Sunday, May 18, 2008
A public lynching ... posse unknown
.
I don't know. I repeat: I don't know ... I'm just asking: what if we're watching a good person being lynched right before our eyes? What if his "personnel issue" is that he might have become a thorn in Gordon Campbell's side? Like I say: I don't know. But I am impressed and aggrieved by the comments coming in to The Legislature Raids from people who apparently do know more of the facts surrounding former Chief of Police Paul Battershill. This comment (below) in particular, responding to ideas put forward at Victoria Police Department since Battershill got his time-out last October, tells us:
Anonymous wrote on May 18 ...
You can increase street arrests just by making some easy drug arrests, it means nothing. Our union is upset because he was a decent chief and they were hoping he'd go into government and we'd finally have somebody in there who understood the issues. Everybody knew he was getting ready to go in a year, that's the sick part.
Well ... I didn't know that either. But if it's true that Paul Battershill intended to retire from Victoria Police in a year ... and if he could have been persuaded to be a candidate in the next election ... then:
* why attack someone in the final months of his service? It obviously wasn't a constructive complaint about police service. It was something else.
* was he "taken out" because he might be a sure winner in the 2009 race for the next B.C. government?
* was this attack on his integrity connected to his role as co-leader of the police raid on the B.C. Legislature? Was this public challenge over "a personnel issue" a covert attempt to discredit him before he might be called to testify at the Basi-Virk / BC Rail corruption trial?
* was this one of the so-called "dirty tricks" political attacks as discussed in evidence at the Basi-Virk / BC Rail trial? Although more intense, it seems very similar to attacks which have been reported against Paul Nettleton, former Liberal M.L.A. for Prince George who resisted Premier Campbell's privatization of BC Hydro and BCRail; against the Mayor of North Vancouver who resisted BC Rail privatization; against Jim Sinclair and the BCFederation of Labour -- also opponents of BCRail privatization; and against Carole James, Leader of the Opposition.
If any of these questions can be answered with "Yes", then B.C. has been hit hard. If excellence in public service is declared suspect, then a threat reverberates throughout the civil service. Also: the electoral process itself is corrupted if candidates can be dive-bombed even before the voting begins. If "Yes", then the Battershill issue is a sly, politically-motivated, modern-day lynching taking place right before our eyes.
Then the findings of the RCMP's report to the Victoria Police Board will be secret. Of course.
But former Chief of Police Battershill does get to see the findings. He got them May 8 and is given 10 business days in which to respond, or to request a public inquiry. So May 8 + 10 business days means that by May 21, we may hear the first reported words from Paul Battershill since this disturbing affair began.
If those "findings" claim that Paul Battershill did anything short of scraping the gilt off the cupola of the Parliament Building, I hope the former Chief insists upon a public inquiry.
Let this former Chief of Police for B.C.'s capital city have his say. Let the people hear anything he needs to explain, anything his tormentors want to explain. Let the people of Victoria and the rest of B.C. ask all the questions currently tumbling around in our heads.
Let it be Paul Battershill's first public speech of his 2009 electoral campaign.
- BC Mary
_____________________________________________________________
Other comments about this "personnel issue":
Anonymous said on May 16:
The scuttlebut in the Policing World is that Chief Battershill will be exonerated........lets face it the truth WILL come out and we will see who was behind this coup............
What goes round.....comes around!
Anonymous said on May 17:
Did they ever find out who broke in to [Paul Battershill's] lawyer's office or in to Tieleman's office?
Anonymous said on May 17:
This is the biggest recent travesty in policing in BC. Absolutely shameful.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
I don't know. I repeat: I don't know ... I'm just asking: what if we're watching a good person being lynched right before our eyes? What if his "personnel issue" is that he might have become a thorn in Gordon Campbell's side? Like I say: I don't know. But I am impressed and aggrieved by the comments coming in to The Legislature Raids from people who apparently do know more of the facts surrounding former Chief of Police Paul Battershill. This comment (below) in particular, responding to ideas put forward at Victoria Police Department since Battershill got his time-out last October, tells us:
Anonymous wrote on May 18 ...
You can increase street arrests just by making some easy drug arrests, it means nothing. Our union is upset because he was a decent chief and they were hoping he'd go into government and we'd finally have somebody in there who understood the issues. Everybody knew he was getting ready to go in a year, that's the sick part.
