The Police - more money and more resources needed - Darryl Plecas the man behind the requests

<i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I read with interest the article in the news feeds today regarding the Hells Angels in Nanaimo. </span></span></i><br /> <div> <i><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It appears that the RCMP and their expert Darryl Plecas think that if they have more resources they could wipe out all of the gangs except maybe the Hells Angels. Really?</span></span></i><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">From the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-law-and-politics/359-contacts/12328-hells-angels-will-remain-entrenched-in-city-for-many-years-says-organized-crime-expert">Nanaimo Daily</a>: </span></div> <div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"They have not gone under the radar," said Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien. "Hells Angels have a strong presence and will maintain one in Nanaimo for many years."</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Ongoing police pressure could eventually cripple most gangs in B.C., said a criminologist, but although the capacity of police to respond to gangs has greatly enhanced in recent years, they need more resources to truly rip apart organized crime.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I would expect all of them to fall apart except for the Hells Angels," said Darryl Plecas, an RCMP University Research Chair in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of the Fraser Valley." End quote.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The man behind the plea for more resources is none other than Darryl Plecas, an RCMP University Research Chair in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of the Fraser Valley.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just Google his name and you will come up with page after page of this man's research, comments and opinions.  What makes this academic so dangerous in my humble opinion?</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">He is, from everything I have been able to glean, either on the RCMP's payroll and or is a major influencer on how they do their job and this man's approach to organized crime appears to put the Charter of Freedoms and Rights on a very slippery slope. He is the brain child behind the lower mainland's approach to grow ops.  Depending on which report you read of his grow ops are on the rise or falling.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In November of 2010, there was an article written called: <b>Plecas’ <a href="http://www.abbotsfordtoday.ca/?p=50286">‘To Hell With The Law’</a> Strategy A Costly Embarrassment</b></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The article explains Plecas theory: "The brainchild of UFV criminologist Darryl Plecas, the strategy, first used in Surrey, was designed<b> to get around the annoying requirements of the criminal code </b>which require police to prove to a judge that they have reasonable grounds to enter and search a property.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Instead, Plecas told Fraser Valley municipalities they should circumvent the criminal code and just send in electrical inspectors, ostensibly checking out higher than normal electrical usage, with police in tow so that when the inevitable grow-op was discovered the perps could be arrested." End Quote.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some people in this region of BC have been faced with inspection fees of $5,200 and their homes were labelled as grow ops even when they were not. This article from the Alberni Times explains more: <a href="http://www2.canada.com/albernivalleytimes/story.html?id=d6ab9638-a23f-4632-8430-a58d1b7cae52">http://www2.canada.com/albernivalleytimes/story.html?id=d6ab9638-a23f-4632-8430-a58d1b7cae52</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this article:  <a href="http://langleytoday.ca/?p=8775">http://langleytoday.ca/?p=8775</a> -  a councillor had a search warrant executed to remove the computer in his home - the police were looking for confidential city documents that might be leaked to home owners attempting to put together a class action lawsuit over what they feel to be a violation of their rights.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In July there was an article called: <a href="http://www.tele-management.ca/content/23850-ibm_helps_out_with_public_safety_in_british_columbia">IBM helps out with public safety in British Columbia</a>  which in effect explains how the "Biker Task Forces" utilize the intelligence that they garner from being at events like Sturgis North, Toy Runs etc en mass - when they take photos of everyone in attendance and photo of motorcycles and their plates. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And I quote: "PRIME-BC will also use the technology to help reduce illegal operations among gangs, and other drug distribution activities, by gaining additional insight on potential relationships among criminals. The software will be used to illuminate interconnectedness among records, by finding common identifying factors."