Of the repercussions of Ferguson~~~~

Hello Darklings,

My niece "Coralline" called me last night to see if I was safe.  She was very worried, and understandably so.

I assured her that the protests being done where I live is far enough away from mine and Sis's homes and we were all safe.

My sister in law and others who work nearby were permitted to leave early and their office closed early because already people were milling about and it didn't look good, she managed to catch a BART train out of town to her area and pick up the children since their after school programs were cancelled.

I've been home and fortunately Sis's last client was at 3 p.m. and left before it got dark.  Doyle was still in the City,  he managed to come home by going down south towards San Mateo  took the San Mateo bridge back over then took the back roads home, he was exhausted, tired and hungry.

His office advised that unless you had to be in the field to do your reports from home.  Which he is, all of Sis's afternoon clients today cancelled, so after the last one we went via a different route to the store to get a few last things. 

And we were surprised at how calm and peaceful it was in the store, people looking over the baked pies and strudel to buy for Thursday's Thanksgiving,  picking over celery, potatoes, yams (which I bought, I completely forgot about the yams), even flowers.  I found some scented candles in cinnamon and vanilla so I bought those. 

And I found the latest issue of "Guns of the Old West" winter issue,  for Doyle, it talks about the history of various people outlaws and law men, recreational reading for Doyle.

But it was the calmness that I found refreshing, the complete ordinariness of it all.  For the people here it was as if nothing had happened, the people here have their own lives to lead, budgets to maintain, a turkey to defrost and roast.  Let us be thankful for that. 

Sis does not have any appointments scheduled tomorrow and she would have cancelled them anyway until things settled down.

There were protests, blockage of freeways, looting, vandalism, some small fires set, not like in Ferguson but enough to be of serious concern.  There maybe even more tonight.

I am not going to remark about this event or the Grand Jury's Decision which I know was based on evidence and eye witnesses testimony.

But what I do have to say is this----Does anyone remember people rioting when O.J. Simpson was found not guilty?   I certainly don't.

I know that sounds callous and cruel but really, does anyone remember what happened after that decision?  I know I was not happy about it, I know a number of people were not happy about it, but I don't remember any protests.  Do you?

Later Darklings

Of possible word on Ferguson Grand Jury decison~~~

Hello My Darklings,

Doyle just called he said that the Grand Jury will be releasing its decision later today.

I just talked to my "Merry Maids" ladies and they understood and will take alternate routes.

Sis has called her remaining appointments and advised them to be careful and to also take alternate routes.

I can only pray for peaceful demonstrations here in my local.  How it will be in Ferguson we can only pray for them.

Later Darklings

Of Concerns about the Ferguson decision~~~~~~

Hello My Darklings,

It's unusual for me to be writing this early in the morning, but I am home right now and waiting for my "Merry Maids" to help me "fluff and dust" the house for the Thanksgiving celebrations.

They will make it much easier for me to just give the house a quick vacuuming and wiping down the day before the festivities.  The House Trust covers anytime I have to use their services.

Doyle is at work in the City, my sister is at her home working with clients.

But Doyle advised both of us to be on the alert in case a decision is rendered by the Grand Jury on the Ferguson incident.

Tensions are high, riots are expected.  Of course there will be marches, but there are criminal elements showing up to do harm and destruction.  Already several persons from out of town were arrested in Ferguson for having weapons and bomb making or pipe bomb devises.

Doyle heard that the word is out that the high possibility of protest marches in the City and near by maybe a reality.  Much like the "Occupy (insert name of city here)"  marches which led to destruction of property and interruption of commerce and ordinary people trying to get to work to earn money to pay their bills and put food on the table.

Doyle advised that if we have to leave our homes to be sure to carry our cellphones, leave them on and he'll call the minute he gets word and for us to come home by our planned alternate routes.

I do have thoughts on this situation, but I will keep my own opinions and not voice them.

What I do object to is how these situations give destructive, violent people access to place everyone in jeopardy.    Many of the protestors that were doing destruction were from out of town. 

And they weakened the message of the "Occupy" movement. 

Doyle having been a former police officer (retired) knows the stresses that can happen, knows the split decision making, knows that there are a lot of good cops out there, and that there are bad one's that should be removed.  

But to tar them all with the same brush?   Unless one has walked in a police officers shoes, face the dangers they face, realize the stupidity and self-entitlement the perpetrators think they have which can create a dangerous situation, then do not do a Monday morning quarter-backing.

One time I and my brother(younger) were stopped by a police officer, we followed everything the officer said carefully, we listened carefully to what he was saying, we kept our hands out where he could see them, we did not make any false moves that could be misinterpreted.

It turned out that our car was the same make, model and color of one that was just used in a robbery where someone was shot.  Two white persons were involved, it was believed one was  female.

We complied, I allowed them to search the vehicle, we gave statements, HAD our I.D.'s with us (which many people including criminals never carry).  Could verify our purchases (had receipts).

In the end the officers apologized to us and Thanked Us for our co-operation, and just as we were about to get into the car we heard that the actual robbers had been captured. 

It does not matter what color you are, always have I.D. always comply with orders because those police officers are under stress, if you are handcuffed do not resist because it is for everyone's safety.  And if you have nothing to hide, if you are telling the truth, your stories will match.

But the minute you start hiding the truth, its all over.   I do wish the "COPS" show was still being shown on regular broadcast T.V.  because it is a learning lesson of what not to do, and WHY criminals are caught. 

I remember watching the show and I would cheer for the police dog.  That may sound vicious, but they can go where no officer can, and they are considered officers as well.  I donate to the program for police vests for police dogs.

So for the next few days, maybe a week, if I have to leave the house I'll tell Doyle and keep my cell phone on, just in case and pray that any protests will be peaceful.

Later Darklings.