Author Archive

The United States of Drug Addicts

Posted by Site Administrator on 10/26/2011 | 0 Comments

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The Gangs in Oz

Posted by Site Administrator on 10/19/2011 | 0 Comments

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A Timeline of Police in the U.S.

Posted by Site Administrator on 10/11/2011 | 0 Comments

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10 Famous Ex-Cons Who Turned It Around

Posted by Site Administrator on 06/13/2011 | 0 Comments

Many convicts spend their lives going in and out of jail, never getting on the right track. Those who do make it out of the slammer and turn their lives around for the better deserve some recognition. Here are 10 famous ex-cons who turned it around:

  1. Charles Colson: Charles Colson worked as the former Special Counsel for President Richard Nixon from 1969 to 1973, and was best known for being part of the Watergate Seven. Colson pleaded guilty to Watergate-related charges and to obstruction of justice. He was sentenced for one to two years in prison, but only served seven months at the federal Maxwell Prison in Alabama. Colson made a change for the good while in prison. He converted to Christianity and became deeply impacted by the people he met there. Following his release, Colson started Prison Fellowship, a national ministry that helps prisoners develop or restore a relationship with Christ. Colson’s touching program has helped prisoners live a better life and strengthen their spirit.
  2. Martha Stewart: Martha Stewart is best known as a business mogul and domestic diva, but her image certainly changed when she was convicted of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and two counts of making false statements. Essentially, Stewart lied to investigators about a stock sale and was later sentenced to five months in federal prison. After her release from Alderson Federal Prison Camp, Stewart launched her comeback. She returned to television with The Martha Stewart Show, released a couple books and took on several new projects that helped rebrand her name and reputation.
  3. Robert Downey Jr.: From 1996 to 2001, Robert Downey Jr. was one of Hollywood’s biggest bad boys. The actor was arrested several times during these years for drug-related charges involving possession of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Downey has battled substance abuse for the majority of his life, and was unsuccessful in his drug treatment programs. He was constantly on probation and spent a year in California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran, California. Downey eventually battled his addictions and made a highly successful comeback, staring in several blockbuster hits.
  4. Michael Vick: When Michael Vick was arrested for running an illegal interstate dog fighting ring and sentenced to three years in prison, football fans didn’t know if he’d ever return to the game. Vick pleaded guilty to federal felony charges and served 18 months in prison. After his release, Vick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and made a successful comeback. During his return season, Vick threw his longest touchdown pass of his career and helped his team win the NFC East title after stepping up as the starter quarterback. As part of his probationary obligations, Vick continues to speak to local youth about his mistakes and how to avoid a troubled life.
  5. Tim Allen: In the beginning of Tim Allen’s comedic career, he was arrested at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport in Michigan for possession of cocaine. Allen had just under 1.5 pounds of cocaine on him and was charged with drug trafficking. Because Allen disclosed the names of the other drug dealers, his original life sentencing was shortened to three to seven years. Allen was paroled after serving two years and four months at the Federal Correctional Institution in Sandstone, Minnesota. The ex-convict quickly turned his life around after prison and became one of America’s favorite comedic actors.
  6. Nicole Richie: Nicole Richie was most widely known for being a troubled teen with a reckless lifestyle until she finally turned her life around. In 2003, Richie was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and driving with a suspended driver’s license. Three years later, she was arrested again for a DUI after failing a sobriety test and reportedly driving the opposite way on the freeway. She was sentenced to four days in jail, but only served 82 minutes at the Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood, California. After her short stint in jail, Richie enrolled in an 18-month anti-drinking driver education program in order to get sober. Richie gave up her bad girl ways to focus on her career as a fashion designer, author and mother of two.
  7. Christian Slater: Christian Slater’s acting career took a beating when he was arrested three times from 1989 to 1997. His first run-in with the law was in 1989, when he was arrested for drunk driving and assault. In 1994, Slater was arrested for trying to board a plane with a gun in his luggage. His last conviction was for assaulting his then-girlfriend and a police officer who was trying to defend her. He was also under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Slater attended a rehabilitation facility for 100 days and then served 59 days in jail. After his release from jail, Slater made a successful comeback in television and film and turned his life around for the better.
  8. 50 Cent: Rap superstar 50 Cent, also known by his real name Curtis Jackson III, was arrested on drug-related charges and sentenced to three to nine years in prison in 1994. Back then, Jackson was still an aspiring rapper, who was determined to make something of himself after his release. 50 Cent did his time in an abbreviated six-month boot camp and earned his GED. After his release from behind bars, 50 Cent began rapping and his popularity surged with the release of his first album in 2000.
  9. Danny Trejo: Danny Trejo earned his label as Hollywood’s most notable Mexican bad guy from his own experiences in the slammer. The heavily tattooed tough guy spent years in Los Angeles prisons for drug-related and robbery charges. There, Trejo got his life together and finally got clean. Since his release from prison, Trejo has gone on to star in several action films and television series.
  10. Marion Jones: Marion Jones was a world famous Olympian who won five medals in track and field at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, but was later stripped of her medals when she admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs for the competition. She was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice for her use of steroids and her involvement in a check fraud scheme. She was sentenced to six months in prison and turned it around after her release. In 2010, Jones made a sports comeback as a point guard for the WNBA Tulsa Shock.