</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is a recent interview with Dr. Plecas: <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/daybreaksouth/2011/08/18/kamloops-and-fighting-gangs/">http://www.cbc.ca/daybreaksouth/2011/08/18/kamloops-and-fighting-gangs/</a>  He discusses the software and it's use. He states at the beginning of the interview that Kamloops RCMP were able to reduce crime by 65% but at 3 minutes in, he states that they - Kamloops -  had these systems in place BEFORE gangs could take hold in Kamloops...so which is it? They reduced crime or they prevented it?</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is a YouTube video on Dr Plecas attempting to get Bill C-15 Passed: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02UBmV7EU9k">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02UBmV7EU9k</a>  In this particular video, the senator - Larry Campbell has some trouble with Darryl Plecas stats and his rationale.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And one from the same senate hearing where in Senator Milne asks Plecas hard, hard questions and Plecas attempts to sell his ideology behind the bill he wants to see implemented: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWjkbO6tPn0&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWjkbO6tPn0&feature=related</a> </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After all of the reading and research I have done on this man I have come to some conclusions - opinions...if you will. This man has not learned any lessons from history. The prohibition era did not see the consumption of alcohol be reduced but made it into an underground economy.  Simply making laws does not work, simply giving the police more money and more sweeping powers does not work. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What those things do is erode our rights and freedoms.</span></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What will work is fixing our justice system - the province of BC in particular has an extreme shortage of judges to hear cases. Until the justice system is overhauled all we are going to have is the RCMP arresting people and the system letting them go.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I found it very interesting that this RCMP expert says that all of the other gangs could be squashed with more resources - except for the Hells Angels.  That is in direct conflict with statements from another paid RCMP expert Yves Lavigne. In his book Hells Angels at War - Lavigne expresses that the RCMP MANAGE the biker situation as it is good for budgets and careers. </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">OR IS IT?  Maybe that was what the expert meant - is that all other gangs could be crushed but the police would just manage the HA...</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Read this from the web site FAIR - Protecting Whistle Blowers who Protect the Public Interest: </span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Bob Stenhouse</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bob Stenhouse, a much-decorated, 18-year veteran of the force with extensive undercover experience, landed in hot water in 1999 when he disclosed RCMP media strategies for outlaw biker gangs to Yves Lavigne which appear in the book Hells Angels at War. Frustrated with a lack of enforcement initiatives, Stenhouse believed the national strategy was merely a public relations exercise. Stenhouse was found guilty of discreditable conduct and ordered to resign. A court ruled his disciplinary hearing was unfair and ordered a new one which ruled he should be reinstated. In June of 2004 he was reinstated and then immediately suspended with pay while the RCMP awaits a new court-ordered disciplinary hearing.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here is what happened to Bob Stenhouse: <a href="http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/cityplus/story.html?id=264fc404-d9e2-4213-8540-d377de03b4ee&k=30267">http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/cityplus/story.html?id=264fc404-d9e2-4213-8540-d377de03b4ee&k=30267</a></span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Who is telling the truth?  What is really going on?  </span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We the small peons on the outer fringe of knowledge will never know until it is too late.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until our freedoms are eroded away, until the police are more powerful that our legislators - sadly, we may already be there.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">What are your thoughts on the state of affairs in Canada as it relates to the mentality of the RCMP?</span></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Like every day there are a ton of news feed articles that may affect your day and or weekend so please check them out at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Please ride like everyone is out to get you, is blind and can not see you and use respect with that right hand - the more respect we show, the more acceptance we gain from others.</span></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Editor </i>- <br />The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, Canada's ONLY Weekly Newspaper for the Canadian Riding Community.</span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

