We like to imagine that drug dealers are only found in ghettos, hanging out on street corners peddling to desperate people who live in cardboard boxes on sidewalks or abandoned houses.
So, it might come as a surprise to many that the "drug dealing" problem is more prevalent in those nicely trimmed neighborhoods where countless pill heads line up outside their doctors offices desperately looking for their next fix.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Drug Enforcement Administration is wrapping up a multistate crackdown on prescription drug abuse with raids at pain clinics, pharmacies and other locations in the South, The Associated Press has learned.
The early-morning raids in Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi are the final stage of an operation launched last summer by the DEA's drug diversion unit, a senior DEA official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe details of the ongoing investigation in advance of a public announcement.
Before Wednesday's raids 140 people had been arrested and agents expected to make another 170, the official said. Suspects in the DEA's "Operation Pillution" include doctors and pharmacists, the official said. The crackdown is focused on the illegal sale of painkillers, including the powerful opioids oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Among the facilities targeted Wednesday is a Little Rock, Arkansas, pain clinic not far from the DEA's local field office.
The official said investigators found that the clinic is protected by a security guard and another employee is often stationed outside to direct traffic when patients start showing up around 6:45 each morning.
In Mobile, Alabama, agents are targeting two doctors accused of running multiple pain clinics, the official said.
The official said 24 doctors, pharmacies and others have surrendered their DEA registration numbers as part of the ongoing crackdown. A registration number is required to prescribe certain medications. The agency is moving to revoke prescribing permission in at least 24 other cases, the official said.
People arrested in the ongoing crackdown face a variety of state and federal criminal charges, including distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Prescription drug abuse and overdoses involving opioids have been a growing concern for the DEA and public health officials. According to the Centers for Disease Control about 44 overdose deaths a day involve prescription opioids.
DEA prescription data show that Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana were among the top 11 states for prescribing hydrocodone in 2014.
Law enforcement has also warned that people who become addicted to prescription painkillers often turn to heroin when it becomes too difficult to get a prescription.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
WHY THERE IS NO CURE FOR CANCER
There's just way too much money to made made by keeping it around.
The medical profession(s), big pharma, and charities rake in millions (if not billions) from cancer and cancer related industries.
Let's not kid ourselves. As long as there is a profit to be made from diseases like cancer not finding a cure is a foregone conclusion.
Cancer charities accused of spending $187 million in donations on dating sites, trips to Disney
Federal regulators accused four cancer charities Tuesday of spending more than $187 million in donations not to help patients, but on cars, luxury cruises and trips, jet ski outings, sport and concert tickets, dating site memberships and college tuition for family and friends.
The four sham charities — Cancer Fund of America, Inc., Cancer Support Services Inc., Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Inc. and The Breast Cancer Society Inc. — “operated as personal fiefdoms characterized by rampant nepotism, flagrant conflicts of interest and excessive insider compensation,” according to a federal complaint filed in the District Court of Arizona.
The defendants collectively spent less than 3% of the donated funds on cancer patients, according to the complaint. All 50 states and D.C. joined the Federal Trade Commission in filing the charge — one of the largest charity fraud cases to date, according to the FTC.
“The defendants’ egregious scheme effectively deprived legitimate cancer charities and cancer patients of much-needed funds and support,” Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a release.
The medical profession(s), big pharma, and charities rake in millions (if not billions) from cancer and cancer related industries.
Let's not kid ourselves. As long as there is a profit to be made from diseases like cancer not finding a cure is a foregone conclusion.
Cancer charities accused of spending $187 million in donations on dating sites, trips to Disney
Federal regulators accused four cancer charities Tuesday of spending more than $187 million in donations not to help patients, but on cars, luxury cruises and trips, jet ski outings, sport and concert tickets, dating site memberships and college tuition for family and friends.
The four sham charities — Cancer Fund of America, Inc., Cancer Support Services Inc., Children’s Cancer Fund of America, Inc. and The Breast Cancer Society Inc. — “operated as personal fiefdoms characterized by rampant nepotism, flagrant conflicts of interest and excessive insider compensation,” according to a federal complaint filed in the District Court of Arizona.
The defendants collectively spent less than 3% of the donated funds on cancer patients, according to the complaint. All 50 states and D.C. joined the Federal Trade Commission in filing the charge — one of the largest charity fraud cases to date, according to the FTC.
“The defendants’ egregious scheme effectively deprived legitimate cancer charities and cancer patients of much-needed funds and support,” Jessica Rich, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a release.
