.......JUSTICE FOR SUJEDRA................

25-year-old Sujendra Amarasingham

I am disgusted!  I am mad!  I want Justice!  

 

I never met 25-year-old Sujendra Amarasingham.  I wish I had.  He was studying electrical and computer engineering at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. 

He immigrated to the United States from Sri Lanka, where his parents still live, in the hopes of finding a better life.  Instead he was murdered!  Gunned down in cold blood yesterday, while he worked at a Gas Station in Kansas City, Missouri. 

It's not bad enough that some dirt bag gunned him down for a small amount of money, but after he had been shot and lay literally dying on the ground, by the cash register, a customer, who had been pumping gas - stepped over his body and stole more money from the cash register!!!!  YES, that's right!  One jerk gunned him down and fled and THEN some worthless customer helped himself to cash and free gasoline - then drove away WITHOUT calling 9-1-1 or comforting Sujendra! 

I am ashamed for all Americans!!!  How can anyone do this to another human being????

For more on the story - go to the Kansas City Star HERE and HERE

If, by chance, you know anything about this horrific incident, please call the Kansas City Police @

816-474-TIPS (474-8477)

.......Goals for the New Year (no resolutions!).......

(This is my submission to the Seneca News Dispatch for this week)

As the New Year approaches, many people will be discussing their “resolutions”.  I will not be one of them.  You see, I am not good at keeping my resolutions, so I have decided to have goals or targets.  This way if I mess up I will just say; “I missed my target” and not feel like such a bum for failing.

There are always things we can improve upon.  I have struggled with my weight for years.  I know all of the reasons I must lose weight, from appearances to heart health.  I have tried to diet and exercise.  Every time, I seem to miss my target and fall off the wagon.  I find comfort in eating food, especially when I am stressed. 

Eating because you are stressed is not much different than an alcoholic drinking because they can’t cope with their life.  Now, before you get too upset with me in comparing over eating and over indulging alcohol – realize there really are similarities. 

Neither of these activities is good for your body and each leads to a multitude of health problems.  People become ill and go to emergency rooms all over the Country because of health issues related to obesity and alcoholism. Much money is wasted by people spending to satisfy these bad habits.  There is no question, in my mind, alcoholism is much more serious of a social issue, but you get the idea of what I am illustrating.

Along with my eating habits, I am working hard to rein in my spending and inflate my savings.  Along with most of you, this past year has not been kind to my pocket book.  The economy has impacted all of us in some way or another. 

I think it is imperative we reduce our personal debt, along with the National Debt.  There is no sense in leaving a lot of bills behind for my children to pay.  Instead, I want to be in a healthy financial position, which will allow me to assist my kids – as they age.  I will continue to focus on what I “need” versus what I “want”.  I will make wise choices, so I can enjoy a nice trip to Europe or Australia, without feeling guilty or breaking my bank account!

Along with my weight and finances, I am going to seek out ways to make the community better.  This is something I have considered for years and I encourage you to do the same.  If each one of us would do something simple, for example, pick up one piece of outdoor litter everyday.  How much cleaner would our community be?  If we all took the time to hold open a door for a Senior Citizen or to pause and allow someone else to have a parking place in front of us as we cruised a crowded store lot – would the world be just a little bit nicer? I think so!

Ushering in 2011 will not bring resolutions to me but it will cause me to focus a little harder on my target.  I wish you the best as the new calendar turns over.  For those of you brave enough to make “resolutions”, I bid you good luck.  As for myself, here’s hoping for a thinner, richer, and more philanthropic year!  

.....Happiness is everywhere if you look for it!.......

(This article is my submission to the Midwest Times for this week)

Recently, I had a reader from the Granby area; ask me if it was difficult come up with columns for this paper.  The reader noted our efforts of publishing “happier” news articles.  They said it was interesting to them how there were few if any stories about crime, car crashes, and the like here.  Then they really got me going, because they said it was surprising there was enough good news out there to even print.

To this long time friend and reader, I know you will see this.  I promised a published response to your words, since I felt it was important for all of us to really think about what is around us. 