The Police - more money and more resources needed - Darryl Plecas the man behind the requests

Belt Drive 0 10:37 AM

I read with interest the article in the news feeds today regarding the Hells Angels in Nanaimo.  It appears that the RCMP and their expert Darryl Plecas think that if they have more resources they could wipe out all of the gangs except maybe the Hell… Read more »

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Things that make me shake my head....

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today's news feeds are filled with things that make me shake my head...</span></b><br /> The first article is from a member of the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/12295-helmet-issue-about-accommodation">Sikh Community in the Hamilton Spec:</a><br /> "There has been a lot of opposition expressed to Sikhs seeking exemption from wearing helmets while riding motorcycles. Unfortunately, all seems based on hypothetical opinion rather than facts.<br /> <br /> This is a question of accommodation and what is the marginal risk posed in allowing the Sikhs who wear turbans to ride motorcycles without a helmet. The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled in favour of accommodation within reasonable limits and short of undue hardship to the society by considering the margin of risk based on its magnitude and seriousness of risk."<br /> <br /> The article goes on to statistically prove that Sikhs wearing turbans as opposed to helmets pose a very small risk when it comes to injury.</span></span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">What it does not express is how other riders who are forced to wear helmets feel about the situation. And the discussion needs to go farther - there are many Sikhs who only wear turbans on job sites and that poses a risk to employers because of the potential for increased WCB claims.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> </span></span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The man further goes on to express that:</span></b><br /> "On the other hand, Sikhs are about 2.7 per cent of the total population in Ontario. About 10 per cent of males wear turbans. If we assume motorcycle use by Sikhs at par with other Canadians, turbaned Sikhs using motorcycles would be 0.013 per cent of the total population".....<br /> <br /> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And he caps it off with this tidbit:</span></b><br /> "Riding a motorcycle with a turban does not mean riding bare-headed. There is an almost two-inch thick cushion of cloth around the skull. I have come across many helmeted motorcyclists with serious head injuries but no one with a turban. Let us not make an issue of something that is well within reasonable limits without undue hardship to society, and strengthen the Canadian culture of tolerance, acceptance and accommodation. It will make us feel more Canadian." Signed by Jaswinder Bedi, Hamilton<br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">This is NOT a TURBAN/Religious issue in my mind - it is more about safety and costs and what I feel the gentleman has ignored that it is also about a form of discrimination - a division if you will. The non Sikh rider is FORCED by law to wear a helmet. And while I understand the religious aspect of the Turban, I as a non Sikh rider feel that my right to choose my risk comfort level is being denied.<br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">If this is a safety and law thing - then all who ride a motorcycle, regardless of brand, affiliation, religious beliefs should either be forced to wear helmets or allowed to go without. And that goes for the job site as well. <br /> <br /> If this is a Freedom issue - then my point is clear - riders should be allowed to choose their level of risk comfort and should have to carry extra medical insurance so as not to be a burden on the health care system and that should apply to ALL. <br /> <br /> At the end of the day,<b> MY RIGHTS STOP when they infringe on the rights of others</b>.<br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">That's the way the charter of Freedoms and Rights is written and it should be followed for everyone - if I want to ride without a helmet then I should be allowed to pay for the insurance that prevents my exercising my rights from being a burden or infringing on the rights of other tax payers. PERIOD. Why should I as a non Sikh rider be treated any differently?<br /> </span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">My other comment about his article is in regards to the statement:<b> I have come across many helmeted motorcyclists with serious head injuries but no one with a turban.</b><br /> <br /> If his stats are accurate then what he is saying is that because so few Sikhs ride there have been no serious injuries reported - stats can be twisted into whatever you want them to be and he shows us a fine example of that in my humble opinion.<br /> <br /> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The next article that has me shaking my head is out of the US today</span> - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/12314-hemet-apologizes-to-motorcycle-club-">Hemet Apologizes to Motorcycle Club:</a> </b>The apologies that were given to the Vagos MC by both Hemet and Riverside Counties in California stem from a series of attacks on agents, this from Valley News:</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"The news conference was called at the height of an investigation into a series of failed attacks on members of the Hemet-San Jacinto Gang Task Force. Attempts on officers' lives included booby-traps attached to squad cars, a gas line routed into an office building and a bazooka rocket -- which turned out to be a dud -- fired from a rooftop.