Bernie Sanders: When Sanders, the sudden Democrat – acts Trump lite.

Jane’s a gem, but on March 18, 2016, the crux of Bernie Sander’s problems:  numbers and personality, specifically, Bernie’s arrogance,  finally debuted on network television.

But while most would favor any number of Bernie’s ideas, numbers evidencing Bernie’s personality, no one would claim to  like.

The first number occurs at the 4:22 mark – after Bernie ended a television interview in Phoenix, by standing up and making a move to walk away – but stopping to say,

“Don’t say I walked away” (Check it out here including Bernie’s scolding, finger beginning to once-again, shake.)

Another number that’s bad for Bernie is five.  That would be the number of times Bernie voted against the Brady Bill sane gun safety legislation – although the latest data crunch shows Vermont is number Eight out of 50 for gun deaths.  Most victims are women killed by husbands or boyfriends.

Bernie Sanders voted against sane gun Safety legislation Five times

Another number women don’t like about Bernie?   The number Zero.

“Zero” is the number of Bernie’s highest paid staffers who are women.

That number ends Bernie’s facade of fairness.  

Another zero for Bernie?  This.

More from actual black Vermont residents, on Bernie; below.

Another zero for Bernie?  His foreign policy experience.  

Couple the above with Bernie’s long history of zero social skills, and it turns out the problem for Bernie in implementing his goals, is Bernie.

Worse, Bernie’s “Get off my lawn” personality is something Bernie’s fans will not address.  

In this way, Bernie’s fans are very much as screechy and strident as Trump’s fans.  This also explains why Bernie’s ruder supporters are constantly being compared to Trump’s, after Trump fans continually refuse to address Trump’s long string of business failures.

Trump is proud to be a jerk.  But Bernie, who would never dream of  being as insulting as Trump (only Gustavo Martinez fits that bill) also thinks his finger shaking “just do it” style is a time saver, when in reality, it’s a wall builder.  A wall builder faster than Trump could ever imagine.

The end result is the very people Bernie needs to achieve his goals, become turned off because of Bernie’s personality.  This also explains why Bernie’s colleagues are not running to the microphone to endorse him. 

Media is finally addressing their failure to investigate

Separately, was happy someone over at MSNBC finally did the math on the sudden Democrat, as well as Bernie’s personality.  In the early morning hours on March 18, 2016, waking to the sound of  TV, I finally heard someone talking about Bernie, in full.

A woman was giving us the skinny on Bernie’s numbers and his core problem.  She said:

1. “Not enough wins.  
2. Not enough delegates.
3. Not enough Super Delegates.”

(Okay!  The math part was easy.  Now for the rest.)  Then the woman added,

“but he wants the convention to give him room to make a speech figuring all the delegates will jump to him,” 

Sleepy as I was, (why her name escaped me) it was impossible not to recognize the woman was alluding to Bernie’s arrogance as a core issue against Bernie.

Which until that moment, mainstream media had been doing back-flips to skirt.

More finger shaking – U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders speaks at the Communication Workers of America (CWA) office in Washington December 17, 2015. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

The long history of Bernie’s personality preventing him from accomplishing goals is only now beginning to appear as media finally is getting off the dime.  

Which how we came to learn, as evidenced by staff salaries, Bernie doesn’t see women as equals.  Makes me wonder what else will be revealed as media gets off the dime on Bernie and Trump both.

Below are some Cliff’s Notes; but the take-away is simple. Bernie treats people disdainfully.  Don’t shoot the messenger for bringing to you, those with a long, negative history of Bernie.

From those who worked with Bernie a long time –  Arrogance.

From Boston Magazine on Bernie’s Vermont background.

“Former aides have called him strident and never satisfied, to the point of being abusive, especially during his first years in Congress. “Bernie is a very demanding guy,” Fiermonte tells me. “He has very high expectations, and he expects people to meet them. But he’s a good boss. I wouldn’t be with him otherwise.” Or, as more than one Vermont politician told me, “Bernie’s an asshole, but he’s our asshole.”

Capitol Hill, Sanders has a reputation for being a pain in the ass. “Bernie believes that he’s right, and that what he wants is for the greater good,” says Houston consultant Susan Boardman Russ, formerly the longtime chief of staff for the late Vermont Senator Jim Jeffords. “Bernie is so certain that what he represents politically is unquestionably correct, therefore everyone should agree. Not much room for compromise…it was, ‘Play in my sandbox, or get out.’

From a former Editor of the Burlington Free Press, in, “The Trouble with Bernie“

“Considering that the Free Press’ editorial positions were very liberal, reflecting the nature of a very liberal Vermont community, one might think that meetings with Sanders were cordial, even celebratory.

They weren’t.

Bernie was always full of himself: pious, self-righteous and utterly humorless. Burdened by the cross of his socialist crusade, he was a scold whose counter-culture moralizing appealed to the state’s liberal sensibilities as well as its conservatives, who embraced his gun ownership stance, his defense of individual rights, an antipathy toward big corporations and, generally speaking, his stick-it-to-them approach to politics.

My most memorable encounter with Sanders was during an editorial board session during a period when the Vermont Progressive Party was reconstituting itself to challenge for more seats on the Burlington City Council.

Sanders had been mayor of Burlington from 1981 until 1989, institutionalizing progressive government in the city and other Vermont enclaves. Although he has been in Washington since his election to the House of Representatives in 1991, he remained the titular head of the movement, yet refused to endorse a progressive slate seeking City Council seats or the new leadership orchestrating the campaigns.

After discussing his favorite issues — corporations, government reform, health care and the like, I asked about his unwillingness to endorse his fellow progressives. He said it wasn’t his role. I suggested voters might expect him to weigh in. He disagreed, clearly annoyed at the persistent questioning. Finally I suggested that he had a larger moral responsibility to the progressive movement.

At which point he jumped out of his seat, told me to go f*** myself and stormed out of the edit board meeting. OK, maybe my persistence bordered on hectoring. But I felt he ought to provide an honest answer. My suspicion was that he resented others for assuming his mantle of progressive leadership and wouldn’t acknowledge them.

He returned to the meeting about five minutes after the outburst and we continued to discuss issues of the day.”

The Bottom line:  Bernie is simply not presidential material.

Then there’s the people whose vote Bernie is supposedly courting.

Black Vermonters on Bernie?  They felt invisible.  Not impressed.

“Racial profiling is a fact of life here,” said Vaughn Carney, a black lawyer in the state who has supported Sanders in every election but plans to vote for Hillary Clinton for president.

“Vermont incarcerates people at the fourth highest rate in the U.S., but no one talks about that. I have been beating on that drum for a while now, and I hoped that Bernie would up that mantle, but he has not. He is like a lot of Vermonters who like to congratulate themselves on how progressive they are but sweep these issues under the rug.”

Carney said that he and other black leaders in the state often turned to Vermont’s other senator, Patrick Leahy, for matters pertaining to the community.

“Overall we felt as though Sen. Leahy was interested in keeping informed on our issues,” Carney said of the Senate Judiciary Chairman who often deals with criminal justice legislation. “We put out an all-points bulletin to our congressional delegation. Leahy responded and was instrumental in drawing attention to it. We got no response back from the other senator’s office, which was an indication that civil rights was not his top priority.”

“I think Bernie tends to run away from racial and ethnic issues,” Carney concluded.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t dislike Bernie. He’s a hard worker and; excluding people killed by guns, Bernie has done well for the State of Vermont; a state with perhaps more cows than people. But the fact is, Bernie’s personality won’t work as president. Also, Bernie’s fans – who are more akin to Trump’s fans, won’t address another fact. Bernie’s female ex-staffers bolted for Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Nope. Bernie’s fans will not talk about that.

That’s it for today.  Will be updating this post to chronicle ongoing examples of Bernie, the Sudden Democrat, alienating people.

While I am grateful Bernie, pushed true Democrats Left of Center, that’s it.  I do not care for Bernie’s methods; but more importantly, I recognize Bernie is neither fair to women, black people of either sex; and hasn’t the tact and diplomacy needed to be the Leader of the free world.  Half of whom are women.  This, and ending American misogyny is why

#ImWithHer

Time to retire the phrase “Liberal media”

So-called, “Liberal media” is dead. It was a slow, but mostly, quiet death.

(Mourners mourned independently.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, it wasn’t Liberal media.  Just facts not to the liking of the right wing, (largely corporations).  Thus the cry, “Liberal Media” was born to combat those daring to print or air unpopular truths about corporations or government.

It should be noted, however, when people say “media is biased” they mean journalism:  It should also be noted they are wrong.

Media replaced journalism:  It’s all about those ad revenues, baby!

Les Moonves couldn’t have been more specific.  

(The public is immaterial.)

Media has no accountability to the public.  Only to shareholders. Trump is a media created candidate.

There is a solution.  If you’re pressed for time, it’s comedians.  Hit Control F, and type “Comedians.”  It’s near the end.

But before doing so, realize Media spends no time denying they created the laughing stock candidate of the world, aka:  Mr. Bluster.

P.S.  It’s worse than anyone imagined

 

How we lost journalism

By and large, Americans didn’t realize how good they had it when they had the Fairness Doctrine. 

Americans didn’t realize the editorial department could rail against news coverage in their very own pages.

Once upon a time Americans had rich – and by rich, I mean the ability to be fully informed, in rich detail, by one TV news station. This was made possible via the FCC which mandated the “Fairness Doctrine”  –  which deemed both sides of an issue must be aired so the listening and viewing public could hear, hopefully the best each side had to offer, then decide for themselves how they thought about an issue.  At the time television news stations took the trouble to locate the most informed on a subject.  (That time has long since, passed.)

 The FCC also deemed rich guys who owned newspapers, couldn’t own TV stations.

Henry Luce….came along, and eventually, Time Magazine as Luce became more interested in the “middle class.” Now known as the “new poor.”

Unfortunately, along came President Ronald Reagan and the campaign to end the Fairness Doctrine as the enemy of free speech, began.  Reagan killed the Fairness Doctrine by a Veto.

Reagan was followed by George W. Bush.  Or, as Molly Ivins called him;  Shrub.  

 

Bush killed the attempted return of the Fairness Doctrine.  

President Obama has expressed zero interest in a revival.    

One last thing about the Fairness Doctrine.

 

Chuck Todd assured me the Fairness Doctrine isn’t coming back.

Since Tim Russert’s death, our best days are behind us

Americans trusted Tim Russert.  Tim did his research for Meet the Press; and although the questions were tough, Tim treated everyone fairly.  Guests showed up knowing their seat at the Sunday table was a hot seat.  But they showed up because they also knew Tim was fair.  

The public was keenly aware Tim was on our side.   We trusted him.  So when Tim died, so young, so suddenly, Americans dropped everything and watched all coverage.  Some were so upset, they simply got in their cars and drove to Washington.  At Tim’s funeral, President Obama sat next to his John McCain.

So far, no one has replaced Tim.

Sexism in coverage – blatant and subtle

Probably the best take on media sexism is Think Progress on Hillary Clinton; one of the most complex women of our time.  Madame Secretary is also the most qualified candidate.  No one with credibility says anything else.  

But seriously,  how many people have seen this poster of Madame Secretary?

The problem is the same.  Media employs a lot of people with no credibility, as pundits.

The pundit list is long, and seemingly endless.  My favorite, and by favorite I mean “most reprehensible” is FOX,  the Rupert Murdoch owned corporation that employed fake CIA agent Wayne Simmons to assassinate the character of Nancy Pelosi – prior to his arrest.  Or convicted felon, Dinesh De’Souza.  The standard for FOX is simple.  All that’s needed is a willingness to say anything.  (No claim is too outrageous.)

Which is separate from qualified journalists such as David Sirota, who loathes Hillary Clinton and gears his coverage accordingly.  Or columnist, Ron Fournier; a man so toxic it just seemed more healthy to drop his Twitter account.

So we have to find our own.  Lucky for me, I found Houston firecracker, Propane Jane!

Thanks Twitter!

Yet the sexist cracks are also from sudden Democrat, Bernie Sanders.  Bernie’s “She gave speeches for money” while overlooking people give speeches all the time for money, then vote against the donors.  

Sexist media also makes no mention of this.  Bernie claims he’s not been paid for a single speech to Wall Street.  Which begs the question, why would anyone pay to hear the same speech Bernie’s given for 40 years…minus a plan?  

Sexist media asks no questions.

So Bernie’s ridiculous response, as well as the below, is simply not addressed.

So with that in mind, now seems as good time as any to mention Ronald Reagan adored Margaret Thatcher!

But we have problems.  Although the murder rate is up in California, the state with the highest population in the nation, amazingly, the safety of women isn’t even on the Platform for the California Democratic Party.  Even after this.  How crazy is that?

Women count.

We know California’s tech crowd is uber-misogynyistic. How else to describe people like Steve Westly, who was one of a band of Silicon Valley CEO types who worked together to protect a guy who was filmed beating his girlfriend over 100 times.  (It was San Francisco, so Probation.)

Perhaps American women and decent men, could borrow a page from Iceland’s history.

Be the voting block of our best choice

What’s the solution?

As media shows no signs of responsibility to the public, the public can opt for the most potent recourse.  Comedians.  

Jon Stewart, John Oliver.  To a lesser extent, the Jimmys.   Fallon and Kimmel.  

Hannibal Buress

Because when all else failed, it was a comedian Hannibel Buress who brought down Bill Cosby.

As women do things differently, and this is a different campaign, my secret wish is Hillary’s campaign hires comedians to warm up the crowd.  

Then when Hillary comes out, she and the comedian can chat a bit, before Hillary speaks to serious topics.  Am told Hillary is warm and funny in real life, so why not?

Here’s a few to start. Nina Bargiel,  @SlackMistress  or Keith Lyle,  @FunnyKeithLyle or Evan J. Kessler @EvanJKessler  – along with my hope they forward their CVs and clips to the DNC.

Best for last  – Click here for trailer of the almost finished, documentary of Molly Ivins.

 

Donald Trump’s super racist fans are ready for Super Tuesday!

Trump: The New Mouth of the South

Donald Trump’s racist fans are ready for Super Tuesday!  

ARE YOU READY TO RUMMM—BBBLE!

The farther South Donald Trump travels, the more racists are out, loud, and proud.  

Possibly due to the once Grand Wizard of the the Klu Klux Klan, David Duke, telling his radio show listeners to get out and support Rump.  Trump.

But make no mistake, this has been happening for a long time.  See Tweet from Nevada Senator Aaron D. Ford 

Enter the star-struckers

Trump’s star-struckers; Joe Scarborough and sidekick, Mica

To advance the Trump candidacy, both GOP and media, largely have — ignored it.

Including the worst example, NBC‘s Scary Joe Scarborough, and his sidekick and perpetual seat warmer, Mica Brzezinski who reportedly accompanied Trump on the campaign trail in a way that even made other reporters wary.

Meanwhile, the KKK numbers grew louder, and more bold as mainstream media seemed determined to Support Trump.  Joe Scarborough traveled to Florida and ignored the Klan.

• Michael Hill, head of the League of the South, an Alabama-based white supremacist secessionist group, said Trump was “good” for the white racist cause. “I love to see somebody like Donald Trump come along,” Hill said. “Not that I believe anything that he says. But he is stirring up chaos in the GOP, and for us that is good.” Osnos attended a speech Hill gave to a crowd of cheering followers in which he railed against the “cultural genocide” of white Americans, which he said was “merely a prelude to physical genocide.”
• Brad Griffin, a member of Hill’s League of the South and author of the popular white supremacist blog Hunter Wallace, has written that his esteem for Trump is “soaring,” and has lauded the candidate for his “hostile takeover of the Republican Party.”

Amazingly, David Duke earlier said he admired Trump’s racism, before adding Trump talked too much.  Seriously.  David Duke said that!

Only today, did Joe come to his senses.  Somewhat.  Jo wasn’t concerned about racism itself.  What bothered Joe, a former Congressman, was that it wouldn’t buy Trump new votes. 

http://mediamatters.org/embed/208877

The Bottom line is: America has always been a nation of happy racist and misogynists.

Change does not come easy with for CEO’s who earned a great deal off the backs of those they’ve oppressed.  But in that GOP now owns most of media;

Trump is what you get when a hyped mostly GOP media replaces journalism.

Lastly, and finally – good news.  The pros haven’t said much about Trump.  Although I suspect, they’re likely remembering “Bella.”

and thus, waiting for Super Tuesday to be over,

Before “Get to work Wednesday.”

 

 

 

 

 

How Trump financially devastated people who just wanted a condo

Question:  How does Trump get rich off people looking to invest in one of his claimed, condo projects?

Answer:  Easy.  They believe Trump’s hype and jump right in.

(In the area of hype, media has been providing quite the helpful assist.)

Question:  How long after they fall for the hype do they learn the reality behind the hype?  

Answer:  Too long.  That’s the thing about hype.  The spigot is always open. 

But in fairness, Trump’s victims play a key role in their own, financial demise.  That people believe in Donald Trump do so at their own peril, is a given.  However, people continue to be duped because even smart people will throw away their life savings, after — becoming star-struck and — losing their minds.  

San Diego’s Stephen and Linda Drake were once two such people.  As reported by AP with the LA Times in 2009; the Drakes, she a shrink, he an airline pilot and financial planner, plunked down $250,000 down payment for a 19th floor oceanfront condo in 2006.

Nice brochure!

It didn’t turn out well for the Drakes –  or anyone else

The Drakes continue to reside in San Diego.  

The Trump Baja Dream

The LA Times again covered the Baja Mexico Project in May, of 2009.  This time they quoted Hamed Hoshyarsar – who echoed the same reason for buying the Drakes did.  The Trump name was why he shelled out for the project.

Trump’s Ocean Resort – Baja Mexico, also attracted Hamed Hoshyarsar, a Northridge accountant, for the same reason. Trump was quoted in the LA Times

In that article Trump stated:

“I’m very proud of the fact that when I build, I have investors that follow me all over,” he says in the eight-minute marketing video produced for potential buyers. “They invest in me. They invest in what I build, and that’s why I’m so excited about Trump Ocean Resort.

“This is going to be something very, very special.”

Then came came the hot Santa Anas winds.  Rather than a condo, reality blew in.

 

When reality hit Trump condo buyers, it blew away the glitz.

The hype machine closed and attorneys filed lawsuits. 

 

Perhaps in the future everyone, reporters included, will ask if Trump is the developer or if he’s just living a dream licensing deal.  Or, contact the project.  Which remains online!

Fast forward a couple of years – and the lawsuit settlement is announced. By then the people are so worn out they settle for pennies on the dollar seven and a half million dollars from investments of 31 million….and likely, a Confidentiality Clause.

Except whenever Trump is quoted in the LA Times as he was on November 27, 2013. Then Trump generally says the same thing. “The Plaintiffs are happy.“

I am not sure how. I am not sure how any Plaintiff can be happy if Trump settles a 31 million dollar investor lawsuit for 7 million and after paying attorney fees, pocketing the rest.  Fast forward to another lawsuit, currently in the works.

Trump University however, is another matter.  I covered that debacle, yesterday, here.

And yet, in spite of the facts which are clear, people are still retaining their right to be duped.

Dirk Diggler – Believe it or not, this is not a parody account

So the question must be asked:  Can anyone blame Trump for taking advantage of people who are begging to be taken advantage?  Including the Republican Party.  Trump fans are driving the “revolution.” 

The Republican Party seems to have only recently discovered the Trump revolution is being fueled by Racists….the reason for Trump’s popularity. 

And not just any old racists.  Racists who are proud to be racist. Racists not only don’t believe a racist candidate is a bad thing; they believe Trump is their salvation.  

Trump has the KKK endorsement. It’s 2016.

Yesterday Trump disavowed David Duke’s KKK endorsement.  Today, he walked it back. Trump walked on stage in Alabama and then announced an endorsement from racist Jeff Sessions!  Sessions lost a judicial nomination for saying,

“I used to think the KKK was okay until I found out they smoked pot.”

So Donnie Trump.  Thanks!

Will leave your racist, Anti-American fans and GOP party members with one serious piece of advice, and a joke. 

When the words and the actions don’t match:  Trust the actions.

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the business partners Donald Trump refuses to mention

Donald Trump – Misogynist Businessman

Two things about Donald Trump:  One a lie; and one a strange behavior.

Lets start with the strange behavior.

Does anyone else think it’s weird Donald Trump keeps talking about his “experts” the “best guys” the “toughest businessmen” he claims he’ll use to ‘Make America Great’ but has not once mentioned by name?

Trump’s been getting away with this for months − Months for the simple reason not one reporter asked,

“Well, Mr. Trump, could you identify one?”

So I checked.

Voila!  Turns out; Trump’s list of smart, tough business people includes no shortage of thugs. Also, no shortage of  racists.  It turns out, there’s a long history of that.  (See Report from Daily Beast on Trump’s lawsuit for racial profiling.) More on the previously reported racists and thugs, later.  They aren’t that interesting. 

But it turns out Trump is such an unmitigated disaster, even the English press began reporting on Trump.   The businessman.  They began with Trump stiffing his sick nephew, after promising to pay his medical bills.

The family of Trump’s nephew sued, stating Donald Trump had exerted pressure on his father to change his Will at a time he was suffering from dementia.  Don blamed Freddy’s ex-wife for cutting out his sick nephew out of medical benefits.  It was a classic, “You made me do it.”

A portion of the NY Times article on that is below.

Donald Trump – a man who can’t be trusted around sick children

So now we know how Trump treats his sick nephews.  That this doesn’t bother Trump speaks volumes.  But I do know what does bother him. 

What’s bothering Trump, is neither Mario Rubio or Ted Cruz. 

It’s much better.  

Ironically, Trump’s biggest problem is,

Trump University!

The lie.  The lie how Trump University is at the forefront of Trump’s biggest problems — and boy oh boy Trump knows it.  On the Campaign trial Trump says he deals with people in other countries every day.  On the campaign trail, Trump says “You have to get along.”

But the Trump University litigation reveals Trump doesn’t get along.  He doesn’t negotiate.  He just sues.

That’s the Trump lie Trump would prefer you not know.

Which explains why – at this moment,  I’m listening to Trump speak to a crowd in Oklahoma City, a crowd one would rightly expect came to hear how Trump was going to make their lives better; but who instead, have spent the last 10 minutes listening to Trump complain about the lawsuit against Trump University.  By a yoga instructor.  (With Trump it’s always women.)

