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A Day in Traffic Court
So....I'm a bit confused. I have a court date already set. If I go into the courthouse, and tell them I want to do the "trail de novo", they'll give me a form to fill out? And when it's filled out, with all my charts and graphs, and other fun stuff...that's it? I'll hear from them as to whether I won or lost?— September 1, 2009 4 p.m.
Cops in Crosshairs
Well...I think we've found the SECOND THING you and SDaniels agree on. She hates cops, too. And I think her reasons are about as silly as yours.— September 1, 2009 3:21 p.m.
The Busby Affair
That seems kinda harsh, to want a cop fired for looking into a noise complaint (assuming, for a second, that there was no noise). I met a retired cop at a party a few years ago. He looked like Yaphet Kotto. Very interesting dude, although a bit too into science fiction and crap movies. I think he ended up becoming a pychiatrist for cops, or something along those lines. They had to go to a house in Santee, where lots of domestic desputes occured. They knock on the door, and hear a gun being loaded. They looked at each other and said "This isn't worth it. Let them shoot each other, and we'll come back later." Well, they didn't get a call later. So, the couple obviously settled their little spat. But is this what we want our cops doing? Not investigating things, because they might be sued? Or they might lose their job if a county supervisor doesn't like a quick, split-second decision they made? If there was no noise, as you guys claim (I'll go with that, for this argument)....why not tell the cop your name, birthday, give him your ID, and CALMLY explain to the cop WHY the neighbor called 911, and how the neighbor was yelling homophobic slurs, etc. The officer would've then went over and given the neighbor crap. Instead, you start mouthing off to a cop, you end up in cuffs (and sometimes, with a beer in your hand at the White House, but I digress). Basically, it works like this. Has anyone ever yelled at a cop when they DIDN'T do anything wrong? And if they do, well, they're doing something wrong right there. Cops are trying to constantly access situations. They've been trained to do that. They know all the excuses. They've heard all the BS stories. So, they can be rude and curt, and you just have to go with the flow, and do what they say.— September 1, 2009 3:14 p.m.
Letters
SD...it's funny that a person can be as smart as you, yet so dense. Even your writing style...while I enjoyed your blog about shoes and France, you come across as someone that just wants to impress all with your big, vast knowledge of the language. Yet in debates (aside from the one above) you just sound like a moron. You still couldn't even comment on that racist Gates, because if something happens in the news that doesn't subscribe to your idiotic world views, you just don't comment on it. Instead, you feel like attacking someone like Pete. Because...I'm guessing...that accomplishes so much more (that was sarcasm). Instead of explaining to your 3 students online, that there's a difference between an African-American that has be repressed many ways by society, and one that is highly successful, yet writes about it, and is so convinced that these things happen in society, he yells racist things at white cops that come to question why he "broke into" his house. Pete...I would say there's nothing wrong with having pride in your heritage. So, if some Irishman is proud of Ireland and the history of his clan and old sod, so be it. It doesn't mean he has to find an Irish woman, does it? He could fall in love with someone completely different, and have kids with her. And he can teach the kids about their history. Their moms history. And his history. Both completely different. And don't get me wrong. I have no problem with someone that is really into their Christianity, wanting to marry another Christian. Obviously, someone that feels that strongly about their religion, would want a partner that does as well. I'm talking more about ethnicity. I had a friend that wanted a blonde wife, because he wanted "white" kids. He married a Latina, and was disappointed his kids were dark. Well, he's an idiot. The kids are beautiful. To me, there's no problem wanting your wife to look a certain way, because you might prefer a certain look. But wanting your kids to be carbon copies of yourself, is to me, just plain odd. I like the way the character did in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." She married a white guy, but still had her kids going to Greek schools, because she felt they should learn about their culture (although it kind of contradicts the first half of the movie, since she hated her dad being that way and being so forceful about it).— September 1, 2009 3:07 p.m.
