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Batavia man with lengthy criminal past sent to prison for five years

By Howard B. Owens

Brandon C. Dodd, a 24-year-old whose name has been well known to local law enforcement for close to a decade, is going to prison for the first time in his life.

While he hoped for probation, he knew prison was a possibility. When Judge Robert C. Noonan showed no leniency today, Dodd became emotional.

A few minutes after being told he was going to spend five years in prison and another three on parole, the Batavia resident let out a little sob and his attorney, Fred Rarick, put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

As Dodd was escorted from the courtroom in an orange jail suit and shackles, Dodd's emotions apparently got the better of him. He lashed out at Noonan, saying something about "pedophiles."

Noonan said, "Just a minute, bring him back in here, please," and the deputy escorted Dodd back into the courtroom.

"Would you please repeat on the record what you just said," Noonan said.

"I hope you continue to let all the pedophiles walk the street and save all of the probation  for those people," Dodd said.

Noonan then explained to Dodd that when he comes up for parole, the first thing the parole board will do is look at the transcript of today's hearing, and they will take into consideration what Dodd did and said.

Dodd said something about not caring as he was taken again from the courtroom, and a deputy later said that Dodd continued to mouth off all the way back to the jail.

Ironically, as Dodd was leaving, a man sentenced to state prison in Genesee County Court was coming in to face new child-sex charges.

In July, Dodd entered a guilty plea to a reduced burglary charge, limiting his maximum jail time from 15 to five years.

On March 18, Dodd and a partner forced their way into a house on Vine Street and, through the residents reportedly fought back, the duo left with money and property.

It turns out that what Dodd reportedly stole was $4,000 in cash and a stash of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Attorney Rarick, before Dodd's outburst, requested a probation sentence for Dodd, saying the young offender was ready to turn his life around, get counseling, and become a productive member of society.

As evidence of Dodd's repentance, Rarick said Dodd made a full admission to all of his past crimes, including some he was never charged with, during his pre-sentencing interview. Dodd allegedly admitted to dealing drugs in Batavia.

"He was extremely honest," Rarick said. "I think he was flushing it all out and saying 'these are the things I've done in my life and I don't want to do them any more.'"

Rarick said there was no excuse for Dodd's past crimes, but he blamed it on drug and alcohol use and hanging out with the wrong crowd.

"The fact that you came clean with probation is not refuted here," Noonan said. "I'm just not willing to ignore that you engaged in extensive criminal conduct in our community. While it may have been all related to whether you were involved in drugs doesn't excuse yourself at all. You're fortunate you negotiated a favorable plea deal."

Gary Spencer

I also applaud Judge Noonan's decision, and I am not excusing Brandon's actions, but he got screwed from an early age, poor guy never had much of a chance, he was however, given a break before and spit in the face of society and thumbed his nose at the break he had been given he thought he could fight the law....but as the song goes....The Law one!!
(Somebody please post the song, I am on a public computer and it won't let me!!!)

Waiting for his Mom to post her response, she has in the past!

Sep 2, 2010, 5:38pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

He still got off easy. I would love to hear all the crap he did admit to that he got away with. That's your break young man. Justice has been served, till you get out !

Sep 2, 2010, 5:42pm Permalink
Gabor Deutsch

Gary, here is the real version:
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CPXnoLAEUSQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></par… name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CPXnoLAEUSQ?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&quot; type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Sep 2, 2010, 5:47pm Permalink
Ryan Scott

about time. but what happened to the people that he robbed. there was a tip given to the genesse county drug task force months before. about the young lady selling mushrooms. p.s. she is still selling drugs Mr Welker the nest one to go in that house should be DTF

Sep 3, 2010, 9:17am Permalink
Chris Charvella

The Dead Kennedys version:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pAdc2Rq9a4U?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></par… name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pAdc2Rq9a4U?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0&quot; type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Sep 3, 2010, 12:43pm Permalink
Beth Kinsley

For some background information, Mr. Reese's conviction was for statutory rape over 12 years ago. There was no force. The victim was a willing participant but, at 15, she wasn't old enough to consent. I'm not saying he is innocent but I'm pretty sure your 6 month old is safe.

