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SEEKONK, MASSACHUSETTS, United States

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.



                                                                      INTRODUCTION.
Home, Hut, Forest, Hunting House, Gloomy


No,This is not going to be a Discussion about the Recent Controversies in the U.S. CRIMINAL 
JUSTICE SYSTEM.
                                       
WHY?

Because I have found that the Lack of Knowledge about...

-  Properly Defining Criminal Acts.

-  Understanding Proper Police Procedure.

-  The Rules of Evidence.

-  How the Criminal Court System Works.

-  The History of Crime, not only in the U.S., but 
throughout World.

-  The Cause and Effect Relationship between 
Social Issues, and the Root  of Criminal
Activity.


...Is still a Barrier, in many Countries , to the Elimination of Improper Influences that still Affect Decisions made by POLITICIANS, POLICE DEPTS., AND COURTS OF LAW.

Although, I have written about some of these Issues on other parts of this Website, this Page\ Category is Dedicated to Examining Subject Matter that has a Direct Affect on the Lives of every Human Being .  This is regardless of any Involvement that may or may not Influence them personally.

To many people, at least in the U.S, take what is Transmitted Over the Airways as Truth, instead of the Political Rhetoric it often is.  That only feeds the Irrational Mindset of those looking for excuses to Justify Prejudice and Preconceived Conclusions about Different Ethnic and Racial Groups. (They can be applied to any group at all.  Stupidity can be found Anywhere, and at Anytime.)

LOOK THE FOR FIRST POST, COMING SOON. 

Date- 11/28/2014. 











CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR-  A HISTORY OF DOUBLE STANDARDS.  PT 1.

Suspects, Criminals, People, Caught

Throughout the Centuries, Actions that are Deemed Criminal are quite often very similar, no matter which Time Period, Society,or Culture they are taken from.

The Greeks, Romans, Persians, Mongols etc., all had Laws that prohibited Murder, Robbery, Rape and other Acts of Violence within their Zones of Power and Influence.

However, what Constituted a Violation, by Definition, and who could be Charged or Held Accountable for these Crimes could vary greatly.

It was also the case that certain members could not be considered "Victimized", by Law, because of the Social Status they held within the Borders of a Given State or Country. There are still examples of this Type of Code of Criminal Conduct in the World Today.

Here are some Notable Examples, from History;

-  In Ancient Sparta, a member of the Ruling or Soldier Class, could be held Accountable for Killing another member of Equal Social Standing.  However, Killing a "Helot", of the Servant Class, was not Prosecuted by State Law.

-  In Roman Law, a Slave could not give Testimony in a Trial, unless they had been Tortured First.

-  "Serfs", during the Middle Ages, while technically not Slaves, were bound Physically and Economically to the "Lords", or Ruling Class that controlled the Land on which they Lived.

-  In many Societies, a Man could not be charged with Rape, if force was used against a Woman considered to be his Lawful Wife.

-  Human Rights, as we think of them today, did not start to become part of Global Politics until the 20th Century.  Besides the Lack of Protections that Slaves, Enemy Combatants and the Non- Nobility had, Women and Children were often considered little more than Property, to be used as the Male Head of the Household thought best.

This Lack of Equality under the Law, was often extended to an area that no longer holds any power in much, but not all, of the Nations that exist today.

I am referring to the Trials held against the "BLASPHEMER" and the "HERETIC";
RELIGIOUS COURTS AND TRIBUNALS.
END OF PART 1.

Date-  12/1/2014.













CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.


CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR-  A HISTORY OF DOUBLE STANDARDS.  PT 2.

Konzentrationslager, Dachau, Wall

When you read the U.S.Constitution, especially any references to RELIGION, which can be found in the FIRST AMENDMENT and ARTICLE SIX, their Importance is Based on:

The Ability to Worship as One Chooses, Free of Unwarranted Harassment from Government.  No System of Faith is Treated as Superior to another.  While this is indeed important, and worth defending at all costs, it is only one part that defines the Necessity of Religious Freedom in a Constitutional Democracy.

Why?  Because Throughout World History, CRIMINAL ACTS NOT ONLY INCLUDED CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE,  BUT ALSO BEHAVIOR THAT STOOD IN OPPOSITION TO STATE SPONSORED/ENDORSED RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE.