10 White Collar Crime Cases That Made Headlines

Posted by Site Administrator on 06/05/2011 | 0 Comments

Since the collapse of Enron a decade ago due to shoddy and deceptive accounting practices, America has become more aware of the seriousness of white collar crimes. The work of a small handful of people can result in the demise of a multi-billion dollar company, the complete loss of value of its stock, and most problematically, the loss of numerous jobs ranging from the innocent higher-ups to the hardworking office managers. The next time you hear about someone receiving a 12-year sentence because of a marijuana offense, remember the real harm done in these cases of corporate corruption.

  1. Enron collapse: With revenues exceeding $100 billion and the distinction of being named by Fortune as "America’s Most Innovative Company," Enron was a seemingly indestructible energy giant during the beginning of the 2000s. However, even during its rise in the ’90s, rumors swirled that it was involved in illegal accounting procedures with its accounting firm Arthur Anderson, then one of the "Big Five" accounting firms. Jeffrey Skilling, who served as president COO and CEO, along with a staff he assembled, hid billions of dollars of debt through poor financial reporting, accounting loopholes and the use of special purpose entities. Andrew Fastow, COO, deceived the board of directors about the company’s accounting practices and convinced Arthur Anderson to go along for the ride. After stocks plummeted, the SEC conducted an investigation that ultimately resulted in the 24-year, 4-month prison sentence of Skilling and six-year sentence of Fastow. Founder Kenneth Lay died of a heart attack before he was sentenced.
  2. Worldcom accounting scandal: Enron’s impressive collapse was followed by the implosion of Worldcom, which was the doing of CEO Bernard Ebbers. His plan to compensate for the downturn of the telecommunications industry in 2000 and Worldcom’s declining stock included the use of fraudulent accounting methods in order to deceive investors into thinking the company was in good health. The underreporting of line costs and inflation of revenues accumulated $3.8 billion in fraud and ended with the company’s bankruptcy, then the largest in U.S. history. Ebbers, who resigned from Worldcom in April 2002, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy and securities fraud and filing false statements with securities regulators.
  3. Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme: The word "Ponzi" was introduced into America’s lexicon in late 2008 when Madoff was arrested and charged with securities fraud. The former lifeguard, sprinkler installer and chairman of NASDAQ managed to build a multi-billion dollar investment firm with false trading reports and without assistance from the major derivatives firms, each of which refused to trade with him. Although he had been suspected of being a sham a decade before, it wasn’t until 2008 that he was arrested after his misdeeds were reported by one of his sons. In 2009, he pled guilty to 11 federal crimes including securities fraud, money laundering, and theft from an employee benefit plan. The penalty: 150 years in prison and $170 billion in restitution — investors lost billions of dollars due to the scandal, and three people involved with the business, including Bernie’s son Mark, committed suicide.
  4. InStock trading scandal: Another chapter in the white collar crime saga of the early 2000s, the InStock trading scandal made headlines because of the involvement of Martha Stewart, who sold about $230,000 of the company’s stock a day before an experimental cancer drug failed to gain FDA approval. Memorably, she was found guilty of obstruction of justice, conspiracy and lying about a stock sale, and served five months in prison. Founder Samuel Waskal, who advised friends and family to sell stock and attempted to sell his own stock prior to the announcement, pled guilty to charges of bank fraud, securities fraud, obstruction of justice and perjury. He was sentenced to a seven-year, three-month prison sentence in 2009, but was released in 2009.
  5. Adelphia collapse: At the time of its bankruptcy in 2002, Adelphia was the fifth-largest cable provider in the U.S., and in 2003, it generated more than $3.6 billion in revenue — that’s just $1.3 billion more than the off-balance-sheet debt accumulated by the company, which led to its demise. John Rigas, the founder, and Timothy Rigas, his son who ran the company, are currently serving 15-and 20-year prison sentences respectively for embezzling the money from corporate investors and using corporate funds as their own. Adelphia’s run of more than 50 years officially ended in 2006 when the remainder of its revenue-generating assets were purchased by Comcast and Time Warner.
  6. Tyco accounting scandal: A year after he was named one of the top 25 corporate managers of 2001 by Business Week, it was uncovered that Tyco CEO Dennis Kozlowski, along with former CFO Mark Swartz, stole more than $150 million from the company, including $2 million that was used for a birthday party for Kozlowski’s wife that was thrown in Sardinia. The thieving men were spared after their first trial was declared a mistrial because a juror said she received a letter urging her to side with the prosecution. The second trial ended with the convictions of Kozlowski and Swartz as both were sentenced to no less than eight years and four months in prison.
  7. HealthSouth accounting scandal: One of the largest comprehensive rehabilitative services companies in the country, HealthSouth had been suspected of unethical financial practices since its emergence in the late ’80s. Under the leadership of Richard Scrushy, it was discovered that it falsified at least $2.7 billion worth of profits between 1996 and 2002 and later agreed to pay $325 million for allegedly defrauding Medicare and other federal healthcare programs, according to the Department of Justice. Scrushy was acquitted of charged related to the matter, but later sentenced to a six-year, 10-month prison sentence for bribery in mail fraud in an unrelated case.
  8. Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal: In an unmistakably Washington saga deserving of its own movie, Abramoff’s cluster of scandals had far-reaching consequences implicating politicians and even the mob. In 2006, he pled guilty to fraud, conspiracy and tax evasion for his efforts to cheat Indian casino gambling interests out of roughly $85 million in fees. A couple of months later, he was sentenced to 70 months in prison for using a fake wire transfer in order to qualify for a $60 million loan in the purchase of SunCruz Casinos, a deal which resulted in the murder of former owner Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis. Most notably, then-Republican Ohio Representative Bob Ney was sentenced to a prison term for accepting bribes from Abramoff, helping the Democrats in their effort to gain a majority in Congress during the 2006 midterm elections.
  9. Countrywide political loan scandal (and contribution to the subprime mortgage crisis): Politicians and big businesses need each other. And while their relationships are often too cozy, as evidenced by the Countrywide political loan scandal of 2008 and 2009, as long as campaigns are privately financed and businesses have stake in the political game, those uncomfortable relationships will continue to exist. Former Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo can attest to the discomfort, as his Friends of Angelo program, which provided politicians mortgage financing at noncompetitive rates, helped tarnish his already floundering reputation. He resigned on July 1, 2008 and a later reached settlement with the SEC in which he agreed to pay $67.5 million in fines because he misled shareholders regarding the internal dealings of the company.
  10. Marcus Schrenker fraud and attempted fake death: Although he didn’t wield the same kind of power as guys such as Lay, Ebbers or Kozlowski, Schrenker, who owned three financial companies, accumulated a bounty of wealth as an investment advisor responsible for multi-million dollar pension funds. But it all disappeared in an instant. His failure to inform seven investors of high fees for switching annuities, and the resulting loss of $250,000, brought forth a complaint from The Indiana Department of Insurance in 2008 that intensified suspicion of his unethical practices. Ultimately, the expiration of his Indiana state financial adviser’s license prompted an investigation. In 2009, instead of facing the consequences of his action, Schrenker attempted to fake his death by faking a plane crash, parachuting out before the damage was done. He was eventually captured and sentences to four years in prison for the fiasco. He still faces charges of securities fraud.

