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Colin Kaepernick and the hypocrisy of anti-police rhetoric

Posted on September 7, 2016September 6, 2016 by alexb2448

This vintage typwriter is our featured image.

I’ve come to the conclusion that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is the human equivalent of a stink bug. He’s really annoying and he just won’t go away.

Or, more accurately, the controversy he’s stirred up by refusing to stand up for the National Anthem won’t go away.

Red, White and Blue Umbrella. Pictured on Memorial Day, 2011. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic — Patriotic Colors. Memorial Day Ceremony in Warrenton, Va., May 2011. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

I’ve already made my feelings on that subject perfectly clear. I couldn’t disagree with him more. But if the little punk wants to express his displeasure with this country by sitting on his butt during the National Anthem, he’s perfectly free to do so. That’s the beautiful thing about America. We allow our citizens to protest without fear of reprisal.

How does that saying go? I believe it’s, “I disagree with what you are saying, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” Or something like that.

However, I draw the line when it comes to the anti-law enforcement rhetoric that Kaepernick has been engaging in recently. Of course, he’s not the only one who’s been engaging in public cop-bashing lately.

But apparently he can’t get enough of the spotlight. So I will happily single him out for his hypocrisy — among other things.

Here’s the deal. As reasonable people, I think we can all agree that it is not okay to hate an entire group of people based on their race, religion or gender identity. I think we can also agree that it is not okay to hate an entire group of people based solely on the actions of a few — no matter how heinous those actions are.

But apparently it is perfectly okay to hate a whole group of people based solely on their profession. It is perfectly fine to hate a whole entire group of people in a given profession based on the actions of a few. At least, that’s the clearly the case as far as the media, the president, and various pop culture icons — including Kaepernick — are concerned.

Frankly, the hypocrisy is astounding.

Happy Labor Day!

Posted on September 5, 2016 by alexb2448

Happy Labor Day!

Here in the good old United States of America, today marks the unofficial end of summer. For most of us, there will be no more backyard barbecues. No more trips to the beach, lake or mountains. No more trips to Europe or other far-flung destinations. Not until next year, anyhow.

Founder/owner of In Brief Legal Writing Services, Alexandra Bogdanovic. Photo by N. Bogdanovic

For the kids it’s time to go back to school. For the rest of us it is time to get back to work.

Yes, work. That’s what today is really all about. According to the Department of Labor, Labor Day is “is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Its history dates to the late 19th century when the groups initially formed to combat workplace exploitation wielded considerable influence.

As documented on history.com, New York City hosted the first Labor Day parade on September 5, 1882. On that day, “10,000 workers took unpaid time off to march from City Hall to Union Square.” The tradition continues to this day. In fact, the 2016 parade is happening as I write this.

But as I write, I am reflecting less on what is happening in New York City than on my own achievements. You see, I founded In Brief Legal Writing Services exactly one year ago this month. And while I don’t yet have the client base — or income — that I hoped to have by this point, I am happy with the way things are going.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really cool people. I’ve learned something new every day. Most importantly, I’ve enjoyed it. And as far as I’m concerned, the best is yet to come.

Yes, a man actually threw a puppy off a building

Posted on September 2, 2016 by alexb2448

“Felony penalties for animal cruelty allow prosecutors to better prosecute offenders, because, sadly, most domestic violence cases are only prosecuted at the misdemeanor level.” — Animal Legal Defense Fund

A recent story about a Connecticut man accused of throwing a puppy off a building highlights the need for tougher animal cruelty laws and harsher penalties.

According to published reports, Shaquille McGriff, 24, of New Britain, allegedly threw a seven-month old Chihuahua off a “second-floor porch” in July. McGriff stands accused of “choking a man after an argument with a woman” and then tossing the helpless puppy “two-and-half stories in an arc that spanned about 25 feet.”

The puppy named “Munchkin” survived, but needed extensive medical care to repair a broken leg and internal injuries. Thanks to the Connecticut Humane Society, she received the necessary treatment and is now on the road to recovery. She will be made available for adoption once she is fully healed.

