Gary Mitchell Tries To Get All Murder Charges Dismissed

I may be a few months behind, but I recently listened to a Exclusive Interview between Peter St. Cyr with 77KOB and Gary Mitchell (or his representative, it was never made clear who was really speaking)  from June 2008. I have questions: 

First - When Michael Astorga was arrested and charged with the alleged murder of Deputy McGrane, why did the ACLU immediately step in his defense?  Don't civil rights violations have to occur first?  Why did the claims of civil right violations appear months after his arrest?  Maybe since this was going to be a high profile case Gary Mitchell he jumped right in there? 

Second - Why to this day does Gary Mitchell and the ACLU find the murder of Deputy James "Jimmy" F McGrane un-important?  Why did Gary Mitchell NOT even for a moment decide to defend the human and civil rights of McGrane that were violated?

Third - The interview that took place with 77KOB proved Gary Mitchell quickly dismissed the comment from Peter St. Cyr in regards to Astorga being held as a violater in the penitentary because of his Parole violation.  Why was that ignored Gary?  He was wanted for questioning in another murder prior to McGrane and he violated parole!  Are you saying he already answered for both of those issues?

Fourth - What proof do YOU have Gary that Astorga is being mistreated?  Did he find a hair in his food?  (Interesting, since I found one in my food at a restaurant recently.  Hmmmm...guess my civil rights were violated!)   Is this by his words?  Is it a fabrication so that you can request charges be dropped so you DON'T have to go to court and defend this repeat offender of our laws?

In the interview Gary Mitchell "downplays" any reference to McGrane.  He stated it could be another year before the Supreme Court comes with a decision as far as the death penalty.  This shows Gary Mitchell's games:  Make this case go on and on for as long as possible, then the good people of this state will forget who McGrane is and the judges won't care and Astorga will get off.

The other game he (Mitchell) is playing is to make sure that he shows every civil right of Astorga's has been violated.  This way he can try to have all charges dismissed based on the honest (what a joke!) words of Astorga and his family.  Funny, since most of his immediate family are also vilators of the law!  Yeah, this is the same guy, Astorga, who's mother walked into the courtroom wearing a t-shirt to mock the death of someones son.  She was also the same person who while walking in the hall with another family member, boyfriend or whatever he was that found it appropriate to flip off the photographer.  Oh yeah, this is a reliable class act family!  

I want to know when our Judicial System stands up for the rights of this slain Law Enforcement Officer.  I want to know when are the citizens of New Mexico going demand that a murder victim should have rights.  They should have the right to a timely trial without disruption like what Gary Mitchell is doing. 

Earlier in 2008,  in Georgia,  a Law Enforcement Officer was shot and killed in a routine traffic stop, similar to McGrane's death.  The case will now be going to trial in December. This slain officers family will be able to have resolution.  The McGrane family does not because of you Gary Mitchell. How do you sleep at night knowing the injustice that you are causing to the victims family?

Gary, I bet you didn't know or you have chosen to disregard that Jimmy was someones son.  The day he was born his mother cried tears of joy and his fathers chest increased 10 inches!  He was someones brother.  He was a grandson, nephew, friend and a genuinely good person.  He was funny, loved deeply and was committed to whatever he did.  He laughed quietly while his eyes lit up, he had a smile that would melt your heart and when he was a little boy he played with great imagination.  He was a believer in prayer and had a strong faith because of his mom and dad.   He was a child of this community. 

Sadly Gary, you have forgotten the person under the uniform. His name was Jimmy to his family and friends.  You can call him Deputy McGrane.

Posted by D.Gorrell at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

ANYONE INTERESTED??  LET'S HERE FROM YOU!

Hmmm...how many good citizens of this state think we should start a petition too? 

I'm sure we can think of many reasons to start one!  Any suggestions?? 

Here is my suggestion, .....Keeping NM Death Penalty Law Unchanged in regards to the death of a Law Enforcement Officers.  I really like that one.  Tell me what you think!

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Anyone Else Tired of Hearing the Whining of the ACLU and Astorga Fans??

Of course, today, as I was getting updated on any news relating to the trial of poor mistreated michael astorga, I stumbled upon a petition.  This petition is calling for fair treatment of astorga while in jail, (a familiar place to him).  His "family and friends", hahahaha....started this thing because Gary Mitchell, his attorney and President of the NM Chapter of the ACLU, said it would be a good thing. Isn't it funny how the guilty always seem to find a way out!  Isn't even more interesting that the ACLU always finds a way to excuse violaters of the law!  I was going to put an excerpt of this petition here for everyone to see what the ACLU is encouraging, but realized I would be giving them valuable space on a website that is supporting the Law Enforcement Officers in this state.

