Why Are We Having a Hard Time Holding Corruption Accountable?

 In my humble opinion there are two reasons why we are having a hard time holding police corruption accountable. Let me say, I'm 100% for police but also very much against corruption and targeting people for social networks and bias reasons. We as a nation must change the way we see and handle obvious violations of our Bill of Rights and Constitution least we someday break the system. The reasons why we do and don't is the proof in the pudding and often dereliction of our most sacred oaths. There are better paths forward but we have to accept them. That means being self reflective and supporting a higher value system.

Often giving the benefit of doubt to people of a certain race, background or occupation regardless of their merit or worthiness. When supported by a network that has shown prior coordinated poor behaviors we have a dangerous situation where free passes can embolden others to act in similar ways. (Most of the members are good people but are so wrapped into their social network they lost their ability to think outside that group. Who they talk to, what they wear, where they go, what clubs they are involved in, what they believe, etc... are highly dependent in internal group status. If someone says they have to hate and target someone they do so without thinking about it.  That is a long term risk. There needs to be an empathetic way to help them see beyond their ex sports playing network to more appropriate American values that relate to independence of thought that tap deeper value systems. )

 It is just too easy to lie and make up stories when the system is not willing to hold people accountable (Those lies can be broken by asking the right questions of different people at the right times. The Prisoner's Dilemma.) The problem is that a free pass becomes a potential sign of clannish third world thinking that risks the long term integrity of our institutions (Are we experiencing some of this now? What does it take to restore trust of such institutions? I believe we can but we have to look beyond the obvious. It will take coordination of different people who know what the "right thing" is.) 

We also want our officers to be successful and engage with the community (Not just their social, racial, or religious network.)The shield means something important and it must continue mean something in order for it to be effective (Everything in our society is based on trust from our economic system to our leadership. You have to think beyond the obvious to understand that our institutions are socially constructed based on necessity of society. The height or decline of a society is related to the development and wisdom of these institutions. Nearly every great society from the Romans to the Islamic Golden Age was based on universal values that transcended race and culture. They declined when such values were no longer inclusive and in fighting went rampant.). When we fail at our internal controls and turn a blind eye to criminal behaviors that strikes at the core of our national values our foundations begin to crumble (They don't just go away through intimidation or dishonesty. It just transforms into other areas of society.) We have the beginning of decline of a great nation as institutions become distrusted and people lower their trust levels (We need people to trust those institutions and leadership to act with integrity.). 

Acting with integrity is always important and when matched with multiple uninvestigated community complaints we run the risk that the law no longer functions as intended (It can become an extension of distorted beliefs that represent certain groups or a fraction of society. That is not denigrating the very good officers that act with integrity. Good officers are put at risk by those who circumvent public trust.). The law must seek to maintain integrity throughout the entire system and I believe that the process of betterment has started (Lots of foot dragging thus far but it is starting because the other options don't make sense and even if someone makes a sadistic "win" they risk everything else down the road. I'm still unsure of why we didn't start a long time ago. We should know the difference between right and wrong. Some do, but many do not. I applaud those with a moral code and value system who fulfill their duties as professionals.)

Do we really wonder why people are protesting if obvious criminal acts are given a wink and nod? Think about it for a moment and drop our pro or anti police arguments (I'm pro police, pro civil rights, pro solutions, and against crime and corruption. If something wrong happens and the system doesn't correct people have the right to protest. If the police act with integrity one must respect and support that to show their well balanced nature. It is called objectivity and the ability differentiate situations. Thus pro and anti-policers are rarely right because they lack proper perspective. The same goes for our politicians who struggle to think divergently on such issues. They often maintain all this or that mentalities which damage potential bipartisan solutions.) We want our police to be strong, have the best tactics, know when to help and when to arrest. We want them to act with integrity all the time to maintain institutional trust and ensure people work with and support the institution to make it more effective. 

