sassy wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:31 AM:Mr. Boos I always enjoy your letters and agree with your opinions. You make excellent points.

Bryans Anger Displacement wrote on Nov 21, 2008 4:41 AM:Bryan, you are correct there are many reasons to feel like something or someone is getting benefit while your dollars slip away from either IRA devaluation or misguided public policy. While illigal immigrants cost us money in the form of free medical care and public education I prefer to focus on big, fat cat hedge funds that short sell. They were given a green light by the SEC beginning July of 2008 when an underappreciated 'uptick' rule was removed and big hedgefunds could short sell without worry. Thus, they trashed our retirement and made billions for themselves. This rule had been in place since 1938 but a few lunches between hedgefund managers and SEC employees got it removed. This attack on middle class America continues everyday now. This certainly is the 'bigger fish to fry'.

Ridiculous Bryan wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:37 AM:What on earth are you babbling about? Homes are not being abandoned by illegal immigrants!! Do some research, man. It is true some banks opened bank accounts for illegal immigrants but no home loans were given to them. As far as free education and Medical expenses that is not true either ONLY American citizens are eligible for Medical and ALL people have the right to an education. I knew it wouldn't take lon before one of you would blame this recession on the illegals. So far they are blamed for everything from diarrhea to Global Warming!!! Your accusations are ridiculous and unfounded but what else can we expect from your ilk.

Temec Resident wrote on Nov 21, 2008 10:16 AM:I agree with all three letters today, all with diverse comments as to the injustices facing our daily lives. In regards to the police, I have witnessed their Us vs. Them mentality toward the good citizens of this town. Complaints are ignored and labeled 'sour grapes'. A recent case where the Citizen of the Year did not open the door to a deputy who was pounding on it is currently under review in the DA's ofc. This older gentleman is losing his life's savings in atty fees trying to defend himself. We are facing a time where we have to stand up against those in authority who want to take advantage of us - through revenue producing tickets and fines, through taxes to support illegal immigration programs, through bailouts for irresponsible, poorly run companies and through changes in our right to vote for what we believe in. We all must continue to speak out and question authority or the steamrolling will only get worse.

To Temec Resident wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:27 PM:Believe the CEO's of those Wall Street companies that were bailed out are the cheaters we need to watch. The illegal immigrants are pawns in this political game. Truly you all know under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution even the illegal immigrants have rights, you do know that don't you?

to Ridiculous Bryan wrote on Nov 21, 2008 1:42 PM:Good post. The only thing I'm surprised about is that no one has claimed the votes of "illegals" won the Presidency for Obama!

Illegal Activities wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:22 PM:Honestly I am surprised about that also. I heard the Minutemen were staked out and on the lookout at the polls to make sure those darn illegals didn't go there and cast an illegal vote. I guess they were going to find out who was illegal by hum, lets see, hum, the color of their skin? Perhaps they were going to dawn their border patrol hats and ask for papers from the brown people. Don't know but I guess they made sure the election went off without a hitch. ...

Dont speed no ticket wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:23 PM:Mr. Bradshaw,

Maybe you should obey the speed limits and you wouldn't have received a ticket. It sounds like you are trying to discredit our Police Department because you got stung with a ticket. It's called being held accountable for your actions. maybe you should have slowed down a bit....time to acept responsibility and stop trying to shift blame for your poor decision.

Lets be clear wrote on Nov 21, 2008 6:05 PM:Illegal immigrants should have NO rights. I'm not saying that they should not be treated as human beings or that I would not be doing the same if I were in there shoes. The fact remains that they have entered our country illegally and therefore they are criminals. That CANNOT be disputed. Our government has failed by not controlling this problem and not we have a "criminal element" that is now a part of our economy. Might I add that they are not as vital to our economy as some may argue. If I have to hear another "Lettuce would be $2 a pound!" argument, I'm gonna puke.

To lets be clear wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:20 PM:Perhaps you were absent for your high school government class but ANY PERSON in the jurisdiction has rights according to the U.S. Constitution. Perhaps you should read the 14th Amendment!!!! Lettace sells as a head not by the pound. Ever race has a criminal element by joe I think even whites commit crimes. What makes me puke are people like yourself who want to change the laws of our land to suit your own purposes. The illegal immigrants have the right to life, liberty, property and equal protection under the law, like it or not those are the facts.

Correction to my earlier anger displacement wrote on Nov 21, 2008 8:13 PM:The uptick rule was actually removed in July of 2007. Mr. Cox at the SEC removed it so his hedgefund buddies could start making billions rather than millions of dollars. But, I think Bryan should know that they aren't short selling a lot of stocks that the illegals own. So, you'll be happy their safe.

Even Clearer wrote on Nov 22, 2008 7:48 AM:Ok, if you want to split hairs on pound vs head, you got me there. But the following excerpt from the 14th amendment does NOT guarantee property. Rights YES, Due Process YES, Held to same standards and laws as everyone else YES. Free ride NO!

"...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."

to bryan boos wrote on Nov 22, 2008 12:26 PM:You should be ashamed of yourself. haven't oyu ever heard, "ask not what your country can do for you, butwhat you can do for your country."?If you expect some kind of handout or think you'e entitled to benefits, then you need to think again. As a U.S. citizen you should always be trying to improve yourself and your country. If all you can do is whine and complain about illegals, then you are not a productive person and do not contribute to our country. Maybe you and your family should immigrate back to Europe.

