The Streetwise Courier

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Could Pentagon shooter have been stopped?

The Pentagon, looking northeast with the Potom...

Last Thursday's Pentagon shooter was actually raised in Hollister, California where he recently lived with his now grief-stricken parents. 36-year old John Patrick Bedell also happened to be a promising electrical engineering student who'd already achieved a bachelor's degree, and was was attending graduate studies at San Jose State University until last fall.

So, what was it that triggered this soft-spoken, 6-foot tall, blond haired, intelligent man to drive to Washington, D.C., pull out a gun, and shoot two Pentagon entrance guards, wounding them both....before being shot dead by their retaliating bullets?

A few of his high school classmates said Bedell was smart, quiet, but kind of weird. Neighbors in Hollister claim he was just a normal kind of guy, while professors praised him as one of the best circuit-design students at San Jose State.

"He was always on time, always prepared, and asked great questions that sparked further discussion", said professor David Parent, who never thought Bedell was capable of such a violent act, and nothing like the student he came to know so well! "I still can't believe this is the J.P. I knew," he said. "It's as though someone stole his identity".

As it happens, however, troubling signs foreshadowed Bedell for years...including severe bipolar depressive disorder, which competed with an addiction to marijuana, causing fits of anger leading to numerous scrapes with the law, including charges for resisting arrest.

Bedell was also arrested in 2007 at Bubb Elementary School in Mountain View after threatening a six-year old and his father with a 6-foot long stick, after they refused to to let him join soccer practice!

That same year, Bedell was detained on a mental health hold, pleading no contest to exhibiting a deadly weapon other than a gun. A month later his youngest brother signed a citizen's arrest form, claiming Bedell even assaulted him, after which Bedell served just 20-days of weekend work service.

Am I the only one noticing an obvious pattern here? Aren't these incidents at least the beginning signs of impending disaster for Bedell? Wasn't he, in fact, a ticking time bomb just waiting to explode, needing a heck of a lot more than community service work to defuse him?

It's true his parents Oscar and Kaye Bedell did try for several years to get their son into therapy for his marijuana addiction, often seeking help from San Benito County Supervisor Reb Monaco, who was a family friend.

However, when that failed, shouldn't Bedell have at least received treatment for bipolar depression, which is a highly severe medical condition requiring aggressive therapy and life-long medication? It often afflicts extremely intelligent people, and is brought on by an imbalance of naturally occurring substances in the brain or spinal cord.

Instead of treating himself with marijuana, Bedell should have been on prescription anti-psychotic drugs like Benzadiazepine or lithium....which treat symptoms of hyperactivity, irritability, and hostility; the very symptoms which haunted him!

I say this because I've seen the way bipolar-ism has affected others, even people I know personally! My cousin's wife has an IQ of 155, and used to suffer psychotic fits and convulsions after consuming even the smallest bit of alcohol. She's fine now, but only after receiving alcohol treatment, intense therapy, and a strict medical re gamin for bipolar depression.

My own sister took it upon herself to seek life-long treatment for mood swings and chemical imbalances, which caused her to throw violent fits of rage when we were kids. I remember them well, and now she's fine.but only because she got the necessary help she needed?

So did actor Robert Downey Jr. a bipolar depression sufferer also strongly addicted to cocaine, who literally traded in a bright career for a jail cell until finally getting the proper mental health care required to achieve total sobriety. Could John Patrick Bedell have gotten similar help? Unfortunately, we will never know.

His story only got worse, with even more disturbing and revealing behavior, such as his recent anti-government threats and rants on 'You Tube' and other internet postings, where Bedell blasted the alleged miss-handling of a Marine colonel's death, and launched conspiracy theories surrounding the 9/11 disaster.

Just after New Years there were more red flags and danger signs. Bedell's parents filed a missing persons report when he vanished eight days earlier following another fight with one of his brothers. Then they received a call from the Texas Highway Patrol claiming to be "disturbed" about Bedell's car being in "disarray" after being issued a speeding ticket.