It could be "THE DIVINE RIGHT OF KINGS", where the Authority to Rule others is taken from "THE WILL OF GOD."  Therefore, to Attempt to Overthrow a Reigning Monarch was considered Heretical, and a Crime Against God and the Church.

Sometimes it would be Actions that upset the "God Given" order of Society, where ROYALTY, PRIVILEGE AND AFFLUENCE  were acquired by Birthright, and not by any Specific Talent or Ability.

Perhaps the Most Prevalent Form of STATE SPONSORED RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION, was simply Refusing to Accept the Faith, Symbols and Observances of the Dominant Religion, which owed much of its Premier Position to an Alliance with the Established Form of Government.

In other words...

-  You could Obey the Laws Preserving Social Order and Peace.

-   Accept the Rule of the Monarchy.

-   Pay Taxes and Fines.

-   Serve in the Military to Protect Your Country and the Monarchy.

...and your Reward could be a Prison Cell, Loss of Property, or in the Most Extreme Cases:  The Hangmans Noose, The Executioners Ax, or Burning at 
the Stake.

END OF PART 2.

Date-  12/8/2014.













CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-  INTRODUCTION.

Man, Silhouette, Art, Bokeh, Blur

This is a New Topic, that will be discussed on a fairly regular basis. However, I want to make clear the Parameters of the Subject Matter, so you will know what to expect.

First, this is not going to be a History Lesson that revolves around a Debate about the Most Infamous World Leaders of all time. Yes, I know that Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot Etc., Killed Millions of People, and had little regard for Human Life in General.  However, since their Actions often Represented Official Domestic and Foreign Policy of the Governments they lead, I place such Analysis in the Realm of Political Science.

The Stories that will be featured in this Section, are of Individuals and Small Groups whose Deeds were considered so Monstrous, that whatever Country or Nation they called Home,would have welcomed Their Immediate Destruction.  

Although, they may have started with a Certain Political or Social Agenda, those featured on this page soon Degenerated into the Wanton Bringers of Death, Destruction and Misery that had no Political or Practical Motivations.

What will be Most Shocking, is the Degree of Sympathy and Admiration some of these Ruthless and Murderous Individuals had among sections of the General Population.  In Fact, this was often given by Certain Citizens, who as a Recognizable Segment of Society, were the must Victimized.

As an American, I grew up watching T.V. Shows and Movies that would Romanticize some of the Worst Human Beings Imaginable, because of a Pitiful Admiration of the "BAD BOY" Image that seemed to Captivate a Somewhat Disturbed Portion of the Viewing Audience.

My Goal is to Rip Away the Pretense of Respectability that was, and sometimes still is, being spread by those who Look at History Through Rose Colored Glasses.

THE TRUTH HURTS.

Date-  12/15/2014.










CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

ORGANIZED CRIME-  WHAT IS IT,  AND CAN IT BE STOPPED?  PT 1.


Crime, Blood, Offence, Misstep, Outline

When you hear the Words "ORGANIZED CRIME", what comes to Mind?  Is it;

-  Drug Dealers Ruling Neighborhood Streets?

-  Memories of the "GODFATHER" MOVIES?

-  Bank Robbers like John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Baby Face Nelson?

-  Terrorists Targeting Innocent People, to Create Fear and Mistrust?

... OR MAYBE SOMETHING ELSE.



Why did I ask this Question at the Very Beginning?  Because,  it is something that has caused a great deal of Controversy over the Years.  Politicians, Police Officials, Attorneys and the Court Systems etc., have argued over the Proper Definition for Decades.  In Other Words:

-  Does "Organized" Mean a Structured Chain of Command, with a Given Set of Rules and Regulations that are Enforced by the Leadership?

-  Is it a "Members" only Club, where outsiders are just Tools that can be Discarded at any Time?

-  Must it have a Purpose for its Existence, with everything Directed Towards a Specific Goal?

-  Does Race and Ethnicity play any role in Designating a Particular Group as an Established Organization Brought Together for Illegal Purposes?

-  Generally Speaking, Terms that Denote a Collection of Individuals as a "Gang", are Differentiated from Others Tagged as "Organized Crime."  I will explain the Reasons in a Future Post.

Of Course, Fighting Organized Criminal Elements through the Criminal Justice System is a Much Different Task than it is with other Forms of Illegal Activity.  As we look at the History of Organized Crime, the Level of Sophistication that is often Achieved makes Arrests and Prosecution more difficult.  This is Especially True if we consider the Amount of Corruption that has been Introduced into Established Legal Authority.

