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USE OF LETHAL FORCE
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author December 14, 2021 WHEN CAN LETHAL FORCE BE APPLIED? As crime in the United States is rising, so is gun ownership among the populous. However, the main concern for the armed citizen, other than learning how to properly use his or her firearm, is learning and understanding the use of force to protect ones self or the person of another. The new gun owner should be aware that every states self defense laws are different and it’s encumbrance on firearms owners to learn the law in their state of residency or when traveling. The following article illustrates examples of the use of deadly force from a law enforcement example and also includes legal definitions of the self defense law for the State of Louisiana. In no manner whatsoever, should the reader interpret these examples as applicable to a state other than Louisiana. Furthermore, the reader shouldn’t interpret this article as providing legal advice. DEADLY FORCE The New Orleans Police Department Training Manual lists the specific instances authorizing the use of Deadly/Lethal Force, e.g.,: Deadly/Lethal force shall be used only when: · There is an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the officer or another person; or · To prevent the escape of a fleeing subject if there is probable cause to believe: 1) The subject has committed a felony involving the infliction or threatened infliction of serious bodily injury or death; and 2) The escape of the subject would pose an imminent danger of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or to another person. · Officers are not authorized to fire their firearms in order to subdue an escaping suspect who presents no imminent threat of death or serious injury. · Deadly Force may never be used for the protection of property. For example: An exception to the property rule is “Car Jacking.” If an individual is occupying his or her vehicle and a “Car Jacker”or “Multiple Car Jackers” approach the vehicle armed and threatens the occupants life or the occupant is in fear of great bodily harm in order to steal the vehicle, the occupant may use a firearm or other weapons to stop the attacker(s) in order to preserve life or the threat of great bodily harm. At this juncture, saving the vehicle is not the primary objective – saving and individual life or deterring great bodily harm is the primary objective. Remember, a persons has to believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that his or her life is in imminent danger or the life of another is in imminent danger of loss of life or great bodily harm in order to use force. WHAT IS THE CASTLE DOCTRINE? Castle Laws are laws that address the use of force when defending one’s self inside their home, or on the property. Some states expand this to vehicles, and the person’s place of work. Castle Laws generally include: where the law applies, the requirements for use of deadly force, if there is a duty to retreat, the amount of force that maybe used in defending one’s self or others. These vary widely from state to state. STAND YOUR GROUND LAW In Louisiana, people have the right to stand their ground in their homes or public places where they have a legal right to be. Louisiana Statute 14:20 lays out situations in which a homicide or the killing of another is justified. There are several factors to a basic stand your ground situation, including: 1) You believe you are in imminent danger of losing your life or suffer great bodily harm. 2) You believe the killing is necessary. The following Louisiana R.S. 14: 20 defined: LOUISIANA R.S. 14:20 JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE LAW A homicide is justifiable: 1) When committed in self-defense by one who reasonable believes that he is in imminent danger of losing his life or receiving great bodily harm and that the killing is necessary to save himself from the danger. 2) When committed for the purpose of preventing a violent or forcible felony involving danger to life or of great bodily harm by one who reasonably believes that such an offense is about to be committed and that such action is necessary for its prevention. The circumstances must be sufficient to excite the fear of a reasonable person that there would be serious danger to his own life or person if he attempted to prevent the felony without the killing. 3) When committed against a person whom one reasonably believes to be likely to use any unlawful force a person present in a dwelling or a place of business, or when committed against a person who one reasonably believes is attempting to use any unlawful force against a person present in a motor vehicle as defined in R.S. 32:1(40), while committing or attempting to commit a burglary or robbery of such dwelling, business, or vehicle. 4) (A) When committed by a person lawfully inside a dwelling, a place of business, or a motor vehicle as defined by R.S. 32:1(40) when the conflict began, against a person who is attempting to make an unlawful entry into the dwelling, place of business, or a motor vehicle, or who has made an unlawful entry into the dwelling, place of business, or motor vehicle, and the person committing the homicide reasonably believes that the use of deadly force is necessary to prevent the entry or to compel the intruder to leave the dwelling , place of business, or motor vehicle. ILLEGALLY SHOOTING SOMONE FOR PROPERTY THEFT AND ILLEGALLY BRANDISHING A FIREARM TO THREATEN. As this article illustrates: “It is illegal to shoot someone for merely stealing your property, except as noted above during a Car Jacking.” It’s also illegal to threaten someone with a loaded firearm, except when any of the self scenarios listed above are applicable. Merely using the firearm to threaten someone absent of any of the criteria listed above WILL in all probability land you in a jail cell for aggravated assault. Notwithstanding, it is illegal to shoot someone merely crossing your property or jogging down your street. It’s incumbent upon every firearms owner to seek legal advice and learn what their rights are as a firearms owner, especially when the firearm intention is to be used in self defense. LAW ENFORCEMENT SHOOTING ERRORS It’s mind boggling to read the circumstances in which todays law enforcement has fatally shot people. Instances include: running away unarmed, reaching for the glove compartment to retrieve their drivers licenses during a traffic stop, an unarmed fleeing felon or a person wanted from an outstanding warrant for his arrest. These are prime examples of individuals not receiving adequate training or are unsuitable for the job. These are also prime examples of what not to do with a firearm. Back in the day, when I was in Drug Enforcement we all had to be certified and re-certified. These examples are clearly examples of what not to do with a firearm. You’ve taken the responsibility to arm yourself. Now take the responsibility of learning the law and understanding the proper use of a self defense firearm. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!” MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
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SELF-DEFENSE AMMUNITION