Eli, the In Brief Legal Writing Services mascot. — In Brief Legal Writing Services mascot Eli catching up on the latest news. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

In the meantime, McGriff is reportedly being held on bond while facing assault and animal cruelty charges. If convicted of the latter, his maximum sentence under Connecticut law would be five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Now I don’t know about you but as far as I’m concerned, in this case even the maximum penalty doesn’t fit the crime. Personally, I would love it if the law would allow someone far bigger and stronger than Mr. McGriff to pick him up by the scruff of the neck and throw him off a building. Now that would be a fitting punishment for someone as clearly depraved as Mr. McGriff.

Of course, the law would never allow that. But with growing awareness about the links between animal cruelty and the propensity for violence towards people, the need for tougher animal cruelty laws is clear.

According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, “felony penalties for animal cruelty allow prosecutors to better prosecute offenders, because, sadly, most domestic violence cases are only prosecuted at the misdemeanor level.”

As it now stands, the situation is grim. Citing information from “studies that were published in peer-reviewed professional journals or books,” the Animal Welfare Institute shared the following on its website:

Multiple studies have found that from 49% to 71% of battered women reported that their pets had been threatened, harmed, and or killed by their partners.
In a national survey, 85% of domestic violence shelters indicated that women coming to their facilities told of incidents of pet abuse.
According to a survey, women in domestic violence shelters were 11 times more likely to report animal abuse by their partners than was a comparison group of women not experiencing violence.

An article on the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) website pertaining to the link between animal abuse and violent crime is also disturbing.

“Of 36 convicted multiple murderers questioned in one study, 46% admitted committing acts of animal torture as adolescents.[ii] And of seven school shootings that took place across the country between 1997 and 2001, all involved boys who had previously committed acts of animal cruelty,” the HSUS article states.

I rest my case.

Note to Colin Kaepernick: get off your butt

Posted on August 29, 2016September 1, 2016 by alexb2448

So I’ve heard NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick doesn’t want to get off his a–. Apparently the San Francisco 49ers signal caller thinks that by refusing to stand for the National Anthem, he’s somehow taking a stand. Or making a stand. Or something.

Old Glory. American Flag. Photo taken at Memorial Day Ceremony by Alexandra Bogdanovic — American Flag. As seen at Memorial Day ceremony in Warrenton, Virginia. May 2011. Photo by Alexandra Bogdanovic

To hear him tell it, his refusal to get off his butt during the National Anthem is rooted in his belief that the United States “oppresses African-Americans and other minorities.”

As an American — and a patriotic one at that — I respect Kaepernick’s right to protest whatever he wants in any fashion he chooses. Yes, refusing to stand for the National Anthem is offensive. But at least this idiot hasn’t started burning the flag — yet. Not that I’d put it past him, though. He’s that misguided — and calling him misguided is putting it nicely.

For some strange reason, Colin Kaepernick believes his own press. For some strange reason, he actually believes that his ability to throw a football makes him special. That it makes him important. That it somehow makes him relevant.

Well it’s time for a reality check, Mr. Kaepernick.

The reality is, you are lucky. You are incredibly lucky — because you live in the United States of America — a country where you can make millions of dollars per year for playing a game. You are incredibly fortunate — because you live in the United States of America — a country where the media and the masses put you on a pedestal — simply because you are good at a game.

The reality is you are incredibly blessed — because you live in the United States of America — a country where you are free to engage in civil disobedience and voice your opinion without fear of government reprisal. Sure, you’ll face a public backlash. Sure, you’ll catch hell on social media. You may even get a few death threats — but for your sake I hope it never comes to that.

The reality is you are spoiled. The reality is you are an ingrate. The reality is you are incapable of critical, independent thought. The reality is you are emotionally and intellectually stunted. The reality is that you speak about oppression as if you know it all — as if you are the ultimate authority on the subject. The reality is you know nothing.

So let me tell you a few things about oppression, Mr. Kaepernick.

Let me tell you about my father — a man who opposed Communism in the former Yugoslavia. When Tito’s Secret Police learned what my father was doing, they framed him for a crime he did not commit. He had to flee from his country as a political refugee. That meant leaving his family and everything he ever knew in order to keep from being thrown in prison or killed. He never went back. He was not alone.

You might want to read about life in Yugoslavia under Tito’s brand of “kinder, gentler Communism.”

Then you can talk to me about oppression.

While you’re at it, you might want to read about life in the former Soviet Union under Stalin.

Then you can talk to me about oppression.