Sep 3, 2010, 7:44pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Gee, Dennis, your story seems to have changed quite a bit since December 24, 2009. So did your head hit the hood or the partition? What happened to the middle finger story?

Sep 3, 2010, 8:07pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

Dennis, not sure what your little story has to do with the story you commented on but many Batavian redaers will remember you:
Dennis Edson, age unknown, of Porter Avenue, Batavia, was charged with disorderly conduct this morning. Edson allegedly flipped off a police officer while he and others observed the accident activity on Ellicott Street this morning from in front of the Court House. Lt. Eugene Jankwoski described Edson as somebody known to police for allegedly making the same gesture toward cops in the past, but has generally been ignored. This morning, Edson allegedly did it in front of a crowd of people. Edson then allegedly resisted arrest. Jankowski also said that Edson "got mouthy" with City Court Judge Robert Balbick. Balbick ordered Edson held on $1,000 bail.

Sep 3, 2010, 11:26pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Posted by Dennis Edson on December 24, 2009 - 3:58pm
"I had $1000 bail for just giving a cop the middle finger allegedly.Oh and not passing out while handcuffed and being choked by Officer Davis is resisting arrest.Additionally I didnt allow my head to be smashed into the hood while handcuffed too.Will Judge Balbick threaten me again as I beg him to look at my wrists? The knowing look from the Officers was enough for the Judge."

But you say you did not allow your head to be hit?

And why are you so worried about your 6 month being bothered by a sex offender? Are you leaving he/she in the front yard alone?

Sep 4, 2010, 9:11am Permalink
John Roach

Dennis,
Was this guy a "child molester", or did he have sex with a willing partner, who was under the age of consent, as Beth said?

Are you telling us he forced himself on her?

Did you have your trial and did or will you, ask for a jury trial. Were you found guilty of the charges and if so what was the penalty if any?

Sep 4, 2010, 9:39am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Dennis, I took the information exactly as provided from the police. If you have a beef with the information provided, your beef is with the police, not me.

It's also worth noting that you've never denied that you go around flipping off police officers.

If that is something you have repeatedly done, that seems especially imprudent and in my mind calls into question the veracity of anything you say, especially in relation to your view of the conduct and actions of police officers.

Police officers don't have time to go around looking for trouble. They are too busy dealing with the people actually creating trouble. Don't make trouble, and they will leave you alone.

Sep 4, 2010, 10:26am Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Actually Frank, the parents didn't want to press charges but once the police found out about it (by an anonymous call if I recall), they were forced to take action. I'm not saying what he did was right. He knows it was the biggest mistake in his life and he is paying the price for it every day. My concern is that when you mix statutory rapists up with the more dangerous predatory sexual offenders on the sex offender registry, it waters it down. It used to be that you could only view level 3 offenders that were viewed as the worst of the worst. Then they added level 2's and on some websites you can see the level 1's. I also wish that all of the offenders in the federal detention center weren't listed under Genesee County - people who probably never stepped foot in our county and probably never will.

Sep 4, 2010, 10:38am Permalink
John Roach

Frank,
The impression being created by Dennis is that of somebody attacking babies. I want him to clear this up.

I also want to know why this guy would, if he did, threaten Dennis and his family. Most sex offenders don't just go around threatening people. They try to keep a very low profile because of their crime. The last thing they want is attention drawn to them.

Sep 4, 2010, 10:39am Permalink
John Roach

Frank,
A minor can not give legal consent. There have been a few 18 and 17 year boys listed on this very site that have been arrested for sex with their 16 or 15 year old girlfriend. That's Statutory Rape.

Sep 4, 2010, 10:59am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Frank, here's the disorderly conduct statute. Relavant section highlighted:

§ 240.20 Disorderly conduct.
A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof:
1. He engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior; or
2. He makes unreasonable noise; or
3. In a public place, he uses abusive or obscene language, <b>or makes an obscene gesture</b>; or
4. Without lawful authority, he disturbs any lawful assembly or meeting of persons; or
5. He obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic; or
6. He congregates with other persons in a public place and refuses to comply with a lawful order of the police to disperse; or
7. He creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose.
Disorderly conduct is a violation.