<br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Neither Dana or Pacheco would confirm that the Vagos sweep was linked to the attacks, but there were allusions to the organization's hostility toward law enforcement.<br /> Dana described the suspects as "a bunch of cockroaches running for the woods."</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Nicolas Jon Smit of Hemet and Steven Hanson of Homeland -- neither of whom have ties to the Vagos -- were charged three months later with carrying out several of the attacks on the anti-gang officers."<br /> </span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Profiling is the scourge of the police departments everywhere - assumption is the mother of all evils in this case as in many others. </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">To Assume means to make an ASS out of U and Me!<br /> <br /> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And the last head shaking article comes from <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/lastest-international/286-news-international-/12313-obnoxious-bikers-a-poor-commemoration-of-911">Baltimore where in a man writes</a>:</span></b><br /> </span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">"As a former New York City bus driver who witnessed the horror of the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001, I find the "patriotic" motorcycle caravans, such as the recent one through Harford County on I-95, an empty, self-serving gesture by obnoxious, publicity-seeking bikers who enjoy disrupting traffic in order to see themselves on the evening news.<br /> If they really wanted to make their feelings about <a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/topic/unrest-conflicts-war/terrorism/september-11-2001-attacks-EVHST000001.topic">9/11</a> known, they would get involved in one of the many charitable organizations benefiting the victims and families of that tragedy — and leave the roads open to legitimate travelers and people going to work."<br /> Bob Giliberti, Ft. Mill, S.C.<br /> <br /> Really - we are self serving? Where has this man been living? Under a rock? In the dark ages? Motorcyclists are involved in more charitable giving and volunteering than the average recreational community and yet we are self serving publicity pigs? Tell that to the Patriot Guard, the CAV or any of the Military Riding Organizations out there and see what they have to say to you!<br /> <br /> Like every day I invite you to wade in n the discussion - even when I do not agree with your opinions I want to hear them and discuss them - through honest dialogue we can learn to work together...<br /> <br /> If you are a member of <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a>, then you got your newsletter announcing a great new contest that will run to the end of the month. Your chance to win a $25 gift certificate from RevZilla by simply uploading your favourite riding photo from the summer:<br /> Here is the contest link: <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/contests/2011-summer-photo-contest">http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/contests/2011-summer-photo-contest</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.revzilla.com/">RevZilla</a> stocks a wide range of motorcycle gear. Whether it's street, touring or offroading they've got you covered. So how will you spend your gift certificate? Check out <a href="http://app.expressemailmarketing.com/get.link?linkid=3059456&subscriberid=67234348&campaignid=836115&linkurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.revzilla.com">RevZilla.com</a> and start planning!<br /> <br /> <b>There is a TON of news in the news feeds today. </b><br /> <br /> Visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a></span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> to catch up on the news that may affect your day or weekend!<br /> </span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">We also have an exciting interview coming soon...if you are a subscriber to the Busted Knuckle, you are going to LOVE this one!</span></span></span></span></div> <div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EKXnXmg9_DO7bOwaPQ4rkDYtgSSZSFOjKIZ6K-t6gpycI8gCqBXNcq1LRmHvYoVNRTeYCT5rl9wvo9s2lZFAoPs8PX3ztbTv0qHsRXyCClal4M_Jlrwh_ldYJYGZ6zQLqFr3/s1600/800_FirstTease.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EKXnXmg9_DO7bOwaPQ4rkDYtgSSZSFOjKIZ6K-t6gpycI8gCqBXNcq1LRmHvYoVNRTeYCT5rl9wvo9s2lZFAoPs8PX3ztbTv0qHsRXyCClal4M_Jlrwh_ldYJYGZ6zQLqFr3/s320/800_FirstTease.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I have to get on with my day but I leave you with this thought from my new Favourite Helmet Sticker..."Why is is that people with closed minds always open their mouths?"</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> </span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Please ride safe today - remember that everyone is out to get you, is blind and can not see you and PLEASE ride with respect - Remember we all have to share this world and if we were more respectful of others there would not be so much opposition aimed at our community.<br /> <br /> <i><b>Belt Drive Betty</b></i><br /> <i>Editor of The Busted Knuckle Chronicles, Canada's ONLY Weekly Newspaper for Riders.</i><br /> <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/news/busted-knuckle/about-the-bkc">www.bustedknucklenews.com</a></span></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div> </div> </div>