You might want to watch a recent heartbreaking, gut wrenching clip from the BBC World News that showed two young Syrian brothers screaming, crying, clutching each other as they mourned the loss of another sibling in a bomb blast.

Then you can talk to me about oppression.

You might want to do some research on what’s been going on in South Sudan.

Then you can talk to me about oppression…

This is (almost) enough to restore my faith in humanity

Posted on August 26, 2016 by alexb2448

A recent story about a Marshall, Virginia, boy’s generosity is almost enough to restore my faith in humanity. Almost.

As reported on fauquier.com, young Cody Glidden demonstrated unusual maturity and selflessness as he prepared to celebrated his 11th birthday this summer. Instead of asking for presents, he asked his friends and family to get gift cards for local eateries. And instead of keeping them, he decided to give them away.

Specifically, he donated them to Warrenton’s Finest.

But would prompt the young boy to collect the gift cards for the local police? Warrenton Police Chief Lou Battle wondered the same thing.

“That was a first,” Battle told the Fauquier Times. “It was a big, generous gesture. What kid that age would trade birthday presents for gift cards for police officers?”

To me, the answer is simple. A good kid. A kid who has already learned the importance of putting other people’s’ needs and feelings ahead of his own. A kid whose parents have done a fantastic job raising him.

“I just wanted them to know the people here appreciate them,” Cody told the newspaper. “I didn’t really expect anything, maybe just a thank you,” he said.

In return for his generosity, Cody got a tour of the Warrenton Police Department and some souvenirs. He also got to meet Battle and some Warrenton police officers when he and his father stopped by headquarters to drop off the gift cards.

Personally, I wish I’d still been there to cover this story. It was the kind of thing I loved to write about — and the kind of feel-good story that readers love to see.

Personally, I’d love to see more of these stories and less of the garbage that passes for “news” these days.

Who knows. If I do see more, it just might just fully restore my faith in humanity.

Who killed Sarah L. Greenhalgh? A Virginia murder mystery

Posted on August 24, 2016July 6, 2017 by alexb2448

A lot has happened since I left Warrenton, Va., four years ago. After I came home I worked as a reporter in Westchester County for a year. When I officially got completely fed up with journalism I went to Europe to hang out with family and do some research for my next book. After that I got a gig as a freelance editor while I earned my paralegal certificate from Pace University. With the certificate in hand, I started In Brief Legal Writing Services.

But one thing hasn’t changed. The 2012 murder of Sarah L. Greenhalgh remains unsolved. Or more accurately, no one has been charged and no arrests have been made in the death of the newspaper reporter who shared my passion for the cops and courts beat, photography and my love of animals — especially horses.

Sarah, 48, was working as a reporter in Winchester, Va., when someone shot her and then torched the house she was renting in Upperville, Va., in July 2012.

The initial investigation revealed that Greenhalgh and John Sheldon Kearns — a Gainesville man identified in news reports both as her boyfriend and ex-boyfriend — had supposedly argued “hours before her death.” Soon after the discovery of Greenhalgh’s body, news about a post on her Facebook page also surfaced.

In that cryptic post, reported to be her last, Greenhalgh said she planned to “sleep with the windows wide open” that night. She also lamented about an unknown man who had apparently been bothering her.

While authorities first identified Kearns as a “person of interest” they did not identify him as a suspect in the case until December 2014.

As of last July, the investigation was still ongoing.

“We’re still pursuing leads and working with the division of forensic science,” Lt. James Hartman of the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office told the Loudon Times-Mirror last year. “People have referred to it in the past as a cold case just because it’s the third anniversary, but it’s never been closed.”

Now, more than one year later, I can’t help but wonder how much progress — if any — the authorities have really made. It’s not that I don’t believe Lt. (now Sgt.) Hartman. In more than eight years of covering cops and courts in Fauquier County, I got to know him pretty well and have always known him to be as forthright as possible under the circumstances. I just have a nagging feeling about this case.

I have from the beginning.

Perhaps it’s because I saw Sarah just a few weeks before she died. Perhaps it’s because of the unique bond we shared as police reporters. Perhaps it’s because I followed in her footsteps.

You see, I got the job as the cops and courts reporter at the newspaper that was then known as the Fauquier Times-Democrat after Sarah left to take another newspaper job in Florida in the fall of 2003. I inherited her beat notes (a list of sources, contact information and detailed instructions on how to access the court websites) and comprehensive newsroom survival tips.

