"Discretions"

Eager to show you off

I dragged you everywhere

Even when unnecessary

Your presence filled the air

Others never questioned

Because they never knew

Still, we cannot fault them

For believing you as true

Yet, you never were

& there is only one to blame

Me, myself, & I

Is the reason that you came

The devastation of your destruction

Confirms that you must die

So from this day forward

I will not speak another lie

"The End of Time"

Where does the time go

Since it so rapidly slips away

Once it's gone, it's gone for good

Leaving me wishing it had stayed

The challenge is then to endure

It's ever-lasting fleet

So cherish every moment

& Exploit every opportunity

This proves to be more difficult

When dreams dissolve in thin air

It seems freedom is more restrictive

Than others are made aware

Therefore, it takes a tenacious person

Brave enough to tackle a wall

Just when it was suppose to shatter

The wall proved it refused to fall

Equally headstrong & tormented

You vowed to forever pursue

This obsession with my confinement

Was ultimately the end of me & you

Thus, when you declared forever

it appeared to be a lie

But I realize now more clearly than ever

That it is simply the end of time

Weezy is free... For now

The conditions of Lil Wayne’s probation appear impossible for the rapper considering his pre-prison stint reputation. The rapper signed a plea deal recently that restricts him from associating with anyone engaged in criminal activity or who have a criminal record without prior consent of the probation department. Therefore, it seems Lil Wayne is going to need approval for a good majority of the Young Money record label’s staff and crew. The probation terms also require that Lil Wayne may not possess or consume any drug or alcoholic substances for the next three years while randomly submitting to drug test within the duration of this time. If he violates any of the terms of his probation he could be sent back to prison to serve out the remainder of his term. (However, I suspect his attorney will reduce this to some lessened amount of time in a rehabilitation clinic.)

Personally, I don’t think Lil Wayne’s return home will be for very long. I expect the “Free Weezy” campaign to commence again very soon. After discussing this matter with a friend, I found his answer worth repeating. Since these conditions seem impossible for the rapper, what will Lil Wayne do? Produce more coherent music? Possibly, or he could very well succumb to the temptations presented at his welcome home party at the king of Diamonds Strip Club in Miami on Sunday. Only time will tell.

Verdict: Lil Wayne is a very talented and popular rapper in his own right. I hope the Judges who handle these types of cases carefully examine the damage done by the individual rather than the media circus that a high-profiled celebrity’s court appearance can produce. Judges have a lot of power and they are only human. It is easy for judges to allow their own beliefs to interfere with properly interpreting the law even though this is prohibited in our justice system. (still, it is occurring more and more) People who suffer from drug and alcohol addictions need serious help that a prison sentence cannot provide. Furthermore, is it the government's responsibility to protect us from ourselves? Absolutely not! Legislation that tries to do so is a waste of the taxpayers money and a distraction from the more serious problems that our country needs to resolve.

Consider the Source

Although I am happy with the outcome of the recent election, this Closing Argument’s timing is terrible. Nonetheless, its inspiration came from my more frequent use of twitter as of late. As the semester creeps closer to finals, Twitter makes the perfect distraction from studying. My compulsive twittering has produced both positive and negative results. The negative, I am wasting precious study time scaling through the twittersphere and my tweets really do not contribute any benefit to society whatsoever. In contrast, I mostly only follow economic, political, news, and science outlets and I enjoy reading all articles posted by those I follow. Therefore, neglecting my studies to tweet has not been entirely bad. After all, I am broadening my knowledge, right? Well, I guess that all depends on the credibility of the source. Thus, this Closing Argument’s intension is to “consider the source”, so to speak, and to express the importance of general knowledge dispersed among the citizens of this fine country.

Normally, when I am presented with an issue, I typically study the problem intensely and will quickly form a stance or solution on how [I think] it should be resolved. However, when I take my newfound knowledge to the streets hoping to find another apprehensive citizen to discuss these current issues with they either have no idea what I am talking about or they simply do not care. The most appalling behavior I could ever fathom was a girl at a tailgate recently who admitted to NEVER voting because she “didn’t see the point”. Although, at that time I felt compelled on behalf of Susan B Anthony, Lucy Stone, and other heroic women in history, to punch this young woman in the face. I refrained from violence because I am actually grateful that this girl does not vote. She obviously is clueless and she would merely cancel out the vote of someone who actually gave it some thought.