The problem is Trump will have to sit for more depositions….and unlike what Trump is telling the crowd:  Trump. Is. Still. Losing. The. Case.

First Trump is repeatedly telling the crowd (and this will hold true for every political rally) that the judge is Hispanic. Then he mentioned (also a couple of times) that being Hispanic wasn’t really a problem.

But what didn’t Trump didn’t say is this: The original judge in San Diego, Irma Gonzalez, was the judge who ruled in favor of of  Trump’s counter-claim in San Diego, (later successfully appealed) was also Hispanic. Because Trump is trying to sell his version or reality, that is opposite of what the 

Appeals Court, wrote:

“Gonzalez had failed to set the appropriately high standard that Trump University must meet to prove defamation as a “limited public figure,” according to the ruling.
The U.S. Supreme Court has identified “limited public figures” as those “who achieve their status by ‘thrust[ing] themselves to the forefront of particular public controversies in order to influence the resolution of the issues involved.'”
This is exactly what Trump University has done, sometimes through its famous namesake, since it began “aggressively” advertising its services and fighting back against negative press.
“To be clear: Trump University is not a public figure because Donald Trump is famous and controversial,” Judge Kim McLane Wardlaw wrote for the panel. “Nor is Trump University a public figure because it utilized Donald Trump as a celebrity pitchman. Trump University is a limited public figure because a public debate existed regarding its aggressively advertised educational practices. Did Trump’s famous moniker draw public attention when Trump University’s business practices proved worthy of debate? Perhaps. However, having traded heavily on the name and fame of its founder and chairman, Trump University was in no position to complain if the public’s interest in Trump fueled the flames of the legitimate controversy that its business practices engendered.”
To win its defamation counterclaim, Trump University must now show that Makaeff “made her statements with ‘actual malice,’ i.e., knowledge of their falsity or reckless disregard of their truth.”
“If, upon remand, Trump University cannot make such a showing, it has no possibility of success on the merits and the district court should grant Makaeff’s special motion to strike,” Wardlaw wrote.”

So and clearly, in spite of Trump’s traveling revisionist history events:  the issue isn’t the ethnicity of the Judge; but the merits of the case.  Including the business model for Trump University; and Trump’s behavior.  David Letterman had a thought on that score.

 

Heads up:  Trump fans

Again, although most people go to political rallies to hear how their lives are going to be made better; Trump is spending his political capital trying to get people to feel sorry for him while claiming to be tormented by yoga instructors and others who believed his commercials.

I expect Trump’s attempt to rewrite history continues, and that Trump is hoping like crazy nobody fact-checks.

Trump’s Back up plan for fact-checkers

Attack the press.  Especially if the reporter is female.

Mamma’s – don’t let your babies grow up to interview Trump

So and clearly, Trump’s rattled.  

Which may explain why Trump threatened to financially ruin yoga instructor, Tarla Makaeff.

Below are the results of some of the findings which have been appealed all the way up to the 9th Circuit Court.  (And still Trump litigates….and on the campaign trail Trump says “You have to get along with people.”  The lie of Trump is plainly seen in the amount of litigation.

Tarla Makaeff-original Plaintiff

Tarla Makaeff, the original lead Plaintiff, a yoga instructor and student who appeared to benefit the most – ($798,779.24) after enrolling in Trump University.    

Tarla learned a lot at Trump University.  But the $798K was not from sales commissions after graduating from Trump University, which is neiter a University or still in business. (Trump University was also sued by New York State’s Attorney General.)

However, when Tarla realized she would not get any of her money back unless she sued.  Tarla’s Complaint stated:

“Trump University is more like an infomercial, selling nonaccredited products, such as sales workshops, luring customers in with the name and reputation of its founder and chairman, billionaire land mogul Donald J. Trump,”  

The case filed six years ago, is titled Makaeff v. Trump University LLC, 10-cv-00940, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California. (San Diego) and Trump revealed he has one style of negotiation.  Delay, threaten to sue the attorneys, and delay some more.

The case against Trump University offered tawdry details of inappropriate financial advice, inappropriate behavior by Trump “mentors” and altered real estate documents, after signature, and more.

But when the dust cleared at the 9th Circuit, U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel on April 9 awarded Makaeff $798,779.24 in fees and costs.  Trump appealed the order, naturally.

In fact, during depositions, Trump threatened to sue Tarla’s attorneys.   Most of the deposition is under seal for the next five years.   But Michsel Iskaoff wrote about the case, and got a shot that wasn’t too redacted, below.

Trump demonstrates he’s a, one-trick pony

Ultimately, Tarla the yoga instructor – felt threatened enough that she dropped out as lead Plaintiff.  Good news:  Others stepped up.  The case continues.

What about Trump’s business associates?

Oh yeah, them.  They turned out to be the least interesting.

Think cocaine users.  Think Mafia.  Think thugs. Trump University is the real Achilles Heel.  Fittingly, it tripped a heel.

The skinny

Book:  The Deal and the Downfall – By Wayne Barrett

“Key among these assertions is that in 1983, after Trump had obtained a casino license, he met with Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno, head of the Genovese crime family, at the Manhattan townhouse of Roy Cohn, a lawyer who represented both men.”

The book asserts:

* Became virtually a son to Roy Cohn, whom Barrett calls Trump’s “bridge to the mob.” The book points out that in 1985, Hilton Hotels Corp. was denied a New Jersey casino license in part because of Hilton’s comparatively minor dealings with Sidney Korshak, a lawyer with reputed mob ties. Yet the gaming division never wrote a report that raised “the possibility that Cohn’s mob liaisons . . . might have been used to facilitate Trump construction projects.”

* Sought labor peace on the construction of Trump Tower by providing a condo to a female friend of John Cody, boss of the concrete workers’ union doing work on the tower and an alleged Gambino crime-family associate. After Cody was imprisoned and lost power over the project, Trump sued the woman for nonpayment of rent and fees.

* Quickly settled the suit against Cody’s female friend, paying her $500,000 when she filed court papers accusing Trump of taking kickbacks from an architect working on her apartment.

* Maintained a decade-long relationship with Kenny Shapiro, whom the book characterizes as an investment banker for former Philadelphia mob boss Nicky Scarfo.

* Paid nearly double the market price for a piece of Atlantic City property owned by Salvatore Testa, an alleged capo in the Scarfo crime family.

* Arranged in 1982 to funnel campaign contributions to Mike Mathews, then a candidate for Atlantic City mayor. State law bars casino owners from making political contributions. The contributions were allegedly channeled through Shapiro and Dan Sullivan, a labor consultant once employed by Trump and later barred from the casino industry for mob ties.

* Invited to his 1990 birthday party Manny Ciminello, a big Trump-casino gambler who was a partner with Salerno and Castellano in a concrete company.

* Made false and misleading statements on applications for some of the $1.9 billion in bank loans on which he defaulted; all the loans were subject to approval by casino regulators.

* Wrote a 1986 letter seeking lenient sentencing treatment for Joseph Weichselbaum, a convicted marijuana and cocaine trafficker whose firms supplied Trump casinos with helicopters even after Weichselbaum’s arrest and conviction.

* Felt so close to Weichselbaum that Trump proposed that his mistress, Marla Maples, hide out from the press in Weichselbaum’s Trump Tower condo.

* Attended the settlement of a Trump Tower condo purchased by alleged Lucchese crime family associate Robert Hopkins. Hopkins ran the biggest illegal numbers operation in New York out of his Trump Tower condo, according to court records cited in the book.

The end game

Remember two things.

1.  No one has ever heard Trump apologize.  For anything. Ever.  Don’t wait up.
2.  By far the funniest part to the Traveling Trump circus is: Mitch McConnell.

Mitch McConnell stating he and GOP would drop Trump like a hot rock if Trump got the nomination.  

The same Mitch McConnell who met in secret with other big-shot Republicans then announced they would do their best to make President Obama a, “A One-Term President.”

 

Did Bernie Sanders “bad actor” supporters cost him Nevada?

Bad reporting overcome by Dreamers and others

UPDATE:  February 21, 2016 –  Actress and political activist Susan Sarandon uploads a video of the entire thing…including the part where the Moderator states there will be No Discrimination, before stating “English Only” – which no one has questioned. Suggest beginning at the 52:00 mark for context.

(The camera is far from the stage and absolutely picked up the screaming – not chanting, which was raised over people objecting to Dolores not being chosen.  It was a direct smack to Dolores.)

Not mentioned:   Why the moderator stated he was moving forward, “in English.” It seems his rationale was saving time.  He said many people spoke both languages –  people nearby could translate.  The moderator was getting flustered.

However, to the point of this article, media missing the dirty tricks of Bernie’s bad actors; Next day reporting included:   Bernie supporter, Don Schubert, was arrested after trying to place an Obituary Notice featuring Hillary, in the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Media also misreported that Hillary did not get the Hispanic vote, although she did.  Expect state and national levels of misogynistic reporting to continue.

—-

Original column below.

—–

It wasn’t all Harry Reid.

Absent the sexist reporting in Nevada by John Ralston – of Ralston Reports, who briefly paired up with MSNBC‘s team of Chris Matthews, Chris Hayes, and Chuck Todd; media spent the day wondering out loud, in non-stop sexist language, whether Hillary “could pull it off” without so much as a mention of her hard work.

Only MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki reported the numbers, strictly by the numbers. 

Chuck Todd asked if Hillary’s “pinky was on the scale.” To a one, the talking heads centered around Harry Reid, before going on in detail about the dirty tricks pulled by the Cruz campaign.  

Mainstream media had an opportunity to get the Nevada campaign right, earlier – had they reported the dirty tricks committed by Bernie’s bad actor supporters, were likely backfiring to increase Hillary’s lead.

Instead, mainstream media punted, and missed. Who won?  We did. A nation that realized:

1. Mainstream media is often, early wrong in matters political; and
2. Many people turn to Twitter for what is really going on, which,
3. Makes Twitter the “trusted source” instead of mainstream media.

In this case, the news about dirty tricks played by Bernie’s bad actors have been rumbling on Twitter for the past couple of weeks.  Bernie doesn’t like them, and wishes they would stop.  

They do not stop.  However, the bad actors impacted Nevada two ways.  

1. By revealing Bernie can’t handle his supporters, (examples below) as well as,
2. The anger towards Bernie’s bad actors…likely contributed sending people to Hillary.

Although exactly none of this was reported on Television, news got out anyway.

Citizen Journalists and Dreamers reported dirty tricks at the ands of Bernie’s bad actors, promptly, well, and on, Twitter.

Tricks like Bernie supporters calling people late in the evening pretending to be Hillary supporters; or the more obvious, (hat tip to Cheska Perez) who filmed Bernie’s Campaign Bus,  blocking the entrance to Hillary’s campaign Office and leaving the noisy engine running here.

Or America Ferrera‘s tweet, about Bernie supporters blocking Delores Huerta from translating by shouting “English Only.”

and Delores fighting back,

So one might be tempted to think mainstream media might mention this, if only anecdotally.  

Well, you might.  Not me!  I’ve been writing about misogyny in media for a long time.   Consider the example of CBS women leading the misogynistic pack.  I call it the “The Ick Factor.”

At one point near the end when Hillary’s win appeared clear, which clearly did not please the talking herds,  heads, my frustration towards MSNBC’s four hours of non-stop sexism was revealed:

Never-the-less, on February 20, 2016, the gods smiled on a hard-working Hillary.

In a tie vote – they drew cards.  

Hillary didn’t just pull a higher card.  She went beyond.  The gods were smiling.

Hillary literally, aced it.

 

RNC Debate – mirrors DeRay McKesson’s disregard for women

February 13, 2016

A couple of facts women might want to think about while watching the debate in South Carolina, one of the South’s, top Evangelical states….and DeRay McKesson; currently running for Mayor of Baltimore.

Heads up Black Women:  Do not support any man like DeRay; who has made very plain, his lack of regard for women.

Much like South Carolina, DeRay doesn’t care about women.  That much was evident in DeRay’s 19 page plan “Plan for Baltimore.”

Not one page was devoted to women.  Women often killed by black men.

In 2013 South Carolina led the nation in men killing women.

Here’s how South Carolina’s numbers break down.

Much like DeRay – the Debate in South Carolina did not address the murder of 50% of the population.  Women.

It’s important for the public to know how their Congressional representatives immediately addressed these ongoing family slaughters.  Particularly those from Bible States.  (You know, God, family and the Sanctity of marriage and all.)

 

So, when it comes to the media-anointed leaders of  Black Lives Matters,  (Black Lives Matters was created by women and hijacked by DeRay)

DeRay seems more Republican.

How else to explain how Deray could release a 19 point plan to revitalize the City of Baltimore; but not one page was devoted to how to end the practice of men killing women?

Not one page mentioned black men kill black women at a rate 2.5+ more than other groups in America.

Nope. Not one!   DeRay is all about black lives….but ladies, DeRay is not talking about lives of black women, mattering.  

DeRay’d just like you to donate to his campaign, and then vote for him.  Don’t fall for it.

below is a little more background, but the short version is: shortly after Sandra Bland died, I noticed DeRay didn’t mention it.

Same thing happened when David Conley, a black man, killed his former wife and six kids.  Nothing from DeRay’s very active Twitter feed.

Hope y’all live to see another day but if you plan on donating for DeRay – I’d wait until he comes up with a plan to end the slaughter of black women and children killed by their husbands boyfriends.  But I would not donate dime one, until then.

Enjoy the debate, and remember this:  Men will act, when women demand it.  The best  Valentine’s Day women can have, is when the men in their lives demonstrate how much they are actually care about them.  If not – move on.

 

 

New Hampshire Results: Twitter indicated correct results by 9:00A.M.

Compare Twitter to Polls accurately predicting REPUBLICAN winners since 1952

Dear Political Geeks!

No waiting!  Thanks @Jack!

Twitter provided us by 09:00a.m., a dead-on,  heads up for the New Hampshire polling results.  How? Easy!

I simply took a series of screen shots of candidates tweets at roughly the same time, the morning the polls opened in New Hampshire.  Then I compared the retweets and tallied the final results.

Turns out, the results were mostly a match!  So,  no waiting, or need to listen to pundits all day.  Yay!   Here’s how it shook out.  

People identifying as Democrats  (including “belated” Democrats)

1.  Bernie: 1,006      (“Likes” while friendly, are less committed and therefore, not counted.)

2.  Hillary: 432 

(Quick educational moment – likely to annoy those clinging to narrative)

Hillary called for change at Wall Street – according to Politico.

People identifying as Republicans – (for the time-being)

3.  Trump: 842 

Related: Reporters, please remember the job is actually for the leader of the free world. What say reporters stop talking about candidates and investigate all candidates? (Subtitled:  Tired of sexism.)

 Only CNN’s Brian Seltzer retweeted this tweet.

 Now for the Governors!

4.  Jeb (¡):   49

Including the prior evening.  44

But wait, it gets worse!

5.  Gov. Christie:   0

Turns out Christie doesn’t tweet too much.  Christie’s last tweet was January 29th!

(Christie lost big because as his tweeting shows, this former prosecutor didn’t engage.  He merely held court.)

At least Gov. Kasich is aware.

6.  Gov. Kasich:  35

Major problem for John Kasich.  Kasich’s got an education scandal Ohio reporters were all over.  But outside of Ohio, national reporters didn’t seem to find.  (Or bother doing their investigative, due diligence.) But Kasich’s education scandal was out there all the time.

Senators!

7.  Senator Marco Rubio: 118

We had to search for a tweet Marco actually did himself. Not saying Marco’s lazy, but he does generally, simply retweet volunteer tweets.  Dude!  Lift a finger!  Engage!

Full disclosure:   Have poked fun at some of Rubio’s volunteers.

Former business leaders – still in denial.

Fiorana:  174

Now the question becomes – after Bernie’s win, will reporters actually begin doing their job? (How much are reporters going to talk about Trump as opposed to digging into Trump’s background?  And how about the ethical problems surrounding the Sanders campaign? Turns out, sexism is alive and well in media.   But we knew that.)

Nevada:  Bernie has a few problems in Nevada.  Rubio does in Flordia.

1. Problem One for Bernie in Nevada.
2. Problem Two for Bernie in Nevada.
3. Problem One for Rubio in South Carolina – direct from Florida

Again, all of us must remember our vote is not  for President.  It’s for the leader of  the free world. Bernie’s been great in Vermont.  A state with 660 thousand people. Trump of course, remains a misogynist’s dream come true.  Florida rejects Jeb and Marco.

But as Americans, as our job is to remember our vote goes miles beyond our pay grade. Can’t we all agree it’s best for the world, to elect the most qualified?  

If we end sexism, and misogyny first; a lot of other problems will disappear.  

On Super Bowl Sunday, Gwyneth Paltrow grabbed a shot of what it’s all about.  Love.  

Gwyneth Paltrow gets it right – one more time.

 

 

 

Melanie Caldwell White’s attempt to shame Idaho rape victim

Hi!  I’m Melanie Caldwell White. I try to shame rape victims.

I used to wonder who are these women who attempt to shame women brave enough to report rapes.  

No more.

After the rape charge arrest of KMVT weatherman John “Jack” Holland, I wonder no more.  

Behold, Melanie Caldwell White –

staffer at Maxie’s Pizza and Pasta when not attempting to rape-shame, crime victims.

This is Melanie. She would like you to believe she’s a nice person.  She is not.

Hi! My name is Melanie Caldwell White – and I shame rape victims!

“Hi – I’m Jack Holland. I want to thank Melanie Caldwell White!

Coverage began as such:

KMVT opted for “Reporting Lite” regarding Holland’s arrest, with: 

“According to documents filed this afternoon with the court, on Friday evening Holland met with a woman at a local restaurant. After drinks, records say the woman told Holland that she needed to eat, due to the effects of alcohol.

According to police records, the woman accompanied Holland to his dwelling, where, records say, she was given more alcohol.

Records say that a short time later Holland initiated sex, but that she told him at least three times that she did not want to proceed. The woman told police that Holland refused to stop, and completed the sex act with the use of a condom.

Following the encounter the woman presented herself to investigators with the Twin Falls Police Department and informed them that she had been raped.”

Separately; the language, “the woman presented herself to investigators” is sketchy.  

Most journalists would simply write “contacted police” or “reported the rape to police.”

Jack Holland, charged with rape, announces he’s pro-condom. Um, yay???

But apparently, one, small, coverage-lite ‘report’ from the very station employing Holland,

was all Melanie “Low Information” Caldwell White needed to launch her full-scale attack on the rape victim, below.  But first:

Fair Warning:  

1.  Melanie raged about the victim, throughout.
2.  Melanie’s “reasoning” did not contain an iota of common sense
3. Melanie also has trouble with “their” and “there.”  But and good news:
4. Melanie would never be picked for a jury.

Melanie Caldwell White immediately attempted to shame Idaho Rape Victim

This is Melanie. She’s a little rough around the edges.

Wanna see my tramp stamp?

A more flushed out report could easily have been found, but Melanie seems not big on anything beyond a bare bones account from KMVT‘s own report about their own weatherman, John “Jack” Holland.  

Although other reports were plentiful.  

More flushed out reports mentioned Holland invited a woman out for drinks and then back to his place for dinner.  At least according to MagicValley.com  which also reported:

“The woman told police she met Holland for a planned date at a local restaurant Friday night and agreed to go back to his apartment for dinner after having drinks at the restaurant, court documents said. Once at the apartment, Holland poured the woman a “substantial amount of ‘Gentleman Jack’ whisky.”

After the woman laid on the couch because she didn’t feel well, “Holland began asking her to show off, and while she was inebriated, removed the panties she was wearing from under dress,” court documents said. The woman told Holland to stop and sat up on the couch when he began grabbing under her dress.

Holland led the woman “to his bedroom while she was stumbling,” removed her dress and pushed her on the bed, court documents said. The woman told police she “chomped her teeth at Holland as a deterrence and bit Holland on his stomach area.”

The woman told police Holland threw a wrapped condom on her chest and “it was from this point on that she knew Holland was going to rape her,” court documents said. She told police she threw the condom back at Holland and told him twice “she did not want to do this,” to which Holland responded he was “pro-condom.”

Holland placed one hand on her throat while attacking her, court documents said. The woman again asked Holland to stop during the attack, which ended when Holland got up, said he was “sorry to disappoint” and told her he was done.

The woman told police Holland “had a concerned look on his face and asked her where she was going” when she told him she needed to leave, court documents said. Holland put the woman’s underwear in her purse as she left and “told her not to forget them.”

The woman told police she scratched Holland at one point during the attack “on his upper chest and shoulder area in an attempt to get Holland’s DNA under her fingernails,” court documents said. She also described to police the layout of the apartment, a gray blanket on the couch, Florida State University coasters on the coffee table and a whisky glass that had her lipstick marks on it.”

Here’s five additional facts on John “Jack” Holland from the Heavy.

On the flip side, and just in case the rape victim doesn’t want to bump into the rape victim shaming, Melanie Caldwwell White; below are some additional facts on Melanie, (who makes a lot of sex references), freely presented from her Facebook Page, prior to going off to work slinging pizza and pasta at Maxie’s Pizza and Pasta.

 

I called the KMVT.  Officials confirmed they are standing behind Holland.  They would not comment as to specifics.  Like, whether Holland is on paid leave.  Or, whether Holland’s doing off-air, tasks.  I did ask they have the decency to at least remove Melanie’s full scale attack.  Personnel said “We’ll look into it.”

But what about the victim?  At present, would suggest all rape victims might want to detour around Maxie’s until Melanie finishes a course in sensitivity, educational training.

Sorry Ed.  Am sure you make really good food.  But with Melanie around – frankly; who could stomach it?

 

 

 

Memphis attorney Shari Myers, asks Judge incarcerate parents for non-payment of fees

Shari “pay up or go to jail” Myers

Memphis attorney and Guardian Ad Litem, Shari Myers, made news recently.   The Court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem asked Judge Donna Fields, who originally appointed Myers, to a incarcerate one of the parents responsible for her fee, for non-payment.

It wasn’t an one time request. 

Myers repeatedly made her request for incarceration.

