Cubs, Indians Flirt With History

CHECKING IN WITH HISTORY

Cub closer Aroldis Chapman single-handedly put the World Series hopes for his team on his back last night and held back the surging Cleveland Indians by a score of 3-2. With this latest postseason win, the 2016 World Series is thrown into a dramatic Game 7 situation.

At stake is one Major League Baseball's oldest curse, as the Chicago Cubs, organized in 1876, last captured World Series honors in 1908, after the team had also won the series the previous year.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Indians have experienced a drought of their own. Since 1948, where Indian legend hurler Bob Feller won World Series standout honors, the tribe has remained title-less.

Intro to the New York City Ballet

Scary clown trend leads to police warnings worldwide

By JIM PURCELL

Stephen King fans the world over may think of the author's signature "It" prankster when they think about scary clowns. However, there is a disturbing trend circulating throughout the country that takes scary clowns out of the pages of books and is putting them on our streets. This is especially concerning as Halloween, Oct. 31, is tomorrow.

According to a printed report by AFP today, written by Rhona Wise, it's better for everyone to leave the creepy clown costumes at home this Halloween, as there is 'clown hysteria' gripping the nation. This report is not a prank: far from it, as unusal sightings in South Carolina were noted this past summer of people dressed as clowns with them trying to lure children into the woods.

Sightings of people wearing bizarre clown costumes has since spread to more than 20 states, along with associated incidents reported by police. The craze has jumped the U.S. border and there have even been sightings of such bizarrely dressed people exhibiting themselves in Europe, South America and Australia.

According to Miami police spokeswoman Yelitza Cedano Hernandez, in a report issued by the AFP, people can dress as clowns but if a prank is performed and someone is hurt, the responsible party (and their parents if they are minors) will be brought to court.

Meanwhile, in Kemper County, Missouri, an outright ban of clown gear has been instituted whereby, if someone is found in violation of the sanction, they will be charged a $150 fine. There are clown incidents, bans and concerns also circulating throughout the nation.

This hysteria comes at a particularly bad time with Halloween a day away and, as it has been since time immemorial, clown costumes have been historically popular.

Maybe the recent 'clown craze' is mostly an innocent symptom of popular culture. Maybe, some part of those interested in this craze are taking it too far or are, in fact, criminals seeking to hide their identity. One thing is for sure, there is a condition known as coulrophobia, which is a specific fear of clowns.

According to researchers from California State University, young children can be especially reactive to people dressed as clowns. However, coulrophobia strikes a large number of adults, as well. Yet, whether it is Cambridge, Massachusetts or Cambridge, United Kingdom, police are saying the same thing with one voice this year: Don't dress as clowns this Halloween and don't perform any pranks because there are people who have already taken this practice too far. Playing on people's fears isn't funny, whether it is Halloween or any other day of the year.

'Manson Family' Killer Denied Parole 17th Time

IN THE NEWS

Watson

According to a published report in the Los Angeles Times, by staffer Matt Hamilton, dated Oct. 28, a California parole board has once again denied release to 'Manson Family' member Charles "Tex" Watson.

Watson

Watson is in prison following the infamous August, 1969 killing spree by the Manson Family in the Los Angeles, California area. He was convicted on multiple counts of murder that very same year and was originally scheduled to be executed for his role in the home invasion and murder of movie actress Sharon Tate, as well as several other persons that terrible summer.

However, in 1973, his death sentence was commuted to life in prison and he has remained behind prison walls since.

This recent denial marks the 17th time that Charlie Manson's self-described 'right-hand man' has been turned down for release. Watson is currently being housed in the Mule Creek State Prison, in Ione, California, which is about 40 miles from Sacramento.

'Captain Marvel' Hits Theaters in March, 2019!

Captain Marvel

By JIM PURCELL

According to CinemaBlend, girls around the world will have a new Marvel superhero to call their own at the movies when "Captain Marvel" takes to the silverscreen. Reportedly, the heroine is set to fly into theaters on March 8, 2019.

The comic book wars between mega publishers DC and Marvel have, respectively, been well known for decades by scores of fans of all ages around the globe. This rivalry is no less felt in the movie world, as DC's own "Wonder Woman" will have her own film hitting box offices during 2017.