Sep 4, 2010, 10:59am Permalink
Beth Kinsley

Frank back in the day, it pretty much had to be that the parents wanted to press charges. Not so much anymore. We had a case when I used to work in Genesee County where the hospital reported it to the authorities when the victim gave birth and the father signed the birth certificate. They did the math and, as mandated reporters, they had to report it and the father was arrested.

Sep 4, 2010, 11:15am Permalink
John Roach

Frank,
So, if because of your past, one of your neighbors started calling you a drunk all the time, and after awhile you threatened to hit him, and then he called the cops, who is really at fault? You because you threatened him, or the guy who thinks he has to right to keep harassing and calling you names?

We'll never really know, but hypothetically, could Dennis have been calling this guy a child molester and the guy, after being provoked, made a threat? And if Dennis has a habit of giving people the finger, you might believe Denis started all this.

Or this guy for no reason, just took a dislike to Dennis and did start it all.

Just seems there is more to this story.

Sep 4, 2010, 11:18am Permalink
John Roach

Dennis,
It clearly stated you lived on Porter Ave, so not giving your house number, or age, doesn't mean anyone wanted to make people thought you were homeless.

What was the end result of the arrest?

Why do you think a guy who had been arrested 12 years earlier would threaten you out of the clear blue.

Why did you make it seem he was a sexual predator, like you say people tried to make it seem like you were homeless?

Sep 4, 2010, 11:58am Permalink
Mike Corona

With statements like that Frank is why your always in the middle of controversy. Are you the only adult in the USA that does not know what that gesture means. Keep fighting it Frank.

Sep 4, 2010, 1:09pm Permalink
Gary Spencer

Frank,
If you Google "origin of middle finger thee is a ton on info:
From Wikopeadia:
It is identified as the digitus impudicus (impudent finger) in Ancient Roman writings[1] and reference is made to using the finger in ancient Greek comedy to insult another person. The widespread usage of the finger in many cultures is likely due to the geographical influence of the Roman Empire and Greco-Roman civilization.

Another possible origin of this gesture can be found in the first-century Mediterranean world, where extending the digitus impudicus was one of many methods used to divert the ever-present threat of the evil eye.[2]

Sep 4, 2010, 1:59pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Frank,

If you think it is normal to go around flipping people off, then I have to wonder. I find it childish, rude and vulgar. People who think it's nothing big are the reason society is the mess it is. We are in an "all about me" society where there is no respect for other people. Do you think this behavior is ok in front of children? What kind of message do you think that sends to a child? I am sure if you are on Main St. there are plenty of children observering this assinine behavior.

Sep 4, 2010, 7:27pm Permalink
C D

Bud, not really. Frank sees exactly how things are and has already said it all. His line on trying to "expose those who abuse their power, authority, or position. I will never rest until I see justice for all, put back in the justice system here in this county" I can relate to. It boils down to that I have enough, more important things, to stress about in my life. For three years, I met resistance and constant personal attacks against my character and reputation because of my tenacity to expose certain problems. I rather duke my problems with someone out with my fists than mince words, so I left.

Gabor, I had already moved before that. I wish I could say more, but I've been advised not to. Though, if you read the above paragraph, I'm sure you can make some well-educated guesses.

Sep 4, 2010, 11:33pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Frank,
Did you notice Dennis edited all his posts to say no comment?

Rochester is hardly a big city, and I have driven through rush hour traffic in both rochester and buffalo many times and not seen the nonsense you speak of. And how do you just pull over in rush hour traffic to compose yourself? And what adult finds that so dang hysterical they need to pull over to compose themselves?