Eventually, Judge Fields obliged and Myers, a wannabe fashionista, watched as Angela Gilmore was shackled and trotted off to the hoosegow, by order of Judge Fields. 

Shari Myers is also a member of “Super Lawyers.”

Which causes us to rethink, everything.

Yes, Angela Gilmore, who couldn’t afford to pay Myers was jailed for five days at Myers insistence, courtesy of Judge Fields.  Who is re-creating Debtors Jails.

Judge Fields recreates “Debtors Jails”

Myers other business

Additionally – and creepily; Shari Myers is also the proud owner of the Supervised Visitation agency, A Family Connection.  

Myers claims it’s low cost.

However, having caught Myers penchant for financial vengeance – it begs the question;

if parents are unable to pay Myers to visit with their kids, wouldn’t Myers supervised visitation business be capable holding the parent-child relationship, hostage, with a vengeance, also?  

Conflicts of Interest

As it benefits A Family Connection Supervised Visitation agency to remain in business; how likely is it that Supervised Visitation Monitors from Myers’ agency, would report to the court their services are no longer needed?

See Shari Myers interview below.  Shari has put on some pounds since the picture at the top, so at first, we didn’t recognize her. But, knowing what we know now, Shari Myers seems very happy to earn money off the backs of those least able to afford it, from the custody industry, in several different ways.  

California Attorney Peter Bertling’s – “Sorry, not sorry.”

Peter Bertling: Not really all that sorry.

Sexist attorney offered a “she made me do it” defense.

Exhibit A in the area of meritless apologies.

A follow up to yesterday’s,  “Don’t Discuss:  Act!”  – comes the fabulous instance of routine sexism involving Bay Area civil rights attorney, Lori Rifkin.

Rifkin didn’t discuss anything with Peter Bertling, the sexist attorney who was abusing the discovery process.  Having zero interest in wasting more time, Rifkin filed a motion for sanctions against attorney Peter Bertling of Bertling & Clausen and off to court they went.  

Rifkin was awarded sanctions, and more.  Bertling’s apology that followed?

Meh. 

Bertling & Clausen – Sanctioned for Sexist comments to attorney Lori Rifkin

Professional tip:  Whenever an apology includes the word “if” — it’s not an apology.

While it’s no secret anyone using the word “if” during an apology is not apologizing:  What is revealed whenever “if” is used, is that individual’s desire to passive-aggressively telegraph their penchant to let everyone know how they really feel.

Those feelings include;

• The individual apologizing believes themselves to be too clever by half;
• The individual doesn’t care what anyone thinks. (More common),
• Or, both.
• In cases of sexism, the smart money is on “both.”

How to be a jerk during discovery – “Don’t raise your voice at me. It’s not becoming of a woman or an attorney.”

No-nonsense civil rights attorney, Lori Rifkin

Apparently medical malpractice attorney Peter Bertling, really likes to mess around with the discover process.  Perhaps more so when women are involved.

But Peter Bertling picked the wrong women to attempt to bully, in the case of  stellar civil rights attorney Lori Rifkin –  who had no trouble responding to Bertling’s conduct.  

Judge Paul Grewal likewise had no trouble at all, bringing Bertling to heel.

In reality, some attorneys enjoy messing around with discovery (the guts of all cases) process.

However Judge Grewal addressed Bertling’s, delay…deny…hide…hand over a non-functioning disc, conduct up front, as Bertling’s behavior crossed all  professional boundaries. Then kept going.  

Paul Grewal, San Jose Federal Magistrate Judge.
photo by Jason Doiy

Rifkin’s motion and Judge Grewal’s response attracted news in legal publication in “Above the Law” as well as the San Francisco Recorder, here.

While discovery abuse is, to a degree, common; it’s just not generally common past all common sense.  Why?  Perhaps because Bertling couldn’t stop himself.  Judge Grewal wrote Bertling,  “repeatedly and unapologetically flout[ed] guideline after guideline” 

What was Bertling’s response

Peter Bertling’s responsive declaration blamed Rifkin for “creating a hostile environment.” Or, put another way:

You can’t make this stuff up!

Bertling also mewled a, “I thought you already had it”  (the information.)  

Judge Grewal was having none of it.  He wrote,

“A sexist remark is not just a professional discourtesy, although that in itself is regrettable and all too common. The bigger issue is that comments like Bertling’s reflect and reinforce the male-dominated attitude of our profession.”

Because Peter Bertling handed over important documents the day after the deadline of an important brief, Judge Grewal also ordered Berling make his client available for future depositions, for which Bertling was likewise ordered to pay.  

Below is part of Judge Grewal’s decision:

Back to the now.  When it comes to corporate sexism, end discussions.  Act.  

Act to get the conversation out of the company and into another venue.  

Don’t expect men to change on their own.  As Peter Bertling repeatedly demonstrated, change is an area of no interest to them.

I enjoy belly dancers who speak with their eyes.

 

 

For all women in technology or film, who are waiting for CEOs to step up for female equality.

Kara Swisher hosted a podcast about gender bias in Silicon Valley.

I like Kara.  We’ve spoken a couple of times. I send her emails. (She receives thousands.) Ever polite, while Kara doesn’t respond to them, when we speak (infrequently) Kara politely encourages me to continue emailing her.

This is only disheartening because women want to talk about income disparity….when I discovered (okay; stumbled over) the sexy, high-tech solution to aid them in saving  their own life after a relationship goes south; and women wind up as victims of assault, up to and including attempted murder.

(Reporters prefer referring to relationship assaults by the completely tame, “domestic violence.”)

Because Kara’s smart and all about snazzy high-tech, my thought was she would be interested.  Kara, in fact, may very well be interested – but so many emails to get to, first.

However, it turns out those demonstrating an interest in protecting the rights of women — to perhaps live long enough to demand equal pay; includes very few women.  Ironically, this makes women, the problem.

It’s also the secret to men remaining in power.

Women acting instead of talking, is rare.  Men depend on this.

Men depend on the willingness of women to gather, brainstorm, hold conferences, work on showing data attractively, etc.   Men depend on this because it keeps men in unfettered power.  As plans go, it’s been a huge success.  Why change?

Ironically, the basic safety of women, (check our murder rate) is ignored.  Including by the U.S. Supreme Court.  Consider this 2005, New York Times headline.

“Justices Rule Police Do Not Have a Constitutional Duty to Protect Someone”

Translation?  Due to the “discretion” of police, and judges, women continue paying taxes for police and court services which are often, refused.

Money Money Money

Returning to the podcast, no one was surprised to discover what’s true in all America is likewise true in Silicon Valley.  Or Hollywood.  Or academia. Or – the list is endless.

Lack of income equality due to gender bias, including sexual assault, remains a big problem in Silicon Valley.  The women launched; Elephant in Silicon Valley so women could add their stories anonymously.  My premise is anonymity hurts the injured.  Something Bill Cosby’s victims well know is true.

The podcast itself, available here was standard.

The women were cheerful.  The women were excited, well-meaning and very much wanted a continuing dialogue…to build even more statistical data, presumably to take to the men to force them to change.  They spoke of strategizing for seat positioning in a room to force the men to look at them.

It was depressing.  Maybe because my roots were with Bella.  Just like these women.

Not being invited, I chimed in on Twitter due to being more than slightly exasperated with the problem of:

Women who are Still willing to wait for men in power to do the right thing.

Heads up Ladies:  Men are not interested.

As the below Twitter exchange mentions, those participating in the podcast made me suspect some of these well-meaning women, simply aren’t paying attention.

In 2016, it makes little sense to me that women are still talking about “dialogue” to get men to change, after Gawker profiled how fast Silicon Valley CEO’s gathered to protect Gurbaksh Chahal after he was charged with 45 felony counts of beating his girlfriend, striking her over 100 times, (caught on camera), first profiled in 2014.

Gurbalsk Chahal’s guilty plea – followed by Chahal calling his ex girlfriend a whore.

[Spoiler Alert:  Chahal got probation.]

Salaries aside, ladies;  heads up:  Nicey nicey is what’s getting women killed.  Consider this:  Some women don’t get to live long enough to demand equal pay.

But returning to income disparity; what say we take a page from the big girls who got things done?

Just like Twitter’s  #CoreChallenge, the podcast mentioned women being asked to do what they considered “less than” administrative functions.  A problem Bella Abzug solved 68 years ago.

Circa 2016 – Wear a art deco pin that states, “If you’re getting coffee, make mine with sugar”

Were I at the table – my suggestion would have been a return to what works:

Stop Asking:  Act.

Begin with politics.  How, in 2016, with a woman running for President, does California, the most populated state in the nation; not feature equality for Women as part of it’s slate?

Received below email asking what I thought what Californians were interested in.  Amazingly, neither safety for women or salary equality, made the cut.

So my response was California Democrats were out of their minds by not making the safety of women a platform priority.

How could such a thing happen?

Turns out, just like the women behind Emily’s List, once again, women are a huge part of the problem. Emily’s List is famous for funding so-called “liberal” or “progressive” agendas.  Emily’s List continues to leap-frog over the basic safety of women, in favor of medical decisions.  Cart before horse.  Again.

Agendas that don’t include equal rights for women to live safely, are agendas women need to raise their voices to — by not dipping into their purse. BAM!

So ladies, vote with your feet.  Get noisy.  On the flip side; refuse to fund, volunteer for any candidate who doesn’t make safety and pay equality for women, their priority.

Also, turn up the heat on women in tech (or film) or – fill-in-the-blank; who are not stepping up.  Consider beginning with Katie Jacobs Stanton, who, as a leader at Twitter, protected her Twitter account, after blowing an opportunity to instantly set one man straight, while he was in the act of targeting women.  (as a female Twitter stockholder, my complaint is personal and business.)

Click here for my column featuring Katie Jacobs Stanton’s refusal to address misogyny when she was onstage, during an event where a comedian was live trolling women in the audience.  Katie did nothing.  Ask Katie why her solution was to “protect” her Twitter account.  Ask Katie what she’s done (if anything) since, to end Twitter’s massive problem with women.

2.  I would encourage women to take a page from Bella Abzug’s book and other women who refused to wait.

3.  Closer to home, also suggest women take a gander at Kern County – where the Kern County Board of Supervisors is aware Kern County Police are attacking women then buying their silence.

(Separately, closeted media misogyny….why are newspapers from England, not America, covering the number of police officers who are routinely raping women?)

And last, dear ladies:   Remember the words of Bella.

To thine own self – be courageous

Key fact missing from Army Secretary John M. McHugh’s decision to kick WWII WASPS out of Arlington

A key fact was missing from the CBS report featuring former Secretary of the Army’s John M. McHugh’s decision to kick the World War II WASPS out of Arlington, as reported by CBS News.

Missing from the CBS report, was this:

John McHugh has never served one day in the military.

The CBS report highlighted our WASPS, reporting:

“Since 1977, federal law has granted the WASPs status as veterans and since 2002, they have been eligible to have their ashes placed at Arlington with military honors.

But in March, then-Secretary of the Army John McHugh ruled our WASPs never should have been allowed in and revoked their eligibility.”

Again.  John McHugh has never served one day in the military.

Kinda think CBS should have mentioned that.

Put another way; the way John M.McHugh “served” was as a lifelong civilian, politician.

But this is 2016, people; we can fix this!  Please sign the petition to over-turn civilian McHugh’s, directive on Change.org, here.

A little background

John M. McHugh’s career since graduating college, was politics.

McHugh has a daughter with his ex-wife, and in 2012, was voted one of the 50th prettiest Congressmen, by The Hill.

However, to address more important matters, perhaps this space could serve to educate in the form of an open letter to John McHugh.  Unsure as I am whether Mr. McHugh has ever met a WASP, will try to provide some insight.

__________________

Dear Mr. McHugh;

Please allow me to introduce my friend, and former WASP, Margot DeMoss.

Margot is a neighbor of my Dad, also a WWII pilot.

MargotDemoss-WASP-holding-Congressional-Medal

Margot’s love of flight began as an eight-year old  accompanying her dad took to the county fair.  A local pilot had his airplane parked outside with a sign offering rides for a dollar.

Margot’s dad paid the man, she hopped aboard and  just like that, Margot’s destiny was in place moments after take-off.

(Margot still loves everything about flying.)

Later, when Margot’s brother went off to war in WWII, Margot, as well as many other women,  were desperate to serve.

In an interview with the Riverside Press, Margot, then 22; said her main thought was,

“There’s got to be a way I can help us win.”

(Interestingly, Mr. McHugh, I noticed you graduated from high school in 1966, during the Vietnam War, and then it was off to college for you.)

But; I digress.

Margot’s first thought was to enlist as ambulance driver after her brother was wounded.  However, and always in touch with other girl pilots, Margot got a call saying women pilots were needed for training.

That was all it took for Massachusetts native Margot, to jump on a train bound for Sweetwater, Texas.  She was determined to finish seven months of hard training, to become a licensed, military pilot.

A. Licensed. Military. Pilot.

A. Licensed. Military. Pilot. Mr. McHugh.

Over 25,00 women applied, Mr. McHugh.  But of the over a thousand plus women accepted, just 1,034 actually earned their wings.  Margot was one of them.  Click here for the extensive list of types of aircraft these women routinely, flew. Your jaw might drop.

Also, 38 women died in crashes, Mr. McHugh.

Margot told me there was no time to mourn those women.  They were too busy working.  Since the women offered no military benefits, the under-paid women just passed the hat to get a woman’s body home to her family.

Margo, flew the AT-6 a single-engine advanced trainer, and towed targets so the pilots could practice with live ammunition, Mr. McHugh.  Yes; you read that right.  Live rounds.

Margot also told me of the time she avoided a crash.

After transporting an injured pilot to a local hospital, (he passed out when he saw she was the pilot) Margot’s engine caught fire on the way back.  Fortunately, Margot was flying at her normal, higher-than-most, altitude when the engine fire began, but the good folks in the tower were nervous.  When the guys in the tower instructed her to bail, Margot sweetly but determinedly answered,

“No, I’m not going to do it.  I can see the tower.  I’ll just glide in until I make it to the runway.”

(At the time Margot weighed maybe 90 pounds, dripping wet.)

The ambulances and fire engines were waiting on the runway when Margot landed.  She didn’t have a scratch.  Plane was a little scorched.  Never-the-less, everyone told Margot to hit the Officer’s Club for a Bloody Mary.

I think she probably did.

But I mention this, Mr. McHugh, as Margot and the other women racked up an impressive list of accomplishments during their military service.

Margot DeMoss – WWII WASP – Flew many kinds of planes

Margot worked very hard, until December 1944, Mr. McHugh.  That’s when our WASPS were suddenly dropped like hot potatoes.  Without so much as a plane ticket or train-ticket home.

Not that getting home was a real problem.  What is true now, was true then.  Margot has a sincere kind of effortless charm.  Which means all kinds of people are constantly clamoring to do favors for her.  She can’t help It.  Margot is and remains one of the sweetest individuals I’ve ever met. She got home because she knew a lot of guy pilots and had no shortage of offers of short hops until she could get to a homeward bound, train.

I must say though, my favorite picture of Margot isn’t in uniform.  It’s from a couple of years ago, where once again, Margot was accidentally charming a ABC cameraman in preparation of an interview, below.  (Margot was also featured on NBC Worldwide News on January 1, 2014.)

Margot effortlessly charms yet another cameraman

Sweet Margot has no bitterness about the treatment of our WASPS.  She continued to fly around the world with her second husband, and after his death, met and a married the handsome Navy commander, Chuck DeMoss.

As for the jettisoning of the WASP program, Margot simply said,

“They came and told us good-bye. They said the men were coming back and wanted the jobs.”

But in all, Mr. McHugh, from September 1942, to December, 1944; our WASPS flew 78 kinds of planes, and logged more than 60 million miles while delivering 12,650 aircraft.

That’s a lot of patriotic, service Mr. McHugh.

So it would seem your decision as a civilian commander, Mr. McHugh, to strip these women of their hard-won, rights; cannot be limited to shocking.

In my opinion Mr. McHugh, it was shockingly Un-American.

Never mind completely disrespectful to them as human beings.

Especially since for some reason, the original records of our WASPS were sealed for 35 years. Not until General Hap Arnold and Barry Goldwater fought for our WASPS in their infamous, “Battle of Congress” were WASPS were recognized as veterans of World War II.

President Jimmy Carter signed legislation #95–202, Section 401, The G.I. Bill Improvement Act of 1977, granting our WASP corps full military status for their service.

Yet, in your decision to override President Carter,  CBS did not Army lawyers agreed with you.  Which says a lot about Army lawyers — just not anything good.

Then in 1984, each WASP was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, a little over four decades after their service.  The hand holding the medal below belongs to Margot.

Margot DeMoss, and her WASP earned, Congressional Medal

My hope is your replacement agrees with my friend, and Senior Federal Aviation Medical Examiner, Oklahoma State Representative, Dr. Mike Ritze.

Dr. Mike Ritz, FAA Examiner, and legislator

Dr. Mike Ritze, said of your action:

“I respectfully disagree with McHugh.  As a pilot and military veteran, myself, I have known many female pilots who; just as the WASPS did, served their country well.  They should be allowed to be buried alongside the rest of our heroes.”

One last thing, Mr. McHugh, to anyone with your mindset.

When women teach men how to fly a specific aircraft some worried were dangerous; the lessons stay. Don’t take my word for it. See 1995 letter from a male pilot, thanking a former WASP for teaching him how to fly a B-29

I’m not sure the situation will be remedied, Mr. McHugh.  There are too many men in command who think like you.  Note the Army’s most recent, self-inflicted, black eye, as reported in the Stars and Stripes on December 19, 2014, regarding yet another bizarre sexual assault.  This one by Army, Deputy Commander, Lt. Col Michael J. Kepner II, who was the speaker at a luncheon pot luck held by the 188th Infantry Brigade to mark the end of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April.

When Kepner spoke he reminded the soldiers they were all “responsible for bringing an end to sexual assault and harassment,” according to the brigade’s Facebook account.

What Lt. Col. Michael Kepner II, didn’t say – was he was currently facing court-martial on charges that he had sexually harassed and assaulted a female lieutenant on his staff.

With this latest report, and your previous actions, does the ARMY really need to continue punching itself in the eye?

Happy New Year, Mr. McHugh; and if I might make one suggestion, it would be this.

In the spirit of fairness, why don’t you sign the petition to restore the rights our WASPS earned, that you jettisoned?

Click here, to do so.  I promise you’ll feel better, Mr. McHugh, and I suspect your daughter might appreciate your doing so, also.

If you have any questions, you can reach me at the number below.

Most sincerely,

Bonnie Russell

858-324-1717

Your medical records aren’t private, and sorry; you have little recourse

Worst thing about the real-life nightmare concerning the lack of privacy with your medical records, as reported in the Washington Post?

This:

“Even though the civil rights office can impose large fines, it rarely does:

It received nearly 18,000 complaints in 2014 but took only six formal actions that year.

A recent report from the HHS inspector general said the office wasn’t keeping track of repeat offenders, much less doing anything about them.”

[Who is protected by patient privacy laws? Hint: not patients.]

“Making matters worse, HIPAA does not allow patients to sue health providers for damages if they violate the law. So if the federal government doesn’t enforce the law, there are often no consequences for breaking it, though some patients have found grounds to sue under some states’ laws.”

The greatest offender is (drum roll) the VA!

I always read the comments…it’s something those who like to peek behind the curtain do; to discover important bread crumbs of information.  : )

So, shout-out to Jesus in Jerusalem, Scott Hertzog and Fay Kane – Girl brain and Oldnurse

1. “The main violators of health privacy are health insurance companies that can audit anyone’s chart. And audit they do. What do they do with that information they access? Destroy it and wipe the computer? Charles Ornstein should interview Managed Care.”
2. “I recently found out just how “private” our medical records are. I had a blood test that     indicated I was borderline diabetic. Within ten days, I was receiving emails from services offering counseling and diabetes supplies – all at no cost to me, since it is billed directly to insurance.”
3.  “HIPAA was already a joke. You have to sign away your right to keep your records  private whenever you want to get any not even tangentially-related medical service.”
4. As I’ve mentioned in comments about other WaPo stories, complaints to the Joint Commission (formerly JC for the accreditation of healthcare facilities) can be made at their website http://www.jointcomission.org. Look for the link in the blue box on the homepage. Since JC accreditation is required for reimbursement by Medicare or Medicaid, a complaint to JC can galvanize the attention of healthcare administrators. Consider that there’s a presidential election coming up and also let your congressperson know if your health info privacy has been compromised.

Last:   Ending on a high note….I leave you with an important dietary information.

You’re welcome.

Happy New Year!

Republican Judge Edmund Clarke’s terrible behavior to women and minorities: Caught!

The minority and women hating, Judge Edmund Clarke

Finally.  About time the CJP caught up with Judge Edmund Clarke’s terrible behavior towards poor women, and minorities.

Mind you, Clarke has only been a judge for seven years.

Unfettered, one can only imagine what a tyrant Clarke would be say, by year 10!

However, for the bigger picture,  larger questions must be realistically considered:

1.  Why have court personnel allowed Judge Clarke’s repugnant behavior to continue?
2.  Have court personnel forgotten they work for the public?
3.  With no brakes on the hateful behavior Judge Clarke visited on prospective jurors, the question must be asked, then considered:

Are LA Courts really a viable option for justice?

See the Complaint against Judge Edmund W. Clarke, file by the Commission on Judicial Performance

From the Recorder:  “Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Edmund Clarke Jr. was out of line on several occasions during jury selection for a May 2014 murder trial, according to the CJP charges. Clarke excused one prospective juror but then ordered her to wait in the hall for an hour, according to the commission, after becoming angry that she had criticized his clerk. He also drove a native Spanish speaker to tears by suggesting that she had lied about her English abilities to avoid jury duty, according to the notice.”

Clarke made fun at two female prospective jurors whose juror forms indicated that they had less than $35 in their bank accounts, according to the allegations.  One had asked Judge Clarke to keep the banking information confidential.  Then thanked Clarke afterward when he did.  However, after leaving the courtroom, Judge Clarke made the low balance, bank account information public, as the butt of a joke.

Again, what’s up with court personnel not reporting Clarke’s behavior?

