The video from the officer who shot Renee Nicole Good is now out. It’s not hard to find. Pick your favorite platform and view it from there. The image I posted is a screenshot from the FOX News platform.
It happened quickly it was over in less than a minute. What led up to it is under investigation including what matters – the immediate moments right before the shots were fired.
From what I saw and heard from the video.
Ms. Good was in the driver’s seat and was perpendicular to traffic.
Portland is a one way street and you can see it from how the cars were parked.
Sirens were blaring.
The officer who fired the shot was being engaged by Ms. Good’s partner/wife.
Commands could be heard for Ms. Good to get out of the F’in car as she was impeding traffic.
You can see her back up and you can hear the engine rev as she drives forward and it wasn’t slow “I’ll nudge you” driving. It was I’m outta here driving.
The officer can be heard getting hit by the car and him firing shots at Ms. Good.
The car continues to drive forward and barrels down the road and hits parked cars. (My assumption is because of her bullet wound that she lost control of the vehicle)
Reasonable people can differ even if they saw the same exact thing. Whether she intended to hit him or just get away, will be debated. Unfortunately, tragically, we will never know.
What matters for this shooting was the officer’s frame of mind when the car drove towards him actually hitting him.
Both the officer and Ms. Good deserve to be treated fairly. Whose actions contributed to the tragic shooting? That’s who’s accountable.
Hug your loved ones and please tell them to obey law enforcement. It’s better to be alive and sue them after. Either you win or you lose. Dying – because your actions were viewed as a threat, is and will always be a losing proposition.
I pray for everyone involved that they heal from this tragedy. Be well, everyone!
Yesterday, January 7, 2026 an ICE officer shot and killed a protestor in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
There is an ongoing investigation as is SOP for all shootings. The shooting was caught on video. The woman shot, was shot in her car. The car was moving forward when she was shot by the officer that was in her direct path.
It was clear in the video that the officers were trying to apprehend her. Simply put, detain her. She chose to disobey and flee in her car.
The officer has claimed self defense.
Those are the facts and the investigation will show if other bullets hit her from the side. If so, is that legal?
ICE was in Minneapolis to arrest illegal aliens with varying degrees of offenses. To date, no one has been able to show that ICE is doing anything more than that. It has been documented and reported that ICE agents have been spit on, hit, their vehicles rammed and they have even been shot at.
Simply, if an officer in the performance of their duties asks you to stop, STOP! 1. You’ll be alive to complain and file a wrongful detainer or whatever legal charge you can drum up. There are enough lawyers willing and already have sued ICE. What you don’t do is drive your car into them.
This past weekend, the US Government under the orders of Donald Trump went into Venezuela and captured Maduro to face charges in the United States. Expectedly, praise came from supporters and condemnation from those who claim that the operation was illegal.
Nothing new. Really, nothing new. This has been done before. Noriega was captured by the US Government and brought to trial in the United States. For all practical purposes, it’s the same thing almost 40 years later. In 1989, there were also calls for impeachment of then President George H. Bush. It was also called illegal. US Courts have ruled that the President of the United States has the legal authority to do what has been done.
I suppose President Trump should have gone to Congress to let them know before going into Venezuela – he didn’t. Bush didn’t either – neither did Obama when he bombed Libya etc and so on and so forth.
I suppose Trump could have worked with other nations to get Maduro out like they did during the four years of President Biden. Wait, that didn’t happen. At least nothing to effect the change that happened over the weekend.
The now open indictments are truly serious and unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Maduro has been accused of trafficking drugs, accused of ordering murder, supporter of Venezuelan gangs who traffic drugs and humans – all indictments have devastated Americans. If those were not serious enough, Venezuela also has the largest oil reserves on earth and they happen to be in the United States backyard.
Why is that serious?
Since the Socialists have taken over, Venezuela has spiraled into economic chaos. America’s adversaries, specifically China, is taking advantage of that turmoil. Trump’s administration has said, through various Sunday appearances that that’s something they were not willing to risk.
President Trump has said that the US will run Venezuela until such a time that they believe that Venezuela can be run securely.
When you have been given a chance to live a better life and then start defrauding and stealing from the same people who gave you that chance, YOU ARE AN INGRATE AND A CRIMINAL! FULL STOP
INGRATES are DESPISED in every culture. Period.
The bending over backwards that is so obvious in the excusing of clearly illegal and abhorrent behavior, is almost as bad as the behavior itself. It is infuriating to watch enablers expect PERFECTION from the ones that are tasked to apprehend and stop the illegal acts. Note that none of these enablers have been able to point to an illegal act done by the enforcers. They will point to a lawsuit and a court order that more often than not, get overturned.