Sep 5, 2010, 9:32am Permalink
Bea McManis

Per Howard:
§ 240.20 Disorderly conduct.
A person is guilty of disorderly conduct when, with intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof:
1. He engages in fighting or in violent, tumultuous or threatening behavior; or
2. He makes unreasonable noise; or
3. In a public place, he uses abusive or obscene language, or makes an obscene gesture; or
4. Without lawful authority, he disturbs any lawful assembly or meeting of persons; or
5. He obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic; or
6. He congregates with other persons in a public place and refuses to comply with a lawful order of the police to disperse; or
7. He creates a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which serves no legitimate purpose.
Disorderly conduct is a violation.

I would think that it wouldn't hurt to read it and to make sure that parents set the example so that children are aware that certain behavior is inappropriate in public.
It would appear that some people feel that these laws do not pertain to them or to their family.

Sep 5, 2010, 12:28pm Permalink
C. M. Barons

Arrest reports AKA "police blotters" afford a restricted view of an event (or personalities) when law enforcement is involved. Although we assume that probable cause existed- if and when an arrest is made; we have no way of knowing details, circumstances, motives or contributing factors- not mentioned because they don't fit the arrest ticket. Police Departments feed these reports so taxpayers can see bang for buck. PD is not a news service.

As far as damage to reputations... When the public relies on arrest reports to form an opinion of named persons without benefit of the complete story (the subsequent investigation, eventual hearing and court decision); perception and presumption prevail. It is human nature to be impatient. We needn't go far back in our history to mine vigilante-ism. Waterboarding never fails to bring to mind the colonial ducking stool.

An arrest is news, despite the disconnect between arrest and verdict; sometimes the two are never reconnected. If the matter does not go to trial, only the arrest "made the paper."

Even after the court has ruled, the weight of public opinion stands- especially when plea bargaining, evidence rulings and hearsay shade the official record.

As for the discussion of middle-finger significance... Abbie Hoffman elevated whipping the bird to a political gesture. http://img.slate.com/media/65000/65733/4-Hoffman.jpg Dubya thought it was cute http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVynnbx1Xsc

During the early 60s there were two provocative hand gestures: the middle-finger and, popular now thanks to Ronnie James Dio as "devil horns," the raised index and little finger. Prior to being adopted by heavy metal, executing that gesture put the recipient's ancestral legitimacy in question. While reading some middle-finger history, the cuckold sign was mentioned. That sign and the one I recall are same.

Sep 5, 2010, 12:57pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Gestures, by themselves, are harmless. When used as a sign of disrespect toward an officer of the law in particular - or anyone in general, in public, then the story takes on a different twist.
What reason (or agenda) would a cop have against a law abiding citizen?
If I were walking across the street and if a police car was the first vehicle at the light, my first reaction would NOT be to whip the cop the bird.
There is a reasonable expectation, that I would make my way across the street and continue to my destination. By the same token, the officer has a reasonable expectation that I, a citizen, will cross that street without incident.
Frank has made his case against the law in our city. Dennis (even though he had deleted his comments) has as well.
It would appear, you both have gone out of your way to antagonize the local police in print. Most likely if I or anyone did the same, we too would be on their radar.

Frank, those laws are common sense behavior guides. Don't do them and no one will bother you. They are the same rules that we, as parents, instill in our children.
What, among that list, do you find offensive? Which do you or your children ignore and dare the police to take action?

While I'm at it, since you find road rage humerous. Is this another behavior that your children now find acceptable and amusing? Children are like sponges. They absorb and follow the example set. What are you doing, while you are driving, to cause other drivers to 'whip you the bird'. Just curious.

Sep 5, 2010, 2:34pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Probably cutting them off while looking @ "vulgar" facial expressions. What the heck is a vulgar facial expression any way?

Frank, you have the right to your opinion as do I.

Sep 5, 2010, 5:27pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Frank,
So, one day out of the clear blue sky, the Batavia police decided that you should be singled out and harrassed?
Is that what happen?
Scary, isn't it? A perfectly law abiding citizen with no axe to grind with the local police is on the radar.
Now, because of this harrassment, you are on a mission to prove that the police force in our city is corrupt?
Is it the entire police force or only some?
Just wondering.

