Dear William, Daniel, Catherine, (and Michael & Baby Girl Y) (and your parents), (and any future descendants and their parents),
Six Baltimore Police Officers indicted for the murder of Mr. Freddie Gray
Well, things have quieted down in Baltimore. The six Police Officers involved in the incident that led to the death of Mr. Freddie Gray have been indicted and have been charged for a variety of offences, including murder. As it turned out, they had NO basis for stopping Mr. Gray, and had no right to arrest him (in police/legal speak — they did not have “probable cause”). Of course, they are entitled to a fair trial, and until the charges are proven beyond a reasonable doubt, they are presumed to be innocent. Nevertheless, the fact that they were arrested, and charged, have restored the public’s confidence in the judicial system. [For the back-story, see HERE and HERE and HERE.]
Kentucky Derby
Today is the Kentucky Derby, a horse-race held annually in Louisville, Kentucky (on the first Saturday in May).
Bourbon Mint Julep
Yesterday, in anticipation of the horse-race, I had my first Mint Julep. Apparently, Mint Julep is THE drink to have during the race.
The Mint Julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint.
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Powdered sugar, 2 oz. Bourbon whiskey, 2 teaspoons Water, 4 Mint leaves
Preparation: In a highball glass gently muddle the mint, sugar and water. Fill the glass with cracked ice, add Bourbon and stir well until the glass is well frosted. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Served: On the rocks; poured over ice
Standard garnish: Mint sprig
Drinkware: Highball glass
Now, just because I told you about the Mint Julep, it does NOT mean you are allowed to drink one (until you reach the age when you may legally drink one). I give you knowledge because I want you to be well educated individuals; BUT, I also want you to be RESPONSIBLE individuals. So, once you are “of age,” assuming it is possible, let’s get together and have a drink together.
Pacquiao vs. Mayweather
The other BIG sports event today is the Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao welterweight division boxing match in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Many believe that Floyd Mayweather will win this fight. I, however, have great difficulty cheering for him because of his domestic violence record.
According to Wikipedia:
In 2004 Mayweather was given a one-year suspended jail sentence, ordered to undergo counseling for “impulse control” and pay a $1,000 fine (or perform 100 hours of community service) after being convicted of two counts of misdemeanor battery against two women.
In 2005 Mayweather pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge after hitting and kicking a bouncer, receiving a 90-day suspended jail sentence.
On September 9, 2010, it was reported that Mayweather was being sought by police for questioning after his former girlfriend, Josie Harris, filed a domestic battery report against him. Harris accused Mayweather of battery in the past, but those charges were dropped in July 2005 after Harris testified that she had lied and that Mayweather had not battered her.
Mayweather was taken into custody September 10, 2010, but was released after posting $3,000 bail. Mayweather was initially charged with felony theft (stemming from the disappearance of Harris’s mobile phone); on September 16 two felony coercion charges, one felony robbery charge, one misdemeanor domestic-battery charge and three misdemeanor harassment charges were added.
On December 21, 2011, a judge sentenced Mayweather to serve 90 days in the county jail for battery upon Harris in September 2010. Mayweather reached a deal with prosecutors in which he pled guilty to misdemeanor battery in exchange for prosecutors dropping the felony battery charge. Mayweather also pled no contest to two counts of misdemeanor harassment, stemming from threats to his children. In addition to the 90-day sentence Mayweather was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service, a 12-month domestic-violence program and to pay a fine of $2,500. On June 1 Mayweather began serving his county jail sentence, and was released in August 2012.
As an attorney, I have dealt with domestic violence problems many times; representing both victims of domestic violence and individuals accused of committing domestic violence.
Domestic violence destroys lives. It is often caused by uncontrolled anger and passion; but more often by perverted controlling behavior.
If you are ever a victim of domestic violence, get help immediately. It is NOT your fault, and you must protect yourself from further harm. And, if you are responsible for others, protect them as well by getting out of a bad situation.
On the other hand, if you find yourself loosing control, getting so angry that you are afraid you may hurt someone, GET OUT. Go and get help, calm down, talk to someone not involved in the situation. Do NOT resort to violence. Do NOT hit anyone; do NOT throw things; do NOT break things; do NOT yell.
If you ever need to talk about this, no matter when, or where, no matter how late or how early, if you want to, call me; and there is Babcia Krysia — I highly recommend talking to her; she is a very good listener, and usually gives very good advice; and do not forget, you have your parents; your siblings; your cousins, and the rest of your family, all who love you, and will listen to you; and if you need professional help (a counselor, a social worker, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a minister, a priest, etc.), the sooner you get help, the sooner you will feel better.
Love,
Dziadziuś Paweł.
