Eight percent of citizen complaints that police officers used too much force turned up enough evidence to justify discipline of an officer, a Justice Department survey of large state and local forces reported Sunday. The survey by department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics found that 26,556 complaints of excessive police force were filed in 2002 with state and local law enforcement agencies that have at least 100 full-time officers. Taken together, police agencies of this size account for 59 percent of the nation’s law enforcement officers but only about 5 percent of law enforcement agencies in the country. You have to keep in mind that in most of the complaints it’s the police who investigate themselves, So you can count on the percentage to be much higher had honest investigations been done on all complaints. It’s kind of like trusting criminals to investigate themselves and finding themselves guilty. Properly about 8% would ... http://www.msnbc.msn.com censor News |
Editor - 17:26:00 06-25-06 |
From New York to San Francisco, a Weekend of Homosexual Pride Parades Weeks After AIDS Anniversary |
Hundreds of thousands of raucous parade-goers took to the streets from New York to San Francisco on Sunday for annual gay pride parades, just weeks after an attack on a popular gay singer in New York and the 25th anniversary of the start of the AIDS epidemic. Outrageous costumes were the norm along the parade routes. In New York, the floats and marchers turned Fifth Avenue into a sea of rainbows. "Everyone else has a chance to express their affection freely, and for one day in New York, you can be free and not feel ashamed or embarrassed," said Roberto Hermosilla of Miami, who was attending his ninth parade. ... http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2117427
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Editor - 17:16:00 06-25-06 |
Coming soon -- mind-reading computers |
A raised eyebrow, quizzical look or a nod of the head are just a few of the facial expressions computers could soon be using to read people's minds. An "emotionally aware" computer being developed by British and American scientists will be able to read an individual's thoughts by analyzing a combination of facial movements that represent underlying feelings. "The system we have developed allows a wide range of mental states to be identified just by pointing a video camera at someone," said Professor Peter Robinson, of the University of Cambridge in England. He and his collaborators believe the mind-reading computer's applications could range from improving people's driving skills to helping companies tailor advertising to people's moods. ... http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2117518
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Editor - 17:12:00 06-25-06 |
Buffett set to disburse $45 billion fortune amongst 5 foundations |
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett announced plans Sunday to give the bulk of his roughly $42 billion fortune to five foundations in annual gifts of stock starting next month. The decision represents a stark reversal for the world's second-richest man, who for years had said his wealth would be pledged to philanthropies after his death. Moreover, his vast holdings of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. stock had been expected to go largely to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, begun by his late wife. Her foundation has given millions of dollars to hospitals, universities and teachers, as well as to Planned Parenthood and other abortion rights groups. Instead the 75-year-old chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway plans to give the largest contribution to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, established by Buffett's friend, and Berkshire board member, Bill Gates. ... http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-06-25-buffett-charity_x.htm?csp=34
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Editor - 14:30:00 06-25-06 |
2 U.S. soldiers charged in Iraq killing |
The U.S. military has charged two soldiers in the February killing of a civilian near Ramadi, the military said Sunday.Spec. Nathan B. Lynn was charged with one count of voluntary manslaughter for allegedly shooting an unarmed man on Feb. 15, the military said.Lynn and Sgt. Milton Ortiz Jr., both of the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry (Mechanized) of the Pennsylvania National Guard, were each charged with one count of obstructing justice for allegedly conspiring with another soldier who allegedly put an AK-47 near the body of the man in an attempt to make it look as though he was an insurgent.... http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2006-06-25-soldiers-charged_x.htm?csp=34
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Editor - 14:28:00 06-25-06 |
Latino leaders press for immigration reform Bipartisan effort includes pledge to walk halls of Congress on July 19 |
Latino elected officials from both parties are joining efforts to lobby Congress in support of immigration law reform.Elected officials from Arizona, California, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Texas were among those who agreed on the campaign Saturday during the annual convention of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, a group of Hispanic leaders from around the country.They promised to walk the halls of Congress on July 19 to press for action that would favor immigrants, such as elements of a Senate bill that would provide the opportunity for some illegal immigrants to gain legal status. The House version focuses on enforcement.... http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13540742/
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Editor - 14:26:00 06-25-06 |
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