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Solly Mack
Solly Mack's Journal
Solly Mack's Journal
March 13, 2014
Bobby
When Bobby entered school he became an instant favorite with his teachers. He was well dressed and polite to adults. Quick with the answers, Bobby was bright and engaging. He seemed to get along with everyone.
Always smiling and offering to help his teachers and classmates, Bobby was the shining example of what a student should be.
Always smiling and offering to help his teachers and classmates, Bobby was the shining example of what a student should be.
During recess one day a student was seen in a heap on the ground. Scuffed up and disheveled, the child was crying. When the teacher asked what was wrong, the crying child said that 'Bobby pushed me down'.
When confronted with the accusation, Bobby didn't deny his actions but said he was not trying to hurt the other boy. That he was trying to keep the other child from hurting himself on the playground.
Bobby said the crying child was trying to climb up the big-boy slide and that it was much too dangerous for him.Bobby said he just wanted to stop the other boy from being injured.
When confronted with the accusation, Bobby didn't deny his actions but said he was not trying to hurt the other boy. That he was trying to keep the other child from hurting himself on the playground.
Bobby said the crying child was trying to climb up the big-boy slide and that it was much too dangerous for him.Bobby said he just wanted to stop the other boy from being injured.
The teacher, being impressed with Bobby's concern for others, still cautioned him that pushing people down isn't the way to help them. Bobby said he felt bad about his actions and promised not do it again.
The crying child was told to dry his eyes because Bobby now knew it was wrong to knock people down and it wouldn't happen again.
Bobby apologized for any misunderstanding, saying he would do better in the future. The recipient of Bobby's help was told to dry his eyes and stay away from the big-boy slide.
The crying child was told to dry his eyes because Bobby now knew it was wrong to knock people down and it wouldn't happen again.
Bobby apologized for any misunderstanding, saying he would do better in the future. The recipient of Bobby's help was told to dry his eyes and stay away from the big-boy slide.
As he got older there would be more and more incidents of students being the beneficiaries of Bobby's help. And Bobby being Bobby, polite, so well dressed, coming from such a good
family, and still quick with the answers, he always explained his good intentions and then promised to do better next time. Teachers would praise Bobby's ability to admit when he was wrong and how he was
always striving to do better.
How lucky his fellow students were to have someone like Bobby looking after them! Isn't it any wonder his name was Bobby Beacon! So kind, so caring, so magnanimous!
family, and still quick with the answers, he always explained his good intentions and then promised to do better next time. Teachers would praise Bobby's ability to admit when he was wrong and how he was
always striving to do better.
How lucky his fellow students were to have someone like Bobby looking after them! Isn't it any wonder his name was Bobby Beacon! So kind, so caring, so magnanimous!
One day a student was found naked and unconscious in the bathroom. His face a bloody mess; his body drenched in water. At the hospital, the student said that Bobby beat him
and repeatedly shoved his head in the toilet.
'Shocked! Shocked! I tell you! No one could have anticipated this!' was the immediate reaction from his parents and teachers. Bobby knows better! Bobby was a shining example of benevolence!
The hospitalized student must be lying! There had to be a good reason for Bobby's actions!
Bobby, as always, had an explanation.
and repeatedly shoved his head in the toilet.
'Shocked! Shocked! I tell you! No one could have anticipated this!' was the immediate reaction from his parents and teachers. Bobby knows better! Bobby was a shining example of benevolence!
The hospitalized student must be lying! There had to be a good reason for Bobby's actions!
Bobby, as always, had an explanation.
The beaten and bloody student was up to no good. He had bad-mouthed the principal! He smoked pot! He cut class!He associated with drop-outs! He was a bully! Bobby said he had to
do what he did to protect others. That was he just trying to help.
But, of course! His teachers knew there had to be a good reason. The injured student was a trouble-maker and Bobby was just trying to make the school safer for everyone. Bobby wasn't hurting the other
student. He was engaged in tough love!
do what he did to protect others. That was he just trying to help.
But, of course! His teachers knew there had to be a good reason. The injured student was a trouble-maker and Bobby was just trying to make the school safer for everyone. Bobby wasn't hurting the other
student. He was engaged in tough love!
Not everyone agreed. Many students came forward to tell how Bobby had helped them as well. Stories of being tripped up on stairs and shoved against lockers began to emerge.