Sep 5, 2010, 6:03pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I can't remember the last time I've seen anybody flip somebody off in traffic. Years and years before I left California, including lots of drive time in San Diego and Los Angeles. Never here.

Frank, you make it sound like it's a common occurrence.

Sep 5, 2010, 11:28pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Frrank,

You got me! I was sooo riled I have been sleeping while you are sitting there yammering on and on. Your story is complete poppycock and you are making yourself look foolish. Who the hell has time to read lips while driving in rush hour traffic. Let me guess what they are saying...gasp...FU? Gasp...isn't that exactly what the finger mean?

Oh boy! And Frrank, you are the one who has plastered your son's story on this website again and again so if someone like Bea questions you about it...well you opened the door. Perhaps keep your family matters to yourself? Just a crazy notion I have.

Sep 6, 2010, 12:14am Permalink
John Roach

Frank,
I never said there were not bad cops, I personally know some in the suburbs of Buffalo. And yes, we all know there are a few cops, just like other people, who will target members of certain groups (racial minorities, gays, etc), and it's not right. But I don't know any cop who just randomly goes and picks people out to harass either.

And, why should I take your version of events without asking questions? There are people out there who love to do stupid things and cry about it when arrested, or stopped, or fined.

There are also people out there who will defend the misbehavior of family members or friends, no matter what they do.

And, until you cleared up what you meant, it seemed you originally thought "flipping" somebody off was OK and none of their business if they got flipped. That naturally made me wonder if your version of things was accurate.

I don't know you or your kid. Maybe he got a raw deal. Maybe not. Maybe you're part of the problem, maybe not. Maybe the school is at fault? But if you don't like being questioned about it, then don't bring it up.

As for whining about people not agreeing with you, welcome to the club.

Sep 6, 2010, 7:06am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

There are bad cops. There are bad journalists. There are bad doctors. There are bad lawyers. There are bad teachers. etc.

It's impossible to name a profession where there are not people who are either ill-suited to the profession, but in it anyway, or have developed bad habits in the way they do their job or are just plain lazy and stupid.

There are multiple reasons I tend to defend cops: One is that I don't take well to the broad brush of somebody like Dennis with the "all cops are bad" sort of swipes. Another, since I've had some law enforcement training and experience, I know about about the job and I happen to have a good deal of respect for the members of the law enforcement community in this county. Another is we happen to deal with a lot of police activity on this site, so the topic just comes up frequently.

But like John, above, nobody is saying there aren't bad cops. But then I don't see the point of trying to always degrade their work just because of a person's bad experience.

Sep 6, 2010, 8:49am Permalink
Lorie Cook

Howard,

I am confused why you would delete Michele and my comments. I don't remember there being any personal attacks in either. Yeah, it's none of business and your right to do but just curious.

I do understand why you deleted Frank's last post but I really was not offended.

Frank, just happen to think it is not a good idea for you to post so much information about your son here. I have no idea how old he is but kids can be cruel and are just looking for a way to torment and bully others and you are handing it out on a silver platter.

Sep 6, 2010, 9:47am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Lorie, I'll send you an e-mail.

I didn't purposefully delete Michele's comment. I think she had posted the comment as a reply to Frank, so when I deleted his, her's went to, and I didn't even notice it until you brought it to my attention.

Even if you weren't offended, I can't allow clear name calling.

Sep 6, 2010, 9:54am Permalink
Lorie Cook

Frank,

First, congratulations on your years of sobriety. Second, never said BPD was perfect (just questioned some of your stories) and yeah, I know they are not...several decades ago two black men helped a friend of mine in an attemped robbery. We walked with them to the corner store to buy them some snacks in appreciation (yeah it was late...probably well after midnight). A police cruiser approached us and the guys said...they are going to ask if you are ok because you are white and we are black. And the idiot cop did just that. I was upset and embarrassed. Here these guys were complete gentlemen and helped my friend and then had to be degraded. So there you have it...I am no fool as to how cruel/ridiculous the world can be.