So How are we to Define "Organized Crime." Look for Part 2. 

Date-  12/18/2014.












CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-  WHAT DOES IT MEAN 
TO BE EVIL?  PT 1.


Skull, Anatomy, Bones, Death, Human


Quite a Question, isn't it?  I can imagine asking a Dozen different people, and getting Twelve separate answers. However, lets try and come up with a Satisfactory Definition that could satisfy Social, Cultural and Ethical Guidelines, while at the same time Satisfying the Rules of Logic and Critical Thinking. 

You may have noticed that I Didn't include "Religion'', as a Term that needed to be included in a Universal Definition of Evil. 

WHY?

RELIGION, BY ITS VERY NATURE, IS A SYSTEM THAT REQUIRES FAITH AND ADHERENCE TO SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS THAT EXIST OUTSIDE THE REALM OF THE NATURAL WORLD. 
THEREFORE, ANY SYSTEM OF PROPER MORAL BEHAVIOR THAT IS FOUNDED ON HUMAN REASON AND RATIONAL THOUGHT, CANNOT BE DERIVED FROM RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE. SO ANY DEFINITION 
OF "EVIL", BEING APPLIED TO HUMAN BEHAVIOR, MUST COME FROM ELSEWHERE.

This is not a Judgment on whether or not Religion is the proper source for finding the Truth about Evil, either the Definition or the Source.  However, Since Ethical and Criminal Behavior, in Practical Terms, must be Judged by Legal Systems grounded in the Physical World, THE "SPIRITUAL  WORLD" is not a VIABLE ALTERNATIVE.

You have to remember Religious Faith, and any Teachings that stem from such Beliefs, which include Any and All Doctrines about Moral Behavior, are not Revelations to be Denied as Untrue, or even Questioned outside the Realm of a Churches Hierarchy.

The Hierarchy is the Established Authority, within the Particular, Recognizable, and Unique Body of Faith Itself, that Interprets Doctrine from Sources considered to be Divinely Inspired. Decisions are then made, and become Part of Established and Recognized Church Law.
LOOK FOR PART 2.

Date-  12/23/2014.


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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-  WHAT DOES IT MEAN 
TO BE EVIL?  PT 2.

However, let us ask another question: No matter what the source, Secular or Religious, are there certain common characteristics that are Universal in Nature, WHEN DEFINING THE CONCEPT OF EVIL?

There does seem to be Particular Qualities associated with EVIL, and how it should be Confronted, Prevented, or Punished.

1)  EVIL is Detrimental in Nature, with no positive qualities. 

2)  EVIL should be avoided, for no outcome would be considered desirable, if it is employed as a Tool to affect any Course of Action, or Implement Change.

3)  EVIL Must always be Punished, and never encouraged.

4)  EVIL, even if not Identified by name to describe any Action or State of Being, is often Associated with other Words or Terms.  Sometimes, they are used Interchangeably, where the Definition and Usage Mean practically the same thing. 
( A COMMON PLOY BY CERTAIN GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS, SUCH AS POLITICIANS AND ATTORNEYS.  THE REASON:  USING THE WORD EVIL ITSELF MIGHT BE COUNTERPRODUCTIVE, SO SOMETHING LESS PROVOCATIVE IS USED.)

Along the Same Lines, EVIL might be used as the Antithesis to other Words or Terms, Creating the Impression that its exact opposite is an example of an ULTIMATE GOOD. 

5)  EVIL= IMMORAL.  NO MORE, NO LESS.

6)  EVIL IS CHAOS AND DISORDER, AND AN ENEMY TO PROGRESS, JUSTICE, AND ALL THAT IS "GOOD."


Much of what you read Above is how EVIL IS DEFINED WHEN WE CONSIDER HOW SOCIETY VIEWS IT AS A CONCEPT TO MAINTAIN ORDER, PREVENT UNDESIRABLE SITUATIONS, AND ALLOW INDIVIDUALS THE ABILITY TO MAKE THEIR OWN LIFE CHOICES.

Unfortunately, HOW SOCIETY DEFINES EVIL IS OFTEN LEFT TO THE WHIMS OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO EQUATE THEIR PERSONAL DEFINITION, AS THE ONE THAT BEST SUITS SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.

Date-  1/4/2015.




