Thought for the day...

US criticised by UN for human rights failings on NSA, guns and drone

The Guardian reports -- The US came under sharp criticism at the UN human rights committee in Geneva on Thursday for a long list of human rights abuses that included everything from detention without charge at Guantánamo, drone strikes and NSA surveillance, to the death penalty, rampant gun violence and endemic racial inequality.

At the start of a two-day grilling of the US delegation, the committee’s 18 experts made clear their deep concerns about the US record across a raft of human rights issues. Many related to faultlines as old as America itself, such as guns and race.

Other issues were relative newcomers. The experts raised questions about the National Security Agency’s surveillance of digital communications in the wake of Edward Snowden’s revelations. It also intervened in this week’s dispute between the CIA and US senators by calling for declassification and release of the 6,300-page report into the Bush administration’s use of torture techniques and rendition that lay behind the current CIA-Senate dispute.

The committee is charged with upholding the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), a UN treaty that the US ratified in 1992. The current exercise, repeated every five years, is a purely voluntarily review, and the US will face no penalties should it choose to ignore the committee’s recommendations, which will appear in a final report in a few weeks’ time.

But the US is clearly sensitive to suggestions that it fails to live up to the human rights obligations enshrined in the convention – as signalled by the large size of its delegation to Geneva this week. And as an act of public shaming, Thursday’s encounter was frequently uncomfortable for the US.

The US came under sustained criticism for its global counter-terrorism tactics, including the use of unmanned drones to kill al-Qaida suspects, and its transfer of detainees to third countries that might practice torture, such as Algeria. Committee members also highlighted the Obama administration’s failure to prosecute any of the officials responsible for permitting waterboarding and other “enhanced interrogation” techniques under the previous administration.

Walter Kälin, a Swiss international human rights lawyer who sits on the committee, attacked the US government’s refusal to recognise the convention’s mandate over its actions beyond its own borders. The US has asserted since 1995 that the ICCPR does not apply to US actions beyond its borders - and has used that “extra-territoriality” claim to justify its actions in Guantánamo and in conflict zones.

“This world is an unsafe place,” Kälin said. “Will it not become even more dangerous if any state would be willing to claim that international law does not prevent them from committing human rights violations abroad?”

Kälin went on to express astonishment at some of America’s more extreme domestic habits. He pointed to the release this week in Louisiana of Glenn Ford, the 144th person on death row in the US to be exonerated since 1973, saying: “One hundred and forty-four cases of people wrongfully convicted to death is a staggering number.”

Pointing out the disproportional representation of African Americans on death rows, he added: “Discrimination is bad, but it is absolutely unacceptable when it leads to death.”

On guns, Kälin pointed to another “staggering figure” – that there are 470,000 crimes committed with firearms each year, including about 11,000 homicides. “We appreciate the position taken by President Obama on these issues. Nevertheless, much more needs to be done to curb gun violence.”

Among the other issues that came under the committee’s withering gaze were:

· the proliferation of stand-your-ground gun laws

· enduring racial disparities in the justice system, including large numbers of black prisoners serving longer sentences than whites;

· mistreatment of mentally-ill and juvenile prisoners;

· segregation in schools;

· high levels of homelessness and criminalization of homeless people;

· racial profiling by police, including the mass surveillance of Muslim communities by the New York police department.

Read more here: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/13/us-un-human-rights-abuses-nsa-drones

Food for thought: For several years now, the US military's sex crimes against female (and male) veterans have been at the top of a few Senator's agenda.  In their attempt to seek redress on behalf of over 30,000 victims, a bill for military justice reform was introduced.

Unfortunately the bill was tabled (til next season) before it could gain enough votes for an open debate.

With this delay, more and more veterans are put in harm’s way, and not by fear of enemy fire, but by the hands of a fellow: Soldier, Airman, Marine or shipmate.

If General Sinclair’s case didn’t send a clear enough message of their abuse of authority against subordinate (victims) veterans, what will? 

After the military’s top brass pretty much exonerated the lower ranking perpetrators, they themselves have sought to participate in such nefarious violations of our human rights.