When Bedell finally returned home on January 18th, his parents confronted him about a $600 purchase from a Sacramento shooting range, however, their son refused to tell them what he bought...thus arousing obvious worry and suspicion, but no action!

A few weeks later Bedell banished himself to the road again, headed for the pentagon in D.C. with two 9-millimeter automatics, never to see his family again. Why couldn't something have been done earlier to get him the mental health care he so drastically needed? He may very well have received some treatment, and I'm not about to say the Bedell family didn't try very hard! What I am hinting, is that, perhaps our entire community and government approach to mental health care needs to improve, for the sakes of families like the Bedells!

Every day homeless people wander the streets, some of them half-brain dead. mumbling aloud to themselves. Could they have been helped? How many of us (so-called) upper and middle class citizens suffer from chronic depression, and why are there so many suicides, homicides, and rapes?

The fact is, our prisons are filled the the brim, while seemingly normal, over-achieving, clean-cut folks John Patrick Bedell end up killing and/or dying violently....while we continue to wonder; could it all have been prevented?

I only hope our government and its communities learn from this, and find a way to improve preventative, mental health care, whereby....fewer families have to suffer tragedies like the Bedell's, who last Friday issued a statement saying: "We are devastated as a family because, to the outside world this disaster is the first and only thing they will know of John Patrick. To us he was a beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, and cousin. We may never know why he made this terrible decision, but one thing is clear--his actions were caused by an illness, and not a defective character."

Thanks, and stay in touch at Streetwisesd.com

Sincerely, PeteCam4

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

RECALL ON FOOD TAINTED WITH E COLI AND SALMONELLA

Colonies of pathogenic bacteria growing on an ...

Image via Wikipedia

RECALL ON FOOD TAINTED WITH E COLI AND SALMONELLA

It has been one recall after another. In October 2006 it was Green Leaf Lettuce, E coli was found in the irrigation water. In July 2009 there was a recall on Romaine Lettuce which was tainted with E coli. Now there is a recall on hydrolyzed vegetable protein it is tainted with Salmonella. This hydrolyzed vegetable protein is a flavoring used in every type of processed food.

How are consumers supposed to know if lettuce has E coli, you can’t!

With beef and chicken we are told to cook it to temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit, but we can’t do that with lettuce. we can wash lettuce under running water and hope that is enough.

Consumers are at the mercy of these companies that produce processed foods. Dr. Margaret Hamburg told reporters that the risk of illness was very low and so far, no consumers have reported getting sick from products containing the flavoring. I think someone got sick after eating one of the recalled items, but just dismissed it as stomach flu. Dr.

Jeff Farrar associate commissioner for the food safety said “We expect this to get larger over the next several days, actually several weeks.”

We can all prevent the spread of E coli and Salmonella by washing our hands and utensils with hot soapy water before and after handling meat and washing all surfaces that the meat touched. Do not thaw meat on the counter, put cooked food in the refrigerator promptly after its cooked Salmonella can cause sever illness in the very young, very old and frail. To all you consumers please read all processed food ingredients labels, avoid processed foods containing hydrolyzed vegetable protein.

http://chattahbox.com/us/2010/03/05/chips-dips-salad-dressings-hot-dogs-tainted-with-salmonella/

http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/HVPCP/

Thursday, February 25, 2010

PG&E SMART METER

Image by Kevin via Flickr

If you live in California, you will be getting PG&E’s Smart Meter. PG an E will be installing smart meter’s to every dwelling and business in California and you don’t have a choice. Customers in the Bakersfield Fresno and all over the Central Valley had the smart meter installed last summer and they are not happy. They went to State Senator Dean Florez and complained about how their bills were outrageously high now, even though their doing everything exactly the same. Senator Florez told CBS 5