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author November 1, 2021 HISTORY OF AMMUNITION Ammunition (informally ammo) is the material fired, scattered, dropped or detonated from any weapon or weapon system. Ammunition is both expendable weapons (e.g., bombs, missiles, grenades, land mines) and the component parts of other weapons that create the effect on a target (e.g., bullets and warheads). Nearly all mechanical weapons require some form of ammunition to operate. The term ammunition can be traced back to the mid-17th century. The word comes from the French la munition, for the material used for war. Ammunition and munitions are often used interchangeably, although munition now usually refers to the actual weapons system with the ammunition required to operate it. In some languages other than English ammunition is still referred to as munition, such as French ("munitions"), German ("Munition"), Italian ("munizione") or Portuguese ("munição"). The purpose of ammunition is to project a force against a selected target to have an effect (usually, but not always, lethal). The most iconic example of ammunition is the firearm cartridge, which includes all components required to deliver the weapon effect in a single package (e.g., shell casing, powder, ignition primer, and a specific projectile). Ammunition comes in a great range of sizes and types (e.g., calibers and gauges) and is often designed to work only in specific weapons systems. However, there are internationally recognized standards for certain ammunition types (e.g., 5.56×45mm NATO, 7.62 X 51 NATO, and 9X19 NATO) that enable their use across different weapons systems and by different users. There are also specific types of ammunition that are designed to have a specialized effect on a target, such as armor-piercing shells, tracer ammunition, full metal jacket, hollow points, jacketed soft points, and lead projectiles which are used only in certain circumstances. For identification purposes, ammunition is commonly stamped with the correct calibre or gauge as well as the ammunition manufactures name. This calibre or gauge designation is to prevent the wrong ammunition types from being used accidentally or inappropriately. The lethality of a bullet depends on the amount of hydrostatic energy the bullet imparts on the human target. Hydrostatic energy is the energy stored/exhibited in liquids under pressure which relates to hydrostatic shock in the human body. Bullet energy is relative to hydrostatic shockwaves which develop after a bullet enters the human body, thus destroying tissue and organs. The ideal self defense bullet is the one which enters the body, fully expands creating a large hydrostatic shockwave and never leaves the human anatomy while expending all of its energy inside the body cavity. Ammunition capable of such rapid expansion and energy dump is specific to the hollow point design. In this article, ammunition is limited to hand and shoulder fired weapons (e.g., Single and Double action Revolvers, Semi-Auto Pistols as well as Single, Bolt, Pump, Double, and Semi-Auto Rifles and Shotguns used for personal or home defense applications. DEFENSIVE AMMUNITION (LAW ENFORCEMENT, PERSONAL, AND HOME) LAW ENFORCEMENT: Ammunition used by law enforcement has to meet a wide variety of specifications (e.g., ammunition designed for law enforcement applications also include ammunition types used in an offensive and defensive criteria), whereas ammunition designed for personal defense are designed to meet this specific criteria. Law Enforcement ammunition types must be able to perform properly across a wide variety of parameters and at various velocity levels. Usually, law enforcement ammunition criteria is established by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). However, the same ammunition types used by law enforcement can also be purchased and used for personal protection or home defense, by the general public, but it’s not advisable due to the ammunitions over penetration factor. Law Enforcement projectiles, more commonly (bullets), (e.g., pistol, revolver, and shotgun slugs) are manufactured to perform across a wide variety of parameters (e.g., barrier penetration such as auto windshields, tires, and doors, heavy clothing, wooden barriers – such as doors, and windows, etc., while expanding reliably and retaining a significant amount of projectile weight and force (energy) sufficient to eliminate a threat or immobilize an attacker. Shotgun ammunition designed for law enforcement purposes also carries the multiple duty application requirements. Generally, the shotgun gauge is specified as a 12 gauge with a chamber designation of 2 ¾ to 3 inch capability. Rifled Slugs, Sabot Slugs, Buck Shot, and high brass number 4 shot is the ammunition of choice. Law enforcement Semi-Auto Pistol and Revolver ammunition is limited to the calibre and pistol type. Most law enforcement agencies usually limit their officers to the 38 Special, 9 mm 9X19, 40, and 45 calibers. With manny law enforcement departments the 357 Magnum ammunition isn’t usually readily available to it’s officers although Smith & Wesson initially developed this cartridge for law enforcement use. The ammunition type and weight is also designated by each law enforcement agency, as are the types of handguns and shotguns used to fire such ammunition. PERSONAL AND HOME DEFENSE: Essentially, the firearm, ammunition type, calibre, and gauge used for personal protection or home defense can, in actuality, be identified as any loaded rifle, handgun, or shot gun loaded with a shell (e.g., a loaded cartridge containing powder, an ignition primer, and a projectile or projectiles) which can be used to stop an assailant without over penetration thus endangering loved ones in another room of the residence or the neighbors, for that matter. The main concern for the home owner is SAFETY. In Drug Enforcement, Agents were faced with the same dilemma when serving search warrants in apartment complexes or densely populated neighborhoods. Being cognizant of this dilemma, Agents were issued 12 gauge shotgun high brass number 4 bird shot in conjunction with buck shot and rifled slugs. The environmental setting predicated which shot gun shell was being used at the time of the search warrant execution. Again, the selection of the type of projectile or projectiles used should be based on its over penetration abilities. After all, a shotgun has long been known as the fight stopper in any personal combat situation. Remember, the average room of a residence is 18 feet. The average gun fight is 7 to 10 feet. At this distance, a 12 gauge shotgun loaded with # 4 high brass pellets is devastating to the human body with a direct hit. SELF AND HOME DEFENSE FIREARM GAUGES AND CALIBRE’S As previously stated handguns and shoulder fired weapons (e.g., shotguns and rifles) come in an array of calibre’s and gauges. Shotguns ranges from 410 bore to 12 gauge bore. Similarly, hand gun calibre’s range from the diminutive 22 calibre all the way up to the 500 Smith and Wesson Magnum. The best calibre or gauge is the one that fits a shooter the best. For the record, all of them will stop an attacker. Bullet placement is the key. For the record, there’s no such calibre or gauge which can be stated as a “man stopper.” Each calibre or gauge will stop an attacker with a well placed shot. Shot placement is the key to ending a gunfight. Humans are like deer, their considered a light thin skinned animal. Any well placed direct hit in the spine or head/brain will immediately terminate mobility and life. So pick a weapon your most comfortable with and one that fits into your budget in order for you to practice and become proficient. Remember, a well place shot with a 22 calibre or a 410 shotgun loaded with the proper ammunition is better than a miss with a calibre or gauge your uncomfortable shooting. “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!!” WHO OWNS A NON-PROFIT?, Part 2
