Ok, I Am Tired of Hearing How Astorga's Right's Are Being Violated!

A recent article, dated November 10, 2007, in the Albuquerque Tribune, written by Jolene Gutierrez Krueger, informed us how Michael Paul Astorga, who has been charged with the murder of Deputy James McGrane, is complaining that he has been "singled out" and his treatment in prison where he is being held is not adequate.   Before I continue with what I have to say, here are a couple of quotes and statements from this article:

"He's a man and a human being," Mitchell (Astorga's attorney) said after the hearing. "Treat him like one, and don't treat his family like dogs."

Astorga, dressed in khakis and shackled at the feet, smiled broadly at family members in the courtroom. Several of them wore navy blue T-shirts with "Death penalty like abortion stops a beating heart" and "Michael Paul Astorga."

"You think they would feed us as if we were human," he said(Astorga), describing how he often refuses to eat the food, then flushes it down the toilet in his cell... "

These statements and actions are so offensive to me!  Who the heck do these people think they are?  The "Navy T-shirts" worn by Astorga family members are so ridiculous.  If abortion is murder and the death penalty is murder, then what is shooting someone in the face without the opportunity to defend yourself called?  The really sad part is there are members of this community that feel sorry for him!  Do you not realize what he has done?  Do you not realize what some of his family and friends have done?  Did you know that his aunt breached YOUR personal privacy by breaking into the MVD and accessing driving records without permission?  The disfunction of this circle of family and friends goes on and on.  

I am so tired of hearing about Astorga's so called maltreatments!  Astorga deserves only as much as he has given to his community.  Ok, in all fairness, lets make a list of what he has done for this community.

1.  hmmmmmm...

2.  ummmmmm...

3.  oh wait....no..sorry

and as you can see....the list goes on and on! 

Attorney Mitchell (who is playing on public sympathy and looking to make himself a name in this case) is wasting  the court's time.  He knows the accusations that Astorga has made were fabricated in order to bring more attention to his case.  I am very saddened that the judge and court system allows attorneys like this to waste their valuable time.  It's too bad that Deputy McGrane doesn't get this much attention.  Of course, his rights were taken away and the only way justice for this family will be done is if his family and friends fight for the punishment of his accused killer. 

I wish to keep a safe environment for my children and family members in this community and I do not feel sorry for Astorga or his family members and friends! 

Sorry Mitchell, the t-shirts actually looked so stupid.  You made the community laugh.  My only question for attorney Mitchell is, do you feel the same compassion for Deputy McGrane that you feel for Astorga?  If your answer is yes, then I think you have shown what kind of character you possess. 

If I didn't believe in the death penalty before, I do now.  Thanks for wearing the t-shirts and reminding me that I do not want to walk the same street with violent offenders of the law. 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanksgiving has come and gone....!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday time!  As for my household, we had way to much turkey and dessert!!!  It's amazing how we change our eating habits when it comes to holiday eating, well, at least I do!

I thought with the Thanksgiving season it would be a good opportunity to say "Thank You" to so many people that have given donations to the "Officer Street Survival Training, Deputy James McGrane, Jr." organization, since it was formed in 2006.  Donations have come from everywhere with the majority of donations coming from right in Albuquerque.  It is a difficult thing to donate for many families, but they are the families that keep stepping forward!  It is so hard some times to say "Thank You" and have people understand that it is really sincere, so I hope you will take my words and know that every donation received from the smallest to the largest is so very appreciated.   

We hope you keep us in mind this holiday season.  We need the donations to keep coming in.

Posted by D.Gorrell at 07:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you know any interesting ways to raise money?

Fundraising is always a difficult chore.  Trying to find new ways that are interesting to others is the biggest challenge.  The next challenge is getting public interest in the fundraiser.  

I am interested in finding new ways to help raise money for this worthy cause!  I need new ideas to pass along to the McGranes and I need people willing to help execute the project.  Now, this doesn't mean you have to do both!  Please post your suggestions on this blog, regardless of how large or small, difficult or easy....I am interested in any suggestions!  If you don't know of any new fundraising ideas but you would like to help with the next fundraiser, let me know!  The McGranes will welcome your help.

It's very bold of me to ask for help, especially when we all have careers, children at home, spouses or significant others to be attentive to, but there is no way to help the McGranes without asking for volunteers.  So, if you are ever in the mood to help with a project, I would love to hear from you!

They will be at the flea market, weather providing, after Thanksgiving and can use all the support the public can give.  There will be so many great things for sale!  I will get a sample of some of the items so you can come prepared to buy!

I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend and please don't forget about us for fundraising ideas!

Diana 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 03:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome!

I am so glad you have taken the time to look through the website.  If you haven't had a chance to look yet, I do hope you take a few moments and see what we are about.  

The main reason for this website is simple.  We want to find ways to raise money for the purpose of enabling our law enforcement officers to have the additional training the government agencies in New Mexico don't provide for them.  Whether their reasons are because they don't have it in their budgets or they don't think our law enforcement officers need it at all, we find it IS NEEDED and so do the officers that put their life on the line for the people of New Mexico. 

The non-profit organization, Officer Street Survival Training, Deputy James McGrane, Jr., was founded by Jim and Rita McGrane.  After the loss of their son Deputy James McGrane in March of 2006, they have channeled their grief to the betterment of the law enforcement officers of the State of New Mexico.  Sadly, it took the death of their son to raise public awareness that these officers need addtional training and support.  Why?  Well, lets just say the local and state government agencies obviously don't find it a priority to extend training of our law enforcement.  Yes, it is an additional expense in the government budget.

I suppose the government officials figure that once officers exit the police academies, they will never need additional training.  The problem with that thinking is they are putting our officers at a disadvantage!  As with any job, times change and additional training is needed to stay sharp and to impliment new techniques in order to stay at the top of our careers.  So why are these officers any different?  It seems to me they should be a priority! 

We have to many law enforcement officers that die at the hands of criminal violence in this country.  The statistics are mind boggling! Do you know that there is at least one law enforcement officer that dies every single day due to criminal violence against them? 

In March of this year, Jim and Rita McGrane raised enough money to provide training to 300 law enforcement officers in the state, with the first Annual Officer Street Survival Training Seminar. It proved to be very successful and so tirelessly, they continue to try to find people who will donate in order to send the next 300 officers through training in March of 2008.  There have been many fundraisers such as marathons, dinners, a day at Applebees, silent auctions and next is the flea market at the fair grounds in Albuquerque.  (More information to follow)    

If every person in the State of New Mexico gave only $1.00 every year, they would be able to send officers through training twice a year!   

With this information I ask that you pass this website around to your co-workers, friends, neighbors and any business owners that might enjoy just looking at what Deputy McGrane's parents are trying to do for law enforcement in New Mexico.  It is a great organization and worthwhile not only for these officers, but for us, as residents in this state. 

I know how financially demanding the holiday season can be, but I am still going to ask for any donation that you can work in to your budget. 

Remember, by keeping our officers safe, we keep our children and loved ones safe too.

I always welcome your comments on this blog.  

Diana 

Posted by D.Gorrell at 10:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)