If you closely examine the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act, it states that it is the duty and responsibility of the Secretary of Defense to manage the military’s Civil Rights (equal opportunity) program.  This includes providing women (of all races) a safe and protective working environment, free from harassment, discrimination and sexual violence. Since the DADT repeal, this protection is extended to veterans who “openly” serve.

By failing to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the perpetrators, for what was initially considered a civil rights violation, the sex crime subsequently lead to a human rights violation.  The majority of the victims that alleged to have been raped in the military have been diagnosed and are being treated by the Department of Veterans Affairs for  symptoms relating to mental and physical health disorders, brought on by their military sexual trauma.

I’m not sure if President Obama plans on taking on this issue, given that he decided not to address it during his last State of the Union Address.  Meanwhile, will victims have to wait another decade before the Senate is ready to put the military at ease, or do we have to wait another 5 years before the UN will consider “criticizing” the military for its failure in providing veterans equal and fair justice; and a safer working environment?!

Thought for the day...

Convicted Brigadier General Jeffrey Sinclair Could Still Walk Away with a Big Pension

Sinclair (right) and his lawyer, Richard Scheff.  (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The wire.com reports -- Brigadier General Jeffrey Sinclair was reprimanded and sentenced last week to pay a $20,000 fine for carrying on an adulterous affair with a female captain, having improper relationships with two other women, and abusing a government credit card. The female captain maintains he sexually assaulted her, but those charges were dropped as part of a plea bargain. It was assumed that Sinclair would have to retire at a lower rank because of his indiscretions, but USA Today reports on Tuesday that may not be the case. At stake is $832,000 in retirement benefits. 

Sinclair's lawyer, Richard Scheff, is pushing the Army to let Sinclair retire as a general, not a lieutenant colonel. Scheff acknowledges the ask is a big one, as it's hard to argue Sinclair "served honorably" while he was a general. Sinclair's affair with the captain began while he was a lieutenant colonel. Typically, the "grade determination" review board will allow offending officers to retire at the last rank they served "satisfactorily," which would not be a general in Sinclair's case. But this kind of panel is somewhat arcane and rarely used, so even military law experts can't predict what decision they'll reach. Sinclair could luck out. 

Update, 3:05 pm: Secretary of the Army John McHugh tells the House Armed Services Committee that he actually has the final say about Sinclair's rank. "The process is still ongoing. I have to make final certifications about rank and retirement," he said. 

Original: Retiring as a general would afford Sinclair $832,000 more in benefits if he lives to be 82. That sounds like a lot, but military retirement benefits are famously generous, especially for high-ranking officers. A fix in the 2007 Defense Authorization Act actually allows some three- and four-star generals to make more in retirement than they did while working. Many servicemembers are able to retire earlier than their civilian counterparts. 

It's not clear how much Scheff will be able to influence the review board. But since Sinclair was first accused of sexual assault two years ago, Scheff has played up Sinclair's role as a family man. His wife, Rebecca, has defended him to the last — she's penned Washington Post op-eds and done morning show interviews suggesting that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan cause servicemen to cheat. At Sinclair's sentencing hearing, she referred to her 10- and 12-year-old sons and asked the judge to sentence her husband in a way that "doesn't punish us any further."

Sinclair got a slap on the wrist and a $20,000 fine (to pay back the government funds he used to secretly visit the captain while on duty). Now, he could walk away with way more money in benefits — for his family, of course. 

Article:  http://www.thewire.com/politics/2014/03/convicted-brigadier-general-jeffrey-sinclair-could-still-walk-away-with-a-big-pension/359552/#disqus_thread

Food for thought:   Rank and Race certainly has its privilege in the US military! Its amazing how the guilty walks, and you best believe they will continue to commit more sex crimes against women?!  

Starbucks CEO announces $30-million effort to help veterans

LA Times reports -- Starbucks Chief Executive Howard Schultz has announced that he will donate $30 million to benefit the 2.5 million U.S. soldiers who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

The money will go toward job training, and research and treatment for those suffering brain trauma or post-traumatic stress syndrome. 