I also inherited a desk drawer full of pens — and a sticky note detailing what would happen if any went missing.

“I will kill you if you steal my pens,” my predecessor had written, adding a smiley face to take the edge off the threat.

And that, as a mutual friend quickly pointed out — was typical.

Yes, Sarah was a tough woman. She was also talented, driven, dedicated and outspoken.

I am sorry we never got a chance to work together. Judging by what our mutual friends have said, we probably would have gotten along famously — or we might not have gotten along at all.

“You and Sarah are a lot a like,” one friend once said.

I thanked her for the compliment.

When it comes to the court of public opinion, choose your battles wisely

Posted on August 22, 2016August 23, 2016 by alexb2448

There’s a lot to be said for individualism. There’s a lot to be said for standing up for yourself. There’s also a lot to be said for fighting the court of public opinion. Or trying to, at any rate.

But the sad reality is that if you try to do that — you’re probably going to lose. Because, like it or not (and personally I don’t like it a bit) the court of public opinion is pretty damned powerful.

It seems like the couple from Virginia that I told you about last week may have learned that the hard way.

To refresh your memory, the couple — who already owns a dog kennel — wanted to expand it. But in order to do that, the couple needed a special land use permit from the county.

From what I understand, the application for that permit has been withdrawn — for the time being, anyhow.

If you’d like to know why, you can read more about the decision — and what’s next for the couple — here.

In all honesty, I’m not surprised. As I told you last week, the couple’s plan came under considerable scrutiny — not from the county — but from the public. Dozens of people made their displeasure clear at the most recent municipal meeting on the subject. And even more did so by signing a petition.

Specifically, opponents have objected to the number of dogs the couple wants to keep on the property for breeding purposes and the number of puppies those dogs will have.

Needless to say, the couple’s attempts to allay the public’s fears and concerns regarding a potential “puppy mill” have fallen on deaf ears.

But just what is a puppy mill, anyhow?

According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), puppy mills are “inhumane commercial dog breeding facilities that may sell puppies in pet stores, online or directly to the public (in flea markets or via classified ads).”

The HSUS also says puppy mills disregard the dogs’ health—both physical and emotional—in order to maximize profits.

The organization estimates that there are at least 10,000 puppy mills in the U.S., and that fewer than 3,000 of these are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Collectively, the licensed and unlicensed breeding operations produce more than a million puppies that end up being sold in the United States each year.

Meanwhile, millions of unwanted dogs and cats are euthanized each year.

So an important question remains. Even if the breeding operation this couple is proposing is legitimate, do we really need more purebred or “designer dogs” when there are so many animals in need of forever homes?

There’s no punishment harsh enough…

Posted on August 19, 2016 by alexb2448

I’d like to think that I’m a fairly tolerant person. But there are some things for which I have absolutely no tolerance whatsoever.

I have no tolerance for bullies. I have no tolerance for ignorance. I have no tolerance for anyone who preys upon or otherwise exploits, children, the elderly or animals. Especially animals.

As far as I’m concerned there’s no punishment harsh enough for the owner of an animal shelter in Monroe, Connecticut, who was recently convicted of animal cruelty. Especially because he’s got prior convictions.

According to one news account, Frederick Acker “was convicted of 11 counts of animal cruelty in Ansonia-Milford Superior Court on July 26 and faces up to 11 years in prison at sentencing on Sept. 6.”

To make matters worse, Acker was reportedly convicted on 15 counts of animal cruelty in Litchfield Superior Court last year. He got off with a slap on the wrist.

The good news is that Connecticut politicians — some of whom have been aware of Acker’s exploits for sometime — are now planning on joining forces to close the legal loopholes that have allowed Acker to continue operating an animal shelter.

“We need to change our laws and our regulations to make sure that not only they are strict enough, but to make sure our judicial system is enforcing them,” said Connecticut State Rep. Themis Kalrdies, who learned about Acker’s exploits after she tried to adopt a kitten from the shelter. “We don’t want to stop anybody who is a good and caring person from taking care of animals, we want to make sure people who are clearly taking advantage of the system are not allowed to.”

Speaking as someone who loves animals and as someone who has devoted a considerable amount of time and energy to volunteering at a local animal shelter for the past few years, I hope Connecticut lawmakers follow through on this.

