31 July 2013
Formerly "Safe" Baltimore Neighborhoods See Sharp Spike In Crime
From Canton to Fells Point, neighbors are reporting a spike in everything from burglaries to assaults, but that senseless and brutal attack in Little Italy is really striking a chord with people. Read more...
FACE OFF! Political Pundit Puts Mosby Out There... On Facebook
Filed by A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectatorBaltimore's political scene continues to be a good source of social media fodder. In this latest episode, well known political commentator, Hassan "Mr. Politics" Giordano, takes aim squarely at Boston native, Marilyn Mosby, prime challenger to State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein for the next election. Mosby is also the wife of city councilman Nick Mosby, one of Baltimore's more popular politicos with a social media presence.
The text below was posted by Giordano on Facebook this morning. After garnering lots of comments in a flurry of responses, the entire thing was suddenly deleted without explanation.
Detroit Does It Again -- Cops Pretending To Be Cops Caught Committing Crime
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Like their city, The Detroit Police Dept. is
falling apart.
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A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Agitator-In-Chief
@BaltoSpectatorWhen a city goes downhill, morale plummets and it shows in many ways.
In the latest bit of bizarre criminal corruption coming out of Detroit, we learn of two police sergeants who went around posing as pretend cops beating and robbing people. One of the the two unidentified cops had 20 years on the job. We have to wonder how much of this supervisors moral defect was passed along to his subordinates during that time.
"Using a police officer’s badge and gun to commit crime is a particularly egregious threat to the community" Timothy Groh, FBI Special AgentOf course, this isn't the first time two Detroit Police officers were busted for pulling people over and robbing them. Maybe the sergeants learned from these two guys.
29 July 2013
Our Nation No Longer Has Cops -- Commentary
Originally published in The National Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Shame. A MacArthur Media transparency project.
"It's now a national standard that cops have a very low IQ. After candidates are determined to be of extremely low IQ, they're put through a battery of psychological tests to identify and select sociopaths to be hired and trained.
Moral thinkers need not apply.
The result is brain-dead psychopaths who will obey any order without question and who are totally incapable of understanding human rights and thus are always willing TO KILL YOU without the slightest hesitation.
Our nation no longer has cops. We have heavily armed enforcer street gangs behind badges." Ralph E Berkeypile Jr
28 July 2013
24 July 2013
Feeling Surrounded, Baltimore Spectator Confronts Police Commander
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| Tyrone West, killed by Baltimore Police. |
A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.
Candle holding supporters, family and friends gathered on the corner of Kitmore Rd and Kelway Rd.
With uniformed officers all around, in addition to plain clothes units circling in cars, it felt as if Baltimore Police were preparing for something big to go down. Mind you, this was a peaceful vigil, planned to remember a man, who witnesses say was beaten and stomped to death by Baltimore Police.
It should come as no surprise, but I'm not big on looking all around and seeing nothing but blue uniforms.
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| Neighborhood welcome committee. There were much more than this. (@BmoreBloc/Baltimore Spectator) |
There were lots of murmurings in the crowd about the heavy presence. Some gave glares and stares. Others weren't so subtle, even calling out the police on the mic while addressing supporters attending the vigil. No doubt, Baltimore Police were an unwelcome presence on this street corner. Just last week they'd killed a man on this very spot.
Police are used to people being afraid and intimidated by them. After All, they've proven time and time again they have the power to kill at will, and suffer no repercussions, always finding a way to justify their violent acts.. So for the average citizen, fear of confrontation and contact is not unreasonable at all.
Unfortunately for those employing psychological tactics of intimidation, some of us aren't so easily moved. Instead of guessing and wondering why the hell there were so many police, I decided to step away from the crowd, and as a dutiful investigative journalist, go to the source and just ask.
I'd like to thank my brave team of independent, underground guerrilla journalists, the Certified Bomb Technicians, for coming along to not only document the "interview,' but their presence also ensured Baltimore Police would be on their best behavior. An uncommon occurrence these days.