"The truth of the matter is, and I say this with respect, more often than not, the government does a very -- a much better job of sending people to war than they do bringing them home," Schultz told CBS News. "They're coming home to an American public that really doesn't understand, and never embraced, what these people have done."

Schultz has previously expressed a value for the type of life and management skills you develop as a soldier. Last year, he announced a five-year plan to hire 10,000 veterans or their spouses.

The news of the donation comes shortly after Schultz announced a partnership with Oprah Winfrey to make a line of Oprah Chai Tea for Teavana. 

http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-starbucks-ceo-donate-30-million-veterans-20140324,0,3669707.story#ixzz2wwe8rKZD

The Female Elders Protecting the Human Rights of Young Girls in Kenya

THE HARSH TRUTH ABOUT CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT

Wendy Murphy – Copyright 2013, specializing in the representation of crime victims, women and children.

April was “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” but there’s a striking lack of awareness of the REAL problem on certain college campuses.

The New York Times recently showcased problems and federal investigations of the University of North Carolina.  Other sources of mainstream media have covered stories about investigations at the University of Montana, Occidental and Notre Dame, but just try to find a story about federal investigations now underway at the University of Virginia, Harvard Law School and Princeton University.  They are all not only on the hot seat with the Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education for allegations of serious noncompliance with Title IX in their handling of sexual violence on campus, it was investigations against THEM in 2010 (actually the first case that REALLY spawned this movement was filed against Harvard College more than ten years ago) that spawned ALL the recent complaints.

These top-tiered schools were in trouble even before Yale, (indeed, the Yale investigation was caused BY Harvard Law School employees who encouraged students there to file THEIR complaint in early 2011, long AFTER Harvard Law was already under investigation.  The people from Harvard Law who contacted the Yale students and offered to “help” them with their sexual harassment problem never revealed to the Yale students that Harvard Law was already under investigation for serious violations of Title IX.  The Yale students had no idea they were being used to DISTRACT public attention away from Harvard Law and that Yale would soon be the whipping boy/news event that would explain Joe Biden’s visit to UNH in April 2011 to announce new Title IX guidance. – (a visit that was planned long before Yale was in trouble).

The new guidance announced in April, 2011 was crafted in response to MAJOR problems at Harvard, Princeton and U.Va., whose complaints were sent to OCR headquarters in DC months before there was ANY talk of filing complaints against Yale (or ANY other school in the country for that matter). Yet all the news stories about Title IX make no mention of these three schools being investigated – or the fact that their problems spawned ALL the recent student-based activism.

People who knew about the complaints against Harvard and Princeton (including me) also knew, in 2010, that new guidelines were being prepared in response to those complaints, and that they would likely be announced in April, 2011.

Harvard and Princeton had adopted particularly offensive policies in sexual assault matters – and they remain among the worst schools in the nation.  In fact, they are STILL under investigation today – after more than 2 1/2 years – which generally happens when schools REFUSE to comply with OCR demands that they fix their broken policies.   No surprise it was recently revealed that they are the ONLY two schools in the nation that refuse to apply the “preponderance of evidence” standard during sexual assault hearings on campus and insist on applying stricter standards that amount to a declaration that the word of a woman isn’t good enough.

Harvard Law School, Princeton and the University of Virginia have largely escaped public scorn even though upper-tiered schools are among the worst offenders, probably because they have the largest concentrations of the most entitled males and have the most to lose in terms of money and reputation when rape happens.

But they are duty bound to comply with Title IX because they accept federal funds.  All public schools and schools that accept federal funds are mandated by Civil Rights laws to take “prompt and equitable” steps to redress sexual and dating violence on campus, just as they are mandated by Civil Rights laws to take the same steps against perpetrators of racist, religious and ethnic harassment and violence.

