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One of the interesting aspects of the Occupy protests during the DNC was the appearance of Department of Justice representatives.
In the clip below CMPD Chief Monroe, tells the reporter with the camera the DOJ “just sent them” without any request from the city. Turning the camera on the DOJ/CRS agents at the convention the reporter/camera man gets much the same answer.
Seems the "higher ups" didn't have faith in CMPD's ability to peacefully handle the situation and sent counselors to "mediate" the protesters interaction with CMPD Command Staff. Which would explain the "allowed to stay" aspect of the Marshall Park encampment and Bill James sudden silence on the matter last week. One can assume James got the memo late on Monday saying "The DOJ said so". Which also might explain this little quote from the Charlotte Observer's Editorial Board "The essence of hospitality is allowing others to be themselves in your home, and we embraced just that. Demonstrators demonstrated, often led in their marches by Police Chief Rodney Monroe himself."
14 Eylül 2012 Cuma
9/11 First Responders In Their Own Words Ten Years Later
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John Ceriello (then, firefighter, Squad 18, West Village, which lost seven members; now, lieutenant, Squad 252, Bushwick): I can’t stand hearing the pipes now. It’s a great sound, the bagpipes, that’s why I tried to learn how to play them. But now, it takes me right back to the funerals. It’s not just the sadness of remembering those days, though. It’s that so many people now see firefighters as the center of grief over 9/11. And the bagpipes are a symbol of us as a symbol of that grief. I understand why. And I mourn, too. But firefighters are not about grief.
Sal Cassano (then, FDNY assistant chief; now, fire commissioner): Unfortunately for the department, we really got good at this business of doing funerals. We devised a book on what to do if there is a line-of-duty death in your firehouse. It talks about getting the bunting, hanging the bunting, going with the family to the funeral parlor, step by step, 40 pages. It even describes what we’re going to do a year later at the plaque dedication. But I don’t think people look at us as a department of mourning. I think they look at us as a department that, that day, displayed strength and courage like they’ve never seen before.
Adrienne Walsh (then, firefighter, Ladder 20, Soho, which lost seven members; now, lieutenant, Squad 18, West Village): The thing I have a problem with is when it became a myth, the whole event, the fire department and what we did. I understand why that happened, but when you make it a myth, you take the human aspect out of it. The important thing was that when people were scared—not scared, terrified, crapping their pants—they still did their jobs.
Paul Hyland (then, firefighter, Ladder 110, Downtown Brooklyn; retired March 2010): I don’t consider them nightmares, but you’d wake up just thinking about everything that happened. When we walked into the building, a woman in the lobby was severely mutilated. No legs, her arm was ripped off; her face, it looked like someone took it off with a saw. She had to be one of the jumpers.
Malachy Corrigan (then and now, director of FDNY counseling-services unit): The No. 1 illness is anxiety. No. 2 is depression. We’re seeing about 2,800 new cases a year now. That’s a lot of clients [F1]. “Why did I survive?” is still a big question.
Ceriello: Howie Scott and I had hooked up with a unit, Rescue 4, and Squad 288 in a staging area but left for a few minutes to get masks and air cylinders. While we were gone, Rescue 4 and 288 went into the South Tower. We were walking down West Street toward the Towers when it came down. Everything went to hell, went to darkness. All of those guys died, and I’m here ten years later. Why? I don’t know.
Hyland: The chief said, “Let’s go,” and we went up to the 23rd floor of the North Tower. To tell you the truth, I was kind of pissed off: The fire’s on the 90th floor, and we’re going to the 23rd? We’re doing nothing! Engine 207 from our firehouse, I was talking to them in the lobby, and then I believe they went into the Marriott. None of ’em were ever found. Not even a tool. If God had a plan, I don’t know what it was.
Artie Riccio (then, firefighter, Ladder 110, Downtown Brooklyn; now, lieutenant, Engine 311, Springfield Gardens, Queens): I wished I would have died there instead of my friends with young kids. I lived with survivor’s guilt for a long time. I finally went to counseling for it. I thought there was something wrong with me.