Today, many people agree that it is in fact pointless to vote. To these people, I would like to make one thing clear; it is only pointless if you do not know of whom you are voting. That is to say, that you did not give it any prior consideration, really research the candidates, and make an educated decision based on your beliefs and situation. I am sure there are many people who disagree with me and believe everyone should vote no matter what. However, for those individuals who look for the “R” or the “D” on the ballot and refuse to give it any more consideration than this, you are just wasting your time and hindering the voices of those who actually are passionate about the outcome and direction of our country.

Sidebar: If you are guilty of these actions (described above) then by giving up your right to vote you are also giving up you right to complain about our current economic state or anything else for that matter. By refusing to vote, you are allowing the fate of our country to reside in the hands of others.

If you are a regular voter, then I encourage you to forget about the beliefs of your heritage, the past, and all news/ media outlets, and conduct your own research on each candidate or proposition that will be presented. Know before you go! Take the time well before Election Day to understand everything that will appear on the ballot and decide in advance how you will cast your vote. Today, we have the resources to conduct this type of search within minutes, so it really isn’t as time consuming as you may expect. Don’t have a computer? Well, your local library should so make the extra effort, especially if you intend to vote. Most importantly, media sources can and do push their own beliefs and agendas so when you conduct your research make sure it is from a creditable source. A prime example of this is many of the tea partiers and candidates like Sarah Palin [come to mind]. Whether you like Sarah Palin or not, a lot of what she says is taken out of context and this is more outrageous to me than anything else. By taking her [or any politicians] words out of context people are being misled of their true intellect.

Verdict: Do not believe all that you hear/read and conduct your own research. It is sad, but sometimes we have to find sources outside of our own country to understand what is really going on within it. In the 2008 election, Obama’s campaign was ran beautifully and I am not surprised at all, he won. However, the vague terminology of “hope” and “change” were widely endorsed without any actual knowledge of what kind of “change” he was referring to. Always remember John Adams famous quote based on the structure of our government: “Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people.”

******Know Your Rights*******

Dealing with law enforcement officers can get tricky. The purpose of this closing argument is to outline the proper police interaction protocol. I am very tired right now so please disregard any misspelling or punctuation errors. Moreover, I should definitely be working on other (more important) projects. However, this issue is very important [to me] because every time I watch the show, Cops, I get in a screaming match with the TV. So here it is. A short summary of your rights as an American citizen of these United States. Enjoy. *Picture courtesy of Scroggins Design

When stopped by police, it is important to remain calm and always be polite. If you are rude, the officer can make your life very difficult. You never have to answer any questions if you do not want to. (Except your name in some states) You can simply say, “I do not want to talk to you.” and walk away. Never run! Law enforcement officers may try to make you feel pressured to comply and many have been known to resort to trickery to get your confession. If you do not feel comfortable walking away, ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, you should consider just walking away. However, if the officer says you are not under arrest but you are not free to go, then you are being detained.

Sidebar: Being detained is not the same as being arrested, although an arrest could follow. It is important that you utilize your rights to remain silent and request legal representation.

No one is perfect and certainly nothing government run. Police can and do make mistakes. If you are being detained, the police officer can pat down the outside of your clothing only if they have reasonable suspicion, an objective reason to suspect that you are armed and dangerous. If they search anymore than this merely say, “I do not consent to a search.” If they continue to search, you should never physically resist them. Remain calm and remember you do not have to answer any questions whether you are being detained or arrested. Ask for legal representation and wait for their arrival.

If you are arrested, the officer must advise you of your constitutional rights to remain silent, to an attorney, and to have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford one. These are known as your Miranda rights. If an officer fails to read you these rights, you should inform your attorney so they can motion for mistrial.

Finally, if you are ever treated badly by a law enforcement officer, there are a few things to remember. First, take down the badge number, name, and any other identification information. You have the right to inquire about this information so the officer has to give it to you. Second, try to find as many witnesses to the incident and get their contact information as well. Third, report a complaint to the law enforcement responsible for this treatment. This is essential if you plan to press charges. (In fact, if you do all of this it may just be an open and closed case, not to mention your attorney will love you because you have done all the work) Fourth, if you are injured, seek medical attention immediately and take pictures of your injuries. Lastly, call a lawyer or contact your local ACLU office.

Verdict: You should exercise all of these rights while dealing with law enforcement officials. If you are arrested, you do not have to answer any questions or divulge any information. Ask to speak with a lawyer immediately and repeat this question to any officer who tries to talk to you.