Wonder Woman

"Captain Marvel" is part of an overall cinematic strategy by Marvel's Cinematic Universe, which is responsible for the roundly popular "X-Men," "Avengers" and "Ant Man" franchises, among others. Originally, Marvel's signature-blond heroine was expected to be in theaters by July 6, 2018. However, the film, which is being directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, is expected to do far more than introduce Captain Marvel and her alter ego, Carol Danvers. In fact, speculation is running high that the "Captain Marvel" film will be a bridge to blend many of Marvel Studios most compelling attractions.

What does that mean? Well, for the movie-going public and Marvel fans everywhere, it means  a new chapter beginning in the superhero universe in theaters and on televisions everywhere.

A World of Art: The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met Lays Off 34 Employees

By JIM PURCELL

According to a recent report by New York Times, written by staffer Robin Pogrebin, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art has laid off 34 employees.

The move was reported to have occurred because the museum is attempting to curb its deficit by $30 million. The report noted that the number of people actually laid off is less than what was otherwise anticipated by the museum, and represents only 1.5 percent of the museum's 2,200-person staff.

"Our goal was to meet the budget objectives that we have without in any way diminishing the core mission we have at the museum," said Daniel H. Weiss, the Met's chief operating officer.

In brighter news for the Met, recently the museum's retail operation has been making strong advances after rebounding from a $3.5-million loss last year. The Met has reportedly been dealing with a ballooning deficit while it is attempting to raise funds for a new, $600-million wing. The new wing would reportedly be dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

Previously, the Met had been prepared to cut curatorial and conservation positions, as well as marketing, human resources and IT personnel by about 100 employees.

Sadly, the museum is expected to reduce the total number of annual exhibitions it hosts over the next few years, by about 55 exhibitions.

It's Time to Take Duterte Seriously

Is Philippine Prez a New U.S. Threat?
Does Duterte Serve the Bests Interests of the Philippines?

Rodrigo Duterte

Feature Commentary

By JIM PURCELL

In recent weeks, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has changed or threatened to change longtime understandings about geopolitics and Asia alliances insofar as the U.S. and the Philippines are concerned.

President Duterte has made it plain that he, as a leader of the Philippines, no longer regards Asia -- or the world for that matter -- through the lens of any Philippines-U.S. alliance. Further, the Philippine president has made very public statements that, at least ideologically, he and his nation are now more aligned with Red China and the Russian Federation than with the West.

In his Beijing press conference earlier this week, Duterte pressed the point that his government is seriously considering canceling all military cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines, including the abandonment of long-standing Philippine defense pacts with the U.S.

President Duterte has made this much clear: It is time for the U.S. Government, as a whole, to responsibly re-evaluate vulnerabilities that currently exist between the U.S. and Duterte's regime. The U.S. cannot count on an ally that is not an ally. In a post-9/11 world, can Americans afford to not take seriously the clear, loud anti-American statements and actions of a  supposed ally? I think not.

The relationship between the American people and the people of the Philippines is not at issue, in my opinion. Americans and Filipinos have been peoples with the same destiny for many decades now. The friendship of these two great peoples is written clearly in the pages of history, and often in American and Filipino blood. The U.S. does not, I believe, need to defend itself against the Filipino people. However, this nation does need to assess the clear danger that President Duterte presents to the American people at home and abroad, its trade agreements in Asia and the Pacific Rim, as well as its potential for military harm against the United States, its allies, or interests in the Pacific or around the world.

It was Duterte, in China, who issued the call that it would be "China, the Philippines and Russia against the world." I believe that clearly requires some consideration by the U.S. Government, its leaders, diplomats and military, to sharply weigh this nation's posture with regards to the Duterte regime. While all of this is going on, American diplomats have said a grand total of nothing of substance. And, can the U.S. afford uncomfortable silences where this danger may or may not exist because it is inconvenient to begin assessing the harm this regime poses or could pose against the United States.

The U.S. Government should not cut off its ties in empathy to the Filipino people, though it must begin to take seriously the rantings of an anti-American leader who is fast making a mark as much more than an American critic. He has crossed that meridian, in my opinion, and is en route to becoming an enemy of this nation.

What is at stake?