Investigates: “I think PG an E has been less than truthful.” About What? The explanations Senator Florez said, the company gave some of those customers, such as telling them their old meters just weren’t as accurate as the smart meters. “There’s no doubt that PG an E has lied to its customers when it comes to replacing the old meters with the new meters and somehow saying the old meters were defective,” Florez said. Ok here we go again if the old meters are so defective, why? has PG an E kept the old meters around since 1905 when it was founded. I say this is a big utility trying to stick it to the consumer again. PG an E knows we don’t have a choice. If everyone is dependent on gas and electricity, then PG an E can install these smart meters and that’s that. When our bills become outrageously high, and we complain I hope the government steps in and investigates PG an E. It’s going to be a sad situation when people can’t afford to pay there bill and there PG an E gets turned off. I have not had the smart meter installed yet, but it’s coming next month, you can best believe I will be monitoring my bill every closely. Consumers if your bill is outrageously high after the smart meter is installed complain to your government officials, if they get enough complaints PG an E will hopefully be investigated.

http://www.kcbs.com/localnews/Customers-Complain-About-Smart-Meters/6424878

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Gas_and_Electric_Company

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Tiger Woods

Image via Wikipedia

85 days after his early-morning car crash and subsequent blockbuster sex scandal, Tiger Woods apologized to the world Friday morning, with a 14-minute televised speech, that offered a mixed bag of reactions.

One trend saw men to be more forgiving than woman! ABC's George Stephanopoulos called Tiger's speech "one of the most remarkable apologies ever by a public figure". CBS's David Feherty agreed, saying, "I've never seen him appear so vulnerable...I was very impressed with what he said".

TMZ's Harvey Levin Twittered that, "Tiger's speech hit the high notes in a big way", while Donald Trump was actually disappointed Woods even apologized, telling 'Forbes'..."I hate seeing Tiger apologize. I'd rather watch him win golf tournaments and have a great life".

However, commentary from female viewers was much more cynical. Fox News anchor Greta Van Susteren sharply criticized the speech, saying: "Tiger Woods telling the media to be good and responsible to his wife...he's telling OTHERS to be good to his wife? Maybe HE should have been".

'Jezebel.Com' praised Tiger's defending his wife, but questioned his motives for apology, saying, "this--and his now-notorious failings...make it hard to believe anything he says". Other notable women claim this was Tiger's ploy to save sponsors, and that his robotic, forced body-language made him seem NOT sorry at all.

Upon listening to San Francisco's all-sports radio station KNBR-680, I heard co-hosts Ralph Barbieri and Tom Tolbert comment that Tiger looked as if he practiced the speech in the mirror, and that perhaps he rehearsed both his voice inflections, and how to play to to the camera.

Personally, I do NOT completely concur, however, before offering my reaction.(On my Birthday no less!)... I'll even include a response from one of my closest friends. He offers that since Tiger's wife Elin didn't show-up, she will probably never be intimate with him again....and, since he can't be with anyone else because of this mess, Tiger must now face a life of celibacy!

I told my friend that he MAY BE stretching it a bit! I actually listened to the speech on car-radio first, and then ran inside to rewind my DVR recorder and watch it on TV. From both perceptions, Tiger basically sold me!

What he did say WAS written-out first, however, there was sincerity in his voice for all 14-minutes.! He seemed to hold nothing back, and left no part of what he truly needed to be sorry for... out there drifting in the wind.

He not only brought everything to the table regarding his infidelities, he also apologized to everyone, including those so very important youngsters who look up to him.

Often trembling and stumbling, Tiger revealed an imperfection that was refreshing, if not more believable....thus making his defense of wife Elin, and the denial of any performance enhancing drug use, even more convincing.

Not only did Tiger assume ALL the blame for EVERYTHING he did wrong, he shared a solid plan for a life cure following a long, therapeutic and clinical battle, which he vows to endure to the bitter end.

He also affirmed the dire need to forever live by the same standards and boundaries as we all do, begging in one final plea...that we "come to believe in him again", one day!

