The incident involved the forced, and coerced, tattooing of a 14 year old special needs student.  This student had been exposed to bullying at school; and, these so called adults (all over the age of 18) allegedly told him that the bullying would stop if he got a tattoo.  He said he didn’t want one; but still, he was allegedly threatened and forced to get a tattoo which had some kind of image along with obscene words on his buttocks. 

         Tattoos take time to apply to a person; even when a person wants to have one.  I can’t imagine what this young man endured during this “procedure”.  He’s been taunted at school by other students who are picking on him because of his special needs and then he is assaulted in this way.  Not only is he physically scared but he is also emotionally scared because these people chose to humiliate and abuse him. 

         This whole situation came to the attention of the authorities because pictures of this young 14 year old abuse victim were being circulated at school and a teacher reported it to the authorities when they became aware of the pictures.    Thank you to the unknown teacher who had the courage to do the right thing!  Teachers don’t often get enough credit these days for what they do at school for our kids.  Often, teachers are on the first line of defense when it comes to protecting special needs students from abuse or bullying.   Along the same lines, other students who are caring and filled with the strength of character to be an advocate for special needs students are becoming more rare these days.  To those of you who do the right thing in these types of situations…I thank you as well.

        I wonder, just how many people saw these photos and laughed?  Were they amused at the image, the words, or just the fact that someone that they considered to be of a lessor value than they themselves, or one of their friends, was put in this position of having their picture plastered all over the school for others to look at and make fun of him? 

         Were they not moved by compassion to report such a terrible crime?  How can a person take joy in the torture, humiliation, or abuse of another person; whether they know them or not?  Is not a special needs person worthy of protection, compassion, or caring? 

          I mean, even if someone does not know a special needs person; don’t they understand that they have feelings and emotions just like they themselves?  Everyone wants to feel safe, be loved, be accepted and have friends at school.  It is unacceptable that this situation was turned into a source of entertainment by some students. 

          The victim here was only 14 years old.  I think that those pictures should be considered sexual exploitation by anyone who had access to them or viewed them and did not report it.  Any person who was passing along the photos to others should suffer consequences as well as the people who were involved in the actual abuse of this young man.

       How can people who are supposedly blessed with average or above intellectual abilities treat another human being in this way?  What gives them the right to consider themselves better than another person; simply because of a perceived imperfection called special needs?   It is wrong, it is cruel, it is immoral, and it is…ILLEGAL. 

       Parents, teachers, neighbors, grandparents, church leaders we must all take our roles of leadership seriously and start instilling in our young people tolerance, compassion and empathy towards others; especially the most vulnerable individuals in our society such as young children, the elderly or those who are afflicted with disabilities.   It is important that we do this because as a nation, we are losing our moral compass because people who can do these kind of horrible things to their fellow human beings and not see something wrong with it are becoming more common everyday.

         Hello…no-one SHOULD have to tell another person that this kind of behavior is wrong.   However, New Hampsire’s court system should make it clear; because these four individuals in New Hampshire have been arrested and charged for their actions.   Let’s hope that the legal system really makes an impact on others who think they can be cruel, and treat other human beings any way they want to and get away with it; by making the legal punishment fit the crime.   The punishment should be large enough to send a message to anyone else who may consider bullying or abusing a special needs individual, that it is NOT the right thing to do!   What do you think would be an appropriate punishment for someone who abuses another person in this way?

Bullying is more complicated these days because of the way in which it is done; it is psychological, it is persistent, and it can include threats, violence, or even sexual threats.  Most people over the age of 40 remember the school bully…you know the one.  He/She was the person who everyone feared and gave a wide berth to just because he sought out and picked on those he/she knew for a fact that they could take on and win.  We all have had some relationship to that kind of person.   However, now it seems that there is a group mentality when bullying or persistent harassment starts up.

  Back when i was growing up you had one of two options…ignore that person and stay far away from them or “stand up to them” and work up your courage to go toe to toe.  Remember the childhood phrase that we were all taught…sticks and stones will break your bones but words will never hurt you?  That couldn’t be farther from the truth; we all know that words have the power to destroy a person’s self-worth and the value of that person in the eyes of others.

Everyday it seems that we hear about another child/teen/college student that has been bullied or cyber stalked and trash talked about.  Many of those cases either end in a suicide or a violent attack or even in some cases of extreme bullying…a retribution plan of attack on a school with a violent outburst.  Lives are ruined, hearts and minds are damaged; many individuals end up in prison because of bullying.

