Friday, April 27, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Email response to recent posting
We are lucky to have blog sites like Eye on Albuquerque, Joe Monahan’s blog site, The Burque Blotter and others to tell us the truth.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Discrepancies in latest police shooting victim's criminal history
By Pilar Armstrong
41 year old, Dennis Aragon is the 24 person to be shoot by the Albuquerque Police Department. The shooting occurred yesterday, on Thurs. April 19, when Aragon allegedly was settling a drug debt in an apartment complex near Espanola and Zuni SE. According to news reports from Albuquerque news stations, KOB and KOAT, Aragon pointed a rifle at police and several apartment residents. KOB reporter Heather Mills stated that a background check had been run on Aragon uncovering his criminal history which included drug possession and assaults on a police officer. Mills insinuated that Aragon had been convicted of these charges which implies that Aragon is a dangerous person and the shooting is justified.
However, upon researching court records online, it was discovered that while Aragon had a hand full of traffic violations. No records of drug related crimes could be found. Aragon was charged with resistance/evading/obstruction of an officer and failure to obey a police officer on Jan. 6, 2009. All charges were dismissed, without any adjudication of guilt, by Metro Court Judge Julie Altwiez. An inquiry was sent to APD daytime PIO Tasia Martinez regarding the exact location of these alleged crimes. As of press times no response has been received.
KOB reported that police had been called to the complex on Wed. because Aragon was pointing a gun around children who lived in the complex. Why hadn't APD acted then and arrested Aragon? Didn't Aragon's alleged behavior constitute as child endangerment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon? Another inquiry regarding these questions has been sent to Officer Martinez. Updates will be provided as more information is received.
Aragon is alive and is currently being treated for gunshot wounds to his stomach and arm.
41 year old, Dennis Aragon is the 24 person to be shoot by the Albuquerque Police Department. The shooting occurred yesterday, on Thurs. April 19, when Aragon allegedly was settling a drug debt in an apartment complex near Espanola and Zuni SE. According to news reports from Albuquerque news stations, KOB and KOAT, Aragon pointed a rifle at police and several apartment residents. KOB reporter Heather Mills stated that a background check had been run on Aragon uncovering his criminal history which included drug possession and assaults on a police officer. Mills insinuated that Aragon had been convicted of these charges which implies that Aragon is a dangerous person and the shooting is justified.
However, upon researching court records online, it was discovered that while Aragon had a hand full of traffic violations. No records of drug related crimes could be found. Aragon was charged with resistance/evading/obstruction of an officer and failure to obey a police officer on Jan. 6, 2009. All charges were dismissed, without any adjudication of guilt, by Metro Court Judge Julie Altwiez. An inquiry was sent to APD daytime PIO Tasia Martinez regarding the exact location of these alleged crimes. As of press times no response has been received.
KOB reported that police had been called to the complex on Wed. because Aragon was pointing a gun around children who lived in the complex. Why hadn't APD acted then and arrested Aragon? Didn't Aragon's alleged behavior constitute as child endangerment and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon? Another inquiry regarding these questions has been sent to Officer Martinez. Updates will be provided as more information is received.
Aragon is alive and is currently being treated for gunshot wounds to his stomach and arm.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Upcoming events in ABQ
Continuum of Remembrance
April 22, 2012, from 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Holocaust Intolerance Museum of New Mexico
616 Central Ave SW, ABQ, NM
http://wwwnmhrp.org
"The Yom HaSoam observation represents the importance and power of passing of memories of the final generation of Holocaust survivors of the Shoah to the next generation," statement from the Holocaust Intolerance Museum of New Mexico. This observation is open to the general public.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
City Councilors, activists, demand open dialogue with Mayor over police shootings
Mayor Berry was a "no show" at last night's heated City Council meeting.
By Pilar Armstrong
City Councilors appeared angry at the Mayor's apparent lack of interest in attending Monday nights City Council meeting.
"Is the Mayor expected to come down to the meeting?," asked Councilor Ray Garduno.
"I'm getting tired of communicating through newsprint and radio. These conversations (with the Mayor) exist (only) in newsprint and airwaves. This is not a way to communicate", he quipped.
