VIDEO: Cops get away with murder in the Land of the Free

Kelly Thomas Police Beating 1 150x150 VIDEO: Cops get away with murder in the Land of the Free

January 17, 2014
Sovereign Valley Farm, Chile

I have to give you fair warning, this is truly disgusting.

It’s been over two years since Kelly Thomas, a 37-year old man from Fullerton, California was tased and beaten to death by local police.

Thomas was homeless, schizophrenic, and had a long history of mental illness. He’d also had his share of run-ins with the police.

And on the evening of July 5, 2011, Fullerton police approached Thomas once again, this time on suspicion of vandalism.

According to statements given by the police officers on the scene (and video footage), the conversation went something like this:

Cop: “Now you see my fists?”
Thomas: “Yeah, what about them?”
Cop: “They are getting ready to fuck you up.”

And that’s exactly what happened next. Fists. Beatings. Tasers. Followed by multiple other cops who arrived on the scene to participate.

Bear in mind, Thomas was unarmed and defenseless.

There are a number of videos on the Internet from nearby onlookers who were pleading with the police to stop beating Thomas. He can be heard screaming, totally subdued, facedown, at the hands of a team of Fullerton’s finest.

The most graphic video was captured by a nearby security camera, clearly showing six police officers beating Thomas senselessly. It’s utterly disgusting.

Skip to 17:55 to see it for yourself:

After the beating, it became clear that Thomas was in need of emergency medical attention. He was taken to a local hospital, and amazingly, the police instructed one of the paramedics on the scene to first attend to one of the officers’ minor injuries, instead of Thomas who was lying unconscious in a pool of his own blood.

Thomas never regained consciousness and died five days later. He was literally beaten to death by six police officers.

It took two years, but the issue finally went to trial.

But despite overwhelming evidence of Thomas complying with the officers’ requests, and their savage, excessive, merciless beatings of an unarmed man, all six officers were acquitted earlier this week by a jury of their peers.

They got away with murder.

This is the sort of thing you’d expect in Ukraine, Syria, or Equatorial Guinea. And yet, it happened in the Land of the Free… a.k.a. the United Police States of America.

For almost five years now, Sovereign Man has been discussing these concepts– shining a big spotlight on the destructive forces that free people are up against.

Every day, the police state grows more contemptible. Central bankers print more money and rob the purchasing power of our savings. Politicians increase the debt, pass higher taxes, and create more debilitating regulations. Corruption runs rampant.

The trend is obvious for anyone who is paying attention.

Like the Romans, the French Bourbon monarchy, the Venetians, the Ottomans, etc. who came before, this time is not different. We are not different.

When it’s clear that your country is headed down the tubes, it makes sense to spread your interests around the globe. We routinely discuss this strategy, both in this publication and our premium services.

But news like this really drives the point home.

Yes, it’s certainly beneficial to look abroad in order to protect your assets, broaden your investment opportunities, and safeguard against inflation and capital controls.

But there’s a deep, personal element to this strategy as well.

When cops can beat a man to death and walk away scot free, it certainly begs the question– does it really make sense to risk your family’s safety and security on a place that is rapidly turning into a banana republic?

We can -hope- that things get better. We can wait for all out revolution to spill into the streets. Or we can consider some appropriate options abroad, just in case.

Times have changed. And the latter is a rational, sensible strategy to pursue, especially if you’re living in a country that becomes less free by the day.

If not now, when?

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Steven Greenhut Says Jerry Brown is All Talk on Teacher-Pension Mess

California Gov. Jerry Brown announced his first
budget in 2011, and his plans for reforming the state’s pension
systems were, and remain, mired in liabilities. Pension reform went
nowhere until 2012, and then it was a watered down package. Given
that experience, Steven Greenhut says it’s easy to wonder whether
Gov. Brown is serious about his recent call to fix a pressing
pension issue related to the underfunded California State Teachers’
Retirement System. 

View this article.

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Robert Gates Says UK Military Cuts Could Harm Its Ability To Be "Full Partner"

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates

has said
that cuts to the British military will mean that,
“With the fairly substantial reductions in defence spending in
Great Britain, what we’re finding is that it won’t have full
spectrum capabilities and the ability to be a full partner as they
have been in the past.”

Prime Minister
David Cameron
responded to Gates’ comments saying “We are a
first-class player in terms of defence and as long as I am Prime
Minster that is the way it will stay.”