 A real danger is people who think that bullying is a normal part of growing up…it isn’t and it should not ever be allowed.  Making excuses and telling a victim of such behavior to just ignore it is equal to nullifying their experience with bullying…which in effect tells them that they are powerless to change their circumstance in a positive way.

There is a hopelessness about our young people.   Many of them, in a desperate need to feel something, are self mutilating, becoming promiscuous,  developing eating disorders, or diving into the world of drug/alcohol addictions in reaction to their feelings about themselves and their lack of proper treatment by others.   They have been conditioned to think that nothing is going to change for the better; so they feel angry, bitter, broken and depressed.

 Don’t fool yourself into thinking that it doesn’t affect you, your children, your grandchildren, or the children in your church or neighborhood.  It does; and things are getting desperate.  Kids feel threatened, they feel demeaned and they feel powerless…so, many of them will arm themselves and things escalate quickly.   This is good for no one.

Respect for themselves as well as others is important to fight bullying.  Finding mentors for our young people is helpful…getting involved in sports or extra curricular activities that give them an appropriate sense of pride in themselves and their involvement.  Community service that gives them a sense of personal value and connects them to others who recognize their strengths and talents.  Inspiring hope and promise for a future is what kids need.  Instead, we often find that our young people aren’t getting those important messages about themselves.

With all of the new technology, kids are able to be “connected” 24 hours a day to not only their friends; but also, to people who wish them harm.  This connection includes cell phones, cell phone pictures, texts, email, chat lines, websites and forums.   Kids live in the midst of a multi-media blitz in their lives in school and at home.  Pay attention to them closely; watch for any changes in behavior, attitude, relationships and moods.  It could be life and death-for them and anyone who is in their lives, personally and socially.

Don’t think, not my child, not my child’s friend or the kids in my youth group.  I’ve worked with kids most of my adult life; for well over 30 years and things have broken down.  Kids, even good ones have low self esteem, they are depressed, frightened and angry.   Many of them don’t feel loved (even when they are), they don’t feel valued, appreciated or listened to.  They feel trapped and alone or isolated…even when they are surrounded by friends and activities.  It is a recipe for disaster not to recognize the patterns or seeds of destruction.

In truth, it makes you want to build a fortress around them to protect them against those who seek them out to do them harm.  So what can a parent, an educator, a spiritual leader, a friend, or a sibling do to help those caught in the web of persistent bullying/stalking?

First of all, pay attention.  Listen closely, monitor things…set limits of exposure online.  Talk to them and their friends about situations of bullying in their school or social networks.  Document any kind of negative interaction…write it down, talk to the school administration, file a report, alert teachers, bus drivers, neighborhood watches to any kind of bullying or violent situations that may come up.  Create a network of awareness and prevention where you can.  Ask your school to bring in safety experts and relationship experts who are trained in these areas of concern. 

Expect there to be resistence from the powers that be.  Many of them will give lip service to the no tolerance rule of bullying…but never, EVER, let them talk you out of filing official reports or grievances.   Often a school will just expell a student for a short time as a discipline…never following up with corrective action such as counseling or conflict resolution.   Leadership must establish methods of dealing with this type of behavior in a constructive way. 

For the victims of bullying or school violence… it may be helpful to have some self-defense training, some skilled training about paying attention to their surroundings and who is in their direct physical environment; making judgement calls about making decisions about where to go and with whom.   Get restraining orders or personal orders of protection if you feel it is something necessary to the physical and emotional well-being of the victim.     In some cases, change schools or even in extreme cases…it is best to even move or send them to live with a relative temporarily-especially if there is gang involvement.   This is no small thing to overcome and you do not want a victim of bullying/violence to become a prisoner to fear in their everyday life.

Does that sound like an over-reaction?  I can assure you that it is not; don’t believe me?  Watch the news, listen to a mother or a father that has lost a child to school violence or bullying; they would do anything if they could go back and do something different.   Or maybe listen to the child who in reaction to the bullying, who took matters into his/her own hands and tried to retaliate only to end up in prison for years or for life.  That ought to convince you that taking drastic measures to protect your child or your family is a good thing.  You see, persistent bullying often spreads and becomes a contagious thing…affecting other family members or sometimes even others in the neighborhood.   It is serious, but things can be done to improve the situation; get good advice from law enforcement or safety experts on the matter.

