Bloody stench persists--England’s government is currently conducting an inquiry into the 1972 Bloody Sunday attack by British paratroopers against an independence parade in Derry, Northern Ireland. Indelibly stamped, Bloody Sunday. Thirteen marchers were shot dead and more were wounded. Testifying at the present inquiry, Col. Derek Wilford, who commanded the attack, declared, "We did nothing improper."

They’re trying--The prison population in England and Wales hit a record 73,091. Percentage-wise in relation to the population the number lags behind its senior partner, but it anticipates that in three years its prisons will overflow.

Try the World Bank--Fire fighters in Mount Lake Terrace, Washington, sleep in on the floor of a City Hall conference room. The firehouse has been declared a fire hazard. Also, the dorm room there has no windows. The city council is weighing a remodeling.

Probably get a good reference--In Alexandria, Louisiana, a civil service board backed the chief of police in firing a cop who shot a suspected shoplifter. The cop fired nine shots at Sherry Pennington as she drove off with her sister and child. She was wounded in the back and arm. There was no mention of jailing the cop.

Sometimes it backfires--It was so raw that Texas prosecutors had to throw it out. Drug convictions had been obtained against 38 people, nearly all Black. The sole evidence against them was the word of a white, now former undercover cop. Some are already serving 90 years or more. Asked if the convictions were a travesty of justice, the special prosecutor in the case hesitated, and then said yes.

Homeland Security--Kankakee is a tiny Illinois town. The lawn of its county courthouse has been a free-speech site. Last month, 65 people gathered for a prayer-for-peace vigil. As they were disbanding, the county sheriff and some cops showed up. The sheriff said that from now on any and all activities would require carefully scrutinized permits. He pointed to the permit for the traditional Salvation Army’s senior arts and crafts exhibit, which will get closer consideration. With all those booths there, he explained, "someone could possibly move a bomb through there, or something."

Happiness by the pound--Two professors in England profess they made a 10-year study of 10,000 people to determine if money really could buy happiness. The answer is a definite yes, provided the income was sufficient. A young couple’s happiness is worth a tad over $100,000, observed one of the pros. Not surprisingly, as people get richer they get happier.

Bargain-basement happiness--It’s a modest enterprise, but it’s more satisfying then $100,000 a year. Help make jokes and jabs against this foul capitalist system. Send clippings c/o Pathfinder Books, 4229 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA. 90011. Or e-mail to: 74642.32@compuserve.com  
 
 
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