30 March 2015

Baltimore Corruption Sometimes Defies Words #Editorial



 "The corruption of the best things gives rise to the worst." 
-- David Hume

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

Few statements besides the quote above so readily sums up all that's wrong with Baltimore. With each week's new stories about wanton waste, fraud and outright criminal corruption in city government, any reasonable person can become exhausted by it all, wondering when will it end.

Recently we've been hearing rumblings about how the much vaunted CitiStat program has basically fallen apart, and ceased to accurately serve it's intended function. In a word, it's become a failure.

Could this be because the mayor's CitiStat Director, Mark Grimes, who earns $124,000-a-year also has a million dollar contract with the state to do something else entirely?

Got Focus?

Grimes is guaranteed his city salary, whether he performs or not, but he actually has to document his work hours with the state.

The Baltimore Sun recently shared with us the following:

"A Baltimore Sun investigation has found that Grimes' private practice that he runs with his wife has charged the state thousands of hours on hundreds of cases since it landed a contract with the Maryland Department of Human Resources in August 2013 — five months before he started the $124,000-a-year CitiStat job.
Grimes' dual roles raise questions about how he has been able to juggle a private practice while working for taxpayers, especially as the CitiStat program has come under fire for failing to hold regular meetings and produce reports, even as its budget has doubled to $1 million under the mayor [Stephanie Rawlings-Blake].
No other Cabinet member lists other employment or a business that is still operating on their disclosure forms.
"It is understood that agency heads are presumed to be dedicating their total work time to the agency," said City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke, who is convening a hearing to examine CitiStat's operations and Grimes' outside work. "It requires that kind of commitment."

This place has serious problems. The worse part is no one ever seems to be held accountable. No matter how many millions are lost without any accounting, there are never any criminal charges. In the private sector these types of inexcusable actions would most certainly amount to charges of misappropriation, embezzlement or theft. At the very minimum an immediate dismissal. But not in Baltimore. Not at city government. Is this part of the "charm" in Charm City we hear so much about?

I love this city and the people of this city, but talk is cheap. I'd rather my actions speak for me beyond mere words

Words must be followed with work if there is to be any improvement.

For a man who works with words I realize that's a bit of a paradoxical statement. But my words are my way of inspiring action.

While accurately providing a diagnosis is my job, it will be up to others to cut the cancer out before the patient [Baltimore city] reaches a state of incurable, chronic systemic failure and collapse.

As a leading voice within Baltimore alternative media, realize the relative importance of the role played by independent voices like my own, but also know when action is necessary.

It's important to be clear, that it's action from others that's going to bring much needed change. A collective effort. For I'm but just one man with limited ability. But the words I write can reach many, creating a "buzz" or spark, of the kind that's necessary to set things on fire!

When I'm gone, long after I'm gone; it is my hope that my work may have helped motivate others to contribute to the cause.

The cause of creating a better Baltimore. Because let's be honest, like that embarrassing relative we all have but hate to admit, there's much room for improvement, even if we'd rather not talk about it openly.



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FULL DISCLOSURE: James MacArthur does NOT own this helicopter.
"As long as I continue to breathe, as long as there's injustice in this world, I will use the voice that God has given me to speak against it."

-- James MacArthur

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. 



Banning Bikes Hasn't Worked In Baltimore -- We Need To Rethink This #Opinion #SpectatorSpeaks





It's time we take a different approach to "illegal" dirt bikes in Baltimore.

Baltimore dirt bike riders young and old deserve to have a safe, legal area to engage in recreational activity. Riding is a past time and shouldn't be a crime.

The time to open the opportunity for legal dirt bike riding in Baltimore has come.

Your input, ideas, advice and even constructive criticism is greatly desired.

A special Facebook group "Baltimore Motorcycle Off Road Enthusiasts" (B.M.O.R.E) has been formed for the purpose of discussing creating a legal space to ride dirt bikes in the city. Please join us.

Let's do this!

Our city deserves better.

Unsafe street riding can be dramatically curtailed if viable alternatives were provided. Baltimore Police stand watch over two "illegal" dirt bikes that appear to have been involved in a collision.  James MacArthur/MacArthur Media Group



27 March 2015

State Of The City With Daren Muhammad #SpectatorRadio




In a free wheeling, wide ranging program of high octane radio, James MacArthur sits down with Daren Muhammad on his show "State of The City."