Walsh: I’m surprised more of us aren’t crazy. I didn’t see victims. They were dust. And I was inhaling them. So … you’re literally taking these people in. And there’s no one for us to help. When the wind blew, you couldn’t grab them. They were gone.
Hyland: We were on the 23rd floor, searching for people, and I was standing near a window when I saw the South Tower coming down. I thought it was a partial collapse. It must have taken us twenty minutes to walk down, and when we got to the lobby, it was completely destroyed. I remember these long spears of glass hanging above us. Huge panels turned into shards. If one of these releases, you’ll be killed. I have a piece of a window, glass from the World Trade Center, a small piece. I keep it above my desk. It’s right here in my hands now.
Cassano: The one thing I hold on to is a memory from that day, of meeting Father Judge on West Street. I says, “Father, you better get some help, you’re gonna need it, we’re gonna have a bad day here.” He gave me this smile and said, “It’s gonna be OK.” I hold on to that memory, for sure.
Riccio: Every year a bunch of us get together for dinner a week or so after September 11. It’s weird, but it’s good for us to get together and talk. I still can’t look at a plane landing, though. Ten years later.
Walsh: It’s always important to remember the 343, but more than 1,000 people have given their lives for the city over the years. All those deaths should be revered instead of focusing on this event as the be-all and end-all. That’s why I think the tenth anniversary is going to be huge. An end point of sorts. We’ll always remember. But the city can’t stop.
Hyland: There’s more attention now, ten years. For me, there’s no difference—seventh, eighth, eleventh. It’s every day you think about it. But even the bad days—I’m thankful for those.
 |
| Firefighters from Farmingville, NY walk up Fulton Street crossing Nassau in Lower Manhattan. Hard to imagine how they must have felt entering ground zero, walking through dust and smoke of the destroyed World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. |
John Ceriello (then, firefighter, Squad 18, West Village, which lost seven members; now, lieutenant, Squad 252, Bushwick): I can’t stand hearing the pipes now. It’s a great sound, the bagpipes, that’s why I tried to learn how to play them. But now, it takes me right back to the funerals. It’s not just the sadness of remembering those days, though. It’s that so many people now see firefighters as the center of grief over 9/11. And the bagpipes are a symbol of us as a symbol of that grief. I understand why. And I mourn, too. But firefighters are not about grief.
Sal Cassano (then, FDNY assistant chief; now, fire commissioner): Unfortunately for the department, we really got good at this business of doing funerals. We devised a book on what to do if there is a line-of-duty death in your firehouse. It talks about getting the bunting, hanging the bunting, going with the family to the funeral parlor, step by step, 40 pages. It even describes what we’re going to do a year later at the plaque dedication. But I don’t think people look at us as a department of mourning. I think they look at us as a department that, that day, displayed strength and courage like they’ve never seen before.
Adrienne Walsh (then, firefighter, Ladder 20, Soho, which lost seven members; now, lieutenant, Squad 18, West Village): The thing I have a problem with is when it became a myth, the whole event, the fire department and what we did. I understand why that happened, but when you make it a myth, you take the human aspect out of it. The important thing was that when people were scared—not scared, terrified, crapping their pants—they still did their jobs.
Paul Hyland (then, firefighter, Ladder 110, Downtown Brooklyn; retired March 2010): I don’t consider them nightmares, but you’d wake up just thinking about everything that happened. When we walked into the building, a woman in the lobby was severely mutilated. No legs, her arm was ripped off; her face, it looked like someone took it off with a saw. She had to be one of the jumpers.
Malachy Corrigan (then and now, director of FDNY counseling-services unit): The No. 1 illness is anxiety. No. 2 is depression. We’re seeing about 2,800 new cases a year now. That’s a lot of clients [F1]. “Why did I survive?” is still a big question.
Ceriello: Howie Scott and I had hooked up with a unit, Rescue 4, and Squad 288 in a staging area but left for a few minutes to get masks and air cylinders. While we were gone, Rescue 4 and 288 went into the South Tower. We were walking down West Street toward the Towers when it came down. Everything went to hell, went to darkness. All of those guys died, and I’m here ten years later. Why? I don’t know.
