Was it Gun Rights or an Epic Government Failure behind the Isla Vista Bloodbath?

Isla Vista, CA—Rather than deal with what really facilitated the savage stabbing, running down with a car and shooting massacre, the usual Leftist suspects seek to politicize the event.  They want to blame the crime spree on the rights Americans have to keep and bear firearms.  Let’s first examine just what went wrong.

This all begins with a failed mental health system and serious medical malpractice.  We used to place mental patients like Elliot Rodger in institutions for public safety reasons.  Modern pharmacology produced wonder drugs that control most disturbed people that exhibit anti-social pathologies.  We’ve emptied out the insane asylums thought our nation controlling them instead with mind-altering drugs. 

Rodger was under psychiatric care for most of his life and had a long history of refusal to take the drugs that would likely keep him under control.  Rodger’s caregivers had a duty to institutionalize their uncooperative patient.  Instead they let his roam free even after they came aware of his threatening behavior. 

The next culprit is the so-called Brady background check required of all gun buyers.  California politicians demanded additional waiting periods to make “doubly sure” that nobody that was prohibited by law could obtain a firearm.   The problem here is that the zeal to protect the privacy of dangerous mental patients sidelined the Brady checks that accordingly failed. 

Finally the police have some serious responsibility here.  Rodger’s family and caregivers redundantly and frantically warned the police of his very real death threats against young women that shunned him.   What the cops did was appalling.

The police had the duty to bring Rodger to a mental health facility for examination by medical professionals.  Instead officers from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff actually chose to play doctor and examine the patient themselves.  Of course the cops did not have Rodger’s substantial medical records to help them make their unprofessional and uninformed medical diagnoses.  

Had the cops simply done their job Rodgers would have gotten treatment and been disarmed.  

One could reasonably argue that even without a firearm Rodger was unstoppable in that he very efficiently stabbed three men to death and then ran four others down with his high performance BMW automobile.  He had three handguns he purchased by falsifying the Brady Background Check forms.  Each purchase was a separate felony that carried a ten-year prison penalty.

There were plenty of safeguards that should have prevented this horrible holocaust.  All of them failed.  Once again politicians want to make Americans defenseless in the name of safety.   The gun rights haters seem to forget we have a Bill of Rights and that the gun bans they seek are simply not surviving various court challenges. 

Perhaps those concerned people need to revisit procedures and laws already in place if they want a real solution.   All the necessary safeguards and laws were in place however the failure at each and every level is mind blowing.

In the next months the families of these victims will hire lawyers and the taxpayers will be in for a huge financial beating over the epic negligence involved at every level.  

Das System, a Film Review!

Director Marc Bauder with Screenwriter Dörte Franke

Los Angeles, CA—I’m a frequent visitor to events put on by the arts arm of the German government.  This time it was at the renowned Goethe-Institut across the street from the Screen Actor’s Guild where I’m a member.

They had a real treat for me lined up.  A screening of a film called Das System and a Q&A with the director Marc Bauder and one of the two screenwriters, Dörte Franke.  Afterwards there was a meet and greet reception. 

The film was a real thriller.  It interposed East Germany’s dark past with modern day corruption.  The unintended protagonist is a 20 year-old boy, Mike Hiller, played by Jacob Matschenz.  Later in the film, through cinematic magic, Hiller returns to play his presumed father, Rolf. 

The young Hiller who survives as a petty criminal,  is sought out by a wealthy fellow, Konrad Böhm played by Bernhard Schütz.  

Böhm is somewhat on a mission to mentor the lad into a "better" life of wealth, intrigue and corruption.  Complicating this mix is the boy’s concerned and suffering mother, Elke Hiller, wonderfully played by Jenny Schily. 

Böhm’s job is that of a professional extortionist/lobbyist who uses embarrassing information from old GDR-STAZI files against bureaucrats to steer government business to unqualified contractors that pay him generous commissions.  

Personal conflicts are present involving Mike’s mother who clearly wants the best for Mike.   Some past secrets move this terrific and easy to follow story along.

The story is well told and an ensemble of great actors working under Marc Bauder’s capable direction brings this unusual white-collar crime story to life.  

If I have a criticism is that this terrific film was not made in English for a wider audience and a chance to compete in the Oscars for more than Best Foreign Film.  English is the default language that bridges the Germans, French, Italians, Spaniards and others.  

