To this day I don’t know who that man was but I’m glad I didn’t shoot him.
by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator
Glenn Mollette
The recent murder of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Horton and her husband Mark has dropped jaws across the country. The couple was gunned down in their home by someone masquerading as a police officer. Obviously, he was able to fool them long enough to kill them. Moments before and only five miles away he had visited the home of Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette shooting them multiple times, most likely thinking he was leaving them for dead. At this writing they are expected to survive.
Such an intrusion scares citizens because criminals copy the acts of other criminals. How do we know if a legitimate policer officer is knocking on our door whether it’s the middle of the night or the middle of the day?
Two officers should make the visit and announce themselves as police loud and clear. They should clearly state the reason for the visit before entering a home. Flashlights or outside lighting should be on to help with visibility and identification. Uniforms should be visible with badges and IDs. The knock pattern should be a firm knock or doorbell press then they should announce themselves as police again. There should be a 30 second to one minute wait for a response from the resident before knocking or ringing the doorbell again. For a search warrant, the warrant should be shown before entry. Your local sheriff or city chief of police may have a different protocol and it needs to be made known.
Unfortunately, this still doesn’t keep a criminal from copying the protocol to achieve their criminal endeavor.
I believe 99 percent of Americans are good law-abiding people. However, no one wants to be caught off guard by a criminal invasion. Representative Horton would not have wanted to mistakenly shoot a real policer officer who might have been doing his job to protect her. Sadly, the man was there to kill she and her husband. He succeeded. This is why door knocking after dusk is a bad idea unless you have a pre-arranged appointment and everyone knows who everyone is and the reason for the visit.
When I was 12 years old, I was home alone while my parents were at church. About eight o’clock it was pitch black with darkness and a man started knocking on our front door. He then went to the back door and started knocking. He then came back to the front door and continued pounding the door. I was terrified. I didn’t know who it could be. I loaded our 12-gauge shotgun and aimed it at the front door in fear he would soon be coming through.
Like a fool, I opened the door but knew the outer storm door was locked. I had the shot gun close by. The man asked if my dad was home to which I replied, “No. he’s gone to church.” The man then inquired if my father still had hogs for sale to which I replied, “Yes, but you’ll need to speak to him about that.” The man said he would come back later. To this day I don’t know who that man was but I’m glad I didn’t shoot him. It’s too bad Representative Horton or Senator Hoffman didn’t shoot the man knocking on their door in the middle of the night.
Knocking on doors at night is a bad idea.
About the author ~
Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states.
The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.
Dorothy Shea, acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, vetoed a resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza despite unanimous support from other Security Council members. Critics, including international scholars and rights organizations, allege Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, citing widespread destruction, displacement, and dehumanization of Palestinians.
byTerry Hansen Guest Commentary
Dorothy Shea, the acting U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, recently vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza." This veto was issued despite the resolution’s description of the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic," and in the face of unanimous support from the council's other 14 members.
Ironically, in a speech on Holocaust Remembrance day, Shea stated that "hatred, dehumanization and apathy can lead to genocide...Atrocities like the Holocaust don't just happen'; they're allowed to happen. It is up to us to stop them."
Yes, it is. In fact, the U.N. Genocide Convention, ratified by the United States in 1988, requires nations to prevent and punish genocide.
... over 55 scholars of the Holocaust, genocide and mass violence released a statement deploring the atrocities committed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as by Israeli forces,...
Notably, on October 13, 2023, less than one week after the start of Israel's intensive bombing campaign in Gaza, Israeli Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies Raz Segal wrote:
"Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza is quite explicit, open, and unashamed....Israel’s goal is to destroy the Palestinians of Gaza. And those of us watching around the world are derelict in our responsibility to prevent them from doing so."
And just a few days later, nearly 800 scholars and international lawyers working in the fields of conflict and genocide issued a public statement titled, "Scholars Warn of Potential Genocide in Gaza." They cite the dehumanization and mass displacement of Palestinians, statements by Israeli officials, as well as the high casualty rate and "obliteration" of neighborhoods and families.
Finally, on December 9, over 55 scholars of the Holocaust, genocide and mass violence released a statement deploring the atrocities committed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as by Israeli forces, and warning of the danger of genocide in Gaza. Particular concern is expressed regarding statements by Israeli leaders holding all Palestinians in Gaza responsible for October 7. These scholars assert:
"Casting an entire civilian population as enemies marks the history of modern genocide, with the Armenian genocide (1915-1918) and the Rwanda genocide (1994) as well-known examples."
Yet the U.S. has repeatedly dismissed evidence of genocide in Gaza. Despite these denials, allegations of genocide have intensified.
Human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch published reports accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, and these organizations are not alone in reaching this determination.
Amos Goldberg, a Holocaust and genocide researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has also concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide. Goldberg asserts:
"What is happening in Gaza is genocide because the level and pace of indiscriminate killing, destruction, mass expulsions, displacement, famine, executions, the wiping out of cultural and religious institutions...and the sweeping dehumanization of the Palestinians — create an overall picture of genocide, of a deliberate conscious crushing of Palestinian existence in Gaza."