These questions were directed to Rob Perry, the Mayor's top administrator. Garduno also explained that the Mayor needed to attend a City Council meeting so that he would have an opportunity to listed to what his constituents had to say regarding the police shootings. According to Garduno, the Mayor was invited to attend last nights meeting and was scheduled to meet with Councilors on April 21st. The meeting was cancelled to Garduno's dismay and was not the first cancellation he had received.
The Mayor's front man invited the Councilors to met with the Mayor privately, behind closed doors. Perry also stating that the recent letter sent by Councilors, Garduno, Benton, O'Malley, and Sanchez did not offer any concrete solutions to the APD's mounting legal and civil rights issues. He vehemently defended the 23 shootings stating that the shooting victims were people with mental illness and extensive criminal histories. Upon previous examination by the Burque Blotter, only a handful of the shooting victims had what might be considered "extensive" criminal histories. It is fact that the majority of the shooting victims were either shot while running away from officers or while handcuffed, face down.
"This is very third world. The type of thing you'd see in El Salvador or Nicaragua," stated activist Silvio Dell'Angela in a previous phone interview.
Councilors Garduno, Benton, O'Mally, and Sanchez have been routinely blasted in press releases sent by the Mayor's office over their support of a Department of Justice investigation on APD. The Mayor even garnered the support of Gov. Susana Martinez who openly criticized the four Dem. Councilors for not supporting the Paseo Del Norte overpass project. Both Mayor Berry and Gov. Martinez are clients of political consultant company McCleskey Media Services.
Councilors also took offense to the Mayor's accusations that they were not supportive of APD and that there support of the DOJ investigation was not politically motivated as the Mayor claimed.
"We sent a polite letter to the Mayor about leadership. It would be curious to know what the Mayor would have to say (at this meeting)," said Councilor Benton.
By Pilar Armstrong
City Councilors appeared angry at the Mayor's apparent lack of interest in attending Monday nights City Council meeting.
"Is the Mayor expected to come down to the meeting?," asked Councilor Ray Garduno.
"I'm getting tired of communicating through newsprint and radio. These conversations (with the Mayor) exist (only) in newsprint and airwaves. This is not a way to communicate", he quipped.
These questions were directed to Rob Perry, the Mayor's top administrator. Garduno also explained that the Mayor needed to attend a City Council meeting so that he would have an opportunity to listed to what his constituents had to say regarding the police shootings. According to Garduno, the Mayor was invited to attend last nights meeting and was scheduled to meet with Councilors on April 21st. The meeting was cancelled to Garduno's dismay and was not the first cancellation he had received.
The Mayor's front man invited the Councilors to met with the Mayor privately, behind closed doors. Perry also stating that the recent letter sent by Councilors, Garduno, Benton, O'Malley, and Sanchez did not offer any concrete solutions to the APD's mounting legal and civil rights issues. He vehemently defended the 23 shootings stating that the shooting victims were people with mental illness and extensive criminal histories. Upon previous examination by the Burque Blotter, only a handful of the shooting victims had what might be considered "extensive" criminal histories. It is fact that the majority of the shooting victims were either shot while running away from officers or while handcuffed, face down.
"This is very third world. The type of thing you'd see in El Salvador or Nicaragua," stated activist Silvio Dell'Angela in a previous phone interview.
Councilors Garduno, Benton, O'Mally, and Sanchez have been routinely blasted in press releases sent by the Mayor's office over their support of a Department of Justice investigation on APD. The Mayor even garnered the support of Gov. Susana Martinez who openly criticized the four Dem. Councilors for not supporting the Paseo Del Norte overpass project. Both Mayor Berry and Gov. Martinez are clients of political consultant company McCleskey Media Services.
Councilors also took offense to the Mayor's accusations that they were not supportive of APD and that there support of the DOJ investigation was not politically motivated as the Mayor claimed.
"We sent a polite letter to the Mayor about leadership. It would be curious to know what the Mayor would have to say (at this meeting)," said Councilor Benton.