I want to know from the NM Supreme Court if they are intimidated by Gary Mitchell!  Why doesn't the NM Surpreme Court ask Gary Mitchell why he didn't fight the death penalty in NM before a NM Law Enforcement Officer was viciously killed?  I want to know if the NM Supreme Court is dragging their feet in order to NOT deal with this tragedy.  I want to know if the NM Supreme Court feels that it is OK to allow the death of a Law Enforcement Officer continue to go unpunished!  Gary Mitchell seems to think it's OK.  Maybe because he wasn't the one to lose a son in such a CRUEL AND UNUSUAL way!  Too bad Gary Mitchell never met Deputy McGrane, but then again, I suppose it wouldn't matter since he doesn't believe that Deputy McGrane's civil rights were violated.

I hope everyone will contact Governor Richardson's office and voice your opinion on this ridiculous delay by Gary Mitchell and the ACLU.  Don't let them continue to minimize the death of this deputy.  They should have tried to change the law BEFORE someone died.  They are using his death as thier forum and that is a disgrace!

Don't forget to check the Calendar Of Events page on this site.  There are 2 great events coming up in September 2008!   

Posted by D.Gorrell at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

The United Way Joins Hands With Officer Street Survival Training!

This is a very exciting announcement!  Those donations at work and outside of work now can be given to Officer Street Survival Training, Deputy James F McGrane, Jr.  The United Way of Central NM has joined hands with this Non-Profit Organization to enable them to continue providing this quality training for our NM Law Enforcement Officers. 

Jim and Rita McGrane, along with their Daughter Ida, founded this organization soon after their son and brother was killed during a routine traffic stop.  After the death of Bernalillo County, Deputy James F. McGrane, his family decided it was time to give the NM Law Enforcement Officers a step up on protecting themselves.  This training, provided by Calibre Press is available to all Law Enforcement Officers. Unfortunately, the state, city and local governments do not provide enough funds, if any,  for the officers to attend.  This left most officers without the needed training or having to pay for it themselves. 

Since this organization was founded, it has provided over 700 NM Law Enforcement Officers with this expert training, at no cost to them.  Now, the citizens of NM have the opportunity to allocate their donations to the United Way, either through your workplace/payroll or on their website, and give those donations directly to this Non-Profit Organization.  

You can learn more about The United Way of Central NM by going to their website:   http://www.uwcnm.org/

To designate your donation please use this code:  Officer Street Survival Training, JMOSST  

We thank all the citizens and businesses of NM that have given so generously.  Please don't forget about us this year.  Fundraising has begun for the 3rd Annual Officer Street Survival Training, March 2009.

Thank You United Way Of Central New Mexico! 

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The Past Makes Me Smile ...

Some said I was spoiled growing up and in my younger years that thought bothered me.  But, now, I realize they were right and how lucky I am today that they were right!  You see, there are two definitions of spoiled.  One can be spoiled with material things and one can be spoiled with love.  I was the luckiest child in the world to have been spoiled with love in my family.  Oh, don't get me wrong, we had everything we needed.  A mother that worked diligently to keep our home clean, well fed and happy, along with a dad that worked two jobs, unselfishly, for as long as I can remember, so we would have the necessities we needed to grow in life.  We were a large family.  As the youngest member of that family, I was also given extra attention, as do most youngest siblings in a family.  How lucky was that!  Spoiled, spoiled, spoiled!!  It was great!  I look back now and am so greatful for the family I had when I was young.  Of course now the family has grown so much and remains as wonderful, but my memories stay with the young years and all of those family members that taught me so much in life.

There is something to say about loyalty in family.  Taking care of our parents and the elders in the family has become less "fashionable" in today's world.  Adults have busy lives and don't want to be bothered by an aging parent.  There is so much involved emotionally and physically.  Well, too bad!  This is what family is about.  We don't put our parents away in facilities other than our homes so our lives are not disrupted!  Of course, we all know there are exceptions, but, there are also selfish adults that prefer not to worry about their own parents.  NOT IN MY FAMILY!  It doesn't work that way, no way.  We take care of our own and if it means our lives are inconvenienced....oh well.  It is the least we can do for our parents and the elders of the family.  After all, our parents put up with our crap for years as we grew up!  And Lord only knows really how bad it was.  They, at the very least, deserve our attention, so they can be at peace and enjoy their last years with family.  Maybe if we show by example our own children will grow up with a tenderness in their heart for us as parents. 