Ok, remember that I mentioned that some of you wouldn’t make it this far because you think it doesn’t affect you.  These young people who are traumatized, or trained to protect themselves emotionally by closing off normal pathways of emotion, are going to grow up.  They are going to become doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers and nursing home supervisors, counselors and so on.

If their standards of what is acceptable, in relation to inappropriate levels of behavior have been damaged, are you going to want them caring for your grandchildren in day care, or taking care of one of your loved ones in a hospital or nursing home setting?  If they have learned to accept that kind of treatment in their own life, they surely won’t recognize it as inappropriate behavior in relation to others like yourself.  

Please, love on the youth today build them up and help them to be strong individuals in a healthy way; care for them, listen to them, protect them through legal channels and through school policies.  You won’t regret being proactive in the name of what is right!

             If you are blessed…give thanks to God above…and do what he calls us to do; Deuteronomy 15 vs 11 says “There will always be poor people in the land.  Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor & needy in your land”.    People who struggle financially do so for a variety of reasons…many of them are not at fault for their situation.  Don’t judge.  If you are blessed and have enough, or more than enough….you must respond to your hearts prompting.  Give…give generously and without strings.  Do it with sensitivity and in such a way as to honor their dignity.  It is hard to accept help from others.

          You can give money, you can give time, you can give produce…you can give your skills, knowledge or talent to improve the situation of others.  Did you know that many children are getting fed at school because they have so little at home?  They are on food programs at school…but what about weekends?  There is no school on weekends…are those children getting enough to eat during that time?  Many are not.  Feeding America, formerly known as Second Harvest, has a program that provides backpacks of food for children on weekends.  For every $1 donated…it provides $14 worth of food.  http://bit.ly/2YzhwU

            The children aren’t the only ones going without the basic healthy items they need to eat a well balanced diet.  Families are spread all over the country.  Many don’t live near their elderly parents and therefore, they don’t know their true financial situations.   Pride keeps many elderly people from sharing their difficulties.  They would rather go without than share with others the fact that they do not have enough to eat.  This is unacceptable in America where we have the means to feed our children, our poor and our elderly members of society; if we all do our part to fill the gap.

            Talk to your local food bank or Commision on Aging about helping out the elderly in your community.  If you have enough to eat, why shouldn’t they?  There is always a need.   You can help fill it…making a positive impact on those around you.  What does your heart tell you to do?  Please support and donate to these organization to uplift people.  You just never know how this will impact their lives or your own! Thanks! 

         Now to be fair…some people are more in tune with those around them, and their feelings, than some others are.  However, self-awareness isn’t a skill that is available only to those who have the money to pay for it.   Also, being aware of others and learning to take their feelings into account, when we are interacting with them, is something that anyone can learn to do better. 

          Whether it is in business, school, families or just in our personal relationships in general…we can all improve how we treat others.  It is important to do so because having healthy relationships is a two way street.  Whenever a relationship begins to get “unbalanced”, meaning one person doing all of the work and one person reaping all of the benefits, that’s when resentment starts to creep in.  Relationships can be turned around on a dime when this situation starts to occur, if it is rectified by opening the lines of honest communication about the perceived imbalance of the relationship.

         Everyone wants to feel valued and be considered deserving of equal respect.   Being self-aware of how your thoughts, actions, and words make others feel,  is  a big part of learning how to be more sensitve to the normal, natural give and take required to make a relationship work well.  Learning to listen to others is equally important.  If someone becomes short with you, makes snide comments, or uses their body language in a way that shows you walls are being put up when they speak with you; that is a good indication that they are feeling put upon ,  or  feeling like you are taking them or their feelings for granted. 

          When that happens…don’t just walk away thinking that they are just in a bad mood and it will pass.  Dig a little deeper into the issue;  and,  you will find that if you are really willing to listen to the undercurrents of the situation…you will find that they are feeling used and abused.    Often these issues are simply a result of miscommunication or a lack of communicating clearly about what one or the other is thinking.   Opening that door with clear, caring communication can begin the healing and strengthening of the relationship.  

           This advice will improve your business relationships, your friendships, your love life and your family life; becoming aware of your ability to recognize when you are struggling with validating others in your relationships is part of your personal development as a caring human being.   Have you ever been on one side, or the other, of this experience?  How was it resolved; or if it wasn’t resolved, how did it make you feel?

