28 February 2015

On The Branch Davidians And Domestic Terror & Government Misconduct *WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE*


51 Bloody Days Later The Siege Ended -- 76 People Were Killed -- None Were Government Agents
Originally a series of numbered tweets, the essay below reflect my views, looking back on how the United States Government handled the case against David Koresh and The Branch Davidians. 

Light editing for punctuation or expanding words from abbreviations has been done, but the words are basically as was said, off the top of my head on Twitter.

It should be noted, initially there was only a warrant for one single man. The religious separatists living at the compound were not under criminal investigation, nor were there any warrants for their apprehension. We were told their leader was who was wanted.

The government waged a war, and attacked a whole group of peaceful people, who were bothering no one, in order to execute a warrant against ONE MAN.

This is not an attempt at an exhaustive dissection of all that went wrong -- it was a series of impromptu tweets. My opinion.

The reader is encouraged to research other sources to get a more comprehensive view, of what I personally see as a very dark chapter in not just American history, but the history of freedom and democracy at large. -- James MacArthur, Agitator-In-Chief

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27 February 2015

Misled By A Picture? -- Start Reading More


With numerous disclaimers present, choosing to ignore written word is fault of the reader.

In a podcast, editor James MacArthur responds to readers who disagree with the use of the cover picture used in a story.



Among other things, the story on the Southwest Airlines incident at BWI reveals a little known pre #911 incident. It details the time when passengers basically beat an unruly, disruptive man to death. 

That in itself is an incredible story, yet all some people want to do is talk about the cover picture. 

A highly detailed, accurate, well researched, comprehensive story has been reduced to accusations of "bad journalism" from some, because rather than actually read, they get stuck on a single picture. Unbelievable!

26 February 2015

Southwest Airlines Plane Makes Emergency Landing At BWI Airport


Airline Has Never Had A Fatal Crash In Its Entire 44 Year Operating History

26 February 2015

By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

BALTIMORE -- (MINS) Airport officials confirm a passenger carrying aircraft had to make an emergency, unscheduled "precautionary" landing Thursday morning at Baltimore's BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.

After the story broke here, nearly five hours passed before Baltimore mainstream news media began reporting on the emergency incident.

According to The Baltimore Sun, while bound for Boston from Atlanta, the captain of Southwest flight 319 -- carrying 113 passengers aboard -- declared an emergency Thursday morning, after an "electrical smell" was detected in the cabin.

The plane was then diverted to making an unscheduled, emergency landing at the Baltimore airport.

25 February 2015

ANOTHER ONE! Video Shows Baltimore Cop Slugging Suspect In The Face #MobTown Chronicles


Police Claimed To Be Unaware Of Video Until TV Station Shows Them
Filed by James MacArthur
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

Sometimes in Baltimore it's really hard to keep up with all the shenanigans involving Baltimore police.

WJZ reports the video is the latest in a string of caught-on-camera incidents that have called into question officers’ behavior, including an incident where a cop was caught on camera punching a man near a bus stop.

In fact, a Baltimore Sun investigation recently detailed dozens of cases where the city paid out more than $11 million to settle allegations of police brutality—part of why Police Commissioner Anthony Batts and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake now actively support the introduction of body cameras on all officers so they have more evidence of when police force is justified or crosses the line.
“What, you got probable cause?” the man asked.
“I’m going to ask you to get out of my face,” the officer replied.
“Don’t touch me!” the man replied.
In this video, you see a confrontation between a young man and an officer. Although the young man acted in a manner in which we wouldn't suggest, the officer seems to use way more force than is necessary. By punching the man in the face, the officer escalated the situation to a place it didn't need to go.


Source: WJZ




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Horseshoe Isn't Good Luck As First Dining Establishment Shuts Down


Casino owned by bankrupt parent company has been plagued with problems since opening
Filed by James MacArthur
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

Only six months after opening, the Baltimore's Horseshoe Casino is seeing its first dining departure.
"It's been a great experience but ultimately the Horseshoe customer and our product mix just didn't take hold..."  Nikki Lewis, owner, The Mallow Bar
The casino has fallen millions short on promised revenue projections every month since it opened. In January the venue brought in $23.2 million, but the facility was expected to average more than $31 million each month.



The Mallow Bar, a dessert cafe in the casino's Baltimore Marketplace, will close later this week. The cafe is one of five local vendors that comprise the marketplace, including Lenny's Delicatessen, Heavy Seas and Tark's.

Source: Baltimore Business Journal

How To Deal With Winter Time Blues -- Caribbean Style



Photo courtesy of  Virgin Islands Sailing
As a sailor, and native Virgin Islander, I'm obligated to share with you how awesome my island is right about now. 

