Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
Sancho
Sancho's Journal
Sancho's Journal
June 18, 2019
Five Reasons Florida's New Anti-Sanctuary Bill Is Racist Nonsense
https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/heres-why-floridas-sanctuary-city-ban-sb-168-is-racist-11197224?fbclid=IwAR2_xnEsD_ctcfQjrXk2HBCEIs0Aw8T6pzYa5_3RS1OrZ3yxlJ3HSPRLxikThis past Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the state's deeply controversial anti-"sanctuary city" bill, SB 168, into law. He did so in the blood-red Florida Panhandle, and there were so many fans who showed up that DeSantis reportedly had to find a larger venue.
The law, in short, is nonsense. There are no sanctuary cities in Florida at the moment. It fixes a problem that does not exist. And some of its language comes from racist, anti-immigrant groups who were quietly advising Florida lawmakers about the bill. After DeSantis signed the measure Friday, civil-rights groups lobbed criticism at the governor, suggesting they will launch legal challenges to prevent the law from taking effect.
The New American Economy, a centrist, corporate-tied think tank, warned in March that the bill could drain billions from the Florida gross-domestic product.
The idea for the bill was pitched by an anti-immigrant extremist group.
The law, in short, is nonsense. There are no sanctuary cities in Florida at the moment. It fixes a problem that does not exist. And some of its language comes from racist, anti-immigrant groups who were quietly advising Florida lawmakers about the bill. After DeSantis signed the measure Friday, civil-rights groups lobbed criticism at the governor, suggesting they will launch legal challenges to prevent the law from taking effect.
The New American Economy, a centrist, corporate-tied think tank, warned in March that the bill could drain billions from the Florida gross-domestic product.
The idea for the bill was pitched by an anti-immigrant extremist group.
June 16, 2019
A detailed article...worth reading.
Russian Hacks on U.S. Voting System Wider Than Previously Known
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-13/russian-breach-of-39-states-threatens-future-u-s-elections?fbclid=IwAR2hakrs8DpD-SMAq2EoxkLEbRGTxCJkpkxiouY7P_01yya7P8QmBto_jKERussias cyberattack on the U.S. electoral system before Donald Trumps election was far more widespread than has been publicly revealed, including incursions into voter databases and software systems in almost twice as many states as previously reported.
In Illinois, investigators found evidence that cyber intruders tried to delete or alter voter data. The hackers accessed software designed to be used by poll workers on Election Day, and in at least one state accessed a campaign finance database. Details of the wave of attacks, in the summer and fall of 2016, were provided by three people with direct knowledge of the U.S. investigation into the matter. In all, the Russian hackers hit systems in a total of 39 states, one of them said.
The new details, buttressed by a classified National Security Agency document recently disclosed by the Intercept, show the scope of alleged hacking that federal investigators are scrutinizing as they look into whether Trump campaign officials may have colluded in the efforts. But they also paint a worrisome picture for future elections: The newest portrayal of potentially deep vulnerabilities in the U.S.s patchwork of voting technologies comes less than a week after former FBI Director James Comey warned Congress that Moscow isnt done meddling.
In many states, the extent of the Russian infiltration remains unclear. The federal government had no direct authority over state election systems, and some states offered limited cooperation. When then-DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said last August that the department wanted to declare the systems as national critical infrastructure -- a designation that gives the federal government broader powers to intervene -- Republicans balked. Only after the election did the two sides eventually reach a deal to make the designation.
In Illinois, investigators found evidence that cyber intruders tried to delete or alter voter data. The hackers accessed software designed to be used by poll workers on Election Day, and in at least one state accessed a campaign finance database. Details of the wave of attacks, in the summer and fall of 2016, were provided by three people with direct knowledge of the U.S. investigation into the matter. In all, the Russian hackers hit systems in a total of 39 states, one of them said.
The new details, buttressed by a classified National Security Agency document recently disclosed by the Intercept, show the scope of alleged hacking that federal investigators are scrutinizing as they look into whether Trump campaign officials may have colluded in the efforts. But they also paint a worrisome picture for future elections: The newest portrayal of potentially deep vulnerabilities in the U.S.s patchwork of voting technologies comes less than a week after former FBI Director James Comey warned Congress that Moscow isnt done meddling.
In many states, the extent of the Russian infiltration remains unclear. The federal government had no direct authority over state election systems, and some states offered limited cooperation. When then-DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson said last August that the department wanted to declare the systems as national critical infrastructure -- a designation that gives the federal government broader powers to intervene -- Republicans balked. Only after the election did the two sides eventually reach a deal to make the designation.
A detailed article...worth reading.
