An Awakening To Domestic Abuse

      This subject is never a pleasant one.  No one likes to acknowledge domestic abuse is a way of life…especially if it is happening within their own life.  Unfortunately, domestic abuse happens every day in a multitude of ways.  It doesn’t just happen in the lives of the poor, the rich, or the celebrity world; even though, that is often the stories that we hear about…those who are famous.  We must awaken to the facts of domestic abuse; it is often learned behaviors that are used to control another person…either with intimidation, physical violence, emotional abuse or sexual abuse.

       Domestic abuse is like cancer…it is constantly trying to destroy the people involved.  It is a pattern of behavior that affect both the abuser and the person being abused.  Many who are being abused do not recognize that what is happening in their lives is actually domestic abuse.  The reasons for their lack of understanding, or denial are many. 

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Standard Operating Procedures (Trashed at Guantanamo Bay)

        Guantanamo Bay or Gitmo, as it is often referred to, has been infamous since it was turned into a detention center for suspected terrorists.   Those who have been detained there have been allegedly branded as enemy combatants to the United States.   Now there are questions regarding the standard operating procedures; have they been trashed to get confessions?

           Some people feel that the rights of the detainees have been violated since the Bush administration stated that the Geneva Conventions protection did not have to be provided to the prisoners.  The US Supreme court disagreed with the Bush administration and future prisoners will NOW be afforded those protections.  The question is, what happens to those already in custody?  Those in custody have to prepare some kind of defense if they hope to get released. 

         In the meantime, much concern has been raised about those in legal limbo in the detention center. There are some detainees who could be released if the US could find countries willing to take them.   After all, what country is going to want to take in someone who has been accused of terrorism, whether it was proven or not?   Some detainees have already been released; but, many are still awaiting trial. 

            Questions have been raised about some of the interrogation techniques used to get confessions.  Were the confessions legitimate; or, were they obtained because of abusive or harsh treatment during questioning?  What if a person truly was guilty of the charges…but, the evidence was gotten because of hard interrogation techniques…is that acceptable; after all, some of the crimes alleged are pretty horrific?  Or, as a “civilized nation” are we bound to provide “humane” conditions; do the ends justify the means?

        Lawyers charged with providing legal representation for their clients are alledging that a standard operating procedures manual from the Pentagon had instructions to “destroy or trash” hand written notes or documents from the interrogations; in case the interrogators were called to testify, regarding harsh treatment of those kept in the detention center.  The lawyers claim that not having those handwritten notes makes representing their clients difficult because it is hard to prove that their “client’s confessions” were gotten in an intimidating way or through an abuse of power.

       If evidence has been suppressed by the government…that carries serious legal consequences for anyone in this situation.  While terrorism is a huge concern and we all want those involved in it to be apprehended…we have to examine the limits to the methods that we allow interrogators to use to get that information. 

          Detainees proven to be guilty, without a shadow of doubt, of alleged terrorist activities should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  That is why it is so very important about the way the information is gathered….we wouldn’t want a true terrorist to get away with it legally, because of an illegal method of gathering that evidence.

           Where should the line be drawn between the war on terrorism and humane treatment of suspected criminals?  Or should we have limits at all?  If we don’t have limits…how do we discern the difference between ourselves and those considered to be terrorists?   What about national security; what if releasing some of that information jeparodizes the safety of American citizens?  These are not simple questions, nor are the answers easy to come up with.  What do you think?

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Weather with the Power to Destroy

        My family is scattered around the whole country.  The weather has always had the power to destroy; but, it seems in the last few years that it has been magnified.  Had to do some calling this morning to family in Kentucky, and soon will be calling Atlanta, Georgia  and other points south to check on our family members well-being.

         My cousin told me this morning that they had no power.  Her cell phone didn’t work for a time.  Traveling this morning was impossible as roads were blocked with debris.  There were deaths in their town.  People lost their homes.  Others were injured; businesses and homes damaged.  Fires were a problem as well.  It is warm their now…but tonight the temperatures are supposed to drop to the 20’s and without power many will have no shelter or warmth. 

         It is times like these where people have to help each other out and fill a need if they are able.   

        Last night’s storms brought devastation through high winds, and tornadoes in the south because of warm air and cold air collision.  That storm also extends to Michigan…but instead of 60+ degree weather we are in the low 30’s. 

        The storm takes the form of freezing rain, sleet, and snow and powerhouse winds where we live.  It is only supposed to intensify as the day goes on.  Down south…the cold air is coming and they are probably in for more destruction.  There have already been over 44 deaths associated with last night’s storm down south. 

         On top of all of that…i have family and friends who have to travel today and tomorrow.  My husband is flying to Florida tomorrow morning.  I am praying that the weather improves greatly as we take our lives in our hands traveling the roads and the skies.  It is scary; i wish we could all just hibernate until the storms pass.

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Britney’s Svengali allegedly Gives Her Drugs

       Reportedly, Britney Spear’s family has alledged in court documents, that Britney’s svengali of  recent times, manager Sam Lutfi has drugged her and threatened both her and her family with violence.  Some of the alledged things that have been said,  have such open contempt in them that it is nothing less than malicious in an attempt to destroy Britney’s whole world.

        It sounds as if there must be some type of proof as the allegations have been submitted to the court and the court has  issued a temporary restraining order against him regarding contact with Britney and her home.  Without proof, a person submitting to the court false allegations would be held accountable.

        There have also been reports that Britney’s home has been burgularized.  All of these things all rolled into one huge circus; is it any wonder why Britney has been so very out of control of late?  Maybe alot of it has been without her knowledge or consent.  It is like something out of a soap opera…too wild to even contemplate.

        With all of the rumors of the media being notified of Britney’s comings and goings; even before they happened over the last few months…a sane person would wonder who would notify the media when it was so obviously not always something Britney wanted in her life.

        Maybe someone with an ulterior motive for all of the press coverage and a need to be seen in the public eye on the arm of one of the most infamous women of our time.  A woman in need of someone to control her environment and to keep her in  desperate, constant need.   Does this whole situation bring to mind another very famous woman; a woman who also lived in a state of upheaval until she was destroyed…Marilyn Monroe. 

        It will be up to the court and the medical profession to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together to get to the bottom of this cesspool.  Maybe, just maybe, the medical intervention will have happened in the nick of time to prevent even more diaster in the lives of Ms. Spears and her family.  If any of it is true , then it is more than sad, it is evil.

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