Bingaman votes in favor of the 99%
U.S. Sen. Jeff Bingaman (Dem.) voted for the Paying a Fair Share Act yesterday, April 16. The Fair Share Act also know as the Buffet Rule, taxes Americans earning more than one million per year at a rate of 30 percent. This bill was defeated by 51-45, it needed 60 votes total to move ahead to a full Senate debate. According to the press release the bill would have taxed the one percent at the same tax rate that middle class families currently are paying Uncle Sam.
"Our country faces a very serious deficit problem. If we are going to take a balanced approach to restoring fiscal security, I believe we must bring fairness to the tax code, " states Bingaman in the press release.
"Our country faces a very serious deficit problem. If we are going to take a balanced approach to restoring fiscal security, I believe we must bring fairness to the tax code, " states Bingaman in the press release.
Monday, April 16, 2012
News from Washington
Senator Jeff Bingaman (Dem), discusses the Buffett Rule, Amtrack funding, and US policy with Cuba
By Pilar Armstrong
Taxes for the super rich, funding for Amtrack, and US relations with Cuba were topics discussed in an online press conference with Senator Bingman, today, Mon. April 16. The Paying a Fair Share Act or Buffett Rule, will place a 30 percent tax those who earn over two million per tax year. The Senator confirmed that there was some disagreement among the Republicans in the house,
"Republicans claim that the tax invalidates the current much lower capital gains tax of 15 percent and that it will slow job growth,".
Funding for Amtrack in New Mexico has been maintained by the Senate but over "strenuous resistance", claims Bingaman. One of the major benefits of the Amtrack line is it's depot near the Boy Scout camp of Filmont, NM.
US relations with Cuba
US diplomacy with Cuba were discussed in a recent Senate meeting.
"It is past time to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba and end the embargo," states Bingaman.
According to the Senator, policy with Cuba has been heavily dictated by Cuban Americans while ignoring the example set by other Latin American countries, who openly trade with the communist country.
"We are out of step with our policy with Cuba. People who want to see our government change it's diplomacy with Cuba will (also) see changes in our policy with Cuba", says Bingaman.
Bingaman's visits to NM cities
Bingaman visited Toas, Silver City, Reserve, and Santa Fe last week. Concerns about the rate of economic growth were brought to the Senator's attention by citizens. People who lived in cities that relied heavily on tourism were especially concerned with the price of gas and how it would effect commerce.
For more information on Senator Bingaman visit his website at: bingaman.senate.gov
By Pilar Armstrong
Taxes for the super rich, funding for Amtrack, and US relations with Cuba were topics discussed in an online press conference with Senator Bingman, today, Mon. April 16. The Paying a Fair Share Act or Buffett Rule, will place a 30 percent tax those who earn over two million per tax year. The Senator confirmed that there was some disagreement among the Republicans in the house,
"Republicans claim that the tax invalidates the current much lower capital gains tax of 15 percent and that it will slow job growth,".
Funding for Amtrack in New Mexico has been maintained by the Senate but over "strenuous resistance", claims Bingaman. One of the major benefits of the Amtrack line is it's depot near the Boy Scout camp of Filmont, NM.
US relations with Cuba
US diplomacy with Cuba were discussed in a recent Senate meeting.
"It is past time to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba and end the embargo," states Bingaman.
According to the Senator, policy with Cuba has been heavily dictated by Cuban Americans while ignoring the example set by other Latin American countries, who openly trade with the communist country.
"We are out of step with our policy with Cuba. People who want to see our government change it's diplomacy with Cuba will (also) see changes in our policy with Cuba", says Bingaman.
Bingaman's visits to NM cities
Bingaman visited Toas, Silver City, Reserve, and Santa Fe last week. Concerns about the rate of economic growth were brought to the Senator's attention by citizens. People who lived in cities that relied heavily on tourism were especially concerned with the price of gas and how it would effect commerce.
For more information on Senator Bingaman visit his website at: bingaman.senate.gov
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Email response recent post
Our Foothills Area Commander Cliff Saylor represents the dangerous mindset of Ray Schultz and his other senior corrupt APD leadership. I guess shooting anyone to “fails to obey a lawful order” applies even to those “armed” with a six inch butter spreader. Saylor is a disgrace to the uniform and one that our many honest cops wear-all of whom want Schultz, and equally corrupt APD Commanders like Saylor gone!