As for the future of his marriage and family, that is something he and Elin need to work out alone between themselves, as he put it. I for ONE, wish them success, and hope you will too...on further thought.

After all, the bottom line is...doesn't everyone deserve that often-mentioned second chance, even Tiger Woods? I think he does!

Thanks, and stay informed on Streetwisesd.com

PeteCam4

JEFFERSON AWARD WINNER GINA FROMER

Image by peterme via Flickr

JEFFERSON AWARD WINNER GINA FROMER

Gina Fromer grew up in the Bayview Hunters Point in San Francisco California, she is giving back to her community. The Bayview Hunters Point district is the violent part of San Francisco. I spent the first three years of my life living in Bayview Hunters Point in San Francisco, and my mother told me that it was not a safe place to raise kids. Bayview Hunters Point has always had a problem with the gang violence and drugs. Gina Fromer is now the executive director of the Bayview Hunters Point YMCA.

Gina says there mission at the YMCA is “to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities”. Gina has been the director for the past three years, in that time she has started a child development center, community kitchen and care program a teen alternative. I say congratulations to Gina Fromer for making a difference her community.

http://www.kcbs.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=4381389

Monday, February 15, 2010

CRIME WAVE IN THE CITY OF VALLEJO

VALLEJO, CA - MAY 07: Vallejo Police Departme...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

CRIME WAVE IN THE CITY OF VALLEJO

When I was a growing up, I remember going to Vallejo to visit relatives it was all ways a fun time. There was no violence that I was aware of, not like today. The economy is hitting the City of Vallejo hard, with the cities budget issues they had to lay off dozens of officers. Crime in Vallejo is up, in the past two weeks they have had assaults and shootings.

Just last Wednesday February 3, 2010 six men attacked and robbed a Vallejo city worker, how dumb were these six men it was all caught on tape. There’s no getting away with it, I hope they do serious time we do not need punks like that on the streets. On Thursday afternoon February 4.

2010 a 15 year old boy shot a ice cream lady, while attempting to rob her.

I don’t know what this kid was thinking or he wasn’t thinking he probably just got $50.00 or less now his life is ruined. On February 8, 2010 a 42 year old man was shot outside of his home. The people of Vallejo are scared their calling about security alarms and weapons. I think the City of Vallejo is going to have to get together with the community and come up with some kind of solution to this problem. It is ashamed to hear about Vallejo being so violent, when I remember it being so fun back in the day.

http://sfist.com/2010/02/03/teens_mob_attack_vallejo_city_worke.php

http://www.ktvu.com/news/22439158/detail.html

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Vallejo-Homicide-Victim-is-Father-of-Beating-Suspect-Family-83804932.html

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

TOYOTA RECALL IT’S ABOUT TIME

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

TOYOTA RECALL IT’S ABOUT TIME

Being a Toyota owner I say it’s about time they fix the sticking gas pedal. I’m fortunate that my vehicle is not a part of the recall, but it is unfortunate for the people were in major accidents and lost their lives because of the sticking gas pedal. In September Toyota issued a warning to owners to remove the floor mats they could get stuck under the gas pedal.

In November 2009 there were a estimated 2000 cases in which owners of Toyota Cars including Camry, Prius and Lexus reported that their cars would surge without warning up to speeds of 100 miles per hour. Toyota still insisted that it was the floor mat, the owners said that was not the case. Toyota was not listening to 2000 Toyota owners, now three months later a million plus Toyota’s had to be recalled. That goes to show you that these big car companies our out for the money. They charge us a arm, leg and our life, so they can get rich and not caring for the people who are making them rich.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/RunawayToyotas/sudden-acceleration-toyota-cars-owners-rebel-accidents/story?id=8980479

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Could Pentagon shooter have been stopped?

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

RECALL ON FOOD TAINTED WITH E COLI AND SALMONELLA