Things that make me shake my head....

Belt Drive 0 8:32 AM

Today's news feeds are filled with things that make me shake my head... The first article is from a member of the Sikh Community in the Hamilton Spec: "There has been a lot of opposition expressed to Sikhs seeking exemption from wearing helmets while… Read more »

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Bicycles - spending millions on bike lanes and other devices

<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is an article from <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-nb-news/298-motorcycle-television/12277-traffic-signal-system-has-an-eye-for-cyclists">Fredricton NB today talking about installing a new digital radar detection system</a> to detect bicycles at intersections. Now while I am glad this city is doing that because it means motorcycles will no longer have to wait for a car to come along and trip the in ground sensors at a traffic light, I am pissed at the same time.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bicycle riders have become a pet peeve with me.</span></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You see I live on a street where millions of dollars were spent to revamp our road after the city of Grande Prairie, in their great wisdom punched a dead end street out to the bypass which has made our street a race track. They installed these really stupid planters in the middle of the road so snow clearing is a challenge where it used to be a breeze, getting out of your drive way is harder than ever and because the new bike paths they made are on the outside of the vehicle parking - yeah you have to be doubly fearful you might hit some one who is actually using the bike path.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The goal - to slow traffic down (Traffic that never existed before they opened our street up to the bypass) - has it worked - <b>NO.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Our street is still a race track.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am SOOOO tired of people on bicycles that have zero regard for the rules of the road, who are catered to with these wonderful paths and gadgets at the expense of the rest of us - why?<br /></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">They do NOT pay to use the roads the way we who drive trucks, cars, vans, SUV's and motorcycles do, they do not know the rules of the road and few exhibit any kind of common sense out there.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I think it is high time to start licensing bicycle riders, insuring and registering them so that they help to pay for these special lanes, and if they injure a pedestrian by riding on the side walk that there is recourse for the person who is injured.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Every day I see bicyclists who ride on the side walk in front of my home. Why when there is a bike path for them to use is beyond me. It cost me as a tax payer a ton and yet they do not use it and when I kindly point out that there is a path for them to use they look at me like I am a freak and go about their business of wreaking havoc and mayhem on the side walk user. </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Side WALKS are for walking on, not riding a bicycle.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You should NOT be riding your bike through a cross WALK - hence the term cross WALK.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bicycle riders should have to have a license - a plate to identify the offenders by- we did when we were kids so why not now? </span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bicycle riders should have to carry insurance so that they understand it is NOT their right to ride on the side walk and mow a little old lady in her walker over and so that when they strike a vehicle and scratch the hell out of the paint that it gets repaired without costing the vehicle driver on his/her insurance.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can not talk as effectively about bicycle riders in other cities, but here in Grande Prairie the majority that I come across are rude, act entitled and have not got a clue when it comes to what their behaviours on the side walks and roads of this country are causing. I have witnessed so many stupid, selfish behaviours by people who ride on my street's side walks and I am angry.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Then there are those who ride on the highway - I saw a ton of bicyclists on my trip this summer and the majority were riding side by side instead of single file. Slowing traffic up and why? Because in many regions there are not large enough paved shoulders for them to ride on. If we motorists, motorcycle riders and commercial drivers are to treat them like any other road user then, they - the bicyclist, should have to follow the rules of the road. Single file on the highway. Ride on the shoulder NOT the road. Shoulder is gravel? Tough - that's where you belong.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If we are going to invest millions across this country to accommodate those on bicycles - which I think is a great idea for the environment and could ease congestion on the road ways - I think we need to do so in a smarter fashion.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We need to require helmets, proper safety gear, licenses, registrations and insurance.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We need to teach these people the rules of the road and how to get along with others in traffic.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">And when they break the law, like every other road user, they need to be fined, given demerits and have their PL/PD insurance go up.</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until we do that, they are just another scourge on those who pay licensing fees that go towards road maintenance and upgrades. They scoot in and out of traffic in a way that is unsafe, they use side WALKS for riding on, they use cross WALKS to get around a light instead of walking their bike through the intersection - they seldom signal, they seldom look back to see who they might be holding up and why?</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>BECAUSE NO ONE HAS TAUGHT them the right way to behave out there.</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on this topic - am I the only one who has experienced these behaviours? I bet not....</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>In Other News:</b></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">An electric motorcycle sets a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-lifestyle/446-motorcycle-reviews-/12282-lightning-motorcycle-sets-new-land-speed-record-at-215960-mph-production-superbike-becomes-first-electric-bike-to-exceed-200-mph-">new land speed record</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In BC the RCMP are saying that even with stiff new laws <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/12278-drivers-still-dont-get-the-message-">for cell phone, speeding and drinking and driving - MOTORISTS are NOT getting it.</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Under the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/rider-down">Rider Down section </a>on our site there are four more crashes reported...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There are a ton of events gearing up for this last bit of the summer -  if you have the chance check out our <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/events">events calendars</a> and the<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"> news feeds</a> to see what's on in your region!</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you are riding today, PLEASE, please, please, please ride like EVERYONE around you is BLIND and can not see you and use respect with that right hand...</span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Belt Drive Betty</span></b></i><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><i>Editor of Canada's ONLY weekly Newspaper for Motorcyclists - </i><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/news/busted-knuckle/about-the-bkc"><i>The Busted Knuckle </i>Chronicles</a></span><br /> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>

Bicycles - spending millions on bike lanes and other devices

Belt Drive 4 7:41 AM

There is an article from Fredricton NB today talking about installing a new digital radar detection system to detect bicycles at intersections. Now while I am glad this city is doing that because it means motorcycles will no longer have to wait for a… Read more »

Read more »

A fond farewell...