WACKOS IN WACO
The state motto of Texas is “Friendship," which was derived from Tejas, a Spanish derivation of the name of a native Indian tribe — Caddo. Tejasliterally means "friends" and is also the source of the name “Texas.” The motto was officially adopted in February 1930 by the 41st Texas legislature. Unlike most states in the United States, the state motto of Texas is not featured on either the official seal or the flag.
The Bandidos are one of the few major biker gangs in the world. According to the Department of Justice, it has up to 2,500 members in 14 countries, with about 900 belonging to 93 chapters in the United States. Members of the Bandidos, whose motto is “we are the people our parents warned us about,” have been arrested in several states on drug, weapons and racketeering charges and have been involved in deadly feuds around the world.
One slogan displayed in the 1990s by Bandidos members caught up in a Nordic turf war with the Hells Angels seemed to sum up the group’s ethos: “God forgives. Bandidos don’t.”
For the most part, observers and law enforcement officials say, the crime associated with motorcycle groups is carried out in secret because of the awareness that high-profile episodes of violence invite renewed crackdowns by the authorities. But while violent clashes are fewer in number, they have in recent years played out in public and sensational ways, such as when a Hells Angels leader was killed in a Nevada casino in 2011.
“The violence is more intense and more public,” said Randy McBee, an associate professor of history at Texas Tech University and the author of a coming book about the culture and the history of the American motorcyclist since World War II. “These people don’t seem to have a concern about where or when it happens.”
The Bandidos are one of the few major biker gangs in the world. According to the Department of Justice, it has up to 2,500 members in 14 countries, with about 900 belonging to 93 chapters in the United States. Members of the Bandidos, whose motto is “we are the people our parents warned us about,” have been arrested in several states on drug, weapons and racketeering charges and have been involved in deadly feuds around the world.
One slogan displayed in the 1990s by Bandidos members caught up in a Nordic turf war with the Hells Angels seemed to sum up the group’s ethos: “God forgives. Bandidos don’t.”
For the most part, observers and law enforcement officials say, the crime associated with motorcycle groups is carried out in secret because of the awareness that high-profile episodes of violence invite renewed crackdowns by the authorities. But while violent clashes are fewer in number, they have in recent years played out in public and sensational ways, such as when a Hells Angels leader was killed in a Nevada casino in 2011.
“The violence is more intense and more public,” said Randy McBee, an associate professor of history at Texas Tech University and the author of a coming book about the culture and the history of the American motorcyclist since World War II. “These people don’t seem to have a concern about where or when it happens.”
Thursday, May 14, 2015
US ON UN HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH LIST
The United States was slammed over its rights record Monday at the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, with member nations criticizing the country for police violence and racial discrimination, the Guantánamo Bay Detention Facility and the continued use of the death penalty.
The issue of racism and police brutality dominated the discussion on Monday during the country’s second universal periodic review (UPR). Country after country recommended that the U.S. strengthen legislation and expand training to eliminate racism and excessive use of force by law enforcement.
"I'm not surprised that the world's eyes are focused on police issues in the U.S.," said Alba Morales, who investigates the U.S. criminal justice system at Human Rights Watch.
"There is an international spotlight that's been shone [on the issues], in large part due to the events in Ferguson and the disproportionate police response to even peaceful protesters," she said.
US cited for police violence, racism in scathing UN review on human rights | Al Jazeera America
The issue of racism and police brutality dominated the discussion on Monday during the country’s second universal periodic review (UPR). Country after country recommended that the U.S. strengthen legislation and expand training to eliminate racism and excessive use of force by law enforcement.
"I'm not surprised that the world's eyes are focused on police issues in the U.S.," said Alba Morales, who investigates the U.S. criminal justice system at Human Rights Watch.
"There is an international spotlight that's been shone [on the issues], in large part due to the events in Ferguson and the disproportionate police response to even peaceful protesters," she said.
US cited for police violence, racism in scathing UN review on human rights | Al Jazeera America
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Cardinal Dolan residence converted to orphanage
In your dreams! The Cardinal is not about to give up the lifestyle most of the US Catholic hierarchy is accustomed to. These elitist are tone deaf when it comes to following the example set by Pope Francis.
Church mergers and closures throughout the country have prompted scrutiny of the residences where Cardinal Dolan and other prelates live.
Joseph Zwilling, communications director for the Archdiocese of New York, issued a strong defense of the cardinal's lifestlye.