There is something to be said about the respect that children can learn from watching our interactions with our own parents.  

With that being said, I am grateful that my family put up with me and my young years and as the years have passed and I have gotten older I realize more now than ever how I have been surrounded my entire life with a family that has loved me unconditionally and with great intensity.  My own parents, upstanding members of the community and church have spent their entire lives devoted to their family.  They have made us laugh, love and learn throughout the years.  They have been a wonderful example to me of what family is all about and what parents are all about.  In turn, my children are the light in my life.  They are what gave me peace in life.  It doesn't matter how old they get, those are my children and they will always be my babies.

So, you ask what the purpose of this blog is?  There is one purpose of all of this rambling I have done here.  It is to help everyone remember that our children are our children and as parents the influences we make on them in life carry on with them through their lives.  It doesn't matter how old they get because we get older too.  They remain in our hearts, young.  As did Deputy James (Jimmy) McGrane with his parents.  You see, the public only looks at him as a law enforcement officer, not the child he was to his parents, Jim and Rita and brother to his sister Ida.  People don't see him as someones brother, or someones little boy, they only see his uniform.  The public is so wrapped up in making sure we take care of the rights of criminals in this country, we have forgotten to take care of what is good and what is right.  

I have received several e-mails and only a couple of public responses on my blog, from those of you out there who defend the ACLU and it's actions.  Everyone knows how I feel about the ACLU and it's lack of defense to those who really need it.  I have made it no secret.  Because of my personal beliefs of right and wrong, I lost faith in the ACLU many years ago.  Unless you are a minority, forget asking for you rights to be defended in this country.  If that makes you angry, oh well.  As I told Gary Mitchells "side-kick ", if he was so against the death penalty, why did he wait for Jimmy's death before trying to abolish it.  It has been a law in New Mexico for many many years.  Oh, lets see.......could it be serving his purpose?  I'm tired of the ACLU supporters writing me without anything other than...."poor Gary....he is taking so much criticism". Hey Gary, we don't feel sorry for you.....you know why you took this case and you may have fooled your family and maybe a few members of this community, but you don't fool me. 

I am saddened that the McGrane Family didn't have the backing of the ACLU.  But, they have the backing of their family.  A family that knows the difference between whats right and whats wrong.  A family that stands up with class and honor.  A family that deserves the respect they have received from so many in the community. 

I will never defend the ACLU's actions because of Gary Mitchell, (President of the ACLU NM Chapter)defense attorney.  Sometimes in life we have to make a choice of right and wrong.  Sometimes we stand up for whats right no matter how much publicity we have to give up.  Sometimes we just have to do what is right and forget our personal gain.  Unfortunately, the ACLU has lost the original purpose of it's existance.  Sad.

For those of that would like to read her comments, you can find them on my past blog called ACLU.  

Love to my family!  

"Fred"  you touched my life and entered my heart years ago....and there you will remain!  Love ya!

Jim and Rita....you know Jimmy is smiling at his mom and dad and how successful they have become as public speakers!!!   

Posted by D.Gorrell at 09:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Death Penalty SHOULD NOT be on the table!

And so the article informs us of this "professional expert" who is from NEW JERSEY and doesn't know the first thing about New Mexico, it's culture, it's people but IS an advocate of Gary Mitchell and his little group of followers.

In testimony Wednesday, New Jersey law professor Wanda Foglia said her research leads her to believe a jury cannot make a decision on capital punishment in the way prescribed by the U.S. Supreme Court. "I don't think the human mind works that way."  Why is she here?  Does she have a PhD along with that Law Degree after her name?????  Don't you have to have formal education in psychology to make that statement like that?  Seriously, doesn't anyone else find her "knowledge" odd?  Oh wait, is it valid because she is a professor?  Is our court system really allowing this kind of testimony from a New Jersey Law Professor?  Wow!

Does the Capital Crimes Unit really believe that poor little cold blooded murderer, oh wait...."alleged" Michael Astorga, charged with 2 cold blooded murders and one of those was the cold blooded killing of a NM Sheriff's Deputy, by receiving the death penalty he would be receiving a punishment that is cruel and unusual.  Is that what they want us to believe?   Are they joking????????  Hey Gary Mitchell, do you supposed that Deputy McGrane was treated cruely?  Do you suppose his death was an unusual and cruel act upon his human rights??  Hey Gary Mitchell, why don't you ever speak out about Deputy James F McGrane Jr.'s human rights?  Because it doesn't serve your purpose.  It doesn't line your pockets.  It doesn't get that oh so handsome face of your's on the front page of the Albuquerque Journal. 