Temec Resident wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:32 AM:Illegal immigrants are not pawns in this "game" when they cost the State of California 80 million in emergency room costs, welfare and education. They clog our criminal system, have no car insurance and pay no taxes on the wages they earn. If you expect them to have the same rights as US citizens under the 14th amendment then perhaps they should BECOME US citizens and follow the laws of this country.

To Mr Bradshaw wrote on Nov 26, 2008 5:44 PM:What comment did you make to the officer? Or did the officer make some comment to you out of the blue without you saying anything to him? Let's be open about both sides of the story since you want to have people agree with you, it would be beneficial that they would make an informed opinion, rather than one based on your predjudice. I agree with earlier commentor that you are trying to discredit our police force because you received something in return for your own actions.

Interaction with TPD wrote on Nov 28, 2008 12:53 PM:Mr. Bradshaw's comment that the officer said he 'had no right to express himself if it included sarcasm' apparently only works one way. My story: I had dropped my child off at school and noticed the 'inflate tire' light on. I pulled into the dirt shoulder, got out and saw that my tire was low but not flat, got back in and safely merged into traffic. Out of nowhere, I was redlighted by a motorcyle cop who ticketed me for 'illegal shoulder passing'. I told him I stopped to check my tire and he rudely replied, "I don't care, tell it to the judge" and gave me a ticket. Later that day, I fixed the tire, attached the receipt along with my fine of $203 and months later, my infraction was waved and my check returned. If the officer had listenend to me, or at least shown me some courtesy, we would not have wasted the courts time and could have settled it in an honest professional manner.

Your Interaction wrote on Nov 29, 2008 8:17 AM:I highly doubt the officer simply treated you in an unprofessional manner. If you got a response an officer that way, you probably said something to provoke it. Mr. Bradshaw claims that law enforcment officers are required to be verbally abused and have no right to defend themselves because they are "public servants". Not so true as you've probably figured out. If you think you were so unjustly spoken to by the officer you should have contacted his supervisor. Then the recording would be played and you would be made to look foolish.

to Your Interaction wrote on Nov 29, 2008 9:04 AM:A lot of people like me are intimiated when they're pulled over and do not provoke an officer in any way. I tried to show him my tire light but he would not interact with me, only to ask for my ID, etc. and 'tell it to the judge.' I would not exacerbate the situation by contacting his supervisor. Is that your solution? More waste of time and resources? How about 'customer service' training given to officers? I believe Mr. Bradshaw did contact a supervisor, only he blew him off, too. Mr. Bradshaw's letter was trying to shine light on those officers who treat the public in a rude, condescending manner. If that not does apply to you, then great but it does not mean that sarcasm and unprofessionalism does not exist.

Amanda wrote on Nov 29, 2008 11:14 AM:Let's keep in mind that police officers, in addition to serving the public, are human beings. When an officer spends the entire day enforcing traffic laws (thus keeping the streets safer for OBEDIENT drivers), he/she spends the entire day hearing cruel, sarcastic, mindless quips from uninformed citizens with snobby senses of entitlement who flip out when the officer is not a passive "servant." You're writing the newspaper and your letters are being published - the 1st Amendment in action! Congratulations!

Really wrote on Nov 29, 2008 11:20 AM:To "interaction": Do you really think that Mr. Bradshaw expressed his feelings to the supervisor and he was blown off? Or do you think that Mr. Bradshaw didn't get the response he wanted because his complaint was unfounded? You obviously missed my comment about a recording. I'll make it in bold: THE OFFICER'S CONTACTS ARE RECORDED AND WHEN A COMPLAINT COMES IN, THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE COMPLAINER TO MAKE THEIR OUTRAGEOUS STATEMENT, THEN THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE OFFCIER TO PLAY THE RECORDING THAT SHUTS THE CASE. I think what you are responding to in this situation is the fact that Bradshaw is giving a one-sided story that is still being investigated by higher-ups to further disprove his claims.

Interaction wrote on Nov 29, 2008 12:49 PM:I had to re read Bradshaw's letter that he did take it to a sergeant who said he "had no right to express himself if it included sarcasm." Sounds like he was blown off to me, not taken seriously. A complaint may be "unfounded" but that doesn't mean it didn't exist, just that it wasn't worth the time to pursue it. So Bradshaw writes a letter to the editor instead and all you people argue with him and question his credibility.

But here's letter-worthy material: Maybe the RivCo Sheriff Budget it too high or the expectations of their officers too low if they feel the need to RECORD every interaction with the public. What a waste of resources!

to Amanda wrote on Nov 29, 2008 12:56 PM:You sound a bit entitled yourself, calling the public cruel, mindless and snobby. If that's your attitude as an officer, you must be getting back what you give out. If you treat the public with courtesy and decency then maybe these letters wouldn't keep showing up. Nobody expects an officer to be a passive servant. I think most people are respectful. It's when we feel we are being punished around by a uniform that we question it, as we have every right to do.

Amanda wrote on Nov 29, 2008 3:40 PM:The public being cruel, mindless, and snobby was MY opinion and NOT the officer. If you treat traffic laws in the city with courtesy and decency you wouldn't have been pulled over in the first place. Even then, I'm sure you would have directed your sense of entitlement elsewhere.

Amanda wrote on Nov 29, 2008 3:42 PM:It is a waste of resources for Sheriff's Deputies to record interactions with the public. It's a shame they have to purchase their own recording equipment and that its not issued to them.