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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-   THE UNITED STATES, AND THE WILD WEST OF THE LATE 19TH CENTURY.  PT 1.

If there is one part in the History of the United States that has been so Skewed as to make it Unrecognizable to Actual Reality, it is the "COWBOY" GLORY YEARS OF POST CIVIL WAR AMERICA.

This Era, running roughly from 1865- 1900, has been portrayed on Television and in Movies as the Triumph of the Rough Individualist and Independent Self- Starter, over the Horrors of the Savage Frontier and the Wild Indigenous Population that Slaughtered the Innocent at the Drop of the Hat.

Yes, there were plenty of examples of Courageous and Heroic Actions that we can point at as Living up to this Admirable Image.  The Majority of those Americans who Migrated West were Hard Working and Law Abiding Individuals trying to carve out a life for Themselves, and Their Families.

Unfortunately, these people who were the BACKBONE of settling the West, are often pushed aside to Glorify MURDEROUS OUTLAWS, RUTHLESS CATTLE AND LAND BARONS, CORRUPT OFFICIALS etc.  This Fantasy of the Old West, A Product of the Entertainment Industry, has attempted to Create Heros out of some of the Most Vile Human Beings in American History.

MYTH #1.
THE OUTLAWS-  If Gunning Down Unarmed Citizens, and Stealing from those who had Very Little is your idea of Heroic Actions, this is the group for you. These were not Self- Controlled Gunmen who Hated Killing, that was just an accepted part of the Business.  Bank Employees, Stage Coach Drivers, Guards, and Passengers, Small Ranchers and Sheep Herders were just a few of those who were Mercilessly Cut Down by these "ROBIN HOODS OF THE WEST."  

Some of these would become Well Known as Members of Individual Gangs; THE JAMES GANG, THE DALTONS, THE RENOS, or as Lone Guns involved in Clashes between Two Parties like  RANGE WARS.  Finally, you had those who would Draw Down on anyone for a price.  Giving a "Man a Chance" before Shooting Him is a Largely Fictional Creation made to Romanticize the Actions of Cold- Blooded Murderers. 

Of Course, there were those who used the Badge, or a Full Wallet, to do most of the Dirty Work for them. 

In Future Posts well take a look at the REAL LIVES AND DEATHS OF THE "LEGENDARY OUTLAWS OF THE WILD WEST."

Date-  1/20/2015.




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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

ORGANIZED CRIME-   WHAT IS IT,  AND CAN IT BE STOPPED?  PT  2.

When Talking About Organized Crime, at least as it is Categorized in the U.S. and Most Industrialized Countries in the World Today, we are Referring to a Recent Invention. 

How Man Governs,Goes to War,
Conducts Business etc., has changed over the Centuries, and so has the Strategy and Tactics that Enable One Person or Persons to Take what Another Has, Without Permission, Proper Recompense, and Negative Consequences. 

Of course Crime is more than just Theft, but Financial Windfalls are at the Heart of Virtually Every Unlawful Activity.  All Roads seem to Lead there.

But I'm getting Ahead of Myself, so Lets return to the History of Organized Crime.
(To be Abbreviated O.C in the Future.)

In the Broadest Dense, O.C has existed Throughout Recorded History. BANDITRY on Land, and PIRACY on the Water, have Targeted Civilizations from the Greco- Roman World to Imperial China, and the Infant Nation called the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  The Key?  Go where the Wealth is, or Plunder and Rob those Populations unable to stop you.

However, Modern Day Organized Crime differs from what we see in the Past, on Several Key Points;

-  There is Less Reliance on the Single Individual Leader, which Allows for the Continuation of Criminal Enterprises, with an Emphasis on Succession.

-  The Concept of MONEY LAUNDERING, WHICH MEANS USING PROCEEDS FROM CRIMINAL ACTS TO FUND LEGITIMATE/LEGAL ACTIVITIES, USUALLY IN THE BUSINESS SECTOR.

-  That it is Often More Beneficial to BRIBE, PAYOFF, OR CORRUPT LEGAL AUTHORITIES, INSTEAD OF FIGHTING THEM.

-  On a Regular Basis to Encourage and Reward the Rank and File for Services Rendered.

TO BE CONTINUED.

Date-  2/12/2015.



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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-   THE MYTH OF THE "WISE GUY." 