Especially considering the weeks long ordeal of sub freezing temps most of the country has had to endure. -- JM

Teen Pregnancy Rate Drops Dramatically, Still Higher Than Everywhere Else


Have Baltimore kids finally figured out proper condom use?

The Baltimore Sun reports; Baltimore's teen pregnancy rate dropped by nearly a third from 2009 to 2013, far surpassing the city's goal for reducing the rate, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake plans to announce today.
"While public health officials cheered the reduction, the city's rate remains twice as high as the state's and significantly higher than the national average..."

Got Privacy?


As usual, Kal nails it!

24 February 2015

Armed Cops Inside City Schools A Bad Idea -- Opinion


Measure Being Considered Would Authorize Baltimore City Schools Police To Patrol School Hallways While Armed
24 February 2015

By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE



Should Baltimore City Schools Police be able to roam the hallways of our public schools while packing heat?


As this is being written, the public is weighing in on that very same question at Baltimore Public School headquarters on North Ave.

That children in school need a comfortable, secure environment at school in order to thrive is without question. Well documented tensions between the black community and police shouldn't be ignored when thinking of this. Are we simply trying to increase intimidation and the fear factor for students?

Currently schools police -- Baltimore is the only school district in the state with it's own dedicated force -- patrol outside the buildings and on campus grounds armed, but are supposed to secure their weapons when routinely entering the interior of the premises.

First something should be made absolutely clear. In a true emergency, responding officers from outside the building would be able to have their weapons with them. This has never been a question. The matter is concerning routine operations, when nothing is going on, except children hopefully trying to learn.

Secondly, as any security or intelligence professional can tell you, by the time you need an armed response inside of a controlled access building like a school, you've already failed on multiple levels.

Good security is all about proactive prevention, not reacting after all hell has broken loose.

CAPITAL HEIGHTS! Legal Pot Comes To DC - A Handy Reference To The Rules

Marijuana Capital Of America?
Filed by James MacArthur
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, DC -- (MINS) Legal weed lands in the District of Columbia this Thursday, but before you rush out and plan a pineapple express trip to D.C., there are some rules you should be aware of.

First off you should know the Mayor says: Despite legal pot, the city will not become ‘like Amsterdam.'

Here are some facts on what you can and can't do when marijuana comes to DC

Here's a handy map of what you can do where.





NORTHERN LIGHTS! Alaska Legalizes Marijuana -- One Of Only Three States



23 February 2015

Iron Man Or Iron Hand? -- Was Cal Ripken Jr. A Physical Bully? Player Accuses


Former Teammate Said Physical Abuse Kept Him In Line

23 February 2015

By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE


BALTIMORE - (MINS) Apparently Cal Ripkin Jr. could really kick some a$$. Hitting more than just home runs, seems the short stop was more of a slugger than we first thought.

Is getting beaten up in the club house good for an athletes career? Apparently former Baltimore Gregg Zaun seems to think so. How far did his career take him again?

Zaun says, the best thing that ever happened to his major league career, was when his Orioles teammates — notably Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. — would keep him in line by using physical abuse.

The nephew of another famous Oriole -- Jack Dempsey -- describes a wrecking crew of players working him over. Beating the brash, cocky attitude out of him. One kind of wishes Johnny Manziel would find the same reception in Cleveland.

Allegedly Cal's posse included Ben McDonald, Brady Anderson, Chris Hoiles and others who were not named.

Zaun describes an incidents sounding more like a bus full of school kids or college frat boys, than the public would imagine happening with professional athletes:

Move Over Sheila -- Adam Jones For Mayor? -- Buck Thinks He Could Run


Popular Player A Perennial Fan Favorite
23 February 2015

By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

BALTIMORE - (MINS) Adam Jones is without a doubt the most popular, personable, and recognizable Baltimore Oriole. His positive attitude, intensely dedicated work ethic, and obvious club house leadership is hard not to notice. He's become a household name since joining the team in 2010. Even the most causal observer -- not even necessarily a baseball fan --  knows about him. Have you ever wondered what his career options could be after baseball?



















Orioles manager Buck Showalter believes Jones could have a future in politics.

"I really believe he could run for mayor of Baltimore when he is done playing... Whether he's in a tuxedo at his wedding or in a duck blind, he knows how to communicate with all people," Buck Showalter said.

Snowpocalypse Meltdown -- Post Oscars Wrap #SpectatorRadio


Malcolm X remembered. Wrap up of weekend crime and other news, with plenty of James MacArthur's views, interpretation and analysis of current events.