The Complaint references commission, “a pattern of discourteous, undignified, and inappropriate treatment of members of the public.”

Clarke could be removed from the bench.  If there is any justice, he will, not being fit nor, as my four year old once said, “trustable.”

Summarizing from the Recorder:  “The commission claims Clarke mistreated one prospective juror after granting her a hardship waiver due to her severe anxiety. Before leaving, the woman complained that Clarke’s clerk had been disrespectful. Clarke seemed to take offense and ordered the prospective juror to wait in the hall until he finished the afternoon session of voir dire, at which point she could “act like an adult” and make her complaint, according to the transcript included in the commission’s notice.

When he brought the woman back into the courtroom, Clarke told her that in seven years, no juror had ever complained about his clerk.

“If you came here thinking that this was going to be Disneyland and you were getting an e-ticket [to] have [a] good time, I’m afraid you have no sense of what is going on in this building,” he said, according to the transcript.

Clarke accused another prospective juror of lying about her ability to understand English.

“Don’t try and fool me now, ma’am, you’ll be here a lot longer,” Clarke said, according to the transcript. “Most people that have been in this country for 10 years have picked up enough English … so you better have a different reason why you want to be excused than that.”

Clarke, the Recorder reported, threatened to bring the woman back the next day, and made her wait in the hallway while the court found a Spanish interpreter, according to the commission. When he called the woman back, she began crying, saying she “felt ashamed” that she couldn’t speak English. Clarke told the woman he believed her and encouraged her to learn English because “for citizenship here you should make an effort.”

Clarke also made jokes about two prospective jurors who requested hardship waivers because of financial struggles. To the first woman, who privately disclosed that she had $25 in her checking account, Clarke said, “every one of these lawyers spent more than that on lunch today.” After dismissing her, Clarke shared her account balance with the court, according to the commission. When talking to the second juror, who said he had $33 in his account, Clarke said, “A little bit more than the other gal. 33 bucks. You are putting her in the shade with that big account.”

Clarke, a Republican, (aw, come on.  Raise your hand who’s surprised) lives in Manhattan Beach where it can be expected he would express his disdain for the people he vowed to serve, more openly.

Prior to being appointed judge by Gov. Terminator, Clarke was a partner with the law firm Stark & Clarke.  Supposedly, Clarke also “served” (allegedly) as a deputy public defender for the Los Angeles County Public Defenders Office from 1977 to 1981. How unfortunate for those clients.

Clarke graduated from UCLA, with a Juris Doctorate degree and Bachelor of Arts degree.

Our guess is Edmund W. Clarke, Jr. developed his animosity for women and minorities from Edmund W. Clarke, Senior.  Fine.  Everyone is free to be as Un-American as they wish.  But they should be in no position of power in government.  Not only is the very idea repugnant, Clarke routinely violated his oath of office.

So, of course Clarke should be removed from the bench.  But my question is, why shouldn’t he be required to refund a portion of his salary?  Why isn’t this on the table?  How do we get this on the table?

Jesse Matson, a licensed Minnesota attorney, and suspended North Dakota attorney; wants you to know this

Jesse Matson, the suspended North Dakota attorney, found a way to let his feelings be known.  Jesse seems a little ticked off people are on to him.

Meanwhile, Matson is licensed as an attorney in good standing in Minnesota.  Not sure how long that will remain true.

Also, we should mention to family court litigants;  each time a DA “declines to prosecute”  tick-tock goes the Statute of Limitations, clock.

I kind of make it a habit to track this kind of stuff.

It began with the multi-state licensed, Gary Karpin….doing 15 years.

Gary Karpin’s career as a rip off artist came to an end when multiple State Bar personnel decided to join forces to work together.

As with Karpin, sometimes it works out.

In another area, family court litigants often find the police and DA, tough sells.

Such was the case in San Diego, with former DA contract worker, Patricia Gregory.

Gregory worked for the DA in “Child support enforcement.”  Then she launched her own career.  Part-time family law attorney; part-time embezzler.

Patricia Gregory at a hearing

Patricia Gregory needed a new line of work after being charged with multiple felonies.

What was bothersome for me was while fighting the State Bar proceeding, Gregory refused to take down her website – as the judge had ordered.  Then she refused to talk about it.

So it was somewhat expected Gregory would bolt from the parking lot.  Note the careful use of the turn signal.

Patricia Gregory eventually went to trial. Fortunately, in the middle of trial, Patricia Gregory saw the futility of her situation, and gave up. 

Kudos to her for saving taxpayers the expense of a complete trial.  Still, in the end, Patricia Gregory said she just couldn’t go to jail.

Anything but jail.

She went to jail.

Arizona and California led the way in prosecuting attorneys who ripped off their clients.

One California attorney, Ron Lais; answered to no one.  Lais came to the attention of the State Bar not many years after obtaining his license.  Sadly, the California State Bar dallied for 15 years.  Then Lais outfoxed them.  When the Bar forced Lais to resign, as a carrot, Bar officials said Lais’s license would be reinstated once he paid restitution.  (My guess is they figured with Lais alone, the Client Restitution Fund would take a major hit.)

However, once the order was in place,  Lais immediately declared bankruptcy and the bankruptcy judge wiped out the debt.

What the State Bar hadn’t counted on was that Lais was making far too much money ripping people off on-line, world-wide; to care about reinstating an actual, law license.

That’s how lucrative the practice of ripping people off online, has become.

This is serious stuff folks.  But one columnist made funny hay with Lais’ behavior in the funniest column I’ve read to date.

And good news:  It turned out well for the victims of Lais, too.  They were heard.  This was the best column quoting the sentencing judge, bar none, before or since.

(I met a number of Lais victims when I attended his sentencing.)  Then came the follow up column as after all, I’d called the columnist after Lais threatened his life, to say, “Join the club.”

However as Lais’s brand of arrogant lunacy provided about nine good columns, practically writing themselves, the columnist kind of thanked us all at the end.

From the OC Register:

As far as my new assistant, Anna Couturier, has been able to tell, the 14-year sentence handed to Ron Lais last week might be the longest given to someone in this state solely for the unauthorized practice of law.

Among the sources Anna tapped was Karen Nobumoto, a Los Angeles County prosecutor and former president of the State Bar Association, who spent one year working on UPL cases and was involved in one in which the defendant got 13 years, four months. But she has never heard of anything beyond 14 years. For one thing, it is usually charged as a misdemeanor, which carries a maximum one-year sentence. Nobumoto estimated Lais could be released after serving as little as half his sentence.

The unsung heroes of the Lais prosecution are a trio of civilians who had not been personally harmed by Lais (at least initially), but were just ticked off at his tactics and kept pressure on the state Bar, police and prosecutors.

The squeakiest wheel was Bonnie Russell, a San Diego County woman who called Lais in 1999 to consider hiring him but got a bad vibe immediately. She looked into his background and discovered some complaints and, with the idea of creating a lawyer-referral Web site (www.1st-pick.com) already brewing in her mind, she went after Lais on the Internet, trying to warn away others.

A key moment came in 2001, when she discovered that Lais – by then suspended by the bar – had created “meta-tags” on his own Web site so that people typing “Orange County lawyer” and “family law attorney” into a search engine would be directed to it. This she reported to Anaheim police, and she immediately got a call from the D.A.’s office, which was already working up a case. The meta-tags were eventually used as evidence against Lais.

Lais sued Russell repeatedly and threatened to sue her Web site hosts, but two men came to her rescue to keep the anti-Lais campaign going. A San Diego lawyer named Mick Meagher countered Lais’s numerous lawsuits and got him declared a vexatious litigant, and a civic hell-raiser in Dallas named Allen Gwinn agreed to host her Web site when the larger Internet service providers were scared off by Lais’s threats.

I continue to get calls from former Lais clients, many of whom want to know about restitution. The State Bar Association has a victims fund, and at least one Lais victim has already received some money. Call (213) 765-1140.     

I mention all this to point out there are very good attorneys with the State Bar who are quite willing to work with District Attorneys to end the practice of hiding crimes behind a law license.  My suspicion is North Dakota and Minnesota have some good people.  People Jesse Matson isn’t going to like.

And for those attorneys we would’t hire, see the small, “Do Not Hire” list.

We have a list of favorites, too.  One would be Frank Mickadeit.  After covering the courts for many years, Frank went to law school and now practices law.  :)

 

Heat sensitive drones – and seriously talented attorneys

Incoming State Bar of California President James Heiting. May 14, 2005.

Need your feedback, people!

Please advise which ad you like best for the seriously effective, California personal injury attorney, Jim Heiting of Heiting & Irwin

Jim’s the former California State Bar President who, in addition to securing massive awards on behalf of his clients, has been giving back to the community on everything from water rights, to feeding and clothing the disadvantaged, now going on 35 years.

In 2011, Jim was headlined in the National Law Journal after doing the nearly impossible.   In an article titled, “Hard Times Make for Reluctant, Angry Jurors“ Jim Heiting convinced a judge to bounce an entire jury.  After a long day of questioning, Heiting determined the jurors couldn’t be fair.

So Jim simply asked the judge to recuse them all.

The judge mentioned in his 34 years being a judge he had never done such a thing.

However, the judge also said Heiting convinced him it was the right and just move. So away they went.

Heiting and Irwin is generally described as, “Big City Savvy, Small Town Roots.”  This explains why the firm bought and restored a mansion to use as their office in Riverside, instead of a high-rise.

But it’s not all work and no play.  Jim Heiting allowed me to show his lighter side.  When not winning in a courtroom or in riding competitions, everyone enjoys Jim’s sense of humor.

This explains why the first piece is titled, Out-of-Control Drones.  No, really.

Click for Out-of-Control Drones.

For the second, more serious, “Heiting goes the distance” piece;  I was able to secure the help of the seriously talented photographer, Jack Sann.

For Heiting goes the distance, click here.

I look forward to your feedback and thanks again for the quick response of Jack Sann!

 

 

Barney Fraaken: The self-radicalized, domestic terrorist, who posted loving Facebook comments about his family before killing them.

Right-wing domestic terrorists who identify as patriotic Americans, are often protected by media.

Exhibit A:   The self-radicalized, Barney Fraaken; whose Facebook posts reveal in part, how self-deluding radicals will blame others, before deciding to kill their family.  As such, meet Barney Fraaken: Domestic terrorist.

Barney Fraaken posted that Veterans should be hired to protect school kids.

From the Des Moines Register: “Barney Fraaken, 47, is being treated for self-inflicted injuries at a Des Moines hospital, according to a news release from Des Moines police. He is accused of killing his wife, 42-year-old Amy Fraaken, and their daughter, 16-year-old Amber Fraaken, Sunday at their home in the 4200 block of Hull Avenue.”

Barney Fraaken posted of his love for his wife and daughter.  Also his self-radicalization.

Barney Fraaken – I miss my wife and lovely daughter

That Barney Fraaken became a domestic terrorist is not the question.  That men who kill their families represent America’s screwed up version of reality when it comes to the kind of domestic terrorism, media largely ignores; births many questions.

People forget the rampaging DC Sniper – whose 27 shootings and 17 murders put the nation on edge, began in Tacoma, Washington, after a failed child custody case.

And when you think Tacoma, think David Brame. Tacoma’s wife-killing, police chief.

And when you think of David Brame, think how media doesn’t cover why men killing their families lies in part due to city officials; think next to the City of Salinas, where Ray Corpuz, who could have acted to protect Crystald Brame, was next hired as City Manager.

Media doesn’t cover that.

No coverage; no change.  Barney Fraaken’s series of Facebook posts reveal unfettered self-delusion, to the max.  Weighing in between God, Islam, and love of family, Fraaken posted the below days before killing his wife Amy, and daughter Amber.

This is why Americans must practice vigilance when media chooses to define  “domestic terrorism” as the phrase right-wing political groups continually attempt to hijack, then push for political gain in their fearful, “not in my back yard” (NIMBY) anti-immigrant, goals.

Vigilance is necessary given media seems a willing co-partner with the definition, while ignoring the vast numbers of home grown domestic terrorists who feel entitled to kill their family.  Media doesn’t recognize men like Barney Fraaken, who as the family executioner, staged his own personal jihad.

But media will wrongly, and continually, refer to family assassinations in squishy meaningless terms, such as:  “domestic violence.”  And those squish men, often pose as patriotic, “love the Second Amendment”  types.  Which is why the below was on Barney Fraaken’s Facebook page.

Barney Fraaken – on Guns and defending our children

Can we Break Denial

Reporters need only glance at Barney Fraaken’s Facebook postings to discover a treasure trove of delusion and self-radicalization.  American values, run amok.

Hint: There’s no such thing as, “domestic violence.”

Also, readers would benefit from remembering American doesn’t suffer from a shortage of home-grown terrorists.  Or that some terrorists work in law enforcement.   Domestic terrorists with badges represent what’s known as, “Threat Multipliers” for women trying to escape the domestic terrorist at home.

This is necessary as media seldom covers government’s systemic bias against women. So the causal factors remain out-of-sight, but in plain view.

Reporters might want to address the kind of systemic bias that dictates women must call the police for help, when police officers have a 40% higher rate of  “domestic violence” than other occupations.  Making women call the police to report family related assaults and attempted murders is insane – yet unreported. More details here.

(Eventually women might realize it’s city mayors and council members who refuse to hold local police chiefs accountable, who are responsible for continuing family murders. What might end it?  When women run for office, themselves.)

Meanwhile, women who pay taxes for police and court services, who are routinely refused those services, are dealing with another “threat multiplier” that continues to put them at risk.

Other threat multipliers?  District Attorneys who “decline” a case, or who charge, then negotiate to lesser charges.

Media phones it in when covering family murders

The scene is repeated, daily.  After a family murder, a reporter stands in front of the crime scene.  Sometimes neighbors are quoted saying, “He was such a nice guy.”  Ending on a high note, often reporters will mention a “Go Fund Me” page to help with funeral costs.

But the basics, why family murders continue?  Nope.  Not examined.  Including when the cost-effective, high-tech solution, to end family murders, is available.  This lack of media curiosity regarding solutions to family murders, also happens nationally.  Daily.

However, media’s complete lack of curiosity also renders media a, threat multiplier.  Reporters referring to murders as “Domestic Violence” and not “assault, attempted murder, and murder” is another threat multiplier.  All out-of-reporting view, while in plain sight.

Men who feel entitled to kill their family is a decades long dynamic. Consider John Lizt, the failed New Jersey accountant and sometime Sunday School teacher, (who was stealing from his wife’s accounts).  Media only reported the crime.  Media never investigated the sense of entitlement in these family murders.  Reporters simply reported Lizt felt entitled to kill all five members of his family because the world was getting to be “too evil”

without question.

The degree Barney Fraaken deluded himself and others is apparent from his Facebook postings, and likely something psychologists will debate at his trial.

Barney Fraaken – “My daughter holds my heart” – November 21, 2015

From the mind of a domestic terrorist.  Who killed his daughter the next day.

Barney Fraaken – Best thing you could do as a father – November 18, 2015

Below is another example how a self-radicalizing blow-hard, will eventually practice domestic terrorism.

The first time “domestic terrorism” was used in media was a 1999 quote from Marna Tucker, a family law attorney in Washington DC.

Tucker was describing what it was like to live under the thumb of a domestic terrorist; 24/7.

What’s the creepiest part of Fraaken’s post, below?

Barney Fraaken – Well, I’m single” – November 19, 2015

That Amber Fraaken and her mother, Amy, did not live three days after Barney Fraaken’s announcement.

The rest of Barney’s Facebook account is littered with self-pitying posts.  Posts about trusting God, and his “unconventional” love for his wife.  Who didn’t want him around.

Then when reality hit, Barney Fraaken decided if he was rejected, he was entitled to take out his family.  And did.   So the question becomes:  When will mainstream media call this domestic terrorism for what it is?

Readers can help by calling out reporters who identify family murders as, “domestic violence.”  Because until the language is accurate the story lacks accuracy and nothing will change.

Insist reporters identify crimes, accurately.  It’s assault, attempted murder, and murder. It’s domestic terrorism.  Often the terrorist is armed-to-the-teeth, and sitting across the dinner table.

But accuracy in a murder story is the very least a reporter can do for someone who can no longer speak.

These monsters should be identified by who they are; and what they did.  They are domestic terrorists.

Refugees fleeing mass slaughter, are a whole ‘nother matter.

Joseph Taylor: Is Panasonic running a Rebate shell game?

Just a Quick note to Joseph Taylor, Managing Executive Officer
Regional Head for North America Chairman & CEO, Panasonic Corporation of North America, (who lectures business students) regarding what seems like Panasonic’s, rebate shell game, at completion of one year of not paying rebates.

After posting my column yesterday, titled:  “To: Kazuhiro Tsuga, President of Panasonic: Why does Panasonic cheat customers?”

I heard from Panasonic’s head of National Sales, Steve Milley.  Finally.  The week prior Milley did not respond neither to calls or emails.

But on Monday, December 16, 2015, Milley roused himself to respond, albeit disingenuously; with the below.

I replied, with the below, which was also, previously supplied.

——-

On Tuesday, December 17, 2015,  I received another email from Milley, this time stating he needed my company name and address.

Shell game!

The above email was the secondary email.  The name of my company and address were previously and long ago supplied.  Bonus points:  I also included a screen shot of the Fed-Ex delivery.

A delivery that naturally, included the company name and address.

This begs the question:

                       Is Panasonic running a shell game concerning Rebates?

Seems like it.

Personally, I think Panasonic should triple my rebate, and throw in a F-Series P2 card, given the amount of time wasted trying to secure it.  While such a move would be classy, does anyone see that happening?

(Just kidding.  It’s a rhetorical question.)

On December 17, 2015, I received a call from Warren Martin, from the “Consumers Affairs” office, in Virginia.   Martin indicated all information was received and I should receive my rebate (from a third party company) in “four weeks.”

Not kidding!  He really said that!  And…with a straight face!  :)

Sounds like a rebate shell game to me!

Martin pleasantly detailed (for Corporate’s sake, not the sake of any consumer) a long and corporate explanation of politely describing Panasonic’s rules and procedures for delay.

None of them were consumer friendly.

Which begs the question, “Why is Panasonic’s Office of Substantial Delay, identified as “Consumer Affairs?”

Particularly, when Panasonic customers after one year, continue to be stalled.  By Panasonic.

Doesn’t get more “Bad Faith” than that.

Because the issue of the rebate was year past due, yett remotely addressed by the Consumer Delay Department?  This prompted a GlassDoor check of from the area where some of Panasonic’s “Consumer Affairs” is located, and some unhappy campers.)

Naturally, I had another suggestion.  Mine involved a direct payment within 24 hours.

Will let you know how it turns out.

However, given Joe Taylor lectures business school students, I gotta wonder, if he mentions Panasonic’s, “Rebate Games.”

 

To: Kazuhiro Tsuga, President of Panasonic: Why does Panasonic cheat customers?

Dear Kazuhiro Tsuga,

Does Kazuhiro Tsuga know Panasonic is stiffing customers?

I write concerning misinformation concerning Panasonic’s last Corporate Governance Report, dated November 10, 2015.

Given Panasonic makes certain, offers to entice potential customers,  you should be aware of how actual, customers are, well; stiffed.

I write, keeping in mind, Panasonic’s Updated policy statement.

I. Basic Policy on Corporate Governance, Capital Structure, Corporate Profile and Other Basic Information

1. Basic Policy [updated]  in which the policy is updated to include:

“The Company, since its establishment, has operated its business under its business philosophy, “contributing to the progress and development of society and the well-being of people worldwide through its business activities”. Also, the Company believes it is important to increase corporate value by fulfilling accountability through dialogue with various stakeholders such as shareholders and customers, making effort to execute transparent business activities, and swiftly conducting business activities with fairness and honesty based on its basic philosophy of “a company is a public entity of society.”

This is not accurate.  To wit:  Please see the below email from Steve Milley, your National Sales Manager.   Mr. Milley has been wholly non-responsive to calls and emails since writing the below.

 

Please note Mr. Tsuga, Steve Milley’s email was dated, December 23, 2014.

Again, neither does Steve Milley, return telephone calls.  Although, as the Linkedin profile for Panasonic’s Steve Milley, suggests, he is in my local, area!

Isn’t almost a year a long time to stiff a customer out of a $600.00 rebate?

Am wondering if perhaps either someone at @TheStreet,   @Jim Cramer or someone else as  @CNBC  might see if this is an ongoing thing, as people shopping for Christmas presents, enticed by rebate offers, should be aware of reality.

Thank you for your time.

San Luis Obispo DA Dan Dow doubles-down his disdain for women

DA Dan Dow – ran on a campaign to “clean up” office

Breaking News on Judge John Trice from the DA’s office.

Received a return call from Jerret C. Gran, one of two, “Chief Deputy District Attorneys” for San Luis Obispo County.

Gran returned my call to DA Dow inquiring why the matter of Judge John Trice defrauding his ex-wife Dawna, was being treated as an Administrative matter with the Commission on Judicial Performance, the following day.

Hidden Agendas:

Language is important.  Just as an assaults are routinely down-graded to “Domestic Violence” by police to increase the odds criminal matters will remain to be litigated in a family (civil) court setting; (knowing full well Family Court judges seldom if ever, refer DV cases to the DA’s office):

The matter of Judge Trice defrauding his ex-wife out of her share of their retirement benefits, will also remain in Family Court.  Meaning, what looks like a clear-cut case of fraud will be treated as: “An Administrative matter” by all concerned.  Possibly due to the Uniformed Former Spouses Protection Act.

How tidy is that?!

Given DA Dow ran on a campaign to clean up the District Attorney’s office, I’d called him about that.

About thirty seconds in,  I got the feeling the real purpose of Gran’s call was to advise me how busy he was.

Perhaps it was the 15 times Gran informed me (in an aggrieved tone) throughout the conversation, how busy he was.

Never-the-less, while assuring me DA Dow would not be returning my call, because if Dow returned every call…etc., Gran did finally offer Dow had asked Gran to give me a call.

I suppose it might have been one of those “courtesy calls” had Gran been courteous.

(Professional tip: Never put a caller on speaker phone, without asking.  Also, bad form? Putting a caller on speaker phone while nosily cleaning one’s desk, while stating how busy one is, instead of answering simple questions.)