What happens when a code of silence protects bad apples? How many bad apples does it take to make the whole department rotten? You have to answer this for yourself and how those behaviors might align/misalign with our wider national values. However, if we know that people are doing bad things and a "code of silence" takes hold, those people may walk from accountability but the entire department and in turn institution inherits the bad karma (Silence on corruption is not wise. I've seen this and I have seen it grow to damage hundreds of prospects and lives. I encourage officers to turn in obviously wrong behaviors and intent to their internal controls, state police, and/or federal law enforcement. It would really suck if you knew something and it was found out later you failed to act.)

You don't have to listen to me. I have a Muslim sounding name so I know how quickly my life, my children's life, my skills, and opinion are discounted (I might be one of the leading authorities on this topic within the country.). I think we need to change....or the system will someday have a forced correction (Universalizing our values to all Americans). I always believe in being proactive on problems and looking over the horizon to emerging issues before they become big (Some work only in hindsight and that often costs society significantly. That is why political immaturity over national development is not wise.)

How do we solve a problem such as this where we know wrong is wrong? I don't know but I'm thinking about it because much of it is up the rational decision making and moral conscious of others. Some are born better at it at ethical judgement than others, and yet we all must live by success and failures in that regard. To change hearts and minds is to move people from hyper focus on the leaves, to the tree, to the forest, to the ecosystem. In other words, we must reflect back enough truth to ensure their moral strings start to tug at their inner conscious. If we as a people fail in correcting when correction is necessary we begin to fail the entire system and the people who live in that system. 

The group that targeted me felt they could engage in such behaviors because of their perceived belief in their inherent superiority over me and my children. They also utilized their close association with law enforcement to engage in aggressive coordinated activities that have impacted at least 2 public institutions (education and law enforcement.). While they don't recognize it, their behavior seems to be based in racial, religious, and other distorted misperceptions related to beliefs within their social networks. Rumors and intentionally character assassination were part of the process. None of them can say me or my kids have done anything to them. These are the type of groups that rob the rest of society of their future and without some level of accountability we continue to build the pathways to two different societies. (They do not know they will increasingly be in the minority of opinion and value systems nationally as most come to recognize the needs of human capital and fair treatment to our future competitiveness.  That is why each person in that group, and in many ways the entire country, should decide what values they hold most important. It is the micro of actions that add up over time and every American must stand for certain principles beyond their social networks. The next 10 years will decide what our nation will look like in terms of one or two societies. The seeds of our direction are already planted.). It is up to our judges to stand to fuse society into one system guided by a universal institution (Importance of Judges and Corruption and Better Values). We can hope and pray wisdom. moral conscious and law can occupy the same space at the same time. Let's trust in each other and see where that goes.

Russian Collaborators, Defensive Positions and Renewed Offensive (Can Ukraine Effectively Counter Offensive?)

 We have three interesting things going on in Ukraine. This is the moment Russia tries to take advantage of Ukrainian leadership chaos and create a final push for their strategic Plan B locations (Manufacturing and Port based. Highlights why the U.S. needs to develop their own ports, infrastructure, and innovative manufacturing.). It is also the time when Russians are hunkering down their line and in a few short weeks would likely have very difficult to retake defensive positions. Its not the that Ukrainians can't win but they will have to decide what is most important.....risking everything to get everything back or risking less to maintain a smaller and weaker Ukrainian state. Offense or Defense? (We must also wonder if they have the ability to do so....that is an open question.)

1.) Collaborators: The ranks of Ukraine are struggling with what appears to be Russian collaborators/spies. If true, that represents a risk for Ukrainians and their ability to outmaneuver and use stealth/incognito to surprise their enemies. The risks are many. If such collaborators are removed it could help limit Russian intelligence efforts and provide some insulation of Ukrainian activities. Ukraine Treason Concerns

 2.) Increased Russian Fighting: Russia is increasing and renewing its energy and fighting on all fronts in an ever to push the Ukrainian forces out of their target regions. Likely as an effort to win territory before new support arrives. Much of that will be to show Russia is increasing momentum and double down on a "power" strategy (Some of this is perceptual but it counts). They are also taking advantage of the chaos in Ukrainian leadership ranks. Stuff at the top impacts everything else (i.e. another reason why American politicians must stop arguing and start solving problems).  Russian Intensity Push.