We are told, actually LECTURED, by THE MORALLY SUPERIOR, not to paint with a broad brush. These MORALISTS then instinctively paint with the same brush when it comes to Law Enforcement and other Americans who want Law and Order in their communities.
It is important that the ingrates and Moralists be stopped legally. How? Keep supporting Law Enforcement. Make sure they’re funded. When you see them, simply thank them. When you’re at a store and are able to afford it, offer to pay for some of their purchases. Anything to show your gratitude for what they do for all of us.
LIVE GRATEFUL!
Image above is from Sahan Journal. That journal is Somali and were the first to break the news. Grateful Immigrants!
Section 1. All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the law.
ACCOUNTABILITY
There are 5 sections in the Fourteenth Amendment. Section 1 addresses citizenship. In a very abbreviated history of its origin, the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments were addressing the freed slaves of the Civil War. Andrew Johnson did not want to confer citizenship to the freed slaves because of their race. The authors of the amendment wanted to permanently address the issue. I invite you to read the history of their motivations and from there draw your conclusions.
In the four years that Donald Trump was President, there was a constant drumbeat of the rise of fascism ushered in by his administration. His followers were compared to mindless groupies. If not groupies, we, and I’m part of that group of supporters, were also described as White Supremacists that hated anyone or anything other than us. As for me, I’m not white and I’ve never been a groupie.
I liked the fact that President Trump stood for Americans who were not part of the pop-culture. The Americans who are thought to be passé. We love our country – warts and all. We believe we are the good guys. We accept the fact that we are a Western Centric, Christian nation that is open to anyone who is an atheist, agnostic or of a different faith and comes from a different culture. We ask however, that if someone chooses to make this their home, that they, as they say, – “when In Rome, do as the Romans do.”
In the first place, people, other than the slaves and they were not all black, have come here voluntarily. No one has forcibly removed anyone from where they were, brought here and forced to work and stay. So, if you choose to stay participate in the dominant culture and respect its customs. That doesn’t mean that you are prohibited from practicing your culture at home or celebrating it publicly with people that share the same. Just don’t try to replace what existed before you got here.
We celebrate and say Merry Christmas. We revere our Thanksgiving and We Honor Our July 4th!
Most important of all, We uphold and defend our Constitution! That was and is what makes us different from the rest of the world. As the late Justice Scalia has stated, and I agree with him, I’m paraphrasing, – in the history of humans contributing greatly to the betterment and accomplishments of the species, Our Founding Fathers contributed The Constitution of The United States.
All the things I mentioned are under attack. The enemies of our way of life use our way of life to gain power then completely change it. They have said so – plainly!
Now, even behemoth platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter and Amazon, censor speech they don’t like. They keep the speech of leaders that have shown pure hatred for us, and other peoples, ACTIVE. Who? Leader of Iran – who called for the annihilation of Israel. Leader of North Korea – who openly threatens the United States. Louis Farrakhan – who refer to Jewish people as termites and Satan. On the other hand, Make America Great again is considered “threatening” and is banned! If you believe the election to be stolen, you are also banned. The four years Trump was called illegitimate and a Russian conspiracist, that was “apparently,” ok.
In the four years of Trump, no speech was ever censored or banned. He gave as good as he took! He said – Fake News! He was brash and unashamed! BUT not once has he shut anyone down. A dictator, which he was called regularly, WOULD HAVE!
So, if you feel…. correct that…. more accurately – Yes, You Are Being Censored!
If this can be done to a President, then you know that they can and have done it to you!
What to do now?
I truly believe that there are millions of enterprising patriots that can, at first, locally fill the void that these billionaire behemoths (who made their billions within the the framework they now seek to destroy) created. Keep in mind that there are at least 74 million of us in all corners of the country that can start this, Trump won over 80% of all the counties in the country. That’s a HUGE area! (Trumpian 😉)
We are still a Republic and have “Independent States.” Let us welcome and encourage people to push for the revitalization of our Constitution in our communities. Let us make the impact of the Federal Government, minimal. That was the original intent. Those colonies that just fought a war against a centralized government, would not have ratified The Constitution only to end up in the same situation they died fighting against.
Let us encourage a Convention of States. This way, they can have whatever monkey administration and elite class they want in Washington, or centers of pop-culture like LA or New York, but we could live our lives the way we choose to. We are indifferent of ones sex, color or creed. We are aware there are differences and they are what they are. We don’t seek to change them nor do we force anyone to accept anything they wish to exclude. We adhere to the American statement that says – Don’t Tread On Me!
We will actively participate in defending our way of life and we will pass it on proudly to our progeny. As President Reagan has said – It’s The American Thing to Do! Be proud of it!