Gran spent most of the call tweaking my very simple questions into something I hadn’t asked, then responding to questions he reformatted to his liking, then affirming the office would not investigating, or even inquire as to a look-see into the paperwork of Judge Trice filed with the military while defrauding his ex.  (No wonder Gran is so busy.  It takes a lot time twist one question into something else.)  Fair point; and why calls were also made to the US Attorneys Office.

However I was finally able to get two square answers from Gran before the call ended.

Judge John Trice, submitted fraudulent paperwork to the USAF

To my straight-forward:

“Is the DA going to open an inquiry into the fraudulent paperwork Judge Trice submitted to the United States Air Force?”

Gran answered,

“No.”

My second question involved Dow’s Second-in-Command, Lee Cunningham.  Cunningham participating in an “atta boy” press release – (in essay form) reprinted by Cal Coast News.

Gran said it was “his understanding” and it “was represented to him” that Cunningham did so on plain paper and not using the letterhead of the District Attorney.  Gran next indicated Cunningham might not have had any idea Cunningham’s job title would be used in a Press Release by Judge Trice’s attorney.

Sure.  I believe that. Am sure everyone does.

The third question I asked Gran was this:

What branch of government do you think works for women?

Gran’s response was silence.

In conclusion and ever the pun addict; will  “take off” with this thought.

I believe Judge Trice wanted all military benefits, for himself.  Does the USAF Know?  Will ask!

Judge John Trice caught hiding retirement pension from his ex – got lucky after she hired Christopher Duenow

UPDATE:  December 10, 2015.  We have a call into the California Attorney General’s office.   As Judge Trice has essentially admitted to grand theft, it’s appropriate he be charged with Grand Theft by the AG since since the local DA appears content to let Judge Trice slide with grand theft described as “an administrative matter” by the Judicial Council.  If Kamela Harris does not prosecute Judge Trice for grand theft – should we trust her as California’s next senator?  Also, why isn’t the physical and economic safety of 50% of the population, not Kamela Harris’s first priority on the “issues.”

What female, attorney or litigant; wants to appear before this guy?

Judge John Trice, of San Luis Obispo Superior Court was caught stiffing his ex-wife, Dawna. He was also caught planning to do so, months before.

News flash:  Judge John Trice got caught stiffing his ex-wife, Dawna, out of her federal retirement pension benefits; listed in their 1990 divorce settlement.

When caught, Judge Trice immediately threw his colleague, Commissioner Patrick Perry, (Dawna’s then, divorce attorney), under the nearest bus.

A tangled web, unwoven

It was not that Judge Trice simply refused to pay Dawna her earned retirement pension benefits accrued from his time in the Air Force; it was his pattern not paying her, extended for two years that caught the attention of the California Commission on Judicial Performance.

Actually, according to the Formal Proceedings filed by the Commission against Judge Trice, Trice toyed with the idea of putting Dawna’s earned amount in a trust  in case she asked –  reportedly adding if Dawna died first; well then, ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

So rather than pay Dawna her earned share, Judge Trice deposited Dawna’s earned portion into a separate credit union checking account.  (It is unknown whether the checking account was interest bearing; or; if so, who kept the interest.)

Judge Trice to Dawna: “I’ve got your back.”

The Recorder somewhat covered it.  Sorta.  So did, allegedly, CalCoastnews.com

However, important details were wholly absent in the piece supposedly authored by “Staff” on October 27th, 2015.  So this article is more a reflection of how the courts work to make sure women don’t get their fair economic shake, in conjunction with a habitually relaxed media when it comes to covering economic crimes committed by men in power, against women.  (An article detailing the October 23, 2015 charges was finally published on October 28, 2015.)

Questions not asked.

Questions being a reporter’s stock and trade, one wonders how did reporters from both Cal Coast News, and The Recorder – two legal publications, not notice – or question that Judge Trice seems to have committed a forgery?  (Section 470.D.) Also known as:  A crime.  Or, how about Penal Code, Section 115?

115.  (a) Every person who knowingly procures or offers any false or
forged instrument to be filed, registered, or recorded in any public
office within this state, which instrument, if genuine, might be
filed, registered, or recorded under any law of this state or of the
United States, is guilty of a felony.

Will San Luis Obispo DA, Dan Dow – charge Judge Trice?

Instead of,  well – – coverage, Cal Coast News thoughtfully printed the entire Press Release, helpfully provided by Trice’s defense attorney, Eugene Iredale. Then the paper tip-toed, around the charges against Judge Trice.  Cal Coast News simply wrote:

“Judge John Trice is apparently facing charges of misconduct before the Judicial Council and the California Supreme Court according to a press release received from his defense attorney”

Apparently?  Apparently?!

Cal Coast News then fills the page with Iredale’s very long “press release.”

Apparently, no one from Cal Coast News picked up the phone.

Here’s an “apparently” for you.

Apparently, no Cal Coast News staffers read the actual, “Formal Proceedings.”  Had they  done so, perhaps a few of them would have noted the multiple, actual charges referenced in the document titled,

“NOTICE OF FORMAL PROCEEDINGS” for “Inquiry No. 196”

I mention this solely as “Exhibit A” regarding the sly way media exhibits its disdain for women, superbly demonstrated Cal Coast News.  (Thanks guys!)

Still, there’s time to regroup.  Cal Coast News reporters could redeem themselves by picking up the pace as well as the telephone, and ask DA Dow when he might pick up his pace.

Specifically, will DA Dan Dow act in conjunction with the Commission, or….what?

Reporters could begin with this key, question:  Was DA Dow aware Deputy DA Lee Cunningham rushed to Judge Trice’s assistance in a well-orchestrated press release by Judge Trice’s attorney?

If so, stand by for bandages, as Lady Justice was blind-sided again.

Still, the attention of the District Attorney’s office is merited as Judge Trice was also caught in the planning stages to deceive his ex-wife, Dawna Trice; before executing what seems like a crime to me.  For two years.  Did I mention this went on for t-w-o years?

Which makes the comments from Second-in-Command, Deputy DA, Lee Cunningham, that much creepier.  More on Lee, later.  However, readers should keep in mind, some pretty high ranking California judges are finally beginning to speak out regarding the epidemic of Prosecutorial Misconduct so readers should probably factor that in.

Unfortunately, after the planning and execution of what – (again) – seems like a crime to me, was discovered; it turns out Judge Trice had more than enough help for his continued efforts to hide his money making activities.

More than enough help;  and right close by, too.  All those foxes guarding the courthouse.   I mean, hen house.

Hat tip: Judicial Council Executive Officer, (AOC) Susan Matherly and USD Graduate, and top judge, Judge Barry LaBarbera….whose office while DA, ironically, was once sued over the tactics used to collect child support.

However, and separate from sloppy press; the case against Judge John Trice provides a great example how easily judges circle the wagons once they’ve been caught in illegal acts and alerted they are about to investigated by the California Commission on Judicial Performance.

The only question now, is:  Will media continue ignoring the DA ignoring what seems to be an kind of in-house crime?

Circling the wagons and battling back

Meanwhile, Exhibit A in how one gets ahead of the story.  (Although Iredale must have been ecstatic after Cal Coast News so helpfully blew the entire story.)

1.  Hire a criminal defense attorney, who immediately issues a press release downplaying all charges.  In an added twist, blame a colleague!
   

Check and check!

Judge Trice hired San Diego attorney Eugene Iredale, who immediately issued the standard, sometimes hilarious press release.  Including a quote from the now retired Judge Roger Picquet, who was present when Judge Trice was calculating how he was going to stiff his ex-wife, Dawna.

Iredale got Judge Picquet to give Trice an enthusiastic, “Great judge!”  (No mention of the subject matter the Judicial Commission is addressing.)

Roger Picquet

“Judge Trice is a great judge. I have worked closely with him the entire time he has been on the bench. He has handled some of the most difficult criminal cases ever tried in this county, and has done so with skill, professionalism and a keen sensitivity for all persons involved, including the jurors, victims, attorneys and defendants. His legal acumen and judgment is very well respected. His dedication to this community is also reflected in his involvement and creation of the Veterans Treatment Court, which is now seen as a successful model for other courts in the state.”

When I called Judge Picquet, he said he remembers the conversation being very brief, then offered the report was wrong, specifically, that during the time he and Judge Trice were chatting in February of 2012, when Judge Perry popped in,

“You had with you the number of points that was the fraction numerator, or Dawna’s share of your total number of points.  Estimates were made of your total points and the calculation of Dawns shares was discussed.”

 

Judge Picquet stated he thought that part of the report was inaccurate.  Judge Picquet said he did not know the points, didn’t discuss them, and that he remembers the conversation was very brief.

However, when I mentioned he was present when Judge Trice had months earlier, was actively calculating how to stiff his ex-wife before receiving his first pension payout, (keeping in mind one has to advise the military of the numbers) Judge Picquet said;

“I think ‘stiffing’ is a mis-characterization.”

So I asked, “How would you identify his not paying her for two years?”

Judge Picquet’s responded:  “I won’t comment on that.”

Judge Picquet offered that he didn’t know how Judge Trice was supposed to know where Dawna was, having been divorced so long ago.  I responded it wasn’t about a continuing relationship with an former spouse; but Trice had a duty to report accurate information to the military.  He wasn’t required to send his ex-wife a Christmas card.  Trice’s only obligation was to send the military accurate information about her.  Which Trice clearly refused to do.

As Judge Picquet was not willing to state the obvious, perhaps out of misguided loyalty, I didn’t see much point asking him about Trice’s throwing the Commissioner Patrick under the bus in an furious effort to continue avoiding any sort of accountability.

But I did offer one comment.  As all the complaints featured Trice’s problems with women, (obviously self-created with Dawna) including snarky emails and a temper tantrum against one female court reporter, I did say I couldn’t imagine Trice has good relationships with well, binders of women.

Back to the battle stations

2.  As the charges indicate a significant problem with women, it was imperative defense counsel obtain a couple quotes from women, while making sure that he, as Trice’s top defender, sounded somewhat aggrieved while downplaying all charges.

Check and check!

First Alert, Ladies:  As Court Executive Officer  Susan Matherly, (AOC) and former Witness Services Director, Cindy Marie Asbey, (below) demonstrated:  Don’t expect women to do the right thing on behalf of other women.  This includes when it’s specifically; in one’s job description.

In retirement, Cindy Marie Absey – worked against Judge Trice’s economic victim.

Cindy Marie Absey, former director of the district attorney victim assistance unit:

“As director of the Victim/Witness Assistance Division of the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s office for 30 years, I worked with John Trice both in his career as a prosecutor and later as a judge. During his prosecution of the Rex Krebs capital murder case in 1999-2000, I witnessed firsthand John’s consummate competency and compassionate and respectful treatment of crime victims and their families. Over his years on the bench, Judge Trice has conducted countless hearings and trials with professional and respectful comportment towards all court users, and has consistently ensured that the rights of crime victims were balanced with those of offenders.”

Hmmm.  Guess Cindy Marie Absey wasn’t too concerned about the rights of Dawna Trice.

3.  Get ahead of the game by getting a quote from a Deputy DA.

Check!

San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Lee Cunningham:

“As a trial attorney, I’ve been appearing in the San Luis Obispo county courts on a daily basis for 35 years. Many of those years, I was assigned to Superior Court Judge John Trice’s courtroom. In my opinion, Judge Trice exhibits those qualities that I have come to most appreciate in a judge. He is intelligent, even-tempered, fair, patient, and he has a good sense of humor. Even before Marcy’s law was enacted, he always treated victims in his courtroom with dignity and respect. He allows them as much time as they need when they struggle to get their stories and feelings out. He treats defendants, attorneys, witnesses, jurors and staff with dignity as well.

He works hard, and is always prepared. On those occasions when he has ruled against me, I knew that my arguments had been heard and considered, and the issue was one on which reasonable minds may differ. It has been a pleasure to appear in Judge Trice’s court. The San Luis Obispo bench is a better place because of his presence.”

Cunningham is second-in-command.  Cunningham’s job prior to becoming a district attorney?  Police officer.  Since police officers have a 40% higher rate of domestic violence than other occupations, and since police departments are notoriously not women friendly; Iredale almost out-did himself with a quote from Cunningham.

And now for the Bonus.  Seriously, how lucky could Judge John Trice get?!

Or put another way, why wasn’t anyone looking after Dawna Trice?

Second Alert, Ladies: It would be wonderful if women understood the loyalty they thought they secured from hiring attorneys to represent their best interests; often produces another, more self-serving for future cases, result.

Dawna hired Christopher Duenow to secure for her, the retirement benefits she learned Trice had been keeping hidden from her for two plus years.

However, instead of acting zealously on behalf of his client, Dawna, Duenow agreed to assist Judge Trice who first didn’t pay Dawna, then facilitated the hiding from public view, that he had cheated Dawna, for two years.

Did Duenow use the information to achieve a better result for Dawna?  Duenow isn’t saying, and we don’t know whether he was able to extract an amount greater than the interest owed.  Or if he even tried.  That would be interesting to know.

Christopher Duenow – the Family Law specialist who agreed to hide from the courts, Judge Trice’s  refusal to pay his ex.  Duenow was representing Dawna Trice at the time.

So first thing Friday morning I telephoned Duenow.  It was 6:00a.m.  I was expecting to leave a message, but Duenow picked up. After a brief introduction, I said,

BR:  “I am failing to understand why you agreed to act in a way that shielded Judge Trice’s misdeeds from scrutiny when his ex-wife was your client.”

Duenow:  “I don’t have any comment.”

BR: “But that doesn’t make you look very good.”

Duenow:  “I don’t have any comment.”

BR:  “Okay.  I’ll put that in the piece.”

But don’t despair dear reader.  This case represents a superior example how Judges circle the wagons after they’ve been caught in illegal acts, including with, apparently, the DA’s help.

Fyi:  If curious, Here are some of Judge Trice’s past supporters.

Skirting the normal judicial process

Judge Trice went to great lengths to make sure his newly Stipulated, “Yes, I finally promise to pay what is owed her” was not executed through normal channels.  This was possible with the help of Susan Matherly, and Judge Barry LaBarbera who executed the go-around.

The premise for this was a spectacular act of self-serving hogwash; with Judge Tice saying he wanted it that way so other judges wouldn’t disqualify themselves from signing it.

Sure.  That’s believable.

(P.S.  The Judicial Commission already stated that was an abuse of power.)

In the case of Susan Matherly, it appears in the past, she has been more than willing to bend, if not break, the rules.

Sidebar:  It’s also worth noting, Matherly shut down critical court reporting services, because it’s family court.  Although this renders appeals hopeless as the Appellate jurists rely on transcripts, this appears of no concern for Matherly. When I spoke to Matherly about it Friday morning; she said the family court had court reporters.

When I read Matherly the announcement on the court’s own website that stated otherwise, she added,

“Well, for the most part, our Family Courts had court reporters.  Two out of three are covered.”

When I asked about the “third” Matherly said then litigants would have to enter into a Stipulated Agreement.

(Hint:  Don’t.  Instead, Stipulate to one’s case being heard in one of the other two courts staffed with court reporters.  It’s pretty much one’s only shot for the appellate process.)

Matherly hung up before I could ask anything more.

In conclusion

The “Formal Proceedings” detailed Judge Trice’s prior rants against a supervising female judge and another female court reporter.

However, if in 2012, Judge Trice could act so brazenly against a woman who left the state after their 1990 divorce; why would any attorney allow any female litigant to appear before him?  Clearly the guy has issues.

For that matter, why would any female attorney agree to appear before him?

For that matter, why is Trice on the bench?  Why hasn’t he had sense enough to step down.

For that matter, will the DA investigate Trice’s conduct, or continue to provide a prearranged, pass?

Click the follow button and find out.  This is one case that deserves ongoing reporting.

 

Thanking attorney Hal Moroz for demonstrating “Conservative” hypocrisy in three tweets

Hypocrite Hal Moroz

Some days, life is almost too easy!

Today turned out to be a super easy day for exposing religious bigots. Our thanks goes to ex judge, attorney, Hal Moroz who unwittingly demonstrated to all, the behavior of a colossal hypocrite.

The subject is the same:  America’s founding fathers insistence on the separation of Church and State, and the ongoing conniption fits of  Tea Party types who continue to maintain their phony, “Conservative” label.  (Not sure if Hal Moroz is in favor of a mandatory, Baptist nation, but if so; my hope is dancing won’t be banned.)

Anyway, it happened like this.

In response to a Hal Moroz (who still calls himself a judge at every opportunity) tweet:

“NOW is the time to STAND against the Obama agenda & elect a Conservative as Speaker!”

(Anyone know of any president who didn’t have an “agenda?”)

@familylawcourts tweeted the below to Hal @JudgeMoroz

 

And how did this so-called “proud Reagan Conservative, former infantryman” – and clearly biased ex judge, react?

He blocked them.  Yep.  Former Judge Hal Moroz immediately blocked them without comment.

Twenty minutes later @Rockmedia responded in kind with the below tweet and block to Hal.

 

And Hal, being Hal, fell right in the trap.

Yes, old Hal did himself in by showing the world, via Twitter, how to live like a hypocrite, in spite of writing a book titled,

“Living the Godly Life.”

which included a line in the Bible about not trading “insult for insult”

(Maybe Hal had a ghost writer.)

But just like the old Candid Camera television show, Twitter showed Hal Moroz caught in the act of being a himself.   A hypocrite.

Would list the number of times “Hypocritical Hal” complains others “name call” (he blocked @Rockmedia – then tweeted and named called her while cowardly tweeting from behind his block)….but where would my day would go if all I did was evidence many times Hal demonstrated his vast amounts of  hypocrisy?  :)

Tea Party types hate Veterans who need services

Considering how many times so-called “Republicans” in Congress voted against helping Veterans,  Tea Party Hal should be ashamed of himself for saying he admires these brave men and women.  Also, although claiming to be a “Reagan loving Conservative,” Hypocritical Hal is mute on Reagan’s speech regarding the Separation of Church and State.

Hal Moroz is confused on separation of Church and State. President Reagan was not

 

Bottom Line:  I work with attorneys and veterans.

Currently am producing a movie about war heroes; but personally, having been reared in the military, would never send any veteran in need of legal assistance to Hal Moroz.

SIDEBAR

(Wondering if ole Hal was this biased while on the bench? It would be interesting to know whether the two-faced Hal Moroz ever did this while on the bench….in the interest of “justice.”)

Separately, Hal doesn’t seem, well, adult.  Also, and this is only personal; Moroz’s website is like, from the 90s.

However, should anyone be interested in following two, real Conservatives; and by real, I mean the thoughtful, able to hear both sides – kind; who are both smart, funny, and have what’s known as “judicial temperament” in spades.

Those interested in real conservatives; for Georgia:   Follow @judgedillard. (@familylawcourts does..and being a true Conservative, he follows them back. Judge Dillard also has a cool music collection and a good looking family.)

For Texas: @justicewillett (@familylawcourts follows Justice Willett. Because his kids are the cutest…and he’s funny. He doesn’t follow them back, but occasionally favs some of their tweets.  Seems addicted to Blue Bell Ice Cream, which naturally causes us some concern.)

Also, more appropriately, and unlike “Hypocritical Hal,” neither Judge Dillard or Justice Willett follows convicted felon, Dinesh D’Souza, once sued by his own company.)

Both Judge Dillard and Justice Willett are daily, demonstrating the best kind of Conservative.

Skip Hal.  Screechers like Hal aren’t Conservative in the slightest. They are religious zealots interested in killing the Republican Party – and there’s nothing “conservative” about their, and Hal’s kind of venom.

Best For Last

That said, don’t think I don’t appreciate Hal Moroz for demonstrating his over-the-top, brand of hypocrisy fast, and often.

I do.  Oh boy, I surely do.

So, kudos to Hal!  Thanks again for the demonstration!

Ahmed clocks Texas education system; victimized by ‘fraidy cat “Hoax Bomb” Law

Alternate, shorter title:  “Ahmed clocks Texas educational system.”

Or, because I love a good pun, “The hoax is on you.”

What happens when a one 14 year old kid, Ahmed Mohamed, is nicer and smarter than his teachers, his principal, and (gulp) the entire Irving Police Department.  This, after teachers panicked and had Irving PD arrest the teenage clock builder.  Irving Police it seems, also violated Ahmed’s civil rights in questioning him.  Irving Police Chief Larry Boyd is backpedaling as I type.

Missed the news?  Ahmed Mohamed built a clock and took it to school to show his teachers. The teachers freaked.  The principal freaked.  Irving police were summoned. ‘Fraidy cats they were, Irving Police promptly arrested Ahmed.

The rest of America responded to the whiz kid more favorably.

Mark Zuckerberg tweeted to drop by.  Twitter went nuts, and then the powers that be at Twitter offered Ahmed an internship, now.  Oh.  Our President invited Ahmed to the White House.

However, Irving being Irving, doubled-down with this:

Why Texas is rife with official, ‘fraidy cats

I worry. As the Texas Legislature has proved, Texas has done gone, sissified. It’s illegal to scare people.  Even where their fears are out of left field.

Texans used to have a well-deserved reputation for common sense and bravery. It’s a real head scratcher that Texas changed so drastically, where Texans got so scared, Texas is now in danger of being called, the ‘fraidy cat state. How else to explain how the Texas Legislature passed Penal Code Bill: 46.08 The HOAX BOMB

(13) “Hoax bomb” means a device that:
(A) reasonably appears to be an explosive or incendiary device; or
(B) by its design causes alarm or reaction of any type by an official of a public safety agency or a volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies.

Ahmed became Irving PD’s “Emergency.”  Can they get any more lame?

Texas has become so lethally afraid, the legislature can’t pass laws fast enough to deal with it.  That includes women, by the way.

Full disclosure:  This explains Texas.

Spent some time living in Texas.  Will admit to a decided weakness for Texans.

Real Texans.  The kind of Texan who can smell a fight coming, but head it off with a witty comment.  Real Texans.  The type of men who know how to deliver a knockout punch if need be — including if the “need” is not wanting to be late for supper.  Or dinner.  There is a difference.   Sometimes recommend people who don’t understand Texas or Texans, buy “How to Speak Texas in 30 Minutes or Less.”  Love solid, funny, good-hearted Texans.