For those of you who have read my column over the last couple of months, you have heard about my travels across the area and my belief we should all look out for one another.   But, here in this week’s column I hope to go a step further and ask you to go one whole week without talking about the “bad news” in the World and right here at home.  My hope and desire is you will be forced to see all the good.

I think it is human nature to be attracted to the “bad” things in life.  We drive down the road coming upon a horrible wreck, is there a person out there who does not glance over at the tangled metal to see what has happened?  As we glance at the crash, why don’t we become proud of the volunteer fireman who dropped their dinner or left their child’s ballgame, in order to race off to the aid of someone in need?

If each of us would “train” our minds to see the good in all situations, I think we would be surprised what is out there.  Just like the illustration of the traffic crash above, there are very few situations where good does not take place.

During my relatively short life, there have been many horrible news stories.  Like the attacks on September 11, 2001.  We all know many people died that day, but we also know heroes came forward and saved many others, both by thwarting the hijackers, over Pennsylvania, and by rushing to donate blood for the injured in Washington and New York.  There were many stories of complete strangers welcoming other strangers into their homes, as workers were stranded in New York.

Another tragic event, which struck much closer to home and greatly impacted my life, was the horrific Church Shooting in Neosho, which took place in August of 2007.  The story was covered locally and internationally.  However, I saw no stories talking about the citizens who came forward shortly after the incident to offer food and other kinds of comfort to the victims.  There were many area Churches who offered their sanctuaries to the affected congregation, so they could meet while their home Church was repaired. 

While there is undoubtedly a lot of evil and bad news in the world, there is much good and mush of it you never hear about.  Don’t rely on the established media outlets to tell you the joys behind the tragedies. 

You see, these media outlets have missed the boat as they seem to believe we would rather read about all the horrible events around us; however, I see The Midwest Times as a small step forward in making the world more enjoyable.  Look around you and see what’s positive.  Your life will be better if you look for the happy events, even when it may appear hard to find, happiness is all around us everyday!

.....What do I see in a Sunset / Sunrise??.....

July 12, 2010 - Newton County, Missouri Sunrise

The Sun rises and the Sun sets.  People go on about their lives.  Some notice, some don't.  

Recently, I have noticed several people remarking about the perceived time I spend on Facebook and the pictures I post from work - most of which are of the Sun setting or the Sun rising (Of course I throw in the occasional country brook for some variety).  People have laughed, made jokes, even asked, "Are you like really bored at work?"

No, I am not bored.  You see I am a cop and after 18 years in this job I do not see the World like most of you.  I am jaded and laugh at things that would make you puke.  I cry at things no person was never meant to see.  I have held people literally as they have taken their last breaths.

You see, I know the truth.  The truth is, as you read this you do not know what the future holds.  As you leave for work today and kiss your kids and your spouse goodbye - you say, "I love you, I will see you after work."  The truth is - you "hope" to see them after work because only God knows if you will.  Car accidents, heart attacks, natural disasters, crimes, etc. sometimes get in the way of your "plans".

Now, I do not mean for this post to be gloomy and sad - to the contrary - I want you to understand - Why?  Why, do I post the Sun rising and setting?  Because, I have learned to see the sheer beauty nature has to offer every single day.  I, now, take it in - I savor it.  I say a prayer and thank God for allowing me the opportunity to witness what he has made for me. As I post images of what I perceive as nature's beauty, I hope you will better understand and you will pause with me to pray and ask for peace. Ask for more love in the World, ask for a society where you don't need me to be a police officer.

I am thankful, because the truth is - this might be my last Sunrise.  Only God knows.  Please, enjoy it with me!

October 23, 2010 - South of Redings Mill, Missouri

....Christmas Ornaments bring joy and tradition.....

This weeks article for the Midwest Times

            Christmas brings so much joy and so many varying traditions to families all over the World. As I grew up, there were fun traditions in my family.  On Christmas Eve we would go to my Mamaw and Granddad’s for food – then off to Neosho’s First Christian Church for the wonderful candlelight service – then back to Mamaw and Granddad’s for presents.