According to the BBC, the British
government is planning to cut “30,000 armed forces personnel by
2020, leaving 147,000.”

It is worth considering the size of the U.K.’s military given
its size.

The U.K. is smaller than Wyoming and has a population roughly
one fifth that of the U.S. Despite its small size, the U.K. is the
fourth largest
military spender
in the world.

Of course, the British have fought with the U.S. in a number of
military conflicts, most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Given
how those conflicts worked out, perhaps it would be better for the
U.K. not “to be a full partner” with the U.S. in future
conflicts.

The British military will be able to defend the U.K. and its
territories (which is what it should be used for) even if the
planned reductions are accounted for. See graphic on the planned
reductions from the BBC below:

Even with a drop in the number of military personnel planned, it
is worth remembering that the U.K. is one of the world’s few
nuclear powers. The U.K.’s military, even post reductions,
will be more than capable of deterring attack. That is what British
policy makers should be concerned about, not the British military’s
ability to be a “full partner” in future U.S.-led foreign
adventures. 

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Robert Gates Says UK Military Cuts Could Harm Its Ability To Be “Full Partner”

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates

has said
that cuts to the British military will mean that,
“With the fairly substantial reductions in defence spending in
Great Britain, what we’re finding is that it won’t have full
spectrum capabilities and the ability to be a full partner as they
have been in the past.”

Prime Minister
David Cameron
responded to Gates’ comments saying “We are a
first-class player in terms of defence and as long as I am Prime
Minster that is the way it will stay.”

According to the BBC, the British
government is planning to cut “30,000 armed forces personnel by
2020, leaving 147,000.”

It is worth considering the size of the U.K.’s military given
its size.

The U.K. is smaller than Wyoming and has a population roughly
one fifth that of the U.S. Despite its small size, the U.K. is the
fourth largest
military spender
in the world.

Of course, the British have fought with the U.S. in a number of
military conflicts, most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan. Given
how those conflicts worked out, perhaps it would be better for the
U.K. not “to be a full partner” with the U.S. in future
conflicts.

The British military will be able to defend the U.K. and its
territories (which is what it should be used for) even if the
planned reductions are accounted for. See graphic on the planned
reductions from the BBC below:

Even with a drop in the number of military personnel planned, it
is worth remembering that the U.K. is one of the world’s few
nuclear powers. The U.K.’s military, even post reductions,
will be more than capable of deterring attack. That is what British
policy makers should be concerned about, not the British military’s
ability to be a “full partner” in future U.S.-led foreign
adventures. 

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President Obama Explains His NSA "Overhaul" Decisions – Live Feed

The question of just who, what, where, and when the US government spied on and stored metadata about is moot now… thanks to Edward Snowden; but President Obama will be firing on all his teleprompter-based cylinders today as he explains the “changes” to NSA data collection and the likely “punt” deferrals to Congress:

  • HAYDEN SAYS OBAMA MAY ‘PUNT’ SOME QUESTIONS TO CONGRESS ON NSA
     
  • OBAMA SAID TO ORDER END OF SECTION 215 METADATA PROGRAM (as it currently exists)
     
  • NSA SAID TO NO LONGER KEEP BULK PHONE RECORDS UNDER OBAMA PLAN

Calling for an ‘overhaul’ of the NSA (seeking input from Congress and intelligence officials) will, we are sure, appease those who cannot believe the ‘hope-and-change’-monger could have sanctioned such things; but we suspect little will change in reality.

President Obama is due to speak at 11ET…

 

 

Via The Hill,

President Obama will announce on Friday an overhaul of the controversial National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance program that collects the telephone records of American citizens, according to a senior administration official.

 

Speaking at the Justice Department, Obama will say that he is ordering an end to the telephone metadata “as it currently exists, and move to a program that preserves the capabilities we need without the government holding this bulk meta-data,” the official said.

 

 

But the president will not offer a specific proposal outlining who will store the data in the future. A White House advisory panel suggested in recommendations released last month that the records be maintained by telephone companies or a third party. But companies have been resistant to that idea, fearful that it could sour their relationships with customers and prove expensive.

 

Obama will instead announce that he has asked Attorney General Eric Holder and members of the intelligence community to find a way to preserve the capabilities of the program without the government holding the metadata, according to the official.

 

“At the same time, he will consult with the relevant committees in Congress to seek their views,” the official added.