Whether you’re here just for a paycheck, as I said in my last post, or you truly call this “your home,” the time has come to defend her again.
Why again?
Again, because America‘s haters, and there are many, both foreign and domestic, are at the proverbial doorstep. In recent past, they were concealed by their words. Now, they’re tearing down institutions, picking at scabs and purposely re-injuring old wounds.
This current enemy is more insidious. Not that we haven’t seen its kind. It’s insidious because it primarily comes from within. It does not have a nation per se, but it seeks to carve one from ours.
These enemies NEVER let anyone acknowledge our progress, nor allow us to build on them. They ALWAYS minimize, or outright defame and discredit them. Not to mention, most of these enemies have had a direct hand in the injuries, but they shout the loudest so as to conceal their sin!
So, they’re at it again, they use every type of imagery and trickery. We’ve heard and seen them. The good thing is, they’re out in the open. They’re the ones that claim we’re rotten to the core, and we live in a system that’s the same.
They’re the ones that have hijacked almost all of the forms of enjoyment, our temporary escape from the hardships of everyday living, and insists that we can’t enjoy them, unless we listen and agree with their cause.
To these malcontents, it is not enough that we have our own shortcomings, they have even indicted us for sins and evils that we didn’t commit.
They’re the ones who, when we have some success, want to take more of what we’ve earned and give it to someone else. Often, through the force of law. Then, when we protest, we are libeled as thieves, for wanting to keep our own, for ourselves and our families.
We know them and we know them well. All we have to do is look around us and listen.
So what do we do?
First, we continue to live the lives we’ve led, with our families, friends and co-workers. We’ve done it day in – day out and we’ve been the envy of the world for it.
Then, with a firm stand and a swelling in our chest, proudly acknowledge, that although life is hard, we live in the greatest country on earth! That we are the answer, and how we’ve lived, is the model the world should emulate.
Then, we collectively take a deep breath, and with ALL OUR AMERICAN STRENGTH AND CONVICTION, completely and unequivocally denounce ALL their libelous accusations!
We take back our cities and neighborhoods! We support law enforcement and punish ALL law breakers of ALL COLORS! White, black, blue etc. We re-establish peace and order. Allowing for people to go about their lives without being interfered upon.
Then, with our boots on the enemies necks, so that they understand that good doesn’t tolerate any form of evil, and that good is in charge, and make no mistake WE are the good ones…
We show them what it’s like to be productive, and what it takes to make that happen. We show them, that nothing is free and if you want it, then go work for it. We make them understand that the only way to get their needs met, is to be of use to others.
We show them that’s it’s been done before, and that they can learn to do the same. How? By first being respectful to the ones who came before them and have traveled the beaten path. We make them understand that everyone starts at zero, even the rich babies, and that only through working and learning from others can they move ahead.
We show them that life, in and of itself, will punch the hardest, and that you have to get up, make no excuses, learn from it, get up to go at it again, knowing that you may get punched even harder.
Show them, that when you father someone, it’s your responsibility and not anyone else’s. If you decide to be a mother, same thing. That the greatest privilege to have is the privilege of good, responsible parents.
All of this is needed to defend our way of life. The American Way Of Life. The greatest in the world and we don’t apologize for it. We do not seek to lord over any people, but we do not shy away from our achievements.
We are humbled only by the knowledge that they were forged by the blood of patriots, through the darkest times in our past. As a people and nation, we survived and became stronger. The scars proudly remind us that we have always fought for liberty.
We are defiantly confident, because we know our true history. We are ready for this and any fight because our ancestors have shown us the way. That way, is to pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor in the defense of America. Our Way Of Life!
I don’t give a rats rear end for the smart asses who say that we’re all immigrants. You know who you are and you know if you were born here.
Majority of new(er) immigrants migrated, legally or otherwise, for a better paycheck! Let’s not kid each other that it’s anything other than that. That’s the extent of America they wanted. They were not down for the whole Stars and Stripes thing.
Now, for those of you who know you never transplanted yourselves here, a lot of you think the same way.
How do I know this?
Because you don’t give a crap if you’re being called all kinds of vile names. You don’t give a damn if your traditions and culture are being taken down before your very eyes and ears. As long as that paycheck continues and you get to watch your sports, your show – you get to shop and all the rest of it. The rest can all go to hell, as long as those others I just mentioned, are, for the most part – intact.
Being concerned of how all those things you care about are made possible, and why of all places, here? Well, those are for pointy headed philosophers.
Yes, that’s cold and sad at the same time, but here’s the rub – the other pointy headed philosophers who’ve been doing all the tearing down and cursing – their philosophy will, to some degree already does, run your life.
Again, how do I know? Because history has seen these play out in all parts of the world, and it’s neverbeenpretty!