The U.S.-Philippine relationship is not just one of state dinners and pomp and circumstance. At issue is Duterte's willingness to potentially harbor terrorism, or to sponsor worldwide terrorism against the United States, and how that relates to the U.S. policies of immigration, trade and military support. This must be examined before there is something to regret; not afterward. Duterte has painted himself as an enemy of the U.S., its people and interests worldwide. He cannot be trusted, nor should his regime.

Perhaps the most unfortunate aspect of this global dilemma is not the ongoing drama between the U.S. and China over the South China Sea. Instead, this madman is leading his nation and its people down a road to become a satellite of China, Russia or both. And, it is only his people who will suffer in the end, long after he has left his post and stepped away from the bright lights of public office.

Duterte signals possible end to defense pact with U.S.

By JIM PURCELL

 Rodrigo Duterte

According to a Reuters report filed by Kiyoshi Takenaka and Linda Sieg published in the Huffington Post, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly assured Japanese Government officials that he will remain on Tokyo's side relative to the ongoing South China Sea controversy with China.

This is despite the fact that, last week, he signaled a new ideological re-alignment between Manila and Beijing that was announced from the Great Hall, in Beijing. During the announcement, he stated that he is not allied with the interests of Washington anymore, especially militarily and diplomatically. However, he later qualified that, while he will not be antagonizing the U.S. on either front, he has removed Philippine and American interests from being the same internationally.

Shinzo Abe

Duterte went on to say that he might very well enter into an agreement with Russia, which would put "Russia, the Philippines and China against the world."

U.S. diplomats have remain quiet about Duterte's recent proclamations, despite the fact that, during his Japanese visit, he added that he might end defense treaties between the U.S. and the Philippines.

According to the reportShinzo Abe, who has tightened his ties with the U.S. recently, is left at a loss, as he is also attempting to build bridges with the Philippines.In characterizing Japan as a "special friend who is closer than a brother," Duterte said he would work side-by-side with Tokyo on regional issues, including the South China Sea controversy.

The Challenge of Addiction Treatment Today

 What help really works for hard core drug abusers? 

By DAVID KERR

Maia Szalavitz[1] is a thoughtful, respected and long-time writer in the field of addiction and I support most of her 8 points as listed below and seen in her article in the Huffington Post; “The Rehab Industry Needs to Clean Up Its Act. Here's How.” Here’s the link:
CLICK HERE. 

Though I disagree (in blue below) with some of her points, she presents a concise summary of what she sees needing to change in our field and she knows from her own personal history using heroin and cocaine.  Here is part of what she has to say:

“I have covered addiction as a journalist for nearly three decades, and also have my own history of heroin and cocaine addiction, and of receiving treatment. With the input of longtime leaders in and critics of the field, here are my views on what needs to change.

1. Remove 12-step-related content from treatment — or at least, stop charging for it

2. Ensure access to maintenance treatment for opioid addiction

3. Fight corruption and unethical practices

4. End the reliance on criminal justice system referrals

5. End humiliation and confrontation

6. De-emphasize residential treatment

7. Create truly independent accrediting bodies that are consumer-friendly—and national standards of care

8. Expand harm reduction”

I have a problem with three of her eight points but she missed a major point as described below.  Also I would add to her eighth point: “Expand all treatment.”

I disagree with her points #1, #4 and #6.

 #1.  The AA 12 step approach is a marvelous group process where recovering substance abusers are accepted by their peers, finding a mentor and/or coach who guides the new candidate for years through the process of recovery.  Why would we want to end a process that has clearly helped many addicts for years and years?

#4.  I don’t think that treatment programs in New Jersey, for example, rely on criminal justice referrals.  Rather they see the desperate need of those addicts caught in the criminal justice system who need treatment rather than incarceration.  According to the Human Rights Watchreport, 10-17-16, “ every 25 seconds someone in America is arrested for possessing drugs for personal use.”

To make matters worse, many of those failing to meet bail requirements are incarcerated since treatment beds are usually full with a waiting list.