Cops in Crosshairs
Pete...you're a complete tool, if you think cops should be shot. I mean, let me see if I get this straight. You admit to having loud parties, with drugs and underage drinking. And what? You're mad the cops showed up? You talk about doing armed robbery. And what? You're mad the cops arrested you? Officers put their lives on the line, everyday. And they're going to be the first people you call if a crime is being perpetrated against you.— September 1, 2009 2:56 p.m.
Bicyclists and Podiatrists
jm...count me and my stepbrother in. We can bring more people with us, too. Email me directly (via instant message on this site), and tell me what time, and where you're hooking up. Also...to any of the idiots that do the Critical Mass, they really should read the link to the website that someone posted. It really shows just how insane they are. I have more respect for PETA folks that throw paint on your leather jacket. Because, at least they feel your love of animal products is the reason they are killed. Don't get me wrong, I disagree with them doing it, but it sure makes a lot more sense than cyclists that just want to clog the roads and tick off drivers. And it really creates absolutely no awareness for ANYTHING.— September 1, 2009 2:51 p.m.
A Day in Traffic Court
It's awesome that you do that, story. The dogs are lucky to have ya. Thanks for the tip, jm. Although, I'm always reluctant when people throw these things by me. I remember hearing that if you flash your headlights, traffic lights change. They don't, and you just look silly. My friend that's a cop told me years ago, they love going to court for tickets. They get time and a half (or something like that). I have to imagine, if I write out WHY I am not guilty (and don't they ask you to enclose a check up front?), that it's easy for a judge to ....I dunno. I'm going to sound paranoid now. You say it works, I'll take your word and I'll try it next time (hopefully there won't be a next time).— September 1, 2009 2:45 p.m.
Bicyclists and Podiatrists
mental...here's the thing. I'm the most respectful person on the road. Whether that's a motorcycle or bicycle. But, for you to say that we can wait for you "every so often"...well, the problem is this. You are doing that MERELY to cause havoc. I'm not even one of those drivers that gets mad if I see a cyclist 500 feet in front of me, that blows a stop sign. If it doesn't slow me down, why would I care? But when you guys purposely get together, with the sole purpose of upsetting drivers, well...then you're an idiot. And I'd love nothing more than for an 18-wheeler to plow you guys all down. If, on the other hand, you guys are just going for a Sunday afternoon bike ride, I'll go out of my way, to give you guys all the room in the world. Even if it's a daily ride to work. But what you're doing, would be like someone being mad at filmmakers that show to much violence, and then going into Tarantinos latest movie and sitting there causing a disturbance for the people that want to watch it.— September 1, 2009 11:20 a.m.
Stripped
I agree with those last few lines, refried. The times I've gone to strip clubs, I have more fun watching the crowd. There will be such a bizarre mix of people. Military guys that yell crude things, thinking this is going to score them points with women. Or, the 55-year-old guy in a suit, who is staring at the women as if he'd like to cut them into little pieces and store them in their trunk. Now Fred, you're sports thing is partly right. Although, I think the reasons for the let down have more to do with the type of intelligence of the player. There have been pro athletes, and lots of them, that have made the leap to a regular life. They may have finished college, or made wise investments, knowing that they weren't the best or could be injured at any time.— September 1, 2009 10:34 a.m.
Letters
Well, let me shoot down that argument. If "God" as you say, doesn't want races mixed, well...why is it possible to do so? Surely this "God" you speak of, could've created a human race where different races couldn't have kids. IF, that is what he/she (not sure the gender of your "god") wanted. I mean, a cat and dog can't have off spring, right? Yet, other animals (like different breeds of dogs) are able to. So...if "God" doesn't have a problem with it, why do you? (on a side note: it's great that you don't treat mixed races different) As to why people look different...well, the smarter folks like SD and rickey could probably explain it (as I paid very little attention in class), but doesn't it have to do with what part of the world they lived? Darker skin because of the sun, etc.— September 1, 2009 10:27 a.m.