            On Christmas Day, we would get up early to see what gifts Santa Claus had Brought and then for as long as I can remember, my parents would host an open house on Christmas afternoon.  Their friends would come over and share in fellowship, food, and just good times.  This was a unique tradition, as not many families invite others to their home on such a joyous day.

            Another family tradition, which I still carry on with my family is the ritual of decorating the Christmas Tree with ornaments.  Now, I am sure most of you do this too, but we try to add some unique items to our ornaments and we hold on to them forever.  You see I have ornaments from the time I was born to 2010.  We add new collectible type ornaments each year and we also add personalized ones – unique to our family. 

            I have more than thirty handmade sterling silver ornaments which were individually made by my Aunt Marg.  She made me a new ornament each year for as long as she lived.  One each year and she even made a couple of extras to be held back by my mother to be presented even after Aunt Marg had passed away.  They are dated for each respective year and every time I look at them, I remember her kindness and hard work.

            I have political ornaments.  Probably more than any sane person should have, but I love politics, so I am most certainly not sane!  I have an ornament made out of a button from 1956, when my Grandfather – Herbert Douglas – was the Republican candidate for Missouri’s United States Senate Seat.  I have one that says, “Vote Republican!”  I have one that has a yellow ribbon on it and a prayer hoping for the safe return of American hostages, from the Embassy in Tehran, from the Christmas of 1980.

            I have many ornaments with pictures of my kids, as they have grown up, or their handprints from grade school.  There are those with the family dog, Dharma.  Being a cop, there are handcuff ornaments, too!  How many people have handcuffs on their tree?

            Of course, we have the traditional snowmen, angels, Santa’s, reindeer, sleds, and candy canes.  The traditional ornaments are nice because they give that holiday flair to the tree and our living room.  An angel is much more Christmassy than an ornament with a picture of Ronald Reagan, but in my house they are close to being on the same level!!! 

            Speaking of ornaments on a high level, no story about my Christmas tree would be complete without me telling you of my red and yellow ornaments.  These are the ornaments representing my favorite professional football team, the Kansas City Chiefs!  There is the KC Chiefs Blimp, the Arrowhead ornament, the KC Helmet, and of course a football with the Chiefs logo.

            I hope you enjoy your ornaments as much as I enjoy mine, because I view them as much more than decorations on a tree.  They are a symbol of celebration.  They celebrate the birth of Christ and are hung to honor him and brighten up the cold winter in his memory.  They also celebrate the life of my family and the many experiences we have shared together.  There are ornaments I hope to hand down to my children and someday – my grandchildren. 

            Each ornament is special as it takes a place in my heart and my mind.  They allow memories to flourish and grow.  On Christmas Day, my Family will sit beneath the tree and while we may not have as many gifts as some families, we will cherish the greatest gift we have – each other – and we will reflect on the fun our ornaments bring us.

...Sports, memories, and the 56th Neosho Holiday Classic....

This week's article for the Seneca News Dispatch

            I am a hyper person.  I talk fast and I can never sit still.  When I am in one place – I am always ready to move on to the next.  There are a few things which I will always take time to slow down for – like watching my kids in an activity, or to stare at a gorgeous sunset or sunrise, or to take in a sporting activity.

            I love sports.  Now, for those readers who don’t care about sports – don’t give up on me just yet – because there is a lesson for you here, too.  You see sports are more than just games to see who wins and who loses.  Earl Warren, the famous Supreme Court Justice who led the hearings on JFK’s assassination, well he loved sports too.  In fact, Mr. Warren once said, “When reading a newspaper, I always turn to the sports section first.  The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.”

            Isn’t this true?  There is so much bad news in our World these days and most of it ends up on the front page of so many newspapers or in the first “Seven Minutes” of a television newscast.  I wonder why we can’t have the sports page as the front page or in the first seven minutes of television.  Best reason I can guess, is people always say save the best for last and usually that is where we find information on sports.

            I recall one of the greatest moments of my youth was way back almost 30 years ago.  I was playing for the Neosho Eight Grade on the “B” squad, as I was no star and did not have much experience playing football, but I loved the game. 