20 Alternative Jobs For Law School Grads

Posted by Site Administrator on 05/23/2011 | 0 Comments

Law school is a grind, and surviving it can take every last ounce of your energy. What’s more, upon graduation, even if you still want to be a lawyer, the job market has more JD holders than open positions, thus causing a tooth-and-nail fight for the few positions that are open. The days of a JD ensuring financial security in the legal field are over due to law firms, judges and the government downsizing to adjust to the economic climate. Fortunately, a law degree can bring forth many additional opportunities beyond just becoming a lawyer. If you’re open to a new career path you previously may not have considered, then peruse the list of the following jobs and see if one piques your interest. Note: median salaries (all but one are ranges) are from PayScale and apply to workers with 10-19 years of experience, so this is what you can achieve with a few years under your belt.

  1. Senior Risk Manager ($98,829 – $137,632): In order to become a risk manager, you should first accumulate experience in the legal or insurance industry working with claims. Once you secure a risk management position, you’ll be responsible for assessing the risk associated with legal liability, risk and property loss. With additional experience and the demonstration of proficiency at the position, you can achieve a senior-level position and thus earn more money.
  2. Lobbyist ($80,369 – $119,795): Needless to say, the best lobbyist jobs are highly sought after given their power and, of course, compensation. Employed by public interest groups, trade organizations and PR firms, they utilize their contacts with lawmakers to persuade them to push certain policies. Lobbyists must be well-versed on the issues and possess excellent communication skills, neither of which are problems for most aspiring lawyers.
  3. Legal Publishing ($79,354 – $117,916): Former aspiring lawyers can utilize their legal knowledge by entering the field of legal publishing, where they can contribute to newsletters, brochures, blogs, legal journals and other publications related to law. Graduates from law school are already proficient writers and researchers, so entering the field of publishing should come naturally.
  4. Political Campaign Manager ($73,698 – $111,910): The fields of law and politics go hand-in-hand, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many JD holders have pursued careers in politics, including as campaign managers, who coordinate the campaign and ensure its goals are reached. Despite having completed three rigorous years of law school, you’ll have to pay your dues before reaching the position, possibly by starting out as an entry-level coordinator.
  5. Senior Compliance Officer ($65,800 – $105,338): With state and federal regulations constantly changing, it can be a difficult task to ensure a business is operating within established standards. That’s why compliance officers are so valuable, especially given the fate of institutions such as Enron. Of course, each new field you enter requires its own unique knowledge and skills, which can be gained by researching the concerns of regulators and enrolling in courses in data processing.
  6. Executive Recruiter ($64,514 – $94,718): The duties of an executive recruiter include composing job descriptions, screening candidates, meeting with them and extending an offer to the one who’s most qualified. The entire process is overseen by the executive recruiter, who has accumulated experience in recruiting prior to landing the position.
  7. Procurement Manager ($64,114 – $96,241): A procurement manager purchases commodities, goods and services on behalf of the organization for which they work, enabling it to continue to operate efficiently. They must work within the limitations of a budget and determine the best quality and quantity of the objects they wish to purchase. Research and negotiation skills are a must, as finding a good deal often requires time and effort.
  8. Landman or Land Woman ($64,094 – $117,916): The best explanation of the duties of landmen and land women, who work in the oil and gas exploration industry, is provided by the American Association of Professional Landmen (AAPL): "Company landmen negotiate deals and trades with other companies and individuals, draft contracts (and administer their compliance), acquire leases and ensure compliance with governmental regulations."
  9. Labor Relations Specialist ($55,955 – $78,611): Serving as a liaison between employees and management, labor relations specialists focus on labor negotiations, contract interpretation and grievance procedures. More specifically, they’re required to research, draft and prepare for negotiations for collective bargaining agreements. Travel is frequently involved with this occupation, as specialists often work with different branches of their company.