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FEBRUARY 24, 2008 8am - 1pm

@ Knights of Columbus, 2800 San Mateo NE 

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, $5.00 per adult

Kids under 5 are FREE! 

OK, now we need as much support on this as possible!  Pass the word around!  This Pancake Breakfast supports the Law Enforcement Officers in NM so they can receive needed training through Officer Street Survival Training, Deputy James F McGrane Jr.  This is a great opportunity to come and bring your family and spend time together!  Bring your neighbors too!  Have a cup of coffee together and help us to continue Officer Street Survival Training! 

Where else can you get a good breakfast, enjoy family and friends for $5.00 each!  Come and enjoy! 

We look forward to meeting everyone!!

Thank you for your continued support.

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Important Dates Coming Up!

Please mark your calendars for these important upcoming events!  These events are being held to raise money to benefit the Officer Street Survival, Deputy James F McGrane Jr., fund.

Pancake Breakfast - Sunday, February 24th from 8 am - 1 pm 

  Knights of Columbus 2800 San Mateo NE

  Adults only $5.00 and children under 5 yrs old are Free!

  Come and spend breakfast with your family and help raise money with your breakfast purchase!

Applebee's Dining To Donate!  - March 6th!  Applebee's will donate 15% of your total bill to

  Officer Street Survival fund!  Go to our Calendar page and click on March 6th to print your

  flyer.  You must have your flyer with you and present it to your server.  Print several and give

  them to your family and friends. 

 Second Annual Officer Street Survival Training, Deputy James F McGrane Jr., - March 19th - March

  20th.

Jim and Rita McGrane Sr., work tirelessly to raise money to provide additional training for our Law Enforcement Officers through Officer Survival Training.  They raise this money in honor of their son who lost his life during a routine traffic stop.  A senseless killing that has changed the lives of so many whos lives were touched by Deputy McGrane.  They hope to save other law enforcement by providing this training to them through the funds they work so hard to raise.

 Won't you help?  We are greatful for any donations.

 Jim and Rita McGrane Sr., with their son Deputy McGrane who was

killed in the Line of Duty, March 22, 2006.

 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Send your donation today!  $5.00 - $10.00 - $20.00 or more....ALL DONATIONS ARE SO APPRECIATED!

Officer Street Survival Training, Deputy James F McGrane, Jr., is in need of your donation!  They welcome any amount, since it all adds up and helps to assist our law enforcement officers so they may attend this very valuable training seminar. 

You can make your donation right from this website by going to the "Make A Donation" page, click on the DONATION button and you will be directed to a secure and safe location through PayPal.  Credit cards and/or checks are welcome through PayPal.  If you are not secure with making a donation online, you can mail your check or money order to:

Deputy James McGrane Officer Survival Training 

PO Box 37337

Albuquerque, NM  87176-7337

The holidays have come and gone, but your donation is still needed.  Next time you go to the grocery store or to the gas station won't you ask for a money order for $5.00 and send it  in or trade in those empty cans you have been collecting and donate the money or how about donating $5.00 from a garage sale or ebay sale. 

We hope you inform yourself about this worthy cause and send in your donation.  You will be helping to keep not only our law enforcement officers safe, but you and your family will be safer as well.

A special "Thank You" to all of you that have sent in your donation this year.  You are a contributor to safety in our state!  You are appreciated! 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 08:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is This Just A Game To The Jury?

I suppose a confession doesn't mean anything anymore.  It's a sad day in Albuquerque, NM because Nester Vargas who admittedly aided in the escape of suspected cold blooded murderer Michael Paul Astorga, who gunned down Sheriff's Deputy James F. McGrane, Jr. during a routine traffic stop, was given a "not guilty" verdict by a "jury" today for his assistance in the escape of Astorga.  Vargas claims he did it to protect his family from this "dangerous" man.  Dangerous man?  Did he say dangerous?  Hmmm...Now, if this man threatened my family and I gave him what he wanted to get him away from me, you can bet the cops would be called immediately after he left.  Why do you supposed he didn't call anyone in law enforcement?  BECAUSE HE IS GUILTY!  He was helping Astorga escape because they have been friends for years.  Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe they served time behind bars together as well.  So come on folks!  Something is wrong with this picture!  What were the members of this jury thinking?  Or were they thinking at all? 