Movies are Entertainment.  Television is Entertainment.  That is Their #1 Function, not Portraying Historical Events in a Truly Realistic Manner.  Too Many Viewers Forget this, and get Their Knowledge of History from Producers, Directors and Writers, People who are NOT HISTORIANS.

Unfortunately, that often Means Glorifying Groups and Individuals in ways that are not True to Life, and Creates a Mythology that has little to do with Reality.

I am covering Organized Crime in another section on this page, so this Article will Deal with how such Activities are Portrayed in the Entertainment Media, now and in the past.


THE "GODFATHER" MOVIES-  FACT AND FICTION.

That there Exists a Criminal Enterprise, made up of Italian and Sicilian Mobsters who are Formed into Individual Gangs/Groups Called FAMILIES, is Absolutely True.

Conceived of and Implemented in the 1930s, it was done to create a Truce with other Organized Criminal Groups. Other Ethnic Gangs;  Irish, Jewish, Polish etc.,
cooperated with Their Italian Counterparts, so that everyone could make Money. (This was a Problem in Chicago, where Gang Wars Continued Until Al Capone Emerged Victorious. This was just before he was Shipped off to Federal Prison for Income Tax Evasion.)

Because of Racial Stereotyping, Chinese - American Gangs, or "TONGS", and African- American Gangs, were Treated differently.  However, They have also Developed and Grown into more Sophisticated Enterprises, Brokering "DEALS"
with other Criminal Elements.

The Idea of a Benevolent Father Figure looking out for those less Fortunate is Pure Fiction.  The Only Reason such a Thing Ever Happened, in Real Life, was to keep other Criminal Groups from Moving in and Victimizing Those that the Resident/Ethnic Crime Leaders considered Their Own Source of Illegal Income. Your "PROTECTION," as a Business Owner, was the amount of Money you Paid to Operate within the Borders of a Given Families Jurisdiction.  IT'S CALLED "EXTORTION."

The Idea that some "Bosses" were against some Criminal Activities, Like Dealing Drugs, and wouldn't allow Family members to Participate in such Activities was Extremely Rare.  When it did happen, it was because of the Notoriety and Publicity that such Crimes would bring from the Authorities and the Public.  Eventually, this objection was pushed aside, there was to much Money to be made.

The Idea that Leadership is passed Down From Father to Son is Nonsense.  You Rise to Power by:  Making the Most Money for Everyone, Being Utterly Ruthless or Gathering Powerful Allies, Showing the Degree of Influence you have on the Legal System, and the Friendship of Political Figures who may owe Their position to your  "Assistance."

Date-  3/4/2015.


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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-  WHAT DOES IT MEAN 
TO BE EVIL?  PT 3.

The Way EVIL is Defined, on a PERSONAL LEVEL, is often a Matter of the Degree in which The Individual Places on Their Religious and Spiritual Outlook as a Guide to Behave within Society as a whole.

Now, in a Free and Open Society you have every Right to Think this way.  If your Concept of a Good and Moral Life is Derived from Scripture, or the Teachings of a Revered Individual, then Pursuing the Manner
of Behavior, or Lifestyle Guidelines that are part of the System of Moral Instruction are a choice you have the RIGHT TO MAKE.

Unfortunately, it seems that Many Individuals are Incapable, or Unwilling, to Understand the following:

THAT YOUR PERSONAL DEFINITIONS OF GOOD OR EVIL, RIGHT AND WRONG,  OR ANY INDIVIDUAL MORAL JUDGMENT,  MAY BE DESIRABLE FOR YOUR CHOSEN LIFESTYLE, AND GIVE YOU PEACE OF MIND, AND A SENSE OF WELL BEING.  HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT FOLLOW THAT OTHERS WOULD ALSO ACHIEVE THE SAME RESULTS, AND FORCING THEM TO ADOPT THE SAME STANDARDS OF MORALITY AND BEHAVIOR COULD RESULT IN DESPAIR, DEPRESSION AND A GENERAL STATE OF MENTAL ANGUISH AND TURMOIL.

What is even more Disturbing, are Those Individuals who Insist that Their Right to Pursue a LIFESTYLE OF OBSERVING CERTAIN RELIGIOUS RULES, AND A DOCTRINE OF SPECIFIC MORAL BEHAVIOR, ALSO GIVES THEM THE POWER TO FORCE OTHERS WHO BELIEVE DIFFERENTLY TO ADOPT AN IDENTICAL MODE OF LIVING.  WHY? 

