Islamic takeover of U.S. already under way
Expert warns 'mainstream media' providing 'talking points' of Arab countries
© 2008 WorldNetDaily
An expert on terrorism is warning the United States should be fighting Islamization, which she believes already is under way. And author Brigitte Gabriel should know: She watched it happen in her native Lebanon.
"Lebanon used to be the only majority Christian country in the Middle East," Gabriel told radio talk show host Andrea Shea King in a recent hour-long interview "Most people today do not know that. We were the majority, the Muslims were the minority, but as the years went by, the Muslims became the majority because of their birth rate, but also because of our open-border policy.
"We welcomed everyone into our country," Gabriel said, and people didn't realize that the "minority," the Muslims in the society, "was not tolerant" and "did not believe all people were equal."
"They tried to impose their way of thinking on us, and they succeeded," she said.
An excerpt of her interview can be heard here:
The result, Gabriel said, was that a radical terrorist organization tied to Islam, Hezbollah, now rules in Lebanon.
As WND reported, Gabriel is fearful that terrorists believe now is the time to strike at America, while it is distracted by financial tension and election turmoil. She expressed the concerns during an interview with KSFO's Barbara Simpson, when she also discussed her new book, "They Must Be Stopped: Why We Must Defeat Radical Islam and How We Can Do It
Gabriel's new interview with King is available on BlogTalkRadio.
(Story continues below)
She noted it's been seven years since the Sept. 11, 2001, act of war on U.S. soil by Islamists, but America is falling to Islam's attack, and the battle already is far advanced.
"They do not need to fire a single bullet to destroy us," she said. "They are taking over our country culturally, just like they have taken over Europe."
She said Islam is being taught across the U.S. as part of world history courses for seventh graders.
"A three-week course is teaching students to memorize and recite Islamic prayers and verses from the Quran," she said. "Students have to adopt Islamic names, fast for a day to experience Ramadan, the holiest of Islamic religious holidays, and write about their experience as a Muslim at the end of the program. The exercises during the class include encouraging students to incorporate Arabic phrases such as Allahu Akbar in their speeches, and for students to imagine they were meeting disciples on a pilgrimage to Mecca. This is a state-approved curriculum, using state-adopted textbooks that have been part of the instructional program in California for over a decade."
WND reported this week that a new study shows U.S. textbooks provide "information" such as that Jesus was a Palestinian and the nation of Israel imposes terrorism on others but is not a victim a terrorism.
"Now it is being rolled out nationwide. One book I discuss in particular is 'Across the Centuries,' published by Houghton Mifflin. The Muslim Council on Education has been busy working with the State Department of Education and America's top three publishers who …are literally rewriting history," Gabriel said.
"'Across the Centuries' is a staple in the State of California. This textbook is at best, a well of misinformation. It is 558 pages long and covers the 1500 years from the fall of the Roman Empire and the French Revolution. The text includes 55 pages devoted to Islam, seven pages noting the Middle Ages in Europe, and six pages of Christian history. The chapter on the Byzantine Empire received only six pages. The chapter on Islam accounts for 10 percent of the text, while Christianity and Judaism are almost entirely absent," she said.
"This is public education approved by the State Board of Education nationwide! Our students are being indoctrinated into Islam in our public schools and we don't even have a clue! How can this be allowed to be taught in public schools in America? Most people do not know about it because it is flying under the radar!" she said.
At the university level it's worse, she said.
"What's been happening for the last 16 years, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states ... because of the money coming from the oil, they have been pumping millions of dollars into our universities appointing Arab professors who are anti-American, anti-Israel, who have been basically brain-washing our students into believe we are the problem," she said.
"The children, who have been educated in American universities for the last 16 years, have graduated and are now working ... not influenced ... by our patriotic education as Americans, but they have been influenced by Arab thinking ... [and] hatred based on revenge," she said.
"The writing is on the wall. Who would have thought that Shariah would come to Harvard University with regulated women-only gym hours? That an imam in Des Moines, Iowa, gave an opening prayer at the 2007 Iowa Legislature's opening session in which he called on Allah to give victory over those who disbelieve? Muslim taxi drivers in Minnesota who refuse to pick up passengers carrying alcohol? The first Islamic public school, the Kahlil Gibran Academy, that opened in 2007, funded by tax dollars! American colleges designating Islamic prayer rooms on campus for use by Muslims only!" Gabriel said.
"Those of us who come from the Middle East and see what's happening in the U.S. ... shake our heads in amazement," she said, calling her book a warning. "We are coming up to a very important election. This is the time we need to understand what is at stake, why our voice counts, why we need togo out and vote. This is the time to make a difference before it is too late," she said.
She said that's why besides her book, she's launched the ActForAmerica.org website.
"We launched this out of American Congress for Truth as our activism and political lobbying arm because I realized talking by itself is only wasting hot air and is entertainment. Action is the only way that's going to make a difference," she said. "History reveals that the apathetic give way to the passionate, the complacent are subdued by the committed. ACT for America.org is mobilizing people all over the country and giving them the tools to resist the Islamic infiltration in our society on every level: schools, governments, universities and corporations.
"Our work is vital in educating the American public about what is happening behind the scenes," she said.
"I encourage people to go to our website Act for America.org. I know we have citizen action training seminars coming up in Kansas City and in Indianapolis within the next two weeks. Sign up and attend them if you are in those areas. And check where we have chapters across the country and either join a chapter, or if there's no chapter in your community, sign up to lead one. Organized power at the grass roots level trumps the voices of political correctness," Gabriel said.
"The radical Islamists promised to destroy us, and as you know from the recent war in Lebanon, that country is now nearly Islamic," she said.
"We are not waiting for this phenomenon to occur here in the war against Islamofascism. We are not simply hoping for spontaneous grassroots eruptions that may or may not come. We are making it occur by organizing grassroots chapters and supporters across America. We will force elected representatives to choose. To align themselves with the grassroots voices of America or the voice of political correctness."
Gabriel was born and raised in Lebanon. When she was 10, her home was bombed by radical Islamists. She spent two and a half months in a hospital with injuries, and then she survived with her parents for seven years hidden in an underground bomb shelter, subsisting without electricity or heat on a meager diet of rice, lentils and tufts of grass that grew outside the shelter. She crawled beneath sniper fire for sips of water from a nearby ditch.
Those who have lived through such experiences are horrified at Americans' attitudes, she said.
"I have two guests staying with me, also from Lebanon, who ran to Israel for their lives when Israel withdrew out of Lebanon. And this is their first trip to America. I took them to New York and to Washington, D.C., last week and we were walking around and they were stunned at the gullibility of Americans. I took them to an air show this past week and they saw Muslims in our military. They looked at me in utter shock and said, 'Do Americans know these same Muslims would turn their guns against their fellow Americans, military men and women in the same tents, and kill them in the name of Islam? What is America thinking?'" Gabriel said.
"We are not only fighting a military jihad, we are fighting a cultural jihad and we need to wake up. We are as much at war with the cultural jihad as we are with the military jihad," Gabriel said.
"Islam is coming to America while we are asleep at the wheel and only focusing on al-Qaida attacking us militarily. The Muslims are taking us over culturally and remember, they don't even have to fire one bullet," she said.
Gabriel's book, according to "American Jihad" author Steve Emerson, is "riveting, compelling and spellbinding. This is a must read for the entire American public."
"A compelling and captivating personal story with a powerful lesson about threats to freedom in our time," said R. James Woolsey, director of Central Intelligence from 1993-1995.
"There is a threat. We must do something about it. We must stop them," Gabriel said.
Earlier, in an interview with WND columnist Larry Elder published in two parts, "Because they hate," and "Because they hate, part 2," Gabriel said al-Qaida already is inside the U.S., as is Hezbollah.
"We estimate thousands have already been smuggled into America. ... Hamas is here. ... They have cells in over 40 states. ... We also need to reform our immigration and visa programs. We need to monitor who is coming into our country and why. ... We need to increase human intelligence. … I want everyone who fits the terrorist profile to be profiled. We have men between the ages of 16 and 40 who have committed terrorist acts around the world in the name of Islam. They are not little old ladies from Ohio with blue hair. They are not children going to Disney World on their Easter vacation," she said.
Elder asked: "What happens if a Democrat wins the 2008 election?"
"We are doomed. Our enemies want the Democrats to win. This last election, jihadist websites were playing victory songs and declaring the Democrats are our allies in the war against America," she said.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Make mine a full auto Taken from the Sun Times
Cops to get rifles to compete with gangs
BY FRAN SPIELMAN AND FRANK MAIN Staff Reporters
Chicago Police officers will soon be equipped with M4 carbines to match the firepower of the street gangs they're up against, under a policy change in the works to stop the bloodshed on the city's streets.
Police Supt. Jody Weis' decision to arm and train his 13,500 officers with more powerful weapons was disclosed as Mayor Daley emerged from a City Hall summit meeting with a plea to every Chicagoan who cares about children.
Chicago Police SWAT teams are already equipped with M4 carbines, but rank-and-file officers are out-gunned. They're only allowed to carry pistols. When you're up against a street gang member armed with an AK-47, that's like taking a BB-gun to a battle.
Used by the U.S. Marine Corps, the M4 is an assault rifle that fires more shots in less time than a conventional handgun. The fully automatic version can fire up to 1,000 rounds a minute, although the magazines hold 20 to 30 shots.
Last week, police arrested a man suspected of using an AK-47 during a shoot-out with police just after he allegedly used the gun to kill a man at a South Side plumbing business.
In October 2006, police were in a shoot-out with three gang members they thought were on their way to carry out a gang hit. Police fired at the men after one of the suspects raised an AK-47 at them. Some of the officers were armed with assault weapons and shotguns. Two of the suspects were killed.
"That's a good example of why it's important for police to be equally armed," Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said.
Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Donahue welcomed the change, as long as the Police Department pays for the weapons and officers are properly trained and given discretion in using the M4.
"Many people have made statements that they feel outgunned on the street. In certain circumstances, that has been shown to be true," Donahue said.
New York City police officers recently started patrolling subways with similar assault weapons and bomb-sniffing dogs. In the Chicago area, some suburban police departments have carried assault weapons since the mid-1990s.
Timing and logistics of the change in firepower have not yet been ironed out.
First, the weapons must be purchased -- and it's not yet clear who is going to pay. Officers currently chose from a list of authorized handguns and pay out of their own pockets. Second, they must be trained in how to use them. That would be a logistical nightmare that would require all officers to return to the police academy.
Finally, the Police Department must determine whether the new weapons would remain in squad cars or be carried by officers.
The firepower change is the latest show of force by Weis.
This weekend, he plans to flood South and West Side neighborhoods plagued by violence with SWAT teams and Targeted Response Units in full battle dress, with two police helicopters hovering above.
End of Sun Times article.
From Colt Industries info on M4:
Colt M4 Carbine is a versatile weapon system with proven combat utility and performance providing the operator with the confidence required to accomplish any mission. Featuring a 14.5 in. (37 cm) barrel it is designed for use wherever lightness, speed of action, mobility and fire power are required. It can be comfortably carried, yet be instantly available to provide the power, accuracy and range of a 5.56mm Rifle. Proven in military operations, it stands alone as a first-line weapon system. Colt M4 Carbine is today's weapon of choice; the weapon of the 21st century soldier.