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As Director of the MacArthur Institute Center For Advanced Analysis and Critical Comparison; occasional media critic, researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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22 February 2015

Baltimore Police Involved Shooting In Front Trayvon Martin Mural Getting Widespread Attention -- Gawker

Police Involved Shooting In Baltimore Makes International News - MacArthur Photos Used

Sunday Shooting Leaves Man Dead

21 February 2015

Snow Storm Emergency Response Hampered By Road Conditions

Snow Storm Wreaks Havoc On Baltimore Roadways -- A Photo Recap via Justin Fenton

Man Shot In Head Not Dead - 1 Homicide This Week


Record Low Temperatures Seemed To Temporarily Chill Violence

MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

21 February 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 

Video clip property of WMAR ABC2,  apparently the only station to have reported on the incident. Embedded under standard fair use practices. 


UPDATE: A man found dead in a car this afternoon, initially declared suspicious -- without a stated cause of death -- has now been determined to be a homicide. Saturday night Justin Fenton tweeted"Update: Man found dead in a car today in 3800 blk of Ridgewood Ave was shot to death. ID'd as Kevin Mason, 29"

It it unknown when or precisely where Mason was when he was actually shot.
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BALTIMORE -- (MINS)  A man was shot in the head Friday night on the 1600 block of W. North Ave., near the intersection of Pennsylvania Ave.

The victim's current condition is unknown, but police say he survived the attack and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. 

Friday's victim was one of four people shot on the exact same block within the past six months.

Like the majority of all shootings in the city, Baltimore Police have stated no motives or known suspects in connection with the incident.

Many hours later, crime scene tape was still erected around the scene and a Baltimore Police car appeared to be guarding it. A fairly uncommon occurrence. 

Although the shooting happened shortly after 8:00 p.m., Baltimore Police delayed alerting the public for over two hours before posting the incident on the department's twitter page.


An Extremely Violent Corridor

The area surrounding the Penn-North Metro subway station has seen an extremely high rate of violence over the years. On just the 1600 block of W. North Ave. alone, numerous assaults and robberies have happened, in addition to the shootings.


The man in the August double shooting was a hospital walk in. The man shot in December was a walk in as well. All survived their attacks.

The cases remain open, with no motive or suspects.

Based on last years 45% clearance rate for homicide cases, it appears unlikely these non fatal shootings will ever be solved.

With a pattern of continual crime and bold attacks, this area on one of the city's busiest east-west thoroughfares, seems like an obvious hot spot. Lacking any special attention and innovative strategy, the violence is likely to continue unabated. 

February has had record low temperatures with back to back days of sustained single digit temperatures, mixed with winter precipitation. The weather appears to have slowed down the violence in contrast to January when the city saw 25 murders.


Another Silent Shooting?

Friday's incident was one of only three  four shootings in the city in the past week. There were no homicides. However, a quick internet search brought few results of local media outlets reporting the incident.

At one point not long ago, many shootings were routinely ignored by Baltimore media. A person following the news was left with a false impression on the true level of violence in the city.

Other times, multiple murders are crammed together under one headline. Some of the incidents buried at the bottom of a different story, getting only a sentence or two mention. 

Most of the media never follow up with victim ID's once they are learned. Leaving those who are murdered forever rendered as mere statistics based on a date and location.

* While this story was being written, Baltimore Police tweeted an incident of a body being found in a car. No indication of foul play was initially indicated.
Camelia Green also contributed to this report.



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As Director of the MacArthur Institute Center For Advanced Analysis and Critical Comparison; occasional media critic, researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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SPECTATOR RADIO -- North Ave. Shooting, Plagiarism Charges, etc.


21 February 2015

James MacArthur visits the scene of a shooting early Saturday morning. Also extended commentary on recent charges of plagiarism is addressed in this mobile recorded podcast.




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As Director of the MacArthur Institute Center For Advanced Analysis and Critical Comparison; occasional media critic, researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Get Better Connected With Me
Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com@BaltoSpectator on twitterSpreaker web radioBlogTalk RadioBaltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel 





20 February 2015

FLASH: Dixon Ready To Do It Again! -- Criminally Indicted Former Mayor Not Ruling Out Future Run


Posted by A.F. James MacArthur

Transcript and video © WMAR  ABC2 In Focus -- Obviously the reporter in the video is Brian Kuebler NOT James MacArthur, even a cab driver would know that. Any inference otherwise was unintentional. Published, embedded and linked for non profit,  educational, journalistic/review purposes per established fair use standards.

Dixon was convicted in late 2009 for taking gift cards meant for the city's poor.
It was a misdemeanor but also misconduct in office.
She resigned her post as mayor in 2010, giving way to then-council president and now Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
As part of Dixon’s probation, she was prohibited from running for office for a certain amount of time. Well, time's up.
The last time Dixon ran for mayor was in 2007. In the primary that year, she captured 63 percent of the vote.
In the general election, 87 percent of voters selected her. 


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Baltimore Police Blasted For Dishonesty & Propaganda On Twitter


Apologies, but If you can get past the rough audio (mobile recording, bad mic), I pretty well blast the Baltimore Police Department twitter foolishness and dishonesty.