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>It's been all over the news that Jack Layton has lost his fight with cancer, and whether or not you agreed with his politics or not, one thing is certain, the man loved Canada. His passion to see this country unite is what won Quebec over and I pray that some one with a similar passion and big vision heads up the party next.</i><br /> <br /> Jack Layton was a remarkable man and I think Canadian politics will never be quite the same again. Safe journey Jack, you touched so many people with your warmth, your genuine caring and your passion. You will be deeply missed.<br /> <br /> Motorcycle Noise - I am so tired of our community being singled out as if we were the only community of road users that make noise. When are these cities going to get on the NOISE bandwagon and start nailing ALL offenders? <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-bc-news/293-motorcycle-television/12248-kelowna-cracks-down-on-noisy-boats-and-bikes">Kelowna</a> and <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/component/content/article/12249-noisy-motorcycles-a-target-for-st-johns-council">St John's </a>are the latest cities to decide that we - the motorcycle community are the major cause of noise. People, I am tired of the complacency of this community - why are you not angry?<br /> <br /> The technology is available for these cities and communities to target ALL Noise offenders not just motorcycles. I do not like loud - annoying bikes any more than the rest do but seriously - why are motorcycles the only target on these people's minds? <a href="http://www.snrsystems.com/">The Noise Snare</a> is the technology of which I speak.<br /> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Why would these cities not want to use it - I do not understand - it is low maintenance, portable, only requires one officer, is able to record both audio and video and able to nab ALL noise offenders including the neighbour thowing a loud house party. If this issue was really about NOISE then this technology would be what is being used - so since NOISE does not really seem to be the issue what is? Can anyone answer me that?  Talk to me people - what is it going to take for us to get behind a non discriminatory technology and force these communities to treat NOISE like NOISE regardless of who is making it?<br /> <br /> And more motorcycle crashes and deaths...what is going on people? So many crashes where a rider lost control - are people running bad tires? Low or over inflated tires? Or are the roads they are riding that bad?<br /> <br /> I wished that there was an answer somewhere. <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/whats-hot/rider-down">Six crashes in the news again today</a> - it is disheartening to say the least.<br /> <br /> I am running the Doran 360M Tire Pressure Monitoring system on my bike and man what a difference that has made for me. The monitor lets you know what your tire pressure is at the touch of a button and warns you when your tires cool down and drop pressure. If your tire/s drop pressure while you are riding - a drop of 12% you get a harsh warning - its a great system that is super easy to install and gives you some peace of mind. You can find out more by contacting <a href="mailto:robertgemmellsmith@hotmail.com">Robert at Doran Canada </a><br /> <br /> Toy Run season is almost here and both Whitecourt and Edson here in Alberta are on again - make sure you check out the events calendars at <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> - you can share the event information with your friends quickly and help spread the word of the events that need and deserve support!<br /> <br /> The <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-ns-news/300-motorcycle-television/12250--ext--endurance-riders-find-hog-heaven-in-cb-">Hoka Hey Challenge </a>has ended and the guy who won last year has won again! Will Barclay of Florida is the unofficial winner and once drug and polygraph testing are done he will get his cheque for another cool half million dollars. The Hoka Hey Challenge ended in Nova Scotia this year. <br /> <br /> I have completed my first ever documentary on Motorcycle Awareness and after everyone has seen it that was involved in the project I will be making it public. It is my hope that both rider and motorist will learn from the documentary and learn to share the road....<br /> <br /> <b>In Other News:</b><br /> <br /> Saskatoon SK got a visit from a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-sk-news/295-motorcycle-television/12251-saskatoon-is-kilometre-31000-for-crazy-old-man-from-brazil">Crazy Old Biker from Brazil</a><br /> <br /> Moncton NB is pleased with <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-nb-travel/381-contacts/12238-motomoncton-thrills-metro">Moto Moncton and the feedback it is getting</a><br /> <br /> In Perth ON <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/12252-911-ride-rumbles-through-town">the 911 Ride was a huge hit</a><br /> <br /> For all of the news that could affect your day please visit<a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/"> www.beltdrivebetty.com</a><br /> <br /> Well, I have a ton to do today like every day so I will talk to you all tomorrow, in the mean time, PLEASE, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and please, be respectful with that right hand - waking up a sick baby, pissing off a business man/woman in a meeting or disturbing the rest of someone on nights is just wrong - we need to share this world folks!<br /> <br /> Until tomorrow...<br /> <br /> <b>Belt Drive Betty</b><br /> <i>Editor of Canada's ONLY Weekly Newspaper for Bikers</i> - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/news/busted-knuckle/about-the-bkc">The Busted Knuckle Chronicle</a> </span>