What’s the alternative?  Recovery help and treatment must be available to all people in all cultures.  Should we just bypass the treatment of addicts whose disease causes illegal drug use and associated crime?  In New Jersey, residential treatment programs have contracts with Corrections and Parole and they are showing positive results over years with the legally supervised treatment and follow up support of hard core criminal addicts.  Many studies have shown that this treatment enhances the likelihood of continued recovery with fewer relapses over time.  It makes no sense to arrest and incarcerate but provide no treatment to some addicts just because of their background and previous record while offering treatment for the same crime to others with little or no criminal record.  Many of these “others” are those who are part of the growing heroin epidemic in the suburbs.  Punish some and help others based on their skin color, criminal background and/or lack of bail money?  Not the right direction.

#6. Residential treatment is part of the continuum of help for many if not most hard core addicts.  Very, few of the thousands of addicts I’ve known could ever begin to put their life back together without removing themselves from the temptations of “the streets” and their neighborhood i.e. “the hood”. 

Here is an alternative model for Treatment and Recovery, call it the

Long Term Continuing Care Recovery Model

Help and caring for hardcore long-term addicts must be long-term (years.)  Also, the life supporting connections between treatment and the community neighborhoods to which recovering addicts re-enter after treatment, must be strengthened. 

The full recovery model of help for hard core criminal addicts often looks like this:  The detoxification phase followed by the residential phase followed by the reentry phase {followed sometimes by the out-patient phase} and then the most critical, the follow up coaching phase.  These are all part of the essential many year recovery continuum of care for hard core addicts.  I emphasize the word “caring” in this continuum. 

One of the most effective ways to measure quality in a program is to notice the level of concern and caring shown by all staff, not just counselors.  Assuring a caring staff must be the first step to assuring a quality staff and a quality program.  The best measure of a caring staff often comes from comments by the residents.[2]

The reentry phase of this continuum can be very challenging and it is not always the recovering person’s fault.  If we think of the cause of addiction as much from an addiction seeking culture as from a disease, we can begin to understand how difficult it can be to help people who must return after treatment to their home environment that is loaded with temptation.  Yes I know and believe the studies supported by Nora Volkow, NIDA, demonstrating that addiction is a brain disease.[3]  However, I attribute the present day growing problem of heroin addiction in the suburbs more from copy-cat and cultural behavior rather than so many people suddenly developing a “disease.”  AA talks about changing “people, places and things,” to stay clean and sober but this is often not possible in a drug seeking culture and as a result, addiction spreads.  Today, if you want to help and coach an addict towards recovery sometimes your most formidable enemy is our present day growing feeling that “heroin is ok.”  Some are saying under their breath; “yeah right, now that white people are using heroin, it’s ok;” and this has a ring of truth to it.

Peer support is often critical for hardcore criminal addict recovery

I founded a TC in Newark in 1968 called Integrity House. I retired from this work in March, 2012.  The TC concept has come a long way since the early 1960's.  We recognize the impact of the recovering peer, clean and sober for years, as a role model for change in our residential and out-patient programs.  We recognize the need for changing our system of care from long-term residential help to long-term support and coaching so that self-realization and the new drug free lifestyle has a chance to become internalized and practiced over years.  I have not found much long-term recovery success for hard core criminal "lifestyle addicts" without years of interaction with positive peers, and without support and coaching[4].

That said, most hardcore criminal addicts that I have worked with need to start and become part of a culture of safe, clean and sober living in a residential setting.  Each participant has a role in helping him/herself and others while learning, practicing and finally internalizing a new positive and ethical lifestyle. In my experience, the Therapeutic Community is the most effective tool, demonstrating a positive culture of right living for many months in treatment and for years thereafter following the long-term recovery continuum model.  

I have found that they must give help to others to get the full measure of help for themselves. 

A properly functioning TC must be sensitive to others needs and wants and what will help and what will hurt.  I've found that those addicts I have worked with over the years need a combination of understanding, love and straight honest talk and finally the role modeling of others like them, clean and sober for many years.  What I didn't expect to find, as I began to know them in the mid-1960’s, was a deep understanding of their own motives and behavior to help themselves as well as their strong need for help and guidance from others in long-term recovery. Finally I have found that they must give help to others to get the full measure of help for themselves.  Addicts in recovery for years make some of the best counselors I’ve ever met and this is with or without a degree! 