Frankly I don’t understand the reluctance of American audiences to learn great languages like German or even watch a sub-titled film. 

If you get a chance to see this film it’s well worth the price of admission! At least buy the DVD!

I see a great future for the young director and screenwriters involved with this film. 

Below is a trailer for the film however unlike the film itself, it’s not subtitled:

 

Lies and a Cover-Up Now Surround the Killings Committed by Elliot Rodger as Leftists Shamelessly Use this to Promote Their Political Agenda.

Isla Vista, CA—Elliot Rodger was under the outpatient care of a psychiatrist.  His cadre of mental health professionals allowed Rodger to roam free despite his numerous and very public threats to harm innocent women. When they finally tried to intervene it was too little and too late.

Rodger had steadfastly refused to take his prescribed anti-psychotic medications.  Instead of institutionalizing Rodger his keepers knowingly let this time bomb walk our streets.

Rodger’s family repeatedly did all they could to warn police of the very real danger.  We’ve yet to hear their repeated 911 calls they made in effort to get police to have Rodger picked up for a 5150 psychiatric hold and examination.   Police finally contacted the troubled lad and then simply failed to actually investigate and do their job.

California has some of the most onerous gun bans and restrictions found anywhere in the USA.  No sale or transfer of any firearms can take place without waiting periods and comprehensive background investigations of the purchaser. 

The Santa Barbara Sheriff, Bill Brown falsely and outrageously claimed to the media that the sale of and subsequent registrations of three 9MM handguns to Rodger was lawful.  The fact is Rodger lied on the BATFE gun purchase #4473 forms about suffering from mental illness.  More importantly California’s Department of Justice failed to flag and prevent Rodger’s gun purchases over his serious mental health disqualification. 

Each of the Rodger’s three lies on the #4473 form should have resulted in felony arrests and the penalty for each violation would put Rodger away for 10 years in federal prison for each purchase!

When the massacre began, Rodger used simple knives to murder three young men at his apartment.  Next Rodger used his BMW as a deadly weapon to maim four other people.  Finely he used a gun to kill two young women and a man.  A gun was apparently Rodger’s last choice to use as a weapon.  

The laws that effectively keep the non-permitted, law-abiding people from carrying guns did not stop Rodger.  Gun laws never stop criminals.  There was no knife or automobile prohibition and the three dead stabbing victims or those run down by Rodger's car are no better off.  

Of course the political Left is again using this preventable deadly crime spree as an excuse to demand more unconstitutional gun bans despite the fact that California authorities simply did not enforce the laws already on the books. 

California politicians made the entire state a Gun Free Zone.  That assured Rodger that nobody could effectively resist his deadly crime spree.  Thankfully in two separate cases the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has recently shot down the state’s ban on concealed weapons.  Soon intended victims or other lawfully armed citizens will be able to stop armed maniacs like Rodger. 

The victims of Rodger’s violence including his own parents have a lot of people to sue over this horror story.  They have a huge medical malpractice over the failures of Rodger’s cadre of Psychiatric professionals.  They have a equally huge claim against the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department for their failure to take proper action on the frantic efforts of Roger’s father and others warning them of the pending massacre.  Last but not least,  California’s Department of Justice must be brought to book for mistakenly approving the illegal firearm transactions. 

Yes, officials have a lot to hide right now as taxpayers are sure to be paying millions to anyone victimized by Rodger’s rampage.

In the end we must remember that this maniac was stopped by armed men and women risking their lives to protect us all.  Yes, guns save lives. 

YouTube Maniac Behind Santa Barbara Killing Rampage

Isla Vista, CA—Yes, I’m calling him, The YouTube Maniac.  Elliot Rodger was a very affluent young man with a sleek black BMW living in the paradise of this coastal community.  The problem was this fellow was an apparent serious social looser who could not get laid.  He was also under the out patient care of a psychiatrist.  

The killer was the 22-year-old son of Peter Rodger, an assistant director on the wildly successful Hunger Games film series.   This young man traveled the world with his father and actress stepmother.   This privileged youngster had access to stunning stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Katy Perry. 

Last night, the young Rodger stabbed three people to death then drove around looking for young women to shoot and kill.  Before it was over seven lay dead.  Police have not yet released the names, ages or sex of any of Rodger’s victims.