Goldberg explains that, historically, most perpetrators of genocide have claimed they were acting in self-defense.
Moreover, the U.S. must advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, while ensuring that food, water and medicine can reach civilians without restriction.
Significantly, a Dutch investigation published in May in the newspaper NRC interviewed seven internationally known genocide and Holocaust scholars from six countries—including Israel. All found Israel’s actions in Gaza to be acts of genocide. The scholars interviewed include:
Martin Shaw, author of the book, "What is genocide?"
Melanie O'Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars
Dirk Moses, senior editor of the Journal of Genocide Research
The refusal of the U.S. to act, and its obstruction of efforts to prevent further atrocities, betrays the principle of “never again.” To fulfill its obligations under the Genocide Convention, the U.S. should acknowledge these findings and halt military aid to Israel that could be used to commit genocide.
Moreover, the U.S. must advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza, while ensuring that food, water and medicine can reach civilians without restriction. In addition, the U.S. should support international investigations, including the work of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice.
If not, history will judge this moment, and the record will be clear: the duty to prevent genocide was willfully ignored.
Terry Hansen is an opinion writer who has contributed multiple articles on Gaza, focusing on humanitarian issues, U.S. policy, and Israel’s actions in the region. He is a retired educator from Milwaukee.
(StatePoint) -- If you’re concerned about the nationwide spike in crime, you’re not alone.
According to a June 2021 SafeWise survey, 41 and 42% of U.S. adults are concerned about property crime and violent crime, up 31 and 24% respectively from the previous year.
"Being prepared means understanding the personal defense devices available and knowing how to use them safely," says David Nance, founder of SABRE Personal Safety Academy and CEO of SABRE, the number one personal safety brand of consumers and law enforcement worldwide.
To help you develop a safety plan and live confidently, SABRE is offering important insights into common crimes today, as well as recommendations for personal defense devices to use in various situations:
• Spray or gel? While most people are familiar with traditional pepper sprays, they may not understand the benefits of pepper gel or even be aware of this option. As effective as traditional pepper spray when sprayed across the eyes in an ear-to-ear pattern, pepper gel deploys 20% farther, providing protection at a greater distance.
Another big advantage of pepper gel is it only affects those it comes in direct contact with, making it safer for users and those they’re with, indoors and outside.
According to an independent University of Utah study, variability rates in the concentration of active ingredients in pepper sprays have a 30% failure rate. Tested in its in-house laboratory, SABRE guarantees its maximum strength formulation in every gel canister, including its Crossfire Pepper Gel with Belt Clip, which can be deployed at any angle, even upside down, making it more effective against moving threats.
• When parking. According to the FBI, more homicides happen in parking garages than at bars, motels, gas stations or in the woods combined. Be extra vigilant in garages. Keep keys handy for quick access to your car and carry additional protection. For example, SABRE Pepper Gel with Finger Grip and Key Ring attaches to keychains and provides 25 bursts of maximum strength protection at 12-foot range, helping put distance between you and would-be attackers.
• In the car. In 2020, Chicago carjackings were up 134%, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau report. This trend continued in 2021, with the Windy City seeing a 44% increase, Washington, D.C. a 45% increase and New York an 81% increase. Multi-use tools can make road trips and commutes safer. For example, SABRE’s Safe Escape 3-In-1 Pepper Gel with Seat Belt Cutter and Window Breaker helps aid in escape of a vehicle after an accident. For protection, it’s designed to prevent accidental deployment, yet allows the user to immediately deploy in high stress situations.
• Outdoors. Eighty-four percent of women surveyed by "Runners World" have been harassed or attacked on a run. Everyone deserves to feel safe while exercising outdoors. Consider adding the SABRE Runner Pepper Gel with Adjustable Hand Strap to your running gear. It provides immediate access to protection and reduces wind blowback, making it safer for outdoor use. A UV marking dye helps authorities identify the aggressor, so you can focus on getting to safety. Bonus: It’s reflective, increasing your visibility to drivers at night.
• At home. Equip your home to be a safe haven with pepper gel. Because it doesn’t atomize like traditional pepper sprays, pepper gel is less likely to foul indoor air. Be sure to store it in an accessible location out of children’s reach.
When it comes to safety, knowledge is key. Consider enrolling in a self-defense or martial arts course. You can also visit www.sabrered.com for educational materials and demonstration videos, and to learn more about the Civilian Safety Awareness Program and the SABRE College Safety Program.
You never know when you may find yourself in a threatening situation. A personal safety plan can provide everyday peace of mind, and help put distance between you and a threat when it counts.
Six ways Trump's budget will damage rural Americans' way of life
Right now, Congress is working on a giant, fast-track bill that would make historic cuts to basic needs programs to finance another round of tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations.
PONTIAC - People everywhere are conquering their cabin fever and are enjoying the great outdoors after a long, bitter winter. But before you head out for that hike, health care experts remind you to take precautions to avoid tick bites. Read more . . .