Let’s not mandate a degree since the bi-product may be to eliminate the recovering peer from our system of treatment.[5]

My experience supports the idea that a durable recovery is best insured by a counselor and/or peer who can feel a deep understanding and sincere sense of love and caring for others.  I have seen that recovering addicts who attain a degree are seen as role models to others in recovery!  On the other hand, I have found that the most effective people to inspire change are often former addict role models with a strong history of recovery, with or without a degree.

Growing addiction in the mainstream society is setting a bad example for our children

It is difficult today to help someone in a residential or outpatient treatment program to pursue a lasting recovery, when they leave treatment to return to our present drug consuming culture.  Addiction today is part of our culture whether it be from middle class in more affluent suburbs or ghetto pockets in the inner-city. If we want to make a serious impact on this personal and cultural malaise, we have to look at our own addictive behaviors and negative role modeling!  It's what we as parents do that is having a noticeable impact on the behavior of our children.  Growing addiction in mainstream society is setting a bad example for our children.  As a result, many have fallen into the deep hole that takes “adolescent recreational use and abuse” down the path of lifetime addiction.

Let's work together and with the media to develop more effective prevention plans that will be part of our culture and that will help our children grow up healthy.  These plans must start with changing our own habits and negative role modeling and personal substance abuse that will be mimicked by our children!

---

 [1] Maia Szalavitz is a columnist for The Influence. She has written for Time, The New York Times, Scientific American Mind, the Washington Post and many other publications.

[2] Be careful though not to base staff evaluations on resident comments!

[3]  http://www.memoirsofanaddictedbrain.com/connect/nora-volkow-the-disease-model-and-moi/

 [4] While I never used drugs, I lived with active addicts in Newark while starting Integrity House and learned much from what they said and how they lived.

[5] Most addicts in recovery owe fines and are just beginning a stable life in the workforce.  They will not be able to afford to pay for a degree for years if not decades!

Remembering the Beirut Marine Barracks Attack

In 1983, during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the Marine Barracks in Beirut was bombed. It should be something Americans remember on its anniversary. The bombing took place on Oct. 23rd of that year.

Coke, Pepsi Shrinking Soda Arms of Companies?

By JIM PURCELL

MSN Business Insider reporter Kate Taylor has published a report that brings new light on the soda industry in the United States. The facts are in and Americans are consuming less soda, putting both Pepsi and Coca-Cola on notice that it's time for them to change the way they have been doing business.

One way the soda giants have been fighting back that "...good night..." has been by shrinking the size of cans and bottles. While smaller cans may contain the same soda as always, they contain fewer calories than larger cans or bottles, making them more attractive to consumers.

According to the report, in 2015, one 8.5-ounce aluminum bottle of Coke generated $1.60 for Coke per purchase. Meanwhile, a 2-liter gallon generated revenue of only 18 cents per sale.

Coke is attempting to find ways to stop using sugar, as well. Rather, Coke is investing more heavily in its juice, tea, coffee and bottled water arms of the company. Similarly, according to Pepsi COO Indra Nooyi, in April, stated that less than 25 percent of the iconic company's global sales are from soda. Other Pepsi products, such as bottled water and unsweetened beverages have been making up for the decline in sugary drink sales.

Neither company is ever expected to give up selling soda. However, soda sales are not the back-bone or, apparently, the future of either Coke or Pepsi.

The Met Hosts Events About Medieval Jerusalem

By JIM PURCELL

Between 1000 A.D. and 1400A.D., Jerusalem became a place of wonderous diversity. Various faiths were found within the legendary city, and people came from as far as Iceland and India to visit the famous 'City on the Hill.' Hence, during those years the art from the period tells a fascinating story about not only the city but the many people who visited it and called it home.

The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting an exhibition honoring Jerusalem's art of the period, which is sponsored by The David Berg Foundation. Additional support for the show was made possible by the National Endowment of the Arts.

Today, at 3 p.m., Sunday, October 23rd, the Met is hosting an event, "The Suspended Harp: Sounds of Faith in Medieval Jerusalem" at the Fuentiduena Chapel. Admission is $40. Tomorrow, at 6:30 p.m., the Met will offer "Imagining Jerusalem: The Golden City in Art, Lore, and Literature." Admission for that event will be $40-$50 and the event will be held The Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium.

Philippine Prez Breaks Off Alliance with the U.S.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte reviews the troops in China.