The M4 Carbine is an extremely accurate and effective weapon under all practical field applications. It is a favorite with both first line infantry operations as well as special forces, unit commanders and vehicle crews. Available with a Safe/Semi/Full Auto 3-position selector (model R0977) the M4 Carbine is today’s weapon of choice.
The M4 Carbine features a redesigned 4-position sliding buttstock allowing it to adapt to soldiers of different sizes and physical characteristics as well as various firing positions or clothing variations. Almost all mechanical components are interchangeable with those of the M16 rifle, ensuring quality, commonality of parts and reduced maintenance costs.
The M4 Carbine barrel is designed to accept the M203 Grenade Launcher which can easily be assembled to the carbine offering the user both point and area firing capabilities. Also, all US and NATO rifle grenades can be fired without any supplementary equipment.
Colt Defense LLC is the sole source supplier of the M4 Carbine to the US military and the only manufacturer worldwide that meets or exceeds all US military specifications for the weapon.
BY FRAN SPIELMAN AND FRANK MAIN Staff Reporters
Chicago Police officers will soon be equipped with M4 carbines to match the firepower of the street gangs they're up against, under a policy change in the works to stop the bloodshed on the city's streets.
Police Supt. Jody Weis' decision to arm and train his 13,500 officers with more powerful weapons was disclosed as Mayor Daley emerged from a City Hall summit meeting with a plea to every Chicagoan who cares about children.
Chicago Police SWAT teams are already equipped with M4 carbines, but rank-and-file officers are out-gunned. They're only allowed to carry pistols. When you're up against a street gang member armed with an AK-47, that's like taking a BB-gun to a battle.
Used by the U.S. Marine Corps, the M4 is an assault rifle that fires more shots in less time than a conventional handgun. The fully automatic version can fire up to 1,000 rounds a minute, although the magazines hold 20 to 30 shots.
Last week, police arrested a man suspected of using an AK-47 during a shoot-out with police just after he allegedly used the gun to kill a man at a South Side plumbing business.
In October 2006, police were in a shoot-out with three gang members they thought were on their way to carry out a gang hit. Police fired at the men after one of the suspects raised an AK-47 at them. Some of the officers were armed with assault weapons and shotguns. Two of the suspects were killed.
"That's a good example of why it's important for police to be equally armed," Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond said.
Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Donahue welcomed the change, as long as the Police Department pays for the weapons and officers are properly trained and given discretion in using the M4.
"Many people have made statements that they feel outgunned on the street. In certain circumstances, that has been shown to be true," Donahue said.
New York City police officers recently started patrolling subways with similar assault weapons and bomb-sniffing dogs. In the Chicago area, some suburban police departments have carried assault weapons since the mid-1990s.
Timing and logistics of the change in firepower have not yet been ironed out.
First, the weapons must be purchased -- and it's not yet clear who is going to pay. Officers currently chose from a list of authorized handguns and pay out of their own pockets. Second, they must be trained in how to use them. That would be a logistical nightmare that would require all officers to return to the police academy.
Finally, the Police Department must determine whether the new weapons would remain in squad cars or be carried by officers.
The firepower change is the latest show of force by Weis.
This weekend, he plans to flood South and West Side neighborhoods plagued by violence with SWAT teams and Targeted Response Units in full battle dress, with two police helicopters hovering above.
End of Sun Times article.
From Colt Industries info on M4:
Colt M4 Carbine is a versatile weapon system with proven combat utility and performance providing the operator with the confidence required to accomplish any mission. Featuring a 14.5 in. (37 cm) barrel it is designed for use wherever lightness, speed of action, mobility and fire power are required. It can be comfortably carried, yet be instantly available to provide the power, accuracy and range of a 5.56mm Rifle. Proven in military operations, it stands alone as a first-line weapon system. Colt M4 Carbine is today's weapon of choice; the weapon of the 21st century soldier.
The M4 Carbine is an extremely accurate and effective weapon under all practical field applications. It is a favorite with both first line infantry operations as well as special forces, unit commanders and vehicle crews. Available with a Safe/Semi/Full Auto 3-position selector (model R0977) the M4 Carbine is today’s weapon of choice.
The M4 Carbine features a redesigned 4-position sliding buttstock allowing it to adapt to soldiers of different sizes and physical characteristics as well as various firing positions or clothing variations. Almost all mechanical components are interchangeable with those of the M16 rifle, ensuring quality, commonality of parts and reduced maintenance costs.
The M4 Carbine barrel is designed to accept the M203 Grenade Launcher which can easily be assembled to the carbine offering the user both point and area firing capabilities. Also, all US and NATO rifle grenades can be fired without any supplementary equipment.
Colt Defense LLC is the sole source supplier of the M4 Carbine to the US military and the only manufacturer worldwide that meets or exceeds all US military specifications for the weapon.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Pension story from American Police Beat
Court sides with cops on pensions
By Mark Nichols
The city of Lexington, Kentucky might have to fork over more than $30 million to shore up its pension fund for police officers and firefighters.
According to a recent article in the Herald Leader newspaper by Beth Musgrave, the state Court of Appeals sided with five police officers who sued the Urban County Government, saying the city has underfunded the police and fire pension fund.
The Court of Appeals decision upholds a December 2006 decision by Fayette Circuit Judge Gary Payne. Lexington Police Officer Tommy Puckett, a former pension board member and the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, estimated that the Urban County Government might have to pay between $30 million and $35 million in back payments to the pension system.
But he also cautioned that the number could be a low estimate. Puckett, a 35-year police veteran, said the decision, if it is upheld, will go a long way to ensuring that the pension fund pays pensioners what they’re owed. “As a public servant, we don’t make the best salaries, but we do get good benefits,” Puckett told Musgrave in an interview.
“This will ensure that the kids coming up after me will have pension.” According to 2006 estimates, the pension is approximately $220 million short, or needs $220 million to fund all current and future beneficiaries.
Records show that the pension fund has money for all of its current retirees but might not be able to meet its obligations 10 or 20 years down the line. Lexington is hardly the only municipality struggling to keep its pension system flush with cash.
State leaders are also struggling to find ways to pump more money into the state pension system that some estimate could be as much as $18 billion short.
By Mark Nichols
The city of Lexington, Kentucky might have to fork over more than $30 million to shore up its pension fund for police officers and firefighters.
According to a recent article in the Herald Leader newspaper by Beth Musgrave, the state Court of Appeals sided with five police officers who sued the Urban County Government, saying the city has underfunded the police and fire pension fund.
The Court of Appeals decision upholds a December 2006 decision by Fayette Circuit Judge Gary Payne. Lexington Police Officer Tommy Puckett, a former pension board member and the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, estimated that the Urban County Government might have to pay between $30 million and $35 million in back payments to the pension system.
But he also cautioned that the number could be a low estimate. Puckett, a 35-year police veteran, said the decision, if it is upheld, will go a long way to ensuring that the pension fund pays pensioners what they’re owed. “As a public servant, we don’t make the best salaries, but we do get good benefits,” Puckett told Musgrave in an interview.
“This will ensure that the kids coming up after me will have pension.” According to 2006 estimates, the pension is approximately $220 million short, or needs $220 million to fund all current and future beneficiaries.
Records show that the pension fund has money for all of its current retirees but might not be able to meet its obligations 10 or 20 years down the line. Lexington is hardly the only municipality struggling to keep its pension system flush with cash.
State leaders are also struggling to find ways to pump more money into the state pension system that some estimate could be as much as $18 billion short.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Dance, dance, dance
Dance Mark Dance
Sorry, sometimes I just have to pass along some of the stuff I get in the mail. Click on the above link "Dance Mark Dance". Do not drink and watch. I'm not responsible for any mess you make.
Sorry, sometimes I just have to pass along some of the stuff I get in the mail. Click on the above link "Dance Mark Dance". Do not drink and watch. I'm not responsible for any mess you make.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Ticket
Here are the facts.
While on patrol I found a vehicle park next to a fire hydrant. It was 2300 hrs. (the kids party was long over) and there were plenty of empty spot away from the hydrant including directly in front on the house, which I later learned the owner lived in. The plate on the vehicle was a police memorial plate that expired in 2004! I was unable to run the plate but I knew that there was no way an inspector would have not written up you or me if that vehicle had been parked in a police lot. I have stopped many vehicles in the past with some type of memorial plate (esp. those fire fighter plates) and after talking to the driver have found out they are not officers or firemen, just bought the plates to get a pass on their driving or parking violations. Never assume that just because a vehicle has a police memorial plate or a fire fighter plate that the driver is a cop or fireman. I took down the VIN of the vehicle and ran it. The computer was slow and as I waited for the information I wrote the ticket. After completing the ticket, I got out of the squad car and was putting it on the vehicle when a person appeared and stated that he knew the owner and that the owner was a police officer. Sorry, I’m not getting in the trick bag for you. The ticket had been written and I was not about to change it. I told the person that I had already written the ticket
I don’t knowingly write officers tickets, but I do write tickets and even if there is a memorial plate on the vehicle from 2004. By the way when the info on the vehicle came back the current plate was also expired.
While on patrol I found a vehicle park next to a fire hydrant. It was 2300 hrs. (the kids party was long over) and there were plenty of empty spot away from the hydrant including directly in front on the house, which I later learned the owner lived in. The plate on the vehicle was a police memorial plate that expired in 2004! I was unable to run the plate but I knew that there was no way an inspector would have not written up you or me if that vehicle had been parked in a police lot. I have stopped many vehicles in the past with some type of memorial plate (esp. those fire fighter plates) and after talking to the driver have found out they are not officers or firemen, just bought the plates to get a pass on their driving or parking violations. Never assume that just because a vehicle has a police memorial plate or a fire fighter plate that the driver is a cop or fireman. I took down the VIN of the vehicle and ran it. The computer was slow and as I waited for the information I wrote the ticket. After completing the ticket, I got out of the squad car and was putting it on the vehicle when a person appeared and stated that he knew the owner and that the owner was a police officer. Sorry, I’m not getting in the trick bag for you. The ticket had been written and I was not about to change it. I told the person that I had already written the ticket
I don’t knowingly write officers tickets, but I do write tickets and even if there is a memorial plate on the vehicle from 2004. By the way when the info on the vehicle came back the current plate was also expired.
Monday, February 25, 2008
One more reason for true shift differential pay!
Night shift linked to cancer risk
By Mark Nichols
A startling medical report with great implications for law enforcement officers makes a strong case that people who work through the night or the "graveyard shift" have a higher risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. The findings are based on research that discovered higher rates of breast and prostate cancer among people who go to work when everyone else is home sleeping. The higher cancer rates don't prove working overnight can cause cancer - there may be other factors common among graveyard shift workers that raise their risk for cancer.
However, the findings are strong enough that next month, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (the cancer arm of the World Health Organization) will add overnight shift work as a probable carcinogen. Scientists suspect that overnight work is dangerous because it disrupts the circadian rhythm, the body's biological clock, according to Maria Cheng, a reporter with the Associated Press. The hormone melatonin, which can suppress tumor development, is normally produced at night. If the graveyard shift theory eventually proves correct, millions of people worldwide could be affected.
