The Chicago City Council is proposing a $5.5 million reparations package for victims of torture by former Chicago Police Commander Jon Burge.  Burge has been accused by more than 100 people of using torture.  Victims have described being beaten with phone books, being shocked with cattle prods, and being suffocated with bags until they gave false confessions.  Jon Burge's reign of brutality lasted for nearly two decades, ending in 1991.  He was fired from the police department in 1993.

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The French Rafale omnirole jet fighter, which had sought a buyer since its introduction in 2004, has gotten two in as many months.  Last month Egypt signed on to be the first export customer for the 4.5 generation fighter.  Recently India announced that it would be the second to purchase the $100 million plane.

Years ago India announced that the Rafale was the winner of a competition to select its next main fighter.  The proposed $20 billion deal for 126 planes has been on hold since.  The recent announcement of India's purchase of 36 Rafales did not address that previously stalled deal.

The Rafale is a very capable fighter.  It's equipped with advanced avionics, voice command, AESA radar, and an advanced helmet mounted display among other features.  It is capable of flying at mach 1.8, with a service ceiling of 55,000 ft.

References:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/rafale.htm

http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/rafale/

Want more military???  CLICK HERE 

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It's not bad enough that it seems like a policeman is shooting an unarmed African American every week, but now they've taken to beating the disabled!  This video shows a pure coward's move!!!  The common thread in all of these stories of police abuse is that the police are acting like common bullies, targeting people who they deem to be defenseless.  The difference between the "boys in blue" and bullies however is that officers carry guns.  The "LAW" is completely out of control, and It's time for the police to be policed!   

 CLICK HERE TO WATCH POLICE ACTIONS VIDEO:

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If you like the power and energy of a heavy metal concert, you won't be disappointed this Spring. During April and May there will be a number of great metal bands hitting the stages.  Upcoming concerts include acts like SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, EXODUS, MASTODON, KROKUS, SEPULTURA, JUDAS PRIEST

SAXON, ARMORED SAINT, WHITESNAKE, TWISTED SISTER, STEEL PANTHER AND MORE!!!

If you want to check for upcoming heavy metal concerts in your area visit ABC TICKETS - CLICK HERE ...MAKE PLANS TO SEE A CONCERT NOW, BUY YOUR TICKETS AND BANG YOUR HEAD IN APRIL AND MAY!!!

Baseball season is here, and so is the future for the Chicago Cubs.  Be there to see the growth of a team with World Series aspirations.  Rizzo, Soler, and Bryant...see them live!  Get your tickets now!

CLICK HERE FOR CUBS TICKETS 

When talking about income inequality the subject often -- and rightly -- goes to the benefits of being in the top 1% on the economic ladder.  Income inequality is in the news now being used as a political football, but who's throwing that football?  Politicians, currently trying to score points with their voters, need to first look in the mirror when dealing this issue.

The person who serves as President of the United States is set economically.  I don't have a problem with this, seeing the straines and stresses of being the leader of the most powerful nation on earth.  It's often mentioned that presidents come into office with their natural color hair, but leave grey.  However, the perks are still worth a look.  Besides a hefty salary, the president is taken care of upon leaving office:   A nice pension, transition and office expenses, travel expenses, secret service protection and more.  Being a U.S. President is like hitting the lottery!

My real problem is with the Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government.  Everyday people struggle to make it day-to-day, whether working or retired.  Senators and representatives don't even work day-to-day -- thus no struggle.  Members of Congress only "work" when Congress is in session.  Members of the Legislative Branch spend more time on getting re-elected than they do on addressing the concerns of their constituents.  On top of this light "work" schedule, they're paid handsomely; and, if they serve the required time, also get a sizeable pension.    Oh, did I mention that they get to give themselves pay raises!

There are many problems with our economy.   We live in a "Twilight Zone" of two Americas:  One where caviar is the norm, and the other where hunger is.  When looking at income inequality, one of the first glances should be cast at the hundreds of congrssional members who live like royalty at public expense.  CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISES SHOULD BE VOTED ON BY THE PEOPLE!   

Breaking Black Metal News:

The original guitarists for the legendary black metal band Mercyful Fate, Michael Denner and Hank Shermann, are back together again.  Michael Denner, the melodic metal master, and Hank Shermann, with his energetic riffs, these two make black magic when they perform together!  Their new creation, the "Satan's Tomb" EP is sure to please!  Check it out and show this tandem of black metal royalty your support!

According to a cryptic post by Derrick Rose's ex-girlfriend, Mieka Reese, the former MVP of the Chicago Bulls will return to action tomorrow, April 8th.  Derrick Rose has been out recovering from his third knee surgery in as many years.  Now it's wait and see as to whether or not Ms. Reese is accurate.

This is just one more example of how little an African-American life means to many in today's society.  It seems like every week a video is surfacing showing African-Americans being brutalized by the police.  This latest episode shows the murder of Walter Scott in North Charleston, South Carolina.  At least in this case the officer, Michael Slager, has been charged.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

If you feel unsafe because of how racists in general, and racist law enforcement officers in particular, react to you and people like you, maybe it's time to arm yourself. If you are looking for the means to defend yourself in the current climate where Black people are shot down as easily as deer in a hunt CLICK HERE

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It was previously known that hackers had breached computer systems in the U.S. State Department.  Now it's being reported by CNN that hackers also breached computer systems in the White House, and gained access to the schedule of President Obama's movements.

With an increasingly hostile Russia on the world stage, such sensitive information could easily have found its way into the hands of terrorists.  We -- meaning the West in general, and the U.S. in particular -- need to recognize the Putin-led Russian government as a threat and an enemy.  The Russians have physically attacked Georgia and Ukraine in recent years, and now they've launched cyber attacks against America.

Response:  

*Increased sanctions against the Russian economy

*Move towards accepting Ukraine and Georgia into NATO

*Arm Ukraine and Georgia to better defend against future Russian invasions

*Cyber warfare against the Russian government and the country's financial systems

If the Russians really want to be our enemies, let's treat them as such! 

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