A classic broadcast for sure.


Originally aired 26 March 2015

No More Dirty Harry's -- #SpectatorRadio




No talk about fighting crime and increasing public safety can be seen as legitimate without acknowledging crimes committed by police. After all, #AllCrimeMatters doesn't it?

24 March 2015

MONDAY NIGHT MURDER -- 3 Shot, 2 Incidents, 2 Dead, 1 Mile Apart #MobTownChronicles


As Weather Warms, Baltimore Sees Heat On The Street
UPDATE: After this story was published, a second victim died. Police also released identities of both of the deceased.


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

BALTIMORE - (MINS) In less than one hour Monday night, three people were shot, in two separate incidents. They happened less than a mile apart from each other. 

Police have not indicated any connection.

One of the victims has died, and another is suffering grave injuries so serious, due to their severity homicide detective were called to the scene. By the time this is published, he may very well be dead.

"Monday night's shooting in front the Red Fox Liquor store appears to be the sixth person shot on that block in two years. Four have died!"

Incident 1

At 9:16 p.m. Baltimore Police responded to the corner of Pennsylvania and N. Fulton avenues. Officers found a 33 year-old man suffering from at least one gunshot wound directly in front of the Red Fox Liquor store.

Unconfirmed reports state the man was shot in the face.

After being transported to an area hospital, the man was pronounced dead a short time after arrival.

The incident happened at busy, high traffic intersection.

A series of crime scene markers could be seen trailing down the sidewalk and onto the street.

Despite the victim possibly being hit only once, it is unclear whether the shooter may have fired more rounds but missed.


A Very Violent Block

Monday night's shooting in front the Red Fox Liquor store appears to be the sixth person shot on that block in two years. Four have died!

In February a man was shot on the 2200 block of N. Fulton Ave.

August 2013 also saw a man shot next to the elementary school on the exact same block.

Along with those incidents, a shooting resulting in a triple murder happened there -- nearly to the date -- two years ago.

Police spokesman Det. Jeremy Silbert stated the investigation was active and ongoing and at the time of this writing there were no known suspects or motives.


Incident 2

An ambulance can be seen in the background where officers gathered at the scene of Monday night's second shooting incident. The victim was found next to the white van pictured, upper left. /Colin Campbell, Baltimore Sun


In the report below, recorded live on scene, while still at the first incident, the chaos surrounding the dispatch of the second shooting of the night can be clearly heard.


While The Baltimore Spectator was still on scene at the homicide located at Pennsylvania and N. Fulton avenues, police could be seen running to their cars then speeding off, lights and sirens as a call for another shooting could be heard coming over their two way radios.
Police were dispatched to the vicinity of N. Monroe St. and W, Lafayette Ave. -- only a mile away -- in Sandtown-Winchester at 10:09 p.m for reports of a shooting.  

Upon arrival officers found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body, laying on the sidewalk. He was listed in critical conditions, but homicide detectives were requested due to the severity of his injuries.

A witness describes seeing the victim [name withheld pending confirmation] girlfriend desperately trying to render first aid to the man shot by placing pressure on the bleeding wounds.

James MacArthur reporting live on scene at the double shooting at N. Monroe and W. Lafayette streets.


Shortly afterward, about a block away on Harlem Ave., officers found a 19 year old man who had been shot in the shoulder. He was stated to have non-life-threatening injuries, and was in stable condition, according to police.

Like the earlier incident, police have given no known motives, nor named any suspects in the shootings, nor have the victims been identified.

In 2014 Baltimore Police solved less than half of the homicides committed in the city.

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FULL DISCLOSURE: James MacArthur does NOT own this helicopter.
"As long as I continue to breathe, as long as there's injustice in this world, I will use the voice that God has given me to speak against it."


-- James MacArthur

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. 

22 March 2015

College Baseball Player Kicked Off Team For Offensive Tweet About Teen Phenom Mo'ne Davis -- #SocialMediaStupidity


Latest Example Of Consequences For Irresponsible Expression Of Free Speech On Social Media

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

A fool vents all his feelings,
But a wise man holds them back.

-- Proverbs 29:11 NKJV


Accomplished, yet humble, Davis has set an example for all.
Bloomsburg University first baseman Joey Casselberry is learning like so many other people, you just can't say whatever you want on social media and think there won't be a price to pay.