Well ... I didn't know that either. But if it's true that Paul Battershill intended to retire from Victoria Police in a year ... and if he could have been persuaded to be a candidate in the next election ... then:
* why attack someone in the final months of his service? It obviously wasn't a constructive complaint about police service. It was something else.
* was he "taken out" because he might be a sure winner in the 2009 race for the next B.C. government?
* was this attack on his integrity connected to his role as co-leader of the police raid on the B.C. Legislature? Was this public challenge over "a personnel issue" a covert attempt to discredit him before he might be called to testify at the Basi-Virk / BC Rail corruption trial?
* was this one of the so-called "dirty tricks" political attacks as discussed in evidence at the Basi-Virk / BC Rail trial? Although more intense, it seems very similar to attacks which have been reported against Paul Nettleton, former Liberal M.L.A. for Prince George who resisted Premier Campbell's privatization of BC Hydro and BCRail; against the Mayor of North Vancouver who resisted BC Rail privatization; against Jim Sinclair and the BCFederation of Labour -- also opponents of BCRail privatization; and against Carole James, Leader of the Opposition.
If any of these questions can be answered with "Yes", then B.C. has been hit hard. If excellence in public service is declared suspect, then a threat reverberates throughout the civil service. Also: the electoral process itself is corrupted if candidates can be dive-bombed even before the voting begins. If "Yes", then the Battershill issue is a sly, politically-motivated, modern-day lynching taking place right before our eyes.
Then the findings of the RCMP's report to the Victoria Police Board will be secret. Of course.
But former Chief of Police Battershill does get to see the findings. He got them May 8 and is given 10 business days in which to respond, or to request a public inquiry. So May 8 + 10 business days means that by May 21, we may hear the first reported words from Paul Battershill since this disturbing affair began.
If those "findings" claim that Paul Battershill did anything short of scraping the gilt off the cupola of the Parliament Building, I hope the former Chief insists upon a public inquiry.
Let this former Chief of Police for B.C.'s capital city have his say. Let the people hear anything he needs to explain, anything his tormentors want to explain. Let the people of Victoria and the rest of B.C. ask all the questions currently tumbling around in our heads.
Let it be Paul Battershill's first public speech of his 2009 electoral campaign.
- BC Mary
_____________________________________________________________
Other comments about this "personnel issue":
Anonymous said on May 16:
The scuttlebut in the Policing World is that Chief Battershill will be exonerated........lets face it the truth WILL come out and we will see who was behind this coup............
What goes round.....comes around!
Anonymous said on May 17:
Did they ever find out who broke in to [Paul Battershill's] lawyer's office or in to Tieleman's office?
Anonymous said on May 17:
This is the biggest recent travesty in policing in BC. Absolutely shameful.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Comments:
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It's not the BIGGIST police travesty. Maybe Battershill didn't want to be apart of, the 'old boys network'? Maybe he wants to give evidence and this way the government can continue to hide behind the courts? I'd like to see Jamie Graham come out swinging with the truth about the raid! Lets see, 'The Graham-Battershill administration? "BC.,a police state that serves and protects the people"! Anything is possiable and the truth will prevail!
# posted by 
: May 18, 2008 at 12:45 p.m.
: May 18, 2008 at 12:45 p.m.
.
Holy absolute-Doodle!
Thank you, anonymous 12:45, for mentioning Jamie Graham.
I went onto "Prime Time Crime" and found a statement written by Jamie Graham. Wow. Recommended reading:
www.primetimecrime.com/columns/Columns%202005/20050126.htm
All I know, 12:45, is that the truth probably won't prevail unless we ALL start telling the truth of what we know ...
It looks to me as if the climate of corruption may have reached critical mass where citizens who value their safety have to think twice before they speak out.
So double-thanks for your tip.
.
Holy absolute-Doodle!
Thank you, anonymous 12:45, for mentioning Jamie Graham.
I went onto "Prime Time Crime" and found a statement written by Jamie Graham. Wow. Recommended reading:
www.primetimecrime.com/columns/Columns%202005/20050126.htm
All I know, 12:45, is that the truth probably won't prevail unless we ALL start telling the truth of what we know ...
It looks to me as if the climate of corruption may have reached critical mass where citizens who value their safety have to think twice before they speak out.
So double-thanks for your tip.
.