Using the NM Inspection of Public Records Act, I have asked to see and hear the video and audio recordings that Schultz’s own APD SOP 1-39 requires be made prior to and during the actual shootings over the past two year to prove the shooters weren’t lying. They refused to provide them and likely destroyed any made that would expose the lies told.
Yet, the arrogant Saylor would want those in District 8 to condemn the victims and their families of the shootings rather than his and the other Schultz death squads in Albuquerque. Maybe Saylor’s script was also sent out by Schultz to his other area Commanders as well to spew this garbage to their area residents and avoid accountability..
Silvio
Stop Police Atrocities NOW!-SPAN
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Letter from Commander Saylor
From: Saylor, Cliff B. [mailto:CSaylor@cabq.gov]
Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 11:02 AM
Subject: Councilor's letter to the Mayor
Dear Neighbors,
Please read the attached letter from 4 city councilors to the Mayor. Please make your opinions heard. Whether you support this agenda or oppose it, contact your city council and the Mayor! Let them know how you feel. I am gravely concerned that these councilors are being influenced by a very vocal few, amplified by a very negative media. I am very concerned that these individuals have an over-represented impact on the City of Albuquerque and the Albuquerque Police Department.
It is absurd to blame the 23 officer-involved shootings on APD. There were many factors involved in the final outcome.
In all of these 23 officer-involved shooting situations, APD responded to a call for help. However, before APD arrived several failures had occurred that made our job incredibly difficult.
1- The family failed to properly raise their child.
2- The school system failed to educate the student.
3- The mental health profession failed to help the patient.
4- The criminal justice system failed to teach the defendant the consequence of their actions.
5- The prison system failed to rehabilitate the criminal and/or
6- The individual failed to act like a law-abiding human being, with respect for others...
Most importantly... The suspect failed to follow the LAWFUL orders of the police officers...
Stay safe and let your voice be heard!
Cliff Saylor, Commander
Albuquerque Police Department
Foothills Area Command
12800 Lomas Bd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
Integrity, Respect, Fairness, Pride.
Olive oil, orgasms, and APD (not necessarily in that order)
A commentary by Pilar Armstrong
Today, I attended a seminar on olive oil at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. I listened attentively while a fifth generation Andalusian olive grower inform the audience that olive oil could be used for everything except giving a woman an orgasm. While pondering this dilemma, I received an email from Silvio Dell'Angela, with an attached email letter from an APD Commander, Cliff Saylor. In the email, Commander Saylor asks for the community to contact Mayor Berry's office and the city councilors to voice there concerns in response to the recent letter sent to the Mayor's office from councilor's Ray Garduno, Debbie O'Mally, Ken Sanchez, and Isaac Benton. The councilor's letter, sent last week, asks that the Mayor support an outside investigation of APD, references the 23 police shootings and growing lack of confidence in APD by the community.
In his email, Saylor states that he is "gravely concerned" that the four councilors were being influenced by a small minority and negative media coverage of APD.
"It is absurd to blame the 23 officer-involved shootings on APD. There were many involved factors in the final outcome.", claims Saylor.
The commander cites the "failures" of the parents, school system, mental health professional, criminal justice system, prison system as contributing factors that determine the fate of an individual who comes in contact with APD. The email ends with the words "Integrity, Respect, Fairness, Pride".
What about, Service to the Community, Humility, and Compassion? Aren't those qualities we'd all like to see in our officers? I've meet retired APD officers and officers from other New Mexican cities who genuinely believed they are serving the community and have never had to pull out there firearm. I have also witnessed APD officers successfully neutralize potentially volatile situations involving domestic violence disputes and mentally ill individuals with compassion, and patience. What techniques are these officers using that others aren't? What are they doing to avoid conflict?
Why are so many of the shooting victims shot in the back if they are failing to "follow the lawful orders of police officers..", as Saylor claims?
Is it "fair" to place family members of the shooting victims under surveillance?
Mayor Berry's criticism of councilors
In response to the councilor's letter, the Mayor sent a press release to local news stations stating that APD was one of the finest police departments in America and that these councilors had obviously lost their faith in the department. I contacted the Mayor's office for verification of APD's claim to fame on Friday, April 13. The Mayor's office has failed to comment.