After disrespectfully referring to Mo'ne Davis as a "slut" in a tweet, the college player who's Twitter handle was @BigCass24, was promptly dismissed from his school's baseball team.

Young Mo'ne Davis, a world recognized baseball phenom -- who's even gotten the attention of Major League Baseball -- was just 13-years-old last year when she became the first girl to earn a win and throw a shutout in Little League World Series history.

Davis was even awarded as AP's "Female Athlete Of The Year."


Before deactivating his Twitter account, Casselberry apologized, tweeting: "An example that one stupid tweet can ruin someone's life and I couldn't be more sorry about my actions last night. I please ask you to."

"Forgive me and truly understand that I am in no way shape or form a sexist and I am a huge fan of Mo'ne. She was quite an inspiration."

Joey Casselberry should stick to playing baseball.
 
CLEM MURRAY /Philly.com Staff Photographer
A Bloomsburg University Facebook post, indicates Casselberry as a sophomore first baseman during the 2014 season. He was the team's second-leading hitter in the 2015 season, hitting .389 with two home runs over six games.

Sports Illustrated reported Casselberry played in a game for Bloomsburg as recently as Mar. 17. Casselberry's name, however, did not appear on the Huskies 2015 or 2014 baseball rosters as of Saturday evening.

In response to the vulgar tweets, the university's athletic department issued a statement via Twitter:








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 "As long as I continue to breathe, as long as there's injustice in this world, I will use the voice that God has given me to speak against it."

-- James MacArthur

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. 

18 March 2015

In Defense Of Opinion Based Journalism #SpectatorRadio



Opinion based journalism is often derided by more "traditional" based mainstream journalists? But does it play a critical role in new media in a changing world?

17 March 2015

March Madness At Morgan State! 3 Students Stabbed On Campus


Incident Is Latest In A Series Of Recent Violence On Campus



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

The Baltimore Sun is taking the lead on reporting on the incident, and will continue to update the story as more information becomes available.

The following is an edited compilation of Tweets, links and statements on the Morgan State University triple stabbing. Material aggregated from Justin Fenton, Justin George and other sources.


University President Dr. David Wilson released the following statement:

CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO EXPAND LETTER TO LARGER SIZE


Up to three hours later, it's reported no campus wide emergency alerts were sent out to warn or inform students of the incident.

The triple stabbing among students is said to have grown out of a dispute between groups.

Police say at least one victim has a very serious stab wound to the chest.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts was on location at the scene of the stabbing: he said Morgan State football players were involved in the incident.

Per Commissioner Batts: three Morgan football players stabbed are ALL the victims.

This is the dining hall the stabbing took place outside of with a suspect wildy swinging a knife.




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LAPD Officer Henry Solis Wanted For Murder! -- Help Catch A Killer, Join The People's Posse & Share This #LAPD #Cop #HenrySolis


Rookie Cop Wanted For Killing Man At Night Club
17 March 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

UPDATE: Los Angeles Police Department have officially fired fugitive cop, Henry Solis, wanted for murder, On Tuesday Chief Charlie Beck issued the following statement on the department's official blog: "Henry Solis failed to meet the minimum standards of the Los Angeles Police Department and has been terminated effective immediately."

POMONA, CALIFORNIA -- (MINS) It's not everyday a cop kills someone and then actually has a warrant for murder issued for his arrest.

Henry Solis of the Los Angeles Police Department was off duty when police say he killed Salome Rodriguez, Jr. The incident began as a fist fight and quickly escalated when Solis decided to pull out a gun and shoot Rodriguez.

The 23-year-old victim was shot at least five times according to sources as reported on People.com.

After Solis didn't show up for work Saturday, he was connected to the shooting and named a person of interest in the case. Pomona police officially issued a warrant for his arrest on Monday.

He could be ANYWHERE! Even in another state by now.

Solis had no history of disciplinary issues since joining the LAPD last June. "He was a good officer, as far as we know," Lt. Ronald McDonald told the Times. "Whatever happened, happened." 

Freedom's Worth Fighting For -- Reaction To Facebook "Ban" And A Look At The Bigger Picture


Originally published on the personal blog of James MacArthur, this editorial opinion piece is republished here in it's entirety with minimal modification or edits.
17 March 2015
By A.F. James MacArthur 
Agitator In Chief 
On Twitter: @BaltoSpectator 
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE
"Whatever you do, do with all your might."
-- Cicero

For the most part, besides occasional updates here and there, this blog has been more or less abandoned as duties maintaining and updating numerous other websites, Facebook and Twitter pages have pretty well taken up most of my time.