Sep 6, 2010, 11:35am Permalink
Lorie Cook

Frank,

I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt, but last night you went on and on about how you were never commenting here again. And now for an hour today you have been carrying on and on. Get over it and move on and quit misrepresenting my words! You clearly are the perpetual victim!

Sep 6, 2010, 12:40pm Permalink
Bea McManis

This thread started on 9/2 at 4:13pm. The first of my three posts (this is the fourth) came way down page 2 on September 5, 2010 - 12:28pm
Given the number of posts; observations and opinions I find it amusing that my three posts took on a life of their own in Frank's mind.
On top of that, I'm supposed to be shaking in my boots because Frank might, "start answering your posts in much the same way Richard did,". Wow, that is certainly a threat to worry about.
Frank, I too applaud your sobriety. I can never fault someone who recognized the harm drinking can do, not only to themselves but to their friends and family.
I sympathized with your story way back when you first posted it There are always two sides to a story, and we have only heard (repeatedly) your side. If, as you say, your son did no harm - nor did he ever instigate a problem then you certainly do have a valid claim.
Re: you walking home late at night
If you were walking and they asked for your ID, and explained that if something illegal happened in that area, you might get contacted, did you ever think that they didn't mean you were a suspect, but you could be an important witness?
I'm sure they changed their mind when you off on them.

Sep 6, 2010, 1:12pm Permalink
Michele Case

Once Frank said it was his plan to "expose those who abuse their power, authority, or position. I will never rest until I see justice for all, put back in the justice system here in this county" Come on, Frank. When the going gets tough...you know the rest! I think your goal, while it is a noble one, is not suited to you. First, you need a lot of money (and a lawyer)! Second, you gotta be strong and not let others get to you. Reserve some of your words and get more bang for your buck! I have reread everything written here, and when seeing it a second time, it doesn't look nearly as intimidating. The first time I read it I thought it was more ire provoking than it was the second time. You called out John, Lorie and Bea. Both John and Lorie have posted that they are aware that some police do abuse their power. I think everyone pretty much knows this except maybe Bea. I too have been wronged and it doesn't feel so good. I know I felt like the kid on Boyz in the Hood. I knew exactly how he felt to be picked on for just the color of his skin. Likewise there was no rationale for what happened to me not long ago. I am not going to say anything here about this incident but it will come out sometime in the future. For now I just listen to my attorney. Some things take time to correct. The police are only human and they make errors. The one who acted on his erroneous thoughts actually abused his authority and I plan to set the record straight and he will get punished. I feel it is my obligation to save others from what I went through. I don't know how I get into some of the things I do, cuz I certainly don't look for trouble, but I feel God has some kind of purpose for me. Frank, if you really feel the need to teach people, you gotta review your methods, cuz I am afraid you are just in for more trouble by degrading the police in general. You are alienating everyone, when you need some allies. Good luck and please, don't stop posting.

Sep 6, 2010, 1:15pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Post 5
Michelle,
There is no one, on this earth, who is perfect.
I know of law officers who have misused their authority. But the police that I knew who were abusing their badge are no longer alive or are now serving time for their misdeeds. There is only one in particular, who no longer is with a department, got away with a horrendous miscarriage of justice. Someday his day of reckoning will come.
I don't live in an ivory tower, nor do I see life through rose colored glasses. There are injustices in all walks of life and some of them are caused by those who abuse their authority.

Sep 6, 2010, 1:29pm Permalink
Lorie Cook

Nevermind, someone is on a rampage editing his posts and left a very rude post but seems to have realized it. I thought I replied to it.

It's still there...it starts out...john merely giving dennis...

You can figure it out from there.

Sep 7, 2010, 2:03am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I'm seriously thinking about taking away the ability for people to edit their comments. No other sites allow it and as we've seen in this thread -- and it's happened before -- some people abuse the privileged.

Sep 7, 2010, 8:45am Permalink
Bea McManis

The only useful function of the edit is to eliminate a double post.
If there is a correction or an addition to a post, it can be done by posting that correction or addition.
JMHO

Sep 7, 2010, 8:50am Permalink
Lori Silvernail

Howard, I belong to a couple of internet TV discussion sites. They don't allow post edits after 5 minutes. If you want a post edited or deleted after that, you have to write to the site moderator.