That Title IX was subjugated among campus-based civil rights laws for almost forty years, and was misframed as a sports equity rule for decades, partly explains why women are much more vulnerable to sexual assault than are other students vulnerable to any other form of targeted harassment or violence.  Studies also show that women are more likely to be raped while in college than in the real world.  This profoundly disturbing is cruelly ironic given that Title IX is a “special” law that offers EXTRA protection against harassment and violence in the “special” community of higher education, yet the data tells us that girls are more safe NOT going to college.

As one of the lead attorneys and activists who has been fighting for twenty years to force schools to comply with federal civil rights laws on behalf of women, I’ve written extensively on the topic in law review and pop culture articles, and I’ve lectured all over the country on this issue. It is increasingly clear to me that higher-tiered tiered schools may well be intentionally trying to discourage women from achieving equality in society.  Why else would they openly indulge policies that treat violence against women as a less serious harm than violence against other “types” of students based on women’s status in society?

Elite schools are often too eager to indulge entitled male athletes, legacy students and other money-based concerns that benefit offenders and incentivize schools to side with perpetrators when rape happens.  Schools also discourage reporting by dismissing or devaluing victims’ reports as a way of artificially keeping incidence rates low.  (If they don’t fully believe her – then it didn’t happen.)

Women students at elite schools are understandably reluctant to take on legal battles against schools that have the power to affect their graduate school plans and future careers, so they accept the maltreatment rather than serve as the sacrificial lamb whose case might provoke meaningful change.

Because of this pervasive unwillingness of most victims at elite schools to file complaints with OCR or lawsuits in the real world, I set out more than ten years ago to file a complaint with OCR without having an actual client who suffered a personal violation of her rights…

Full article:  http://wendymurphylaw.com/the-harsh-truth-about-campus-sexual-assault/

Food for thought: Bottom line here, America is in dire need of human rights reform, which is another approach to combating this growing epidemic. For the next decade, we can continue to conduct more and more studies on the non-compliance of Title IX laws; the psychological, physiological or sociological effects of sexual assault or rape crimes, to come to the same conclusion; “The dire need for human rights reform”.

As certain industries and institutions continue to focus on the bottom line or meeting the status quo, rather than accept their social responsibility to curing this cancer, it keeps us at a stalemate for change, and better protection of our children’s “human rights”.  

While attending undergraduate school, I wrote a paper for my marketing class titled, "Sex Sells", which has become more and more popular throughout every facet of our daily lives.  When you turn on your TVs someone is selling sex, when you listen to music someone is selling sex, when you surf the internet someone is selling sex, when you go to the mall or even the grocery stores, someone is selling sex.  

By no means am I taking the prudish approach to this crisis, keep in mind I do write erotic poetry and I was found guilty of committing an alleged military “sex crime”, but what God meant for pleasure and enjoyment in our efforts to advance our human race, man has turned it into one of the worse sins of all times!

Georgia lawmakers pass controversial ‘guns everywhere’ bill... YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?!!!

Georgia Rep. Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, facing, celebrates with Rep. Wendell Willard, R-Sandy Springs, after a gun bill passed in the House Chambers on the last day of the legislative session at the Georgia State Capitol, on March 20, 2014, in Atlanta.  Jason Getz/AP

MSNBC reports -- The Georgia House passed a sweeping gun bill late Thursday night that allows firearms in bars, nightclubs, school classrooms and certain government buildings that lack security personnel or devices.

Lawmakers moved the bill through the House during the last hour of the night on Thursday, meeting their midnight deadline before the end of the current legislative session. If signed by the state’s governor, the law will give religious leaders the option to “opt-in” to allow guns on their worship premises, where violators cannot be arrested or fined more than $100 each. Additionally, it could grant citizens the right to carry firearms in bars, nightclubs, libraries, sports facilities, senior citizen and youth centers, and on K-12 premises by authorized administrators and teachers.

The law would also allow permit-holders to carry guns into Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in airports with no penalty, which is a reduction from the maximum felony punishment currently in place. Individuals who claim ownership of a permit would be allowed to leave the security area without consequence, and officials could not detain them or ask to see firearms documentation.