BECAUSE IT IS EVIL, OR MORALLY WRONG NOT TO DO SO.  TO THEM FREEDOM OF CHOICE IS DEFINED THIS WAY:  YOU CAN CHOOSE TO OBEY THE MORAL RULES OF MY FAITH, OR YOU CAN SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES THROUGH CRIMINAL OR CIVIL PENALTIES THAT THOSE WHO THINK LIKE ME BELIEVE ARE JUSTIFIED.

However, Just as Some Individual Moral Decisions will Differ From Individual to Individual, ALL LEGAL SYSTEMS must also Adopt a System of Morality that will Enforce and Maintain Certain Standards that those Creating the System believe are Essential to a Proper, Functioning, and Ethical Form of Government.

END OF PART 3.

Date-  3/27/2015.

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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

ORGANIZED CRIME-   WHAT IS IT,  AND CAN IT BE STOPPED?  PT  3.

ORGANIZED CRIME and CRIMINAL GANGS are often placed Together in the Same Category, and are Often used Interchangeably as being Identical Terms that Refer to the same thing.

However, that is not really True.  There are Real Differences that can Include 
such Things as:

 -  Goals that are Important to Each.

-  Methodology in How Criminal Acts are Planned and Carried out.

-  The Recruitment of New Members.

-  Rules that are put in place to Resolve Internal Problems.

-  The Degree to which Media Exposure Affects Policy Decisions.

-  The Use of Ritualistic Ceremonies to Bind All Members Together.

These Differences, Historically, are Sometimes Indicative of the Relative 
Success of Each.

GANGS are Traditionally a much Looser Collection of Individuals, who Team Up to Commit Criminal Acts, but usually don't have any formal Allegiance to one another.
Members come and go, so Most Criminal Acts are Those of Opportunity, or Extorting Local Small Businesses who cannot reasonably put up a Successful Defense.

In the U.S. Criminal Gangs have been around since its Inception.  In the Early Days of the Republic, the Size and Type was usually Orientated Towards the Geography and Relative Isolation of the Area of Operations.  Most Successful Gangs Operated on the Frontiers of the New Country, Where Law and Order were in Their Infancy.

The Dawn of the Formation of Larger Gangs, with a Membership that was Drawn from an Identifiable Section of the Population, came with the Onset of a Large Wave of Immigration starting in the Early 1800s.  From this Initial Period of American History, we see the Beginning of Social Factors that led to the Formation of the First Organized Criminal Gangs that would have a Lasting and Direct Influence on Major Population Centers.

Date-  4/10/2015.

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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-  WHAT DOES IT MEAN 
TO BE EVIL?  PT 4.

It is a Fascinating Lesson in Civic Responsibility, when Elected Officials find, for the first time, that many of those who supported and voted for them, now expect THEIR CODE OF MORALITY to be ENACTED INTO LAW.

That is a Lesson many Politicians cannot face with a True Understanding of What it Means to be a Leader, and to do what is Necessary to move forward, Establishing Policies and Creating Precedents that Benefit everyone in the long run.

No, instead some Officials lose the ability to TAKE A STAND, AND REALIZE THAT "RIGHTS" AND "FREEDOMS" ARE TERMS THAT MANY AMERICANS ONLY APPLY TO THEMSELVES, AND THOSE WHO AGREE WITH THEM.  So They Bow to Political Pressure, and become ONE OF THE MOST DANGEROUS ENEMIES TO A FREE AND OPEN SOCIETY;  

A MORAL COWARD WHO CAN BE BULLIED AND INTIMIDATED BY ANY INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP WILLING TO GET IN THEIR FACE, NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUE.  IN OTHER WORDS;  A REFUSAL TO MAKE A STAND ON PRINCIPLE, AND TO HIDE BEHIND THE POSTURING AND RHETORIC OF THOSE WHO CARE ONLY ABOUT WHAT THEY WANT AND DESIRE.

How can this be EVIL:

-  THE OATH TAKEN FOR OFFICE IS DISREGARDED OR IGNORED.

-  CHOOSING TO FOLLOW THE EASIEST COURSE OF ACTION, NOT 
THE RIGHT ONE.

-  INSTEAD OF LOOKING OUT FOR THE WELFARE OF ALL, PLACING 
EMPHASIS ON THOSE WHO WILL ENSURE RE-ELECTION.