First and foremost, summer means heat.  After a long winter…nothing sounds better than warmth…but, remember; heat can be deadly.  That means do NOT leave children in cars…for any length of time.  Children can suffer and die in a vehicle that is left in the summer sun in no time at all.  How many terrible stories do we have to learn about before people take this seriously?  No one wants to lose their child to a senseless tragedy.  There are those cases where children “accidently” get left in a car because the parents are transporting their children in a trip that is not routinely scheduled…a different day of day care or some such change of routine.  It happens and it could happen to you if you are not aware of the dangers and the solutions.

Do your family a favor and leave your purse, briefcase or, maybe set a cooking timer next to the young child with the timer set to go off a couple of minutes before you expect to end the trip as a reminder, that your child is in the back seat.

Water is big in the summer time whether it is a pool, lake, stream, creek or river.  Extra care must be given to ensure that your child is safe.  Swimming lessons are a good, traditional way of teaching your children about water safety; but, there are other ways as well.  Talk to your child about how to protect themselves.  Teach them the buddy system.  Teach them how to float.  Teach them to never, ever go near the water without an adult present. 

If you own a pool or live next to a lake or river…install an alarm on your inner door that will chime every time the door opens; or, if you have an adventerous toddler (like I used to) install a chain lock on your door that is positioned high up on the door that will not allow them to open the door far enough to escape the home without notice.   As an added protection, add an alarm that will send out a sound that will alert you when anything enters the water of the pool that changes the water level in the pool such as the amount of water that is displaced when a child enters the water!  It is highly recommended.  Another safety feature is to add one of the new filter covers that help to keep children and adults safe from creating a vacuum that would entrap a person underwater, causing their death.  This is also highly recommended. 

Bugs…bugs are not only annoying…they are also a potential health problem.    You have tics-which can lead to lyme’s disease, fleas-which can irritate the skin and cause secondary infections from scratching, bees-which, if a person is allergic can cause serious breathing difficulties and even death in serious cases of allergy, mosquitos bites-can cause  diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and even the West Nile illness.  There are plenty of skin applications that you can purchase to help repel bugs and insects which will cut down on your chances of being affected by illnesses or diseases.  There are even some natural plants that you can landscape with which will also help to repel certain bugs and flying pests.

Playing outdoors is as natural as breathing.  Running, jumping and playing ball are all part of growing up.  Remind children often to play in safe areas.  Remind them not to chase balls or ride outdoor toys and bikes into traffic areas including driveways that are near sidewalks close to the edge of the roads.  Roller skates/blades, skateboards and small motorized child sized vehicles are dangerous when they are used in areas prone to traffic dangers.

There are just so many hours that seem freer when kids are out of school.  Schedules are looser and sometimes so are boundaries, rules and regulations.  Kids may wander down the street farther than they would normally when they have limited free time.   That puts them at an increased risk for stranger danger.  People gather in larger outdoor groups for things like parades, festivals, outdoor concerts, and street carnivals.  It is easy to be lured into feeling safe when you are on your own turf…close to home.  Dont let that fool you.  Strangers who have criminal intent are free to roam too.  It is a scarier world than it used to be.  Even when kids are at home, inside where parents often think they are safe…they could be at risk.

You must absolutely go over tried and true safety rules with your children when they are home alone.  Moms and Dads need to teach their children to take care when answering the phone, opening the windows and doors…as well as using care when accessing the internet when no trusted adult is at home and in charge.  Safety has to be a priority; don’t just assume that your children know what to do.  Practice emergency procedures…not just fire and storm safety…but safety awareness.  The old saying still stands true…Be safe, not sorry!  For some good tips on protecting your children…here is a website that promotes safety awareness and techniques.

http://www.keepingkidssafetoday.com

     In years past, families lived in a multi-generational home or environment.  People at different stages of life who could teach and role model life experiences to the younger generation.  That doesn’t happen for many people growing up today.  Often, youth are left to raise themselves because of cultural changes that force both parents to work outside of the home during their children’s most formative years.  They dont get the nurturing or encouragement for positive emotional and educational growth that they need; when they need it.  Instead, they often grow up without much experience with success because there isn’t a go to person on a daily basis to follow up with their scholastic challenges or social interactions.

       Working with the youth of today, it never fails to amaze me at their low levels of expectations of success.  They have hopes and dreams like everyone else; and yet, they do not believe in their ability to make those hopes and dreams come true.  Many of them are failing their classes in school; others do not have the emotional, physical, or financial support of their families.  Some don’t expect more out of life than to get a minimum wage job and some place to live.  They are discouraged, distrustful, and frustrated; in other words, they are feeling defeated even before they attempt something new.

