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Is success through martial arts possible? I mean, can the martial arts develop the success mindset? How and Why?
I'd love to hear how the Martial Arts (any of them- Karate, Te Kwon Do, Kung Fu, Aikido, Judo, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, etc, etc) have affected your life or your child's life. Please send me your comments!
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Wednesday, October 25, 2006. If this doesn't raise your blood pressure, nothing will.
The Valley Press is outraged that two U.S. Border Patrol agents were sentenced to prison terms of 11 years and 12 years for allegedly shooting a drug-smuggling suspect in the buttocks as he fled across the U.S.-Mexico border.
U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Cardone in El Paso, Texas, sentenced Jose Alonso Compean to 12 years in prison and Ignacio Ramos to 11 years and one day - this, despite a plea by their attorney for a new trial after three jurors said they were coerced into voting guilty in the case.
Ramos, 37, is an eight-year veteran of the U.S. Naval Reserve and a former nominee for Border Patrol Agent of the Year. On Feb. 17, he responded to a request for back-up from Compean, 28, who noticed a suspicious van near the levee road along the Rio Grande River near the Texas town of Fabens, about 40 miles east of El Paso.
Ramos, who headed toward Fabens hoping to cut off the van, soon joined a third agent already in pursuit. Behind the wheel of the van was an illegal alien, Osbaldo Aldrete-Davila, of Mexico. The agents converging on Fabens did not yet know that Aldrete-Davila's van was carrying 800 pounds of marijuana.
Unable to outrun Ramos and the third agent, Aldrete-Davila stopped the van on the levee, jumped out and started running toward the river. When he reached the other side of the levee, he was met by Compean, who had anticipated the smuggler's attempt to get back to Mexico.
"We both yelled out for him to stop, but he wouldn't stop, and he just kept running," Ramos said. Aldrete-Davila crossed a canal.
Ramos testified that while he pursued Aldrete-Davila across the canal, he heard shots being fired and saw his fellow agent, Compean, on the ground. Ramos continued to chase the alleged smuggler, who, Ramos said, turned toward him and pointed what looked like a gun.
"I shot," Ramos said. "But I didn't think he was hit, because he kept running into the brush and then disappeared into it. Later, we all watched as he jumped into a van waiting for him. He seemed fine. It didn't look like he had been hit at all."
More than two weeks after the incident, an investigator with the Department of Homeland Security learned that Aldrete-Davila's mother in Mexico had reported that her son was wounded in the buttocks in the shooting.
The U.S. government subsequently filed charges against Ramos and Compean - after giving full immunity to Aldrete-Davila and paying for his medical treatment at an El Paso hospital.
At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorney Debra Kanof told the court that the agents had violated Aldrete-Davila's civil rights.
Kanof dismissed Ramos' testimony that he had seen something shiny in the smuggler's hand, saying the agent could not have been sure the fleeing man was holding a gun. Further, Kanof argued, the agents violated Border Patrol policy by pursuing the fleeing suspects.
Do the phrases "border security," "War on Terror" or "drug smuggling" ring a bell for anyone - especially the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. federal prosecutors?
Or are the "civil rights" of an illegal-alien drug smuggler who ignored the instructions of law-enforcement officers, high-tailed it for the border and threatened them with what looked like a deadly weapon more important?
"How are we supposed to follow the Border Patrol strategy of apprehending terrorists or drug smugglers if we are not supposed to pursue fleeing people?" a flabbergasted Ramos asked.
"Everybody who's breaking the law flees from us. What are we supposed to do? Do they want us to catch them or not?"
"This is the greatest miscarriage of justice I have ever seen," said Andy Ramirez of the nonprofit group Friends of the Border Patrol. "This drug smuggler has fully contributed to the destruction of two brave agents and their families and has sent a very loud message to the other Border Patrol agents: If you confront a smuggler, this is what will happen to you."
The El Paso Sheriff's Department was forced to increase its patrols around the Ramoses' home after the agent's family received threats from people they believe are associated with Aldrete-Davila.
The case, rightly, has become a cause in the media and for concerned Americans everywhere.
The Valley Press urges a thorough review of the case by sane, higher authorities, and, if the facts are as simple - and simply outrageous - as they seem, a complete reversal of what appears to be a monstrous miscarriage of justice and a slap in the face to the increasingly disenfranchised citizens of our nation.
Dear Reader, I will always publish your comments and replies to my posts, even if it is contrary to my personal opinion or beliefs; everyone is entitled to their opinion and opposing opinions create food for thought. I'm cool with that.
I will not, however, post comments to the blog that defame or slander anyone in any way (not even Duane Chapman) nor will I post your comments if they are simply demeaning or used to call others names or are devoid of some minute amount of intelligence. Calling me or another poster who has stepped up a "poopey head," or some other such nonsense, after you've obviously knocked back one too many bottles of Thunderbird will not get you an ounce of attention or notoriety here... unless of course you want to be picked on.
Here is an example of what I am talking about. I actually received this email from a reader...
