Resolution to a Sick Saga

The Randi Naughton cyberstalker case has been resolved.

This just goes to show that you should be careful what you say on the internet.

I feel good about the outcome and glad that I took the stance that I did.

While the Cat is Away

I'm not sure why, but I have very little desire to post over the past several months and when it has hit me, I have always found something else to do with my time. With that being said, here are some brief thoughts on some recent events(in no particular order):

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes - Had their baby, Huri, and the Earth continues to spin on its axis. Now what will Tom do to try and remain in the headlines?

The Cardinals begin playing at the new Busch Stadium - After all of the hubbub and promotions and stories in the news and print, it was about time... Sheesh... The Cards media machine kicked it into hyperdrive to make sure that everybody and their brother was aware about what was going on at the stadium almost ever moment leading up to the first pitch. And can we interview a few more drunk, obnoxious or otherwise ignorant Cardinal "fans", asking them for their insight, fondest memories and favorite aspects of the new ballpark? Please!?!?? Thank the Lord we hopefully won't have to deal with all of this mess again for another 40 years or so.

Iran and its Nuclear Capabilities- What to say here? Not suprised at what is happening at all. Won't be suprised if the UN does basically nothing. Wouldn't be suprised to find us fighting in that country in the next 5 years. Will it be during the current President's tenure or will the next President initiate it? Time will tell, but it seems like a military confrontation is iminent.

Iraq Continues to Boil - Not suprised by the continuing insurgent attacks. Glad to see they have finally taken a step toward establishing some type of government (however small it may be). Not suprised that we are still in the country in large numbers. I would be shocked if we aren't there for at least 5 more years in quantity and over 10 years in support. Is the loss of life tragic ? Yes. Is it as catastrophic as the media might lead us to believe? Not really. Numerically speaking the casualty rate has been quite minimal for the length of time we have been in the country. (Don't get me wrong, I don't enjoy hearing of one lost life, let alone multiple; I think there are plenty of things that could/should have happened differently, but now we are there and we have to stay committed.)

American Idol - Haven't seen but two of the top 12 shows and really wasn't too impressed with any of the performances I saw. Haven't watched it in weeks.

The Amazing Race - Skipped last "season" because it was families of four which I feel took away from the show immensely. I have seen only one episode of the current Race and just haven't been able to see any others. I didn't find myself really drawn to any team during the one show I saw. Probably won't see another one this time around.

24 - Haven't missed a second and am enjoying (as expected). I have watched 24 since the first episode of season 1 and am still impressed with the storylines and characters that the writers find ways to introduce. One of the best shows on television.

Lost - Arguably the best show on television. Love it. Hate the way they have been dragging the season out, showing a few new episodes and then several re-runs. It's frustrating to a lot of people. Either don't start running the new episodes until you have enough to run a set of 6 or so together, or don't run them until you have the majority of a season filmed. know this is a tall order to ask of a television show, btu I think if they keep doing the new episode/re-run flip-flop like they have been they will start losing viewers.

After Further Review...

I caught the first few minutes of the news last night and saw the video of the chase and capture again. (Actually, I got to see it several more times, thanks to the newscast showing clips of it over and over again.) Having the chance to take it all in again allowed me to try and objectively critique it at arms length.

It appears to me that the Maplewood Police Officers involved did indeed cross the line of taking a suspet into custody and used unnecessary force. It becomes clear that the force used was beyond what was needed to get the suspect into handcuffs when you see the cuffs put on the man and one of the officers continues to punch his head, while another takes a step back and kicks and stomps on his legs. It is only after one of the officers looks up and sees the helicopter that the beating stops. You can almost hear him shouting "Reporter! News helicopter!"

Now the Missouri Highway Patrol is going to review the case to determine if anything about the arrest was not conducted in the manner which adheres to the law. If they come back without any type of reprimand or punishment against the officers involved, there is going to be a serious problem. And if this is a recurring problem within the department like this man claims, there needs to be a deeper inquiry into the whole department from the top down.

Again, I support the officers who are doing their jobs in the correct manner, but I am wholeheartedly against officers abusing their position of power and authority to beat on a handcuffed man.

I am not too proud to say that I was wrong about my first opinion.