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Demanding Accountability

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Jo-Co-Rama
(joke-o-rama)
The endless laughter generated
by a sham system ...

By Ron Lee
The Verbal Assassin

It was years ago when I was introduced to the goings-on of hidden agendas and the corruption of those who were supposed to be responsible and trust-worthy.

Back then I was student body president at a high school in the "biggest little city in the world," Reno, Nevada, where my principal stated his goal of providing lights for our football field - night games a must.
Perhaps I was a bit fanatic about my position, or possibly I took the responsibility to my constituency to the extreme, and I stood-up against this obvious (to me, anyway) waste of school funds. I mean we had text books that were a decade outdated, an emergency phone system that would never be trustworthy in a true crisis, and awnings between buildings that left students more exposed to the elements than if they were to be standing directly under a sudden cloudburst!
For me, it was simple. The money could be spent in other ways ... all (+/-)$63,000.00 of it. I voiced this. Oops, my mistake.
The principal, offended that anyone, especially a punk kid, would stand in the way of his sporting dreams informed the football coach that there might be a problem. The coach informed his players - who were awe struck to be playing under lights like real football players - and I was left dodging blows for the remainder of my senior year. Luckily, I'm quick on my feet, especially over long distances. I ran cross-country.
To make this story short, I suffered repeated attempts by the administration to strip my presidency and expel me from school. Not because of attendance, or grades, or behavior but because I opposed their will.
Fortunately, the bookkeeper - who I think had a crush on me - slid me the complete file on my principal, the football light project, the athletic fund and everything that could give me some solid leverage against those trying to get rid of me. And I used it. Yes, I stooped to blackmail to get them off my back. I just wanted to graduate because I earned it, and that June of my senior year, I did.
Two years later the file ended up appearing to certain agencies who could do something about what was going on in Reno, Nevada. The documents contained evidence of misappropriation of school funds, and embezzlement. It went all the way up to the top. Even the superintendent of schools was involved.
My only regret, I let them beat me, they got the football lights - even though it was pretty cool to see our school play their hearts out under them.
Then there was Portland, Oregon, where I learned that to "protect and serve" often meant officers of the law lining their own pockets. I watched helplessly as a couple of mountain bike cops shook-down a hispanic man in China Town. They pulled out his wallet, asked him where he got the wad of cash, split it, and stuffed it down their pants. He simply said, "I ... I ... just got paid." But they pushed him and told him to get out of there or there would be a problem. I took a step forward toward them and they saw this ... they knew I had been watching. One turned toward me, "What'cha gonna do?" The answer then ... nothing.
Now I've come to live in this beautiful corner of the country - Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon. There is no doubt that its surroundings rival most sights in other parts of the country and I think everyone should come and marvel at the majestic Rogue River Valley, travel out to the Oregon Caves, go play in the California redwoods (only a short distance away), and jaunt over to Ashland for an evening of Shakespeare.
For the first few years of my residence I was naive of the corruption that percolates from almost every corner of JoCo county and GP city governments. I might sleep better at nights if I was still that unknowing and uncaring of it.
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a conspiracy theorist. I DON'T think everyone is out to get me, and YES there are fantastic officials amongst the creeps, as well as great police/sheriff personnel who truly do care and make a difference every day. Unfortunately, the ranks of these outstanding individuals is diminishing.
Since becoming a full-time investigative reporter people want to talk to me. They want to give me their scoop; their dirt. At first I didn't listen, or I should say, I didn't give all of the stories the ear they deserved, until separate parties started telling the same stories with the same names. These unaffiliated individuals have drafted one of the most bizarre and disturbing pictures of many officials and officers and it can no longer be ignored, nor will it.
The information I have been privy to has, as years before, shaken my morality to the core. The morality that you do not steal; you don't have to lie; you don't commit adultery; you don't allow for - or participate - in the sale of drugs; you don't cheat those that rely on you to represent them.
There have been multiple allegations of officers sleeping with under-age girls; of sleeping with women who are not their wives; of using their badges to intimidate; of officers taking stashes of drugs as a "favor" to the one they then only give a misdemeanor offense to, as well as stories of officers importing drugs from out of the country and even planting evidence - especially drugs. I have stories of county officials taking bribes for land use changes as well as accepting money for other things. I 've seen officials working with establishments, even though their constituency overwhelmingly is voicing opposition. I've even heard, on more than one occasion, of incestuous relationships had by one high-profile official! I have officials covering-up for their subordinates and several who should be questioned about misappropriated funds. There is evidence of a certain Sheriff practicing unfair hiring and firing, not to mention just plain bad administering of his duties ... C'mon, Dave, a chicken? What about the children getting threatened with bombs and the lack of a county plan to handle those school issues in this new age of terrorism and school shootings?
And then there are a few lawyers in the area who have taken the trust that were given them and stolen from estates in their care, as well as scamming investors in other cases. I've heard of lawyers making suspicious back room deals with black robed figures and I know of many who have their client plea bargain just out of complacency - I mean you get paid anyway, right?
There is so much more than anything previously published. So much that it makes me laugh that not everyone has heard everything and done something about it already. I mean it's all there and by talking to each other (neighbors, fellow citizens) and asking about your officials and policemen you'll get the dirt yourself, because it seems like only then will action take place.
As for me, I've taken the liberty to record what I know and send it about to multiple sources in case of my demise. Soon, after a few more pieces fit nicely into place, we will unveil it all and I will stand up against the corruption. I won't let this happen anymore. They won't get their "football lights" this time.
The true comedy will be watching it all fall apart and have the truth prevail.

Editors Note: The US~Observer will be publishing several upcoming pieces in regard to the widespread corruption in the Josephine County area. We would also like to extend the opportunity to those real and honest officials and officers to step forward now. Let us help. Contact us today: editor@usobserver.com or 541-474-7885. If you want information on our services please click here.

About the Author: Ron Lee has been a freelance and published writer since 1985. He attended Richmond University in London where he focused on theatre arts, and the University of Nevada Reno where he dual majored in criminal justice and psychology. He currently spends his time helping the US~Observer's clients with his no nonsense investigative reporting style. Ron may be reached at ron@usobserver.com. Favorite quote, "The truth shall make you free." --John VIII. 32