Most recently reported to me (after the verdict and outside the courtroom), is Nester Vargas' response to the question:  "What would you like to say to Michael Astorga"?, Vargas responded that he wished Astorga luck and hopes he gets off (not guilty) like he did.  

NOW TELL ME HE WASN'T GUILTY!  Shame, Shame on the jury and legal system in New Mexico. 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 05:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is Mitchell Serious?  Do The People of Albuquerque Buy That Crap?!

"Mitchell offered into evidence copies of more than 100 headlines on the Astorga case published in the Albuquerque Journal, more than 75 headlines on the case published in The Albuquerque Tribune and 210 Google hits on Astorga as proof of the barrage of media attention his client has received.

"The publicity has been relentless," he said.

Mitchell also said that while most of the publicity and public sentiment has been sympathetic to Bernalillo County sheriff's Deputy James McGrane Jr., whom Astorga is accused of shooting during a March 2006 traffic stop in Tijeras, it had not been so for Astorga.

"There's almost a vehement dislike and comment" for Astorga and his family, Mitchell said."

                                                                 From article in Abq.Tribune

                                                                By Joline Gutierrez Krueger (Contact)

                                                                Originally published 07:39 a.m., December 19, 2007
                                                                Updated 12:27 p.m., December 19, 2007

I know that I am usually about a month or so behind on this news regarding Astorga but the information contained in this article just floored me once again.  Has Mitchell lost his mind?  Does he really believe that we should be sympathetic to Astorga?  Does he really think Astorga deserves the same  sympathy that Deputy McGrane receives?  NO WAY MITCHELL...You are off your rocker!  You are correct on my personal dislike for Astorga and his family!!   Trash!  (see previous blog)  I DON'T LIKE THEM....ANY OF THEM...! 

Oh and the 210 google hits were probably mine Mitchell!  I am always reading about what ridiculous garbage you are going to throw at the intellegent people of Albuquerque next.  Sometimes I click on your trash (see previous blog) more than once in disbelief!   

Remember Mitchell and Mitchell Fans:  You and your families sleep safely at night because of the many law enforcement officers that patrol YOUR streets day and night, and because one of them, a honorable, decent, ethical, principled, respectable, upstanding officer, Deputy James F McGrane Jr., lost his life to Astorga, who is also a gang member, lets not forget that!  Oh and let's not forget his family, you know, the mother and aunt who violated your privacy by entering the MVD and accessing your personal information.  Let's not forget what upstanding citizens they are! 

This isn't just an issue of the death penalty, this is an issue of THE KILLING OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER!  Hey Gary, I want to know how many death penalty cases you defended that were the cold blooded killings of law enforcement officers??? 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 03:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Woodmen of the World Give Back Once Again!

Although I have heard of the Woodmen of the World, I never knew what they were about.  I recently found out about them through Jim and Rita McGrane, who informed me that this giving organization has helped them to reach their goal this year to provide Officer Street Survival Training for the 2nd year since Deputy McGrane's death.  Jim and Rita have dedicated their lives to assisting law enforcement officers with much needed training.  This training isn't cheap and they have worked diligently to raise money for the second year in a row.  Raising money is getting more difficult for them because they don't have others to help them.  They can only be in so many places at one time. Through their grief over the loss of their son, Deputy James (Jimmy) McGrane, there were able to hold the 1st Annual Officer Street Survival Training, March of 2007, which provided much needed survival training to 300 law enforcement officers.   The 2nd Annual Officer Street survival will be held again in March of 2008, thanks to the Woodmen of the World's generosity and so many others that have sent personal donations.  So many have been so generous.

As for the Woodmen of the World, I decided to research this organization so that I would be able to understand what they are about.  They are a family oriented organization that assists you in obtaining financial security for yourself and your loved ones.  They are great givers in the community!  They are a part of giving through:  

The Red Cross Partnership                         Make a Difference Day

Disaster Relief                                          Youth Service Projects

Join Hands Day                                         Arbor Day Foundation

Flags Across America 

In Honor and Rememberance

They offer memberships, camps, youth organization and lodges.  They are givers in the community .  I just think this is such a great organization.  They are about family and community and there really isn't anything more important. 

I hope when you decide to purchase life insurance, investments etc... that you consider going to their website and giving your business to them.  Here is their website so you can check it out too: 

http://www.woodmen.org/

Just when you think you might not make your goal....you say a prayer....and it works...it happens....it comes together......

A "Very Special Thank You" to The Woodmen of the World for helping Officer Street Survival Training, Deputy James F. McGrane, Jr. meet their goal! 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)