Remember when Mark Marissen et al bussed in voters so Herb Dhaliwal lost the nomination in a riding he'd represented for awhile. Dirty tricks are rampant in this province. I'm still looking for my SHUT UP T-shirt.
# posted by : May 18, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.
: May 18, 2008 at 2:33 p.m.
The top-cop from Victoria got caught in a sting (opinion). Whether it has legs now that stetson hats have changed could be a factor in the outcome.
There is no doubt the police do truly great things but remaining neutral is not one of them. I think it is well and fine for their union or asociation to speak out. And to speak to the public interest and security through education and communication. But when they start sounding like and acting like politicians...
A good example of this politicking was following the Robert Dziekanski killing. When officers were appearing several times a day in the media. Explaining away the actions that were taken before the investigation was even completed.
Another example is the flawed drug discourse that they pass off as education and communication...
Then there are the Frank Paul's of the world and DTES sex trade workers. Who are in need of the very best of police services but got lip service.
Whether it's Paul Battershill or Kim Rossmo the song remains the same.
There is a thin blue line and there is blue mean-ness to deny it is absurd. To deny the extent of it is worse.
There is no doubt the police do truly great things but remaining neutral is not one of them. I think it is well and fine for their union or asociation to speak out. And to speak to the public interest and security through education and communication. But when they start sounding like and acting like politicians...
A good example of this politicking was following the Robert Dziekanski killing. When officers were appearing several times a day in the media. Explaining away the actions that were taken before the investigation was even completed.
Another example is the flawed drug discourse that they pass off as education and communication...
Then there are the Frank Paul's of the world and DTES sex trade workers. Who are in need of the very best of police services but got lip service.
Whether it's Paul Battershill or Kim Rossmo the song remains the same.
There is a thin blue line and there is blue mean-ness to deny it is absurd. To deny the extent of it is worse.
# posted by : May 18, 2008 at 7:36 p.m.
: May 18, 2008 at 7:36 p.m.
.
Anonymous 7:36,
Many thanks for your comment.
I've read it 6 times trying to get a grip on its meaning ... without real success.
I do understand the need to be prudent in discussing these matters but I wonder if you could clarify these remarks. If you prefer to write privately - just place NOT FOR PUBLICATION in the top line of your next comment(s).
The best guess I can make, from your message today, is that the para-military police forces don't quite know what to make of their outstanding members, or how best to handle them.
If so, I think that's partly what bothers me so much about the Battershill case: what does this say about excellence in the public service? Do we sit idly by, while excellence is driven off and standards keep dropping so as to bring in new recruits?
If I remember correctly, Kim Rossmo was whip-sawed one way and another: first celebrated, then made uncomfortable enough that he quit the force.
What do you mean by "caught in a sting" (and yes, I know what a sting is)? What do you mean by denial of the thin blue line and the extent of it ... it's just not computing ... so I hope you will write again.
.
Anonymous 7:36,
Many thanks for your comment.
I've read it 6 times trying to get a grip on its meaning ... without real success.
I do understand the need to be prudent in discussing these matters but I wonder if you could clarify these remarks. If you prefer to write privately - just place NOT FOR PUBLICATION in the top line of your next comment(s).
The best guess I can make, from your message today, is that the para-military police forces don't quite know what to make of their outstanding members, or how best to handle them.
If so, I think that's partly what bothers me so much about the Battershill case: what does this say about excellence in the public service? Do we sit idly by, while excellence is driven off and standards keep dropping so as to bring in new recruits?
If I remember correctly, Kim Rossmo was whip-sawed one way and another: first celebrated, then made uncomfortable enough that he quit the force.
What do you mean by "caught in a sting" (and yes, I know what a sting is)? What do you mean by denial of the thin blue line and the extent of it ... it's just not computing ... so I hope you will write again.
.
BC Mary, I think you have to take Anonymous 7:36 PM for what it, or who, its really is coming from, the BC Liberals.
This ongoing column of yours, "The Legislature Raids", is doing too good of a job at revealing to the public exactly what is not happening.
How many other trials have been extended, re-extended and delayed to this degree in any other court case in BC, or for goodness sake, in Canada?
These "nuggets" of distraction are as about as forthcoming to the public knowing what was really behind the Legislature raids as opening up another fortune cookie only to discover it has nothing to do with reality.
Stay focussed, don't be distracted by the thin blue mean line.
