Why are You Always so Tired?

The other day one of my six year olds (yes that's twins for those keeping score) asked me "Papa, why are you always so tired". I had to explain that while he is sleeping in his bed at night I'm out working. He knows his dad chases bad guys for a living, but still doesn't understand exactly what that means. Cops don't get the luxury of working banker's hours because dirtbags don't end their "workday" and go off the clock at 5:00pm. In fact it seems that many criminals don't even get started until after dark and may not hit their stride until after midnight. That's when I do my best work too. Whether it's recovering several thousand dollars in stolen property on a traffic stop for no license plate light, or taking a car load of ectasy from someone who bears a very strong resemblance to Sideshow Bob, the best arrests seem to happen after midnight. While it's hard working graves and trying to take care of the family I'm happy to be back to work tonight after a nice little vacation. I can't wait to find out who comes out to play after midnight.

Autism Awareness Day

Today is world autism awareness day. I'm writing this for my son and for everyone else in the world affected by autism. Autism Speaks is an excellent organization devoted to autism awareness, science, advocacy, and family services. Please donate or volunteer if you can.

Re-start

Ok, so it's been far too long since I've posted anything here. I am back with a newfound vigor and I hope to post something a few times a week. This is the re-start of the Green Canary.

More of the Same

Well this Obama Sticks with Bush-era Polar Bear Rule just proves that there is no difference between the two main parties. This country continues to sit back and do nothing about global warming because profits come before anything else. What is even more disturbing is this story from the Salt Lake Tribune was buried deep inside the paper while the front page spread panic about swine flu. Why is the media covering a non-story constantly? They are spending endless amounts of airtime and ink on a strain of flu which is NOT a threat when something like global warming is a problem for the entire planet. Seems like they are trying to distract the public from real issues. Last time I checked we only have one inhabitable planet in our solar system. Maybe something should be done to protect it.

A Sober Reminder

I found this story on KSL.com 3 officers dead, suspect killed in Oakland, Calif. It is a sober reminder of the dangers I and thousands of others face every day at work. Most folks leave for work and simply assume they will return home safely. I don't have that luxury and I have become somewhat complacent recently. Complacency in law enforcement is deadly and I must re-focus. As long as I can still draw breath I will fight with everything I have to go home to my family at the end of my shift.

With this new story in mind I want to re-circulate two already well circulated poems. If you've already read them they're always worth re-reading:

"Policeman's Prayer"
When I start my tour of duty God, Wherever crime may be, as I walk the darkened streets alone, Let me be close to thee.
Please give me understanding with both the young and old. Let me listen with attention until their story's told. Let me never make a judgment in a rash or callous way, but let me hold my patience let each man have his say.
Lord if some dark and dreary night, I must give my life, Lord, with your everlasting love protect my children and my wife.
--Author Unknown--

"The Final Inspection"
The policeman stood and faced his God, Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining. Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now, policeman. How shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My church have you been true?"
The policeman squared his shoulders and said, "No, Lord, I guess I ain't, Because those of us who carry badges can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was rough, and sometimes I've been violent, Because the streets are awfully tough.
But I never took a penny, That wasn't mine to keep.... Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help, Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place Among the people here. They never wanted me around Except to calm their fear.
If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much, But if you don't.....I'll understand.
There was silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod. As the policeman waited quietly, For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now, policeman, You've borne your burdens well. Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell."
--Author Unknown--

PETA Nuts

So today my much anticipated weekly issue of Sports Illustrated arrived in the mail. I grabbed it and headed to the one and only place I can get a moment's peace and quiet in the house, my fortress of solitude otherwise known as the bathroom. I sat upon the porcelain throne and leafed through the periodical. Inside I found an article by Phil Taylor describing the latest ridiculousness of my least favorite group of nutty people,PETA. PETA, you know the group that believes the preamble to the United States Constitution begins "We the animals, critters, and invertebrates of the United States...", that PETA is apparently demanding Michael Vick be subjected to a brain scan to determine if he has psychopathic tendencies. Now I don't agree with the dog fighting Michael Vick was involved in, but he has done his time in prison and no longer has his dogs. These people are crazy. They care more about making a ridiculous statement than about the lives of actual people or about human rights in general. I wonder if they are aware that there is genocide in Darfur. I'd like to see a couple PETA representatives head out to Darfur and try to drum up support for their group. "Hey Mr. Ungawe, I know your kids have been killed, your wife raped and murdered and your home and all earthly belongings burned to the ground, but we have a crisis in America. Animals don't have rights. Let me give you some of our literature. You'll see we are now in the process of demanding a millionaire athlete convicted of dog fighting be forced to take a brain scan before he is allowed to go back to making millions of dollars by playing football. That's American football not that intensely boring game you folks call football, and you are using synthetic balls, and finding a pitch free of ant hills right?? Anyway I digress. You see our rapists and murderers do not require these scans but this despicable man has violated the very rights these dogs don't have under our constitution and so a scan he must take! We at PETA are sure you are sympathetic and would be willing to make a donation. Also we know food is scarce and protein hard to come by but we're also sure you'll pledge to stop eating tasty animals." Yeah that would go over real well. How about focusing some of that excess energy crazy people all seem to have on something a little more important there PETA?? Thanks.

Quote of the Week

"...proficiency in bullying bank employees and shooting peace officers is no guarantee of common sense." -- Robert Barr Smith in his book, Tough Towns: True Tales from the Gritty Streets of the Old West; writing about Pretty Boy Floyd (pictured above) and a botched robbery of a bank in Boley, Oklahoma in 1932.