"His 'mansion' is part of Saint Patrick's Cathedral – literally," Zwilling said. "It is not 'in the shadows.' It is a physical part of the Cathedral.
"You can't sell Saint Patrick's Cathedral. To claim it is worth $30 million is nonsense, since it cannot be sold. How can you sell off pieces of the Cathedral? Plus, that has been the residence of the Archbishop's of New York for over 125 years. It is not as if he bought or built it for himself."
Joseph Zwilling, communications director for the Archdiocese of New York, issued a strong defense of the cardinal's lifestlye.
"His 'mansion' is part of Saint Patrick's Cathedral – literally," Zwilling said. "It is not 'in the shadows.' It is a physical part of the Cathedral.
"You can't sell Saint Patrick's Cathedral. To claim it is worth $30 million is nonsense, since it cannot be sold. How can you sell off pieces of the Cathedral? Plus, that has been the residence of the Archbishop's of New York for over 125 years. It is not as if he bought or built it for himself."
Monday, May 11, 2015
WELCOME TO HOMELESS-VILLE USA!
The homeless population in just one metropolitan area is almost double that of the average "small town" USA.
In 2000, slightly more than one-half of the nation’s population lived in jurisdictions --- cities, towns, boroughs, villages and townships --- with fewer than 25,000 people or in rural areas. Planners and geographers might see regions as mega-units, but in fact, they are usually composed of many small towns and a far smaller number of larger cities. Indeed, among the metropolitan areas with more than one million residents in 2000, the average sized city, town, borough, village or township had a population of little more than 20,000.
The homeless population jumped 12% in the last two years in both the city and county of Los Angeles, according to figures released Monday, demonstrating the continuing difficulty of taming the problem amid soaring rents, low wages and stubbornly high unemployment.
Countywide, 44,359 homeless people were tallied in January, up from 39,461 in a 2013 survey, according to a biennial report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Well over half — 25,686 — were in the city of Los Angeles.
Veteran homelessness dropped 6% countywide, to 4,363, but the report did not break out a comparable number for the city. Mayor Eric Garcetti and federal officials have pledged to house every homeless veteran by the end of the year.
The number of tents, makeshift encampments and vehicles with people living in them soared 85%.
A man stands in a homeless encampment beneath the 1st Street Bridge in downtown Los Angeles.
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“It’s everywhere now; the encampments are in residential neighborhoods, they’re outside of schools,” said L.A. City Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents Venice. “It’s jarring. … It shows we’ve got a hell of a lot of work ahead.”
Advocates for the homeless blamed public officials.
Many other big cities reported similar increases in homelessness, including New York City, where the homeless population topped 60,000 this year, a record, according to the New York City Coalition for the Homeless.
But though New York houses most of its homeless people in shelters, about two-thirds of L.A. County’s destitute sleep under freeway bridges, along off-ramps and in sidewalk shantytowns, the January survey found. The number of tents, makeshift shelters and vehicles with people living in them jumped to 9,535 in January, from 5,335 in 2013.
In 2000, slightly more than one-half of the nation’s population lived in jurisdictions --- cities, towns, boroughs, villages and townships --- with fewer than 25,000 people or in rural areas. Planners and geographers might see regions as mega-units, but in fact, they are usually composed of many small towns and a far smaller number of larger cities. Indeed, among the metropolitan areas with more than one million residents in 2000, the average sized city, town, borough, village or township had a population of little more than 20,000.
The homeless population jumped 12% in the last two years in both the city and county of Los Angeles, according to figures released Monday, demonstrating the continuing difficulty of taming the problem amid soaring rents, low wages and stubbornly high unemployment.
Countywide, 44,359 homeless people were tallied in January, up from 39,461 in a 2013 survey, according to a biennial report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. Well over half — 25,686 — were in the city of Los Angeles.
Veteran homelessness dropped 6% countywide, to 4,363, but the report did not break out a comparable number for the city. Mayor Eric Garcetti and federal officials have pledged to house every homeless veteran by the end of the year.
The number of tents, makeshift encampments and vehicles with people living in them soared 85%.
A man stands in a homeless encampment beneath the 1st Street Bridge in downtown Los Angeles.
“It’s everywhere now; the encampments are in residential neighborhoods, they’re outside of schools,” said L.A. City Councilman Mike Bonin, who represents Venice. “It’s jarring. … It shows we’ve got a hell of a lot of work ahead.”