Allowing Acker and those like him to continue working with animals is a slap in the face to everyone who works tirelessly to help unwanted cats and dogs find forever homes.

More importantly, it is unfair to all of the animals who count on people for help.

Controversial Virginia land use application triggers puppy mill concerns

Posted on August 15, 2016 by alexb2448

It’s been four years since I left Warrenton, Virginia, and returned to civilization. But I still visit certain news sites to keep track of the happenings in my old stomping grounds.

To be honest, I don’t know why I bother. Considering all of the s–t I put up with when I lived down there, you’d think I’d be happy to put the past in the rear view mirror.

Having said that, it’s kind of fun to keep track of what’s going on now that I no longer have a dog in the fight — pun fully intended.

You see, a controversial land use application has caused quite a stir in good old Fauquier (pronounced faw-keer) County, Va. Specifically, the proposed creation of a dog breeding facility has triggered concerns about a puppy mill.

As reported on fauquiernow.com (the “go-to” source for news in the county) the applicants — who own more than 60 acres — want to expand their current kennel to house and breed dozens of dogs. They also want to provide “training for service and therapy dogs as part of the proposed expansion.”

More than two dozen concerned citizens spoke against the idea at a recent Fauquier County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. More than 70 reportedly expressed their opposition by signing a petition.

The applicants, who have reportedly been breeding and selling dogs for nearly 20 years, have said the concerns are not justified.

Whether or not they will get the permits needed to make the proposed plans a reality remains to be seen.

All I know is I’m happy I don’t have to cover this story. I’ve covered more than my share of controversial municipal meetings like this. It’s not fun.

I’m also happy I didn’t have to write the story about more than 100 animals rescued from a “suspected puppy mill” in Mississippi.

According to published reports, authorities and members of Animal Rescue Corps saved the animals as the result of an investigation conducted by the Tate County Sheriff’s Department.

“Approximately 100 dogs, including litters of puppies and pregnant dogs, 1 donkey, 12 cats, including kittens, 50 chickens, 2 turkeys, 3 parrots and 6 rabbits were found without adequate food, water, or shelter, ” the Animal Rescue Corps said in a press release posted on its website. “The animals were all extremely dirty and suffering from heavy infestations of internal and external parasites such as fleas, ticks and worms. Many adults and puppies were suffering from alopecia and anemia as a result of their heavy flea and tick infestations.”

The animals confiscated by law enforcement were taken to an emergency shelter for further evaluation and veterinary treatment.

The owner was not identified.

A lawyer accused of bank robbery — now that’s rich

Posted on August 10, 2016 by alexb2448

So did you hear the one about the lawyer who (allegedly) robbed a bank?

Are you waiting for the punchline?

There isn’t one.

It really happened. Allegedly.

According to published accounts, Meighan Marie McSherry, 46, of Manhattan, has been charged in connection with a recent bank robbery in Greenwich, Connecticut. She is also the suspect in another one, which happened in New York City last week.

I’m not too sure which Wells Fargo branch in Greenwich McSherry allegedly robbed. I seriously doubt it was the one across the street from my house. But then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if the incident did happen there.

For one thing, there’s no shortage of drama in this neighborhood. Secondly, from what I understand, police caught her on West Putnam Avenue. I don’t know exactly where on West Putnam Avenue, but the beginning (or end) of that particular road isn’t too far from my house.

But anyway, that’s all beside the point. The point is that an attorney who, by all accounts was once very successful, is now facing felony charges. Specifically, Greenwich police charged her with first-degree robbery and second-degree robbery.

Authorities said McSherry left the bank with an untold sum after she passed a note “demanding money and claiming that she had a weapon.” No one actually saw any sort of weapon during the alleged commission of the crime, but police reportedly found other evidence linking McSherry to the incident when they apprehended her.

So we know what McSherry is accused of doing — but lots of questions remain unanswered. The most puzzling of those is why.

Perhaps we’ll learn more as the case wends its way through the court system. McSherry is reportedly scheduled to make a preliminary appearance in state Superior Court in Stamford in a few weeks.

In the meantime, there will be plenty of time to come up with some really bad jokes. I mean, I’ve heard of an attorney robbing someone blind, but this is ridiculous…

Cue rim shot!