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Risk Manager and Analyst Freelance Writer and Author July 21, 2021 CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED SEIZED ASSETS ORDERED RETURNED, BY COURT DEFENDANT VINDICATED On August 14, 2014 Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP; Freelance Writer and Author, released an article on allaboutcutting.com, titled: “WHO OWNS A NON-PROFIT?” More specifically, the article, in specificity, declares and demonstrates a 501 C 3 Non-Profit isn’t and can’t be owned by an individual or group of individuals. Once setup, a 501 C 3 Non-Profit becomes an entity unto itself and is operated by a Board of Directors and is approved for operation as a 501 C 3 Non-Profit, by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Furthermore, there are Federal and State laws governing the operations of all 501 C 3 Non-Profits. Annual tax filings are found on GuideStar.Org in order for the public to verify, whether or not, an entity is actually a legitimate 501 C 3 Non-Profit. To read the entire article in detail, click on the following link: https://allaboutcutting.net/%E2%98%9B-who-owns-a-nonprofit-8-15-14/ HISTORY Michigan Legislature enacted the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act. The (Client) is a business owner in the State of Michigan and was affiliated with a legally organized 501 C 3 Medical Marijuana facility as the “Agent of Process,” for said business. In this article, the identity of the formerly accused defendant will be referred to as “John Doe (Client).” Further, this article delineates the unscrupulous and fraudulent actions (Public Corruption) of a Michigan Drug Enforcement Agent in order to illegally arrest and seize the assets of an individual as well as shutting down a legally organized 501 C 3 Non-Profit. However, the charges were eventually dismissed, but only after years of legal court fights encompassing Michigan lower courts, appeal court, and Supreme Court. This legal fight cost the (Client) thousands of dollars spent in legal fees and court costs. Risk Analyst worked as part of the legal defense team and directly with David Moffitt – Attorney At Law, through authority of (Client) to end this horrible nightmare. The facts are contained in the following: STATE OF MICHIGAN VERSUS JOHN DOE A few years ago an individual contacted me because he found the foregoing article on the internet and asked if I would review his case file. After reading and analyzing his case file, I contacted this individual hereafter referred to as (JOHN DOE (Client), because even though his criminal charges have been dismissed, the judge in this case ordered all seized civil assets returned, the (Client’s) civil action (LAWSUIT) for damages is pending and moving forward. Upon speaking with the (Client) I was asked what I thought of his case. I was specific when I stated: “I bet I can charge the Narcotics Team with more factual criminal charges than their trying to convict you of.” In essence law enforcement made monumental errors and fatal flaws during their investigation of the (Client) as well as in the Search Warrant Applications thereafter Example: FATAL FLAWS IN THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION · PERJURY BEFORE THE JUDICIARY – THE FIRST FATAL FLAW: The first and most significant FATAL FLAW in law enforcements criminal investigation into the 501 C 3 and the (Client) is contained in the lead investigators search warrant application and report of investigation. In the search warrant application the lead investigator identifies the (Client) as the owner of the 501 C 3 NON-PROFIT instead of in the proper context, for which, the (Client) was identified - in the Michigan Secretary of State legal documents. Example: The (Client) is identified in the legal documents as the “Agent of Process,” not the OWNER, as the lead investigator referred to (Client) as. Nothing more, nothing less. For the record, an “Agent of Process” is nothing more than a glorified mail catcher. In truth and fact, the (Client) was not and never will be the owner of the 501 C 3 Non-Profit. Furthermore the 501 C 3 Non-Profit is run by a board of directors. The (Client) is only a member of the “Board of Directors” which governs the day-to-day business operations, e.g., “Agent of Process.” · PERJURY BEFORE THE JUDICIARY - THE SECOND FATAL FLAW: The second most significant fatal flaw in the investigation pertains to three alleged undercover marijuana purchases by a Cooperating Individual (Informant). In the Search Warrant application, the case Agent described this individual as a willing participant. However, it was later learned this individual was working off criminal charges by being an informant. This is usual and customary with criminal drug enforcement investigations, but the individual is not freely cooperative. The informant has a vested interest. Also, this information was deliberately withheld from the Magistrate. Further, the case Agent informed the judiciary the (Informant) had never been to the 501 C 3 Non-Profit, but the Agent failed to inform the judiciary (Magistrate) the informant was having sex with the female employee he was allegedly consummating the undercover marijuana purchases from. This information was revealed by the case Agent during his legal deposition. The other relevant fact which was concealed is the fact the (Informant) made an application to be a member of the medical marijuana club which would’ve legally qualified him to purchase Medical Marijuana there. Therefore, the Confidential Informant is in a conflict of interest, as is the lead investigator. · BROKEN CHAIN OF CUSTODY OF EVIDENCE AND DESTRUCTION OF EVIDENCE – When an evidence review along with the Chain of Custody of the evidence was authorized by the judge in this matter, it was determined the surveillance cameras seized from the 501 C 3 Non-Profit were vandalized and broken as well as missing power cords. The items were located in the evidence room of the law enforcement agency and were presented to the defendant and the lawyer in the presence of the Assistant District Attorney on metal carts, in unsealed boxes. Therefore, this evidence which could’ve been used by the defendant to demonstrate his innocence was deliberately destroyed while in the custody of the Sheriff’s Office. · IMPROPER ITEMIZATION OF EVIDENCE AND FAILURE IN ESTABLISHING A LEGAL CHAIN OF CUSTODY OF EVIDENCE – Yet another problem encountered during this process was: all of the medical marijuana evidence; seized during the operation, was combined from several locations, instead of individually logging said evidence from each location where it was found. Again, failing to establish a legal Chain of Custody of evidence. TRAVESTY OF JUSTICE Certainly, the Magistrate would’ve never readily signed an application for a Search Warrant if he would’ve known this vital information and the deliberate man made flaws in the case. Notwithstanding there are a myriad of other instance identified by the Risk Analyst which were reported as fact to the judiciary, by the case Agent, when in truth and fact they were completely false. The other travesty’s of justice in this case are: · Other Search Warrants were obtained by the Drug Task force which were piggy backed off of the fraudulent one, resulting in civil asset forfeitures from the (Client’s) personal unrelated businesses and bank accounts as well as cash and assets from the 501 C 3 Non-Profit along with (Clients’s) parents. · It should be noted, both of (Client’s) parents died during this process with each one being under intense undue stress, caused by an unscrupulous law enforcement agent. CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS – 4th AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION During the Risk Management and Analysis of (Client’s) case, it was determined law enforcement violated