Experts estimate that nearly 20 per cent of the working population in developed countries work night shifts. Cheng reports that among the first to spot the night shift-cancer connection was Richard Stevens, a cancer epidemiologist and professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center. In 1987, Stevens published a paper suggesting a link between light at night and breast cancer. Back then, he was trying to figure out why breast cancer incidence suddenly shot up starting in the 1930s in industrialized societies, where nighttime work was considered a hallmark of progress.
Most scientists were bewildered by his proposal. But in recent years, several studies have found that women working at night over many years were indeed more prone to breast cancer. Also, animals that have their light-dark schedules switched develop more cancerous tumors and die earlier. Some research also suggests that men working at night may have a higher rate of prostate cancer. The studies mostly focused on nurses and airline crews and many scientists say more studies among other professions have to be conducted before the findings are considered conclusive.
There are many people out there who doubt the results. They point out that the "probable carcinogen" tag means that the link between overnight work and cancer is merely plausible and that the list of "known" carcinogens is huge and includes things like alcoholic beverages and birth control pills. Scientists believe having lower melatonin levels can raise the risk of developing cancer. Light shuts down melatonin production, so people working in artificial light at night may have lower melatonin levels. Melatonin can be taken as a supplement, but experts don't recommend it long-term, since that could ruin the body's ability to produce it naturally. Sleep deprivation may be another factor in cancer risk.
People who work at night are not usually able to completely reverse their day and night cycles. "Night shift people tend to be day shift people who are trying to stay awake at night," said Mark Rea, director of the Light Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, who is not connected with the IARC analysis. "Not getting enough sleep makes your immune system vulnerable to attack, and less able to fight off potentially cancerous cells," he said. Confusing your body's natural rhythm can also lead to a breakdown of other essential tasks. "Timing is very important," Rea said.
Certain processes like cell division and DNA repair happen at regular times. Even worse than working an overnight shift is flipping between daytime and overnight work. List of known and probable carcinogens from IARC and National Toxicology Program listed on American Cancer Society website: http://tinyurl.com/2kl5ab. Or check out the International Agency for Research on Cancer's website at: http://www.iarc.fr.
By Mark Nichols
A startling medical report with great implications for law enforcement officers makes a strong case that people who work through the night or the "graveyard shift" have a higher risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. The findings are based on research that discovered higher rates of breast and prostate cancer among people who go to work when everyone else is home sleeping. The higher cancer rates don't prove working overnight can cause cancer - there may be other factors common among graveyard shift workers that raise their risk for cancer.
However, the findings are strong enough that next month, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (the cancer arm of the World Health Organization) will add overnight shift work as a probable carcinogen. Scientists suspect that overnight work is dangerous because it disrupts the circadian rhythm, the body's biological clock, according to Maria Cheng, a reporter with the Associated Press. The hormone melatonin, which can suppress tumor development, is normally produced at night. If the graveyard shift theory eventually proves correct, millions of people worldwide could be affected.
Experts estimate that nearly 20 per cent of the working population in developed countries work night shifts. Cheng reports that among the first to spot the night shift-cancer connection was Richard Stevens, a cancer epidemiologist and professor at the University of Connecticut Health Center. In 1987, Stevens published a paper suggesting a link between light at night and breast cancer. Back then, he was trying to figure out why breast cancer incidence suddenly shot up starting in the 1930s in industrialized societies, where nighttime work was considered a hallmark of progress.
Most scientists were bewildered by his proposal. But in recent years, several studies have found that women working at night over many years were indeed more prone to breast cancer. Also, animals that have their light-dark schedules switched develop more cancerous tumors and die earlier. Some research also suggests that men working at night may have a higher rate of prostate cancer. The studies mostly focused on nurses and airline crews and many scientists say more studies among other professions have to be conducted before the findings are considered conclusive.
There are many people out there who doubt the results. They point out that the "probable carcinogen" tag means that the link between overnight work and cancer is merely plausible and that the list of "known" carcinogens is huge and includes things like alcoholic beverages and birth control pills. Scientists believe having lower melatonin levels can raise the risk of developing cancer. Light shuts down melatonin production, so people working in artificial light at night may have lower melatonin levels. Melatonin can be taken as a supplement, but experts don't recommend it long-term, since that could ruin the body's ability to produce it naturally. Sleep deprivation may be another factor in cancer risk.
People who work at night are not usually able to completely reverse their day and night cycles. "Night shift people tend to be day shift people who are trying to stay awake at night," said Mark Rea, director of the Light Research Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, who is not connected with the IARC analysis. "Not getting enough sleep makes your immune system vulnerable to attack, and less able to fight off potentially cancerous cells," he said. Confusing your body's natural rhythm can also lead to a breakdown of other essential tasks. "Timing is very important," Rea said.
Certain processes like cell division and DNA repair happen at regular times. Even worse than working an overnight shift is flipping between daytime and overnight work. List of known and probable carcinogens from IARC and National Toxicology Program listed on American Cancer Society website: http://tinyurl.com/2kl5ab. Or check out the International Agency for Research on Cancer's website at: http://www.iarc.fr.
Hey city what do you think?
On donning and doffing
By Mark Nichols
American Police Beat, February 2008
In a massive ruling for the nation's law enforcement officers, a court in San Francisco has ruled that a police uniform is not just a set of clothes, but an emblem of authority that conveys "special powers and deference in our society." And that means the officer should be paid for the time needed to put it on and take it off, according to U.S. District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel.
Judge Patel ruled in favor of policein San Leandro, California who sued for about a half-hour per day of paid "donning and doffing" time, either as part of their shifts or as premium pay. The ruling "ensures that officers get a fair day's pay for a fair day's work," Alison Berry Wilkinson, a lawyer for the officers, told Bob Egelko of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Kathy Mount, attorney for the city of San Leandro, said Patel left room for the city to argue that the process takes so little time that it shouldn't be compensated. Mount said the city would argue that putting on and taking off uniforms and mandatory protective gear takes only ten minutes. San Leandro officers have estimated that they need 25 to 35 minutes a day to get their gear on and off.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled last August in a similar case that police in Richmond, California did not have to be paid for time spent putting on and removing their uniforms, but that they might be entitled to compensation for time needed to attach safety equipment such as guns, holsters, handcuffs and helmets.
Breyer said police must be paid if they have to put on that equipment at the station. Putting on and taking off a uniform is not "integral and indispensable" to police work, the standard established by the Supreme Court in compensation cases, Breyer said.
But in her recent ruling in the San Leandro case, Patel said she disagreed with Breyer. A police uniform, along with safety gear, makes up an officer's survival suit, she said. It deters crime by letting everyone know the officer holds a law enforcement job, and it includes the equipment needed to catch criminals like badges, guns, night sticks and helmets, she said.
In making her decision, Patel cited past rulings that require employers to pay workers for the time they need to put on protective clothing in a battery plant and a silicon chip factory.
The suit was filed by Greg Lemmon, president of the San Leandro Police Officers Association, on behalf of the 54 patrol officers in the department. Attorney Wilkinson said all police departments specify the type of uniform officers must wear and the equipment they need to carry, but very few pay for their time.
Wilkinson said that Berkeley sets aside 20 minutes of each shift for uniform-related compensation and that the California Highway Patrol pays uniformed officers a 3.5 percent premium.
By Mark Nichols
American Police Beat, February 2008
In a massive ruling for the nation's law enforcement officers, a court in San Francisco has ruled that a police uniform is not just a set of clothes, but an emblem of authority that conveys "special powers and deference in our society." And that means the officer should be paid for the time needed to put it on and take it off, according to U.S. District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel.
Judge Patel ruled in favor of policein San Leandro, California who sued for about a half-hour per day of paid "donning and doffing" time, either as part of their shifts or as premium pay. The ruling "ensures that officers get a fair day's pay for a fair day's work," Alison Berry Wilkinson, a lawyer for the officers, told Bob Egelko of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Kathy Mount, attorney for the city of San Leandro, said Patel left room for the city to argue that the process takes so little time that it shouldn't be compensated. Mount said the city would argue that putting on and taking off uniforms and mandatory protective gear takes only ten minutes. San Leandro officers have estimated that they need 25 to 35 minutes a day to get their gear on and off.
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled last August in a similar case that police in Richmond, California did not have to be paid for time spent putting on and removing their uniforms, but that they might be entitled to compensation for time needed to attach safety equipment such as guns, holsters, handcuffs and helmets.
Breyer said police must be paid if they have to put on that equipment at the station. Putting on and taking off a uniform is not "integral and indispensable" to police work, the standard established by the Supreme Court in compensation cases, Breyer said.
But in her recent ruling in the San Leandro case, Patel said she disagreed with Breyer. A police uniform, along with safety gear, makes up an officer's survival suit, she said. It deters crime by letting everyone know the officer holds a law enforcement job, and it includes the equipment needed to catch criminals like badges, guns, night sticks and helmets, she said.
In making her decision, Patel cited past rulings that require employers to pay workers for the time they need to put on protective clothing in a battery plant and a silicon chip factory.
The suit was filed by Greg Lemmon, president of the San Leandro Police Officers Association, on behalf of the 54 patrol officers in the department. Attorney Wilkinson said all police departments specify the type of uniform officers must wear and the equipment they need to carry, but very few pay for their time.
Wilkinson said that Berkeley sets aside 20 minutes of each shift for uniform-related compensation and that the California Highway Patrol pays uniformed officers a 3.5 percent premium.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Residency
Illinois State Law.
(5 ILCS 315/14) Sec.14
(i) In the case of peace officers, the arbitration decision shall be limited to wages, hours, and conditions of employment (which may include residency requirements in municipalities with a population under 1,000,000, but those residency requirements shall not allow residency outside of Illinois) and shall not include the following: i) residency requirements in municipalities with a population of at least 1,000,000;
MY STAND
I believe that by making this class difference in the law that separates Chicago police officers from every other police officer in this State, the State violates the equal protection clause for all that is guaranteed by both the State Constitution and Federal Constitution. What do you think? Should we spend the time and money to fight this? I believe we should. If elected I will fight for our rights to arbitrate residency.
United States Constitution
Amendment XIV
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Constitution of the State of Illinois
ARTICLE I
BILL OF RIGHTS
SECTION 2. DUE PROCESS AND EQUAL PROTECTION
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law nor be denied the equal protection of the laws.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
(5 ILCS 315/14) Sec.14
(i) In the case of peace officers, the arbitration decision shall be limited to wages, hours, and conditions of employment (which may include residency requirements in municipalities with a population under 1,000,000, but those residency requirements shall not allow residency outside of Illinois) and shall not include the following: i) residency requirements in municipalities with a population of at least 1,000,000;
MY STAND
I believe that by making this class difference in the law that separates Chicago police officers from every other police officer in this State, the State violates the equal protection clause for all that is guaranteed by both the State Constitution and Federal Constitution. What do you think? Should we spend the time and money to fight this? I believe we should. If elected I will fight for our rights to arbitrate residency.
United States Constitution
Amendment XIV
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Constitution of the State of Illinois
ARTICLE I
BILL OF RIGHTS
SECTION 2. DUE PROCESS AND EQUAL PROTECTION
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law nor be denied the equal protection of the laws.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Not posted by SCC, so posted here.