Many were accused of hating the school and of trying to make Bobby look bad.
Many were accused of hating the school and of trying to make Bobby look bad.
Still, fearing how it could look to outsiders, the school threatened to harshly repuke Bobby unless he promised to change his ways.
Bobby, being Bobby, spoke before the whole school. Saying how he was only trying to help. How he had the best of intentions and acted in good faith. How mistakes were made and that everyone
could learn from what has happened and they could all strive to do better in the future. Now that they all knew that tough love wasn't the way to act.
'What a great speech!' exclaimed his parents and teachers. Many of whom spoke of how this was the best outcome for everyone involved. How those helped by Bobby should now follow his example
and put all this unpleasantness behind them. That Bobby was moving on with his life and they should too.
Bobby, being Bobby, spoke before the whole school. Saying how he was only trying to help. How he had the best of intentions and acted in good faith. How mistakes were made and that everyone
could learn from what has happened and they could all strive to do better in the future. Now that they all knew that tough love wasn't the way to act.
'What a great speech!' exclaimed his parents and teachers. Many of whom spoke of how this was the best outcome for everyone involved. How those helped by Bobby should now follow his example
and put all this unpleasantness behind them. That Bobby was moving on with his life and they should too.
Until the next time...
January 22, 2014
US psychology body declines to rebuke member in Guantánamo torture case
America’s professional association of psychologists has quietly declined to rebuke one of its members, a retired US army reserve officer, for his role in one of the most brutal interrogations known to have to taken place at Guantánamo Bay, the Guardian has learned.
The decision not to pursue any disciplinary measure against John Leso, a former army reserve major, is the latest case in which someone involved in the post-9/11 torture of detainees has faced no legal or even professional consequences.
Documents that emerged from a Senate armed services committee torture inquiry detailed Leso’s involvement in an early “Behavioral Science Consultation Team” at Guantánamo, which was instrumental in crafting torture techniques out of measures taught to US troops to withstand brutal treatment.
Leso is the latest case in which US officials involved with torture have escaped legal or professional consequences. A justice department investigation into CIA torture resulted in no indictments, and it never considered examining the architects of torture policy. Nor has torture caused its architects to suffer professionally: some have returned to tenured academic positions, awarded federal judgeships and sit on the boards of major corporations.
The decision not to pursue any disciplinary measure against John Leso, a former army reserve major, is the latest case in which someone involved in the post-9/11 torture of detainees has faced no legal or even professional consequences.
Documents that emerged from a Senate armed services committee torture inquiry detailed Leso’s involvement in an early “Behavioral Science Consultation Team” at Guantánamo, which was instrumental in crafting torture techniques out of measures taught to US troops to withstand brutal treatment.
Leso is the latest case in which US officials involved with torture have escaped legal or professional consequences. A justice department investigation into CIA torture resulted in no indictments, and it never considered examining the architects of torture policy. Nor has torture caused its architects to suffer professionally: some have returned to tenured academic positions, awarded federal judgeships and sit on the boards of major corporations.
January 9, 2014
Doctors of the Dark Side documentary link.
Sponsored by: Peace and Justice Task Force of All Souls Unitarian Church, The Center for Constitutional Rights, New York Campaign Against Torture, No More Guantanamos, Psychologists for Social Responsibility, Resistance Cinema, Revolution Books, Witness Against Torture, and World Can’t Wait.
and the January 11 Day of Action in D.C..
There will free housing for the D.C. event. Email for more info. Email addy at link.
Sponsoring Organizations: Center for Constitutional Rights, Amnesty International, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Blue Lantern Project, CloseGuantanamo.org. Codepink, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, Defending Dissent Foundation, Interfaith Action for Human Rights, Project Salam: Support and Legal Advocacy for Muslims, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Reprieve, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition, Witness Against Torture, World Can't Wait.
Close Guantánamo Tour January 2014
A couple of upcoming events for those who can make it.
"Doctors of the Dark Side" viewing to be held at the Unitarian Church of All Souls 1157 Lexington Avenue (at 80th Street) New York, NY, 10075 from January 9th-17th.
Doctors of the Dark Side exposes the scandal behind the torture scandal — how psychologists and physicians implemented and covered up the torture of detainees in US controlled military prisons. The stories of four detainees and the doctors involved in their abuse show how essential doctors have been to the torture program.
Doctors of the Dark Side documentary link.