A fond farewell...

Belt Drive 0 6:25 AM

It's been all over the news that Jack Layton has lost his fight with cancer, and whether or not you agreed with his politics or not, one thing is certain, the man loved Canada. His passion to see this country unite is what won Quebec over and I pray … Read more »

Read more »

The thrill, the excitement, the pain and the agony

<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Friday's editorial had some heavy debating going on. You see the rule of law and justice are two very different things. The Law can only charge you based on the infraction, pattern and intent - civil remedies are supposed to put a bit of justice into life but do they - really?</i><br /> <br /> <b>Money doesn't bring home your loved one...nothing can.</b><br /> <br /> Today's editorial is titled The thrill, the excitement, the pain and the agony - we will be discussing some racing but right now - let's talk about motorcycling in general.<br /> <br /> <b>In the news feeds again - pain and agony...</b><br /> <br /> In Ontario, a 40 year old male from Puslinch Ontario is in critical condition after he failed to <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/12216-one-airlifted-to-toronto-hospital-after-serious-crash-on-hwy-400">negotiate a corner and struck a sign</a>.</span></span><br /> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> Also in Ontario a 25 year old woman from Mississauga is dead after she lost control of her motorcycle for unknown reasons, <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1653-on-rider-down/12230-fatal-motorcycle-crash-in-wasaga-beach">crossed the centre line and collided with a vehicle</a>.</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> In Dawson Creek BC - a rider was airlifted to the U of A with head injuries <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1650-bc-rider-down/12217-one-person-seriously-injured-after-motorcycle-accident">after a pick up and the motorcycle collided.</a><br /> <br /> A 21 year old from Saanich BC was injured when he slammed into the back of a <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1650-bc-rider-down/12231-drivers-injured-as-motorcycle-slams-into-car-on-highway-near-portage-inlet-">Volkswagen, he failed a breathalyser and had no drivers license</a>.<br /> <br /> In Mission BC a rider is dead after a crash with a car - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-rider-down/1650-bc-rider-down/12227-man-dead-in-mission-motorcyle-accident">no details available.</a><br /> <br /> <b>So - what do all of these crashes have in common? </b><br /> <br /> Pain and agony for either the rider or their families or both.<br /> <br /> The thrill and excitement of riding a motorcycle, like driving a car/pick up come with HUGE responsibility and potentially dire consequences.<br /> <br /> The 21 year old who was riding without a license and under the influence - the article on his crash proves what I said the other day - laws do not always work. If you are suspended from driving, only respect, courtesy and a conscience prevent you from getting in a vehicle or on a bike and if your license is expired like this young man's was (he had 5 previous charges - none alcohol related) well, I am going to go out on a limb here and say I think he could not afford to pay the fines of the previous 5 charges...Did having an expired license prevent him from getting on a bike? From drinking and riding? Sadly NO.<br /> <br /> Then there is the 25 year old gal who, for unknown reasons lost control of her bike and crossed the centre line - with out having seen the crash site - again I am going to go out on a limb and ask the questions... poorly maintained roads? Poorly maintained bike? Low tires? We may never know. All we know for sure is her family must be devastated.<br /> <br /> The 40 year old rider who failed to negotiate a corner and struck a sign...was he too hot into the corner? Did he get target fixation? Again, we may never find out.<br /> <br /> The other two crashes involving the Dawson Creek and Mission area riders - both collided with vehicles - left hand turns? We have no idea from the reports that are out as of right now...<br /> <br /> Motorcycle safety and awareness begins with us - the riders. We need to be honest about our knowledge - at least with ourselves. We need to know that our tires are inflated properly and our machine is well maintained. We need to be aware, hyper vigilant of our surroundings and the people and objects around us. We need to ride our own ride and we need to respect ourselves first.