My team had not won a game all year and we were coming into the final seconds of a game - behind.  One touchdown and we could win our first game.  I was a wide receiver.  The play was brought in and my quarterback dropped back to pass.  The ball sailed in my direction – bounced off my helmet twice and nearly fell to the ground dashing our hopes, but some angel’s wings clipped this ball and dropped it plum in my hands.  I held on for dear life and ran like never before.  Sixty yards later, my teammates and I partied in the end zone! 

We over came.  We persevered.  We accomplished something on that Thursday night, in Neosho.  You see sports are not about winning and losing.  As I said, we lost all games that year, but this one.  Sports are about coming together as people to have fun and bond as a group. 

As we approach Christmas and prepare for wonderful times with our families and friends, I want to encourage you to prepare for a sporting event.  While the athleticism will be wonderful for “sports fans”, I want to encourage the “non-believers” among us to watch as well.  Come feel the electricity in the air as good kids build memories they can look back on, in thirty years.   For as little as $8 per day, you can attend the Neosho Holiday Classic Basketball Tournament. 

In its 56^th year, the tournament will include many boys and girls teams, from all over the region and some far reaches of America.  The Seneca Lady Indians are among those who will strive for the Championship.

This is a wonderful Holiday tradition and an opportunity for all of us to see kids at their best.  There is plenty of research and evidence to indicate high school athletes are much less likely to drop out of school and more likely to attend college.  As a Deputy Sheriff, It is great for me to witness the positive side of our youth.

Come celebrate “people’s accomplishments” December 27^th through the 30^th and help put some positive news on the front page and make the first seven minutes of area news casts about the best our communities have to offer.

......Help the less fortunate - Give to Shop with a Cop.....

HELP!!!!  LESS FORTUNATE NEOSHO CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP!!!!    

A friend of mine, Anna Turney, wrote to me today and pointed out the need for donations to Neosho's Shop with a Hero Program.  Now, I refer to it as Shop with a Cop, because I like the ring that name has and I'm old - so bear with me!

The Shop with a Cop Program is one of the best charities in the immediate area.  I have participated in this for many years and have seen first hand the joy brought to children.  The children who participate would otherwise not have much of a Christmas.

I am sure you are familiar with the program, so I will stop here, but please give money to this very worthwhile event!  Even if you don't live in Neosho, but grew up here, please give back to our community at a time when so many kids need to smile!!!!

Send donations to:  "Shop with a Hero" - Neosho Police Department - 201 N. College Street - Neosho, Mo. 64850.

For Questions call the Neosho Police Department @ 417-451-8012!!!


Thank you and thanks for ensuring many children will have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!

....Children are much smarter than adults!!!..........

“When an old and distinguished person speaks to you, listen to him carefully and with respect -- but do not believe him. Never put your trust into anything but your own intellect. Your elder, no matter whether he has gray hair or has lost his hair, no matter whether he is a Nobel laureate -- may be wrong. The world progresses, year by year, century by century, as the members of the younger generation find out what was wrong among the things that their elders said. So you must always be skeptical -- always think for yourself.”

The wise words above were uttered by Linus Pauling, an American, who won two Nobel Prizes – the first for Chemistry in 1954 – and the coveted Peace Prize in 1962.

I have thought about these words and what they meant, during this past week.  Many times, I have heard people speak of the wisdom possessed by our elders and how time and experience make us wiser.  I am beginning to believe I have been misled, perhaps even lied to.

Josh McDaniels, who had been the head coach of the Denver Broncos, was fired on Monday.  He was most likely fired for a variety of reasons, mainly his team has been losing, but also because he was caught cheating in a game a few weeks ago.  He was fined $50,000 by the NFL for illegally taping a practice of an opposing team.  He cheated.

Over the weekend, I watched a group of young boys playing football.  They were on the play ground of an area school. You may have seen them too or boys like them as scenes like this are common.  They played and had fun, but all of the sudden a discussion broke out and one boy was “sidelined” by the others.  I had to ask the young man why he was no longer allowed to play.  His reply, “I cheated, sir”.

Let me get this straight, eight year old boys know you get kicked out when you cheat, but NFL Coaches just get fined?  Who is smarter?  Who has more integrity?