The legislators’ decision is not only a “slap in the face” for victims of gun violence in Georgia, but also for all American sufferers, said Brian Malte, senior national policy director for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

“We know more guns is not a solution to gun violence, so it’s a very sad day in Georgia,” he told msnbc.

Though supporters are pleased with the approval of the bill, many wish it treated religious establishments similarly to bars, nightclubs and municipalities. The government does not belong in church affairs, said Jerry Henry, executive director of Georgia Carry. His group is a main proponent of the bill, also backed by the National Rifle Association (NRA).

“[The bill] means that if you are one who likes to protect yourself, that you have a whole lot more places to protect yourself. It means that if you’re a bad guy, you might want to think about going into some of those places,” Henry told msnbc.

Full article: http://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/georgia-house-passes-controversial-gun-bill?

Food for thought:  Since relocating back to Georgia, I sometimes feel as if I'm stuck in a time warp.  If its not the horrible city planning with the transportation department, the poor school systems (which was evident with the Atlanta cheating scandal), or the extortion of immigrant workers, now the lawmakers are trying to make it "unsafe" for our law abiding citizens to go to public places.  How can this state welcome prosperity if people are afraid to leave their homes?!  Or everyone is going to join in on the "shoot out".  Meanwhile, the gun industry doesn't care, at the end of the day, they are making billions!  So is the medical industry and the death care industry, that are lining the pockets of our lawmakers!

 Let's pray that Governor deal finally get with the program and remember his democratic roots, this state needs to be progressive, not regressive!

Veteran expresses his concerns over General Sinclair's case...

Hi Syneeda,

It's been quite some time since I first messaged you on LinkedIn.  My name is ________ s.  I live in San Diego and served in the military.  I must say that I am ashamed of the flagrant injustice bestowed upon you by an organization that constantly spewed in word - ETHICS.  

I am even more ashamed of the obvious disparity in prosecutions in the military.  A white guy, General Sinclair, has inappropriate relationships with three subordinates, he gets a $20,000 slap on the wrist.   MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!!  

Forgive my profanity, but I had to say it.  I look at someone like you who gave so much of yourself to the military organization, only to have it betray you.  

When I was in bootcamp, company commanders always stressed that navy personnel lookout for their shipmates.  When I got to my first ship, I realized there was a caveat in that statement.  White Navy personnel lookout for white navy shipmates.  It's not my racist perspective.  It was my navy experience. 

Whenever I see those recruiting commercials, I feel sad for the many naïve young men and women who will be bitten, chewed-up and spit out by the very organization that promises to "lookout" for them.  The only person we should ever trust to lookout for us is the Almighty. 

My prayers are with you Syneeda. 

Hear their stories....Veteran fighting for military women in book, on tour

Auburn reporter.com  reports -- Sarah Blum sat down to write a book about the war experiences of military women.

But when some 60 women veterans disclosed — many willingly, some reluctantly — the sexual abuse they'd suffered while serving their country, she tapped a darker story.

And Blum realized she had something strong, sordid, impactful.

Something that had to be said.

Blum's recently released book, "Women Under Fire: Abuse in the Military" (Brown Sparrow Publishing), seven years in the making, is an unflinching, steely-eyed examination of the extraordinary culture of violence and sexual abuse within the armed forces.

"I never went in consciously to write about this subject," said Blum, a decorated nurse Vietnam veteran and a practicing nurse psychotherapist specialist who lives in Auburn. "(But) once I worked through all my emotions about it ... it became very clear."

"It is time for accountability and justice for these women," Blum said in her powerful book. "It's about bringing justice. ... Most of the public has no clue that this is going on, and it's been going on for decades."

Blum, 73, discusses her book at the Auburn Public Library on Saturday. The public can meet the author and purchase her book from 2 to 4 p.m. at the library, 1102 Auburn Way S.

The book is part of Blum's mission, which is to call on national, Congressional and military leaders to address and correct the problem. What's more, she hopes to engage the public in influencing and forcing leaders to take a hard look at the problem and bring needed cultural change to the military.