his 4th Amendment Rights, e.g.,: The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights. It prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures. In addition, it sets requirements for issuing warrants: warrants must be issued by a judge or magistrate, justified by probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and must particularly describe the place to be searched and the persons or things to be seized. Therefore, the facts will lead a reasonable person to believe: This entire law enforcement operation was a well crafted plan to shut down the 501 C 3 Medical Marijuana dispensary, falsely accuse and arrest the (Client) as well as seizing as many assets as possible while using fraud, deceit and his power as a law enforcement officer as the method of operation (MOA). This was not the handiwork of an inexperienced Drug Enforcement Agent, but the handiwork of an experienced, but unscrupulous individual who knows how to use trickery and collusion to his advantage to punish innocent people. Abuse of Power. The real oddity in this case is: Risk Analyst contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Detroit, Michigan to alert them of this law enforcement scheme, but Risk Analyst never heard from them. This type of public corruption case and civil rights violations are exactly the ones the FBI and the Department of Justice are supposed to investigate. CIVIL ASSETS FORFEITURE LAW Although highly controversial, civil asset forfeiture laws allow the police to take (and keep) large sums of cash or property suspected of either being used to commit crimes or obtained through criminal means (e.g. goods purchased with "dirty" money). I worked in drug enforcement for 16 years as both an Undercover Agent and as an Enforcement Agent. In my day, an enforcement agent had to have high probable cause to effect a civil assets forfeiture. The forfeiture usually resulted from a Drug Enforcement criminal arrest and conviction. Today, all a law enforcement has to do is think a suspect a person in possession of a large quantity of cash, obtained the funds from an illegal enterprise without any proof whatsoever. In the (Client’s) case the seizure of assets precluded a conviction. The irony of the case is: The (Client) was offered a plea bargaining deal by the Sheriff’s Office prior to being convicted. More specifically, the Sheriff’s Office offered the (Client), in exchange for a guilty plea and the complete forfeiture of all seized assets, the (Client) would receive a suspended sentence. Notwithstanding, the (Client) has maintained his innocence in this matter and prevailed in the end. Lastly, Risk Analyst was informed this is standard operating procedure for this Michigan Sheriff’s Office. Search Warrant, Arrest, Assets Seized, Plea Bargain, and Assets Forfeited. The record shall reflect, seized assets are divided up between the Law Enforcement Agency, the District Attorney’s Office, and the Courts. In Risk Analysts opinion, this is just a racket to seize peoples assets. When an individual arrestee doesn’t have the funds to fight the system, it usually ends up in a Plea Bargain and a conviction – whether guilty or not, and a loss of everything the individual owns. After this, the Attorney General Office should scrutinize every case this particular Drug Enforcement Agent has ever worked, for impropriety. However, in this case - the (Client) prevailed and justice was served!! “Until Next Time, Keep Em Between The Bridle!!” WHAT HAPPENED TO AMERICA?
AN OPINION ARTICLE By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author May 26, 2021 HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES ACCORDING TO HISTORY, NOT LIBERAL PROPAGANDA Prior to the arrival of European Settlers, Native Americans Inhabited the Americas for thousands of years. In 1492 history books credit the explorer; Christopher Columbus, in collaboration with Spain, with discovering the Americas. In 1607, English, Irish, and Scottish people Established the first settlement in Jamestown, Virginia – later expanding into the site of the thirteen original colonies. France, Spain, and the Netherlands also colonized the Americas. In 1775, a war between the thirteen colonies and Britain began when the colonists were upset over paying taxation to their government in the UK, but were not being given any chance to vote in the UK/British elections, to contribute to how that money was spent, thus causing the “Boston Tea Party.” Just after dawn on April 19, 1775, the British attempted to disarm the Massachusetts militia at Concord, Massachusetts, thus beginning the war with the "Shot Heard Round the World." On July 4, 1776, the Founding Fathers wrote the “Declaration of Independence.” They won the Revolutionary War and started a new country. The “Kentucky Long Rifle” played a significant role in winning the war with Britain, due to it’s extended killing range capability of British Soldiers. The “Kentucky Long Rifle” was far superior to any shoulder fired weapon the British troops brought with them from Britain, as the British soon learned. The colonists were capable of making 400 yard kill shots on the unwary British soldiers, without exposing themselves during skirmishes. The Founding Fathers signed the “Constitution“ in 1787 and the “Bill of Rights“ in 1791. General George Washington, who led the war, became its first president. During the 19th century, the United States gained much more land in the West, by waging war on the Native American populations inhabiting the West. Union Troops literally committed genocide on the Native American inhabitants and seized their lands. Many peace treaties were established between the Native American Indian tribes, with the treaties eventually being broken by the U.S. Government. After the Indian Wars, surviving Native Americans were relocated on Indian Reservations, which still exist today. The reservation lands contains far less land territory than the Native Americans originally inhabited. Perhaps the most famous battle between the Indians Nations and the Union Army was the annihilation of General George Armstrong Custer; 7th Calvary, at the battle of the Little Big Horn. The only survivor was a horse. In 1861, several slave states in the South attempted to leave the United States to start a new country called the Confederate States of America. This action caused the American Civil War. A war fought over slavery, between the Republican led North and the Democratic led South. In 1865 the North won the Civil War, which claimed over 600 thousand lives. After the war, President Abraham Lincoln freed the African Slaves, establishing the United States of America. Shortly thereafter, President Lincoln was assassinated, by John Wilkes Booth. In retaliation for the North winning the Civil War, the Democratic led South were the initiators of the Knights of the Klux Klan (KKK); a domestic terrorist organization, and Jim Crow Laws to thwart the African Slaves from truly achieving freedom and United States citizenship recognition. Jim Crow Laws were Democratic run State and Local laws that enforced the racial segregation in the Southern United States. All were enacted in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by white Democratic-dominated state legislatures after the Reconstruction period. The laws were enforced until 1965. In practice, Jim Crow laws mandated racial segregation in all public facilities in the states of the former Confederate States of America, starting in the 1870’s and 1880’s. Interracial marriages between blacks and whites were prohibited until 1967. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s the Civil Rights Movement began in the Black Communities. One of the most prolific leaders of the Civil Rights movement was Martin Luther King. Other black community leaders joined Dr. King in his efforts. For their actions, some were assassinated, including Dr. King. However, Dr. King’s legacy and his “I Have A Dream” speech lives on today. After the Civil War, Immigration resumed. Some Americans became very rich in this Gilded Age, and the country developed one of the largest economies in the world. In the early 20th century, the United States became a world power, fighting in World War I and World War II. Between the wars, there was an economic boom called the Roaring Twenties, when many people became richer, and a bust, called the Great Depression, when most were poorer. The Great Depression ended with World War II. The United States and the Soviet Union entered the Cold War. Other wars included: Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. During this time, African-Americans, Chicanos, and women sought more rights. In the 1970s and 1980s, the United States started to make fewer things in factories. High taxes imposed by American Politicians drove manufacturing out of the USA and into the global market. The country then went through the worst recession it had since the Great Depression. In the late 1980s, the Cold War ended with President Ronald Reagan, helping the United States out of recession. The Middle East became more important in American foreign policy, especially after the September 11 attacks in 2001. In the 2010s, Barack Obama's presidency helped many domestic problems in the country such as the auto business and healthcare coverage. After Obama, the country saw a rise in populist politics with the presidency of Donald Trump. In 2020, the country oversaw the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest over racial justice and disputes over the 2020 election results which led to violent reactions. Obama’s quick rise to Democratic power has always been surrounded by controversy, especially pertaining to his legitimacy as a Natural Born American citizen. The suspicions deepened with Obama sealing his personal records, which – if unsealed, would shed light on Obama’s background. UNFETTERED IMMIGRATION Today, the Democratic Party is again drunk with power seeking. Unfettered illegal immigration is promoted by the Democratic Party, with Democratic run cities claiming Sanctuary status, prohibiting the legal deportation of illegal aliens in this country. The USA, like other countries has a legal and legitimate immigration process. However, Democratic leadership support illegal unfettered immigration whereby a person can gain entrance by simply walking across the border, without undergoing any type of vetting process. Discrimination against legitimate American citizens is a controversial subject, existing today. Democratic D.C. lawmakers push for more unfettered illegal immigration, while affording them more government benefits than, legitimate American citizens. Example, illegal immigrants are afforded free welfare benefits to include, but not limited to, housing, medical, and education. The majority of the illegal immigrants are from Latin American countries. The most contentious aspect of illegal immigration is: The majority of American citizens are appalled at the Democratic actions due to the crime, sickness, and disease associated with illegal aliens. The only logical explanation for unfettered illegal immigration can be realized that the Democratic Party is seeking to establish a new voting block for themselves within the illegal population, at the expense, discrimination, and suffering of the American people. Democrats are buying the Illegal votes in the same fashion as they’ve done through time and memorial with the black community. AMERICAN PATRIOTISM DNA evidence has confirmed that my ancestors are made up primarily, of Scottish and Irish ancestry. Further, DNA has proven that my family has had members serving in every war the United States has engaged in, dating back to the American Revolution. A sense of duty to GOD, Family, and Country was instilled in all of us, and it continues today. Overall, Americans have been and continue to be a Patriotic people exhibiting enormous pride in the USA. The same is with me and other family members, serving in the USA Army and US Navy, during the Vietnam War. Today, patriotism is under attack in the USA, especially our military and the American Flag. Both, are symbols of our history and greatness. However, the burning and desecration of the American Flag has become a favorite past time for Democratic Liberals, and illegals alike. However, today a more sinister liberal movement has emerged to undermine the American Patriotic Spirit. This undermining of America, threatens the very existence and fabric of a society we’ve all been taught to respect and to love throughout the ages of historical records. This movement seeks to change history as well as catapulting the USA in a perilous direction. A direction where anything goes and the spirit of patriotism and history will be lost forever. MAIN STREAM NEWS OUTLETS, HOLLYWOOD, BIG TECH, AND THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY JOIN FORCES, TO SILENCE CONSERVATIVE VOICES Lately, Big Tech; Google, Apple, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, have joined forces with Hollywood, Main Stream News, the Democratic Party, and other elite liberal groups to change the very fabric of the USA. It’s a dangerous place where white people are vilified, career criminals are worshiped and law enforcement officers are vilified, vast sums of Big Tech money are invested to Democratic candidates to influence election outcomes, conservative voices are silenced, by Big Tech platforms, and cancel culture has emerged. Anything or anyone the liberal left views as a threat to their “anything goes way of life” agenda will be cancelled or discredited through cyber bullying, riots, looting, and burning of cities, false narratives or, in some cases, out right lies. At present, defunding the Police is the topic of conversation and goal, with the liberal left. The purpose of law enforcement is to suppress crime and stand between a law abiding society and total chaos. We can visualize the changes the absence of law enforcement officers make, with rising violent crime states. Once-Upon-A-Time, the main stream news outlets were a place where an individual could gain legitimate knowledge about local, state, and world news events. Not any longer. Noted news outlets such as: ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, etc., are in a race to see who can tell the biggest lies on each addition of the nightly news. Real facts are manipulated or completely ignored to suit an illogical thought process of a liberal writer. Their philosophy is: “If a lie is told long enough, it becomes truth.” As a result, many Main Street news outlets, including, cable news outlets such as CNN, has lost credibility with the American people while exercising this repetitive regurgitation of false narratives. SYSTEMIC RACISM The liberal left including members of Congress, portray the USA as a systemic racist country. In my opinion, this is simply not true. Today, minorities have more rights than ever before in history. They have the same equal opportunity to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as any other American citizen. However, each time a narrative doesn’t fit a black persons perspective they always, without fail, throw the “Race Card” and claim racial injustice as the motivating factor. Today, black Americans have their own TV show – BET, the NAACP; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and BLM (Black Lives Matter), to name a