This ongoing column of yours, "The Legislature Raids", is doing too good of a job at revealing to the public exactly what is not happening.
How many other trials have been extended, re-extended and delayed to this degree in any other court case in BC, or for goodness sake, in Canada?
These "nuggets" of distraction are as about as forthcoming to the public knowing what was really behind the Legislature raids as opening up another fortune cookie only to discover it has nothing to do with reality.
Stay focussed, don't be distracted by the thin blue mean line.
# posted by : May 18, 2008 at 11:19 p.m.
: May 18, 2008 at 11:19 p.m.
This whole thing about Chief Battershill (I allege)smells of another political involvement. Battershill being the co-lead in the leg raids set himself up as the mark. It doesn't make any sense to me about the delays in getting this out to the public. And the delays are what is troubling. Almost everything this government is (not) doing today is being delayed.If they are not setting up a round table (delay) then they are tying things up in court (delay).
When I think of an incident where a minister tried to bring up a subject with this premier in cabinet and was told in very expletive wording where to get off. And then another instance where he leaked private information on his former leader. Who by the way brought the liberals from the ashes. About the refusal to step down when charged with DUI in Hawaii (because it wasn't Canada). Sobbing about helping MADD. (was that ever done?)
And a miriad of other things that make this man a control freak whose sole purpose in life is to bad mouth the NDP and Unions.
Everything, and I mean everything he does is for the sole purpose (I allege) of keeping his power.
So I'm afraid that yes, Battershill,one of the best, if not the best, Police Chiefs in this country has been set up.
My only hope is that he follow through on his end. If he is exhonerated then finish out his term. At the end of the year run for Provincial election. I don't care which party. Even if he goes independant. Do it. Follow through.
Don't let them wear you down Paul. Not only the department you headed, but a lot of the people in this province back you.
When I think of an incident where a minister tried to bring up a subject with this premier in cabinet and was told in very expletive wording where to get off. And then another instance where he leaked private information on his former leader. Who by the way brought the liberals from the ashes. About the refusal to step down when charged with DUI in Hawaii (because it wasn't Canada). Sobbing about helping MADD. (was that ever done?)
And a miriad of other things that make this man a control freak whose sole purpose in life is to bad mouth the NDP and Unions.
Everything, and I mean everything he does is for the sole purpose (I allege) of keeping his power.
So I'm afraid that yes, Battershill,one of the best, if not the best, Police Chiefs in this country has been set up.
My only hope is that he follow through on his end. If he is exhonerated then finish out his term. At the end of the year run for Provincial election. I don't care which party. Even if he goes independant. Do it. Follow through.
Don't let them wear you down Paul. Not only the department you headed, but a lot of the people in this province back you.
7:36 (me, I) said
In a nutshell: while the police do a lot of good.
They can set you up very easily even one of their own.
The police have a certain culture it can be seen worldwide. Some examples are more overt than others. Whether they are pepper spraying students on their tawny front lawns or running you over in Tiannamen Square, the mentality permeates the ranks. I hope that clears it up.
@ 11:19
Wow you know my ISP...are you a lurker of some sort? While your making allegations, please allow me to get in on the act. Are you the same hate monger who resides as master of pomp and cheap shots at the Rafe Mair' site? Are you that same libertarian who believes it's all bootstraps and backbone and child slave labour is a sport for good ole boys? Just curious?
The idea that I'm a Campbell-ite is a good example of your skewed perceptions...go pack sand guy you might like it!
In a nutshell: while the police do a lot of good.
They can set you up very easily even one of their own.
The police have a certain culture it can be seen worldwide. Some examples are more overt than others. Whether they are pepper spraying students on their tawny front lawns or running you over in Tiannamen Square, the mentality permeates the ranks. I hope that clears it up.
@ 11:19
Wow you know my ISP...are you a lurker of some sort? While your making allegations, please allow me to get in on the act. Are you the same hate monger who resides as master of pomp and cheap shots at the Rafe Mair' site? Are you that same libertarian who believes it's all bootstraps and backbone and child slave labour is a sport for good ole boys? Just curious?
The idea that I'm a Campbell-ite is a good example of your skewed perceptions...go pack sand guy you might like it!
# posted by : May 19, 2008 at 11:25 a.m.
: May 19, 2008 at 11:25 a.m.
