I cannot think of a country, which has totally neutral media.
You really have to read the news behind the lines, that's where the net comes really handy.
Like just in this thread, I really appreciate ChicagoX's post as a great example of getting some real first hand info about things.
Unpleasant things but really gets me feel better to get some news "directly".
Wow...
Police: Criminals on the other side of the badge
But there are some good cops - 99% just make the rest look bad...
One of the many reasons I plan on moving to either Germany or Sweden.
Well done!
The issue with that worthless POS can be resolved for .35 cents
I found some links to flesh out my recollection of Sheriff Vogel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2NyRlC_gzk
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1997-06-05/news/9706041330_1_vogel-federal-probe-civil-lawsuit
Here's an older 60 Minutes piece, when he was "only" Trooper Vogel:
All true . . it's just that some people don't recognize that or are in denial. Not that any of this justifies corrupt use of a bias in reporting.
Nearly every person I know who has lived in other parts of the world for any length of time affirms that corruption elsewhere is usually much higher than here (especially in government occupations). Corruption or righteousness starts with individual will, but the usual draws of power, money and sex make some occupations magnets for the corrupt.
Obvious to say, but bad laws plus bad people = bad.
There's a documentary, Hot Coffee (2011) that talks mostly about frivolous lawsuits and "tort reform" in America, (I know, that's a yawner if ever there was one), but it does touch on how a seat on a State Supreme Court can be "influenced" (read: "bought"), and how a lot of important lawmaking goes on at this level. This might account for how bad laws manage to stay on the books.
Now, I know a documentary is by its nature going to have a bias, but this one has some interesting stuff. http://www.hotcoffeethemovie.com/default.asp
If I was young and could start over, I'd be doing the same. I'd be outta here before it turns into a Stasi police state.
Rich
I live in Germany and still prefer it over Sweden.. tho I wouldnt recommend it to anyone who's trying to get away from Stasi-like-states. Remember, we have the Stasi-Schäuble. :D
It's only bad because we tolerate it. A nation that allows such lenient gun laws (in comparison) is still a better bet than one with a more regulatory and controlling government. Gun ownership is basically a symbol of empowerment by the people, not the government and you don't have to own a gun to be a proponent of such laws (I only prefer guns for hunting). I'm just using that as an example. I'm not trying to derail the topic to gun reform. If you're trying to get away from such abuse by state officials then moving to a nation that has limited your rights even more probably isn't the answer. High crime rate is never good, but neither is being weakened by your government. It's interesting how we elect people - just normal people like the rest of us - into a position we come to fear and loathe.
It's the PEOPLE that need to be fixed, not the LAWS. Humans are fallible, plain and simple.
All very good points. The problem with guys like these sheriffs is that they hide behind government immunity/limits from lawsuits. We don't need lawyers suing governments for profit, but there should be a way that the corrupt officials are not protected by the law or their constituents. This problem should be a prime area of interest by libertarians and tea party types . . say, something that works before they go to indifference or open rebellion.
One of the many things wrong with this country. :P