"The Truth"

Slipping into depression

How shall I climb out

Engulfed in darkness

Still, I can hear them shout



They seek my lost soul

But it's been missing since birth

I have never known a conscience

which was perfect for evading hurt



Such a specimen is peculiar

Narcissists, we feel no pain

Even tears in a lovers eyes

Would cause no dismay



I once counted this as a blessing

But now I see the truth

It was my fault all along

I apologize if you thought it was you



So now that I understand this feeling

I realize I should have never been afraid

because the renditions of a heavy heart

Is a spiritual growth experience I would never trade



So if there are heavens

I thank them for my tears

Because it is better to have loved and lost

then to never have faced my fears

The concrete that covered the rose

Part one

The cold wet cement was concocted by a stern iron hand
With poverty, tyranny, and oppression being the key components of it's plan
All was expected to die of the life that once occupied the ground
Still the workmen paid no mind as they laid the cement down

But through persistent pleads and cries
the concrete was weakened over time
therefore, the iron fist mistook that
even a single rose could grow out of a tiny nook

******KNOW YOUR RIGHTS*******

I. Probable Cause

The Fourth Amendment of the US Constitution provides that the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

The term "probable cause" is defined very vaguely here. Of course each state has adapted it's own statute to define probable cause. It's basic meaning is this-- Probable cause is a "reasonable belief" that a person has committed a crime. For example, this can be a driver swerving on the road. If an officer observes this reckless behavior, he now has the jurisdiction to pull you over, question your sobriety, and even search the vehicle for illegal contraband. Some states go so far to include the scent of marijuana or alcohol as probable cause. My only problem with this is it is hearsay evidence. The officer could simple be lying. Maybe the officer doesn't like you. Maybe he/she is racist or sexist. Maybe he/she is your neighbor and is tired of the mangoes from your mangoe tree spilling onto his lawn. Nonetheless, the "scent of marijuana or alcohol" is not a tangible object and should not be used as grounds to search your vehicle.

Probable cause is the minimum level of evidence of a crime that must be present for an arrest. Simply stated, it is somewhat restrictive than the standard for the police to engage someone in a conversion, but less than the certainty beyond the shadow of a reasonable doubt required for a conviction.

Verdict: Probable cause is highly susceptible to be abused today. Just look at the Columbia, MO police department. May 10, 2010 authorities in CoMo somehow obtained a search warrant within 8 DAYS, broke into a citizens house, scared the children in this home, shot and killed their dogs! (which were poodles, I believe) only to find a misdemeanor amount of marijuana residue. Just watch the link below and I'm sure you will find it very infuriating, disturbing, and a complete violation of our rights as Americans.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs3Gaq9j6RA

The tragedy is this will occur more and more until the citizens of this country get angry, get loud, and demand accountability from their government.... So, get to it! Write your local and state representatives and express your opinions on this or any other matter you wish to discuss. Trust me, they will listen. After all, they need your vote. Don't know your representative? Go to house.gov and simple type in your zip code. ******Always Remember, democracy will only prevail with general knowledge dispersed among the people.*******

July 4, 1776

Philadelphia in the early morning of July 4, 1776 was a mildly cool mid-summer day. The temperature was 68 degrees. With decreasing barometric pressure and a crisp wind shift from the north to the southwest brought a slightly cloudy sky. The Second Continental Congress must have greatly appreciated the cool temperature as they gathered in the Pennsylvania State House (Now known as Independence Hall) to approve the Declaration of Independence, which was drafted several days prior by a committee of five; appointed by Congress on June 11. The committee was a power house consisting of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston. However, it was Richard Henry Lee who first introduced the resolution on June 7, 1776; urging Congress to declare independence from Great Britain.

SIDEBAR: The structure of the Declaration of Independence was influenced by English philosopher John Locke, who advanced the contract theory of government. Locke argued that all "just" governments are founded on consent and are designed solely to protect people in their inherent rights of life, liberty, and property. Although some radicals (including myself) utilize this theory to justify civil disobedience whenever government infringes on any of the specified rights; the more conservative Jefferson held that resistance is justified only when a consistent course of policy shows an unmistakable design to establish tyranny. In addition, Thomas Jefferson used Natural Law, substituting "the pursuit of happiness" for "property" in the trinity of inalienable rights. This alteration was developed from the Swiss legal philosopher Emerich de Vattel, who emphasized public duty rather than personal choice. Natural Law Theory relies on diligent cultivation of civic virtue to obtain happiness.