AND WORSE OF ALL...

...TRYING TO COVER WHAT THEY ARE DOING, WITH EMPTY WORDS AND 
THE DESIRE TO PAINT THE VICTIMS OF THEIR ACTIONS AS "ENEMIES" OF PROGRESS, AND NOT WORTHY OF PROPER CONSIDERATION.

THIS CAN SOMETIMES MEAN EXACTING PENALTIES, REFUSING AID, AND PLACING RESTRICTIONS ON CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE USUALLY RESERVED AS PENALTIES FOR CRIMINAL ACTS.

Date-  4/24/2015.

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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

ORGANIZED CRIME-   WHAT IS IT,  AND CAN IT BE STOPPED?  PT  4.

The First Large Criminal Gangs were founded in the Eastern U.S., and were formed by Two Main Groups;

IRISH IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME TO THE U.S. IN THE EARLY TO MID 1800s. These Formed in the Poorest Sections of Cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Boston etc.

ANTI- IMMIGRANT OR NATIVIST GANGS.  These also formed in the same areas.

Much of the Conflict Between the Two Groups was not only the Country of Origin and Economic Factors, but a Prominent Religious Element that took the Form of AN ANTI- CATHOLIC SENTIMENT AMONG THE NATIVIST GANGS.

Gangs with Names such as:

-  DEAD RABBITS. 

-  WHYOS.

-  BOWERY BOYS.

-  ROACH GUARDS.

Often numbered in the Hundreds. 

They usually Centered Their Activities in and around the Areas and Neighborhoods from which Their members were Drawn From. As is still the case today, Most of Those Victimized by Criminal Activity were from the same Racial, Ethnic and Economic Class as Those who Committed the Illegal Acts.

While these were the First, CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN FOUNDED AND FORMED ALONG RACIAL AND ETHNIC LINES ARE QUITE COMMON IN AMERICAN HISTORY.  In Fact, There is no group Living in the U.S. Today that has not had its Share of ORGANIZED CRIMINAL ACTIVITY FORMED WITHIN THE BODY OF THE POPULATION CONTAINED WITHIN ITS DEFINED PARAMETERS.

THE REASONS FOR THIS SEEMS TO BE ALMOST UNIVERSAL ACROSS RACIAL AND ETHNIC LINES, AS ARE THE REASONS FOR THE SUCCESS AND FAILURE OF THEIR CRIMINAL ENTERPRISES.

Date-  5/14/2015.

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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

CRIME, MENTAL ILLNESS, AND THE
JUSTICE SYSTEM.  PT 1.

Probably Nothing that occurs during the Course of a CRIMINAL TRIAL Provokes as much EMOTION AS A PLEA OF INSANITY OR MENTAL ILLNESS BY A DEFENDANT.  To some it MEANS:

-  An Excuse by the Accused to Avoid RESPONSIBILITY FOR ILLEGAL ACTIONS, SO PUNISHMENT IS NOT WARRANTED.

-  A Ploy by a CLEVER ATTORNEY to get his CLIENT OFF THE HOOK.

TO OTHERS:

-  PROTECTION FOR THOSE WHO SUFFER FROM PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS.

-  A Way to Mitigate Guilt for an Individual who could not CONTROL THEIR BEHAVIOR, DUE TO THE REDUCED INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY TO UNDERSTAND THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR ACTIONS.

Yet, all to Often this ESSENTIAL PART OF A CRIMINAL PROCEEDING IS TURNED INTO A POLITICAL FREE FOR ALL, AND THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS TURNED ON ITS HEAD.  IN THAT CASE NO ONE WINS.

HOWEVER, lets take this ONE STEP AT A TIME, TAKING NOTHING FOR GRANTED.  FIRST, WE MUST  IGNORE ALL THE DIATRIBE, DOUBLE TALK, AND POLITICAL POSTURING.  These Have Been, and still are, Needless Distractions that do NOTHING TO ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE.


To Begin with;  What is MENTAL ILLNESS?
(MY DEFINITION).

ANSWER-  ANYTHING THAT PREVENTS OR HINDERS AN INDIVIDUALS ABILITY TO MAKE REASONED CHOICES, OR THE DIMINISHED MENTAL CAPACITY TO ADJUST ONES BEHAVIOR TO CORRESPOND WITH THE CONTENT OF A GIVEN SITUATION, SO THAT IT REMAINS ACCEPTABLE 
TO THE NORMS AND REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS OF SOCIETY.