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From: brian martin [mailto:randresq@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 7:53 AM
To: EL Scott Harrell
Subject:
You sir, are a jerk.
Thanks for reading my e-mail to the most idiotic asshole I've ever read. Brian
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The reason that this was so funny is that this Chapman-Nutjob is a Paramedic/EMT in a small town in Oklahoma entrusted to run an emergency management center. His name is Brian Martin.
He apparently was not capable of an intelligent criticism or of constructive discourse- and I am not expecting anyone to be a rocket scientist here, God knows I'm not. Instead, he resorted to lewd and profane name calling like he was straight out of 3rd grade. "Brian Martin Oklahoma Paramedic" probably thought that email was an anonymous way to make pithy childish attacks without fear of consequences (Burton, err... "Tommie Morning" did too at one point). I find it deeply saddening that a paramedic from Prague, OK (or thereabouts) would be so profane- especially without provocation of any sort other than that I intelligently express my own opinions- some of them about his favorite Hound Hero. Oklahoma taxpayers should be proud to have him on the payroll.
Good luck in your future endeavors, Brian.
Sooooo... lest you require a little voodoo in your life don't take it personally and don't make it personal, but certainly speak your mind.
The truth often hurts most those who cannot overcome it. -An ElScottism
A 90-year old man said to his doctor, "I've never felt better... I have an 18-year old bride who is pregnant with my child. What do you think of that?"
The doctor replied, "I have an elderly friend who is a hunter and never misses a season. One day he was in a hurry and picked up his umbrella instead of his gun by mistake. When he got to the creek, he saw a beaver. He raised his umbrella and went bang, bang, bang and the beaver fell dead. What do you think of that?"
The 90-year old said, "I'd say somebody else shot the beaver."
The doctor said, "My point exactly."
True to my word I am going to post Ted's (from Oddessy Martial Arts) reply to my email. I had orignially posted this in the comments section but I was afraid that it would not receive enough exposure for my readers to follow or find, so I created a new post. If you are coming in late on this one, you'll need to read the previous post to catch up. So here it is, Ted's responses:
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From: Ted [mailto:info@oddessy.com]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 11:40 AM
To: L. Scott Harrell
Subject: Re: White Heavyweight Gi Order
Mr. Harrell:
Although, you didn't order the Oddessy Brand Gi.
Simply return your uniform for a refund.
Your satisfaction is our primary concern.
Thanks:
Ted
Oddessy Martial Arts Supply
9101 E 40 Highway
Independence, Missouri 64055
Phone: 816-921-3085
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uhhh... Yes I did... I remember specifically asking for the Oddessy Brand Heavy Weight Gi while ordering via the phone- I even gave the lady who took my order the number associated with the gi on the website, 04015-08, and she said that she knew of which uniform I was speaking.
Their website doesn't even include non Oddessy Brand traditional gis- how could I order anything else?
Notice how there is no apology for the possible bait and switch or even a possible misunderstanding and lack of updated information on their website.
Buyer beware!
Posted by: EL Scott Harrell | Friday, October 06, 2006 at 01:05 PM
In the next email from Ted he says:
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From: Ted [mailto:info@oddessy.com]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 12:45 PM
To: L. Scott Harrell
Subject: Re: White Heavyweight Gi Order
Mr. Harrell:
I reviewed the audio tape of your order and she told you we didn't have the
Oddessy Brand.
But we had an alternate uniform in the size you requested and you told her
you would try that one.
I record all orders to prevent any confusion and to maintain quality
control.
But as I said in my last reply, we will gladly refund your credit card.
Thanks:
Ted
Oddessy Martial Arts Supply
9101 E 40 Highway
Independence, Missouri 64055
Phone: 816-921-3085
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I've heard this one before so I have requested a copy of the audio tape or at least the audio...
If he sends it and I am mistaken, I will retract this entire post and post a sincere apology, if not it will just prove my point. I'll keep you updated on my own odyssey for martial arts supplies.
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From: L. Scott Harrell [mailto:lscottharrell@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 2:04 PM
To: 'Ted'
Subject: RE: White Heavyweight Gi Order
Please send me a copy of the audio...
Warmest Regards,
L. Scott Harrell
CompassPoint Investigations
In Relentless Pursuit of your Success!
www.CompassPointPI.com
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This is precisely the answer I expected to receive...
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From: Ted [mailto:info@oddessy.com]
Sent: Friday, October 06, 2006 2:22 PM
To: L. Scott Harrell
Subject: Re: White Heavyweight Gi Order
I'll be happy to.
Just send a check for 24.99 to cover copying and shipping costs.
Thanks:
Ted
Oddessy Martial Arts Supply
9101 E 40 Highway
Independence, Missouri 64055
Phone: 816-921-3085
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We'll let the court of public opinion come to a decision on this one...
It's been awhile, Dear Reader, since I have felt the need to conjure a hex against anyone or anything but this Voodoo Hex is most certainly well deserved.