"I really believe the military is not going to change unless the public insists that they do," Blum said.

Blum says there is well documented failure in military leadership to address sexual assault cases.

Her book reveals how military leadership ignores and changes evidence of soldier and command rape to protect its image while destroying the health and careers of valuable women. The book chronicles the rape, humiliation and retaliation against women who served in the military in an interval spanning World War II Iraq and Afghanistan.

As Blum discovered in her research, the perpetrator is often unpunished, even protected. The victim, perhaps fearing retribution, is shunned, shamed and isolated.

To directly deliver the message, Blum spent time in November and December at a Washington, D.C., meeting with Congressional leaders, urging them to take a look into the Uniform Code of Military Justice as it relates to sexual assault cases.

Blum personally delivered 108 copies of her book, each with a special note written inside, to members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committee.

Blum also has appeared on radio programs, including "The Doug Noll Show", and written editorials for newspapers.

She recently gave a presentation to Inspire Seattle, a progressive policy group. She plans to attend a national publicity summit in New York City next month to meet the media and pitch her book in an effort to propel the message to the masses.

Blum remains active in veteran's affairs and has successfully lobbied Congress to study the connection between Agent Orange and birth defects in the children of women who served in Vietnam.

"It's been slow in terms of getting the message out, reaching out," Blum said of her latest campaign. "Everybody who has read the book has given me great feedback. ... It's just a matter of getting it out to a wider audience."

For more information about the author or to buy her book, please visit 

womenunderfire.net orwww.gofundme.com/43om48.

Article: http://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/251100391.html

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I think the headline pretty much sums up my thoughts on General Sinclair’s case, along with Midshipmen Tate’s verdict, which interestingly enough came at the heels of Sinclair’s sentencing.

This morning I was awakened to a text message from a dear friend and retired Army Colonel, informing me of the outcome of Sinclair’s case.   Believe it or not, as I read his message, a resolving peace came over my spirit.  At long last, I was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief!! 

It’s amazing how truth reveals itself.

As I pondered my thoughts on this amazing victory for equality, once and for all, I made several phone calls; one was to my attorney and the other to a dear friend and close mentor, Dr. Willie Blair.  Dr. Blair is President of the San Diego chapter, Black American Political Association of California (BPAC).

In July 2007, after I violated several professional protocols to reach out to Adm. Mike Mullen for help in my Equal Opportunity and IG complaint of reprisal, Dr. Blair was the only plank holder of the National Naval Officers’ Association (NNOA) to come to my aid during the annual conference.  I have valued his advice since.

When I began re-editing my memoir, Broken Silence, he planted a seed in my mind that I can only give praise to the Holy Spirit for nourishing it. The advice was to retrace key events in American history to better understand the social, political and religious climate of today… as history continues to unfold.

Some say, it will take for America to elect its first female president before we can begin to see more change, as we (women) continue to made strides against sexism, violence, discrimination and inequality in our male dominant workplace.  Of late, in our military.

Since the reelection of President Obama, racism and hate crimes in America has become more rampant, primarily towards our young black youth.  So, what will happen to our young girls and boys (of all races), if a female is elected president and we can’t rely on our law enforcement, our military “admirals or generals” to protect us?!! If more of their perpetrators are set free?!

It’s amazing how history has a strange way of repeating itself!!  Ask one family of a raped and murdered soldier.

Another clear case of "Selective Prosecution" as Naval Academy Sexual Assault Case Enters Day 2

The AP reports -- A woman at the center of a sexual assault case involving a former U.S. Naval Academy football player was expected to take the stand for a second day Wednesday at the man's court-martial, a day after she testified he had told her they had sex, though she doesn't remember it after a night of drinking.

The woman testified Tuesday that Joshua Tate, a classmate of hers at the Naval Academy, "kind of laughed" when she asked him if they had sex at a party and said: "What? You don't remember?" The woman testified for more than three hours Tuesday on the opening day of Tate's trial. The Associated Press generally doesn't name alleged victims of sexual assault.