With this DEFINITION, WE MUST MOVE ON TO THE SECOND QUESTION:

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OR SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS?

That is a QUESTION THAT CAN ONLY BE ANSWERED BY;

-  UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES.

-  DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN PHYSICAL OR INTERNAL CAUSES THAT MAY BE PRESENT AT BIRTH, OR FROM A MALADY ENTERING THE BODY, THAT CREATE IMBALANCES IN THE BODIES CHEMISTRY, ESPECIALLY THE BRAIN.

AND....

LOOK FOR PART TWO.

Date-  6/24/2015.

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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

ORGANIZED CRIME-   WHAT IS IT,  AND CAN IT BE STOPPED?  PT  5.



















So what was the the Real Foundation for the Establishment of Organized Crime in the U.S.? Well, Quite Simply...

...It was the REALIZATION BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD/ETHNIC GANGS, that ONLY VICTIMIZING THOSE WHO; 

-  Lived and Worked in the Same General Area as the ROSTER OF INDIVIDUALS WHO MADE UP THE MEMBERSHIP.

-  Were Part of Their Ethnic Group.

-  Had Limited Economic Resources and 
Employment Opportunities. 

Could not Offer the Guarantee of enough Ill-Gotten Wealth to
Satisfy the Greed and Desired Lifestyle of Those who
Preferred Using Terror and Force on Innocent Victims, Even 
IF IT MEANT VICTIMIZING THOSE WHO WERE TRYING TO 
DO NOTHING MORE THAN SUPPORT AND RAISE A FAMILY.

Why?
The FORMATION OF GANGS AMONG ETHNIC GROUPS
WAS USUALLY THE RESULT OF AN UPSURGE IN NUMBERS
OF IMMIGRANTS, AND THE DIFFICULTY OF EACH GROUP
TO ASSIMILATE INTO A NEW CULTURE, SOMETIMES BECAUSE 
OF THE HOSTILITY AND PREJUDICE FROM NATIVISTS AND
ANTI- IMMIGRATION POLITICIANS, OR ANY GROUP IN POWER WHO 
REFUSED TO SHARE ANY PART OF IT.

These Situations OFTEN RESULTED IN NEWLY ARRIVED 
IMMIGRANT POPULATIONS BEING DENIED FAIR 
OPPORTUNITIES IN EMPLOYMENT, CREDIT OR HOUSING.
So, Just to Survive, They had to Accept Jobs that the 
Resident Population REJECTED or COULD NOT FILL IN
SUFFICIENT NUMBERS.


So any Kind of Real Wealth, Even Through Criminal Activity,
was usually Located in Other Populated Areas and Neighborhoods.

Date-  7/27/2015.

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CRIME AND PUNISHMENT.

PORTRAITS OF EVIL-  WHAT DOES IT MEAN 
TO BE EVIL?  PT 5.

What is perhaps the Most Incredible part of Discussing the Topic of Evil, and its Definition, Causes, and Sources is the way Individuals try to Justify Actions that They have Previously Maintained
as EVIL OR IMMORAL, TO EXPLAIN THEIR BEHAVIOR THAT MAY BE SANCTIONED BY SOCIETY, FAMILY, OR FRIENDS.

Many of us would consider these EXPLANATIONS TO MITIGATE THE DEGREE OF RESPONSIBILITY ONE HAS FOR THEIR ACTIONS, JUST EXCUSES
TO AVOID PUNISHMENT and REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING AMONG ANY GROUPS THEY ARE CONSIDERED A MEMBER OF. 

This Leaves us with the following Dilemmas;

-  Did The Individuals Committing the Acts, actually believe that these Behaviors were EVIL OR IMMORAL from the BEGINNING, OR WERE THEY JUST REPEATING WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF THEM TO AVOID CONFRONTATION, AND REMAIN A WELCOME MEMBER OF THE GROUP.

-  When Social Attitudes, Legal Judgments, or Even a New Job make Certain Behaviors Unpopular and/or Illegal, how are we to Measure the Truthfulness or Sincerity of the Individual Who Now makes a Complete Turn Around, and Espouses Opinions that are the Exact Opposite of Those They Expressed in the Past.

In the Next Post on this Topic, we will look at some Examples from History.

Date-  8/5/2015.

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