Mayor Berry also criticized the four councilors several weeks ago when they voted against the Paseo Over change project. Shortly afterward, Councilor's Sanchez and Garduno received death threats. APD has failed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Could this be one of the reasons why the councilors have lost their faith in APD?
As for the Mayor's claims of transparency, at least five independent journalist (including myself), many who publish articles in national publications, are denied press releases from both the Mayor's office and APD. Were's transparency in government when you only allow a select few access? A politician who claims fairness and transparency but blocks independent journalists is about as bad as one can't say "vagina" and authors a bill that hinders women's reproductive health.
Popular media outlets continue to give scant coverage or completely ignore packed City Council meetings. At the last City Council meeting, Mike Gomez held up a sign with a picture of his slain son for almost two whole minutes after Council President Trudy Jones asked activists with signs to sit down. The audience cheered in protest.
The next City Council meeting will be held this Monday, April 16, in City Hall Council Chambers at 5:00 p.m.
Today, I attended a seminar on olive oil at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque. I listened attentively while a fifth generation Andalusian olive grower inform the audience that olive oil could be used for everything except giving a woman an orgasm. While pondering this dilemma, I received an email from Silvio Dell'Angela, with an attached email letter from an APD Commander, Cliff Saylor. In the email, Commander Saylor asks for the community to contact Mayor Berry's office and the city councilors to voice there concerns in response to the recent letter sent to the Mayor's office from councilor's Ray Garduno, Debbie O'Mally, Ken Sanchez, and Isaac Benton. The councilor's letter, sent last week, asks that the Mayor support an outside investigation of APD, references the 23 police shootings and growing lack of confidence in APD by the community.
In his email, Saylor states that he is "gravely concerned" that the four councilors were being influenced by a small minority and negative media coverage of APD.
"It is absurd to blame the 23 officer-involved shootings on APD. There were many involved factors in the final outcome.", claims Saylor.
The commander cites the "failures" of the parents, school system, mental health professional, criminal justice system, prison system as contributing factors that determine the fate of an individual who comes in contact with APD. The email ends with the words "Integrity, Respect, Fairness, Pride".
What about, Service to the Community, Humility, and Compassion? Aren't those qualities we'd all like to see in our officers? I've meet retired APD officers and officers from other New Mexican cities who genuinely believed they are serving the community and have never had to pull out there firearm. I have also witnessed APD officers successfully neutralize potentially volatile situations involving domestic violence disputes and mentally ill individuals with compassion, and patience. What techniques are these officers using that others aren't? What are they doing to avoid conflict?
Why are so many of the shooting victims shot in the back if they are failing to "follow the lawful orders of police officers..", as Saylor claims?
Is it "fair" to place family members of the shooting victims under surveillance?
Mayor Berry's criticism of councilors
In response to the councilor's letter, the Mayor sent a press release to local news stations stating that APD was one of the finest police departments in America and that these councilors had obviously lost their faith in the department. I contacted the Mayor's office for verification of APD's claim to fame on Friday, April 13. The Mayor's office has failed to comment.
Mayor Berry also criticized the four councilors several weeks ago when they voted against the Paseo Over change project. Shortly afterward, Councilor's Sanchez and Garduno received death threats. APD has failed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Could this be one of the reasons why the councilors have lost their faith in APD?
As for the Mayor's claims of transparency, at least five independent journalist (including myself), many who publish articles in national publications, are denied press releases from both the Mayor's office and APD. Were's transparency in government when you only allow a select few access? A politician who claims fairness and transparency but blocks independent journalists is about as bad as one can't say "vagina" and authors a bill that hinders women's reproductive health.
Popular media outlets continue to give scant coverage or completely ignore packed City Council meetings. At the last City Council meeting, Mike Gomez held up a sign with a picture of his slain son for almost two whole minutes after Council President Trudy Jones asked activists with signs to sit down. The audience cheered in protest.
The next City Council meeting will be held this Monday, April 16, in City Hall Council Chambers at 5:00 p.m.
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