Mary, in regards to your comments to anon 12:45, how can 'we tell the truth' with gag-orders and ban on publications? All this talk about freedom of speech has to do with the authorities hiding behind the courts, so the truth doesn't get out! I'd like to make the move, whats next?
.
Hi, dmc,
I've been thinking a lot about that too. First, I think it's NOT OK for us to sit quietly, hands folded. At very least, we must let certain people know that continued secrecy is not OK. People like:
* your MLA
* the Attorney General
* the premier
* the Editors
* the journalists
And if anyone thinks these quiet complaints don't add up, have a look at today's top editorial in The Globe and Mail. Furious anger at Mr Gordon Campbell for his efforts to curb free speech.
NEXT:
* mention to any or all of the people you contact, the need to have TV camera in the courtroom for the Basi Virk Basi / BC Rail Trial,
* mention that British Columbia must have a Public Inquiry when this trial ends (no matter how it ends,
* mention that the findings MUST NOT be kept secret (which will require new legislation).
Think of Citizen efforts as water droplets wearing away stone. I mean, it does work, eh?
Here's something else to think about:
I'm learning of more and more bright, clever B.C. "movers and shakers" who regularly read this web-site. In other words, whatever TRUTH you know, or feel, can be told here ... to reach others who can be a help.
Sure, there are others, too, who might look good in a SHUT UP T-Shirt but hey, it's not a perfect world.
Thanks for writing, dmc.
.
Hi, dmc,
I've been thinking a lot about that too. First, I think it's NOT OK for us to sit quietly, hands folded. At very least, we must let certain people know that continued secrecy is not OK. People like:
* your MLA
* the Attorney General
* the premier
* the Editors
* the journalists
And if anyone thinks these quiet complaints don't add up, have a look at today's top editorial in The Globe and Mail. Furious anger at Mr Gordon Campbell for his efforts to curb free speech.
NEXT:
* mention to any or all of the people you contact, the need to have TV camera in the courtroom for the Basi Virk Basi / BC Rail Trial,
* mention that British Columbia must have a Public Inquiry when this trial ends (no matter how it ends,
* mention that the findings MUST NOT be kept secret (which will require new legislation).
Think of Citizen efforts as water droplets wearing away stone. I mean, it does work, eh?
Here's something else to think about:
I'm learning of more and more bright, clever B.C. "movers and shakers" who regularly read this web-site. In other words, whatever TRUTH you know, or feel, can be told here ... to reach others who can be a help.
Sure, there are others, too, who might look good in a SHUT UP T-Shirt but hey, it's not a perfect world.
Thanks for writing, dmc.
.
Missed a big item from you today.(Tues).
Curious about 2 things:
1. On Tues. on Christy Clark show Chief Heed of the West Van police was speaking out about a regional police force for Metro Van.
2. A couple of weeks ago Chief Chu of Van. was in Victoria with a rented plane and a big sign about hiring more cops, the he announces that VPD is using U-Tube to advertise for more cops. U-Tube, of course, alerts the world (and the terrorists) that VPD needs more bodies.
What are these two doing seeking so much publicity?
Is there some contest going on between them? What is all this costing the taxpayer? Since when do cops have spare time to go on Liberal leaning media shows?
Still waiting for my SHUT UP T-shirt. Until it arrives, will keep in touch.
Curious about 2 things:
1. On Tues. on Christy Clark show Chief Heed of the West Van police was speaking out about a regional police force for Metro Van.
2. A couple of weeks ago Chief Chu of Van. was in Victoria with a rented plane and a big sign about hiring more cops, the he announces that VPD is using U-Tube to advertise for more cops. U-Tube, of course, alerts the world (and the terrorists) that VPD needs more bodies.
What are these two doing seeking so much publicity?
Is there some contest going on between them? What is all this costing the taxpayer? Since when do cops have spare time to go on Liberal leaning media shows?
Still waiting for my SHUT UP T-shirt. Until it arrives, will keep in touch.
# posted by : May 21, 2008 at 1:07 a.m.
: May 21, 2008 at 1:07 a.m.
.
Thanks, 1:07. Good questions.
But ...
I've come down with a horrible cold,
can't swallow ... may have to go to
hospital.
Hold the fort, eh.
.
Post a Comment
Thanks, 1:07. Good questions.
But ...
I've come down with a horrible cold,
can't swallow ... may have to go to
hospital.
Hold the fort, eh.
.
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