Breaking News on George Zimmerman & Legal Issues in School

Click HERE To Listen:  04-11-12 Paul Samakow

Another packed commentary with Paul on Andy’s show today.

Top of the news today is the coming announcement of charges related to the death of Trayvon Martin.  The Special Prosecutor is set to hold a news conference at 6:00 PM today.  Andy asked Paul to be available tomorrow for commentary, so listen in then on this topic.

A Michigan school teacher, Brooke Harris, was fired this week for supporting a fundraising event for Trayvon’s parents.  They were going to wear “hoodies” and pay $1.00.  There have been other fund-raising events at this school where the children were allowed to “dress down.” Neither Paul nor Andy could understand why Harris was booted.  She went through proper channels and when the Superintendent said “no”, Harris was on her way to tell the students.  She was then fired.  Paul will follow and report more if available next week.

The third story discussed today was about another teacher, Jarretta Hamilton, in Florida, who was fired for having pre-marital sex.  Hamilton worked at a Christian school in St. Cloud, Florida, and the school says she violated the moral precepts of the school.  Hamilton and her husband, the father of the child to be, went in to ask the principal about maternity leave.  Then, the principal began asking personal questions, and learned the child was conceived about two months before Hamilton and her husband wed.  Paul’s thought:  blatant gender discrimination!

Paul’s tip of the day involved what to do if you are injured at work. Listen to the segment to learn and also, to learn the startling truth about Worker’s Compensation claims.

Labels: gun control, in the courtroom, radio show

Strip Searches, Groupon & Police Versus Dog

Click HERE to Listen: Paul Samakow on 04-04-12

Paul and Andy got right into it today with a discussion about the Supreme Court’s ruling just days ago, allowing strip searches, nationwide, in any state, any city, any town, for ANY offense.  Unbelievable!  Simply not paying a traffic ticket could land you in jail and having to take your clothes off, be subjected to a body cavity search, all in the name of protection against the possibility you may be smuggling in contraband, or have weapons on  you… Paul’s view:  nuts!

Next, Andy asked about the recent Groupon class action suit settlement.  Groupon’s coupons expired, often before consumers could use them.  The settlement of $8.5 Million now establishes a fund for refunds if the local merchant won’t allow you to redeem your coupon.  This applies to all coupons purchased before December 1, 2011.

Andy then wanted the details on the $620,000 verdict in Frederick, Maryland.  In January, 2010, a police officer, according to the Mr. Brooks and his wife, came into their home without permission, to serve a juvenile civil warrant.  Once in the home, the officer shot their dog.  The dog survived, by the way.  The Brooks sued for civil rights violations and won  the huge verdict.  The police officer didn’t help himself at trial:  he couldn’t explain why the dog caused him to shoot.

Paul’s tip of the day involved not complaining publicly if the complaint could be slanderous.  Listen to the show to hear all of Paul’s thoughts on these stories and his complete comments on his tip.

Labels: freedom vs. security, in the courtroom, privacy, radio show

The Trayvon Martin Case, Supreme Court debate & Online Dating

Click HERE To Listen: Paul Samakow on 03-28-12

Andy and Paul squared off today on Paul’s last comment, at the end of talking about Trayvon Martin.  Trayvon, killed in Florida by a community watch captain, facts still to be determined and grand jury being empaneled on April 10th…  Paul offered that he didn’t like the fact that the community watch captain had a gun, saying Trayvon would still be alive if the watch captain didn’t have a gun.  Andy offered up the self defense argument.  They agreed to disagree.

Next, Paul educated us about the distinction between a Worker’s Compensation claim and a lawsuit against the employer as it relates to the current suits against the National Football League (NFL), the most recent one a class action suit with former Redskin, Mark Rypien as the named Plaintiff.  The lawsuit, now one of about 51 or 52 currently in state courts all over the country, alleges that the NFL knew all of the hits to the head in games and practices would cause permanent neurologic and cognitive problems. Listen to find out why these are not Worker’s Compensation claims.

The final topic discussed today involved the voluntary agreement between Match.com, E-Harmony and Spark Networks (match-making services) and the California Attorney General, to screen and block sexual offenders and those with fake profiles from using the services.  This agreement arose out of horrible case last year when a woman was raped by a man set up through Match.com.

Paul’s tip was to put a family member’s name and telephone number in your cell phone under ICE — In Case of Emergency — so if there is an emergency, first responders or rescue people know who to contact.

Finally, Andy congratulated Paul on his joining the Washington Times Communities (on-line forum) as a columnist.  Search “Paul Samakow” to see the articles he’s written thus far:   http://communities.washingtontimes.com/

Listen to the whole segment.

Labels: free speech, freedom vs. security, gun control, in the courtroom, personal injury, radio show, safety, social networking

Protecting Passwords, A Fatal Shooting & The Supreme Court on Survivor Benefits

Click HERE to Listen:  Paul Samakow on 03-21-12

Today’s talk between Paul and Andy was sizzling.  Andy asked about employers who want prospects’ Facebook usernames and passwords, as a condition of  employment.  Wow!  Paul couldn’t have been more adamant that this was the ultimate invasion of privacy.  He asked if the prospect should just give the employer the keys to the house and allow them into all of the private drawers and such.  Paul’s advice is to be aware of what is on your social media pages and recognize that people are looking.  In today’s world, sometimes your job situation might demand you allow this fishing expedition.

Next, the guys talked about the fatal shooting of 17 year old Trayvon Martin by a Florida “neighborhood watch captain”.  Trayvon was black, the captain, George Zimmerman, is white.  Media attention on this couldn’t be  higher.  Paul explained that a grand jury will most likely be convened to determine if Mr. Zimmerman will stand trial, and that police did nothing wrong in not initially arresting him.  Listen to find out why.

The third conversation focused on the Supreme Court’s coming decision involving whether children whose father died  before they were born, or even conceived, are entitled to survivors benefits under Social Security laws.  Servicemen who are deployed to a war zone are more commonly making deposits into sperm banks, in case they don’t return their widows can still potentially have their children. Should the kids get Social Security benefits if they weren’t born before dad died?  The Supreme Court will tell us.  Paul says they’ll say “no.”

Finally, Paul’s tip of the day involved protecting your assets for reimbursement in the event of a house fire.  Listen to find out what to do!

Labels: free speech, freedom vs. security, gun control, in the courtroom, privacy, radio show

DUI Laws, Voter ID & Who Keeps The Ring?

Click HERE to Listen: Paul Samakow on 03-14-12

Today’s time with Paul was a bit more informational than news analysis, as Andy started off by asking about Virginia’s new DUI penalty.  Paul explained that previously, Virginia required the ignition interlock device for 2nd time alcohol offenders and for those, even the first time, that had a blood alcohol content measured at or above .15.  Now, Virginia requires the device’s installation for ALL DUI offenders, regardless of the BAC content or number of offense.  Paul noted “drinkers beware” and commented he was in favor of this new law.  Andy wholeheartedly agreed!

Next, Paul told us about the Texas “photo ID” law that didn’t pass for voters at polling places.  The Justice Department was convincing that the law unconstitutionally impacted Hispanics.  Both Andy and Paul agreed that certainly, in today’s world, it is unusual not to have a photo ID.  But, not having one shouldn’t deprive you of your right to vote.

The third discussion involved the unfortunate situation about who keeps the wedding or engagement ring if the marriage is called off.  Listen for Paul’s commentary and analysis.

Finally, Paul’s tip involved employees (that’s most of us), what the law is, and what your rights are concerning post-hiring drug testing.  Do you have to submit to a drug test as a condition of continued employment?

Listen to learn the answer!

Labels: Voting, drugs, radio show, safety