  10. Public Policy Analyst ($54,100 – $78,344): Public policy analysts research and find solutions for the political issues about which they’re most passionate. Working for research firms, think tanks and interest groups, their objective is to craft viable policy solutions that’ll facilitate change in their area of interest. Typically, individuals with graduate level degrees, such as a JD, meet the qualifications for entering the field.
  11. Labor Union Business Representative ($53,386 – $79,363): Those committed to the union cause may become labor union business reps so they can promote membership, coordinate functions and deal with employers and the press. They negotiate with management on work-related matters such as wages and hours. Ultimately, they ensure the work environment is suitable for employees.
  12. Human Resources Management ($52,828 – $77,987): The evolution of human resources departments have brought forth the demand for even more individuals capable of hiring employees and implementing policies and procedures that enhance work environments. Excellent negotiation and communication skills are required for this position, which often can be achieved after experience is gained as a human resources generalist.
  13. Career Services Director ($51,956 – $72,695): A career in career services shouldn’t be a last resort, but a goal for someone who genuinely wants to help students find the jobs for which they’ve been striving. A director of career services has several years of experience in the department, and has cultivated relationships with employers and recruiters. They oversee the operation of the department, including programs that help students with resume composition and job interviews.
  14. Contract Administrator ($50,547 – $77,840): The duties of a contract administrator or manager are pretty self-explanatory. They conduct contract negotiations, ensuring the terms and conditions are acceptable to both parties and compliant to regulations. Their ultimate goal is to reduce risk and enhance operational performance. The areas of contract management include authoring and negotiation, baseline management, commitment management, communication management, contract visibility and awareness, documents management, and growth.
  15. Legal Office Administrator ($50,296 – $76,571): Although there are limited associate opportunities, you may be able to join a firm in another important position. After securing an entry level job as a recruiting assistant, for example, you can work your way up into a manager’s position, serving an essential role in the composition of the firm for which you work. Remember, a law firm is a business, and it requires several key components to make it operate.
  16. Law Librarian ($49,910 – $74,808): Law school grads who enjoyed the information gathering process of school can become law librarians. Their job is to maintain the library’s collection of legal-related texts and materials, assisting lawyers and law students with their research. The position requires a graduate degree, and none is more fitting than a JD.
  17. K-12 Teacher ($49,570): Some may cringe at the idea of becoming a teacher after completing three years of law school, but compared to the stressful work performed by lawyers, with their long, arduous hours, the environment can be refreshing. Teachers who actually enjoy interacting with kids find the job fulfilling, especially if they teach a subject in which they’re interested, such as government or economics. Private schools allow more flexibility with the classes they offer, so you could even teach a class on law.
  18. Trust Administrator ($44,219 – $63,710): After a trust is created, a trust administrator manages the assets, protecting that person’s property until they’re old enough to do it on their own. They act only according to the instruction provided in the trust document, and carry out duties such as paying taxes, record keeping and composing reports for the beneficiaries. Trust administrators must have integrity, as they serve someone else for an extended period of time.
  19. Political Fundraiser ($43,543 – $78,613): Money is the lifeblood of a successful political campaign, as evidenced by President Obama’s record-shattering numbers in 2008 when he raised almost $750 million. A capable political fundraiser knows how to network, establishing connections with potential donors. Using their excellent social skills and charisma, they must convince those donors that the cause is deserving of their support, a task that can present quite a challenge.
  20. Court Administrator ($43,158 – $66,129): An understanding of how the judicial process works is helpful for court administrators. Additionally, management skills are needed as they oversee the budget, hiring of staff and general day-to-day operations of the court. It’s another great way to become involved in the process of law without enduring the stress as a lawyer.