 

 

But its unclear whether the president’s proposal will do much to soothe the concerns of privacy advocates, who argue that maintaining the program in some form would do little to satisfy concerns about snooping.

 

“This shifting of records … would not solve the problem, it would just outsource it and possibly create new ones,” Liza Goitein, co-director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security Program, said.

 

Having the phone companies or third parties hold the data, which can be accessed by the government as it pleases, would allow the government to “essentially launder” its surveillance activities, she said.

 

Advocates said that the president’s proposed course would mean a greater role for Congress in reforming the surveillance programs.

 

“If he does fail to take a stand … it will become Congress’ responsibility,” said Kevin Bankston, policy director at the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute.

 

“If he does punt to Congress, there are many standing ready” to take on surveillance reform, he said, pointing to bills like the USA Freedom Act by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Patriot Act author Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).


    



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President Obama Explains His NSA “Overhaul” Decisions – Live Feed

The question of just who, what, where, and when the US government spied on and stored metadata about is moot now… thanks to Edward Snowden; but President Obama will be firing on all his teleprompter-based cylinders today as he explains the “changes” to NSA data collection and the likely “punt” deferrals to Congress:

  • HAYDEN SAYS OBAMA MAY ‘PUNT’ SOME QUESTIONS TO CONGRESS ON NSA
     
  • OBAMA SAID TO ORDER END OF SECTION 215 METADATA PROGRAM (as it currently exists)
     
  • NSA SAID TO NO LONGER KEEP BULK PHONE RECORDS UNDER OBAMA PLAN

Calling for an ‘overhaul’ of the NSA (seeking input from Congress and intelligence officials) will, we are sure, appease those who cannot believe the ‘hope-and-change’-monger could have sanctioned such things; but we suspect little will change in reality.

President Obama is due to speak at 11ET…

 

 

Via The Hill,

President Obama will announce on Friday an overhaul of the controversial National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance program that collects the telephone records of American citizens, according to a senior administration official.

 

Speaking at the Justice Department, Obama will say that he is ordering an end to the telephone metadata “as it currently exists, and move to a program that preserves the capabilities we need without the government holding this bulk meta-data,” the official said.

 

 

But the president will not offer a specific proposal outlining who will store the data in the future. A White House advisory panel suggested in recommendations released last month that the records be maintained by telephone companies or a third party. But companies have been resistant to that idea, fearful that it could sour their relationships with customers and prove expensive.

 

Obama will instead announce that he has asked Attorney General Eric Holder and members of the intelligence community to find a way to preserve the capabilities of the program without the government holding the metadata, according to the official.

 

“At the same time, he will consult with the relevant committees in Congress to seek their views,” the official added.

 

 

But its unclear whether the president’s proposal will do much to soothe the concerns of privacy advocates, who argue that maintaining the program in some form would do little to satisfy concerns about snooping.

 

“This shifting of records … would not solve the problem, it would just outsource it and possibly create new ones,” Liza Goitein, co-director of the Brennan Center for Justice’s Liberty and National Security Program, said.

 

Having the phone companies or third parties hold the data, which can be accessed by the government as it pleases, would allow the government to “essentially launder” its surveillance activities, she said.

 

Advocates said that the president’s proposed course would mean a greater role for Congress in reforming the surveillance programs.

 

“If he does fail to take a stand … it will become Congress’ responsibility,” said Kevin Bankston, policy director at the New America Foundation’s Open Technology Institute.

 

“If he does punt to Congress, there are many standing ready” to take on surveillance reform, he said, pointing to bills like the USA Freedom Act by Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Patriot Act author Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).


    



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Building a Society of Informers, One App at a Time

Gross story out of Texas about a family who used a police app
called “iwatchharriscounty” to get the cops called on their
neighbors, leading the entire family to be arrested. (One of them
has leukemia. An “illegal weapon” and drugs were found by
cops.)

Worst part, as
reported by KHOU
:

Neighbors claim they watched a constant flow of traffic to the
house and even watched suspicious activity in the wee hours of the
morning.

“There would be a skateboarder that would come down our street,”
said neighbor Carlie Padgett. “He had a bag in his hand and he
would throw it in their yard and pick up a bag and skateboard back
out.”…

Neighbors point to the evidence pulled from the house as their
proof and many stood watching as the entire family was
arrested.