Of course Congress quickly rejected two passages in the original document when it was first presented to them on June 28. The first revision was a reference to the English people and the second was contemptuous criticism of the slave trade. (It makes sense that they took this out because they had to convince many colonists to concede to the revolution. The majority of the militia consisted of framers.) Subsequently, from July 1-4, Congress continued debating the document and was otherwise adopted without significant change. July 2, Congress declared independence and July 4 they adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. July 19 Congress ordered the document officially inscribed and the formal signing by the 56 members of Congress commenced on Aug 2, 1776.

July 3, 1776 John Adams made an astounding prediction in a letter to his wife, Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward, forevermore.

(Notice that he was only two days off considering the resolution was suggested June 7 and completed August 2)

The Power of the Written Word

The ability to "think about thinking" belongs uniquely to human beings. For this reason, our expansion of knowledge & ability to solve complex problems should be cherished. Through writing you create a permanent record of your ideas for others to read & continue thinking about. Reading informs & shapes human thought. In an open, free, democratic society, every person is welcome to write & thereby create reading for others. For such freedom of idea exchange to thrive, writing & reading skills cannot be concentrated in only a select group of people. All of us need access to the power of the written word. Personally, I am terrible at spelling and grammar. (I suspect Google, spell-check, and auto-spell correct on my iphone are to blame.) But the sad truth is that the majority of citzens today are more interested in entertainment rather than education. This is very discouraging considering the course of humans' existence. Today, we are spoiled with technology & are overpopulated to the point that there is no need to be concerned for our species extinction. We are never out of contact with one another thanks to the invention of cell-phones, social networks, and email. However, I cannot help but reflect on a simpler time when man was first introduced to the Earth. It seems inevitable that our vocal cords & mental capacity have evolved to their current capabilities today. Early human settlements were near the bottom of the food chain & their feeble structures made them susceptible to the conditions of Mother Nature. We needed each other [humans] to organize, hunt, & gather to survive.

SIDEBAR: In contrast, sharks are extremely strong & fast. They do not need each other to hunt or survive & therefore sharks do not feel compelled to reproduce rapidly. That is, their species survival does not depend on it. Humans, on the other hand, feel vivid sensations (Oxytocin and Dopamines) for relationships & reproduction.

Nonetheless, I can only imagine our ancestors constant struggle to grunt at their peers, desperately trying to communicate for survival purposes. For this, we owe thanks to their continuous efforts because through exercising their vocal & mental capabilities, humans evolved to the state where we can speak effortlessly. (Which make sense because it was essential for our species survival)

VERDICT: Besides the ability to communicate, education & the passage of knowledge through generations is the most prominent aspect for our species survival. We learned what kinds of berries were poisonous, to avoid trees in linghtning storms, how to create fire & cook food, & so on & so forth. The human race was/is able to share knowledge with future generations by recording their discoveries & bettering their children's chances of survival.

Introduction

Closing Arguments sole purpose is to provide summaries, in laymen terms, for a wide variety of subject matter. Most of us today are too busy that we cannot find the time to read through thousands of pages of legislation that our government will enforce upon us whether we understand the law or not. Therefore, I will submit short essays on topics that I believe will be beneficial to the average American. The format will be simple. As the adversarial system demands, I will merely discuss the cause of action for any given topic. I will leave out all opinions, although, I may make the occasional recommendation. Still, I will concentrate on the facts of an argument and nothing more. As John Adams once said:

“Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.”

Politics suck. If someone can honestly look you in the eye and tell you that they enjoy politics, Then they are simply insane. For this reason, I will limit my discussions on party politics since they contrive the most dismay. However, politics is not limited to one’s government. Its existence is perpetual in everything we do today. It’s in our educational system, hospitals, hell; even the local clerk at Phillips 66 must conciliate politics daily. The point is, we play the game of politics all the time whether we know it or not. Closing Arguments intention is to act as an educational reference on your rights, history, entertainment, media, science, economy, and anything I find informative for your personal gain. By studying the past, we can better understand the problems of the present, and implement creditable solutions for the future.

SIDEBAR: Closing Arguments is not purely an outlet for political expression but a submission of educational topics in an investigative essay form. They will be short, direct, and informative. I am not trying to persuade you. I am merely concerned with the diffusion of general knowledge among the pupils. Otherwise, (based on the foundation of the US government) democracy will be lost--and through our ignorance we won’t even hear her cries for refuge. *****KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!*****

You are now entering Jessie’s Court, where justice may be temporarily lost but always found….