The story begins last week when I ordered a martial arts uniform, traditionally called a "gi" from Oddessy Martial Arts Supply out of Independence, Missouri. I was originally impressed (now I feel duped) by the style and quality of the gis they were advertising; their own web copy described the Oddessy Brand Heavy Weight Gi: "These uniforms are hand made, in Kansas City, MO, and are of the highest quality 10 to 12 ounce fabric. No other manufacturer..."
What a croc of crap! The gi I received was not handmade in Missouri- they're made in Pakistan, they're not Oddessy brand, they're not heavy weight or 10 to 12 ounce material and in fact saveral other manufacturers do make them larger than a size 8, that's who they ordered mine from.
I can best sum up the situation in my email to them this afternoon:
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From: L. Scott Harrell [mailto:lscottharrell@redacted.net]
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006 1:13 PM
To: 'info@oddessy.com'
Subject: White Heavyweight Gi Order
To whom this may concern,
I ordered *what I thought* was going to be a Size 8 Oddessy Brand Heavy Weight White uniform on 9/30/06. Instead I received a Bold Look gi.
1. Your website advertises that this would be an "Oddessy Brand" gi- "hand made in Kansas City, MO." As a Pensacola martial arts school owner I have a wholesale account with Bold Look and own several Bold Look gis. My cost on that gi is less than one-half of the cost of my order through you; if I another Bold Look gi, rest assured I would not have ordered through you at twice the cost.
2. Your website advertises that the gi I ordered is $69.99- instead I was charged $74.99 plus $10 shipping.
3. MOST IMPORTANTLY- Your website advertises (I attached a copy of your page) that I was going to receive a heavy weight gi, "highest quality 10 to 12 ounce fabric," instead I received a medium weight gi. I just confirmed the order through Bold Look that the 55/45 material is the inferior 8.5 ounce medium weight fabric. The lady who took my order sure didn't offer up this little nugget of information when I specifically ordered the heavy weight Oddessy uniform. This is a HUGE discrepancy in product advertised/ordered versus product shipped and is about as close as it comes to false advertising. Perhaps this one goes unnoticed by new students or hobbyists but I have the benefit of experience.
I called this morning to discuss the issue and hopefully find a resolution but the lady with whom I spoke was less than pleased to be of service; to say that I am an unhappy customer at this point would be understating the obvious.
I am sending the gi back to you at my expense and despite what the package insert or the lady on the phone are indicating regarding not refunding the shipping costs I am requesting, and expect, a full refund of my purchase to include the $10 shipping. Anything less will be charged back to you through my credit card as "Merchandise/Service Not as Described." Reimbursement of my shipping costs would be a nice gesture of goodwill ($8.50 via USPS Priority Mail w/ Delivery Confirmation).
Warmest Regards,
L. Scott Harrell
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What is so "hexolicious" here is that they are substituting inferior quality materials in the place of what they are advertising; I'd bet dollars to donuts that most people would never know or suspect the switch!
I feel swindled but I will prevail.
And before you all lambaste me for my spelling of 'Oddessy' yes, I know that it is actually spelled incorrectly. Unless they were trying to be cute- it should be Odyssey.
As of this writing, I still have not heard back from anyone at Oddessy, if they do decide to own up to this (at the very least I would characterize this as potentially false and misleading advertising) I will post their explanation here in the comments section.
So without further ado, this Voodoo Hex goes out to all my homies at Oddessy Martial Arts Supply:
Voodoo, VooDOO, VOODOOOO!
Kids, just say NO to Hextra Large Uniforms from Oddessy Martial Arts
A very sexually active woman tells her plastic surgeon that she wants her vaginal lips reduced in size because they were loose and flapping. Out of embarrassment, she insisted that the surgery be kept a secret, and the surgeon agreed.
Awakening from the anesthesia after the surgery, she found three roses carefully placed beside her on the bed. Outraged, she immediately calls in the doctor.
"I thought I asked you not to tell anyone about my operation!"
The surgeon told her he had carried out her wish for confidentiality and that the first rose was from him. "I felt sad because you went through this all by yourself."
"The second rose is from my nurse . She assisted me in the surgery and empathized because she had the same procedure done some time ago."
"And what about the third rose?" she asked.
"Oh, that rose is from a guy upstairs in the burn unit. He wanted to thank you for his new ears."
OK... I cannot say that I wrote this but one has to admit that they make a VERY compelling point via the analogy:
Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.
Let's say I break into your house. Let's say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, "I've made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I've done all the things you don't like to do. I'm hard-working and honest (except for when I broke into your house).
According to the protesters, not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family's insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits to me and to my family (my husband will do your yard work because he too is hard-working and honest, except for that breaking in part).
If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my right to be there.
It's only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I'm just trying to better myself. I'm hard-working and honest, um, except for well, you know.
And what a deal it is for me!! I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of selfishness, prejudice and being an anti-housebreaker.
If these people are not technically criminals... why would they call it illegal immigration???
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