Hyland: The chief said, “Let’s go,” and we went up to the 23rd floor of the North Tower. To tell you the truth, I was kind of pissed off: The fire’s on the 90th floor, and we’re going to the 23rd? We’re doing nothing! Engine 207 from our firehouse, I was talking to them in the lobby, and then I believe they went into the Marriott. None of ’em were ever found. Not even a tool. If God had a plan, I don’t know what it was.
Artie Riccio (then, firefighter, Ladder 110, Downtown Brooklyn; now, lieutenant, Engine 311, Springfield Gardens, Queens): I wished I would have died there instead of my friends with young kids. I lived with survivor’s guilt for a long time. I finally went to counseling for it. I thought there was something wrong with me.
Walsh: I’m surprised more of us aren’t crazy. I didn’t see victims. They were dust. And I was inhaling them. So … you’re literally taking these people in. And there’s no one for us to help. When the wind blew, you couldn’t grab them. They were gone.
Hyland: We were on the 23rd floor, searching for people, and I was standing near a window when I saw the South Tower coming down. I thought it was a partial collapse. It must have taken us twenty minutes to walk down, and when we got to the lobby, it was completely destroyed. I remember these long spears of glass hanging above us. Huge panels turned into shards. If one of these releases, you’ll be killed. I have a piece of a window, glass from the World Trade Center, a small piece. I keep it above my desk. It’s right here in my hands now.
Cassano: The one thing I hold on to is a memory from that day, of meeting Father Judge on West Street. I says, “Father, you better get some help, you’re gonna need it, we’re gonna have a bad day here.” He gave me this smile and said, “It’s gonna be OK.” I hold on to that memory, for sure.
Riccio: Every year a bunch of us get together for dinner a week or so after September 11. It’s weird, but it’s good for us to get together and talk. I still can’t look at a plane landing, though. Ten years later.
Walsh: It’s always important to remember the 343, but more than 1,000 people have given their lives for the city over the years. All those deaths should be revered instead of focusing on this event as the be-all and end-all. That’s why I think the tenth anniversary is going to be huge. An end point of sorts. We’ll always remember. But the city can’t stop.
Hyland: There’s more attention now, ten years. For me, there’s no difference—seventh, eighth, eleventh. It’s every day you think about it. But even the bad days—I’m thankful for those.
United States Ambassador Christopher Stevens is Murdered as State Department snuggles up to Muslim Extremists
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Yesterday on the anniversary of September 11 a coordinated attack by Muslim Extremists was carried out under the banner of "You Insulted Mohammad" and a little known film that was posted on YouTube over the weekend.
The United States responded to concerns about the film and protests via this press release:
"The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
The Obama administration later said the above press release was not cleared by Washington, in an effort to distance itself from the statement.
But Obama's response did little to stem the violence which was met with minimal if any Libyan or Egyptian military, police or governmental response.
The violence in Benghazi Libya eventually led to the murder of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and 3 others.
Cedar's Take: I don't often speak out on world affairs, knowing my voice is only "spit on the skillet" but in this case I'm going to make an exception:
The only action at this point is a strong and rapid response to secure American interests, to protect American citizens and to show the world we will not sit by and wring our hands while Muslim nut cases murder our ambassadors. Mr. President you either act now or we the people will act in November.
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| United States Ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens is dragged away by a Muslim Mob just before he is murdered. Cedar Posts Update: Obama Adminstration says mob was carrying Stevens to the hospital. |
 |
| The US Consulate in Benghazi is seen in flames during a protest by an armed group said to have been protesting a film being produced in the United States on September 11, 2012 |
Yesterday on the anniversary of September 11 a coordinated attack by Muslim Extremists was carried out under the banner of "You Insulted Mohammad" and a little known film that was posted on YouTube over the weekend.
The United States responded to concerns about the film and protests via this press release:
"The Embassy of the United States in Cairo condemns the continuing efforts by misguided individuals to hurt the religious feelings of Muslims – as we condemn efforts to offend believers of all religions. Today, the 11th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Americans are honoring our patriots and those who serve our nation as the fitting response to the enemies of democracy. Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others."
The Obama administration later said the above press release was not cleared by Washington, in an effort to distance itself from the statement.
But Obama's response did little to stem the violence which was met with minimal if any Libyan or Egyptian military, police or governmental response.