Tate, of Nashville, Tenn., faces charges of aggravated sexual assault and lying to investigators in a trial that turns on whether the woman was too drunk to consent to sex during the 2012 party. The closely watched court-martial comes at a time when the military is under heavy scrutiny to curb sexual assaults in the armed forces.

During opening statements Tuesday, prosecutor Lt. Cmdr. Ryan Stormer described the woman as drinking "shot after shot after shot" and taking "swig and swig and swig" from a bottle of alcohol. Stormer said the woman eventually became so drunk that she blacked out, walking and talking but not remembering what was going on.

One of Tate's attorneys, meanwhile, argued the woman was able to make her own decisions, including those about sex. Cmdr. Art Record described the woman as "upright, walking around," having significant conversations, and even rebuffing the advances of one man.

"She was processing information. She was physically in control of her body," Record said.

Record said the woman later told a friend that the party was "crazy" and "what I did last night, I did it, and I wanted to do it." The alleged victim denied during her testimony that she made that statement.

The woman testified that after the party she saw tweets suggesting someone had sex with multiple people at the party. She said she came to believe the statements were about her and asked Tate, who invited her to the party, what had happened.

"He looked at me and he kind of laughed," the woman said. His reply was: "What? You don't remember?"

He confirmed they had sex, the woman said, adding Tate told her she was "too turnt up." She later said that meant she was drunk.

The alleged victim also testified during a preliminary hearing last fall.

Tate faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the most serious charge, according to his attorney.

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service began investigating within days of the April 2012 "Toga and Yoga" party — during which men wore togas and women wore yoga pants — at a house in Annapolis, Md., used by football players at the academy. But the alleged victim initially did not want to pursue charges.

In the midst of the investigation, President Barack Obama emphasized the importance of stamping out sexual assault during his speech to the academy's graduating class of 2013.

The case was closed without any charges but reopened when the alleged victim began cooperating with Navy investigators. Prosecutors then accused Tate and two other students of sexually assaulting the woman during the party. Tate, now 22 and in his third year at the academy, is the only one who remains charged.

Read more :http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/naval-academy-sexual-assault-case-begin-tuesday-22952381

Army Brig. Gen. Jeffrey A. Sinclair agrees to plea deal in sexual assault case

Washington Post reports -- ........  "Sinclair’s sentence remains to be determined, although his attorneys said they have agreed to a side deal with the Army that would cap his punishment. They declined to disclose details Sunday, but his punishment is expected to be finalized in court this week.

Lt. Col. Robert Stelle, the lead prosecutor, declined to comment. Maj. Crystal Boring, an Army spokeswoman at Fort Bragg, said, “Right now, the Army is allowing the outcome to be announced in the courtroom tomorrow.”

Sinclair’s legal defense team, however, provided a copy of the written plea deal Sunday that it said has been approved by Maj. Gen. Clarence K.K. Chinn, the senior commander at Fort Bragg.

Sinclair pleaded guilty to adultery and other minor charges March 6 but admitted guilt to additional counts in the deal reached over the weekend with Army officials."

Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/army-brig-gen-jeffrey-a-sinclair-agrees-to-plea-deal-in-sexual-assault-case/2014/03/16/48024c12-ad42-11e3-9627-c65021d6d572_story.html

Food for thought:  Let's pray that justice prevails in this case. The maximum sentencing for adultery is 16 years imprisonment.  When the Navy prosecuted me (a single person) for adultery, I was sentenced to 60 days confinement, fined $9,600 and was subsequently discharged 5 months prior to reaching my 20 years retirement eligibility.  If Sinclair walks and is allowed to retire, it will further prove how I was selectively prosecuted and punished as a military whistle blower. 

Meanwhile back home on American soil, we have our own political and military conflicts to deal with, rather than sending more troops abroad, this time to agitate and provoke an old sleeping giant!

Make PEACE, not WAR!!

Tell Governor Deal & Lt. Governor Cagle: Stop the most extreme gun bill in America

Georgia lawmakers are considering passing the most extreme gun bill in America. 

