

When the Z-visas become available, the illegal alien trades in the provisional visa for the Z visa. The Z visa lasts four years. The $1,000 cost of the first one has been paid at the application. The illegal alien doesn't have to do anything the rest of his life other than pay $1,000 every four years for another Z-visa. In effect, the cost of the lifetime amnesty for the illegal head of household is $250 a year once the Z-visas are available -- $5 a week for the legal right to live and work in the U.S.! The cost for all the other family members will be $2.50 a week.

If you've been reading this blog, you know what I think. Any thoughts?

2000 Posts

Wow....I was going to post on something else, but when I saw this was number 2000, I just had to say something else.

It's been a pleasure being able to post here. I can offer my thoughts without fear of reprisal except from those who read them and disagree with my opinions. I can offer my opinions, whether they are unchangeable or change minute by minute. I can tell you that I think the IRS should be eliminated and replaced by a national sales tax or that my dogs are the best dogs in the world.

I can say that I think the Democratic Party is mostly full of whiners and complainers with no real, original thought among them. And I can also say that I think the Republican Party isn't much better. Is there any party that is perfect? I doubt it. Isn't it great to live in a country where I can say that without fear of arrest?

I'm unashamedly proud to be an American. I believe that the United States is the best country in the world, maybe even the universe, and know that, at least in this little corner of the world, I'm right. It's not perfect, but that's because we are human and we make and enforce the laws.

I love technology and think that the computer and the Internet are two of the greatest achievements in the history of mankind. I can't imagine what life would be without the computer. And the Internet has literary made it possible to communicate in real time with someone on the other side of the world. Yes, I know about the telephone, but the telephone now uses computers to transmit your voice from one place to another.

It was through the Internet that I met my husband. I still don't think that the Internet is the safest way to meet new people, but it worked for us. It was on this site just a few months ago I wrote of his passing. And it was on the Internet that I found the company I will use to scatter his ashes. I think he would approve.

A lot has happened in my lifetime, and a lot over just the last few years. When I think technology can't improve our lives anymore, something else comes up. I think of my grandparents who literally went from horse and buggy to the space age. Seeing the advancements made in their lifetimes, I know they would be amazed to find out what has happened since their deaths in the 70's. I really can't wait to see what's going to happen in the next few years.

Fasten your seatbelts....it's gonna be an interesting ride into the future.

A North American Union?

I was flipping through the channels last night and came across Glen Beck. I've watched his show before, and while he presents some good material, he's never been able to hold my attention for long. A bright, shiny object starts flashing somewhere and I'm gone.

I did listen last night. And amnesty for illegal aliens is beginning to make sense. Or rather, the push for amnesty. Apparently in March 2005, The Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America was launched. I never heard about it, but that's not unusual.

Beck seems to think that this is the beginning of a Union similar to that of the European Union. And he says it will be in effect by 2010. That's only 2.5 years from now. Could it happen? Maybe, I tend to think not, but the idea for a North American Union could be put out there in order to lay a foundation by 2010, and the Union a few years later.

Think of it: Grant amnesty to 12 million (or more) illegal aliens (mostly Mexican). Introduce a common currency so that it's easier for travelers and commerce between the three countries. Cooperation between law enforcement agencies, government entities, financial institutions, health agencies, and trade organizations. Wait a minute: cooperation between law enforcement agencies? that's a laugh! That doesn't happen between cities in the same county, much less across borders.

Sure, it looks good. A common currency would be nice when you take a vacation in Mexico or Canada. Maybe we could actually get cheaper Canadian prescription drugs. More likely the North American Union will go to a national (Union?) health system like Canada has now. hmmmm...why do so many Canadians come to the US for health care? Maybe eventually we'll have a common language. Spanglish?

Like everything, there are good things and bad things. But since I'm not very educated on this yet, I think I'll reserve judgement. But I do say why "fix" something that ain't broke?

Here's the link. Check it out for yourself.

He Thinks I'm a Bigot

Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said those who oppose the bill are bigots: “We’re gonna tell the bigots to shut up.”