Below is a raw video clip. A better one is coming, stay tuned for that. The sound isn't that great, but the visuals are priceless. Notice the group of cops on the right, immediately scurrying away from the presence of our cameras. Capt. Johnson on the other hand, being a commander, was somewhat obliged to maintain a professional presence.
Never be afraid to confront your enemy and face your accusers.
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Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.
Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.
23 July 2013
Artscape Was Great Until... An Open Letter To The Mayor
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| Artscape regular, James MacArthur, with a subtle message. |
One of the highlights of my summers in Baltimore has always been Artscape. This year was no exception. My visit to the annual free festival was nearly perfect, until a most unfortunate incident.
Although [this time] I wasn't the primary target of the sheer rudeness and brusque treatment given to visitors by members of the Baltimore Police Department. What I saw at the end was quite disheartening.
The city spends a lot of time and money encouraging people to visit Baltimore. Not only do we need them to come to our festivals, we need them to spend their money here. The economic boost is unquestionable. It would be great if the police, by their actions, didn't undermine this effort.
The city spends a lot of time and money encouraging people to visit Baltimore. Not only do we need them to come to our festivals, we need them to spend their money here. The economic boost is unquestionable. It would be great if the police, by their actions, didn't undermine this effort.
"Artscape is closed, you gotta shutdown!" said the unidentified policeman, his tone firm and gruff. Hardly the way to speak to a vendor. These folks spend big money to be part of city promotions."If I go on the internet talking bad about Baltimore Police, this is something I'm gonna have to deal with repercussions of..."
Police have a legitimate job to do, but this doesn't mean when they do it, all courtesy and tact should be discarded.
While vendors were finishing up their final sales, the police returned several times hammering home the message in the same impolite manner.
For vendors who'd spent good money for the opportunity to sell there, back to back temporary emergency closures on account of hazardous weather, had already put a dent in expected sales. With piles of already prepared food still on hand, attempting to sell off a few last minute items to hungry patrons shouldn't be treated as a disruptive act.
Welcome To Baltimore
Even visitors were not spared. They too were doled a dose of the unique customer service experience by these shining ambassadors of the city of Baltimore. Pedestrians walking into an area, that had just minutes before been wide open all day, were sternly told to turn around and leave "ARTSCAPE IS CLOSED!"
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| Community Welcoming Committee: Note hand placement of cop on the right. |
You may have not heard any reports of these incidents in the media, but I caution not to take that to mean it didn't happen. I spoke to a vendor and asked him how he felt about what was going on. In quite strong language, he vented and expressed his dissatisfaction.
I asked him for permission to record his interview, he flat out told me no. Then went on to add: "I live in the city. I don't want to be a target. If I go on the internet talking bad about Baltimore Police, this is something I'm gonna have to deal with repercussions of, I gotta live here!"
I asked him for permission to record his interview, he flat out told me no. Then went on to add: "I live in the city. I don't want to be a target. If I go on the internet talking bad about Baltimore Police, this is something I'm gonna have to deal with repercussions of, I gotta live here!"
Somehow, I don't imagine having large segments of the population, living under a sphere of fear and terror, of those paid and sworn to serve and protect, is how we're going to make our city more attractive.
It was just two year ago when you said; "If Baltimore is to have a future, the leadership in the city has to focus on making the city a vibrant, growing city... if you're not focused on growing it, you're resigned to a slow death." You also famously stated you had a goal of seeing 10,000 new families in 10 years. Will there be a progress report issued on this to see how it's working out and where we're at?
Despite my own personal negative experience with the Baltimore Police Department, this brief account of some of what I saw at Artscape isn't good for the city.
Again, I ask you and your administration to take seriously the repeated call for concrete ACTION towards reforming our police department. Not just talk. God knows we've already had too much of that. Common courtesy goes a long way Madame Mayor. You want us to work with them, they're gonna have to work with us.