“A lot of cop cars,” recalled Padgett. “The doors were all open
on their cars. You could tell they had been searched heavily and I
was loving it.”

May you walk the straight and narrow all your days, Ms.
Padgett.

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Celebrate National School Choice Week with Reason in DC, Thursday, 1/23!

**RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-school-choice-week-the-future-of-education-tickets-10193042665

For the last few years, National School Choice Week has
brought together thousands of school choice advocates, educators,
parents, and children in celebration of the ways school choice is
helping kids excel.

On Thursday, January 23 starting at 6:00 p.m., Reason will be
celebrating school choice at our Washington, DC headquarters.
Please join us for a reception and panel discussion featuring
Reason’s Director of Education Lisa Snell,
Education Policy Analyst Katie Furtick,
and Reason magazine Managing Editor Katherine
Mangu-Ward
.

  • What: National School Choice Week Reception and Panel
    Discussion
  • When: Thursday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. ET
  • Where: Reason’s DC HQ at 1747 Connecticut Ave. NW

**RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/national-school-choice-week-the-future-of-education-tickets-10193042665

Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Please direct any
questions to Cynthia Bell at cynthia.bell@reason.org.

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German Gold Manipulation Blowback Escalates: Deutsche Bank Exits Gold Price Fixing

Germany’s blowback against gold manipulation is accelerating. Following yesterday’s report that Bafin took a hard line against precious metals manipulation, after its president Eike Koenig said possible manipulation of precious metals “is worse than the Libor-rigging scandal“, today the response has trickled down to Germany and Europe’s largest bank, Deutsche Bank, which announced that it would withdraw from the appropriately named gold and silver price “fixing”, as European regulators investigate suspected manipulation of precious metals prices by banks. As a reminder, Deutsche is one of five banks involved in the twice-daily gold fix for global price setting and said it was quitting the process after withdrawing from the bulk of its commodities business. The scramble away from gold fixing was certainly assisted by the recent first (of many) manipulation expose in the legacy media, when Bloomberg revealed “How Gold Price Is Manipulated During The “London Fix.” And sure enough, with Germany already very sensitive to the topic of its gold repatriation, and specifically why it is taking so long, it was only a matter of time before any German involvement in gold manipulation escalated to the very top.

Reuters has more:

“Deutsche Bank is withdrawing its participation in the gold and silver benchmark setting process following the significant scaling back of our commodities business. We remain fully committed to our precious metals business,” it said in a statement.

 

In mid-December, German banking regulator Bafin demanded documents from Deutsche Bank under an inquiry into suspected manipulation of benchmark gold and silver prices by banks, the Financial Times reported, citing sources.

 

Bafin declined to comment on Friday, but its President Elke Koenig said the previous day that it was understandable that the topic was attracting widespread concern.

 

“These allegations (about currencies and precious metals) are particularly serious, because such reference values are based – unlike LIBOR and Euribor – typically on real transactions in liquid markets and not on estimates of the banks,” she said in a speech

Needless to say, manipulation of the gold market would not be exactly novel to a bank which has also been named in cases related to the sub-prime crisis, credit default swaps, mortgages, tax evasion and a decade-old lawsuit suit brought by the heirs of late media mogul Leo Kirch, who accuse the bank of undermining the business.

Reuters also reports that Deutsche is now actively marketing its gold and silver fixing seats to another LBMA member, however now that the cat is out of the bag on the gold fixing manipulation scheme (the first of many), it is likely that others will seek to follow in Deutsche’s footsteps and seek to put as much distance between themselves and the wood-paneled room once located in the Rothschild office on St. Swithin’s Lane in London.

We wonder which of these five gentlemen is from Deutsche?

So if everyone exits the London fixing market, what happens then?

“It wouldn’t surprise me if the other banks were looking at pulling out as well. Why would they want the aggravation?” said the source, who declined to be named.

 

“The more worrying point is that, if you don’t have the fixing, what do you have? There’s a lot of contractual business done on the gold fix, and if you’ve got no basis for where the price is, someone is going to lose out.

Well considering that the fixing process over the years was manipulation pure and simple, those who will lose out are the… manipulators? it would seem rather logical. And speaking of manipulation, if indeed Germany is so keen on breaking the manipulators’ back, perhaps it can demand that the pace of its gold returns from the NY Fed and Paris accelerates. It may be surprised at what it finds.


    



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