June 13, 2019
Florida Manatee Orgy Near Tampa Bay Highway Causes World's Most Awkward Traffic Jam
https://www.thedrive.com/news/27980/florida-manatee-orgy-near-tampa-bay-highway-causes-worlds-most-awkward-traffic-jam?fbclid=IwAR0iP98hxAnzYZim0AF9Ctd0TXRF-aE_Gm1ZLuwMAzAX55yYBYCxbAPYryoAn unusual congregation of mating manatees reportedly caused a traffic jam in Tampa Bay, Florida last Friday.
Approximately a dozen of the creatures were spotted by commuters offshore of Courtney Campbell Causeway, reports Fox 13. The news channel says it received several calls from drivers commuting via the roadmany of whom pulled over to watch the spectaclereporting a possible whale in distress. On arrival, a news helicopter discovered the herd of manatees engaging in a rarely seen reproduction practice known as a "mating ball."
Though distasteful, this practice may prevent manatees from slipping back toward extinction, as the size of their wild population is limited. Manatees were classified as endangered for more than 40 years, until their reclassification in 2016 to the less-severe status of "threatened," implying population numbers greater than those of endangered species.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that manatee mating season runs from March through November, meaning more traffic slowdowns could occur in the rare event that another manatee mating ball appears off the coast of Tampa Bay.
Approximately a dozen of the creatures were spotted by commuters offshore of Courtney Campbell Causeway, reports Fox 13. The news channel says it received several calls from drivers commuting via the roadmany of whom pulled over to watch the spectaclereporting a possible whale in distress. On arrival, a news helicopter discovered the herd of manatees engaging in a rarely seen reproduction practice known as a "mating ball."
Though distasteful, this practice may prevent manatees from slipping back toward extinction, as the size of their wild population is limited. Manatees were classified as endangered for more than 40 years, until their reclassification in 2016 to the less-severe status of "threatened," implying population numbers greater than those of endangered species.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says that manatee mating season runs from March through November, meaning more traffic slowdowns could occur in the rare event that another manatee mating ball appears off the coast of Tampa Bay.
June 7, 2019
Let's see if Bill Barr is next...
Just a reminder about John Mitchell....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_N._MitchellJohn Newton Mitchell (September 15, 1913 November 9, 1988) was the 67th Attorney General of the United States (19691972) under President Richard Nixon. Prior to that, he had been a municipal bond lawyer, chairman of Nixon's 1968 presidential campaign, and one of Nixon's closest personal friends.
After his tenure as U.S. Attorney General, he served as chairman of Nixon's 1972 presidential campaign. Due to multiple crimes he committed in the Watergate affair, Mitchell was sentenced to prison in 1977 and served 19 months. As Attorney General, he was noted for personifying the "law-and-order" positions of the Nixon Administration, amid several high-profile anti-war demonstrations.
After his tenure as U.S. Attorney General, he served as chairman of Nixon's 1972 presidential campaign. Due to multiple crimes he committed in the Watergate affair, Mitchell was sentenced to prison in 1977 and served 19 months. As Attorney General, he was noted for personifying the "law-and-order" positions of the Nixon Administration, amid several high-profile anti-war demonstrations.
Let's see if Bill Barr is next...
June 6, 2019
This occurred in NY, but the man and car were from Florida....
Cops: Sarasota man crashes stolen Audi, threatens homeowner with ax, ends up naked in a chicken coop
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/nation-world/cops-sarasota-man-crashes-stolen-audi-threatens-homeowner-with-ax-ends-up-naked-in-a-chicken-coop/67-2543e99f-d69b-402f-9605-6406a38c77f8?fbclid=IwAR25vPXQubq5DkzLC_uc-qH2mbB7G0J0bFzO69Lv3dOjqe9-EOiK6nwzDHoAccording to CBS affiliate WBNG, John Mehne, 25, crashed the stolen 2016 Audi into an I-81 guard rail Tuesday morning in New York's Southern Tier. He reportedly tried getting away by jumping onto the back of a van, which sped up -- forcing him off. Looking for another getaway vehicle, police say Mehne hopped into the bed of a pickup truck, which carried him about a mile before it stopped suddenly, prompting him to run off into the woods.
Hours later, a man came home from work and reportedly found Mehne in his chicken coop.
WBNG says the guy asked Mehne what he was doing, and he replied that he was killing the chickens. The local news station says Mehne then grabbed an ax and began chasing the homeowner with it. According to WBNG, the homeowner ran away, Mehne stole his ATV and took off.
Not long after, investigators say another resident called and claimed Mehne was naked in another chicken coop. Law enforcement responded, and a police K-9 bit Mehne, who was captured and treated at an area hospital before being charged.
Hours later, a man came home from work and reportedly found Mehne in his chicken coop.