3.) Russia Reinforces Defensive Positions: This is the moment where Ukrainians must be decisive in this war. Russia has found their Plan B line and now want to protect their territory as well as push for the last industrial region in their crosshairs. At this point without an immediate turning back of Russian forces Ukraine will be split. It will likely either be split for a long time or forever. That is the nature of having two different peoples with different loyalties. It may be the time Ukrainians either decide to give it absolutely everything (at the risk of the rest of the country) or decide to use their resources to build their side of the Iron Curtain.  Russian Create Defense Network

If the Ukrainians are going to try and take back their lands in one foul swoop they would need to hit nearly all of the Russian command centers and supply depots within a very short period to create as much miscommunication, supply chain issues, and command failures as possible. That would need to be matched with superior firepower/tactics/kill zones on key Russian locations that once they fall will cause the other locations to start falling like a domino effect. (Personally I think the Russians know that their troops are not highly trained and committing them to battle might be a mistake so much better using artillery. ) Let us wait and see what happens.....

Photo Lighthouse From The Water Escanaba

 Uploading some of the pics I took last week of Escanaba Light House. Kind of a nice one. 

You Can Purchase Here

This is Where Protests May Not Be Helpful: Warrant: Minneapolis SWAT snipers shot Andrew "Tekle" Sundberg

There are fundamental differences between those who are peaceful and those who engage in horrendous activities that harm others. Violence is rising in our society and we need to find meaningful solutions. Police do have a responsibility to ensure the safety of people and that may come down to difficult choices. When there has been an attempt to find a peaceful resolution and risks continue things can get murky. Its not so easy to just say something incorrect happened (That occurs through a review and not jumping to conclusions.). 

According to the mother she states she was target for violence from the suspect and her kids will now likely suffer PTSD (We have a hard time thinking of rights of kids to live in a society free of violence. I know, I have been targeted once and the kids rights were the last thing anyone thought of. Its not easy standing up for their rights when people subjectively apply these rights, or take them away, as they wish. Even worse when they are not qualified to understand those rights from a moral, historical or philosophical level.) 

The mother says, "They have done their job." referring to police.  There are fundamental differences so people should think, try and understand, and accept if the situation and actions were reasonable. Its up to you to determine what is reasonable and what is not reasonable in your mind. Don't follow the herd. Learn and watch and come to accept the many different ways of looking at this situation (This is why we have contention because people need to find a middle ground. I have positive relationship with lots of officers but have little patience for those who circumvent the law. 100% support police, 100% civil rights and 100% against corruption which breaks the system and leads to institutional distrust. Just to add I'm 110% against those who use violence and guns to harm, harass, and target others.).

It looks on the surface that the police have done their duty. While a review may determine if there was anything inappropriate my belief is that they likely had few options if the suspect was given commands and didn't comply but still posed a threat.

May we find a way past our current difficulties with low trust, propensity toward violence, and lack of integrity across many spectrums of society. There are solutions but our political arguments seem to get in the way. We just have to decide what is more important. Our arguments or the solutions. Our leaders can solve problems like this.....I have faith in them. Someday we may not have the luxury of dragging our feet and resolving our pressing issues. Let us solve our big national issues proactively while it provides the greatest benefits. We have responsibilities to be reasonable in all situations. (Don't listen to me...I have a Muslim sounding name. 🤷)

A Few Points on Ensuring Accountability in Hate and Human Capital Development

Throughout the years I have seen people do atrocious things to others based on racial and religious ethnic strife. We love to pride ourselves on the ability to be a first world nation and we have all the makings to be great. Potentiality can turn into realized existence. One of the biggest detractors to human capital development is disparate treatment within our institutions. 