Well, Senator Graham, tell me that to my face. And while you're at it, tell me to shut up. How dare you? Yes, I oppose granting amnesty to criminals. Why don't we grant amnesty to drug dealers, carjackers, burglars, and strong-arm thieves? How about child molesters? What's the difference? No, I'm not saying that illegal aliens are any of those, but every one of those is as criminal as being in the United States illegally.

What is the definition of illegal? from dictionary.com:

adjective
1. forbidden by law or statute.
2. contrary to or forbidden by official rules, regulations, etc.: The referee ruled that it was an illegal forward pass.
–noun
3. Informal. illegal alien.

I did not add those last two words. Look at the cite.

—Synonyms 1. unlawful; illegitimate; illicit; unlicensed. Illegal, unlawful, illegitimate, illicit, criminal can all describe actions not in accord with law. Illegal refers most specifically to violations of statutes or, in organized athletics, codified rules: an illegal seizure of property; an illegal block (in football). Unlawful means not sanctioned by or according to law: an unlawful claim to the inheritance; to take unlawful advantage of the trading situation. Illegitimate means lacking legal or traditional right or rights: an illegitimate child; illegitimate use of privileged knowledge. Illicit, which originally meant simply “not permitted,” now most often applies to matters regulated by law with specific emphasis on the way things are carried out: illicit conversion of property; an illicit attempt to control the market. Criminal most often refers to violation of the statutes of penal as opposed to civil law. All felonies are criminal as are all crimes sometimes punishable by death such as murder, arson, and kidnapping: a criminal act.

Anyone who commits an illegal act is a criminal. Period. And Senator Graham apparently thinks those of us who oppose amnesty for criminals are the "bad guys." I'm not committing a criminal act when I present my opinion that those who want to live and work in the United States come here legally.

Now what is the definition of a bigot? Again, from dictionary.com:

a person who is utterly intolerant of any differing creed, belief, or opinion.

and from the American Heritage Dictionary:

n. One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.

Oh, well, I guess I am a bigot. I am intolerant of people who break the law.

Homeland Security Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said those who oppose the bill want “mass deportation.” Former Bush speechwriter Michael Gerson said those who oppose the bill are “anti-immigrant” and suggested they suffer from “rage” and “national chauvinism.” Even the President says those who oppose it “don’t want to do what is right for America.”

And here Secretary Gutierrez, Mr. Gerson, and President Bush and I part ways. As a tenth generation American who is immensly proud of my ancestry (Irish, English and German) I am far from being "anti-immigrant". And there is no one who is more proud of being an American than I am. I stand behind no one in my pride for our military. I cry when I see our flag flying. I lose it entirely when I hear the National Anthem, God Bless America, or America the Beautiful. As an American, I want what is best for America and I oppose mass amnesty for criminals. Mr. Gerson, if I suffer from national chauvinsim, I don't deny it. Not at all. In fact, I'm damn proud of it. America is the greatest country in the world, despite what our politicians are doing to it.

Mass deportation? I doubt it will ever come to that. Only because the logistics and expense would be astronomical. Not to mention that we would never be able to find all the illegal aliens anyway. Too many people are willing to become criminals themselves and aid and abet illegals by hiding, hiring, and granting aid and comfort in all manner of ways.

Anti-criminal? Anti-illegal alien? You bet. Anti-immigrant? Not if you follow the law and come here legally. The very fact that people want to come to this country, for whatever reason, makes my heart swell with pride. They believe as I do, that the United States of America is the greatest country in the world, where you can be whatever you want to be. You are welcome to express your opinions, your disagreement with the government, and you can rally in the streets demanding the rights of legal citizens - without fear of being arrested! Even though you entered illegally, you may be using false (or stolen) documentation to work, or you are working under the table because you don't have any documentation, you still want to be here because you can make a better living here than you can in "your country." Of course, "your country" is not the US, it's always another country. Don't tell me I'm wrong. I've heard that phrase too many times.

Isn't it nice that those who call me a bigot and want to tell me to shut up and the illegal aliens who rally in the streetsenjoy the same freedom of speech guaranteed under our Constitution that I do?

Am I a bigot? When the subject is illegal immigration, illegal immigration and illegal, criminal activity, damn straight I am.