Sponsored by: Peace and Justice Task Force of All Souls Unitarian Church, The Center for Constitutional Rights, New York Campaign Against Torture, No More Guantanamos, Psychologists for Social Responsibility, Resistance Cinema, Revolution Books, Witness Against Torture, and World Can’t Wait.
and the January 11 Day of Action in D.C..
There will free housing for the D.C. event. Email for more info. Email addy at link.
Sponsoring Organizations: Center for Constitutional Rights, Amnesty International, Bill of Rights Defense Committee, Blue Lantern Project, CloseGuantanamo.org. Codepink, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Columban Center for Advocacy and Outreach, Defending Dissent Foundation, Interfaith Action for Human Rights, Project Salam: Support and Legal Advocacy for Muslims, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, Reprieve, National Religious Campaign Against Torture, September Eleventh Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition, Witness Against Torture, World Can't Wait.
December 3, 2013
Some great news around post...
Married Gay & Lesbian couples (soldiers and their spouses) are now living in family housing here in my neck of the woods.
I thought it wonderful news and just wanted to share.
I'm in Louisiana, on Fort Polk.
Equal marriage (equal rights) doesn't exist in the state of Louisiana (banned by the state) but as long as the soldier is married in a state that does have equal rights (equal marriage), then his/her family gets family housing here. (and on other military posts)
October 24, 2013
More info.
Guantanamo Inmate Injured in CIA Custody
Medical records show an accused terrorist now held at Guantanamo Bay sustained a head injury while he was in CIA custody and has suffered lasting health problems as a result, his lawyer said Wednesday.
The injury occurred between 2003 and September 2006, when al-Baluchi was held in the CIA's network of overseas prisons and subjected to a special interrogation program for suspected terrorists that his lawyers say amounted to torture. The records do not indicate how or where the injury occurred.
The injury occurred between 2003 and September 2006, when al-Baluchi was held in the CIA's network of overseas prisons and subjected to a special interrogation program for suspected terrorists that his lawyers say amounted to torture. The records do not indicate how or where the injury occurred.
Lawyer arguing torture motion says Guantanamo prisoner suffered head injury in CIA custody.
He was captured in Pakistan in April 2003 and held for three years by the CIA under its rendition, detention and interrogation program, which included the use of such methods as being repeatedly smashed into a flexible wall, confined in a small space, deprived of sleep and the simulated drowning technique known as waterboarding, according to previously released government documents.
He was captured in Pakistan in April 2003 and held for three years by the CIA under its rendition, detention and interrogation program, which included the use of such methods as being repeatedly smashed into a flexible wall, confined in a small space, deprived of sleep and the simulated drowning technique known as waterboarding, according to previously released government documents.
The hearing was called to determine whether the 9/11 defendants are able to appropriately report claims of mistreatment, a right guaranteed under the UN Convention against Torture, during the three years that followed their 2003 arrest.
They were held in the CIA's network of overseas prisons during that period and subjected to special interrogation techniques their lawyers call torture.
The newly released medical report, dated September 2006, described "mistreatment" that took place "several years earlier," Connell said. He did not confirm how the head injury happened.
Connell said the government took no action after Ali made his claim of mistreatment.
They were held in the CIA's network of overseas prisons during that period and subjected to special interrogation techniques their lawyers call torture.
The newly released medical report, dated September 2006, described "mistreatment" that took place "several years earlier," Connell said. He did not confirm how the head injury happened.
Connell said the government took no action after Ali made his claim of mistreatment.
Lawyers for the accused also complain about the military commission's highly restrictive rules for handling classified evidence.
"The irony is that Mr Al-Baluchi cannot describe his clinical history, how he got his injuries... because everything he says would be treated as classified," Connell said.
But prosecutor Clay Trivett stressed that "the accused is currently in control of the US government. He's been exposed to secrets of the US government."
"The irony is that Mr Al-Baluchi cannot describe his clinical history, how he got his injuries... because everything he says would be treated as classified," Connell said.
But prosecutor Clay Trivett stressed that "the accused is currently in control of the US government. He's been exposed to secrets of the US government."
More info.
October 23, 2013
Guantanamo judge urged to lift ban on claims of abuse (torture)
A "gag order" from the tribunal's judge violates the United Nations Convention Against Torture, the attorneys say.