Yours Truly;
A.F. James MacArthur
Citizen, taxpayer (during non incarcerated years), curator of common sense
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Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.
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Community activist, independent journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is used to not being welcomed in public places.
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
Suicide donkey-bomber kills troops in Afghanistan
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A suicide bomber disguised as a farmer, rode a donkey into a group of coalition and Afghan troops Tuesday and set off an explosion killing three NATO-led soldiers and their interpreter.
The nationalities of the deceased were not immediately released.
NATO's International Security Assistance Force and Afghan National Army soldiers were about to conduct a military operation in the area of the Sayed Abad district. Read more...
WAR ON PORN: Online Pornography To Be Blocked By Default In The UK
Some "horrific" internet search terms will also be "blacklisted." They would automatically bring up no results on websites such as Google or Bing.
Like Scotland, possessing online pornography depicting rape would become illegal in England and Wales.
Related articles
22 July 2013
Can You Hear Me Now? - U.S. Marshals Lose Millions of Dollars Worth Of Two-Way Radios
The U.S. Marshals Service -- in charge of Federal Witness Protection Program -- has lost track of approximately 2,000 encrypted two-way radios worth millions of dollars, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.
"We believe that this issue is in large part attributable to poor record keeping..." U.S. Marshals Service spokesman Drew Wade
Marshals told the Wall Street Journal they were worried not only about wasted money, but also about prospect of criminals getting hold of the radios and using them to gain access to privileged law enforcement activities.
Man canoeing on river, fatally shot by property owner... for peeing in the woods
Zimmerman Effect?
We may be going out on a limb here, but it's starting to look as if the Zimmerman verdict may have "empowered" many to feel no qualms to shoot to kill at will... then claim self defense as their rationale.
A property owner who became enraged that a man on a float trip stopped to urinate on his property. The property owner told police that he fatally shot a man in the face with his 9mm handgun.
"It's my property and I was going to protect it..."
James Robert Crocker was charged with second-degree murder in the killing Saturday. The incident took place along Missouri's Meramec River. The dead man was identified as Paul Franklin Dart, aged 48.
UPDATED: Shooter Given Life Sentence -- Zimmerman II? -- Deranged Neighbor Shoots Teenage Boy Walking On Sidewalk
BREAKING: John Spooner sentenced to life in prison for killing teen
Below is the original story on this shocking, tragic incident, being ignored by mainstream media.
Cold Blooded Killing Caught On Video As Boy Shot In Front Own House
John Henry Spooner, a 76-year-old Milwaukee man, was found guilty Wednesday of fatally shooting his 13-year-old neighbor, Darius Simmons, whom he suspected had broken into his home and stolen weapons.
Disturbing video taken from Spooner's own security cameras show him confronting the teen that morning. Pointing a gun at Simmons, from about 6 feet away, Spooner opens fire, shooting him in the chest. At the time of the shooting, Simmons was retrieving his family's garbage cans from the curb."Yeah, I shot him."
It is unclear what evidence, if any, Spooner had to suspect that his young neighbor was responsible for burglarizing his home.
Sadly Simmons' mother, Patricia Larry, saw the whole tragedy as she stood on her front porch in shock. Her trigger-happy, gun toting, next-door neighbor even briefly pointed the gun at her.
Sadly Simmons' mother, Patricia Larry, saw the whole tragedy as she stood on her front porch in shock. Her trigger-happy, gun toting, next-door neighbor even briefly pointed the gun at her.
Defense attorney, Franklyn Gimbel, argued that his client did not intend for the gunshot to be fatal.
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| Darius Simmons, killed at age 13 |
While being arrested, responding police officer, Richard Martinez, testified Spooner stated; "Yeah, I shot
him."
Before Spooner is sentenced for first degree murder, the case is shifting to a second stage where his attorney will argue the insanity plea.
Read more.
@BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel
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