Dear SCC,
First, this was no stunt. President Donahue is costing our membership hundreds of thousands of dollars of our membership moneys in fighting two lawsuits - that we know of. The reason that President Donahue was charged was solely because of the fact that he has failed to notify and to keep the Board of Directors aware of what is going on with a lawsuit (filed under Docket #: 05C7179 in the U.S. District Ct., of the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division) that should never have been filed. The FOP in-house attorneys can not represent the FOP because they are parties in some way to the lawsuit, either witnesses or respondents, and so the FOP had to hire a private law firm, which up to now has cost the FOP several hundred thousand dollars since December 2005.
If anyone would like to verify this information, maybe they should try and look at the books, or better yet, ask the FOP and President Donahue for a COMPETE ACCOUNTING of every dime that has been spent AND the number of hours that have been expended by the FOP staff and the FOP's own in-house attorneys. Imagine if the hours that were expended by our FOP staff and our FOP in-house attorneys in the defense of this lawsuit were utilized for the benefit of the members of the FOP. Right now, this lawsuit is solely being fought so that President Donahue and our members of the staff aren't embarrassed by the allegations of reckless & irresponsible conduct. The judge has already found more than enough reason to dismiss the motion by the FOP for summary judgment. This means that the judge feels that there is a case!
Now as far as the second lawsuit. This was a lawsuit that was brought because the FOP and President Donahue (improperly advised by Trustee (Sgt.) Majerczyk) decided to take the EXTRAORDINARY step to expel two members who had fought in the last election against Donahue & the CityWide team. Wow, imagine what kind of chilling effect that has on any dissent or, worse yet, keeps any member from running an election campaign against the FOP!?! Maybe that's why we are now down to the lowest number of candidates for all of the offices that we have ever had.
We all want to fight "Da Mayor" when he is wrong, but THEN we don't want to fight "Da Donahue" when he is wrong???? Come on, officers, that is crap! President Donahue has made more than a few dumb and or/ill-advised decisions and he and his staff needs to be held accountable for them. SCC, I will submit to you, the fact that the charges were brought up is "standing up" - it is "standing up" for the membership!
Now, SCC, as far as whether we wanted to be elected to office. The simple answer is "yes", since there is no doubt that more than a few of the current office holders are not exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer. They have been, or now (if they are running in this election on the CityWide Team) completely beholden to President Donahue. I doubt seriously whether those particular members would know principle if it ever hit them in the face. They have surrendered their principles to President Donahue to keep their well-paid office staff spots, their committee memberships, or any of the other perks that each member has. For some of them they are doing this for $400 a month, for others they are doing this for TWICE the average officers' salary! It is sad that none of those particular members would not push for some of the answers, but it is SADDER that THEY DON'T HAVE THE COURAGE TO EVEN ASK THE QUESTIONS!!!
The only people that aren't being taken seriously are all of the members of the FOP. Why? Because the vast majority of us have refused to ask the tough questions or demanded the tough answers!!! Do you think the City doesn't notice this? Do you think the City doesn't take this into account when dealing with our EFFECTIVE President (sic)?
Now, just for your information, about the trial panels.
First, the charges against President Donahue were properly filed and have a basis in fact within the Constitution of the FOP.
Second, the FOP Constitution in Article II, Section 4, specifically states that the trial panel be set for "not less" than 30 days. This is the operative wording - "not less"! President Donahue supposedly waived the "30" days, but he doesn't have the right to waive that time frame. It is set up that way to give due process to all parties. The charges were served on President Donahue on 15 Jan., the trial panel was then set for 31 Jan at 0900 hrs, and then quickly re-set for 31 Jan at 1300 hrs. Although the FOP Constitution does give the right to make reasonable requests for continuances, the first date MUST be NOT LESS than 30 days. The trial panel hearing was set for 31 Jan, President Donahue was served on 15 Jan. Do the math! This was an "improper" and illegal trial panel hearing under the FOP Constitution!
So to clear up any misrepresentations, I and Harold Brown did go to this improperly convened trial panel hearing and requested that there be a continuance for this and several other reasons. We were advised that Chairperson Majerczyk (a Sgt. & an attorney) decided that there was no merit in any point of our argument. However, even when he presented what he thought were the pertinent parts of the Constitution from the State and/or Grand Lodge, there was also a requirement of no less than 30 days, which he decided to completely ignore.
Since the trial panel hearing was improperly & illegal convened, we could not sign off on any other aspect of the trial panel hearing at that point. That includes the issue of signing the affidavit at the trial panel hearing. For either of us to have signed off on the affidavit at that point would have been recognizing the trial panel hearing as being legitimate and proper. We would not do so. Interestingly, the FOP Lodge No. 7 Constitution does not require a sworn affidavit. Even more interesting is the fact that at the time that when the FOP Board decided to charge Shawn Hallinan or Wayne Harej, this was done without a sworn affidavit. Finally, because the original trial panel hearing was improper and illegal, we did not go to the Board of Directors meeting. We would not give credence to an improper and illegal meeting. By their vote to dismiss the charges against President Donahue each board member that voted for the dismissal has acted improperly and in violation of the FOP Constitution.
If there is one thing that should not be happening, it is that the FOP Constitution should not be changed around at their or anyone’s pleasure. The FOP Constitution is in place to protect the members interest and also to protect the members from an arrogant leadership who have decided to trample on the FOP Constitution in their quest to keep their pockets filled.
Finally, one of the first comments was that I was "self-serving". At this point in our lives, Harold Brown and I don't need to run for office. Unlike our FOP officers, I don't need to misrepresent or lie to keep my "D-5" (captain's) pay coming. We did this because the FOP administration is completely wrong and by their actions have shown THEMSELVES to be completely self-serving - they are protecting their positions. They have FORGOTTEN what it is like to be a working police officer and they are scared of the implications of going back to doing a job that they were probably not good at anyway!
As a police detective in Areas Four & Five for nearly my entire police career, I worked hard for the truth in investigations and to be certain that proper charges were brought against the proper people.
As police officers and members of the FOP we deserve better. We deserve not to be lied to! If they are choosing to lie about or misrepresent this, do you honestly think that they are telling the truth about other things, INCLUDING CONTRACT ISSUES?
Officers, retirees, and other readers of SCC, this is the truth of why this has come about and what has happened. SCC, I guess we'll see if you have sacrificed your principles, as well, to retain any benefits that you receive from the FOP. More importantly, I guess we'll see if this even gets printed, or, if printed, gets edited.
My name is Al Jaglowski, I am running for 2nd Vice President and I am not posting this anonymously. FOP members - please choose any candidate OTHER than the CityWide Team. YOU DO DESERVE BETTER than what is currently in office.
Thanks,
Allen Jaglowski
First, this was no stunt. President Donahue is costing our membership hundreds of thousands of dollars of our membership moneys in fighting two lawsuits - that we know of. The reason that President Donahue was charged was solely because of the fact that he has failed to notify and to keep the Board of Directors aware of what is going on with a lawsuit (filed under Docket #: 05C7179 in the U.S. District Ct., of the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division) that should never have been filed. The FOP in-house attorneys can not represent the FOP because they are parties in some way to the lawsuit, either witnesses or respondents, and so the FOP had to hire a private law firm, which up to now has cost the FOP several hundred thousand dollars since December 2005.
If anyone would like to verify this information, maybe they should try and look at the books, or better yet, ask the FOP and President Donahue for a COMPETE ACCOUNTING of every dime that has been spent AND the number of hours that have been expended by the FOP staff and the FOP's own in-house attorneys. Imagine if the hours that were expended by our FOP staff and our FOP in-house attorneys in the defense of this lawsuit were utilized for the benefit of the members of the FOP. Right now, this lawsuit is solely being fought so that President Donahue and our members of the staff aren't embarrassed by the allegations of reckless & irresponsible conduct. The judge has already found more than enough reason to dismiss the motion by the FOP for summary judgment. This means that the judge feels that there is a case!
Now as far as the second lawsuit. This was a lawsuit that was brought because the FOP and President Donahue (improperly advised by Trustee (Sgt.) Majerczyk) decided to take the EXTRAORDINARY step to expel two members who had fought in the last election against Donahue & the CityWide team. Wow, imagine what kind of chilling effect that has on any dissent or, worse yet, keeps any member from running an election campaign against the FOP!?! Maybe that's why we are now down to the lowest number of candidates for all of the offices that we have ever had.
We all want to fight "Da Mayor" when he is wrong, but THEN we don't want to fight "Da Donahue" when he is wrong???? Come on, officers, that is crap! President Donahue has made more than a few dumb and or/ill-advised decisions and he and his staff needs to be held accountable for them. SCC, I will submit to you, the fact that the charges were brought up is "standing up" - it is "standing up" for the membership!
Now, SCC, as far as whether we wanted to be elected to office. The simple answer is "yes", since there is no doubt that more than a few of the current office holders are not exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer. They have been, or now (if they are running in this election on the CityWide Team) completely beholden to President Donahue. I doubt seriously whether those particular members would know principle if it ever hit them in the face. They have surrendered their principles to President Donahue to keep their well-paid office staff spots, their committee memberships, or any of the other perks that each member has. For some of them they are doing this for $400 a month, for others they are doing this for TWICE the average officers' salary! It is sad that none of those particular members would not push for some of the answers, but it is SADDER that THEY DON'T HAVE THE COURAGE TO EVEN ASK THE QUESTIONS!!!
The only people that aren't being taken seriously are all of the members of the FOP. Why? Because the vast majority of us have refused to ask the tough questions or demanded the tough answers!!! Do you think the City doesn't notice this? Do you think the City doesn't take this into account when dealing with our EFFECTIVE President (sic)?
Now, just for your information, about the trial panels.
First, the charges against President Donahue were properly filed and have a basis in fact within the Constitution of the FOP.
Second, the FOP Constitution in Article II, Section 4, specifically states that the trial panel be set for "not less" than 30 days. This is the operative wording - "not less"! President Donahue supposedly waived the "30" days, but he doesn't have the right to waive that time frame. It is set up that way to give due process to all parties. The charges were served on President Donahue on 15 Jan., the trial panel was then set for 31 Jan at 0900 hrs, and then quickly re-set for 31 Jan at 1300 hrs. Although the FOP Constitution does give the right to make reasonable requests for continuances, the first date MUST be NOT LESS than 30 days. The trial panel hearing was set for 31 Jan, President Donahue was served on 15 Jan. Do the math! This was an "improper" and illegal trial panel hearing under the FOP Constitution!
So to clear up any misrepresentations, I and Harold Brown did go to this improperly convened trial panel hearing and requested that there be a continuance for this and several other reasons. We were advised that Chairperson Majerczyk (a Sgt. & an attorney) decided that there was no merit in any point of our argument. However, even when he presented what he thought were the pertinent parts of the Constitution from the State and/or Grand Lodge, there was also a requirement of no less than 30 days, which he decided to completely ignore.