As my wife and I did some Christmas Shopping over the weekend, we stressed about coming up with the money for all of the gifts “we needed to buy”.  We wondered where we would find the money.

While checking out of a store, I heard a little girl tell her Mom, “I don’t care about getting presents why don’t we just be happy we’re all together!” 

Let me get this straight, a little girl knows more about the real meaning of Christmas than two “wise” adults out shopping?

Just prior to sitting down to write this story, I attended a high school basketball game.  I saw people whom I have had differences with in the past.  People whom I have known for years, but because of one thing or another we have allowed pride or silly differences to come between our friendship.  This is really sad, but my life is no different than yours – I have regrets and no knowledge of how to repair them.

While these thoughts of damaged friendships ran through my mind, I was drawn to a conversation taking place on the bench in front of me.  Two boys in their early teens were talking about a discussion one of their teachers had led them in.  The discussion centered on bullying and how wrong it was to treat someone badly because they were “different”.  They were discussing how they needed to reach out to a particular classmate and become friends again to right their wrongs.

Let me get this straight, some young teenage boys know better how to repair a friendship with some dignity, than myself?  They are better at conflict resolution?

Ahhh, I understand what Mr. Pauling was saying.  The World really does progress, when the younger generation figures out what was wrong with their Elders.  Yes, indeed we must always be skeptical and think for ourselves.  As for me, I think I am going to be more like the younger generation, from now on.  It’s obvious they are the wise ones!

....Viral videos of 2010....

Ok, as a disclaimer....there is nothing funny about any sexual assault.  I am an advocate for sexual assault victims.  With that out of the way, I must confess my years as a cop has left me with a jaded sense of humor and if you watch this first video and see no humor in it...........well then it proves you are not a cop!

 

I wish I could "smell" like the man in the next video!

 

 If only I could sing as well as these next guys!!!!!!

 

....Two men who have impacted many lives.....

            In the fall of 1862 and 1864, blood was shed near Newtonia, Mo. by Patriots of a Nation trying to find themselves and establish the direction of America.  The Civil War raged and changed our Country forever.  Many of you are aware of the Battles which took place in our own back yard and how these battles continue to affect us today.  I am sure there were heroes in each of the Newtonia Battles and I wish I knew more about their individual stories, but today I want to point out some modern day heroes.  These modern day heroes walk the same grounds as our ancestors did all those years ago.  They have even shed their own sweat and blood into the very same dirt, as those from the Civil War.  These two men have volunteered countless hours to preserve the Battlefield and assist its progress into the National Park System.

            As a young man, I attended school in Neosho and I had many wonderful talented teachers.  I was blessed, but being a dumb young kid I did not know it.  I took many things for granted, including the efforts put into making me more knowledgeable and a better person.  Two of these teachers became heroes for me, as they changed my life – each in their own unique way – by giving me tools I needed to later take care of my family.  So, it is no surprise to me to witness these same two men working as hard, maybe even harder, in their retirement than they did in their teaching days.

            If you have not been to the Newtonia Battlefield or the Ritchey Mansion lately, you should drive by and see how great it all looks.  The area has drawn National attention by being featured in a documentary on Public Television and by being considered for inclusion as a National Park.  These accomplishments do not “just” happen.  There has to be hard working advocates pushing these things along.  There are many worthy geographical sites and philosophical causes, all across the country, screaming to be recognized and grabbing for available Federal Dollars.

            If not for many worthy volunteers, including my two Heroes – Don Jessen and Russell Hively – this much sought after attention would have easily passed over Newtonia and like the soldiers who fought there 148 years ago, been forgotten.  I can not tell you the number of times I have come across these two men as they either worked in Newtonia or were preparing to leave Neosho, with supplies, to accomplish whatever task was at hand for the day.  They have given their time, their own money, and their hearts to make this area better for future generations.

            Both Mr. Jessen and Mr. Hively were accomplished and well respected classroom teachers.  They affected so many lives in so many positive ways.  I can not imagine the number of students who must have walked in and out of their lives over the years.  They each left a piece of themselves with all of these young people, in an effort to better our society and teach someone to be even smarter than they are.  My only regret is not realizing their greatness as men, when I was with them every day in a “captive” environment. 