10 Ways to Spot a Charity Scam

Posted by Site Administrator on 05/18/2011 | 0 Comments

Donating to a charity is one of the most generous gifts a person can give, but it’s important to make sure that your good intentions are not wasted on one of the many charity scams circulating the country. Here are 10 ways to spot a charity scam:

  1. Refuses to Provide Important Documentation: If a charity refuses to provide tangible documentation of its identity, mission, costs and how the donation will be used, you’re most likely dealing with a charity scam. All charities should have a name, contact person, phone number and address in which they can be reached.
  2. Doesn’t Provide Proof of Tax-Deductible Contribution: Charities that cannot provide the paperwork needed to claim a contribution is tax deductible, may reveal themselves as a charity scam. In order to claim a tax deduction for your monetary donation, you need to have written confirmation from the charity that includes: the charity’s name, date of contribution and donation amount. Just like you need a receipt to return an item, you need these documents to get a tax deduction.
  3. Pressures Donors to Hurriedly Give Contributions: If a charity pressures you to donate in a hurried manner, then you might be dealing with a charity scam. Organizations that use high-pressure strategies to get money before a donor has had an adequate amount of time to decide are often up to no good. These bogus charities may also offer to send couriers or overnight delivery services to collect donations as quick as possible.
  4. Thanks You for Pledging to Donate When You Haven’t: If a charity thanks you for pledging to donate when you can’t recall ever doing so, you are most likely dealing with a bogus charity. This is another kind of high-pressure tactic that’s used to guilt people into donating even when they can’t remember pledging to donate. Avoid falling for this sneaky trick by keeping a record of all pledges and past donations on hand for these particular phone calls.
  5. Uses Similar Sounding Names: If a charity sounds oddly similar to another organization, you might be dealing with a phony charity. These bogus charities often copy the names of legitimate and respected organizations in hopes that you’ll recognize the name and be more willing to donate. If there is a slight difference between the name of the charity, your best bet is to call the organization to inquire on their name, mission, costs and additional information.
  6. Promises Sweepstakes Winnings in Exchange for Donation: If a charity guarantees sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution, you are most likely dealing with a charity scam. You should never have to give money or any type of donation to be eligible for a sweepstakes. Bogus charities promise sweepstakes winnings as a way to lure you into donating in hopes of winning money in return.
  7. Asks for Bank or Credit Card Information Before Agreement Has Been Made: If a charity asks you for your bank account or credit card information before you’ve even agreed to donate, then you could be dealing with a charity scam. This is another example of a pressure tactic used by bogus charities to get you to donate immediately. Do not give anyone your personal banking or credit information until you’ve done your research on the charity and have agreed to contribute.
  8. Asks for Cash Only Donations: If a charity asks for cash only donations, it could be a scam. Organizations that only ask for cash donations are likely to use the money for undisclosed reasons, and it could get lost or stolen. In order to have documentation of payment for security and tax record purposes, you should pay the charity, not the solicitor, by check.
  9. Claims 100 Percent of Collected Funds Goes to Charity’s Cause: Charities that claim to give 100 percent of collected funds to their organization’s cause can be a cause for concern. All legitimate charities incur operating and administrative costs, which comes out of the donation pool. All accredited charities have to meet the 65/35 split, meaning a minimum of 65 percent of donations have to go to the cause in which you’re donating and a maximum of 35 percent can go to administrative expenses. So, in essence, no legitimate and actively-running charity will be able to give all 100 percent of donations to their cause.
  10. Online Messages or E-mails About Donations: If a charity sends you messages and e-mails asking for donations online, you may have encountered a charity scam. These online requests for donations are most likely spam or completely bogus. In order to avoid this scam and make sure your money goes to the right people, contact the charity yourself or go to their website to inquire on donations.

10 Stats You Should Know About Our Prison System

Posted by Site Administrator on 05/17/2011 | 0 Comments

America certainly has a unique stance on crime and punishment. Some actions that would cause the typical American to go to prison for a significant period of time aren’t even considered crimes in most other countries around the world. As a result, we’ve accumulated some interesting, sometimes alarming statistics showing just how crowded we’ve made our prison system. The ones below describe the state of the system, especially compared to the rest of the world, and the social impact of our policies.