The five suspected al Qaeda conspirators claim the maltreatment consisted of beatings, sleep deprivation, being subjected to temperature extremes, stress positions and waterboarding, a technique that simulates drowning.
During the administration of George W. Bush, the CIA was authorized to use what were called "enhanced interrogation techniques." When President Barack Obama took office, he forbade use of the techniques, referring to them as torture.
"If you really want to have a fair trial, you have to ungag them," Bormann said.
The five suspected al Qaeda conspirators claim the maltreatment consisted of beatings, sleep deprivation, being subjected to temperature extremes, stress positions and waterboarding, a technique that simulates drowning.
During the administration of George W. Bush, the CIA was authorized to use what were called "enhanced interrogation techniques." When President Barack Obama took office, he forbade use of the techniques, referring to them as torture.
"If you really want to have a fair trial, you have to ungag them," Bormann said.
Torture Treaty Rights Sought in Guantanamo Trial
The five men facing trial by military commission were subjected to treatment that their lawyers say amounted to torture before they were taken to Guantanamo in September 2006. They may want to pursue some form of international complaint against the U.S. government, but can't do so because they and their lawyers aren't allowed to even discuss with anyone what happened to them in CIA custody.
Army Maj. Jason Wright, a military-appointed lawyer for lead defendant Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, said the judge should either provide a mechanism to pursue a claim — either through his native Pakistan, the United Nations or another country — or dismiss the charges.
"You cannot use state secrets to classify the observations and secrets of someone who was subjected to torture," he said.
The five men facing trial by military commission were subjected to treatment that their lawyers say amounted to torture before they were taken to Guantanamo in September 2006. They may want to pursue some form of international complaint against the U.S. government, but can't do so because they and their lawyers aren't allowed to even discuss with anyone what happened to them in CIA custody.
Army Maj. Jason Wright, a military-appointed lawyer for lead defendant Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, said the judge should either provide a mechanism to pursue a claim — either through his native Pakistan, the United Nations or another country — or dismiss the charges.
"You cannot use state secrets to classify the observations and secrets of someone who was subjected to torture," he said.
October 4, 2013
My First Zombie Make-up
I wanted (needed) to do a Zombie make-up for a project I was working on. This is my willing captive having endured my first attempt. The yellow polka dot pajamas were a deliberate choice to add a little whimsy.
In color and other.
I used Elmer's glue mixed with water, single-ply tissue, and homemade fake blood on the sores. I sculpted with a chopstick. Also used black and purple eyeshadow around the eyes and sores. The face base was a mixture of blue/gray and white make-up with a dusting of baby powder.
July 25, 2013
Feel good about that statement?
I'll wait and see what comes of it.
Yes, it is a shame it took this long to address the topic of spying etc..
We'll see.
Here: Just some info on the board
Board established in 2004
June 21, 2013
Obama to meet with privacy, civil liberties board
June 25, 2013
Privacy and Civil Liberties board works to inform public on NSA leaks
July 9, 2013
Former judge admits flaws in secret court
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board Senate
July 9, 2013
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, Legal Perspectives Meeting
July 7, 2013
PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES OVERSIGHT BOARD Notice of Meeting
I'm not commenting on another DUer's comment.
It is time to trust the American people’s judgment about where to strike the balance between what is, after all, their security and their freedom
Feel good about that statement?
I'll wait and see what comes of it.
Yes, it is a shame it took this long to address the topic of spying etc..
We'll see.
Here: Just some info on the board
Board established in 2004
June 21, 2013
Obama to meet with privacy, civil liberties board
June 25, 2013
Privacy and Civil Liberties board works to inform public on NSA leaks
July 9, 2013
Former judge admits flaws in secret court
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board Senate
On January 22, 2013, President Obama nominated David Medine to be Chairman and Member of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board for a term expiring January 30, 2018 (new position). Medine was confirmed by the Senate on May 7, 2013.
July 9, 2013
Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, Legal Perspectives Meeting
July 7, 2013
PRIVACY AND CIVIL LIBERTIES OVERSIGHT BOARD Notice of Meeting
July 18, 2013
Pollinator II: Return of the...
I took these later in the evening (than the ones before). I shot these today.
(1/200 shutter speed)
Other things out and about before sunset.
The Giant Robber Fly
BlueJay
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Gender: Do not displayCurrent location: Back of Beyond
Member since: 2001
Number of posts: 90,762