But just so people know, whatever is written and sent up to cyberspace, it can be retrieved even after it's deleted. Happens all the time, especially if defamation or such is involved.

...and sometimes discussions are so interesting and jaw-drop worthy, that people copy/paste them into Word and hang onto them in case they're deleted later... just sayin

Sep 7, 2010, 9:39am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

The five or 30 minutes to edit post has occurred to me, but that would take some programming, which means $$$. Easiest thing is just check one box and people can no longer edit posts.

Sep 7, 2010, 9:45am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

John, thank you, nothing personal on my edit job, I was trying to remove my entire post,the site kept giving me an error message, and stopped me from leaving the comment box blank, so I figured if I left a bunch of ridiculous mumble in the box, Howard would take it down for me. Once again, I figured wrong. oops. Then my old nemisis,my sense of humor, took over, and I was simply out of control.

Sep 7, 2010, 11:58am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Michele, sometimes I have to put myself in timeout, otherwise my stinkin thinkin puts me in a snit, and the longer I continue in the snit, the more the stinkin thinkin controls the attitude I convey towards others.
Posting on this site is a sorta relief valve, but I realize I should stay away when the snit hits the fan. Even after 11 years, sometimes the old thinking sneaks up on me, and sometimes I forget where it got me.
I guess maybe I could have responded to some of the criticism by simply saying, anger is an emotion, and we do control it, when we blame others for manipulating those controls, we ,all by ourself have lost control.

Sep 7, 2010, 2:51pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Howard, was there any good reason to take down my post to Lorie, or is it as I said, only a select few can slam others.Look at Lorie's posts, calling me A "PERPETUAL VICTIM" and insinuating I'm a liar and a fool. I thought I made a fair point, she used what I perceived to be a vulgar description of a former police officer, and I called her on it.
She was the one who yammered on and on about vulgarity,
and then has the gall to call a person a "jerkwad". If anyone looked foolish, I would have to say Lories comment, and all the fuss she was making over obscene gestures changed the title holder. Her comment showed more than a hint as being hypocritical.

Sep 9, 2010, 12:11am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Frank, you're the one who drags out so much of your personal life/story in comments. That's naturally going to expose you to potential criticism and it's certainly a question to what degree I'm responsible for protecting you from that. Putting yourself out there in such a personal way makes the judgment calls much tougher on whether you're being attacked or critiqued for your own conduct.

However, direct name calling is never allowed.

There are some things that I have a tough time wondering if I'm making the right call on. Other things are easy.

Sep 9, 2010, 12:09am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Howard, Lorie posted the comment that opened her up for criticism as well, but your saying it was a personal attack rather than criticism, despite the fact she went on,post after post, criticizing me for being immune to those who flip me off, because I don't care, and she insinuated I raised my kids to be vulgar, that I was a liar, that I was foolish, thats ok?

Sep 9, 2010, 12:22am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Frank, read my lips: Name calling is not allowed. Get it?

Your comment was not deleted because you were arguing with or criticizing anybody.

Further, you're the one who has dragged your kid into the conversation through your many previous posts about him, so you put me in a really tough spot on where to draw the line.

Sep 9, 2010, 12:32am Permalink
Lorie Cook

Howard, why on earth would you ever feel you need to protect an adult from their own comments? Guess you are just a good soul, and amen to that.

And you are right...you post your personal info on a public place and are slamming others...folks just might call you on it.

I was extremely upset when Dennis started posting certain names and someone was ringing the charge bell. One of the "names" posted had just been @ my house and assisted me in a horrible incident. I was walking my dog and was charged by a huge dog who bit my dog in the back. I was a mess and hardly knew what I was saying and this officer was very kind and understanding. When I saw Dennis accusing him of nonsense and another encouraging him...well I went off the deep end.