Nicknamed the “guns everywhere” bill, it would allow concealed carry permit holders to carry guns into churches, bars, airports, courthouses, and even kids' schools.

The bill could win enough votes to pass the state senate. But Governor Deal and Lt. Governor Cagle have the power to stop it from becoming law.

Food for thought:  Since I've been living in Georgia, I've meet some of the most "irresponsible" gun toting men. When I asked them, "Why do you feel that it is necessary to carry a concealed firearm?, their response is always the same, "I want to "kill" someone before he kills me."  Of course my next question is, “Why do you fear that someone else will harm you?”

 Am I missing something?! 

Just when I thought the military was a dangerous place to be, which is where I've spent the past 20 years.  As I continue my transitioning phase to become a "normal" citizen, I'm deeply concerned with the average man's thought process, and his "dying" desire to carry a concealed weapon. Especially in places where innocent women, children and elderly people will be?!  SMH!!

So, why aren't women speaking out about the safety of themselves and their children?! 

Not long ago, my next door neighbor's 22 yr old nephew was gunned down, in what appears to be a hate crime.  Prior to a former 22 yr old Marine unloading his glock rounds in his victim’s back, eyewitnesses told my neighbor’s family the Marine repeatedly called the bi-racial victim, "Nigger lover", and other profane racial slurs.  This unfortunate incident took place in a local bar, nearby where Governor Deal resides. 

Talk about standing and "protecting" your ground, which is how I view the States that vehemently supports such violent laws.  The egos of men nowadays, like this is a “man’s world”, continues to baffle me!

During the 20 years I spent serving in the Navy I refused to handle a hand gun, and my moral views are still the same.

As citizens of the World, it is our moral responsibility to promote Peace and Love, not hate and war.

Sign our petition: Tell Governor Deal and Lt. Governor Cagle to stop the “guns everywhere” bill and keep Georgia safe.

https://secure.americansforresponsiblesolutions.org/page/signup/fb-georgia

Governor Deal and Lt. Governor Cagle,

I urge you to stop the “guns everywhere” bill that is currently being considered by the Georgia state senate.

This dangerous bill would threaten the safety of our communities by allowing guns into churches, bars, airports, courthouses and our kids' schools.

It puts us in danger - even allowing someone who has been convicted of threatening another with a gun to receive a concealed carry permit.

Please keep Georgia safe by stopping the most extreme gun bill in America.

Has the music industry gone to far with seducing the minds of our young children?!

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Equality Once and for ALL!!

NOTICE TO ALL VETERANS who has filed a claim with the VA for military sexual trauma, rape, sexual or racial discrimination.  If you have been diagnosed with a mental health disease as a result of your traumatic experience, and you're currently being treated and receiving compensation by the VA for your civil and human rights violation, you may be in a better position to challenge the 1950s Feres Doctrine, which currently prohibits veterans from suing the Defense Secretary for medical malpractice.  Yet, civilians are able to exercise this right with the assistance of the EEOC.   

If a veteran’s civil and human rights were violated while serving on active duty, and command officials showed negligence in upholding their civil rights (and subsequent human rights) protection,  there may be grounds to sue the Secretary of Defense for legal malpractice under the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunity Act, as amended.

The Military Justice Improvement Act recently failed to gain full support from the Senate to debate the issues surrounding the military's sex assualt crisis.  The debate was tabled until next season.  This lack of compassion for our veterans simply denies fair and equal justice for the next victim.

In the year 2014, to continuously be denied protection of our civil and human rights under the same Constitution each of us were willing to risk our lives to defend, is a disgrace to the uniform.  

As I continue to monitor Sinclair's trail, to allow him another chance to “plea bargain” for a lesser charge, to down play his abuse towards a fellow female soldier, is just WRONG!!!

If the military's justice system didn't make a complete mockery of our country's overall judicial system, when they prosecuted me a "single" person for adultery, Sinclair's case should clearly demonstrate the level of incompetence of our military JAG Corps.

The ancient UCMJ should have been reformed along time ago!!