Feature Story

By JIM PURCELL

On Oct. 20, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made it clear during a Beijing press conference that he is aligning his country with China. In a published CNN report by staffers Katie Hunt, Matt Rivers and Catherine E. Shoichet, it is reported that Duterte announced Philippine economic and military separation from the United States.

He is reported to have said, "America has lost now. I've realigned myself in your ideological flow," referring to Red China's world view. 

The Philippine president added that "maybe I will also go to Russia to talk to Putin and tell him there are three of us against the world: China, Philippines and Russia."

Of Duterte's latest announcement, Deputy White House Press Secretary Eric Shultz said there has been no request made by the Phillippines to change existing alliances. 

Meanwhile, Chinese diplomats have reportedly said they are ready to start a "new chapter" with the Philippines. 

Recently, relations between the Philippines and China had been troubled with an ongoing territorial dispute and rights of navigation issue in the South China Sea. Duterte seems to have pushed that to the background in his new initiative with China.

Of U.S. President Obama, Duterte, 71, said, "I am no American puppet. I am the president of a soverign country. I am not answerable to anyone except the Filipino people ... [Expletive Deleted], I will swear at you."

President Duterte has harsh words of criticism for the U.S. 

In a report written by Wall Street Journal staffer Trefor Moss, it was reported that Duterte felt he was offended by President Obama over a perceived slight. This occurred last month during a regional summit in Laos. 

Duterte's sister, Jocellyn Duterte is quoted as saying the Philippine president "expected more respect from Obama." 

During Duterte's press conference two days ago, which took place in Beijing's Great Hall, Duterte explained his understanding of  "separation" as not breaking off ties with the United States altogether, but certainly he plans on charting a foreign policy that may or may not align with that of the United States.

Duterte's regime has been in power in the Philippines for only a few months. However, according to a Washington Post report by Ishaan Tharoor, he has repeatedly made vulgar comments about America's president and envoy in Manila. He has regularly threatened to force U.S. Speacial Forces out of his country, where that unit has a long history of operating. 

As Duterte goes about breaking off some ties with the United States, he still remains very popular in the Philippines, according to published reports. Still, in 2015, 92 percent of Filipinos responded they had a favorable view of the United States, while only 54 percent held a favorable view of China. 

Just how Duterte's actions will influence U.S.-Philippine relations in the long run is unclear, and U.S. State Department officials have remained surprisingly quiet thus far during the ongoing global drama surrounding Duterte.  

Let's Dial Down the Election Drama

It has been a raucous election season this year.

FROM THE HIP

By JIM PURCELL

There is no need for me to discuss how much of a carnival act the 2016 Presidential Election season has been. Though there are two candidates involved, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, they are not the only ones taking center stage during this contest. The sharp contrast between the political and social outlooks of Americans throughout this country are also clearly on display.

There are conservatives and liberals, and they are at each other's throats. Trump and Clinton, rather than convincing people about points, seem to just reinforce existing biases in people and polarize them for the sake of the election.

It would not matter who the candidates were, in some sense, because the Democratic and Republican candidates, respectively, represent certain schools of thought. I have been alive for 50 years as an American, older than most and younger than some, but in that time I have seen my fair share of politics. I cannot remember a time when political campaigns looked so much like armed camps.

At this point, it is Mr. Trump who is saying he may or may not accept the results of the General Election: He said he will if he wins and will not if he doesn't. Yet, this is dangerous rhetoric at a time when tensions are running so high between the major parties and the respective outlooks of those who are their adherents.

Innocent people should never be at risk because of politics. And, if Mr. Trump loses the election and continues down this road with his rhetoric, there may be violence if he doesn't have their way. Win or lose, American elections are sacred because they prevent domestic wars and violence. What Mr. Trump is saying right now isn't free speech as much as it is falsely yelling "Fire!" in a crowded movie theater.

Frankly, neither Mr. Trump or Mrs. Clinton can be accused of having sound judgment. Neither are the best choices for president of this nation and leader of the free world. They are the candidates we have and not the candidates this nation deserves.

Perhaps the most important thing to consider here is that we are one nation, will remain one nation, and have to learn to get along with each other to a certain degree. There would not otherwise be a Civil War. There would, however, be violent incidents where innocent people would get hurt for someone's politics. Our nation has enough problems with innocent people being murdered in its streets -- Americans do not need new reasons to shoot at each other or blow each other up. And, as adults -- any adults -- each of us should know that senseless violence solves nothing and serves only to broaden the gulf between people, not build any kind of bridge.