Also, Texas women are my favorites. One must have real grit to survive Texas, and Texas women aren’t short on grit or glitter.  This horse getting his neck rubbed reminds me of good Texas people.

Best for last.  Hi Mac!  Great guy.  Fun guy.  Smart guy.  All Texan.  The real kind. Mac wouldn’t tolerate any such nonsense.  But Mac would calm people down with that big-as-Texas-brain of his.  Likely with a Texas size dose of Mac-humor.

(Don’t worry, Mac. Won’t ID you beyond that.  Your retirement is safe!)

But seriously, Texas; and I mean this sincerely:  Get it together.  Pass some sane, gun laws.  Otherwise, you’re gonna look like you are. Racist.

And by the way, Laredo Border Patrol; it’s real chicken to shoot Mexicans in Mexico, killing a Dad celebrating his daughter’s birthday, on the banks of a river, from your river patrol boat. The Mexico side of the river.

Texas, you gotta hire better people people for your legislature, and law enforcement. If Texas cops are that scared, maybe they aren’t ready for the job.  Especially, law enforcement types who can’t stop pulling guns at birthday parties.  (Someone will invite you to a birthday party, dude.  Maybe.)

But most of all, Texas, Stop being afraid of women so much you want to control every phase of their bodies.  The t-shirt is not funny, but real.

Stop and think, Texas.  If it weren’t for the food, you guys would have already lost me.

Frank Serpico, deadbeat dad wannabe, is running for office. Would his son vote for him?

Frank Serpico litigated to pay less child support

Frank Serpico is running for the Stuyvesant Town Council.  Here’s why you might not want to vote for him.

Years ago while looking for a hero to profile, my thought was – “Can’t  go wrong with Frank Serpico!”

Turns out, I could.  The more I researched, the more Frank Serpico’s dark side came into focus. Including the fact that,

Frank Serpico fought all the way to the New York Supreme Court for the right to pay less child support than the law allowed.  Serpico had a novel “Deadbeat Dad” approach.

Turns out, the record indicates Frank’s most enduring trait isn’t bravery, it’s holding a grudge.  Holding a grudge is why he’s running for Town Council.  Full circle!

The NYPD backstory

Sometimes after a dream comes true, it turns into a nightmare. This sums up the life of Frank Serpico, who decades later, still refuses to forgive NYPD, for not being the kind of agency he thought he was signing up to serve., and turning on Frank when he did the right thing.

Frank Serpico will never get over the fact that some cops hate him, and that NYPD brass treated him poorly.  He was right, NYPD was wrong.  But Frank Serpico, for all his “meditation” and living with nature, can’t let that grudge go.

So, not surprisingly, a grudge also explains Frank’s latest “quest” for office.  Poor Stuyvesant.

However, it turns out Frank has a problem with accountability when it comes to his own behavior.

Turns out, Frank Serpico does not hold himself to the standards he insists others comply.

Frank Serpico:  Absentee Dad

This includes refusing to do the right thing by his only child, an infant son.  Perhaps because Frank felt as tricked by the boy’s mother, as he was by NYPD.  Anyone else see a pattern?

Frank Serpico had two quick marriages and then began to roam. In all, Frank married four times. The wife who lasted the longest (although none lasted long), died of cancer in Europe, where they living at the time

Returning to New York, Frank began hooking up. But on March 15, 1980, Frank was furious to learn he’d become, surprise; a first-time father. Frank claimed the women he’d had an affair with told him she was taking birth control pills.

1. Dad Frank said the woman told him she was on the pill.
2. Mom says she said no such thing
3. Mom says she wasn’t on the pill.
4. Mom got pregnant.
5. Dad Frank, bailed.

Enter: Family Court

Frank objected to supporting the child saying he felt he was tricked into fathering. The now, non-couple litigated and Judge Nanette Dembitz of Family Court agreed with Frank knocking a couple hundred bucks off the support order because she felt the the sudden, new mom, made “misrepresentations.”

Mother appealed and the court commented on Serpico’s argument was a “Novel” approach, but agreed with Mom, stating in part,

”mother’s alleged deceit has no bearing upon” Mr. Serpico’s ”obligation to support his child.”

The Court of Appeal added,

‘The statute does not require, nor, we believe, does it permit, consideration of the ‘fault’ or wrongful conduct of one of the parents in causing the child’s conception,” wrote Associate Judge Sol M. Wachtler for the court. 

(You may remember Sol Wachtler.  Sol Wachtler became New York’s top judge, before going to prison after initiating a 13 month non-stop campaign of anonymous letters and telephone calls, threatening to kidnap the daughter of Joy Silverman, the woman Wachtler had an affair with, who broke up with him.  Wachtler thought she might turn to him for help.  Silverman instead, turned to the police, who caught coming out of a turnpike phone booth, after yet another threatening call.)

But Frank, still intent on “winning” because he was “right” litigated all the way  New York’s top court.

The top Court unanimously affirmed the Court of Appeal, telling  furious Frank:

“The kid’s needs are greater than the parents.“

The top court added:

”mother’s alleged deceit has no bearing upon” Mr. Serpico’s ”obligation to support his child.”

Frank’s heart grew harder as bitterness stole over him.  Frank Serpico did not raise his boy. He saw him occasionally.

The young man is now making his own name and winning awards in his field.

He was not mentioned on Frank’s website or blog years ago.

Frank Now is Frank Then

By today’s standards, Frank has an age appropriate girlfriend.  Meaning she is twenty years younger than he is.

Lee Jamison – has the background to work with Frank Serpico

Interestingly, Lee Jamison is challenging the Town Supervisor on the Democratic and Working Families Party line. Could someone advise her of Frank’s lesser known background? I ask as Ms. Jamison is also seeking the Women’s Equality Party endorsement, and feels Frank’s is part of an “awesome” ticket.

The Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation endorsed Lee’s candidacy. Apparently, non are aware of the behavior of police towards women.  Good thing there’s, there’s a history.

Lee is a 35 year resident of Stuyvesant and works at Columbia Memorial Hospital as a psychiatric social worker serving people with developmental disabilities.

So if Frank wins, Lee would be equipped to deal with him.

What happens if Frank doesn’t win?

Have read Frank has renewed passport and gotten rid of his chickens and goats.  Currently, he’s said future plans include a visit to Cuba.  Perhaps just in time to settle into a new round of taking on the Cuban government and imagined acclaim.

Frank’s run boils down to Frank Serpico as a 79 year old man stomping his foot yet again, because he feels betrayed, yet again.  This time by the town of Stuyvesant.

In Frank’s world, grudges make the world go ’round.

 

 

 

@JSavite – “Just Janis” – The Intenet phenom

This long drink of water is “JustJanis” on Twitter

A word to the Twitter, wannabe-wise regarding @jsavite

A few years ago I pleaded with reporters to retire the word “awesome,” a word that had degenerated from describing someone or something of staggeringly breathtaking, achievement or say, beauty; to describing a meal, or a new pair of shoes.

Suddenly, everything was awesome and frankly, I was sick of it.

Then I discovered “JustJanis” – on Twitter, who is in in fact; beyond totally awesome!

Through a screen, the black-eye was a result of a baseball accident. Yep, The ever-gorgeous JustJanis: is a jock.

As in awe-inspiring.  Not because “JustJanis” works tirelessly – keeping herself in top, physical and mental condition – to help others.  Although she does that.

(The girl’s got some kind of stamina.)

All-American good looks, JustJanis

Terrific.  Wonderful.  Heartwarming.  Not awesome.  My standards are admittedly, pretty high.

JustJanis, From her modeling portfolio –

Not because as a former All-American J. Crew sports type girl, whose kick-ass good looks catapulted her onto the international catwalks while still in high school.  Nope.   Major league terrific.  Just not, awesome.

Mom to awesomely talented little human.

But,  “JustJanis” is totally awesome because:

she has bucket loads of patience for people who may or may not be equipped to deal with reality.  Some of whom, like to shower JustJanis, the bringer of facts, with insults.  Because she is equipped with facts and logic.  And some serious mojo.

For the past couple of years I have been lucky enough to witness on a daily basis, JustJanis trying to re-educate people who have been brainwashed – by design or accident – into believing something untrue.

People whose beliefs range from the patently absurd, to the just plain inaccurate.

Racist people.  Misogynistic people.  To them JustJanis responds unfailingly with good manners, facts, grace, good humor…but most of all: patience* while attempting to introduce factual matters into the conversation.

Some of the aforementioned people are opposed to facts.  People opposed to facts, often respond with memes. Some, really stupid memes.

Through it all, JustJanis responds by sticking to facts.  We’re talking about lonnnnng conversations, folks.  She’s almost like a machine.  One, very well-oiled, machine.  It’s really something to behold.

This makes JustJanis not “Queen of Twitter” as some allege.  This makes JustJanis,

The Internet Phenom.  Because JustJanis has a level of patience not generally seen in today’s world.

Yes, Just Janis is Phenomenal

But I say “Awesome” because while phenomenal is more accurate, it’s also a couple more syllables longer and than awesome; and — I’m lazy.

I admit to sometimes dropping by JustJanis’s Time Line (TL) to preemptively block the very people Just Janis tries so hard to educate.  Simply put, JustJanis’ patience and good humor exceeds all human standards in extraordinary abundance, (much like her intelligence…which she never brags about, or the company she founded.)

But people should know this about JustJanis.  She was an international model, (even her hair made money) graduated with multiple degrees, founded a successful landscape design firm, takes care of her wonderful, talented family.  Then there’s what she does for kicks, to give-back to Americans at large, in addition to charitable efforts in her hometown.  The ability to educate people as it turns out, is JustJanis’ super power.

Including people who may or may not appreciate an education.

But it’s JustJanis’s other-wordly amounts of patience that makes her an awesome standout, online.

In return some people call JustJanis vile names.  My favorite part is when these misogynistic dullards call her ugly.

JustJanis instantly agrees!  What a sense of humor!!!

Some people get more blessings in life than others.  Just Janis got a quadruple scoop.

But how many people with so many blessings, offer strangers the ability to sort fact from fiction?  JustJanis does this on a daily basis, more than anyone I know.  To all.

For no reward other than the opportunity to change a few minds with a few facts.

Who does that?  Hardly anyone, especially on Twitter.

This is why I admire JustJanis.

This is why you should too.

You may not agree with her politically.  But if you want intelligent discourse, follow JustJanis.  She has a few conservative friends on Twitter.  But only because they’re smart.  So there’s that.

Not having the type of patience JustJanis has, I do admire that she generally ignores slings and arrows and responds machine-like, with, more facts.  Today, I dropped by her TL and discovered more name calling.

Well, in fairness, I did mention I have trace amounts of patience.  I did mention to using JustJanis’s feed to preemptively block dullards.  But today, my trace amounts of patience, ran out.

So, I give you, you dullards who refuse to be educated – while making time to call a really nice person ugly; a bit more information about JustJanis.

Have a nice day!

* I should probably mention once Just Janis refers to you as “Skippy” well – you’re about two tweets away from a “Mute.”

 

 

 

An open letter to Judge Charles Tinlin: Please stop getting women killed.

Killer Judge Charles Tinlin

The below letter to Judge Charles Tinlin,  is posted on the home page of familylawcourts.com  – on the occasion of the totally preventable murders of Amanda Cloaniger and Lindy Dobbins by Johns County Judge of the Seventh Judicial Court District, Charles Tinlin.

With a very helpful assist by the “Men Only” family law attorney, Republican “pro-life” attorney, Kyle Bedran, (who recently had to answer to the State Bar regarding an election issue.)

As often happens, women were doomed by men like these.

Men who aren’t routinely threatened, stalked, or attacked.

Lindy Dobbins – Victim of Judge Tinlin

Lindy Dobbins and Amanda Cloaniger were murdered within hours of a negotiated plea deal between the State, and attorney, Kyle Bedran, along with a helpful nod from the DA regarding James Colley Jr.’s violation of a restraining order.

Simply put, women receive nothing for their tax dollars.

This is just the latest in decades of police and the courts willingly failing women at every turn.

So this past Friday, due to governmental disdain for women at every turn, it was Lindy Dobbins and Amanda Cloaniger’s turn to die.

Amanda Colley – victim of Judge Tinlin.

As such, this letter is for them, because they are not “resting  in peace” and likely are not happy their worries fell on deaf ears.

“Dear Judge Tinlin:

Here’s a thought. How about Next time, skip the thoughts of the police, DA, and attorney Bedran…and try use some life-saving, common sense.  I watched the court hearing. You were conflicted, but ultimately, you agreed to let Colley walk.

So next time Judge Tinkin; protect people. Order real-time GPS. Like the kind here.

The police don’t like losing control, but wouldn’t you really rather want the guy watching the screen in Real-Time notify the would-be target as soon as a potential violation looked to be at hand, first? As in ahead of time, and then call law enforcement? Wouldn’t you really rather the guy watching the screen give a heads up to the would-be victim, who would have enough time to save her own life?

Also, Bonus points Judge Tinlin: You can’t cut the straps off this GPS.

Wouldn’t that be a swell idea Judge Tinlin? I ask because the double murders of Amanda Cloaniger and Lindy Dobbins are on you.

You allowed yourself to be talked out of remanding Colley for his restraining order violation . . and because of that Judge Tinlin, unlike you; Amanda and Lindy no longer have the opportunity to pose for fun family pictures like those below. Act now Judge Tinlin.  Be Pro-Life!

Effective restraining orders are available. Please enable would-be victims to be in direct contact with the guy watching the screen.

Cut-out the law enforcement, middle man as the first to learn of a violation. Make law enforcement the second call. Contact me for details, if you care enough to implement cost and life-saving solutions.

Thanks.”

What happened after the murders?

So glad you asked!  Mealy mouthed statements from attorneys!  Judge Tinlin?

Judge Tinlin  had no comment at all.  This, is a problem.

The Florida State’s Attorney Office said:

“We are in the process of reviewing all of the facts and circumstances involved in these cases. But because these cases are pending, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.”

Florida Attorney Kyle Bedran of the National Republican Lawyers Association said:

 “I think both Judge McGillin and Judge Tinlin, the Assistant State Attorney, and myself made the right call with the facts before us. No one can predict the future unfortunately and we can Monday morning quarterback this all day but nothing at that time indicated Mr. Colley was preparing to do this.”

I would characterize Kyle Bedran’s  comments the smarmiest I have seen in a good long while.  Also of merit?  Kyle Bedran’s comments were directly opposite the evidence.  Which is why the plea was “No Contest.”  Bedran works as an associate of http://www.menonlyfamilylawonly.com Or Kenny Leigh & Associates, ( http://www.Jaxfamilylaw.com)

Kyle Bedran – smary Republican attorney who got two women killed

It’s also important to remember Kyle Bedran’s response when Judge Tinlin expressed reluctance in light of the evidence.  Pro-life Republican attorney Kyle Bedran responded:

“Your honor I will personally make sure it’s done.”

Kyle’s LinkedIn Profile lists Bedran as:

The Public Defender’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit of Florida, Vision For Excellence

Vision For Excellence?

This is before Bedran went to work for Kenny Leigh & Associates.

The Republican war on women can be very subtle.  Lives can be quietly, negotiated away.

 

Murder, Media, and stock values, on the killing of Alison Parker, Adam Ward

When media, murder, and publicly held companies converge for good.  Or not.  A story in four parts.

Adam Ward used his camera to identify his and Alison Parker’s killer

First:  There haven’t been enough accolades for Adam Ward.  Adam’s camera expertise and more so, his profound passion for life allowed him to tip the police to his and Alison Parker’s killer; Vester Flanagan, aka:  Bryce Williams.  Flanagan was in his second year of being a former co-worker – and he nursed long-documented, anger issues.

Second:  Vester Flanagan was both a very troubled man; and really bad shot.  Alison, while wearing a brace, just booked it after Flanagan’s first, point-blank shot missed her.

Alison covered a lot of ground before Flanagan, hunted her down.

Third:  Media is working over-time on this, albeit not exactly with police help.  More on that later.  But for now, journalism hasn’t been working over-time.  One of the big unanswered questions is:

Did ABC News alert personnel a former co-worker was mentally, unraveling after receiving his 25 page angry, disjointed fax?

Fourth:  Reactions from Facebook, Google, and Twitter.  Poor reactions covered over by media.

FIRST

Background:  Before becoming a wannabe triple murderer, (Post surgery, third victim, Vicki Gardner, is recovering); Vester Flanagan was a reporter WTNC-TV, who also anchored at WTWC-TV, WTOC-TV – Savannah, and KMID-TV and KPIX-TV -(San Francisco)

But in a story told in pictures, Twitter, Facebook, and Google, the public is keeping media – often confused with Journalism, honest.  Mostly.

August 26th, 2015 began per usual:  Media Pandering to Donald Trump

However, as Twitter is a political force, Twitter folks began noticing yet another anchor – this time Matt Lauer, was the latest anchor to pander to Donald Trump.

The journalist Trump continues to describe as “screaming, ranting, and raving” was not. Why doesn’t media correct Trump?

But Trump fascination promptly ended with the terrible news out of Virginia of the double-murder of Alison Parker, Adam Ward, and the wounding of Vicki Gardner.

Adam Ward shot the killer with his camera.

Turned out, the wannabe television star anchor was also filming his murders.  Video revealed Flanagan had to chase down Alison, who, while wearing a brace, was making good time and distance away from Flanagan after he blew his initial, point-blank range shot.

Alison cringed at the first shot, which missed her.  Note Alison’s leg brace.

Then came the moment Alison recognized her killer.

Alison wasted no time.  She turned and ran.

Please note, Alison continued to run.  This is not a shot of Alison falling.  No, Alison was making good time.

See top of the shot.  That is Alison’s leg. She was gaining ground.

SECOND – Pivot to media.  Not journalism

Twitter lit up.  Because Twitter can be a political force.  Twitter began demanding journalism and decency.

Below was just one tweet was to Google, asking:

1. Google remove the Flanagan’s Video on Youtube.
2. Commenting on police harassment of reporter Franz Strasser – who was trying to cover the news.

Franz Strasser complained that the police threatened to tow his car if he didn’t remove the pictures he snapped after the police arrived on-scene.  Flanagan had already shot himself.

Sadly,  Strasser morphed from journalist, to media type.  In a twinkling.

Soooo,

Enhancing the mo’ media, not journalism….James Morgan reported on…Franz Strasser!

Yes, James Morgan made the reporter, the story, on Storify.

Why would Morgan do that?  Because <eye roll> Morgan’s the engagement editor and Social lead for @BBCNewsUS and @BBCPopUp. @BBCNewsMagazine writer.

Think media:  Don’t think, journalism.

THIRD – Old media was last to know. 

Check the comments on Youtube.  276 people commented on Flanagan’s Youtube posting of the murders.  I pray for every comment there was a request to Google for its removal.

Which public company almost won the, “remove for public decency” coverage?

1. Twitter – First to act; suspending Flanagan’s account.
2. Facebook – A semi-quick, second to disable Flanagan’s acount.
3. Google – Dead last.  In fact, murder footage is still up.

Noticed many people on Twitter demanding Flanagan’s account be removed.  Have no idea how many asked FB to do so.

“Get on it, FB” Bonnie Russell requesting Facebook to remove account of Vester Flanagan

But in that 1, 696 people witnessed the murder on Youtube  – and 256 people “rated” Flanagan’s murder.  All Media reported reported the video was quickly taken down after “moments” on line.

Which was so far from the truth…as to be contemptible.  In fact, the footage is still up.  Eight hours later.  Not saying where.

Most people are very comfortable with a Twitter force for the good and loathe the sick people who Tweet.  But either way, Twitter has all but replaced AP.

The good news is via Twitter, we witness in real time when reporters like the above, decide to take the easy way out when covering the story; while trying to help take bad stuff down.

                                                  What this says about us.

That social media is used for social and criminal means.

But in journalism, Twitter can fact-check in how we digest media instead of facts.

FOURTH – The public can be more involved in ending Publicly traded companies who withhold facts from reporting.  The public can Demand a return of the Fairness Doctrine.

Media reports the murder footage is down, while stating it was only up “moments” is gross negligence, stupid, and, deliberate. The public can end this practice by demanding the FCC return the Fairness Doctrine.

Currently, would like to crown Twitter the king of all Media.  (Sorry Howard Stern)  But no can do because:  L

ast week Twitter went totally corporate.  In a series of bad decisions, Twitter removed 30 sites dedicated to saving the deleted tweets of politicians.

It’s one thing for media to not accurately report the facts, while shielding less than responsive high-tech, companies such as Facebook, Google and Twitter.  But when Twitter, a public company opted to delete politicians tweets?  That is so far over the line — the line can no longer be seen.

Politicians are elected officials.  The public has a right to know if or when, our elected officials do well, or screw up.

Stock prices as of today, August 23, 2015:

Facebook:  $87.19    Click here tomorrow to discover whether Facebook has gotten any better.

Google:   $628.62    Click here tomorrow to discover whether Google has gotten any better.

Twitter:  $   25.03    Click here tomorrow to discover whether Twitter has gotten any better.

Senator Marty Block on SB 213 – Reducing number of Peremptory Challenges in Criminal, Misdemeanor Trials

The title of this interview could easily be:  “When smart people disagree.”  A quick introduction of Senator Marty Block is below.  (You can tweet to Senator Block, here.)  Senator Block’s Facebook page is here.

 The following interview features California Senator Marty Block, who introduced Senate Bill 213 – a bill that would in Criminal  misdemeanor jury trials, reduce the number of peremptory challenges from 10 to six, in order to streamline justice.

Senator Block’s position is reducing the number of peremptory challenges in misdemeanor trials, means less time for jurors to be away from their business, as well less costs to the state and law enforcement.  I thank Senator Block for his time, and I thank Maria Lopez, for facilitating the interview.  I also thank attorneys, Frank Birchak, Director of Training for the Public Defenders office; San Diego criminal defense attorney, Knut Johnson, and former California State Bar President, Jim Heiting.

Part I

Background, reasons for, and those in support of SB 213

Part II

The duration of misdemeanor trials  – reasons for support

Part III

The police – and the meat of the matter – civil rights of defendants.  Gets interesting at the 1:20 mark.

 

THOSE OPPOSED ADD CLARIFICATIONS

Frank Birchak,

Frank Birchak, Director of Training, Public Defenders Office, responds.