Curious thing is, there was – is, a group of people, a nation if you will, that has stood, fallen, stood up again to fight these pointy headed philosophers with their pointy spear/gun or oppressive edicts backed by the same.
But, you’re too busy to be bothered. Why should you? It’s just a job.
Who fights and stakes their lives, their fortune or their sacred honor for a paycheck?
You’ll do it for your home – maybe? Your family – maybe? But a paycheck? A job? Nah! That’s for suckers! Right?!
How does someone who wasn’t born, didn’t grow up in The United States, learn to love and appreciate everything she’s about?
Born in the Islands of The Philippines, to a lawyer and a businesswoman, I grew up in a middle class family with modest means. My family was not necessarily religious, but we were Catholics, and like 90% of the country at the time, we observed all the traditions of the country.
My parents were open to us reasoning out (answering back for some) but always made sure we knew who was in charge. I don’t really remember a sit-down father and son talk in my early years. Neither did my mother share words of wisdom. What I remember, and now realize, is that they taught us by example. I believe most families establish their family culture this way.
I attended a Catholic School right from the get go until I graduated from High School. I could say, that’s where I spent my formative years. I pretty much had the same set of friends which I have to this day.
In school, our Catholic Faith was strengthened. There is no other way to describe it but beneficial. In no way did my learning teach me to be judgmental, as it is popularly portrayed, but it taught me that there was a clear right and wrong. (Well, you might say, there you go.)
I was not, in any way, a model student. Far from it. I’m sure I was a headache for many a teacher. I can remember one year during High School, I was asked, more like ordered, to sit right next to the teacher so that I can be better “handled.” These days, that would have been considered some kind of mental torture or some kind of infringement on my rights to be a royal pain in the a$$.
Now, I’m not going overboard, to say that I was a terror. I’ll just say, that I would not give myself as an example of a good student.
Uncle Sam
In 1987, when my maternal aunt’s petition was approved by the United States, my parents made the decision to migrate.
I wasn’t really enthusiastic about the move. All of my friends were in Manila. In my studies, and paying attention to current events at the time as well as popular culture, most of what I knew about America was good. Still, I wasn’t thrilled about leaving everything I knew and starting anew.
Young, wide eyed and adventurous, I was completely fine with being left in Manila, but it was not a decision I could make for myself at the time. I didn’t have the benefit of knowing what I know now.
Arriving in Minnesota in October, was a climate shock for someone who felt that 70 degrees Fahrenheit was cold. After 33 years, a few blizzards, one that broke records for the state, I’ve acclimated to Minnesota weather. (Somewhat)
My Minnesota friends will remind me that 1987 was the first World Series win for the Minnesota Twins – simply referred to as Twins. (Professional Baseball Team for the sports challenged 😜)
Choices
Right from the start, I’ve been providing for myself in various jobs I’ve held. At one point I even hit a personal high, in terms of income, and a personal low in the same year. I won’t bother you with the details.
Another aspect of my life, is when I spent time on the other side of the law. It wasn’t long, but I did pay for my crime.
What I’d like to pass on, and is certainly not unique to me, is that as the song says, I picked myself up, I dusted myself off, (many times – just like others) and I started all over again.
Summary
I narrated all that for context, because I didn’t want to be simplistic in saying, that it’s all about upbringing and choices, that gets you moving forward and ahead in life. However, it is!
More importantly, it’s choices. It’s learning from and asking others, who’ve done it before you, and then cherishing it. All of it! The good the bad and the ugly.
Structure – Foundation – Constitution (They are all synonymous)
Those traits will move anyone ahead in life in almost any place on earth, but those traits and a system that fosters it, is even better. A system where freedom is King! Where individual rights are vigorously protected. How? By enshrining it, so that others wishing to do it harm can be checked, even punished, if they act on the wish.
As James Madison said in Federalist No. 51
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”
It would be beneficial to read the whole passage. The link is found on the right side of this page. Click on The Federalist Papers and go to No. 51. It’s a free download on iBooks.
I’m a modest man with modest means, but I know my situation is far better here, than any other place on earth. I know that because I’ve lived it and continue to do so. Here, I continue to be beneficial to others in turn it’s beneficial to me and my family.
Today is July 4, 2020 and I’m not going to make it an Independence Day narration. I just thought and felt, that sharing a grateful immigrants’ perspective, can, in a little way, explain why millions try to move to the United States and why Millions more want to keep, cherish and protect the uniqueAmerican way of life.
As I have said in a previous post, yes, America is imperfect, with imperfect beginnings, but it is the Greatest imperfect nation with its brave, kind imperfect people on earth – Americans.
So…
Stand beside her, and guide her … God bless America, my home sweet home!