Since the trial panel hearing was improperly & illegal convened, we could not sign off on any other aspect of the trial panel hearing at that point. That includes the issue of signing the affidavit at the trial panel hearing. For either of us to have signed off on the affidavit at that point would have been recognizing the trial panel hearing as being legitimate and proper. We would not do so. Interestingly, the FOP Lodge No. 7 Constitution does not require a sworn affidavit. Even more interesting is the fact that at the time that when the FOP Board decided to charge Shawn Hallinan or Wayne Harej, this was done without a sworn affidavit. Finally, because the original trial panel hearing was improper and illegal, we did not go to the Board of Directors meeting. We would not give credence to an improper and illegal meeting. By their vote to dismiss the charges against President Donahue each board member that voted for the dismissal has acted improperly and in violation of the FOP Constitution.
If there is one thing that should not be happening, it is that the FOP Constitution should not be changed around at their or anyone’s pleasure. The FOP Constitution is in place to protect the members interest and also to protect the members from an arrogant leadership who have decided to trample on the FOP Constitution in their quest to keep their pockets filled.
Finally, one of the first comments was that I was "self-serving". At this point in our lives, Harold Brown and I don't need to run for office. Unlike our FOP officers, I don't need to misrepresent or lie to keep my "D-5" (captain's) pay coming. We did this because the FOP administration is completely wrong and by their actions have shown THEMSELVES to be completely self-serving - they are protecting their positions. They have FORGOTTEN what it is like to be a working police officer and they are scared of the implications of going back to doing a job that they were probably not good at anyway!
As a police detective in Areas Four & Five for nearly my entire police career, I worked hard for the truth in investigations and to be certain that proper charges were brought against the proper people.
As police officers and members of the FOP we deserve better. We deserve not to be lied to! If they are choosing to lie about or misrepresent this, do you honestly think that they are telling the truth about other things, INCLUDING CONTRACT ISSUES?
Officers, retirees, and other readers of SCC, this is the truth of why this has come about and what has happened. SCC, I guess we'll see if you have sacrificed your principles, as well, to retain any benefits that you receive from the FOP. More importantly, I guess we'll see if this even gets printed, or, if printed, gets edited.
My name is Al Jaglowski, I am running for 2nd Vice President and I am not posting this anonymously. FOP members - please choose any candidate OTHER than the CityWide Team. YOU DO DESERVE BETTER than what is currently in office.
Thanks,
Allen Jaglowski
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Issues
Why vote for Kevin C. Jans and the INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change instead of Mark Donahue and the Citywide Team?
We will make the Lodge more visible to the public and be more aggressive in promoting the truth about the good we do as Chicago Police Officers. We will be there to get the truth out and challenge those that try to bring us down to the level of a street gang! You will be proud again to say that you are a Chicago Police Officer.
If you want promotions based on honest and fair testing, elect the INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change. As long as the current leadership controls access to the rank order list, promotions and spots will continue to be influenced by clout.
The Citywide Team has wasted more than $500,000 of your dues in a law suit filed against Lodge 7 over an illegal firing. The suit demonstrates just how arrogant the current leadership is and how little concern they have for those who don’t have an “in.”
The INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change will fight to make residency a mandatory issue for arbitration, without making concessions. You have a right to live where you wish and we will go to the courts to ensure that right, if necessary.
After five years on the job, you should be at the top pay rate like officers in many other departments. If you want to spend your free time with your family instead of working every waking moment at a side job, you need to vote for the INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change.
Detectives should be able to bid for open spots just like Patrolmen do. The INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change will make this a priority.
We will make the Lodge more visible to the public and be more aggressive in promoting the truth about the good we do as Chicago Police Officers. We will be there to get the truth out and challenge those that try to bring us down to the level of a street gang! You will be proud again to say that you are a Chicago Police Officer.
If you want promotions based on honest and fair testing, elect the INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change. As long as the current leadership controls access to the rank order list, promotions and spots will continue to be influenced by clout.
The Citywide Team has wasted more than $500,000 of your dues in a law suit filed against Lodge 7 over an illegal firing. The suit demonstrates just how arrogant the current leadership is and how little concern they have for those who don’t have an “in.”
The INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change will fight to make residency a mandatory issue for arbitration, without making concessions. You have a right to live where you wish and we will go to the courts to ensure that right, if necessary.
After five years on the job, you should be at the top pay rate like officers in many other departments. If you want to spend your free time with your family instead of working every waking moment at a side job, you need to vote for the INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change.
Detectives should be able to bid for open spots just like Patrolmen do. The INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change will make this a priority.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Why I’m Running
I am challenging Mark Donahue for the presidency of FOP Lodge #7 because I have lost my belief that he is properly leading the Lodge.
I believe the FOP needs a more active and outspoken leader. You and the public will see me defending our actions out on the streets, especially when we have to defend ourselves against assailants who attempt to kill us or cause us serious bodily harm.
I will lead in the fight to open up the promotion process by releasing the rank order list for promotions and advocating for on-site test results. You should be able to get your score immediately after testing for promotions. You should also be able to review the test questions and challenge those that you believe were incorrectly scored. If you wish to get a “merit” promotion, it will be a transparent process, as I will not hide “merit” promotions like the current Lodge leadership does.
I will request that the Board of Directors hire more attorneys for the purpose of financially protecting officers as individuals. There is great concern that those who sue police officers will start to come after their personal assets: house, car, bank accounts, pensions, anything of value. To prevent this, I will start a program to protect your assets. This is a benefit that the Lodge is able to provide you without any legislative action on the part of the city or state. It will start right after you elect me.
I will also start a suit against the state for the ability to have residence made a mandatory right of bargaining. As the state law stands, the Chicago Police Department is the only one that doesn’t have the right to make residency a mandatory issue for arbitration. Every other police department in the state does. This violates the Illinois State Constitution’s requirement of equal rights for all and I will not hesitate to litigate this matter. I will not make any concession with the City that will prevent us from exercising our rights to bring residency into arbitration.
These are just some of the issues for which I will fight, but the primary issue is visibility and access. You will be seeing me. I know that most police officers do not attend the General Meetings, so I will come to you. How many times have you seen Mark Donahue at your roll call in the last six years while he has been president of Lodge #7? You have my commitment to be open and available for you and to come to where you are.
Thank you for your vote,
Kevin C. Jans
I believe the FOP needs a more active and outspoken leader. You and the public will see me defending our actions out on the streets, especially when we have to defend ourselves against assailants who attempt to kill us or cause us serious bodily harm.
I will lead in the fight to open up the promotion process by releasing the rank order list for promotions and advocating for on-site test results. You should be able to get your score immediately after testing for promotions. You should also be able to review the test questions and challenge those that you believe were incorrectly scored. If you wish to get a “merit” promotion, it will be a transparent process, as I will not hide “merit” promotions like the current Lodge leadership does.
I will request that the Board of Directors hire more attorneys for the purpose of financially protecting officers as individuals. There is great concern that those who sue police officers will start to come after their personal assets: house, car, bank accounts, pensions, anything of value. To prevent this, I will start a program to protect your assets. This is a benefit that the Lodge is able to provide you without any legislative action on the part of the city or state. It will start right after you elect me.
I will also start a suit against the state for the ability to have residence made a mandatory right of bargaining. As the state law stands, the Chicago Police Department is the only one that doesn’t have the right to make residency a mandatory issue for arbitration. Every other police department in the state does. This violates the Illinois State Constitution’s requirement of equal rights for all and I will not hesitate to litigate this matter. I will not make any concession with the City that will prevent us from exercising our rights to bring residency into arbitration.
These are just some of the issues for which I will fight, but the primary issue is visibility and access. You will be seeing me. I know that most police officers do not attend the General Meetings, so I will come to you. How many times have you seen Mark Donahue at your roll call in the last six years while he has been president of Lodge #7? You have my commitment to be open and available for you and to come to where you are.
Thank you for your vote,
Kevin C. Jans
Monday, January 21, 2008
INDEPENDENT Candidates for Change
Elect the following!!!
President:
Kevin C. Jans
2nd VP:
Al Jaglowski
Treasurer:
Steve Marchfield
Trustees:
Harold J. Brown
Sandy L. Nash
Chester R. Hornowski
Bill Peterson
Mike Lash
Bob Podgorny
Edward W. Mack
Kenneth Pollack
Richard Mulder
Francisco “Frank” Roman
President:
Kevin C. Jans
2nd VP:
Al Jaglowski
Treasurer:
Steve Marchfield
Trustees:
Harold J. Brown
Sandy L. Nash
Chester R. Hornowski
Bill Peterson
Mike Lash
Bob Podgorny
Edward W. Mack
Kenneth Pollack
Richard Mulder
Francisco “Frank” Roman
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Aldermatic Pay vs Our Pay
2-8-041 Compensation for aldermen.
Effective January 1,2006, the salary of aldermen shall be $98,125.00. Beginning on May 21, 2007, this sum shall be adjusted for each calendar year by applying to it the rate of inflation calculated based on the Consumer Price Index - Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (Chicago All Items) published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The budget director or his designee shall determine such rate by comparing the figure for the most recent July with the figure for the previous July. Any adjustment shall take effect at the beginning of the first pay period for that year.
An alderman may choose not to have his or her salary adjusted for any given year as set forth in this section by notifying the budget director in a sworn statement on a form provided by the budget director for that purpose. This notification must be received by the budget director by September 15 for the choice to be effective for the following calendar year.
No other City of Chicago salary shall be allowed any alderman except as herein provided.
No alderman refused their pay adjustment.
For 2007 the pay was adjusted to 100,971.00 an increase of 2.9%
For 2008 the pay was adjusted to 104,101.00 an increase of 3.1%
In 2007 we (the police) received a pay increase of 2.0% and as of yet no increase for 2008, which puts us at a loss of real buying power of 4%. Thats not the route we need to take! So for 2008 we need 4% to break even and a larger increase for 2008 if we are to call any pay increase a raise!!
Effective January 1,2006, the salary of aldermen shall be $98,125.00. Beginning on May 21, 2007, this sum shall be adjusted for each calendar year by applying to it the rate of inflation calculated based on the Consumer Price Index - Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (Chicago All Items) published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The budget director or his designee shall determine such rate by comparing the figure for the most recent July with the figure for the previous July. Any adjustment shall take effect at the beginning of the first pay period for that year.
An alderman may choose not to have his or her salary adjusted for any given year as set forth in this section by notifying the budget director in a sworn statement on a form provided by the budget director for that purpose. This notification must be received by the budget director by September 15 for the choice to be effective for the following calendar year.
No other City of Chicago salary shall be allowed any alderman except as herein provided.
No alderman refused their pay adjustment.
For 2007 the pay was adjusted to 100,971.00 an increase of 2.9%
For 2008 the pay was adjusted to 104,101.00 an increase of 3.1%
In 2007 we (the police) received a pay increase of 2.0% and as of yet no increase for 2008, which puts us at a loss of real buying power of 4%. Thats not the route we need to take! So for 2008 we need 4% to break even and a larger increase for 2008 if we are to call any pay increase a raise!!