The violence in Benghazi Libya eventually led to the murder of US Ambassador Christopher Stevens and 3 others.
Cedar's Take: I don't often speak out on world affairs, knowing my voice is only "spit on the skillet" but in this case I'm going to make an exception:
The only action at this point is a strong and rapid response to secure American interests, to protect American citizens and to show the world we will not sit by and wring our hands while Muslim nut cases murder our ambassadors. Mr. President you either act now or we the people will act in November.
Odd Family Photos Assad and Gaddafi
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I might come as a surprise the Syrian connection to Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, but the Assad and Gaddafi families go back nearly half a century.
The young Bashar Hafez al-Assad in the chair, Seif al Gaddafi, Muammar al Gaffafi and then president of Syria Bashar's Hafez al-Assad looking on from the end of the couch.
As Syria’s bloody uprising continues into its second year, there’s a growing realization that President Bashar Hafez al-Assad just might outlast the rebels. While many had hoped that al-Assad would soon go the way of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, it’s clear that even if it happens, his departure won’t be so swift. There are a number of reasons why Syria’s Assad has stuck around, and why some people are even predicting the Syrian strongman may ultimately prevail. Here are the top five ways that Syria is no Libya.
Russian Weapons: Like Syria, Libya relied heavily on importing arms from Russia, using weapons systems such as the Soviet-designed T-72 battle tank and Su-22 aircraft. But in March 2011, Russia finally sided with the international community asking for Gaddafi to step down, which ended the Russian arms pipeline to Libya. That decision ultimately cost Russia billions of dollars in arms sales, which may be why Moscow decided not to repeat the same mistake twice. In Syria, the flow of Russian weapons goes on, much to the consternation of the United States. Russia has pledged continuing support to the Assad regime, and has even made recent arms deliveries to the country.
Intelligence Service: Syria’s Mukhabarat intelligence service is one of the most ruthless in the Middle East, eliciting fear and even paranoia among the local population. Some estimates claim that as much as 20 percent of the population is on the intelligence service’s payroll. (As in other authoritarian states, the truth of the number may not matter; what matters is that people believe it.) Syria has effectively used the Mukhabarat to keep tabs on the insurgency and to limit its effectiveness by arresting leaders—even kidnapping them from Lebanon in some cases. Read more: 5 Reasons Why Syria Isn’t Libya - Bashar Hafez al-Assad - Popular Mechanics
Realistic President: Muammar Gaddafi was smart—you can’t hold on to power for decades without cunning. But he was also delusional, believing, perhaps until the very end, that his people loved and admired him. Assad may harbor some elements of self-delusion, but he clearly knows the extent of unrest in Syria. In fact, Assad, who was educated in the United Kingdom, is well-informed on the importance of social media; according to leaked emails, he regularly discusses coverage of events posted on YouTube and Facebook. And at this point, he probably knows his choices are down to clinging to power and trying to weather the storm or facing an end like Gaddafi’s.
Strong Military: Although there have been defections from the Syrian military, so far the rebels in Syria don’t have the equivalent of the Free Libyan Army (later renamed the National Liberation Army). That group, though it was a ragtag resistance force, could fight a conventional military. Syrian rebels, by contrast, aren’t so organized. Even when rebels take over neighborhoods or towns, the Syrian army has been able to roll back those gains. The rebels have formed a military council based in Paris but don’t yet appear to have any formal military hierarchy within Syria.
Iranian Support: Gaddafi was largely isolated from the international community before the collapse of his regime, but Assad still has a couple of stalwart supporters. Iran’s leaders, like Russia’s, have refused to join international condemnation of Assad, promising to stand by their man in Damascus. While Russia supplies Syria with weapons, Iran, a major player in the region, is allegedly providing surveillance assistance, helping the Assad regime keep tabs on the opposition.
 |
| Bashar al-Assad, Seif al-Islam al-Gaddafi, Muammar al-Gaddafi, Hafez al-Assad |
I might come as a surprise the Syrian connection to Libya's Muammar Gaddafi, but the Assad and Gaddafi families go back nearly half a century.