There is no statute the police officer must remain in court.

Often times a lead officer might be on-hand, but it depends on how long they expect jury selection to take and how the prosecutor sets things up with the different agencies involved.

 

 

San Diego criminal Defense attorney Knut Johnson checked in with reasons against.

“This bill would undermine the integrity of California’s jury system, which is why Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey opposed this bill.  I oppose this bill to reduce preempts in misdemeanor trials to six because:

1. With the transfer of almost half the felony case load to misdemeanors via Prop 47,  there will a far more serious misdemeanors going to trial.
2. Some misdemeanors carry life time sex registration.  That’s worthy of all the challenges you can get.  Other misdemeanors carry other draconian consequences, e.g., licensing for professionals, deportation (even for lawful permanent residents).
3. Police, in my experience, do not sit around during jury selection.  Good prosecutors tell their witnesses to appear after jury selection finishes.  This is a solution in search of a problem.
4. This is yet another attempt to reduce the right of citizens to a jury trial when the government accuses them of crime.
5. This will disproportionately affect poor, African American, Latino, and other minority defendants.  Despite California being an ethnically diverse state a jury of one’s peers is a rarity.  Because juries continue to be overwhelmingly white and more affluent due to racial and economic disparities that affect who is eligible for jury service and who can afford the financial hardship.
6. Reducing the number of peremptory challenges may make jury selection longer, as attorneys will need to file more time-consuming “for cause” challenges, requiring lengthy examination of prospective jurors.

This bill is a terrible idea.”

Part IV

(Seems to be some misconceptions regarding attorney fees at the 1:30 mark)

Former California State Bar President James O. Heiting always great on “overviews” also offered a few thoughts.  I asked Jim to check in, remembering Jim once made national legal news in an article titled,

“Voir Dire as a Contact Sport”

after convincing a judge in a bifurcated civil trial, to dismiss the entire jury…for prejudice after the first phase of a trial.

Former State Bar President and Personal injury attorney, Jim Heiting

“Jury selection is probably the hardest part of any case.  Prospective jury members are more and more biased and prejudiced by television, movies, publicity, and hype from talking heads.  Every safeguard must be maintained to be able to select the fairest and most appropriate jury.  Suitable and fair-minded jurors are not as common as we would hope; and the ability to cull out the potential jurors who will probably not be fair to your client (prosecution or defense) is an absolute necessity.  “For cause” challenges are not easily granted in many courtrooms, the judges many times trying to rehabilitate the juror and to avoid disqualifying the person, even though the person is obviously biased and a bad choice as an ultimate juror.  Peremptory challenges are the only way to balance the scales (and even then sometimes not adequately), and every peremptory is valuable and necessary to achieving whatever justice we can.”

///

Again, I thank Senator Block for his time, the renown Maria Lopez, for her super efficient skill set in facilitating the interview, and Frank Birchak, Knut Johnson and Jim Heiting for their prompt attention to educating us all regarding Senate Bill 213.

 

The latest on Kelly Rutherford’s disappearing custody case, and some mighty poor reportng

Journalism 101:

Who, what, when, where, how and, why. Often, it’s the “whys” that convinces juries.   Medill might be the only journalism school in the country that requires journalism students to attend two years of law school, in order to make their reporting better.

But the lessons aren’t always learned.  When reporting on the courts, it would be nice if Medill graduates actually incorporated key facts into their “reporting.”

Kelly Rutherford and her deported children. Federal Judge remains unidentified.

Medill School of Journalism is a great school.

But when Medill School of Journalism graduate, and People Magazine reporter Aurelie Corinthios “reported” on the disappearing – actually, lets call it what it is; deported children of Kelly Rutherford, as she did below,

Federal Judge tosses Kelly Rutherford’s bid to keep her children in the U.S.

wouldn’t it have been swell, if Corinthios had actually identified the Judge who essentially, nailed the last nail in the effort to help deport Rutherford’s American children?

For more on Kelly Rutherford, see the child custody page dedicated to her efforts.

There is a history of reporters not identifying these judges.  Always to the detriment of the public.  Whatever happened to the “watchdog” press?

Did the Watchdog, die?

 

Why cops, courts, and media means family killers like Jody Herring and David Conley will continue

How media dupes the public while profiting from its failure to disclose

Surprisingly it’s the same old answer.  Profits.  Profits for law enforcement.  Profits for media.  Profits for DV non-profits.  Also important to remember?  A “non-profit” is a tax phrase, not a vow of poverty.

What’s the best way media prevents the public from learning the solution to family style murders exists?

Easy.  By being completely averse to featuring the murder preventing, high-tech solution, to murder.  Maybe once, like below, but that’s it.

Instead, media uses these murders to sell ads for programs like 48 Hours, or Dateline.

(Not to be outdone, law enforcement uses murders as a marketing tool, to generate hiring more police officers.)

Either way, the public is none the wiser the solution to crime has been around for a long time.

The public should also be aware law enforcement lobbies against using high-tech equipment enabling (mostly) women to be notified in real time, that the restrained person is on their way to breaking a restraining order.  These are the very same women who could and would, save their own life.  As would anyone with a head-start notification to leave the area.

Consider two recent, family execution-style multiple murders:

Vermont’s Jody Herring, and Houston Texas David Conley, III.

Photo of Jody Herring provided to AP from Barre City Police Department. AP demands credit as if they took the photo.  AP did not.

Jody Herring is accused of killing Rhonda Herring, Regina Herring, and their mother, Julie Ann Falzarano, three family members who had called child services and; as well as  Lisa Sobel, the Social services worker the day of her murder, testified against Jody, on the day Herring lost custody of her nine year old daughter.  Court transcripts of the hearing should be very revealing.  One questions why they haven’t been made available yet.

Murder in the making – another threat ignored

Prior to the triple murder at the farm, Tiffany Herring said early in the morning Jody reportedly called and said,

“My mother got a call in the morning, maybe 7:30 or 8 o’clock, saying it was Jody Herring, saying:

‘You guys need to stop calling DCF unless you guys are going to have it coming to you.”

Jody is now charged with killing four women. Three relatives.

Next up:  Texas

In the case of David Conley, considering a ten year history of crime, that real-time victim notification GPS wasn’t already in place for the now dead, is harder to comprehend. But law enforcement has blood on their hands for mass murder; as Conley once went to prison for wrapping an electrical cord around a baby’s neck.

That seems clue enough for judges to generate both a permanent restraining order, and real-time Victim Notification, GPS for the intended victims.

David Conley – killed Valerie Jackson’s family. She changed the locks. He climbed through an open window.

Now with real-time victim notification in mind, watch the below and ask yourself,

“Why isn’t this in family and criminal court, so the real-time GPS monitor could call the intended victim ahead of time, in enough time for her to vacate the area, and then alert law enforcement?”

CBS –

CBS – More Details

Why the solution isn’t widely known is partly due to media refusing to cover it appropriately. Or, identify it appropriately.  (Also, media has a long-time practice of not identifying judges who screw up so badly people are killed.)

Again;  it’s all about profits

Where would 48 Hours and Dateline be if there were less, profit-generating, murder mysteries where in:  shocker, the husband/boyfriend did it?

Meanwhile, and none too subtle fashion, law enforcement continues taking the sting out of crime:  assault, attempted murder, and murder, in favor of less stressful phrase:  “domestic violence.”

The correct response to anyone using that phrase, is:

“There’s no such thing as “Domestic Violence.”  Then explain the phrase is part of the con used by those in the “Domestic Violence” career field, in order to generate grant funding to host endless “Domestic Violence Awareness” Conferences for these “experts” who will never endorse high tech crime prevention devices for those targeted, over their own salaries.  It’ll never happen. So the murders will continue.  They are not interested in crime prevention.  Only after the fact, police type services.

That’s American reality

If a stranger assaults me, he’s going to jail.  If a family member assaults me, or attempts to murder me, or murders me, law enforcement and media will identify it as “domestic violence.”  Lets end that.  Lets end it because nothing changes until it is first, properly identified.

Misogyny as an American Tradition

Need further proof misogyny the order of the day?  Consider Donald Trump.  When he attacked Rosie O’Donnell, the audience roared with laughter.  When he attacked the pretty girl, they booed.  Because in America, as everywhere else, beauty is the currency of women.  This is known by all.  Which is why women in media are generally good looking.

Good looking, and often minus brains and spine and/or desire to address how media profits from misogyny. They know it, but routinely sell out women. In fact, sometimes media women take the lead in misogyny. See my column on Curt Schilling.

Sidebar:  But every once in a while, there is such a delicious example of our backwards nation, we really do have to laugh.

Ladies and gentlemen, once again, I offer you Texas.  Please.  Specifically; Tyler, Texas.  Specifically, a Tyler Texas Judge. Specifically, the Presiding judge, Randall Rogers

Judge Rogers:  Are we supposed to take him seriously?

Judge Rogers made history last week by bartering away, a woman.  In open court.

I am not making this up.

Judge Rogers gave the defendant a choice.  Jail or marriage.  He did so without a word to the defendant’s girlfriend who was siting in court.  Yep.  The judge said “Marry her AND recite passages of the Bible!”  This is Texas folks.  Not Saudi Arabia.  Could someone inform Judge Rogers we are not in Saudi Arabia?  Thanks.

Back to medias role in profiting from murders

Where would 48 Hours and Dateline be if they couldn’t air profit generating, murder mysteries?  It’s not in medias best interests to expose how government enables family killings to be profitable for law enforcement.  Instead, as media reports for profits, the public is treated to reporter apologists for local police departments after officers refuse to do their job. This reporter begin his coverage by announcing how seriously the police departments take these cases.  Seriously.  That happened in San Diego.  One more thing.

The “reporter” never identified the San Diego police officer involved in the rape case.  Now that’s some mighty fine police PR reporting!

In fairness, San Diego is known for it’s misogyny.  Consider therapist Michael Mantrell. Mantrell might be going to prison, but for years was the leading shrink for San Diego Police officers.

From Dr. Mantrell’s website.  “He is on San Diego’s Fox 5 News weekly as their Chief Behavioral Science Contributor and provides opinions, analyses and commentary for print and broadcast news media throughout the U.S. and internationally. He has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1981. His work in television news has recently earned him an Emmy nomination for a half-hour broadcast he did on the media and mass shootings following the Connecticut school shootings.

He’s been a popular guest on television and radio talk shows across America, including “Oprah,” “Nightline,” “Larry King,” and “Good Morning America” where he appeared for more than a decade as a regular contributor.”

So that’s the answer folks – profits.  Media making sure you, the viewer, remain clueless to the solution.

Please use this information to act.   Gather a group and inform your elected officials your vote is for officials who say no more state and federal money to law enforcement and the courts until the courts implement real time, victim notification, GPS.

People are either part of the solution or part of the problem.

 

How WEBMD & Vitals deals with Doctors like Dr William T. Clusin; who infect women with herpes

The below photograph is of physician, Dr. William T. Clusin.  A California Appeals court recently ordered Dr. Clusin to pay almost a million dollars for knowingly infecting his wife of four months with genital herpes.  (See prior post.)

Turns out, Clusin’s third wife wasn’t the first woman Clusin infected with herpes.

However, companies touting physicians such as WEBMD and “Vitals” don’t mention this while trilling Dr. Clusin’s background and accolades on their websites.  My question is:  Why?

Dr. William Clusin doesn’t tell women his history of infecting women with genital herpes and the lawsuits he lost after doing so.

More importantly, why does a near total lack of corporate accountability seem to be okay for publicly traded companies such as as WEBMD?

Especially when said publicly traded WEBMD features this Google trill:

Dr. Clusin’s knowingly infecting women with herpes is not part of WEBMD “Better information.”

“Better Information.  Better health”  –  minus the history of physicians on their websites?!  When might say, Jim Cramer, or the folks at Squawk Box begin to squawk about the utter lack of real transparency and solid information?  Wouldn’t shareholders appreciate a company that was the go-to in the field, instead of what is simply — advertising?

This is espcially important as in the area of publicly traded company specifically linking to “First, Do No harm” physicians.  Also important?  The public should know companies like WEBMD and “Vitals” don’t answer emails asking how they are going to deal with current information regarding people with say, Clusin’s background.

I wrote to both.  And received in response,

Don’t you just hate it when companies that brag about transparency, don’t respond to emails?

 

On a brighter note, from Mark L. Zeidel of the America Society of Clinical Investigation,

who responded promptly.  Sadly, Dr. Zeidel also responded incorrectly.

Yoo-hoo.

Perhaps the American Society of Clinical Investigation could check their records.  I mention this because,

Dr. Clusin is actually listed, twice.  

Under Dr. Fearson who was elected in 2015; is another notation:

  “Dr William T. Clusin M.D. Ph.D. represents the Society at this institution.”

People are apt to trust Clinical Investigative Societies.

People are apt to trust WebMD.  But the LA Times explains why people shouldn’t trust medical boards.  At all.

Here’s a little something to consider:

Republicans are always trilling for “free market” while Democrats believe some government help is necessary.

But neither matters when increasingly, it turns out private companies online, as well as publicly traded companies, in the “free market”  are every bit as bad as government backed health care.

Next question

Why does this stunning lack of accountability and transparency; continue?

Last question.

Who will care enough change this?

Will Dr. William T. Clusin continue deliberately infecting women with genital herpes?

Isn’t spreading Herpes is a crime?

Although the number of women Dr. William T. Clusin knowingly and deliberately infected with genital herpes, including in one case,  lying when asked point-blank, is: Three for Three, unknown is also pretty scary considering:

 

 

1.  The number of women infected who may not know who gave them genital herpes; and

2.  Future women Dr. Clusin plans on dating who are likewise unaware he could infect them, because the various educational and medical “societies” he belongs:  appear to shield him.

Much like the police in San Mateo County. More on that later.

However, thanks to the determination of wife number three, the jig may be up for Dr. Clusin’s much protected secrecy.  As revealed in the nearly one million dollar award against Dr. Clusin, his behavior is likely to strike many as, completely off-the-rails.  Also, dangerous. Oh, fast fact:   Dr. Clusin has tenure at Stanford.

Dr. Clusin lies to women about having genital herpes.

Also, Clusin travels.  So,

<——-    Don’t believe him

<——-    Don’t encourage him

<——-    Don’t date him

<——-    Do give him directions to another area.

 

Now for the particulars.

 

 

Justice Conrad Rushing

Presiding Justice Conrad Rushing, in writing for the 6th District Court of Appeals wrote of Dr. Clusin:

– – – – – –

“We believe the trial court could very reasonably conclude, as indeed we have concluded on such of the record as has been placed before us, that defendant, with full knowledge he was carrying what most people would view as a noxious disease, and without disclosing that fact to anyone, burdened three wives and quite possibly other sexual partners with that affliction. The most charitable construction we can place on his conduct, as found by the trial court upon ample evidence, is that he viewed the disease as insufficiently serious to require its disclosure, even when pointedly asked whether he was carrying it. The staggering hubris of this conduct, and its stark transgression against the norms of any decent and civilized society, amply justified a very substantial award of punitive damages.”

Justice Rushing continued:

“Short of forcible rape, or intercourse with someone incapable of consent, it is difficult to imagine a greater outrage against the bodily autonomy and sexual sovereignty of another individual than to fraudulently induce them to enter an intimate relationship with the knowledge that doing so will expose them to likely infection. In plaintiff’s case, defendant’s conduct inflicted what threatens to be a lasting impairment of her ability and willingness to enter into intimate relationships with anyone else. His seemingly total lack of empathy for his victims, his repellent attempts to imply that they bear responsibility for their injuries, and his manifest lack of remorse for his ethically indefensible and morally corrupt conduct, further justify the award. If there is a reason to overturn or reduce the award, it has not been brought to our attention and has not otherwise surfaced in our review of the case.”

Justice Rushing was equally straightforward in the footnotes.

“One passage of the decision resonates strongly here: ‘We did not find the evidence of the appellant impressive or credible. In our judgment, he was seeking to minimise every piece of evidence against him, and to put a construction on events at its most favourable to him. His evidence was neither accurate nor truthful on key issues such as his dealings with [the victim] and what occurred on the day when he pleaded guilty. His evidence was at odds with other objective evidence. Where his evidence conflicted with that of [the victim] and [the appellant’s solicitor], we have no difficulty in accepting their accounts rather than his.’

– – – – – –

As Dr. William T. Clusin’s pattern and practice of targeting women for infection remains a safe bet, it’s important women know nothing will be done by local police.

After all, he is a doctor.  People believe him.  So while the predatory behavior is ignored, women remain at risk. Where would Dr. Clusin find women upon which to prey?  Perhaps while lecturing out of the country, on a speaking engagement.  Or perhaps Dr. Clusin might somehow infect someone with genital herpes at Stanford, where he has tenure.

Also, one question to the American Society of Clinical Investigation.  It’s kind of ironic.

Why is a guy like Dr. William T. Clusin, who knowingly infects women with herpes,

allowed to remain involved with The American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI)?  Key word:  Investigation!  Why is an organization which purports to be one of the nation’s oldest and most respected medical honor societies, whose stated mission includes “improving human health:

The ASCI seeks to support the scientific efforts, educational needs, and clinical aspirations of physician-scientists to improve human health“

allowing Dr. Clusin to remain in their ranks?  This seems deliberately clueless. Also, to address character issues:  Has the ASCI ever kicked anyone out?  My multiple calls and emails to various ASCI members asking about Dr. Clusin have….not been returned.

Also, is Dr. Clusin’s behavior – criminal?

Criminal Courts?   Please.

San Mateo Sheriff’s new badge hides the same old problem

Although the civil courts get the criminal reality behind Dr. William Clusin’s continued actions:  It appears San Mateo criminal court judges won’t ever become aware of what seems to many, criminal conduct; ever.  This is due to Sheriff Greg Munks flat out refusal to protect women crime victims.

Greg Munks – only likes Some female crime victims<—— ignores the problem

Additionally, San Mateo District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, seems to care even less about women crime victims….minus an election year.

However, a serial, genital herpe’s infector?  Nah.  Don’t bother Wagstaffe or Chief Deputy, Karen Guidotti – who has an interest in protecting some, but not all women.  Apparently Tenure at Stanford helps sway her ability to look the other way.

Karen Guidotti ignores victims when the person causing harm has Stanford University tenure

What about the Stanford press arm:  aka:  PALO ALTO ONLINE.  Nope.  San Jose Mercury News.  Maybe, if someone emails them the particulars.  But frankly, the entire Palo Alto area enjoys misconduct in the DA’s office.

Does looking the other way include when Clusin violates restraining orders?

Two words:  Yes:  Repeatedly.

“Citee, William Thomas Clusin, M.D., is guilty of contempt of Court for violating Count 1on Feb. 23, 2010, driving with Ten (10) feet of the person of [Hetrick] and questioning [Hetrick] as follows: ‘Why aren’t you at work?’

“Citee, William Thomas Clusin, M.D., is guilty of contempt of Court for violating Count 2 on Jan. 1, 2010, with Dr. Clusin appearing at [Hetrick]’s home on La Mesa*1212Drive, having previously placed Christmas presents at [Hetrick]’s front door on or about Dec. 25, 2009.

“Citee, William Thomas Clusin, M.D., is guilty of contempt of Court for violating Count 5 when on Aug. 3, 2008, citee came to the residence of [Hetrick] and was found hiding in the bushes adjacent to [Hetrick]’s residence.

“Citee, William Thomas Clusin, M.D., is guilty of contempt of Court for violating Count 12 when on Jul. 3, 2009, at 6:52 A.M. citee parked his car on La Mesa Drive near the fortnight lilies in close proximity to [Hetrick]’s residence, while seeking to observe [Hetrick] and the parties’ daughter, Audrey.”

What might induce San Mateo Sheriff Deputies to act?

Murder?  We’re not sure.  Although Dr. Clausin is Exhibit A of San Mateo Sheriff and District Attorney’s ongoing indifference, this is hardly unusual.  Altahough I’ve said it before, it’s worth repeating.

Women pay taxes for police services, the police and the District Attorney, refuse to provide.   Better to Elect people who will not ignore 50% of the population.

How else to explain San Mateo’s latest example; Dr. William T. Clusin?  Really.  How else?

What Clusin demonstrates is cops give men a pass.  Dr. William Clusin is guy who refuses to abide by court order.  And so far, nothing has been done.

Ladies, Moms, Brothers who love their sisters, fathers who love their daughters and sisters….pass it on.  Law enforcement might not care about you.  But I do.  One last thing.

Consider working for any candidate running against the above during an election year; and help end the ongoing, deliberate failure to keep the public safe.

Thanks!

Sandra Bland: When media ignores their mistakes

The below email (or a variation thereof) went out to top news reporters today.

Reporters who specifically report on media.

These reporters are with the old school New York Times, Baltimore Sun, NPR, Washington Post etc.; to newish (Gawker)  Buzzfeed, Daily Caller, and many others.

However, I don’t expect a response because the title of this blog is

“Media and the Courts.”

It is not, “Journalism and the Courts.”

Meaning, if you believe you’re getting full, fair, and accurate coverage,

I cordially invite you to rethink that idea, after reading my email below.

– – – – –

“My name is Bonnie Russell, and I am a independent news researcher, as well as a, “no hype” legal publicist.  (It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.”)

Am writing about the problem concerning the Houston media relating to Sandra Bland coverage.

Specifically, was disappointed to discover Houston NBC reporter Keith Garvin was played, regarding his interview with Paul Looney, the “independent” investigator concerning the death of Sandra Bland.

Looney’s firm actually represents a giant, conflict-of-interest, Because of their business relationship with Judge Trey Duhon…not mentioned during the interview.

Originally, my thought was NBC might pull Garvin’s interview, (below) given he was thoroughly played, courtesy of Waller County Administrator, Judge Trey Duhon, as well as attorney Paul Looney.  But, in fairness, Garvin contributed to the getting duped by not doing his homework in the first place.

https://bonnierussell.wordpress.com/2015/07/27/sandra-bland-waller-county-sheriff-hires-independent-firm-looney-conrad/

However, when I called NBC to alert them  the “Independent” investigators constituted instead, a huge conflict of interest, the assignment editor said,

“Oh, my.”

But that was pretty much, it.

