FCI Staff Writer Sacramento 
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July 23, 2021,
Should you wait for the cavalry to come?
It depends upon what type of government you live under.
If it is an authoritarian one, please don’t hold your breath.
As democracies begin to crumble around the world, something once thought unthinkable, when you find yourself in between a rock and a hard spot, especially in terms of government or police corruption, where do you turn?
To an attorney?
We’ve had our experience with that and most times they are more corrupt than the other two groups combined. With a pretense to help, they will take your money ($20,000 retainer) and do nothing. Their last line is there was a miscommunication and close your case.
In times past, you could turn to people of moral character to help.
The epitome of that was the iconic film, Shane.
Shane is a 1953 American Western film from Paramount Pictures, noted for its landscape cinematography, editing, performances, and contributions to the genre.
The film stars Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur and Van Heflin.
It was the last feature (and only color) film of Arthur’s career. Shane was listed No. 3 on AFI’s 10 Top 10 in the ‘Western’ category.
Here is the storyline.
Shane, a laconic but skilled gunfighter with a mysterious past, is a drifter who rides into an isolated valley in the sparsely settled Wyoming Territory, sometime after the Civil War.
He is hired as a farmhand by local rancher Joe Starrett who lives as a homesteader with his wife, Marian, and their young son, Joey. Mr. Starrett tells Shane that a war of intimidation is being waged on the valley’s settlers. Though they have claimed their land legally under the Homestead Acts, a ruthless cattle baron, Rufus Ryker, has hired various rogues and henchmen to harass them and force them out of the valley.
Things do get deadly and the Sheep Herders and Ranchers are fortunate that an effective gun fighter with high morals and principles is there to fight for them.
The legendary Alan Ladd is incredible as the laconic (doesn’t mince words, gets to the point quickly, sometimes undiplomatic) hero who eventually saves the day.
In between fist and gun fights, he rides into town to have a drink. His drink of choice?
Soda pop.
Clint Eastwood’s classic, Pale Rider, was based upon this.
There doesn’t seem to be many heroes like Shane around in our time period.
They do exist. They are just harder to find and if they live under Authoritarian governments, they just get killed off.
It is beginning to feel like television is the only place where we can find a modern day Shane. Wearing lipstick and makeup is cool, as long as you get the job done.
The Equalizer is an American crime drama television series that premiered on CBS on February 7, 2021. It is the second reboot in the franchise, following the 2014 film and its 2018 sequel and is a reboot of the 1980s series with the same name.
The late Edward Woodward starred in the 1980’s original complete with a typical 80’s pulsating soundtrack.
The series is co-created by executive producers Richard Lindheim, with Michael Sloan, and Queen Latifah, who also stars as the title character.
Here is the premise.
The series centers around Robyn McCall (Edward Woodward was named Robert McCall), an enigmatic woman in New York City and single mother to teenage daughter Delilah, with a mysterious background who uses her extensive skills to help those with nowhere else to turn, acting as a guardian angel and a defender for those who cannot defend themselves while pursuing her own redemption.
We really admire the last part.
She is trying to redeem herself so her quests for justice are not just about kicking tail and taking names. There is a moral message in just about every episode. Most important, the message is believable.
Fortunately in March 2021, the series was renewed for a second season which is set to premiere on October 10, 2021.
We travel across the pond for another, fight the corruption series that gives us hope because there, it is not the Lone Ranger approach but they are organized and paid for by the people they are supposed to protect and serve.
Line of Duty is a British police procedural television series created by Jed Mercurio and produced by World Productions.
On June 26, 2021, BBC Two began to broadcast the first series; it was its best-performing drama series in ten years with a consolidated audience of 4.1 million viewers.
Broadcast of the second series began on February 12, 2014.
Its widespread public and critical acclaim led to the BBC commissioning a further two series.
The third series began on March 24, 2016.
We’re glad they were renewed because they are captivating.
Now for the tale of the tape.
Line of Duty follows DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), an authorized firearms officer who is transferred to Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12) after refusing to agree to cover up an unlawful shooting by his own team.
Bravo. A modern day Shane.
At AC-12 Arnott is partnered with DC Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure), a highly commended undercover officer with a keen investigative instinct. They work under the supervision of Superintendent Ted Hastings Adrian Dunbar, very laconic in nature, uncovering corruption within the fictional Central Police Force.
We wish they were real and in America.
What we like about the series is that it is not left up to just one person to dispense justice. They are well-funded and organized to perform the duties that they are paid to do. They are not just in the structure, they are the structure.
We continue to stay in the United Kingdom
Chatham House, also known as the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute headquartered in London. Its mission is to provide authoritative commentary on world events and offer solutions to global challenges.
The world could sure use their help.
Democracy could sure use their help.
Strange, since all in our circle grew up in a democracy, it feels as though we took it for granted. As though it were bullet proof and would always be here.
We don’t feel that way now.
At chathamhouse.org, they speak to the importance of democracies. “Democracy has played a vital role in the story of civilization, helping transform the world from power structures of monarchy, empire, and conquest into popular rule, self-determination, and peaceful co-existence.”
You prefer that, right?
We sure do.
Otherwise, if we survive, we have to wait for the next real life Shane to ride into town, and sometimes that is a long time in between drinks.
~ ~ ~
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shane_(film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Equalizer_(2021_TV_series)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_of_Duty
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2021/04/importance-democracy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chatham_House
https://www.fcielitecompetitor.com/
https://fciwomenswrestling.com/
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