WBNG says the guy asked Mehne what he was doing, and he replied that he was killing the chickens. The local news station says Mehne then grabbed an ax and began chasing the homeowner with it. According to WBNG, the homeowner ran away, Mehne stole his ATV and took off.
Not long after, investigators say another resident called and claimed Mehne was naked in another chicken coop. Law enforcement responded, and a police K-9 bit Mehne, who was captured and treated at an area hospital before being charged.
This occurred in NY, but the man and car were from Florida....
June 6, 2019
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article231213983.html?fbclid=IwAR234OwHcV4F94p7SYtjWPCL4hGWDlX7ldiiO8GxUbx3NU2QBzC49dksy3c#storylink=cpy
If an armed teacher doesn't intervene in school shooting, will they be arrested, too? Read more...
New questions are emerging about who is responsible for the safety of others during a mass shooting after Tuesdays arrest of a Broward County Sheriffs deputy who hid outside during the 2018 massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.
The sponsor of this years bill which allowed classroom teachers to carry guns, said Wednesday its possible armed teachers could similarly be on the hook, legally, if they dont do everything required of them to keep kids safe during a shooting.
The sponsor of this years bill which allowed classroom teachers to carry guns, said Wednesday its possible armed teachers could similarly be on the hook, legally, if they dont do everything required of them to keep kids safe during a shooting.
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article231213983.html?fbclid=IwAR234OwHcV4F94p7SYtjWPCL4hGWDlX7ldiiO8GxUbx3NU2QBzC49dksy3c#storylink=cpy
May 22, 2019
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article230626404.html?fbclid=IwAR32XShZZgH7mmVhkZ6WwEhvm3QFuDh0Twto62BbVTH89nkD0Lat3gKP-Lo#storylink=cpy
We still don't know the full story about the ballots destroyed in Broward County Opinion
I had concerns, as did others, and as a result, I asked to inspect the ballots cast. Election officials refused my several requests to see the ballots, and after months of delay, we filed a lawsuit under Floridas public-records laws. Three months later, Broward County election officials simply destroyed all of the thousands of ballots cast in my race. The Circuit Court subsequently ruled in my favor and found that the ballot destruction violated state law, Florida administrative regulations and federal law.
The destruction of those ballots was a federal crime, and the destruction of public records during a public-records lawsuit is a crime under state law. Yet, not one state or federal law-enforcement agency has conducted any investigation into Browards illegal destruction of the ballots cast in my election.
Ion Sancho, former Leon County elections supervisor, believes that cyberattacks are not our biggest problem. According to Sancho, Florida does not properly audit its vote-counting machines, but instead simply assumes the machines are accurate when counting or recounting votes. If the software is tampered with, what do you think is going to happen if you rescan the ballots? Youll get the same answer back, Sancho said. The presumption that the voting machine is already correct is a silly presumption to begin with. It guarantees you wont find the problem, if there is one.
Since Floridians votes statewide on paper ballots, Sancho says we can always verify the machine counts with a proper audit of the paper ballots. But that means enforcing laws that require ballots be retained and made available for inspection. It is time for state and federal law enforcement agencies to do their jobs and investigate Broward Countys illegal destruction of all paper ballots cast in our 2016 primary.
The destruction of those ballots was a federal crime, and the destruction of public records during a public-records lawsuit is a crime under state law. Yet, not one state or federal law-enforcement agency has conducted any investigation into Browards illegal destruction of the ballots cast in my election.
Ion Sancho, former Leon County elections supervisor, believes that cyberattacks are not our biggest problem. According to Sancho, Florida does not properly audit its vote-counting machines, but instead simply assumes the machines are accurate when counting or recounting votes. If the software is tampered with, what do you think is going to happen if you rescan the ballots? Youll get the same answer back, Sancho said. The presumption that the voting machine is already correct is a silly presumption to begin with. It guarantees you wont find the problem, if there is one.
Since Floridians votes statewide on paper ballots, Sancho says we can always verify the machine counts with a proper audit of the paper ballots. But that means enforcing laws that require ballots be retained and made available for inspection. It is time for state and federal law enforcement agencies to do their jobs and investigate Broward Countys illegal destruction of all paper ballots cast in our 2016 primary.
Read more here: https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article230626404.html?fbclid=IwAR32XShZZgH7mmVhkZ6WwEhvm3QFuDh0Twto62BbVTH89nkD0Lat3gKP-Lo#storylink=cpy
May 7, 2019
Retire, move to Florida, drive slow in the left lane, shoot guns in Publix....ain't life grand!