Baltimore Police claim 70,000 followers, but they're at least 50% fake!










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Frank Conaway Sr. Family Statement & Funeral Arrangements


Official Statement on the passing of Dr. Frank M. Conaway Sr.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers in the passing of our beloved father and family patriarch. Frank was a man of many talents and professions: driving a bus to put himself through college, becoming one of the most accomplished African American insurance agents in the country, and most notable his public service as a State Delegate and the Clerk of Circuit Court for Baltimore City fondly called “Clerk of the World.”

Frank M. Conaway, Sr., had only one true love, the City of Baltimore and the thousands of citizens he was so proud to represent. Our father woke up each and every day with the mindset of how we, as a family, could help the citizens of a city that helped raise us. He always left his home in good spirits willing to stop and talk to everyone - from the hard working men and women looking for a way to feed their family or put their children through college to the downtrodden, who may have come across hard times. Each was treated with the exact same respect that our father would have given the Mayor of Baltimore or any dignitary.

He was a colorful man known to millions as someone willing to say what was on his mind and who never wavered in his fight for the rights of every citizen of this city, state and country. To us, he was “Daddy” - a man who instilled in us: a level of respect and admiration for the people, the importance of our individual role in government, and to always be an accessible public servant that put the interests of our constituents ahead of any personal desires or requests by special interest groups.

We will all miss Frank, the man who was always "outstanding but improving!" We ask that you continue to keep his family in prayer as we move forward during this very difficult period.  This includes the hundreds of state employees who worked under his direction and through the years came to love and adore him. We are thankful that he passed on to glory in the comfort of his own home. We are confident that Frank M. Conaway, Sr. will forever remain an integral part of Baltimore City's history and its political landscape. May God continue to bless you!

Belinda K. Conaway and Frank Conaway, Jr. 

Dr. Frank M. Conaway Sr. Homegoing Services:

VIEWING: Friday, February 20, 2015  from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM at: Vaughn Greene Funeral Home Route 40

FUNERAL: Monday, February 23, 2015   Wake: 10:00AM

Funeral: 11:00AM at: Morgan State University Murphy Fine Arts Center






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19 February 2015

Baltimore Makes List Of Poorest Cities In The Nation #StateOfTheCity


Baltimore's Bad News Continues Despite Denial By Officials

19 February 2015

By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 


The real life conditions of Baltimore -- beyond the fictional portrayal of The Wire -- continues to be way worse than Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake would like you to know. Though some are living well, forget what you heard, life in Baltimore is hard.

In the latest report based off reliable data, Baltimore is placed on a list of the 11 poorest cities in America.

Last December, the Census Bureau released its Five-Year American Community Survey (ACS). It aims to assist in the annual distribution of over $400 billion in federal and state funds to communities across the country while supplying those districts with data they need to help plan municipal investments and services.

A California-based online research group, FindTheBest.com, used that ACS data to compile a list of the nation's 33 poorest cities.

Baltimore is sixth on the list.

The report tells us the following sobering truths:

  • Percentage of incomes under $25,000: 33.2%
  • Percentage of population with bachelor's degree: 26.8%
  • Percentage of incomes over $150,000: 6.4% (#22, tied with Louisville, Kentucky)
  • Total population: 621,445 
Another city hit hard by the recession is Baltimore, whose unemployment rate stood at nearly 10 percent last summer. The city also is dealing with a relatively high cost of living and a low job growth rate. Baltimore lost around 5 percent of its population between 2000 and 2010, as people went elsewhere for work. And experts say many of the city's residents who were once getting by economically have fallen below the poverty line.
When Mayor Blake gives the annual "State Of The City" address on 23 February, you can be certain this is something she won't be talking about. In the meantime, don't expect Baltimore media to mention it either.

Police Commissioner Batts promises a safer Baltimore. He

claims to have never watched The Wire.
The Baltimore Spectator was first to report the cities placement on a list of The Worlds 50 Most Dangerous Cities. Baltimore media continues to ignore that one as well.

Clearly, part of the Charm in Charm city is lulling oneself into clinging to a false denialist sense of reality, while ignoring very grim, pressing social and economic hardships, steadily crippling an already long beleaguered city.

Having landed on two separate lists of dubious distinction in just the first two months of the year; one wonders as 2015 wears on, how many more honorable mentions the one time Jewel Of The Chesapeake will receive?

There seems to be no strategy to address the very real factors causing the city to be on these lists. The decision for continued denial seems to be a standing order among politicians and the press.

Perhaps Mayor Blake can find solace in one fact revealed by the report; Detroit was number one.

Baltimore oh Baltimore. Ain't it hard...



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As Director of the MacArthur Institute Center For Advanced Analysis and Critical Comparison; occasional media critic, researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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