  1. The U.S. has an incarceration rate of 743 per 100,000 people (2009): That’s the highest rate in the world, an astonishing fact that can’t be repeated enough. However, it should be noted that crime in the U.S. in general has decreased over the last 20 years. For example, from 1980 to 2009, the murder rate decreased from 10.2 per 10,000 inhabitants to 5.0 in 2009; the violent crime rate decreased from 596.6 per 10,000 inhabitants to 429.4; and the robbery rate decreased from 251.1 per 10,000 inhabitants to 133. Now, whether or not the improvements are a result of harsher punishment has yet to be proven. For comparison, from 1925 to 1975, the crime rate stayed at about 110 per 100,000 people, excluding those kept in state and local jails.
  2. The U.S. houses a quarter of the world’s prisoners (2008): The U.S. population is 311,341,000, roughly 4.5 percent of the world’s population, and in 2008, it kept 2.3 million people behind bars. China, the world’s most populous country with 1,339,725,000 people, kept 1.6 million people behind bars the same year, though it should be noted that it had hundreds of thousands of people in administrative detention. During America’s younger years, it was regarded around the world as more relaxed on criminal justice, hence the Wild West reputation. But as the population has grown, particularly in cities, we’ve taken more drastic measures to control crime.
  3. The U.S. houses more inmates than the top 35 European countries combined (2010): Europe, which has a denser population than the U.S., is well-below the U.S. when it comes to incarceration rates. In England and Wales, for example, 139 people are imprisoned per 10,000, one of the highest rates in Western Europe. Harsher sentencing in recent years is blamed for the rise in prison population in the U.K. Nevertheless, it pales in comparison to America’s rate; only Easter Europe’s Belarus comes close, with a rate of 385 people imprisoned per 10,000.
  4. The federal prison population has more than doubled since 1995 (2010): Because the federal system is generally stricter than state systems and has expanded its jurisdiction over certain offenses, it has seen a drastic increase in the amount of people it houses. In particular, an increase in immigration cases since 1994 has been a main contributor, as they accounted for 28.2 percent of all federal sentencing in 2008, for example.
  5. The number of state prisoners declined by 4,777 from December 2008 to January 2010: Possibly due to the recession, many have attributed the decline in state prisoners to large state budget deficits, which have forced states to release inmates to save money. However, according to the Pew Center on the States, the decline actually started just before the economic downturn due to a reduction in the amount of people sent to prison for new crimes, while the number of people released from prison increased. Of course, prison rates vary from state to state.
  6. The most significant decreases in state prison populations from 2008 to 2009 occurred in California (-4,257), Michigan (-3,260) and New York (-1,699): Overall, 26 states saw a decrease in prison population. California led them all, as the state has made an effort to cut the number of low-risk parolees returning to prison by expanding the use of intermediate sanctions. Overcrowding has been a problem for California; so much so that a deferral court in 2009 ordered the state to reduce its prison population by 40,000 in just two years. Michigan has cut its prison population by decreasing parole revocation rates, improving its reentry planning and supervision, and reducing the number of inmates who serve more than 100 percent of their minimum sentence.
  7. The most significant increases in state prison populations from 2008 to 2009 occurred in Pennsylvania (+2,122), Florida (+1,527) and Indiana (+1,496): During the last three decades, Pennsylvania’s prison population has expanded from 8,243 to 51,326. In recent years, the increase can be attributed to former Gov. Ed Rendell’s 2008 moratorium on paroles in response to the killing of a Philadelphia police officer by a paroled felon. The state also transferred prisoners out of state due to overcrowding. In Florida’s case, some attribute the rise to legislators failing to cut corrections spending like in many of the states that saw reductions in their prison populations.
  8. Those who have spent time in prison earn 40 percent less annually (2010): Universally, crime is associated with people from poor economic backgrounds who have few options in life. In many cases, those who’ve been incarcerated grew up around family members and friends who suffered the same fate. Their ability to escape the rut decreases greatly after their first offense, as their annual earnings are almost slashed in half because many employers refuse to hire them. Most unsettling is the fact that more than half of those incarcerated were the primary financial providers for their children.
  9. One in every 28 children has an incarcerated parent (2010): A quarter of a century ago, one in every 125 children had an incarcerated parent. The rise, of course, can be attributed to the implementation of harsher laws for lesser crimes; two-thirds of today’s incarcerated parents committed non-violent offenses. The above stat is one of the most disconcerting of all U.S.-related prison stats because common sense dictates that a child’s chances of growing up as a productive, law-abiding adult are greater when both of their parents play significant roles in their life.
  10. More than one in three young black men without a high school diploma are in prison (2010): Additionally, more black men without a high school diploma are incarcerated than employed. As previously mentioned, it’s more difficult to secure a job once a person has spent time in prison, further limiting the options of the already less fortunate. In fact, black men earn 44 percent less after they’ve been incarcerated, four percent less than the average for all races/ethnicities.