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Cook County Assault Gun Ord
FYI
DIVISION 4. ASSAULT WEAPONS
Sec. 54-211. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Assault weapon means:
(1) Assault rifles:
AK 47 type
AK 47S type
AK 74 type
AKS type
AKM type
AKMS type
84S1 type
ARM type
84S1 type
84S3 type
HK91 type
HK93 type
HK94 type
G3SA type
K1 type
K2 type
AR100 type
M24S type
SIG 550SP type
SIG 551SP type
Australian Automatic
Arms SAR type
SKS type with detachable magazine
Federal XC-900 and XC450
Feather AT-9 Auto Carbine
Goncz High Tech Carbine
Colt AR-15
Iver Johnson PM30 P Paratrooper
86S type
86S7 type
87S type
Galil type
Type 56 type
Type 565 type
Valmet M76 type
Valmet M78 type
M76 counter sniper type
FAL type
L1A1A type
SAR 48 type
AUG type
FNC type
Uzi carbine
Algimec AGMI type
AR180 type
MAS 223 type
Beretta BM59 type
Beretta AR70 type
CIS SR88 type
Ruger Mini 14/5F
Springfield Armory SAR-48
Springfield Armory BM-59
Bushmaster Auto Rifle
Auto-Ordinance Thompson M1
Auto-Ordinance Thompson 1927A1
TEC 9 type
(2) Assault pistols:
Uzi type
Heckler & Koch Sp-89 type
Australian Automatic Arms SAP type
Spectre Auto type
Sterling Mark 7 type
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-1, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 93-O-46, § 6-1, 11-16-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-1), 11-23-1999.)
Sec. 54-212. Assault weapons; sale prohibited; exceptions.
(a) No person shall sell, offer or display for sale, give, lend, transfer ownership of, acquire or possess any assault weapon. This subsection shall not apply to:
(1) The sale or transfer to, or possession by any officer, agent, or employee of the County or any other municipality or state or of the United States, members of the armed forces of the United States; or the organized militia of this or any other state, and peace officers to the extent that any such person is otherwise authorized to acquire or possess an assault weapon and is acting within the scope of such person's duties;
(2) Manufacture of assault weapons;
(3) Transportation of assault weapons if such weapons are broken down and in a nonfunctioning state and are not immediately accessible to any person.
(b) Any assault weapon possessed, sold or transferred in violation of Subsection (a) of this section is hereby declared to be contraband and shall be seized and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 54-213.
(c) Any person found in violation of this section shall be sentenced to not more than six months imprisonment or fined not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(d) Any person who, prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived, was legally in possession of an assault weapon prohibited by this section shall have 14 days from the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived to do any of the following without being subject to prosecution under this division:
(1) To remove the assault weapon from within the limits of the County;
(2) To modify the assault weapon either to render it permanently inoperable or to permanently make it a device no longer defined as an assault weapon; or
(3) To surrender the assault weapon to the Sheriff or designee for disposal as provided below.
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-2, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 93-O-46, § 6-2, 11-16-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-2), 11-23-1999.)
Sec. 54-213. Destruction of weapons confiscated.
(a) Whenever any firearm or ammunition is surrendered or confiscated pursuant to the terms of this ordinance, the Sheriff shall ascertain whether such firearm or ammunition is needed as evidence in any matter.
(b) If such firearm or ammunition is not required for evidence it shall be destroyed at the direction of the Sheriff. A record of the date and method of destruction an inventory or the firearm or ammunition so destroyed shall be maintained.
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-3, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-3), 11-23-1999.)
Secs. 54-214--54-240. Reserved.
DIVISION 4. ASSAULT WEAPONS
Sec. 54-211. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Assault weapon means:
(1) Assault rifles:
AK 47 type
AK 47S type
AK 74 type
AKS type
AKM type
AKMS type
84S1 type
ARM type
84S1 type
84S3 type
HK91 type
HK93 type
HK94 type
G3SA type
K1 type
K2 type
AR100 type
M24S type
SIG 550SP type
SIG 551SP type
Australian Automatic
Arms SAR type
SKS type with detachable magazine
Federal XC-900 and XC450
Feather AT-9 Auto Carbine
Goncz High Tech Carbine
Colt AR-15
Iver Johnson PM30 P Paratrooper
86S type
86S7 type
87S type
Galil type
Type 56 type
Type 565 type
Valmet M76 type
Valmet M78 type
M76 counter sniper type
FAL type
L1A1A type
SAR 48 type
AUG type
FNC type
Uzi carbine
Algimec AGMI type
AR180 type
MAS 223 type
Beretta BM59 type
Beretta AR70 type
CIS SR88 type
Ruger Mini 14/5F
Springfield Armory SAR-48
Springfield Armory BM-59
Bushmaster Auto Rifle
Auto-Ordinance Thompson M1
Auto-Ordinance Thompson 1927A1
TEC 9 type
(2) Assault pistols:
Uzi type
Heckler & Koch Sp-89 type
Australian Automatic Arms SAP type
Spectre Auto type
Sterling Mark 7 type
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-1, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 93-O-46, § 6-1, 11-16-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-1), 11-23-1999.)
Sec. 54-212. Assault weapons; sale prohibited; exceptions.
(a) No person shall sell, offer or display for sale, give, lend, transfer ownership of, acquire or possess any assault weapon. This subsection shall not apply to:
(1) The sale or transfer to, or possession by any officer, agent, or employee of the County or any other municipality or state or of the United States, members of the armed forces of the United States; or the organized militia of this or any other state, and peace officers to the extent that any such person is otherwise authorized to acquire or possess an assault weapon and is acting within the scope of such person's duties;
(2) Manufacture of assault weapons;
(3) Transportation of assault weapons if such weapons are broken down and in a nonfunctioning state and are not immediately accessible to any person.
(b) Any assault weapon possessed, sold or transferred in violation of Subsection (a) of this section is hereby declared to be contraband and shall be seized and disposed of in accordance with the provisions of Section 54-213.
(c) Any person found in violation of this section shall be sentenced to not more than six months imprisonment or fined not less than $500.00 and not more than $1,000.00, or both.
(d) Any person who, prior to the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived, was legally in possession of an assault weapon prohibited by this section shall have 14 days from the effective date of the ordinance from which this division is derived to do any of the following without being subject to prosecution under this division:
(1) To remove the assault weapon from within the limits of the County;
(2) To modify the assault weapon either to render it permanently inoperable or to permanently make it a device no longer defined as an assault weapon; or
(3) To surrender the assault weapon to the Sheriff or designee for disposal as provided below.
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-2, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 93-O-46, § 6-2, 11-16-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-2), 11-23-1999.)
Sec. 54-213. Destruction of weapons confiscated.
(a) Whenever any firearm or ammunition is surrendered or confiscated pursuant to the terms of this ordinance, the Sheriff shall ascertain whether such firearm or ammunition is needed as evidence in any matter.
(b) If such firearm or ammunition is not required for evidence it shall be destroyed at the direction of the Sheriff. A record of the date and method of destruction an inventory or the firearm or ammunition so destroyed shall be maintained.
(Ord. No. 93-O-37, § 6-3, 10-19-1993; Ord. No. 94-O-33, 7-6-1994; Ord. No. 99-O-27, Pt. 3(6-3), 11-23-1999.)
Secs. 54-214--54-240. Reserved.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Shawn and Wayne, a short story still being written.
Many of my brother and sister officers have asked me what is the story about Shawn and Wayne. Well the matter is still in the courts but here is some of what has been going on. There is more legal mumbo jumbo involved, but this is the basic story.
JUST THE FACTS, MAAM
Since 05 July, 1994, Shawn Hallinan has been a police officer of the City of Chicago. He was a member in good standing of FOP Lodge 7 until he was suspended from FOP Lodge 7 in June 2005. He was expelled from FOP Lodge 7 on 06 September, 2005. Wayne Harej became a police officer on 26 July, 1971. He was a member in good standing of FOP Lodge 7 until he was also suspended in June 2005 and expelled on 06 September, 2005.
Hallinan was one of the leaders of The IOU Team, a rank and file team in opposition to FOP Lodge 7 President Mark Donahue and his group, The City Wide Team. On 25 March, 2005, FOP Lodge 7 held elections for union officers. Hallinan formed The IOU Team of 20 candidates to oppose Donahue and The City Wide Team. Hallinan ran against Donahue for FOP Lodge 7 president. Harej ran for financial secretary. On 25 March, 2005, The IOU Team generally lost to The City Wide Team, but won seven positions on the Board of Directors. Hallinan himself received 43 percent of the vote for president. Harej received 41 percent of the vote for financial secretary.
Donahue and his fellow City Wide teammates then proceeded immediately to expel Hallinan and Harej from the Lodge. On 19 April, 2005, at the first Lodge meeting after the election, Hallinan and Harej were served with charges accusing both men of improper criticism of their election opponents and discussing such matters in public with the media and going outside the Lodge and bringing the Lodge into disrepute.
These charges referred to a major campaign issue, namely, an accusation that Donahue had grossly underreported his union salary on a report that the Lodge was required to file with the Illinois Attorney General. Under Illinois law the Lodge is required as a charitable organization to file a form G 990 with the Illinois Attorney General and report the salaries of the organization’s officers. The Lodge reported Donahue’s salary as being only $53,000 a year when Donahue was actually earning a total salary of $138,000 as lodge president. In December 2004, prior to the March 2005, election, Harej filed a complaint with the Lodge that Donahue had under reported his income to the Attorney General. When the Lodge ignored the complaint, Harej reported the discrepancy to the Attorney General, who then began an investigation. Under pressure, the Lodge had to file not one, but two, corrected returns. The first corrected return continued to under-report Donahue’s salary at $68,000. The final corrected return acknowledged that his salary was $138,000 as Hallinan and Harej contended.
The return was corrected under pressure. The undisputed under reporting of income became a major campaign issue. Hallinan and Harej went to roll calls to discuss this and other issues, including Donahue’s handling of the collective bargaining agreement. Hallinan and Harej also spoke to reporters who were covering the campaign. FOP Lodge 7 represents over 11,000 Chicago police officers. The battle for leadership of the city’s police union was of interest to the public, as shown by stories about the election in the Chicago Sun-Times and elsewhere.
Stung by these attacks, Donahue and his team members acted to expel Hallinan and Harej as soon as the election was over. As noted above, Lodge officers filed charges at the meeting of 19 April, 2005. Then in June 2005, even before there was a hearing, the Lodge suspended both Hallinan and Harej from membership and refused to let them attend meetings. In July 2005 the Lodge held hearings on the charges. Donahue appointed his teammates to the committee that would decide on the charges. All the panel members were involved in the criticism and campaign attacks for which Hallinan and Harej were being tried. Shawn and Wayne protested that they were being tried by their political opponents, but nevertheless the union went forward with the hearings. On 06 September, 2005, the committee recommended to Donahue and the Board of Directors that the two men be expelled. The Board then voted to expel Hallinan and Harej. The decision was not unanimous, as some of Hallinan's IOU team members had been elected to the Board.
In addition to filing charges with the Board, both Hallinan and Harej appealed the Lodge’s actions to the State Lodge. On 02 December, 2005, the State Lodge held a hearing on the appeal. The State committee recommended that the appeal be denied but gave no reason for its decision.
JUST THE FACTS, MAAM
Since 05 July, 1994, Shawn Hallinan has been a police officer of the City of Chicago. He was a member in good standing of FOP Lodge 7 until he was suspended from FOP Lodge 7 in June 2005. He was expelled from FOP Lodge 7 on 06 September, 2005. Wayne Harej became a police officer on 26 July, 1971. He was a member in good standing of FOP Lodge 7 until he was also suspended in June 2005 and expelled on 06 September, 2005.