few. They have their own exclusive festivals, beauty pageants, minority set-a-side jobs, blacks dominate Professional Sports; especially football and basketball, higher education is readily available, free housing is built for them, welfare and food stamps feed them, and the Democratic Party coddles them along with the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation protecting them. Example: When a black person is killed by a white police officer, the DOJ and FBI swoop in to investigate whether or not that persons civil rights were violated. When a white person is killed by a black police officer the DOJ and FBI are absent. This preferential treatment or discrimination standard, only serves one purpose: Apparently, Whites don’t have civil rights and Black People do. Example: FBI statistics prove police officers kill more white people in the USA every year, as opposed to Black people. FBI statistics also prove: Each year, more Blacks are killed by Black on Black crime, than any other source. Some people make a living on keeping racism alive and well in the USA. Jesse Jackson and Al. Sharpton are the two chief promoters of racism in this country. The other is the Democratic Party. They want to keep racism alive, because they make huge profits of cash off of it. GENDER IDENTITY Within the gender identification revolution, there are women who think their men, men who think their women and the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, and Queer) movement are demanding equal rights. Men who identify their sexuality as a woman want access to women’s bathrooms and sports, even though their biological birth sex organs determine them to be a male. The same with women, except they want access to mens bathrooms and sports. The cancel culture desires a gender natural identity to eliminate male and female gender identity at birth. This illogical philosophy is being promoted at every level of the Democratic Party. CONCLUSION Will the USA survive this “Anything Goes Movement?” I think so, even if GOD is cancelled out of our schools, religious organizations are under constant attach, from the “Woke Arista,” left wing of our society, and the “Cancel Culture” wants to erase conservative voices and history – the USA and the United States Constitution will survive this illogical time. One thing the Democratic Party never counted on is the WOKE American voter, and their ability of voting them out of office. The sad commentary of todays illogical happenings, is the fact: The Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been infected and politicized with cancel culture ideology. Example: The Democrats initiated three investigations into Donal Trump’s Presidency, with all three being based on FASLE NARRATIVES, which cost the American Tax Payer millions of wasted dollars. Donald Trump was exonerated on the Democratic led Russian Collusion investigations and two attempts to impeach him for crimes he didn’t commit. What came out of the investigations were: Barrack Obama spied on an opposition campaign, the FBI lied to the FISA court to obtain illegal wire tap warrants, American citizens private telephone conversations were listen to, it clearly and unequivocally proves that facets of the American Government are corrupt. Lastly, another fact was revealed: There’s a two-tier standard of justice in the USA. One for the common folks that go to prison and one for the political elite where no one goes to jail, no matter what they do. As the scholarly Senator from Louisiana; Honorable John Kennedy, once stated: “The United States of America was founded by geniuses and is run by idiots.” “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE” LAWSUIT FILED OVER HORSE’S
DEATH 7-2-14 By Glory Ann Kurtz Allaboutcutting.com COURT DISMISSES LAWSUIT, by JIM McCOLLEY, AGAINST BRUCE AND DENISE COLCLASURE, et al ADDENDUM AND UPDATE, BY: Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author WIND RIVER INDUSTRY NEWS March 31, 2021 LAWSUIT FILED OVER DEATH OF HORSE AT TRAINER’S FACILITY On July 2, 2014 Glory Ann Kurtz; Editor, allaboutcutting.com wrote and released an article on her website entitled: “LAWSUIT FILED OVER DEATH OF HORSE AT TRAINER’S FACILITY;” More specifically, “On July 18, 2011, a lawsuit was filed by Jim McColley (Plaintiff) against Bruce and Denise Colclasure and their Flying Bar Ranch Arena, Inc. (Defendants), in the District Court in and for Creek County, Oklahoma, Sapulpa Division. The petition reads: That on or about July 3, 2009, McColley contracted with the Colclasure’s to board, feed, and train his 2007 AQHA registered stallion, Hard Rock Acre, (nick-named) Rocky. However, on or about May 4, during training and with a rider on his back, Rocky collapsed and died. McColley is CLAIMING, the Colclasure’s failed to properly care for Rocky and negligently allowed the animal to ingest the “bovine feed supplement – Rumensin, which is known to be lethal to horses. He CLAIMS that the Colcalsure’s knowingly and intentionally bought the MGA with Rumensin for the purpose of feeding the supplement to Rocky and other horses housed at the Flying C Bar Ranch.” JIM McCOLLEY’S LAWSUIT PETITION CONTAINS SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF (DEFENDANT’S) WRONGDOING, HOWEVER THE COURT DISMISSED (PLAINTIFF’S) LAWSUIT WITHOUT PREJUDICE. Furthermore, and according to Denise Colclasure: The (Defendants) unequivocally have always denied any wrongdoing in this matter and also states: “Even though this lawsuit was dismissed without prejudice the damage to our training facilities reputation was already done and our business reputation is constantly being questioned due to the article written by Glory Ann Kurtz; and appearing on the internet absent of an addendum stipulating, the courts dismissal of the lawsuit.” Additionally, and according to Denise Colclasure, “this case has negatively impacted us and our training facility, this many years later.” For the record, In both civil and criminal matters, allegation are just one or more persons accounting of a specific incident as well as those involved, and each actors participation. Furthermore, an allegation of impropriety or wrongdoing is just that – an allegation, until evidentiary proceedings prove the allegation to be factual in order for the (Defendant) to be guilty of the allegations contained in the lawsuit’s petition. Notwithstanding, in this case, McColley’s lawsuit was dismissed, by the court, without prejudice. Therefore, no incidents of wrongdoing, on (Defendants) behalf was ever proven, in court, by the (Plaintiff). GLORY ANN KURTZ AND ALLABOUTCUTTING.COM - CLOSED Unfortunately for the Colclasure’s, Glory Ann Kurtz was unable to provide an addendum article stating McColley’s lawsuit was dismissed against the Colclasure’s. Another unfortunate fact for the Colclasure’s is: Glory Ann Kurtz developed a medical condition which caused www.allaboutcutting.com to be prematurely and permanently closed forever, therefore preventing any further updates to this article or any other previously written article, for that matter. Lastly, this premature closure also prevents the first article from ever being retracted or removed from the internet, by the author. However, the following links to Mrs. Kurtz’s original article is attached hereto which includes the original lawsuit filing, the dismissal, and the verification of the same. https://allaboutcutting.net/%E2%98%9B-lawsuit-filed-over-horses-death-7-2-14/ The links are located in a contributors comments, at the bottom of the original article. https://allaboutcutting.net/%E2%98%9B-lawsuit-filed-over-horses-death-7-2-14/ “UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE” A SHRINERS CHRISTMAS !!!