Advocates for the homeless blamed public officials.
Many other big cities reported similar increases in homelessness, including New York City, where the homeless population topped 60,000 this year, a record, according to the New York City Coalition for the Homeless.
But though New York houses most of its homeless people in shelters, about two-thirds of L.A. County’s destitute sleep under freeway bridges, along off-ramps and in sidewalk shantytowns, the January survey found. The number of tents, makeshift shelters and vehicles with people living in them jumped to 9,535 in January, from 5,335 in 2013.
“'Winning isn't Everything. It's the Only Thing"
When winning at any cost is the "only thing" then what follows is the collapse of "fair play" and the corruption of those who play.
Brady (and his dad) should both be nominated to the "hall of shame" for not only promoting cheating but then lying about it.
Tom Brady suspended four games, Patriots lose draft picks for Deflategate
New England quarterback Tom Brady has been suspended for four games and the Patriots will also lose a first-round pick in the 2016 draft and a fourth-rounder in 2017, NFL officials reported. The Patriots also will be fined $1 million.
The two Patriots staff members involved in the deflation footballs before last season's AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts have also been suspended indefinitely by the league.
Brady, 37, a two-time NFL most valuable player, is coming off his fourth Super Bowl victory.
In January, four days after the AFC championship game in question, Brady stood at a lectern and denied knowing about any footballs were being deflated.
Tom Brady offers little on 'deflategate' report in public appearance
“I didn’t alter the ball in any way,” he said. “I have no knowledge of any wrongdoing.”
Not only is Brady a face of the NFL, but his stardom transcends sports. He is married to supermodel Gisele Bundchen and has a net worth of $120 million, according to Celebritynetworth.com.
The Patriots have been accused of cheating in the past, and in 2007 were caught breaking league rules by videotaping the sideline hand signals of New York Jets coaches. That incident, nicknamed Spygate, cost New England Coach Bill Belichick $500,000 — the maximum allowable fine — and the league docked the Patriots a first-round draft pick.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has imposed significant penalties on prominent players and coaches before. In 2007, the Atlanta Falcons’ Michael Vick was suspended indefinitely for his role in a dogfighting ring; that star quarterback didn’t return to the league until 2009, after a 17-month prison sentence.
New Orleans Coach Sean Payton, whose team won the Super Bowl in February 2010, was suspended for the entire 2012 season after the league determined that the Saints had a pay-for-injury bounty system in place.
Tom Brady's agent explains why records not provided to Wells
Of course, Brady’s alleged transgression doesn’t rise to the level of a dogfighting ring or paying for players to injure opponents (a practice the Saints still deny.) But the NFL takes seriously any suggestion a team is bending the rules to gain an advantage. At that January news conference, a reporter asked Brady if he was a cheater.
“I don’t believe so,” Brady said. “I’ve always played within the rules.”
Evidently, that’s not a universal sentiment in the NFL. The Wells report revealed that the league was advised a day before the AFC title game that at least some opponents believed the Patriots had deflated game balls before.
Ryan Grigson, general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, sent an email to senior members of the league’s football operations department the day before the AFC championship game and included a note from Colts equipment manager Sean Sullivan.
Wrote Sullivan: “As far as the gameballs are concerned it is well known around the league that after the Patriots gameballs are checked by the officials and brought out for game usage the ballboys for the patriots will let out some air with a ball needle because their quarterback likes a smaller football so he can grip it better, it would be great if someone would be able to check the air in the game balls as the game goes on so that they don’t get an illegal advantage.”
Prior to the Wells report, the public information was that the NFL didn’t learn about the deflated-football issue until a Colts defender intercepted a Brady pass in the first half.
Tom Brady's agent slams NFL, Wells report for Deflategate findings
According to the Wells report, Brady appeared for a requested interview but declined to provide any documents or electronic information – including texts and emails – that were requested. Wells said he limited those requests to texts and emails related only to the subject matter of the investigation.
But Brady’s agent, Don Yee, said the scope that Wells was seeking was “actually very, very wide.”
“I probably should have made the letter public that we received from the NFL’s lawyers,” Yee said in an interview with CNN’s "AC360" with Anderson Cooper. “But in any event, if we would have provided the phone or the text messages — you have to understand Tom is also a member of the union, the Commissioner’s office actually does not have any subpoena power. If a prominent player were to provide all of their private communications absent a subpoena, that sets a dangerous precedent for all players facing disciplinary measures.”
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