Sources: WebCite, The New York Times, The Pew Center on the States and Pew’s Economic Policy Group

10 Other Major al-Qaeda Players You Need to Know

Posted by Site Administrator on 05/05/2011 | 0 Comments

Now that Osama bin Laden, perhaps the world’s most wanted man since Adolph Hitler, has finally paid the price almost 10 years after orchestrating the unforgettable attacks on September 11th, the focus of the FBI’s and CIA’s counterterrorism efforts now centers on those next in line. Although al-Qaeda has been crippled since the War on Terrorism began, it still poses a legitimate threat to the West. The global militant Islamist group currently consists of 300 members with affiliates in Iraq, Yemen, and North and East Africa. The following men, though not nearly as high profile as bin Laden, will be important to capture "dead or alive," especially in the near future as the organization attempts to regroup in the wake of the death of its founder.

  1. Ayman Al-Zawahiri: Al-Zawahiri’s most notable offenses were his role in the 1998 bombings of the United States Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya. A member of al-Qaeda since its inception, he merged Egyptian Islamic Jihad, a group he founded, during the late ’90s and become a lieutenant to bin Laden. He’s been the al-Qaeda’s operational and strategic commander since 2009, and with bin Laden’s death, al-Zawahiri is now the organization’s most notable member. He’s wanted in both Egypt and the U.S., the latter of which is offering "a reward of up to $25 million for information leading directly to the apprehension or conviction," according to the FBI.
  2. Adam Yahiye Gadahn: An American-turned-terrorist, Gadahn, also known as "Azzam the American," is recognized as a senior operative, cultural interpreter and media advisor of al-Qaeda. Gadahn converted to Islam at the age of 17 and soon allied with its most extreme elements, supporting jihad causes after moving to Pakistan in the late ’90s. He was involved in the production of Bin Laden’s videos dating back to 2001 and has appeared in several of his own, once threatening to attack Los Angeles. He’s been publically endorsed by al-Zawahiri, and remains a key component of the organization. For his actions against his homeland, he holds the distinction of being the first American charged with treason in more than a half-century. The price on Gadahn’s head: $1 million.
  3. Saif al-Adel: Not only was al-Adel involved in the 1998 embassy bombings for which he’s wanted in the U.S., but he’s since passed on his military skills to the latest generation of Islamic terrorists at the Ras Kamboni al-Qaeda training facility, which he established. A native Egyptian, he was suspected of being involved in the assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Al Sadat in 1981, and is still said to be affiliated with Egyptian Islamic Jihad. The price on Al-Adel’s head: $5 million.
  4. Adnan Gulshair el Shukrijumah: Despite growing up in the U.S., Shukrijumah, like Gadahn, has little compassion for his former countrymen. He was first cited as a threat in 2003 after he plotted with Jose Padilla, who was arrested in 2002 for plotting a dirty bomb attack, to seal natural gas into apartment complexes and detonate explosions. In 2010, he was indicted for his role in the plot to attack targets in the U.K. and U.S., including New York City’s subway system. The price on Shukrijumah’s head: $5 million.
  5. Fazul Abdullah Mohammed: The younger generation of al-Qaeda members are often the most feared given their ability to connect with their peers and incite more decades of violence around the world. Mohammed, the suspected to be the leader of the organization’s operations in East Africa, has been a U.S. target since the 1998 embassy bombings. He has pledged to take the fight beyond Somalia, naming Djibouti, Kenya, and Ethiopia as the next targets. The price on Mohammed’s head: $5 million.
  6. Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah: Abdullah is yet another free al-Qaeda member who played a role in the 1998 embassy bombings. Native to Egypt, he fled the country and assisted with the training of the men who fought the U.S. in the Battle of Mogadishu and Operation Restoring Hope in 1993. Just three years later, he operated al-Qaeda training camps in Afghanistan. The price on Abdullah’s head: $5 million.
  7. Abu Yahya al-Libi: At one time, al-Libi was thought to be bin Laden’s heir apparent. As the organization’s leading theologian, he won the confidence of the old guard with his immense knowledge of Islamic history and law. He was captured by Pakistani officials in 2002 and turned over to Americans, who put him in Bagram interim detention facility, from which he escaped in 2005. He has since appeared in countless propaganda videos, including one in which he encouraged the overthrowing of Moammar Gadhafi and the establishment of Islamic rule in Libya, his home country.
  8. Matiur Rehman: Rehman is believed to be al-Qaeda’s planning director, a position that requires frequent correspondence with al-Zawahiri. Pakistani officials linked him to the 2006 plot to detonate liquid explosives on board at least 10 planes en route from the U.K. to U.S. and Canada. He’s also suspected of being involved in the 2006 Karachi consulate attacks and helping train al-Qaeda militants in the late ’90s.
  9. Sulaiman Abu Ghaith: One of al-Qaeda’s most infamous spokesmen, Ghaith grabbed international attention when he appeared in one of the organization’s videos less than a month following the September 11th attacks, defending its actions and threatening further violence. The Kuwaiti-Islamist is also known for his charity, Al Wafa al Igatha al Islamia, which is said to have directly funded al-Qaeda. Ghaith first rose to prominence during the Gulf War, when he denounced Saddam Hussein’s occupation of his home country. His subsequent insistence on the institution of Sharia law resulted in the banning of his sermons.
  10. Mahfouz Ould al-Walid: As a top bin Laden aide during the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, al-Walid agreed with his leader’s initial comments, publically denying al-Qaeda’s responsibility for the ordeal. Prior to 9/11, he opposed a large-scale attack against the U.S., going so far as to write a formal letter to bin Laden warning against the operation. It’s believed that because al-Qaeda went through with it and thus provoked the U.S. invasion in Afghanistan, he has since distanced himself from the organization, instead identifying with the ideology of the Taliban. Al-Walid’s death has mistakenly been reported on multiple occasions.