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author Copyright 2020 – All Rights Reserved IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS For some people, the true meaning of Christmas is the warmth and love of our families, a celebration of the home. For others, the real meaning-of Christmas is love for other people – “Peace on earth, good will toward men.” And of course, many Christians think the true meaning of Christmas is that it is the birthday of Jesus. Christmas is about closeness. It’s a time when families, friends, and loved ones — even those we tend to hold at a distance much of the year — come close together to celebrate God coming close to humans in the form of Baby Jesus. It’s a time to connect with people in special ways,... As a 32nd Degree Master Mason; Scottish Rite, my fondest memories are those helping people to regain light at the end of a tunnel of darkness, or hope – in a seeming hopeless situation or circumstance. The same is true with Children hospitalized, during the Christmas Holidays, with a deliberating injury, illness, or disease. A number of years ago, which began as a charitable jester has emerged into my annual Christmas tradition. A simple poem was written for hospitalized children at the coveted Shriner’s hospitals, which is now published annually. I wrote this poem to provide children at Shriner’s Hospital with a lasting gift, the “Gift of Giving.” This poem maintains the legacy of the birth of Jesus; our savior, and the son of GOD. It also maintains Santa Clause, and keeps the “Spirit of Christmas” tradition alive. Every child is special in someone’s heart - a true gift from GOD. It is to Children everywhere whom this poem is written and dedicated: Twas the night before Christmas and all through the barn, Not a creature was stirring to sound the alarm. All of a sudden and with a shout of glee, Ole Saint Nick suddenly appeared , over the trees. With a booming voice - sounding like thunder, Ole Saint Nick herded his pulling teams, from way off yonder. On Apollo, on Big E, on Morgan, on Gator, on Sparky and Chip, On Dually, on Rocket, on Wild Thing, and Rip. With the swooshing sound of air passing through wings of Wild Teal, Ole Saint Nick landed that sleigh, without even a squeal. The sled was laden with all sorts of toys. For all the barn critters - the girls and the boys. New buckets, brushes, combs, and riding pads were there. As Ole St. Nick went over the critter wish list, bill of fare. With the speed of the wings of flushing Grouse, Santa’s elves delivered presents, all over the barn house. The curious nature of the entire event, is Ole Saint Nicks tireless years spent; delivering presents to critters and children, on Christmas Eve. A Holy and rememberable day, for children and steeds. All the barn critters woke up at dawn, to the amazement of the presents and sleigh tracks on the lawn. No one remembers the arrival of Ole Saint Nick, But his yearly arrival on this special day, is sure to stick! Some say Ole Saint Nick doesn’t exist, Just a fairy tale - told throughout years spent. I’m hear to tell you girls and boys Ole Saint Nick is alive and real, He exists in our hearts, is passed on from generation to generation and the gift of giving makes Christmas and Ole Saint Nick, the best years deal! “Keep Christ in Christmas - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!” A CHRISTMAS REFLECTION – THEN AND NOW
By Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author Copyright 2020 – All Rights Reserved December 13, 2020 THEN … As a youngster growing up in Fungo Hollow, Alabama; a farming community located in Shelby County at the base of Oak Mountain, in the 1950s and 1960s, I was born into a family and community where Christmas was one of the most celebrated holidays of the year. By today’s standards, some would say our family was poor – but we never recognized or was aware of this class distinction. Growing up, I always had plenty to eat, 22 bullets to shoot, several pairs of overalls to wear and at least one pair of boots to wear a year. When I was not in school, hard work and assigned chores was the standard of the day. It seemed a never-ending supply of work was readily at hand requiring attention. As I was the oldest in my family, these essential after-school duties usually came my way first. I never did quite figure out why being the oldest meant you were assigned more work. I always figured being the oldest meant you could be assigned a managerial role. I soon learned this philosophy was not a viable thought process with my parents, nor my grandparents. Horses and mules were not used for recreational or exhibition purposes as they are today. Instead my family, as well as other families in my community, used these noble animals principally for plowing, cultivating and harvesting crops in the fields to provide food for the table and bring our sale crops to the train depot in Clanton, Alabama for shipment to the farmers market in Birmingham, Alabama. These animals were also used as our principle mode of transportation, to bring trees out of the mountains to provide firewood for the fire place and wood-burning heaters, the smoke house for meat preservation or the saw mill to provide lumber for building purposes. Tractors were non-existent in this time period. It was during this time of the year my family was catapulted into the Spirit of Christmas, which meant it was time to go up on Oak Mountain for the much-anticipated and celebrated Christmas tree cutting. My grandmother Jeanette, on my father’s side, was the matriarch of the designated Christmas tree selection and harvesting process. My grandmother, born out of a Scottish father and mother, always seemed to have a spiritual connection with the tree she selected. We would move over the mountains for hours viewing what seemed an endless supply of trees – but after each evaluation she would declare, “Nope, not the right tree!” Often times this tree scrutiny and survey continued for hours and miles of hard walking, until the moment of truth arrived when suddenly my grandmother would stop by a tree, grab and shake it, mentally eye it up and down, walk around it several times and turn with a big smile on her face and declare, “Kids, this is our Christmas tree!” When the selection process was over, the tree was harvested by the oldest family members with an axe or a crosscut saw, or both, and promptly loaded on the sled and pulled home with each family member sharing with their turn on the pull rope. When we arrived at home there weren’t any store bought ornaments to decorate our tree but we did have an ample supply of hand-made decorations acquired over the years from various family members. Each family member possessed one special ornament with his or her name scribed on it which made for a fast scramble to the ornament box to be the first to put their ornament on the tree. The remaining ornaments were made by us. Popcorn was popped, colored with food dye into various colors, strung on sewing thread and hung on the tree to form a sea of riveting colors. Everything kids could think of were eventually hung on our Christmas tree until the matriarch affixed the Star of David on top of the tree, signaling the decorating was over. The most valuable lessons I learned from my early childhood experiences and the Spirit of Christmas are – the family is the most valuable commodity we have, never forget your roots, always give something back, it’s better to give than to receive and it doesn’t matter how much or what you have, make the best of it because often times more is not necessarily better. NOW … Today some Christmas trees come complete out of a box, including lights and decorations. Christmas tree decorations and ornaments are manufactured in sizes, shapes and colors and readily available for purchase at department stores. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year have been replaced by the politically correct euphemism “Happy Holidays” and another politically correct euphemism has replaced “A Christmas Party” with “A Winter Party.” Horses and mules have been replaced by tractors as the principle cultivation tool in the farming community while establishing themselves as the principle means of recreation for the equestrian community as well as, in some cases, big business. In fact, an entire equestrian industry has evolved around the noble horse as well as the businesses that have emerged to support them: tack shops, feed stores, judges, horse training facilities, horse breeding facilities, medical facilities and veterinarians, drug manufacturers, horse trailer manufacturers, equestrian magazines, bit makers, saddle makers, etc., and include the nonprofit organizations that have emerged to support this industry. In the equestrian industry today, we are very lucky to have nonprofit’s such as the American Quarter Horse Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association and the National Reining Horse Association, as well as other breed specific horse organizations that provide us with a place to exhibit our stock (professional and non-pro alike), meet new folks in the spirit of competition and establish new friendships along the way. These organizations are not always perfect but a lot of folks rely on these equestrian organizations, as well as the guys and gals that run them, as a source of revenue to provide sustenance for their families in the spirit of entrepreneurship. They not only provide a single source of revenue for some but a lot of enjoyment for families and individuals in the equestrian industry. Therefore, in the Spirit of Christmas, I would like to personally thank you – one and all for your time spent in these wonderful organizations and the contributions made by each one of you to support the equine industry. In my journey, I’ve never lost sight of the core principles I learned as a boy nor have I forgotten my roots or the Spirit of Christmas! In keeping with these ideologies, it has been my policy throughout my professional career to always give something back to the community from my professions: free drug lectures to schools, free time spent as a mentor with under-privileged children and free riding lessons for the youth – no matter what their financial position is. Over the years, my students have always generously paid me back by providing me with an exhilarating feeling from just watching their eyes light up when they finally execute a maneuver correctly or after completing their first show. When I see such happiness in a child’s eyes, it reminds me of days long ago on Oak Mountain harvesting that special Christmas tree on that cold winter day and that special lesson I learned during a time in my life long ago. “It truly is better to give than receive!” This Christmas is different due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. However, we can still enjoy our families and the Christmas Holidays. Therefore, at this very special time of the year, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. It is with the Spirit of Christmas and personal gratitude that I would like to wish each and everyone one of you, especially the avid readers of “WIND RIVER INDUSTRY NEWS,” as well as all those in the equine industry, a Merry Christmas and a most prosperous, safe, and Happy New Year! “Until Next Time, Keep ‘em Between The Bridle” GRISLY SERIES OF HORSE MUTILATIONS MYSTIFIES FRANCE
Richard E. “Rick” Dennis CPP Freelance Writer and Author September 11, 2020 © 2020 All Rights Reserved Fanny LATTACH and AFP bureaus in France September 8, 2020, 5:29 AM CDT https://news.yahoo.com/grisly-series-horse-mutilations-mystifies-102908638.html ANIMAL ABUSE, IS JUST NOT A U.S.A. PROBLEM Recently, the U.S.A. News agencies has been reporting on a series of horse deaths contributed to the killing of horses for the illegal sale of horse meat, as well as the killing of horses for meat consumption. However, this news article reports the mutilation of horses for an unknown reason, and in a European Country. YAHOO NEWS REPORTS Didier Fruchet, owner of a horse club with some 80 animals outside Paris, looks with concern at his stables. "It's stressful to be thinking, 'what happened tonight?' When we arrive in the morning we don't know what we are going to find." He and other horse lovers across France have good reason to be worried. Over the past weeks the country has been shocked by a succession of mutilations of over 150 horses that have seen ears sliced off, genitals cut and skin lacerated. What is motivating the perpetrators remains a mystery. Hatred of animals? Inspiration by a warped sect? A macabre challenge spreading on social media? Or might the causes sometimes be natural? Investigators have no firm leads. According to the authorities, the attacks are by multiple perpetrators whose methods vary nationwide, further complicating the picture. Fruchet is taking no chances at his stables in the town of L'Isle Adam in the Val-d'Oise department north of Paris, which is also being patrolled by gendarmes as an extra precaution. He has invested in hunting cameras with night vision that photograph moving targets. "We do not care how much it costs when it comes to keeping our horses safe," he said. The Val-d'Oise recorded its first cases on Saturday: Two mares, who did not die, were wounded, one with a cut in the vulva and the other a slash of 30 centimetres on its flank. - 'We hardly sleep' - Reports have come throughout the summer, sometimes on an almost daily basis, of new horse mutilations across France. Police at the weekend sought two suspects in the Cote-d'Or region after a stables owner reported an intrusion on his premises and said one horse had been wounded. In a sign of how urgent the issue has become, a 40-member team of gendarmes, backed up by police dogs and a helicopter, were sent to the scene but so far have not found the culprits. Police on Monday made their first arrest in the nationwide investigation, detaining a man suspected of an attack on three horses the central department of Yonne, who matched an image circulated. But he was later released without charge. Eloise Lang, a rider in Coueron in western France, is still distressed after her horse Ambitieux was attacked. "I saw that he had a dozen traces of wounds... knife wounds... He had some on his shoulders, flank, chest. He had cuts that were up to a foot long," she said. "We hardly sleep anymore, we think about it all the time," she added. - 'Take law into their hands' - Similar acts have now been recorded in 20 of France's departments. "There are about twenty cases of cut ears, but there are also other incidents including genital mutilation and lacerations with sharp objects," Colonel Hubert Percie du Sert of France's gendarmerie told AFP. He said there were "many perpetrators and methods of operation." According to Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, 153 investigations have been opened nationwide into cases of violence against horses. France's national anti-sect agency La Miviludes, which is assisting the investigation, has not found evidence of a satanic rite so far, "but it is not something we are ruling out", du Sert said. Authorities are also concerned that the repeated attacks and failure of the police to find the culprits risk creating paranoia, with some even deciding to take justice into their own hands. In Quimper in the northwestern Brittany region, a mother, 52, and her daughter, 23, face a trial in January for threatening with weapons two people in a car whom they suspected of carrying out horse attacks after a licence plate circulated on the internet. "They admitted they were equipped with a machete-type knife as well as a pellet gun, and to have stopped a vehicle when they had no right to do so," the deputy prosecutor of Quimper, Emmanuel Phelippeau, told AFP. They risk up to five years in prison if convicted. "It is unacceptable that breeders, due to emotion, take the law into their own hands themselves", the prefect of the Finistere region Philippe Mahe, told reporters, insisting that the police mobilisation was "very strong." UNTIL NEXT TIME, KEEP EM BETWEEN THE BRIDLE |
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