Hallinan was one of the leaders of The IOU Team, a rank and file team in opposition to FOP Lodge 7 President Mark Donahue and his group, The City Wide Team. On 25 March, 2005, FOP Lodge 7 held elections for union officers. Hallinan formed The IOU Team of 20 candidates to oppose Donahue and The City Wide Team. Hallinan ran against Donahue for FOP Lodge 7 president. Harej ran for financial secretary. On 25 March, 2005, The IOU Team generally lost to The City Wide Team, but won seven positions on the Board of Directors. Hallinan himself received 43 percent of the vote for president. Harej received 41 percent of the vote for financial secretary.
Donahue and his fellow City Wide teammates then proceeded immediately to expel Hallinan and Harej from the Lodge. On 19 April, 2005, at the first Lodge meeting after the election, Hallinan and Harej were served with charges accusing both men of improper criticism of their election opponents and discussing such matters in public with the media and going outside the Lodge and bringing the Lodge into disrepute.
These charges referred to a major campaign issue, namely, an accusation that Donahue had grossly underreported his union salary on a report that the Lodge was required to file with the Illinois Attorney General. Under Illinois law the Lodge is required as a charitable organization to file a form G 990 with the Illinois Attorney General and report the salaries of the organization’s officers. The Lodge reported Donahue’s salary as being only $53,000 a year when Donahue was actually earning a total salary of $138,000 as lodge president. In December 2004, prior to the March 2005, election, Harej filed a complaint with the Lodge that Donahue had under reported his income to the Attorney General. When the Lodge ignored the complaint, Harej reported the discrepancy to the Attorney General, who then began an investigation. Under pressure, the Lodge had to file not one, but two, corrected returns. The first corrected return continued to under-report Donahue’s salary at $68,000. The final corrected return acknowledged that his salary was $138,000 as Hallinan and Harej contended.
The return was corrected under pressure. The undisputed under reporting of income became a major campaign issue. Hallinan and Harej went to roll calls to discuss this and other issues, including Donahue’s handling of the collective bargaining agreement. Hallinan and Harej also spoke to reporters who were covering the campaign. FOP Lodge 7 represents over 11,000 Chicago police officers. The battle for leadership of the city’s police union was of interest to the public, as shown by stories about the election in the Chicago Sun-Times and elsewhere.
Stung by these attacks, Donahue and his team members acted to expel Hallinan and Harej as soon as the election was over. As noted above, Lodge officers filed charges at the meeting of 19 April, 2005. Then in June 2005, even before there was a hearing, the Lodge suspended both Hallinan and Harej from membership and refused to let them attend meetings. In July 2005 the Lodge held hearings on the charges. Donahue appointed his teammates to the committee that would decide on the charges. All the panel members were involved in the criticism and campaign attacks for which Hallinan and Harej were being tried. Shawn and Wayne protested that they were being tried by their political opponents, but nevertheless the union went forward with the hearings. On 06 September, 2005, the committee recommended to Donahue and the Board of Directors that the two men be expelled. The Board then voted to expel Hallinan and Harej. The decision was not unanimous, as some of Hallinan's IOU team members had been elected to the Board.
In addition to filing charges with the Board, both Hallinan and Harej appealed the Lodge’s actions to the State Lodge. On 02 December, 2005, the State Lodge held a hearing on the appeal. The State committee recommended that the appeal be denied but gave no reason for its decision.
FOP General Business Meeting 16 Jan 07
This is just an overview of the meeting:
It started out with a prayer for those members whom have died since the last meeting by name and we had a moment of silence in their honor, then The Pledge of Allegiance, and the winners of the scholarship checks. Then the officer’s reports:
Down in Springfield we will most likely make Pension portability our number one priority, along with compounding of the COLA increases, residency and retiree health care (see the list of $4.00 per 30 day supply of drugs from Wal-Mart on another post at this blog). There is a legislative committee meeting on the 25 of this month (Jan) to go over our priorities and which legislators to approach on our concerns.
There will be a National Day at the hill in Washington D.C. on the 13,14, and 15 of Feb to address our National concerns which include the Social Security reform bill, collective bargaining nationwide and also a discipline bill.
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) invited Mark and Ted Street (State Lodge President) to join in Obama’s teleconference in which he announced the formation of an exploratory group prior to an announcement of a presidential run. Obama is reaching out early to the law enforcement community as he has done in the past when running for office. (ed note: Obama was the sponsor of the law which requires us to fill out those traffic stop cards and he purchased his current home at a savings of 300 grand with the help of indicted political fund raiser Tony Rezko)
The political action committee will be meeting Thursday and Friday to hear candidates request for endorsements in the upcoming aldermanic and mayoral election in Chicago, members may come to the lodge and watch but are not allowed to ask questions or make comments. Sixty candidates have requested our endorsement.
The board has selected our contract negotiating team and the list can be viewed on the Lodge website. The first meeting will be on 07 Feb 07 to go over the 85 pages of proposals from the membership which have been submitted over the past year and a half and to talk with the lawyers who will be assisting the team. The Lodge plans on being ready on 01 Apr 07, the first day we can begin negotiations with the City.
In answers to questions: Sgt test results should be out soon, due to the swearing in of the last class of sgt’s at the academy. The lodge is attempting to get 80% pension at 29 years and a day down at Springfield or to get the same as the State Troopers have which is 80% at 26 years and 8 months.
Officer Kevin Betovic 017th District asked why the finance department is not adhering to the law and paying officers and or not taking their time from them for training under 5 ILCS 325 The Military Leave Act which was passed in 2004. Officer Betovic believes that not enough is been done to let the membership know about this benefit and that the Lodge hasn’t done enough to get his time and money back to him.
The Department has informed the Lodge that 005th District is 10 officers short and that it was taking 10 officers from the 002nd District to cover that shortfall. Officers are detailed out of district for 90 days by reverse seniority, but no officers with 1st or 2nd period furlos were used.
The Lodge contacted the State OHSA to inspect the 025th District building. Numerous sightings were issued to the City, which has 15 days to respond to the issues or correct them in 30 days or start paying fines. Other police buildings will be inspected in the near future for other health code violations. This is being thru the State instead of by grievance as the State can fine the City for its inaction on this serious health matter.
FYI: 16 and 17 of May are the dates for the next firearms safety day at the Lodge, watch the website for more info. Tara overtime is on hold till April. If you use anything (crutches, cane etc) to help you walk for an injury, you do not have to report to the medical section. Both the Lodge and City have motions for summary judgment in for our case against the City for taking time due.
Officer John Tierney 016 Dist asked how much money was the Lodge paying for lawyers in two cases, one against Wayne Harje and Shawn Hallinan and the other in defense of a wrongful firing of a staff lawyer. Mark stated that it was inapproiet to comment as both cases are in court. I made a motion to withdraw our case against Wayne and Shawn but was ruled out of order and I withdrew my motion.
It started out with a prayer for those members whom have died since the last meeting by name and we had a moment of silence in their honor, then The Pledge of Allegiance, and the winners of the scholarship checks. Then the officer’s reports:
Down in Springfield we will most likely make Pension portability our number one priority, along with compounding of the COLA increases, residency and retiree health care (see the list of $4.00 per 30 day supply of drugs from Wal-Mart on another post at this blog). There is a legislative committee meeting on the 25 of this month (Jan) to go over our priorities and which legislators to approach on our concerns.
There will be a National Day at the hill in Washington D.C. on the 13,14, and 15 of Feb to address our National concerns which include the Social Security reform bill, collective bargaining nationwide and also a discipline bill.
Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) invited Mark and Ted Street (State Lodge President) to join in Obama’s teleconference in which he announced the formation of an exploratory group prior to an announcement of a presidential run. Obama is reaching out early to the law enforcement community as he has done in the past when running for office. (ed note: Obama was the sponsor of the law which requires us to fill out those traffic stop cards and he purchased his current home at a savings of 300 grand with the help of indicted political fund raiser Tony Rezko)
The political action committee will be meeting Thursday and Friday to hear candidates request for endorsements in the upcoming aldermanic and mayoral election in Chicago, members may come to the lodge and watch but are not allowed to ask questions or make comments. Sixty candidates have requested our endorsement.
The board has selected our contract negotiating team and the list can be viewed on the Lodge website. The first meeting will be on 07 Feb 07 to go over the 85 pages of proposals from the membership which have been submitted over the past year and a half and to talk with the lawyers who will be assisting the team. The Lodge plans on being ready on 01 Apr 07, the first day we can begin negotiations with the City.
In answers to questions: Sgt test results should be out soon, due to the swearing in of the last class of sgt’s at the academy. The lodge is attempting to get 80% pension at 29 years and a day down at Springfield or to get the same as the State Troopers have which is 80% at 26 years and 8 months.
Officer Kevin Betovic 017th District asked why the finance department is not adhering to the law and paying officers and or not taking their time from them for training under 5 ILCS 325 The Military Leave Act which was passed in 2004. Officer Betovic believes that not enough is been done to let the membership know about this benefit and that the Lodge hasn’t done enough to get his time and money back to him.
The Department has informed the Lodge that 005th District is 10 officers short and that it was taking 10 officers from the 002nd District to cover that shortfall. Officers are detailed out of district for 90 days by reverse seniority, but no officers with 1st or 2nd period furlos were used.
The Lodge contacted the State OHSA to inspect the 025th District building. Numerous sightings were issued to the City, which has 15 days to respond to the issues or correct them in 30 days or start paying fines. Other police buildings will be inspected in the near future for other health code violations. This is being thru the State instead of by grievance as the State can fine the City for its inaction on this serious health matter.
FYI: 16 and 17 of May are the dates for the next firearms safety day at the Lodge, watch the website for more info. Tara overtime is on hold till April. If you use anything (crutches, cane etc) to help you walk for an injury, you do not have to report to the medical section. Both the Lodge and City have motions for summary judgment in for our case against the City for taking time due.
Officer John Tierney 016 Dist asked how much money was the Lodge paying for lawyers in two cases, one against Wayne Harje and Shawn Hallinan and the other in defense of a wrongful firing of a staff lawyer. Mark stated that it was inapproiet to comment as both cases are in court. I made a motion to withdraw our case against Wayne and Shawn but was ruled out of order and I withdrew my motion.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
This is a partial list, more drug names will be added
This is a partial list of the drugs that you can get a 30 day supply for 4 dollars from Wal-Mart. This list is not complete and I will add more names as I'm able too. One can get these drugs with a prescription. You don't need to have any drug insurance to get a 30 day supply for 4 dollars, the 4 dollars is the total price that Wal-Mart charges for these drugs.