The young Bashar Hafez al-Assad in the chair, Seif al Gaddafi, Muammar al Gaffafi and then president of Syria Bashar's Hafez al-Assad looking on from the end of the couch.
As Syria’s bloody uprising continues into its second year, there’s a growing realization that President Bashar Hafez al-Assad just might outlast the rebels. While many had hoped that al-Assad would soon go the way of Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi, it’s clear that even if it happens, his departure won’t be so swift. There are a number of reasons why Syria’s Assad has stuck around, and why some people are even predicting the Syrian strongman may ultimately prevail. Here are the top five ways that Syria is no Libya.
Russian Weapons: Like Syria, Libya relied heavily on importing arms from Russia, using weapons systems such as the Soviet-designed T-72 battle tank and Su-22 aircraft. But in March 2011, Russia finally sided with the international community asking for Gaddafi to step down, which ended the Russian arms pipeline to Libya. That decision ultimately cost Russia billions of dollars in arms sales, which may be why Moscow decided not to repeat the same mistake twice. In Syria, the flow of Russian weapons goes on, much to the consternation of the United States. Russia has pledged continuing support to the Assad regime, and has even made recent arms deliveries to the country.
Intelligence Service: Syria’s Mukhabarat intelligence service is one of the most ruthless in the Middle East, eliciting fear and even paranoia among the local population. Some estimates claim that as much as 20 percent of the population is on the intelligence service’s payroll. (As in other authoritarian states, the truth of the number may not matter; what matters is that people believe it.) Syria has effectively used the Mukhabarat to keep tabs on the insurgency and to limit its effectiveness by arresting leaders—even kidnapping them from Lebanon in some cases. Read more: 5 Reasons Why Syria Isn’t Libya - Bashar Hafez al-Assad - Popular Mechanics
Realistic President: Muammar Gaddafi was smart—you can’t hold on to power for decades without cunning. But he was also delusional, believing, perhaps until the very end, that his people loved and admired him. Assad may harbor some elements of self-delusion, but he clearly knows the extent of unrest in Syria. In fact, Assad, who was educated in the United Kingdom, is well-informed on the importance of social media; according to leaked emails, he regularly discusses coverage of events posted on YouTube and Facebook. And at this point, he probably knows his choices are down to clinging to power and trying to weather the storm or facing an end like Gaddafi’s.
Strong Military: Although there have been defections from the Syrian military, so far the rebels in Syria don’t have the equivalent of the Free Libyan Army (later renamed the National Liberation Army). That group, though it was a ragtag resistance force, could fight a conventional military. Syrian rebels, by contrast, aren’t so organized. Even when rebels take over neighborhoods or towns, the Syrian army has been able to roll back those gains. The rebels have formed a military council based in Paris but don’t yet appear to have any formal military hierarchy within Syria.
Iranian Support: Gaddafi was largely isolated from the international community before the collapse of his regime, but Assad still has a couple of stalwart supporters. Iran’s leaders, like Russia’s, have refused to join international condemnation of Assad, promising to stand by their man in Damascus. While Russia supplies Syria with weapons, Iran, a major player in the region, is allegedly providing surveillance assistance, helping the Assad regime keep tabs on the opposition.
CMPD Officer Kills Suspect In South Charlotte
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Domestic violence suspect shot and killed by CMPD veteran officer Ole Swenson. Details are hit and miss, but CP understands Officer Swenson responded to a 911 called and a suspect came towards him with a pair of garden shears. Officer Swenson attempted to use his taser but the suspect continued to attack. The officer drew his service weapon and fire at the suspect.
CP understands that the suspect has a history of violence including a manslaughter charge in the death of his father in law.
CMPD has confirmed that the suspect fatally shot by CMPD Officer Swenson, has be identified as Clay McCall age 26. McCall had a history of mental illness and violence.
This is a rapidly changing story and CP has not confirmed the above statements as fact.
CP understands that the suspect has a history of violence including a manslaughter charge in the death of his father in law.
CMPD has confirmed that the suspect fatally shot by CMPD Officer Swenson, has be identified as Clay McCall age 26. McCall had a history of mental illness and violence.
This is a rapidly changing story and CP has not confirmed the above statements as fact.
11 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba
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