Before his rampage, Rodger placed a nearly seven minute video on YouTube lamenting his inability to win the affection of any woman.  On the video he made it clear he’d get even with females by killing as many of them as he could.  The stark reality is that he went on a very tragic killing rampage making good his threats.

He stalked his victims from his BMW with a gun until police caught up with him, killing him in an apparent gun battle. 

Right now we will have to wait to learn more about this twisted soul and his motivations for his murderous assault.  By all appearances Rodger had wealth, privilege and a great car.   Just what made Rodger such a pariah to women?  

This tormented killer seemingly had it all.  However Rodger obviously lacked the most basic of social skills and mental health.   I can’t imagine what his family is going through right now.  I can’t begin to think about the families and close friends of Rodger’s victims.  What a huge and senseless loss.

My first question is what medically prescribed drugs was this youngster taking? 

Here is Roger’s last video before he began his deadly rampage.

As fast as I posted this video YouTube removed it…  Somehow I knew this would happen. 

 

Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda, Move Over Raj Singh is here!

Chicago, IL--Im close to a Sikh family for well over 40 years.  The patriarch, Harbans Singh founded Eagle Grips.  That company makes incredible handgun grips out of excotic materials .  Eagle Grips have graced magazine covers and their designs are the best anywhere.

Harbans retired a while back and now the CEO is my pal Raj Singh.  Raj likes motorcycles and has a small collection along with his showpiece is a Harley Davidson.  While I was there I shot some GoPro Video of Raj including aerial via a Phantom 2 quadcopter.  

Yes, I'm have too much fun with the quadcopter…

 

Jodi Arias’ Trial and Conviction along with Months of Secret Court Hearings is a National Disgrace

Phoenix, AZ—Jodi Arias was arrested tried convicted and may yet face an executioner.   Her stories about the June 2008 death of her former boyfriend, Travis Alexander varied significantly.  Was it justifiable?  The jury along with everyone else could only guess.  Since when does a guess prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt?

Alexander withstood well over 20 cuts or stabs from a knife and a gunshot wound to his head from a tiny .25 ACP pistol bullet.  He had plenty of so-called defense wounds on his hands and arms.  That means he was putting up a serious and deadly fight with Arias.  Apparently Arias won the struggle.  Who was the initial aggressor?  Was this fight spontaneous or a murderous attack on Alexander by Arias? 

Many people like to believe that they are positive of their favorite theory of what happened during this epic battle that nobody saw.  

Arias lied but innocent people often exaggerate and lie all the time out of simple fear.  Hell, most Americans can’t seem to tell the truth about why they were late for work. 

I don’t really think Arais' lies mean much at all.  She may have tried to cover up her involvement simply to put this horror behind her.  Who in their right mind would want to explain such an event to a bunch of cops?  We’d all want to do whatever we could to make something like this go away. 

Is Arias guilty of Capital Murder?  Hell, I don’t know.  On it’s face it looks like a violent emotional outburst rather than a planned event.  

The repeated stab wounds would have angered Alexander and caused him to fight even more desperately.  It takes a lot of injury to stop a strong healthy human and most of the injuries were superficial and non-fatal. 

The trial of Jody Arias was an exercise in Roman Coliseum style, ghastly entertainment.  Tongues were wagging about this trial coast to coast.  The Arias jury was undoubtedly influenced by the crush of the celebrity pundit opinions despite numerous and ineffective admonishments to avoid the media and Internet. 

The un-sequestered Arias jury could not help but see the hoopla and unprecedented media encampment surrounding the Maricopa County Superior Court during this circus.  We can pretend they were not influenced but we all really know better.

Prosecutor Juan Martinez paraded around like a peacock as he signed autographs for his adoring audience.  The trial became a shameful sham as Judge Sherry Stephens surrendered all of the decorum and dignity American trials are supposed to maintain.  Arias was convicted as the crowds outside cheered louder that what we’d hear at any Super Bowl.  

Since the trial there has been non-stop secret court hearings on this case reminiscent of those infamous Star Chamber proceedings.  This may be an attempt to slow down the publicity cyclone they created, but it’s way too late to un-ring the bell and somehow establish a sudden sense of fairness.  They manufactured a Guilty verdict by popular public opinion rather than evidence.