Man shot inside Publix, gun fired from wife's purse after it fell off counter
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/pascocounty/man-shot-inside-publix-gun-fired-from-wifes-purse-after-it-fell-off-counter/67-a5accd84-9e70-41e7-b90f-abf48c8c1a19?fbclid=IwAR3d8oApWHUPEQT4svZ8ak7gGCYoDq8FI_ewggJYHZcuDyAmeEpQCvvVRT0LAND O' LAKES, Fla. Criminal charges are not expected to be filed after a man was accidentally shot at a grocery store Sunday, according to the Pasco County Sheriffs Office.
Investigators said the mans 67-year-old wife was standing at a cash register, checking out. Her purse fell on the counter to the ground and it appears the gun fired when the purse fell to the ground. A bullet hit the mans lower right shin.
A bullet hole was found in the side of the womans purse. She is a concealed carry permit holder and carries a handgun in her purse, according to the sheriffs office.
Investigators said the mans 67-year-old wife was standing at a cash register, checking out. Her purse fell on the counter to the ground and it appears the gun fired when the purse fell to the ground. A bullet hit the mans lower right shin.
A bullet hole was found in the side of the womans purse. She is a concealed carry permit holder and carries a handgun in her purse, according to the sheriffs office.
Retire, move to Florida, drive slow in the left lane, shoot guns in Publix....ain't life grand!
May 6, 2019
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/crime/florida-man-drunkenly-crashes-lawn-mower-into-cop-car-police-say/67-7da2f7c1-2510-4575-9c0c-225807374f41?fbclid=IwAR2cT7fcb5sF_XmKY6AIBJWRu4LEixIpSetGni0S1Qisl9PtYrxFh6DoLD0
Florida man drunkenly crashes lawn mower into cop car, police say
The Haines City Police Department said the man's blood-alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit.
The Haines City Police Department said a department vehicle was parked at Rodriguez Fashion on US-17 while an officer was responding to another matter inside the business.
Anderson's driver's license has been suspended since March 1978 and two prior DUI convictions, police said.
The Haines City Police Department said a department vehicle was parked at Rodriguez Fashion on US-17 while an officer was responding to another matter inside the business.
Anderson's driver's license has been suspended since March 1978 and two prior DUI convictions, police said.
https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/crime/florida-man-drunkenly-crashes-lawn-mower-into-cop-car-police-say/67-7da2f7c1-2510-4575-9c0c-225807374f41?fbclid=IwAR2cT7fcb5sF_XmKY6AIBJWRu4LEixIpSetGni0S1Qisl9PtYrxFh6DoLD0
May 1, 2019
https://heavy.com/news/2019/04/trystan-andrew-terrell/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
People Control, Not Gun Control
This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that werent secured are out of control in our society. As such, heres what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. Im not debating the legal language, I just think its the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because its clear that they should never have had a gun.
1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learners license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.
Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a drivers license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.
Trystan Andrew Terrell: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know
Trystan Andrew Terrell has been named as the suspect in a fatal shooting on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Terrell is a 22-year-old former UNCC student. The shooting took place on April 30, the final day of classes in the Spring semester. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has confirmed that Terrell is in custody and that charges against him are pending.
Terrells father, Craig, wrote in a blog post in May 2016 that his son was diagnosed as being autistic at three years old. Craig Terrell said that when a nurse in a neurological doctors office asked him, Has anyone ever mentioned the word autism to you? Our lives got more complicated. He went on to discuss the difficulty of researching autism online as the family was living in a rural part of Texas with only dial-up AOL internet access. Craig Terrell added that the nurse told him that there would be no follow-up appointment but that family just needed to research autism on the internet.
Little other information about Terrell has been made public or uncovered by reporters so far. Terrell does not appear to have a criminal record in North Carolina or elsewhere. It is not clear where Terrell went to high school or how long he had been studying at UCCC before dropping out.
Terrells father, Craig, wrote in a blog post in May 2016 that his son was diagnosed as being autistic at three years old. Craig Terrell said that when a nurse in a neurological doctors office asked him, Has anyone ever mentioned the word autism to you? Our lives got more complicated. He went on to discuss the difficulty of researching autism online as the family was living in a rural part of Texas with only dial-up AOL internet access. Craig Terrell added that the nurse told him that there would be no follow-up appointment but that family just needed to research autism on the internet.
Little other information about Terrell has been made public or uncovered by reporters so far. Terrell does not appear to have a criminal record in North Carolina or elsewhere. It is not clear where Terrell went to high school or how long he had been studying at UCCC before dropping out.
https://heavy.com/news/2019/04/trystan-andrew-terrell/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
People Control, Not Gun Control
This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that werent secured are out of control in our society. As such, heres what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. Im not debating the legal language, I just think its the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because its clear that they should never have had a gun.
1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learners license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.
Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a drivers license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.
Profile Information
Member since: Tue Aug 17, 2004, 07:11 AMNumber of posts: 9,070