<br /> <br /> We are also car and pick up drivers for the most part - when we are in our cars and pick ups, vans and SUV's we need to exhibit the kinds of behaviours that we would like others to exhibit - that's been a tough one for me. I have learned to shut off the cell and not to road rage as much as I did when I was younger - I have learned to stay far calmer than ever - I still need to improve though - overcoming genetics and fundamental human flaws is an on going job. How about you? Do you think there is room for improvement when you are behind the wheel or the handlebars?<br /> <br /> Laws and rules only work if people are willing to abide by them. Sadly, there are many who feel the law does not apply to them and they will drink and drive/ride, drive while under suspension all the while feeling like a victim instead of looking at improving themselves. Too many have no idea what the rules of the road are or feel they do not apply to them.<br /> <br /> We all have choices to make, we all have areas of our lives we need to work on and improve - none of us is perfect. I hope that some day there is a magic pill one can take that will fill people with empathy, kindness, patience and tolerance, but until that day comes it is our job as human's to work at self improvement and growth - some will, some won't....<br /> <br /> Like every day I would love the hear your thoughts - through honest and respectful dialogue we may find ways to impact driver/rider awareness and safety.<br /> <br /> I hope to have my documentary on rider safety and awareness done today. It is a video filled with clips from my two trips across Canada and a strong message from a ton of riders...stay tuned because I think it will impact and touch a number of you - I know the creating of it has impacted me.<br /> <br /> Speaking of videos, have you seen the videos I created from the Sturgis North VIP Ride for Breast Cancer Research or the Cape Breton Saddlebags and the Storming of the Fortress?<br /> <br /> <b>Just in case you haven't seen them here are the links.</b><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=589&video_id=771">The Sturgis North VIP Ride</a> with Roger Goldammer, Chica and Kimmy Cruz <br /> <br /> And the <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=589&video_id=772">Cape Breton Video</a> on riding with the Saddlebags and Storming the Fortress<br /> <br /> I am an amateur but my skill is improving the more I do these kinds of things. I hope you enjoy them - I would love your feedback - I would like to get really good at this sort of thing. <br /> <br /> <b>In other news:</b><br /> Riders Quest Magazine and their Ontario Ride Maps <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-travel-tourism/340-contacts/12222-ridersquest-magazine-a-maps">made the local Peterborough News</a><br /> <br /> A Quebec teenager made history this weekend as <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_403801984">SHE won the </a><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-sports-canadian/1627-sports/12232-teenaged-quebec-motorcycle-racer-makes-history-with-championship-victory-">Honday CBR125R Challenge at Mosport International Raceway on Sunday</a>. 14 year old Stacey Nesbitt od St Lazare QUE also won Saturda's race, and the two victories gave her the series championship.<br /> <br /> Also in sports news <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-sports-canadian/1627-sports/12223-szoke-stops-mccormick-streak">Jordan Szokes stopped McCormick's</a> winning streak</span></span></div> <div> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /> In Moncton NB, Moto Moncton <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-nb-travel/381-contacts/12218-motorcycle-festival-roars-onto-monctons-main-street">appears to have been a huge success</a>.<br /> <br /> And in Ontario - <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/latest-on-news/296-motorcycle-television/12228-motorcycle-ride-eases-hunger">Riders Against Hunger's</a> first food drive has a roaring success as it supports the Eden Community Food Bank<br /> <br /> There is a ton of other news out there so visit <a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/">www.beltdrivebetty.com</a> to get up to speed on the news that affects your life as a rider.<br /> <br /> Please, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and use respect with that throttle hand - remember, we have to share this world and our communities!<br /> <br /> <i><b>Belt Drive Betty</b></i> - <br /><i>Rider and Editor, </i><br /><a href="http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/index.php/busted-knuckle-archives">The Busted Knuckle Chronicles</a> - Canada's only WEEKLY newspaper for riders<br /> </span></span></div>

The thrill, the excitement, the pain and the agony

Belt Drive 0 6:42 AM

Friday's editorial had some heavy debating going on. You see the rule of law and justice are two very different things. The Law can only charge you based on the infraction, pattern and intent - civil remedies are supposed to put a bit of justice into… Read more »

Read more »