10 Totally Bizarre Driving Laws in the US

Posted by Site Administrator on 04/24/2011 | 0 Comments

As a whole, Americans know to drive on the right side of the road, wear their seatbelts and obey traffic signs, but for many states in the great USofA, additional laws are needed to clarify the obvious and not-so-obvious rules of the road. We’d like to think that these laws were created to ensure safety, but most are just needed to punish stupidity. Here are 10 totally bizarre driving laws in the US:

  1. No Tire Screeching in Kansas: When you’re cruising through Derby, Kansas, don’t even think about screeching your tires while driving, or you could end up with a hefty fine of $500 and a possible imprisonment of 30 days in jail. This standard traffic ordinance is considered a misdemeanor, but it’s also a statewide law.
  2. No Improper Opening or Leaving Open a Car Door: The state of Oregon has cracked down on drivers who open or leave their car door open on the side of traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists when it’s unsafe to do so, or "for a period of time longer than necessary to load and unload passengers." This improper opening or leaving open a car door is considered a Class D traffic infraction and could cost you $90 in fines.
  3. No Swearing and Driving in Maryland: Keep your swear words to yourself (or whisper them softly) while driving through Rockville, Maryland, because it’s considered a misdemeanor to swear from a vehicle within earshot of other people in this part of the state. Your curse words could cost you up to $100 in fines or 90 days in jail.
  4. No Driving Blindfolded in Alabama: This one doesn’t need much explanation, nor should it even have to be a written law. Driving while blindfolded has never been a good idea, but that hasn’t stopped some adventurous ‘Bama residents from testing their blind driving skills.
  5. No Storing Trash in Your Car in South Carolina: Better take your trash out before you take your car for a spin in Hilton Head, South Carolina, because it’s illegal to store garbage in your vehicle. This traffic ordinance is more like a health-code violation because the state doesn’t want drivers harboring rats in their vehicles. This violation could cost you $500 in fines or 30 days in jail.
  6. No Driving with Mud on Your Tires in Minnetonka, Minnesota: Better keep your car and your tires clean when driving in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where it’s illegal to drive on the street or highway with muddy, dirty and sticky tires. This public nuisance and traffic violation is a misdemeanor charge and could cost you up to $2,000 in fines.
  7. No Undressing in Your Car in New York: Before you think about stripping down in your vehicle, know that it’s illegal to take your clothes off in your car while in Sag Harbor, New York. Even though this town is full of beachgoers, you’ve got to keep your clothes on in public, or pay a fine of $100 or risk spending 90 days in jail.
  8. No Honking Your Car Horn Where Cold Drinks or Sandwiches are Served After 9 P.M. in Arkansas: Yep, you read that right. It’s illegal for drivers in Little Rock, Arkansas, to sound their horn anywhere cold beverages or sandwiches are served after 9 p.m. This had to be a reoccurring problem to actually become a real law.
  9. No Sleeping on the Street in California: As comfortable as concrete is, you can’t sleep on it in Eureka, California. It’s illegal to snooze on any sidewalk, alley or street here, and if you dare to do so, it’ll cost you $1,000 in fines and possibly six months in jail for this misdemeanor.
  10. No Parking at Dunkin’ Donuts in Maine: America might run on Dunkin, but that doesn’t mean you can park at one when you’re in Maine. Believe it or not, it’s illegal to park in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts shop on Main Street in South Berwick, Maine, because it is part of a no-parking zone and parking would severely block traffic on the road. So, you’d better stick to drive thru, or park somewhere else and walk unless you want to get slapped with a $175 fine or jail time up to 30 days.

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