For example if a local college tells someone they are highly qualified and then retracts it based on good old boy networks, racial, and religious perspectives that should be illegal. 

Likewise, if someone coordinates hate against someone using a large group of ex sports players that should also be illegal. 

Furthermore, if law enforcement members of their social group engage in corrupt practices in support of their friends that should also be illegal (especially if there are multiple uninvestigated community complaints). 

The problem is that as common men and women we have little protection against these violations of morality and law (The Bill of Rights and Constitution must be enforced.).  We know may behaviors are wrong and even if we are the most reasonable person in the room (i.e. mandatory mental health, audit of missing money, and ensuring such corrupt practices don't continue forward) our reasonableness is put on the backburner. 

We know that much of society is unhappy that the rules apply differently to different people. We know that to be our best we have to integrate into one society. Our institutions should be protected from right or left wing extremist but also from heuristic blindness that creates long term risks to others.  I have great faith our justice system will, or has, begun to develop to help us build the next great American society. 

Instead of getting upset let us reach our hands out and encourage them to develop more universal approaches. There is no such thing as a free pass, as they only shift, and in turn become opportunities of transition. We will need all of America engaging in growth and development and we can't do that with misaligned values. Blending moral conscious, wisdom, and law together is our best approach forward (or we can step back 100 years but I always prefer going forward to new possibilities). 

Let us keep our fingers crossed. As with many proactive approaches we must believe in a better way forward. 🤷

Dock During Day Photo

 I'm working on uploading various pictures to my small but growing art gallery. Not sure why I like this one but it has color which is nice. 

Docks During Day. Purchase Here

Extra Money in Pentagon Defense Budget. Use Wisely With Three Suggestions

 Extra money is a good thing for the Pentagon. Its money that can be used to strengthen our defense (My Republican Side). It is also opportunity to develop new capacities as we are no longer that further ahead of our adversaries. We will need to compete and maintain our competitive advantages but be increasingly wise about money. Three suggestions:

1. Free Innovation Money: Focus on developing innovation and new weaponry. Hedge space, industrial wearable tech and robotics. I developed a rapid innovation system that seeks to spark positive change in multiple industries for wider economic growth. Needs design and prototype firms in the same area mixed with the right local infrastructure and small manufacturing. If someone has a better idea great! So far I haven't really seen it but sometimes doing new things makes sense....that is called a learning society/organization.

2. Don't waste the money: Make sure the money is focused on key objectives. Keep tabs and try new things but don't allow self interested people suck off the government. We are at a juncture in the movement to a Digital Era and we need further push into capacity building. That will rely in part on the ability to manage money and resources effectively. The older systems of management will need to give way to newer systems that ensure proper resource utilization. 

3. Hire diversely for ideation maximization. While elite education is helpful we don't want to simply hire people from the same elite backgrounds. They may not be as prepared to think out of the box when compared to those who didn't come with available resources and social connections. Mix up the hiring strategy to create a diverse organization with different ideas from different backgrounds. We have an issue in believing that only people of certain backgrounds are qualified for leadership position...i.e. false sense of pedigree. (Not saying everyone that came from that background had it easy but based on family income...yes more than others. ). Instead of hiring those who came with people who had lots of people cut the paths with all of the right tools for them, try including people who were dropped blindly in the middle of the life jungle with nothing but a fork and spoon and still made their way out (Their thinking is much more innovative and practical.)

This is the time the U.S. will need to pull up its boot straps and have more people rowing in the same direction. The time for self interest and old ways are becoming ineffective and damaging our long term prospects. Maximization of opportunity comes through continuous pushes for advancement. That requires a more creative way of working with the world. 

Anyway....here is the article Pentagon Gets Extra Money