Arias’ rights to a fair trial have been violated in the gravest extreme.  When an American’s rights are violated by the misconduct of courts or prosecutors the only remedy is to declare a mistrial and to attach jeopardy.  Simply said, it’s time to free Jodi Arias after six years of imprisonment and one of the poorest excuses of a trial in American history.

Judge Stephens and prosecutor Martinez can pretend that they bear no responsibility for this giant farce.  They played to the celebrity crush and facilitated this disgrace.  They both deserve to be purged from the State Bar of Arizona for their misconduct.  They both knew better. 

Professional Quadcopter Pilot/Photographers Dealing with the FAA Regulations and Local Authorities.

The FAA has arbitrarily ruled that “commercial” use of drones or unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAV’s) is prohibited.  The use of these amazing devices by hobbyists of course is perfectly legal until a UAV pilot earns a single dime.  Then the FAA will investigate and fine the offending party $10,000.00.  Of course the accused pilot has a right to a court hearing on the matter and evidence must be presented.  The pilot can then properly challenge whatever evidence the FAA offers up.

So far the FAA’s only known case against a UAV photographer/pilot ever to see a courtroom failed.  On or about October 17, 2011 Raphael Pirker of Zurich, Switzerland was commercially operating his UAV over the University of Virginia. He was paid to gather video by a communications company.

Pirker was also accused of flying the UAV at extremely low altitudes.  The FAA claimed he operated his drone recklessly.  Accordingly the FAA issued a civil penalty of $10,000.00 against Pirker.  In court however, the judge’s ruling held that the FAA did not follow the law when they promulgated the UAV regulations.

In Denver, CO on March 6th 2014 Federal Judge Patrick G. Geraghty reversed the FAA’s action against Pirker and that nasty fine.  The judge also ruled that the FAA has no authority over small, unmanned aircraft. 

At this stage the FAA has appealed the ruling and won a stay of the Judge Geraghty’s order pending further review in the U.S. Court of Appeals.   That means the FAA can continue their reign of regulatory terror against commercial drone users until the outcome of that appeal.   If you are fined by the FAA chances are that the fine could be reversed later.

As a UAV pilot you need to understand your rights.  If you do the FAA will have a very difficult time going after you.  First and foremost the FAA does not have the resources or manpower needed to chase thousands of UAV pilots.  They can barely take care of their real business.   They simply don’t have the funds to regulate the UAV pilots.

If a UAV pilot causes injury or significant property damage the FAA will definitely get involved if they are notified.  If the FAA for any reason contacts a suspected UAV pilot you need to know your rights and just how to respond.   You can actually shut down their investigative efforts simply by shutting your own mouth.

This is still America and there is still a Fifth Amendment against self-incrimination and all you have to do is use it!  When ANY government official asks you questions about a UAV you may or may not be involved with you simply tell that agent or cop, “I want a lawyer”.   Do not answer questions.  Do not make excuses and do not tell lies.  SAY NOTHING AT ALL!

Local police may be involved initially and the same holds true for them.  “I want a lawyer”, should never be too difficult to remember.  Should they try to invite you into an interview or interrogation room simply refuse restating you’re not talking to anyone without a lawyer present.  The FAA would love to have a police video recording of you telling them who hired you and that you were the actual paid UAV pilot.

The FAA has to prove that you were using that UAV for a commercial purpose.  They have to positively know who hired you.  They have to also prove that you were paid or expected payment by way of an offer or actual payment.   Of course you could help the FAA by admitting whom you contracted with and for how much.  That will seal your fate and get you ready to write the FAA a big check.

If your client is a news organization they can be counted upon to instantly shut down any inquiry involving a news source.  If you have provided them with aerial video, that automatically makes you their news source.  They will fight any and all subpoenas and the various shield laws probably will protect you from exposure.

If the FAA somehow becomes aware you made a video for a paying client they will begin by asking that client who made it and how much was paid.  If it’s not a news organization they will rat you out in a second.  But that information is really not enough to withstand a court hearing.  That’s mostly hearsay evidence that we ban in our courtrooms.

They absolutely will need a witness/s that will testify that they saw you, contract with the client and actually pilot the UAV. 