Therapeutic Category
Allergy:
LORATADINE 10MG TAB
LORATADINE 5MG/5ML SYP
Therapeutic Category
Analgesics:
ANTIPY/BENZO OTIC SOL
BACLOFEN 1OMG TAB
CYCLOBENZAPR 10MG TAB
CYCLOBENZAPR 5MG TAB
TRAMADOL HCL 50MG TAB
Therapeutic Category
Anti Anxiety:
BUSPIRONE 5MG
Therapeutic Category
Anti Inflammatory:
BETAMETH DIP 0.05% CRE 15
BETAMETH DIP 0.05% CRE 45
BETAMETH VAL 0.1% CRE45
BETAMETH VAL O.1% OIN 15
BETAMETH VAL 0.1% OIN 45
DEXAMETHASON 0.5MG TAB
DEXAMETHASON 0.75MG TAB
DEXAMETHASON 4MG TAB
DICLOFENAC 75MG DR TAB
FLUOCIN ACET O.01% SOL
FLUOCINONIDE O.05% CRE 15
FLUOCINONIDE 0.05% CRE 30
HYDR000RT 1% CRE
HYDROCORTISONE 2.5% CRM
IBUPROFEN 100/5ML SUS
IBUPROFEN 400MG TAB
IBUPROFEN 600MG TAB
IBUPROFEN 800MG TAB
INDOMETHACIN 25MG CAP
MELOXICAM 15MG
MELOXICAM 7.5 MG
METHYLPRED 4MG PAK
METI-1YLPRED 4MG TAB
NAPROXEN 375MG TAB
NAPROXEN 500MG TAB
PIROXICAM 20MG CAP
PREDNISONE 10MG TAB
PREDNISONE 2.5MG TAB
PREDNISONE 20MG TAB
PREDNISONE 5MG TAB
PREDNISONE 5MG 6 DAY PAK
SALSALATE 500MG TAB
TRIAMCINOLON 0.025% CRE 15
TRIAMCINOLON 0.025% CRE 80
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% CRE 15
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% CRE 80
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% OIN 15
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% OIN 80
TRIAMCINOLON 0.5% CRE
Therapeutic Category
Antibiotic:
AMOXICILLIN 500MG CAP
AMOXIL 5OMGIML DRO
BACITRACINOP OIN
CEPHALEXIN 250MG CAP
CEPHALEXIN 500MG CAP
CIPROFLOXACN 500MG TAB
DOXYCYCL HYC 100MG CAP
DOXYCYCL HYC 100MG TAB
DOXYCYCL HYC 50MG CAP
ERYTHROCIN 250MG TAB
ERYTHROMYCIN 2% SOL
ERYTHROMYCIN OP OIN
ERYTHROMYCIN25OMG ECCAP
GENTAMICIN 0.1% CRE
GENTAMICIN 0.1% OIN
GENTAMICIN 0.3% OP SOL
IONIAZID 300MG TAB
METRONIDAZOL 250MG TAB
METRONIDAZOL 500MG TAB
NEO/POLY/DEX 0.1% OPOIN
NEO/POLY/DEX 0.1% OPSUS
PENICILLN VK 125/5MLSOL
PENICILLN VK 250/5MLSOL
PENICILLN VK 250MG TAB
SELENIUM SUL2.5% LOT
SMZ/TMP DS 800160 TAB
SMZTMP 20040/5 SUS
SMZTMP 40080MG TAB
SULFACET SOD 10% OP SOL
TETRACYCLINE 250MG CAP
TETRACYCLINE 500MG CAP
TOBRAMYCIN 0.3% OP SOL
CIPROFLOXACN 250MG TAB
POLYMIXIN SULF/TMP SOL
Therapeutic Category
Antidepressant:
AMITRIPTYLIN 100MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 10MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 25MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 50MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 75MG TAB
CITALOPRAM 70MG TAB
CITALOPRAM 40MG TAB
DOXEPIN HCL 100MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 10MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 25MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 50MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 75MG CAP
Therapeutic Category
Antifungal:
FLUOXETINE 10MG CAP
FLUOXETINE 20MG CAP
FLUOXETINE 40MG CAP
NORTRIPTYLIN 10MG CAP
NORTRIPTYLIN 25MG CAP
PAROXETINE 10MG TAB
PAROXETINE 20MG TAB
TRAZODONE 100MG TAB
TRAZODONE 150MG TAB
TRAZODONE 50MG TAB
FLUCONAZOLE 150MG TAB
NYSTAT/TRIAM CRE 15
NYSTAT/TRIAM CRE 30
NYSTAT/TRIAM OIN 15
NYSTATIN 100000U CRE 15
NYSTATIN 100000U CRE 30
NYSTATIN 1 00000U OIN 15
NYSTATIN 100000U OIN 30
Therapeutic Category
Antipsychotic:
FLUPHENAZINE 1MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 0.5MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 1 MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 2MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 5MG TAB
LITHIUM CARB 300MG CAP
PROCHLORPER 10MG TAB
THIORIDAZINE 25MG TAB
THIORIDAZINE 50MG TAB
THIOTHIXENE 2MG CAP
Therapeutic Category
Antiviral:
ACYCLOVIR 200MG CAP
Therapeutic Category
Anxiety:
HYDROXYZ HCL 1OMG/5ML SYP
Therapeutic Category
Asthma:
ALBUTEROL 0.5% NEB
ALBUTEROL 2MG TAB
ALBUTEROL 2MG/5ML SYP
ALBUTEROL 4MG TAB
Therapeutic Category
Cardiac:
AMILOR/HCTZ 550 TAB
ATENOL/CHLOR 5O25MGTAB
ATENOL/CHLOR100-25MGTAB
ATENOLOL IOOMG TAB
ATENOLOL 25MG TAB
ATENOLOL 5OMG TAB
Therapeutic Category
Allergy:
LORATADINE 10MG TAB
LORATADINE 5MG/5ML SYP
Therapeutic Category
Analgesics:
ANTIPY/BENZO OTIC SOL
BACLOFEN 1OMG TAB
CYCLOBENZAPR 10MG TAB
CYCLOBENZAPR 5MG TAB
TRAMADOL HCL 50MG TAB
Therapeutic Category
Anti Anxiety:
BUSPIRONE 5MG
Therapeutic Category
Anti Inflammatory:
BETAMETH DIP 0.05% CRE 15
BETAMETH DIP 0.05% CRE 45
BETAMETH VAL 0.1% CRE45
BETAMETH VAL O.1% OIN 15
BETAMETH VAL 0.1% OIN 45
DEXAMETHASON 0.5MG TAB
DEXAMETHASON 0.75MG TAB
DEXAMETHASON 4MG TAB
DICLOFENAC 75MG DR TAB
FLUOCIN ACET O.01% SOL
FLUOCINONIDE O.05% CRE 15
FLUOCINONIDE 0.05% CRE 30
HYDR000RT 1% CRE
HYDROCORTISONE 2.5% CRM
IBUPROFEN 100/5ML SUS
IBUPROFEN 400MG TAB
IBUPROFEN 600MG TAB
IBUPROFEN 800MG TAB
INDOMETHACIN 25MG CAP
MELOXICAM 15MG
MELOXICAM 7.5 MG
METHYLPRED 4MG PAK
METI-1YLPRED 4MG TAB
NAPROXEN 375MG TAB
NAPROXEN 500MG TAB
PIROXICAM 20MG CAP
PREDNISONE 10MG TAB
PREDNISONE 2.5MG TAB
PREDNISONE 20MG TAB
PREDNISONE 5MG TAB
PREDNISONE 5MG 6 DAY PAK
SALSALATE 500MG TAB
TRIAMCINOLON 0.025% CRE 15
TRIAMCINOLON 0.025% CRE 80
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% CRE 15
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% CRE 80
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% OIN 15
TRIAMCINOLON 0.1% OIN 80
TRIAMCINOLON 0.5% CRE
Therapeutic Category
Antibiotic:
AMOXICILLIN 500MG CAP
AMOXIL 5OMGIML DRO
BACITRACINOP OIN
CEPHALEXIN 250MG CAP
CEPHALEXIN 500MG CAP
CIPROFLOXACN 500MG TAB
DOXYCYCL HYC 100MG CAP
DOXYCYCL HYC 100MG TAB
DOXYCYCL HYC 50MG CAP
ERYTHROCIN 250MG TAB
ERYTHROMYCIN 2% SOL
ERYTHROMYCIN OP OIN
ERYTHROMYCIN25OMG ECCAP
GENTAMICIN 0.1% CRE
GENTAMICIN 0.1% OIN
GENTAMICIN 0.3% OP SOL
IONIAZID 300MG TAB
METRONIDAZOL 250MG TAB
METRONIDAZOL 500MG TAB
NEO/POLY/DEX 0.1% OPOIN
NEO/POLY/DEX 0.1% OPSUS
PENICILLN VK 125/5MLSOL
PENICILLN VK 250/5MLSOL
PENICILLN VK 250MG TAB
SELENIUM SUL2.5% LOT
SMZ/TMP DS 800160 TAB
SMZTMP 20040/5 SUS
SMZTMP 40080MG TAB
SULFACET SOD 10% OP SOL
TETRACYCLINE 250MG CAP
TETRACYCLINE 500MG CAP
TOBRAMYCIN 0.3% OP SOL
CIPROFLOXACN 250MG TAB
POLYMIXIN SULF/TMP SOL
Therapeutic Category
Antidepressant:
AMITRIPTYLIN 100MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 10MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 25MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 50MG TAB
AMITRIPTYLIN 75MG TAB
CITALOPRAM 70MG TAB
CITALOPRAM 40MG TAB
DOXEPIN HCL 100MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 10MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 25MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 50MG CAP
DOXEPIN HCL 75MG CAP
Therapeutic Category
Antifungal:
FLUOXETINE 10MG CAP
FLUOXETINE 20MG CAP
FLUOXETINE 40MG CAP
NORTRIPTYLIN 10MG CAP
NORTRIPTYLIN 25MG CAP
PAROXETINE 10MG TAB
PAROXETINE 20MG TAB
TRAZODONE 100MG TAB
TRAZODONE 150MG TAB
TRAZODONE 50MG TAB
FLUCONAZOLE 150MG TAB
NYSTAT/TRIAM CRE 15
NYSTAT/TRIAM CRE 30
NYSTAT/TRIAM OIN 15
NYSTATIN 100000U CRE 15
NYSTATIN 100000U CRE 30
NYSTATIN 1 00000U OIN 15
NYSTATIN 100000U OIN 30
Therapeutic Category
Antipsychotic:
FLUPHENAZINE 1MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 0.5MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 1 MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 2MG TAB
HALOPERIDOL 5MG TAB
LITHIUM CARB 300MG CAP
PROCHLORPER 10MG TAB
THIORIDAZINE 25MG TAB
THIORIDAZINE 50MG TAB
THIOTHIXENE 2MG CAP
Therapeutic Category
Antiviral:
ACYCLOVIR 200MG CAP
Therapeutic Category
Anxiety:
HYDROXYZ HCL 1OMG/5ML SYP
Therapeutic Category
Asthma:
ALBUTEROL 0.5% NEB
ALBUTEROL 2MG TAB
ALBUTEROL 2MG/5ML SYP
ALBUTEROL 4MG TAB
Therapeutic Category
Cardiac:
AMILOR/HCTZ 550 TAB
ATENOL/CHLOR 5O25MGTAB
ATENOL/CHLOR100-25MGTAB
ATENOLOL IOOMG TAB
ATENOLOL 25MG TAB
ATENOLOL 5OMG TAB
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