         Finding an attitude of overcoming obstacles appears to overwhelm or paralyze many youth.  When talking to a young person that is on track and appears to have set some goals, as well as having a plan to achieve their goals; it is exciting.  That is  because they appear to know how to channel opportunities, resources, experiences, and support, to help them reach their goals.

         People would do well to remember that the youth of today are our leaders tomorrow.  They are worth an investment of our time, our energy, and our resources.  Please, find someone who can use a little encouragement and support; and be a mentor, be a friend, or become a role model that they can look up to.  You won’t regret it, they will  benefit from a little focussed, positive energy coming their way.  You will also benefit from the experience, because it helps you to view life and experiences from a different point of view…one of a compassionate nature.  You can pay it forward from someone in your past who took the time to teach you how to build up your self esteem, your knowledge, and maybe even a career/educational pathway.   How can you help?

        Get involved with the youth in a local church, agency, charity, non-profit, or organization.   Offer up an opportunity to share some of your skills, education, or financial resources to those with a solid track record of community involvement.  You know you have something of value to offer…even if it is just your time…go ahead…what are you waiting for?

         Try some of these organizations on for size:  

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539751/k.BDB6/Home.htm,

 http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms/int/default.aspx   ,    

http://www.specialolympics.org/,

http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/state.asp,

http://www.littleleague.org/Little_League_Online.htm

         Many students have no issues with graduating.  They have been on task and up-to-date with their attendance and with their assignments.  For some students though, being on task with assignments and attendance is a real struggle.  Their grades may keep their diploma hanging in the balance.  This is a make or break moment. 

        Teachers have a name for this condition…it is called Senioritis.  Some seniors promote an i don’t care attitude, others develope an attitude of whatever happens happens, still others who are afraid of success/failure begin to obsess about every decision that they are in charge of making.  Then, there are those who crack under the pressure and panic…instead of pushing through the stress and asking for extra credit or seeking to make up missing work or opportunities…choose to drop out with only weeks left until graduation.  More often than not, they end up regretting that decision.

          Many factors play into how individuals choose to proceed.  People are an interesting mix of emotions and experiences.    We each make decisions and choices based on our emotional reactions to certain situations.  Experience plays into it as well; because, if we have had negative experiences with certain people or situations we make our decisions based on that; as well as, if the experience was positive…we may just let that influence our choice as well.    We take all of this information, that we have within ourselves, and use it to either be a self-starter or self motivator…or, we use it to sabotage ourselves by the choices that we make each and everyday.

        Parents understand the importance of this achievement of graduation.  We want that for our children.  Teachers would like to see their students graduate.  As young adults, there is a great struggle towards freedom and a sense of being in control.  For parents, it is also a struggle…giving up control and responsibility.   We can encourage, we can support and we can poke and prod to see a student follow through; however, no one can do it for the student.  It has to be their own personal responsibility.  That is why, when it is accomplished…there is a great celebration.   It is graduation day for both the parent and the student.

       Of course, both you and I know that being a self-starter or a self-sabotuer can apply to more people than just high school seniors.  However, this is one of the first steps into adulthood that a young person takes.  All parents and teachers can do is to help remove obstacles and create an environment that is supportive.   If seniors discover that they alone are in charge of the direction that their lives take, by the decisions that they make to be self motivated, then,  they will have put their feet on the path of success for any challenges that they may encounter in life.  Have you learned to be a self-starter or self-motivator?  What was your turning point in understanding this concept?

        First off, if you travel alot…you need to be aware that planes, trains, subways and busses (any form of mass transportation)  are filled with people who have traveled from many different locations.  That is a recipe for a germ laden cocktail that can be passed around from person to person.  If you are traveling in confined spaces with many people good sanitation is important.

         Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing is important.  When around others who are sneezing or coughing, wearing a mask that covers your mouth and nose if you have a compromised immune system is very important.  People who must be very careful about getting a contagious disease are people that are especially vulnerable are those who have chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart and lung diseases, asthma, etc.  Young babies, pregnant women, and the elderly have to be extra careful as well.

           Washing your hands often and well will help to cut down on your expose to contagious diseases.  Using those germicide gels that kill germs on contact is suggested.  Using Lysol or some other spray disinfectant will help keep surfaces that everyone comes in contact with clean.   Staying home  from work or school if you suspect that you are coming down with the flu will help to cut down on those that you expose to the illness.  One of the biggest problems that continues the spread of contagious diseases is that people come to work or school sick or try to come back to work too early…spreading the illness to others.    Taking the time to recover fully is important…because otherwise, you could become reinfected by others who have been exposed. 