Sep 9, 2010, 2:31am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Howard, I can't see your lips,like I said,seems a little hypicritical. I guess the ability to prove what I post is meaningless? Lorie calls a former police officer a jerkwad, which can be taken as both offensive and vulgar, but she berates me on numerous posts, and if I was to read your lips, they would say, it's ok for Lorie to call Frank names, or insinuate, but if Frank does it, the rules will almost certainly change.
Lorie, the guy who is labeled a sex offender is going through the same type of nonesense I have been trying to explain, in Batavia, once labeled, always guilty. I believe, or better yet, it is my opinion, some officials in this City, and County, go after the easy targets, and they know full well what they are doing.And when you fight back, they ,like Howard, start tweaking the rules. My problem with the authorities go back 30 years, and it wasn't due to any actions from me, or my son. It was an accusation made by a family member, and I personally don't care what anyone beleives, I know what has happened since, when a certain last name is mentioned during most police interactions, it takes on a whole new character. Maybe I am stupid, or foolish for staying here, but I just can't let these people drive me out of here. I will leave on my own terms.
Oh, and in case the post patrol is prowling, when I use the term police interaction, it doesn't mean a crime was committed, yes it is possible to have police contact, and not have committed any violation of the law. When you point out to certain individuals that their tactics are approaching the point of rights violations, they continue to do whatever the hell they want, because they can hide behind their position, and just like some who post on this site, they blow it off by insinuating you're lying.
I'm not trying to change the world, but I feel the longer these issues are diregarded, the more likely it is to continue, and when this happens to your family, you will also be a perpetual victim, because others are to damn rightious to beleive this could happen.

Sep 9, 2010, 8:52am Permalink
bud prevost

Frank- several times in this thread you have stated you will no longer post here. Well?? Not for nothing, but your bad experiences in life are a product of who you are (or at least who you present yourself to be on this site). I had a lot of brushes with the law as a young man. And it seemed it was always someone else's fault. So when I finally took a good, hard look at all my troubles, you know what I found out? The only constant was me, and my actions, and my words. As soon as I figured that out, and changed my "stinkin thinkin", no more police issues. The only person who can remove that target from your back is you Frank. Good luck

Sep 9, 2010, 8:52am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Bud , I had thought I did remove the target, and I did take a good hard look at myself, I changed what I could, and left what wasn't mine to change in the hands of God.
And guess what Bud, the target is still there. If you read what I said, and have been saying all along, once a target always a target, and it becomes even bigger if you don't bow down. So you are in effect, saying that is wrong? Maybe in your world, not in mine.
Do my posts offend you Bud,if so, why? I know what I said about posting on the site, but some decent folks convinced me this wasn't the answer.
I didn't pick the fight I'm involved in, it landed in my lap. And for those who believe you can't fight city hall, thats an idea I don't share. An attorney told me I couldn't win a particular piece of this mess, but guess what,I did, and did so without an attorney. I know the odds are stacked against me.
The attitudes conveyed on this site seem to be saying, just go away, and go away quietly, I'm sorry folks, in my book, 2 wrongs never make a right.

Sep 9, 2010, 9:22am Permalink
bud prevost

It's everyone's world, we all just have our own views. I'm sorry for you that you went to the effort of reaching sustainable sobriety, yet you are treated the same as before. That indicates to me (only my opinion), that it wasn't your substance abuse that was the primary problem, just a symptom of the real malady.

Sep 9, 2010, 9:15am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Like I said Bud, you'll whistle another tune when it knocks on your door. Is it your turn to defend Howard.
And like I also said, your opinion autmatically makes me the bad guy, same shi#, different,day.

Sep 9, 2010, 9:30am Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Someone took a dump in my cornflakes and I didn't like it, so I am trying to do whatever is necessary to not let it happen again,yeah, some malady that is.But thanks for the diagnosis "Dr.Bud".
The real malady is, I won't roll over and play dead, if I break the rules, I expect to be punished accordingly, I just happen to believe in the reciprication as well.If thats wrong, then I'm wrong

Sep 9, 2010, 9:48am Permalink

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