I have been to the Middle East, to Northern Ireland (during the Troubles in the 1980s) and to Central America (also in the 1980s) and all of these troubled areas have some things in common: Stupidity on a grand scale, the inability for people to respect one another, the need for some people to condescend to other people. If there is violence on the heels of this election, rest assured that Donald Trump will do none of it and experience none of it. He is merely instigating this nonsense. The election is the revolution that happens in this country every four years, and that is it.

Mrs. Clinton is not the world's greatest choice as president. She is leading in the polls now, so some see her as a favorite. During the November election, millions of people will come out and vote and it may be Mrs. Clinton who wins, or Mr. Trump. But, holding such an election with a metaphoric pistol to the head of the American people is not 'fine,' or 'OK.' It is skirting a line, which is not rebellious or crafty, but dangerous and unhealthy. Whomever wins, wins; whomever loses, loses. No more theater -- really -- there has been far too much of that, even for a Presidential Election.

Kansas Crusaders Face Possible Life Sentences

Photo by Jim Purcell

Three Kansas men were arrested on Federal charges.

FOLLOW-UP REPORT

By JIM PURCELL

According to the United States Justice Department Office of Public Affairs, three Kansas men, Curtis Allen and Gavin Wright, both 49, and Patrick Eugene Stein, 47, could face a charge of conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction (explosives), as it involved an alleged plot to detonate explosions outside of an apartment complex in Garden City, Kansas. Reportedly, a number of Somali and Muslim immigrants live and worship very nearby.

The prosecutors for the case, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin and Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall of the District of Kansas, are bringing the matter to court for the state.

Carlin said the charges are based on an eight-month-long investigation into the group that Allen, Wright and Stein belong to, which is known as the "Crusaders."

Beall stated that this could very well be a matter of ferreting out domestic terrorists. He noted, "Protecting our nation from such attacks, whether they are rooted in domestic or international terrorism, is our highest priority."

According to the criminal complaint against the three Crusaders, the group conducted surveillance "to identify potential targets, stockpiled firearms, ammunition and explosive components, and planned to issue a manifesto in conjunction with the planned bombing."

If convicted of all charges, the men face a maximum sentence of life in prison within the Federal Prison System.

Investigating agencies included: the FBI, Liberal Police Department, the Seward County Sheriff's Office, the Ford County Sheriff's Office, the Dodge City Police Department, the Finney County Sheriff's Officer and the Kansas Highway Patrol, among others.

Charles Whitman shooting spree is focus of new movie

Charles Whitman

By JIM PURCELL

It was on Aug. 1, 1966 when the call came out over police radios throughout Austin, Texas that Charles Whitman, an architectural engineering student and former USMC sniper, climbed the clock tower at the University of Texas. He would go on to shoot 49 people, of which 18 died -- including a woman carrying a child and Whitman himself. Previously during that fateful day, Whitman had killed not only his wife, but also his own mother.

Whitman was perhaps one of America's first mass killers, a distinction that shouldn't bring any honor to him.

Meanwhile, a new documentary film, titled "Tower," is being directed by Keith Maitland. Reportedly, he is using animation, combined with original news photographs from the scene, to recount the events of that terrible day. Testimonials from eight of the survivors from the shooting spree are included in this film.

The film has already started opening in theaters around the country. One of the goals of this film is to strike a contrast between the reactions of society then to those of today, where incidents of spree shootings have become horrifyingly common.

Kansas Crusaders taken in on alleged terrorism charges

FIRST REPORT

By JIM PURCELL

Two out of three members of the "Crusaders" militia group, Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen, have been taken into custody by Kansas police after they reportedly began planning the placement of car bombs outside a Somali-Muslim enclave of Garden City, Kansas.

Gavin Wright and Curtis Allen have been arrested in Kansas.

In an Oct. 16, 2016 published report by Cleve R. Wootson, a staffer for The Washington Post, the two Crusaders sought to embolden other domestic groups to action against Muslim immigrants. "The only f----- way this country's ever going to get turned around is it will be a blood and it will be a nasty, messy mother-----," Stein reportedly said.