As for the FAA chasing the little guys shooting video for news organizations, real estate outfits, entertainment projects or weddings.  Each investigation by the FAA will cost them more to conduct each investigation than any fine they’d ever hope to collect.  It’s just not practical unless of course you help the FAA make the case against you by blabbing to them.  

If you’re trying to pay your rent or grocery bill with your camera armed UAV, go ahead and do it.   Always fly safely.   Practicing first in wide-open and uninhabited spaces is an absolute must before you can learn to make a watchable video anyway.  You should have a minimum of 25 or 30 failure free flights behind you before you consider yourself ready to take on paying video assignments. 

The current terrific cameras like the $400.00 GoPro must stay somewhat close to the ground for the best-detailed images.  The FAA’s current 400 Foot limit is more than enough altitude for you to work with.   Helicopter news crews operate above 400 feet but they are using special lenses on their cameras that cost well into tens of thousands of dollars. 

As for the future the FAA has put UAV regulation on the fast track and will have some rules out soon.   I fully expect they will be far more reasonable than the current commercial use ban.  

State and local government lawmakers will quickly get involved now too.  UAV operators will quickly need to hire professional lobbyists to appear before lawmakers to oppose bans and other severe restrictions.  We always seem to elect really ignorant people to or legislatures and city councils.   They run government by knee jerk.

Another Quadcopter video! DJI Phanton 2 with GoPro3+ camera at work.

This is from a friend's property in Wayne, IL.  The morning light helped make some cinematic art.  I saw the raw video on a new 65 inch TV and the resolution and detail blew me a way.  Please enjoy!

Languages, European Filmmakers and Stars that Deserve Better!

Film Director Paul Verhoeven directs a scene from Black Book

Berlin, Germany--I’m blessed in recent years to have made some wonderful German friends that work in the German film industry as filmmakers or are involved with film funding.   If you’ve not noticed, Germany has become very serious about making great films.  Many of them are being made in English!  The best is yet to come! 

My all time favorite film is Black Book.  That terrific film was funded in part through generous German government film funding.  This exciting, Paul Verhoeven, World War Two thriller is actually filmed in mostly Dutch but also in German, English and some Yiddish depending on when and where the scene take place.  Most of the European stars speak English and none better than Carice van Houten who won the, once in a lifetime staring role of the accidental hero, Rachel Stein.

Europe is a linguistic melting pot.  Italians, French, Germans, Dutch, and the rest of Europe’s population are encouraged and taught in school to speak English.  Yes, many Europeans speak languages other than English but for most that are caught up in language conflicts English is  nearly always their salvation.  

I love languages and when I was conscripted into military service thankfully I wound up in Germany rather than Viet Nam.  I immediately took to learning Germany’s customs and language.  Speaking a second or more languages is a gift of empowerment.  It turned out that I really loved Germany and today wish I’d never left when my military commitment ended. 

Unfortunately the English speaking nations have not taken to learning the European languages.   Filmmakers have bridged the language gap with subtitles.  That seems simple however it’s impossible even for accomplished readers to concentrate on the film images being shown and reading the subtitles.   I know too many Americans that for the most part are unwilling to read a movie.   Was you audience so busy reading the subtitles that they missed the film? 

I have a better solution!  Make the film in the native language.  However in addition, make it in English.  Most actors in Europe speak English and speech coaches can work with actors on set that need help.

As each film scene is set up it can be shot first in the native language and reshot in English.  The actors will need two sets of their script sides to study.  The editing process will take longer but since the scenes are duplicates, it should not be difficult.  The actors should not find this difficult since they're already in the moment. 

The benefits for European filmmakers and the actors will be huge!  The films will sell to a much larger audience and the actors will be seen worldwide.  This is about profits and careers!  Is the actor or actress a Dutch or German star or an international star?   American or British actors don't deserve better exposure than actors of other nations.  In the end, talent not the country of orgin should determine the fame and fortune of the worlds actors and filmmakers. 

Instead of simply competing for the Best Foreign Film at the Oscar Awards,  films could then win awards in every category!  I want to see my favorite actress Carice van Houten get a nomination and actually win the Best Actress Award.  

As for Black Book, it was a genuine masterpiece the cast and crew were amazing to say the least.  The story was based on fact however they used a good bit of artistic license.  If you’ve not seen Black Book you must!  Below is the trailer for this great film: