Peakah's Provocations...

Despite the fact that I'm kind of a country boy from Upstate NY I have fallen in love with Las Vegas over the last three years. We moved from Albuquerque, affectionately know as Albu-crack-y because of what I experienced in the two years of working at the Bernalillo County Correction Center.

There are things I will always love about that quirky New Mexican city but I hated the local politics.

I love the local politics of Las Vegas however, in particular, Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Yeah, he's an old school mob lawyer, which is probably why he has the stones to threaten vandals with televised thumb amputations!

From the Guardian Unlimited:

RENO, Nev. (AP) - Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman has suggested that those who deface freeways with graffiti should have their thumbs cut off on television.

Goodman, appearing Wednesday on the "Nevada Newsmakers" television show, said, "In the old days in France, they had beheading of people who commit heinous crimes.

"You know, we have a beautiful highway landscaping redevelopment in our downtown. We have desert tortoises and beautiful paintings of flora and fauna. These punks come along and deface it.

"I'm saying maybe you put them on TV and cut off a thumb," the mayor added. "That may be the right thing to do."

Wow, now that's telling it like it is! Talk about a refreshing politician regardless of whether or not you agree!

Granted, Mayor Goodman has done an amazing job attempting to fix this city's freeways. Trust me, there's construction on every one, through the entire city, regardless of which route you take...

I concede that it has really come along great considering the rate of growth this city has experienced over the last couple decades. I know that Mayor Goodman gets particularly passionate about particular pet projects and there's no doubt that he is proud of his freeway construction...

...but cutting off the thumbs of lil gang bangers? Hmmm...

Despite the fact that these little gang bangers will receive worse treatment than captured terrorists in federal custody, I love the idea!

Consider me a member of the Oscar 'the grouch' Goodman for President campaign contributor.

Goodman also suggested that whippings or canings should be brought back for children who get into trouble.

"I also believe in a little bit of corporal punishment going back to the days of yore, where examples have to be shown," Goodman said.

"I'm dead serious," said Goodman, adding, "Some of these (children) don't learn. You have got to teach them a lesson, and this is coming from a criminal defense lawyer."

"They would get a trial first," he added.

Another panelist on the show, Howard Rosenberg, a state university system regent, responded by saying that cutting off the thumbs of taggers won't solve the problem and Goodman should "use his head for something other than a hat rack."

C'mon, what's not to love about this guy?

linked with Don Surber