Reaching 2.2 million people is no small feat. The potential power to rapidly disseminate information is frightful to those that want to control conversations and public thought.

While most people use social media as a great past time or hobby, for some of us this is actually a part of our job.  A big part. In my case full time and then some.

After seeing over 2 million people view my posts on Facebook last week (our most viewed platform), I was truly overwhelmed and elated that my work had landed before such a large audience.

Unfortunately my celebration was only short lived.

13 March 2015

We Could All Be A Bit More Focused -- A Response to Radio One/92 Q Jams

Baltimore Blogger Bites Back

Image used in connection with news reporting and or editorial purposes in fitting with establish fair use standards. No ownership or copyright is inferred, implied, claimed, or imagined.


Attorney Taylor;


A short moment ago I just completed an interview with a local TV news station that contacted me regarding this situation.

It is with deep disappointment and disgust I write this letter, as a response to exaggerated allegations of copyright infringement and their accompanying legal threats.

As noted in your email, what got your attention was our story on a very sensitive situation that has stirred the emotions of many, not just in Baltimore, but all across the nation.

During a time in this country when race relations appear severely strained, and we have opportunity to learn vital lessons, it is particularly troubling that a black owned corporation would seek to intimidate a black owned and operated, community based, non profit news and information service.

12 March 2015

Radio One Threatens Legal Action Against The Baltimore Spectator

Big Business Bullies Blogger

12 March 2015

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

It's not everyday as a blogger you get to open email from a multi-million dollar national corporation threatening to take legal action against you.

You would think a company that owns over 50 radio stations coast to coast, a cable TV network, multiple websites and print publications would have better things to do. Apparently not.

The black and white photo of mine seen at the bottom of many of blog posts happens to be in front of a vehicle owned by the radio conglomerate. Most people probably never noticed -- my figure is what's prominently featured in the shot -- but in the background, if you pay attention, the 92 Q Jams logo can be seen.

Of the four station cluster Radio One has in Baltimore, my voice has been heard on that one the least. I highly doubt anyone seeing the picture would misconstrue it to mean I was an employee or personality on the station. Quite frankly theirs isn't my core demographic and I have nothing to gain by association, intentional or unintentional.

10 March 2015

Beware Of Bowleys Quarters! -- White Residents Casually Speak Of Shooting Black Men Walking In Street


Walking While Black Considered Suspicious To Many Whites


11 March 2015

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

It's one thing to be vigilant of strange or unrecognized people in your neighborhood. But when the only thing making them "suspicious" is the fact that they're black and you don't recognize them, things can quickly go south. Literally. As in, the way things were for generations in the notoriously, racially prejudice, bigoted south, birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan.

But what about when the same attitude that birthed hate groups like the KKK are still seen on display, in this day? Despite all the talk of progress and change, the truth is, there are many whites harboring deep fear and hatred of black men. It manifests itself in different ways at different times, but it's all too real.

It's actually the exact same mindset held by self appointed neighborhood watchman, George Zimmerman, the night he decided to needlessly escalate a harmless situation, leading to the death of a young man who didn't deserve to die.

On Monday when Jennifer Mays posted on a Bowleys Quarters neighborhood Facebook page that she'd seen three black men walking in the street, she probably had no idea how far things would go.
Comments like this always seem to get thumbs up from white racists.

05 March 2015

Delta Airlines Slides Of Snowy Runway In New York -- With Video



Filed by James MacArthur
MACARTHUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SERVICE

A passenger jet skidded off a runway at LaGuardia Airport and crashed into a fence as it tried to land amid a blinding wintry mix Thursday morning, Port Authority officials tell NBC 4 New York.

One hundred and twenty-five passengers and five crew members were on the Delta plane, an MD-88 headed to New York from Atlanta, Georgia, when it slid off the runway around 11 a.m., authorities said. No injuries were reported, the Port Authority said, and all LaGuardia runways were shut down.


BONUS FOOTAGE

It's not everyday a plane has a crash landing and we get to see a short video clip captured by a professional NFL football player.

A video posted by Larry Donnell (@beyond_greatnes) on



Source: NBC New York



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