            I have often heard people make the statement, “If I can affect one person in a positive way during my life, then my life will have been a success”.  Here we have two men, who not only affected many lives during the course of their professional lives, but now in “retirement” they continue to affect more.  Not only is it the living they wish to affect, but also the dead.  They honor the sacrifices made by so many of our ancestors, nearly a sesquicentennial ago.  It is time we honor these two men and recognize what they have done for us. 

            The next time you drive by the Newtonia area, near the old Battlefields or the Ritchey Mansion, look for some “old” guys in pickups.  They will be the ones with dirt on their hands and sweat on their brows.  Don’t just drive by and wave – stop and say, “Thank you.”

....Should America Have the Death Penalty???....

I hope to stir some debate on this issue, because more than anything else I want to help myself understand how I really feel on this issue.  I have found myself struggling with the Death Penalty, over the course of the past couple of years.  Now, before my Conservative Friends flip out on me here, I have some "off the wall reasons" why and they are not what you hear in the mainstream.

For my Liberal Friends, let me be clear - I have no compassion for anyone who murders or rapes another person.  If they are guilty, they need to suffer - just like their victims did!  If it were up to me and not the Constitution, I would say anyone who is proven to have killed another person should die by the same method used on their victim.  For example, you use a chain saw to cut up some poor person, we get a chain saw and.........well you get the idea!

Ok, now for this issue.  I feel doubt about the application of the Death Penalty, for three reasons. First, it is terribly expensive to carry out the long process of putting someone to death and it takes many years.  MSNBC had a decent article titled, "To execute or not: A question of Cost?", which was published in March of 2009.  It details stories from many states and its clear - it costs way more to have an inmate put to death than house them for life!

Second, I am concerned about the Judicial System making a mistake.  As remote as it may be, one mistake is way to many here on an act you can not undo.  The system is not full proof and as much as I will upset some of you, I do believe there are different forms of "Justice" based on your economic standing in society and this is a moral wrong.  Defendants with money to hire the best lawyers, in my opinion, get a better defence than those who must use Public Defenders.  I welcome arguments to this point, but this is my experience and it concerns me!  Along this line, Justice John Paul Stevens (whom I rarely ever agreed with), had a great article in the New York Times recently on this very topic.

Third, and the strongest reason I am struggling with this is the mere desire in my soul for punishment and yes, I will be honest - revenge.  I believe a person who commits the absolute worst crimes against society should face the worst punishment.  I have spent much time speaking to inmates, who have been housed in prisons, and employees of Correctional Institutions.  Both of these classes of individuals affirm to me, it is worse to be in the General Population of any Medium to Maximum Security Prison, than it is to be in solitary confinement - like most all Death Row Inmates.

I say put the meanest with the meanest and if they kill each other in Jail, then so be it.  Maybe not politically correct, but again, if they have been proven guilty - so be it!

As always, I welcome your thoughts........If we can't agree - Let's at least be civil!!!!!!!!!

..In Memory of J.W. Harryman......

Constable J.W. Harryman and Detective Harry McGinnis of the Joplin Police Department were killed in a gun battle with the notorious outlaw gang led by Bonnie and Clyde. Detective McGinnis, Constable Haryman and several other area officers had gone to their hideout to investigate what they thought were bootleggers. Instead, they had stumbled upon Bonnie and Clyde. Both Detective McGinnis and Constable Harryman were shot and killed.

The Bonnie and Clyde Gang was responsible for the murder of law enforcement officers in four states - Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas - between 1932 and 1934. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow started their criminal career by robbing banks and quickly became notorious murderers wanted for the murders of nine law enforcement officers.

The two criminals were finally shot and killed in Louisiana when they were ambushed by a task force of Texas and Louisiana officers.

A friend of mine, Mike Frazier, recently provided me with a copy of the original Missouri Highway Patrol Crime report, from this incident.  I found it interesting and decided to share it with you.  I apologize for the poor quality, but hey it's nearly 80 years old!!!