[Photo by B.F.]I don't know about anyone else, but I needed to see something bright and hopeful --- and this photo is right "up there" with seeing the photo of the President Bush Jr.; three former presidents (Clinton, Carter and Bush Sr.); and the president-elect (Obama) on the front page of today's Kingston "Daily Freeman" (P. A1) --- every one of them (even if it hurt!) smiling...
A smile that we all must HOPE (Is Obama working some "magic" here?) speaks of HOPE --- and NOT of superficial and ultimately meaningless (We need some big SINCERE smiles here folks!) facades...
Because the winds of misfortune are blowing...
[Photo by B.F.]Pretty darn strong for some of us...
And something, somewhere, really needs to give... [in a productive, positive manner!]
[Photo by BF; (Yo B... who IS that guy on the sign?????]That said, I want to send kudos to Police Chief Gerald Keller and the rest of the local crime-busters (lol) for bringing down (according to a report in today's "Daily Freeman" - PP. A1 & A6) the "serious crime" numbers in the area - with a special thanks to Chief Keller and members of the KPD for (according to the same paper; P. A6) working with a local non-profit agency (Family) to steer "high-risk" youth towards appropriate programs and services!
Because prevention, where "high-risk" youth are concerned, is KEY in my opinion --- with appropriate intervention (counseling, support, etc) being the next best step (when a youth is already making some self-destructive and/or outwardly-destructive choices) along the road that we all must travel... from raging adolescent hormones and identity struggles... to some semblance (oh how I try!) of maturity!
[Photo by BF]Still (on the subject of serious crimes...) --- I DO have to ask this:
WHY is it that the physical and sexual abuse of children is NOT considered (by the FBI) a SERIOUS crime?????
This is an issue addressed in a couple of the books that I wrote, and truly... inquiring minds WANT TO KNOW...
What (This is a serious question I am putting "out there.) would one have to do (suggestions please?) to remedy this situation?????
[Photo by BF]And, whilst I am on the topic of serious questions...
Did anyone catch the fact (today's "Daily Freeman", P. A3) that in some cases, the county (UC) is making $95 dollars a day "per inmate" off boarding folks from other counties in the U.C. jail?
This is cool... yeah? Big bucks...
BUT... $95 a day = $665 a week = $34,580 a year...
Which, I have to admit, makes me squirm a little bit! Especially when one considers the fact that a lot of these same folks (the inmates) are out of the workforce, missing child support payments, etc., etc. etc.
Am I glad that something positive (money for the county) is coming out of the whole jail (ahem) fiasco?
Yep.
But when you look at the whole situation - a "little bit" objectively - don't ya' think there has GOT to be a better (for everyone concerned!) way????? [No, I am NOT talking about an Arizona chain-gang!]
[Photo by BF]How about we put them to work - at minimum wage HUMANE jobs (like moving this community towards going GREEN...) - so that those that need to (speaking of the inmates) CAN pay their child support and/or CAN put money away for housing when they are released?
Just a thought...
I would love (on any or all of these topics) to hear your thoughts, as well! 'Cause this tunnel we are ALL in...
[Photo by BF]Is going to take a lot of brainstorming... if any and/or all of us are going to make it out (What is the "light at the end of the tunnel?) the other side!
Peace, Love and Humane Justice,
N.