         The best thing you can do is to build up your immune system to avoid becoming sick in the first place.  Take your multi-vitamins,  exercise regularily, eat a balanced healthy diet, get plenty of rest… a good 7-8 hours per night and drink plenty of water.  If you can do these things and your immune system is strong, even if you are exposed to the flu…your system will be better able to recover more quickly and with less devasting results.  Be well everyone!

          In some interviews, Levi says that the Palin’s have allegedly treated him like a son.  He says he can visit there but not take his son out for visits.  Levi says that this is uncomfortable for him.  He has had his own struggles with both education and employment issues.   His mother was arrested for alledged drug use.   Now he has gone on television and talked about his former sex life with Bristol Palin…as well as expressed an interest in modeling.   In these latest interviews, he has said that he doesn’t want to, but he may have to go to court to fight for custody of his child. 

         I don’t know about you…but, I would think that a judge would have trouble with letting such a young child visit away from it’s mother not knowing if the paternal grandmother (who was allegedly involved w/drugs) would have access to the infant.  Levi does not do himself any favors by coming across as a detached father.  Saying things like, “do the father thing”.  What does that mean exactly?  Does he know what kinds of things that a father has to do for their child, to take on a role of responsibility? 

         The things that a court would examine would be the ability to, appropriately and safely, parent a child.  This is usually done in a home study…taking stock of education levels, income levels, length of employment, living conditions, any areas of concern regarding the safety of the child, legal concerns, patterns of dangerous or irresponsible behavior…etc.  I dont believe that custody would be removed from the mothers care unless she was proven to be unfit…now a judge might assign more parenting time/visitation for Levi…but, it is highly doubtful that a judge would take custody away from a parent who has been the main caregiver since birth and who is supporting the child and meeting their parental obligations; as opposed to, Levi’s statement that he has everything that his son needs at his home.  What about contributing to the financial support of his son, or medical coverage, day care money to provide appropriate care while the baby’s mother works or goes to school?  Levi only appears to want time with his son unsupervised; he should try handling things out of the public eye…he might just get farther.

         I think that Levi Johnston needs to remember that his son will grow up one day and read and view these interviews.  He needs to remember that his child will not remain an infant.  He should show his love for his child by getting his diploma, a job, and continue to visit his son on a regular basis.  He is connected to the Palin family for life because his son lives and breathes…and it is time that they all work out some kind of a comfortable and civil relationship.  If they treat each other with some mutual respect they will form an environment of a strong and healthy family relationship with one another (even if they are no longer together as a couple), in which Tripp can grow and thrive.

     That motto was written by Father Gabriel Richard when the school that he had built in Detroit was destroyed by a fire that destroyed the city in 1805.  Obviously, the people of Detroit took that motto to heart and have rallied, to rise from the ashes more than once.  It is time to fight again from recent news reports.

       Wayne county prosecutors are preparing to amend the charges against Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick for perjury in the text messaging scandal; that has all but, tied up the city of Detroit with it’s complications.  It seems that the prosecutors have discovered new text evidence that underscores the mayor’s alleged extra-marital activities; and the fact that, they were not limited to his former aide Christine Beatty.  It makes you wonder if she knew of the others; and how she feels about their relationship now.  It also makes you wonder if his wife knew of the others before it came to light in recent days; she has shown great forebearance by standing by him;  when the other accusations came to light about Ms. Beatty.  Mr. Kilpatricks personal and public relationships are appearing to be very complex; and the text documentation could prove to be his legal undoing.

       If prosecutors do amend the court documents to include the words “and others”  along with Ms. Beatty’s name, in regards to the mayor’s denial of any alleged extra marital affairs…then, it would broaden the perjury charges, if the text messages on the phones prove his denials as false; and, the judge accepts the additional texts into evidence. 

        Why Mr. Kilpatrick continues to drag out the issues before the court is a matter of contention.  Whether he steps aside willingly; or, whether he is forced out of his position…it appears that the city is more than ready to move on.  Where the legal wrangling goes, from here, remains to be seen; however, it would be nice if the city could be spared any more extra expense from having to force the issue.  That money could be put to better use; if Mr. Kilpatrick cares about the city of Detroit as much as he says he does; then it would be a blessing to end this now.   

       We can only hope that Detroit’s motto will be a self-fulfilling prophecy…” We hope for better things; it will rise from the ashes”.  See previous story: http://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/05/29/heck-nohe-wont-go/