The suspects in the case had reportedly begun to recon the proposed bombing site regularly, hurling insults at local Muslims as they studied the area. Finally, in September, the Federal Government strengthened its case against the pair when an FBI employee posed as a gunrunner and gained Wright and Allen's confidence. In the last discussion with the undercover agent, Stein allegedly told the agent that Allen's girlfriend was being a problem and she "needs to disappear."

The girlfriend stated that Allen had beat her during an argument involving finances. She reportedly told police officers during a previous incident that Allen had access to firearms.

Hershey, Mondelez failed deal brings peril

STRAIGHT FROM THE HIP

By JIM PURCELL

American manufacturing isn't what it was when I was growing up. I am 50 years old and I, as well as everyone from my era, remembers an America that doesn't exist anymore. There are a lot of reasons for that, and I refuse to try and cherry pick. However, when major American businesses get bought out by foreign investors then it is every American that loses and not just a few. This is when America looks a little less like America and is a chief cause of American jobs moving to Asia or Eastern Europe.

I think something like that could happen with the possible sale of the Hershey Company, which is the largest manufacturer of chocolate in North America. Hershey is as American as apple pie, the flag and bowling...but it might not stay that way, in my opinion.

On October 14, I reported on a trending story about the Hershey Company's CEO, J.P. Bilbrey. He announced he will be stepping aside from Hershey effective next July. This marks the third such exit for a Hershey CEO during the past 10 years. It is not unknown that Hershey has been interested in being bought out, and the latest company that was interested was Mondelez International, based in New Jersey. Was Bilbrey stepping down a result of the Mondelez deal falling apart about seven weeks ago? I do not know, but I believe that is one possible answer.

To add insult to injury, one of the other consequences of the deal between Hershey and Mondelez not going through with a pact is that Mondelez has gone from hunter to hunted as a company.

Here is my concern with the deal that wasn't: Mondelez is an international confectioner and producer of food and beverages. They provide American jobs, they are vested not in the Ukraine or China, but here at home. This is not to say the company doesn't have international interests -- but it has not abandoned its American roots. They know the importance of American jobs and they are one of the brightspots in American industry, in my opinion.

So now, I concluded that not only is Hershey vulnerable to foreign acquisition but, according to published reports, so is Mondelez. Of course, there are always things that people do not see in deals. The deals between private companies are not transparent, nor should they be. But, from what I see this is trouble for the AMERICAN candy industry.

Why?

Well, thanks for asking. I am a former NBA Basketball fan. I am a 'former fan' because a Russian investor came out of nowhere and took my New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn for the sake of marketing. I never heard of him before the Nets deal, and I am not alone in that. The buyer came out of nowhere and, with a wave of his checkbook, changed the demographics of the sport.

There are numerous examples of this practice. Well, I do not want my Hershey's chocolate bar made in Hong Kong or in the Urals. I like the idea that Americans work hard and get paid a living wage, contribute to the economy and have enough security to be able to raise families decently -- all behind that candy bar I buy every now and again.

With both of these companies vulnerable to sale, I think that this is a danger for the American industrial status quo. If one or both of these companies leave the United States it would not just be a defeat for the scores of families effected but for all of us. It would take another small chunk out of the American mosaic -- and there has already been enough chunks taken out as it is.

Bloomberg: Wells Fargo Hit With Major Lawsuit

By JIM PURCELL

According to a published report by Bloomberg staffer Suzanne Woolley today, Oct. 16, 2016, Wells Fargo customers have "lodged countless complaints" about Wells Fargo & Co. employees opening up sham accounts in their names.

In addition, Wells Fargo has been fined a record $185 million by the Consumer Protection Bureau, resulting in a 12-percent drop in the company's stock. In a published report by Jacklyn Willie, the Bloomberg staffer, an alleged illegal "cross selling scheme" on the part of bank employees a class-action lawsuit has been leveled against the bank: Allen v. Wells Fargo, D. Minn., No. 0:16-cv-03405, filed on Oct. 7, 2016.

Wille reported that the new lawsuit claims the bank permitted its workers to continue re-investing retirement savings in the company's stock, despite being aware that stock prices were being artificially inflated due to the cross-selling scheme.