I received no response from Garvin in answer to my email, or tweets.

However, I was even more surprised to discover Houston’s TV competitors decided to institute a “Protect our Peers” zone, by ignoring both the conflict of interest, as well that NBC was played.

Also, print media.  Including the rather incredulous editor at the City Desk of the Houston Chronicle, who seemingly annoyed by my call, demanded,

“Well, how do you know this stuff if you’re in San Diego?”

(Am guessing he hasn’t yet heard of  the internet.)

So this brings new meaning to:  “Houston, we have a problem.”

Shouldn’t someone in media be interested that Waller County is playing media along with the public, with a media, assist?

Thanks for your time.  Hope you find this useful!“

– – – – –

I did speak with Terri Langford of the Texas Tribune, who briefly made a mention of the second investigation in one of her reports.  However, when I went to recheck, the brief mention of the second report was missing.  Beats me, why.

So what was true then, remains.  While many outlets covered Sheriff Smith‘s calling for an “independent” investigation – including quoting the ever chatty, always bustling about, Judge Duhon, not a one covered the very clear, conflict-of-interest.

Last, I should mention my tips to reporters (some on behalf of individual clients) have produced exposes, arrests and successful prosecutions, as well as legal and general magazine cover stories, and congressional staffers looking for information,  since 2001.  Am not a newbie.

Okay.  To wrap it up, sometimes people have to be encouraged/motivated to do their job.

Feel free to send below to your local reporters.  Otherwise, “Mums the word!” 

 

Bankruptcy problems for Judge John Gasaway and Carrie Gasaway

August 29, 2015

Second update:  Judge Gasaway announces his “retirement.”  Unless of course,  Judge John Gasaway decides to get into “private  judging.”  (Arbitration.)

Update:   Bankruptcy Court update for Judge John and Carrie Gasaway.

The past few weeks have been busy for the Gasaway

Judge John Gasaway files Bankruptcy

Court Docket for 07/14/2015

CASE NUMBER  15-03567  in Courtroom 1

JOHN HORACE GASAWAY AND CARRIE WATSON GASAWAY
Motion to Dismiss Case. Filed on the behalf of: Creditors BRIAN TURNER, KIMBERLY TURNER. (knz)
Atty for Debtor: STEVEN L. LEFKOVITZ
Atty for PL/Mov: KIMBERLY TURNER
Atty for Respondent:
Atty for Trustee:

CASE NUMBER  15-03567  in Courtroom 1   @ 12:00p.m.

JOHN HORACE GASAWAY AND CARRIE WATSON GASAWAY
Ch 13 Trustee`s Expedited Motion to Quash *Continued from 06/18/2015
Atty for Debtor: STEVEN L. LEFKOVITZ
Atty for PL/Mov: JAMES M. DAVIS
Atty for Respondent:  LINDA W. KNIGHT
Atty for Trustee:

JOHN HORACE GASAWAY AND CARRIE WATSON GASAWAY
Debtor`s Expedited Motion for Contempt for Violation of the Automatic Stay Provisions of 11 U.S.C. Section 362(a) and for Sanctions *Continued from 06/18/2015
Atty for Debtor: STEVEN L. LEFKOVITZ
Atty for PL/Mov: STEVEN L. LEFKOVITZ
Atty for Respondent:  LINDA W. KNIGHT
Atty for Trustee:

Judge John H. Gasaway – is still working

while Carrie Gasaway became a teaching model for law school professors.  Just not in a good way.  Mainly due to the fact that Carrie Gasaway has also had a little trouble with the law. Mainly due to her treatment of clients.

Mostly stemming from redefining a really bad attitude towards others, for financial gain.

Most recently, Carrie identified with Cecil the lion.

No, really.

Carrie Gasaway identifies with Cecil the Lion

For reports featuring Carrie Gasaway’s criminal convictions, see “When criminals find each other.”

 

15 Million in bail for Attorney Fred Auston Wortman, III’s 3rd, Murder-for-hire, attempt

Former self-described “Republican, Christian husband and father” and Collierville School Board wannabe, attorney Fred Auston Wortman, III was presently in jail, charged with two murder attempts on his wife, Staci.

However, Wortman just collected another charge for a third, murder-for-hire attempt, as reported by WREG

After Wortman’s first attempted murder–by-poisoning-the-toothpaste, failed; (she and their daughter just got sick);

Wortman’s next move was to outsource the job.

That  also failed.  I wrote about Worstman’s first arrest, here.

But, and unwittingly, Wortman hired an under-cover agent to kill his wife, Staci.

So off to jail he went. Meanwhile, and in a panic, the Collierville School Board yanked their Youtube interview with him, off line, marking it as “Private.”

Perhaps because (I watched it before they did,) Wortman repeatedly described himself as a man of “action.”  Also, since when don’t School Boards try to hide their mistakes?  Way to go, Collierville School Board.  Perhaps the DA might use the clip at trial.

Meanwhile,  jail barely slowed Fred Auston Wortman, III.

Wortman’s third, Murder-for-hire, attempt to kill wife, Staci, involved once again outsourcing the job.  This time with another inmate in the County Jail.

Naturally Staci Wortman, who had earlier filed for divorce after learning of an affair Wortman was having, was terrified to learn her nutcase husband instructed her next, would-be assassin, to kill her on the birthday of one of their children.

It was reported Wortman said he didn’t care if his kids were present.

Fred Auston Wortman, III describes himself as a “Christian” man and father. Once ran for School board.

Why can’t these guys just, divorce?  Neighbors speculated:

Money.

Lots of money.

It turns out:  Attorney Fred Auston Wortman, III, wanted all the money.

Right down to the very, last penny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, at 15 million in bail, it looks like Fred Auston Wortman, III, won’t be making bail.

It also seems likely the last time Fred will ever need a suit in this life, will be at trial.

Till then, Wortman will be rocking a color I call, “Highway Cone Orange.”

Fred Auston Wortman, III in Orange.

 

It “suits” him.

Sandra Bland: Waller County Sheriff hires “Independent firm” Looney & Conrad

Quick!  Someone call Waller County DA Elton Mathis and explain to him the meaning of the word, “Independent.”  Then ask him to inform Sheriff Glenn Smith. Then:  Start over! The latest screams Conflict of Interest.  Or would had the reporter done any kind of checking.  Really.  Any kind at all.

File this under, “What Was Elton thinking?”

Normally we don’t call out really bad reporting, but the Sandra Bland case is too important leave unaddressed. Sadly, this post stars Houston’s KPRC anchor, Keith Garvin who interviewed attorney  Paul Looney about Waller County’s already problematic Sheriff, Glenn Smith.

Sheriff Smith supposedly called for an independent investigation into the death of Sandra Bland, but hired Looney & Conrad, the firm in which Walker County Judge Trey Duhon is officially, “Of Counsel.”  (This is on top of Elton’s calling for an Independent investigation and the Chronicle’s report on that involving Lewis M. White and Darrell W. Jordan two other attorneys.)

A picture of attorney Paul Looney playing KPRC reporter Keith Garvin

No seriously.  I am not making this up.  Back to the problematic Sheriff and his choice pick.  We’ll let a competent reporter ask Judge “I run the county” Duhon why he didn’t advise Sheriff Smith he was “Of Counsel” to Looney & Conrad and how employing the firm would be a clear, Conflict of Interest.

Also, is the firm getting paid for this investigation? If so, how much?  Please note in Looney & Conrad’s June 1, 2015, announcement of bringing Judge Duhon in as “Of Counsel” an announcement includes the fact that:

Looney & Conrad are not certified in any area of practice by the State of Texas.

Click below for the televised interview. This rather significant fact was completely missing from Keith Garvin’s report.

Keith Garvin – the reporter who interviewed Mr. Looney.

One picture is worth a thousand words

Note the change in the Facebook Cover photo of Looney and Conrad  – Clues, anyone?

New FACEBOOK Cover Photo from the Law Firm of Looney & Conrad

Yes, I did call the station to inform them of their miss.  Am waiting to hear back.

Just kidding! No breaths are being held.

But seriously, folks.  Step up your game.

Judge Carbett “Trey” Duhon III – a little background to shiver by

Republican Christian Judge Carbett “Trey7 J. Duhon III – has a problem with women

Fast fact!

Sandra Bland’s problem wasn’t just being Black. Sandra Black’s main problem was she was guilty of being female.

This is something media is loathe to examine, although, merely being a woman is often enough to get one killed.

Not only do misogynistic cops and judges not like women; they are generally inclined to assign a  negative moniker to them as a part of the “code.”  Usually it’s accusatory in nature, such as having “a bad attitude” to any woman who dares to question them.

Important, fast fact:

It should also be noted that these same misogynistic government representatives, are also more apt to administer a biblical beat-down when the woman is right.

Also, the severity of the beat-down increases if and when the woman who rightly responds to illegal acts committed against her, in an aggrieved way.  Including – wait for it – a hint of justifiable anger.

That’s right.  When called out for wrongdoing, government representatives openly and negatively react when accountability is demanded of them.

Thus, misogynists will show any woman who calls them on their illegal behavior who’s boss.  Because it’s really all about control.  It is not about law.

Let that settle in for a minute.

Want justice for Sandra Bland?  Register a Democrat in your district; and pay close attention to local DA and judicial races.

Most have seen the actions of Judge Carbett “Trey” J. Duhon III – who appears to have vented his so-called “Christian” most definitely, anti-women, Republican leanings to spill all over his many, and now, his many hurriedly deleted comments, on Twitter and Facebook.

But good news!  Many readers were ahead of this gum flapping, finger tapping, Judge Yappy! So even though the below is true:

Seems both Brian Encinia and Judge Duhon have a problem with women who know their rights. Why?

Judge Yappy i.e. Judge Duhon, left a long, stinky trail!   You see, Judge Yappy believes in open government and transparency – until, well, right up until people began looking at Judge Yappy and his non-judicious blasts online.

Then:  Presto.  Judge Yappy’s first campaign promise bit the dust!

As in Poof!  Gone.  And then reality set in and just like that, Judge Yappy’s fingers disappeared from the key board.  Including his earlier stated,

“I have never wavered on being an advocate for open government…recent events in our county underscore the importance of not only having a transparent Commissioners court, but who critical the relationship of trust is to being an effective leader.”

from Judge Yappy/Duhon’s hurriedly deleted, Facebook page.

Judge Carbett ‘Trey’ Duhon III – on transparent government and trust

 

Although privately, does anyone not think Judge Yappy is not, as they say in the South, “still running his mouth?”

(Yeah.  Me neither.)

So let’s look at Judge Yappy, I mean, Judge Duhon for a moment.  More particularly, lets look at who Trey Duhon thinks he is.  First, seeing Trey Duhon through his own eyes as a good Christian…

Judge Carbett ‘Trey’ Duhon III – Which comes first for him – Bible or Constitution

and it appears Duhon and his wife, Jennifer, are affiliated with the almost Baptist, (this private, non-profit school is working on accreditation)  Waller Christian Academy  whose stated Mission is:

“The mission of Waller Christian Academy is to provide superior Christian education consistent with Biblical principles.  A dedicated, professional faculty presents God as the source of all life and truth.  Within a secure, loving environment, students will discover their individual gifts and develop spiritually, socially, and intellectually.  We strongly believe that the union of our school, its families, and their churches will equip our students for a life pursuing excellence and integrity under the Lordship of Christ.”

Wait.

What makes America is the Separation between church and State.

Gotta wonder about the problems Judge Duhon creates all by himself,  by “running the County” if, as he said, where 50% of the population is female.  Which brings to my Biblical mind – how some so-called “Christian” men really believe about women.

Is this Judge Yappy’s truck?

So the question must be asked, particularly in matters involving women, if Judge Duhon is fit to run a County, much less weigh in as a judge, on matters addressing 50% of the population.

Also, given Judge Duhon’s almost immediate take on Ms. Sandra Bland via the Internet….the speed at which Judge Duhon was willing to abandon all sense of judicial decorum.  Never mind Judicial decorum as defined in the TEXAS CODE FOR JUDICIAL CONDUCT  – didn’t happen with Trey Duhon.  “Decorum” apparently isn’t in Judge Duhon’s vocabulary.  “Blustery Texan”  is.

So it seems appropriate a Complaint be filed against Judge Trey Duhon.

Complaint can be made due to:   Embroilment.  “Deeply involved especially in something complicated.”  As Judge Duhon’s tweets attest, impartial doesn’t exist.  Not as judge or leader of 50% of the community, Duhon’s agenda was clear.  He was an activist against a woman who died in a Waller County jail.

Can’t stop tweeting, Judge Duhon

Seriously.  The man can’t seem to stop himself.

This is leadership?

That Judge Duhon would implicate the deceased Ms. Bland, breaks new ground in over-the-top, manners, common sense, judicial decorum and well Christian behavior.

And that’s separate from the fact he not once addressed the illegal reason Ms. Bland was in Waller County Jail.

Misogyny and Judge Duhon, who didn’t seem to have problem one with the deputy who illegally brought Ms. Sandra Bland to Waller County, is another problem.  This from a Judge who made it very clear on Twitter he wasn’t a usual judge, but wrote,

                         “I run the County.”

Given Judge Duhon’s background, as well as the background of the Republican Party to which he proudly claims:

and this,

If there is any, the Department of Justice must immediately investigate Waller County.  

There is no need for a Petition, or a formal request.  If our government is working, the Department of Justice will on its own, arrive in Waller County.

Judge Carbett “Trey” J. Dunhon III is the reason behind this poster.

If Judge Carbett “Trey” J. Dunhon III runs Waller County, the question is; why?

By repeatedly demonstrating zero desire to protect 50 percent of Waller County, evidenced by his ongoing spews of “information” regarding the deceased, minus and continuing to ignore an out-of-control cop, never mind the jail conditions at Waller County,

why is this man running the County?  Apparently Duhon’s deeply held religious beliefs, coupled for a deep distaste for Ms. Bland, prevent him from being fair.  (Sometimes it’s just that simple.) 

In America, it’s the Constitution and then the religion (or not) of one’s choice.

However, Judge Duhon’s strong right wing, so-called “Christian” grip, make him incapable of abiding by the law when considering women in general; and Ms. Sandra Bland, in particular.

Judge Duohn has most ably demonstrated himself to be, tainted.  Worse though, since his deleted everything possible, he’s no longer open about his bias.

Your move, Department of Justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Con of #BlackLivesMatter isn’t coming from women

UPDATE:   This column, originally posted on July 20, 2015, referenced the sheer indifference to women in #BlackLivesMatter.

Largely because — the lives of black women — don’t seem to matter to black men.

As is continually demonstrated by the most vocal  “Deray” (who describes himself as an “Educator” and “Connector,”) Shaun King and media in general, clearly Black Lives Matter – as long as it’s black, male lives.

On July 20, 2015, the first line was:

“Not for another second can I stomach the con of the male dominated #BLACK LIVES MATTER”

Fast forward to August 10, 2015 and more evidence this is true, helpfully provided by  Deray and Shaun King.  Thanks guys!

On August 8, 2015 David Conley was arrested for killing his ex girlfriend, her new husband, and six children.

Not one tweet about that.  From Deray or Shaun King.  Naturally, their defense might be “We are only addressing police killing blacks.”

My response?  Where is your humanity when six little kids are shot execution style?

I ask because Deray’s thoughts did turn to one black woman.  The day after the public became aware of the execution style slaughter of six little kids,  Deray tweeted, “Serena” on August 10, 2015.

Deray ignores six dead black kids to tweet photo of Serena

Then, a bonus tweet!  On the day of the slaughter of eight,

Deray remembered the football player killed by police.  Because.  Black. Lives. Matter.

Six murdered children…and two adults?  Nothing.

Neither Deray or Shaun King, will spare so much as a moment for that.  No,

“Poor little kids.  That’s awful!”

Matt Pearce wrote a piece about how women cope with sexism in BlackLivesMatter….but gotta wonder why Deray wasn’t interviewed.  He manages to coddle up to reporters a lot.

(Also, Deray’s attention to the fake, independent investigation surrounding the jail death of Sandra Bland:  Zero.

In fairness, as demonstrated, the rest of media wasn’t interested in the Bland cover-up, either.)

So once again:

https://twitter.com/deray

Time for a big reality check when it comes to black murders.   Deray  and Shaun King and you too, ACLU  (the organization that abandoned poor women in a New York minute for the more lucrative DINKS  (double income, no kids gays) who were only too happy to donate the coffers of the ACLU.)  it’s time media outed that by your words and actions, the only lives that concern you, are male.

The numbers below clearly prove a large number of black men do not believe the lives of black women, matter.

What’s Deray and Shaun King done to reverse these substantial numbers?  Why are they interviewed and not the many black women?

At the rate black men kill black women – it’s clear the lives of black women, don’t seem to matter.

Did I miss something?  Are these guys racing around the country to promote their manly cause on network TV, as vocal about the right of black women to live?

Only in passing my friends.  Only in passing.

And then, there’s this from black women.  Something Deborah Gray White is speaking about…and is on the Black Lives Matter, website.

“But the underlying message in White’s narrative is also true: many simply will not hear what she has to say. Unfortunately, there is a long and documented history of black women fighting on behalf of and simultaneously being ignored within black social movement. White stands among a long line of storytellers. Like White makes visible the deeds, lives, sufferings and thrivings of black women, too often made absent”

Also:  Media.  As in why isn’t media interviewing Deborah Gray White, Mary Helen Washigton, Paula Giddings, and Darlene Clark Hine?  What’s up with that?

It’s a rhetorical question.

Women not living or to put it more succinctly, getting murdered by men is the huge problem American media is only too happy to ignore.  Right along with those men screaming #BlackLivesMatter  – excluding black women – unless it’s to assign them a seat in the back.  After they bring lunch.

Kudos to Black women who are now speaking up about this.  Especially because media isn’t concentrating resources around equality for women.  Excluding the sensational murders here and there.

– – – – —

Mexico

Women simply disappear. Sometimes their bodies are found. With parts missing.

Britain

Murdered at Home .

USA – Just kidding! 

I already told ya:  No reports.  Media favors silence!  #MediaFAIL

– – – – –

Which makes this statement true:  The male proponents of #BlackLivesMatter, as well as all men who are Not Actively trying to to advance equal rights for women (including; hi neighbors!) are no better than our current members of Congress.

In an age of Congress not only blocking women from equal pay, military women are demoted, transferred, and lose medical benefits for reporting rapes and other sexual assaults to their largely male, commanding officers – men screaming, “BlackLivesMatters”

produces a hollow sound.  Absent women, the BlackLivesMatter picture in its present state is not working for me.

This is especially true given our Congress has been shooting down equal rights for women, for decades.

[Sidebar:   welcome gay rights activists!  Welcome gay men, to the world of women! So not pretty.]

One more thing.  Sandra Bland is not news.  See “Driving While Female – 2002.”

Sandra Bland – happy employee

And it appears the dashboard video disputes the police report.  Would rather media interview the women of  Black Lives Matter.  Specifically not, men.

Sadly, in Sandra’s case, she had the misfortune of apply for a job in Texas.   Where former judges are in prison for trying to hire hit men for their ex-wives.  And lets not forget Deanna Cook.  Deanna Cook called 9-1-1 which recorded her murder. But the cops came – and left. Without checking.  (And by the way media:  how about an investigation and report on the hiring practices of these departments?)

Deanna Cook’s body was discovered by her female relatives two days later.

White Privilege  – rethink that

In an age where male minorities toss off phrases of “White privilege” it’s important to understand “white privilege” does not universally apply to all white women.   Ask Bill Cosby about that.  And how is it men haven’t wondered why police didn’t prosecute him?

When will men march for women?

Having worked for civil rights for blacks and gays, (while some of my friends are African-American; largely my friends of color simply identify as “Black”) for decades:  am done without Reciprocity.

Anyone asking my help must first answer what they have done to advance equal rights for women.  Also, this means ix-nay on niche legislators  @ToniAtkins.  Toni’s idea of “justice for all” concerns transgendered kids.  Not women.

(Toni likewise won’t entertain the idea of the solution for family crime victims. Ever the niche politician, Toni is okay with ignoring the safety of 50% of the people in her area; and how scary is that?)

When black men get serious about the rights of black women, then I will believe they believe #BlackLivesMatter – but not one minute before.  Their refusal to act accordingly, is harmful to All women.  Color doesn’t matter – and enough is enough.

Last:  Black women get reciprocity.

1. The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.

   Am glad black women are beginning to speak up.

 

Family Court Judge Barry C. Pinkus: Murder and reporting failures

Conneticut Judge, Barry C. Pinkus:

Remember the name Judge Barry Pinkus so your children might live.

Meet Aaden Moreno, forever seven months old. Youngest victim of Judge Bradley C. Pinkus.

A few weeks ago, Family court litigant Adrianne Oyola, received a temporary restraining order to prevent Tony Moreno, the father of Adrianne’s seven month old son, Aaden Moreno, from hurting Aaden.  The order was signed from a still as yet to be identified, family court judge.

But when Adrianne returned to court with a request to make the temporary restraining order permanent, Judge Barry Pinkus refused her request; and Adrianne’s temporary restraining order, expired.

“Expired” turned out to be the operative term.

Judge Barry Pinkus – killer judge

Barely a month after Judge Pinkus’s ruling, Tony Moreno threw seven month old Aaden off the Arrigoni Bridge, into the Connecticut River.

Aaden promptly drown.

With apologies to @AliasHere for a dying computer not allowing me access my old records on Judge Pinkus;  I accessed my memory instead.  The case reminded me of an earlier case of Judge Pinkus. With similar results.  Turns out when it comes to getting kids killed, this is not Judge Pinkus’s first rodeo.

Judge Pinkus’s past

The records in a 2007, family court custody case involved Judge Pinkus stripping Mom of a young daughter, Jennifer Norton, of full custody of her daughter and awarding full custody of the small girl, to Joshua Komisarjevsky, a known sociopath with a history of being molested by his adoptive brother, and who in turn, molested his adopted sister.  Joshua also suffered a head injury at some point in his childhood.  Although a convicted burglar, Judge Pinkus allowed the State to plead on behalf of Joshua obtaining custody, as per yet another snazzy, state-run program of redemption.

Joshua Komisarjevsky – earlier mugshot

Jennifer Norton is on record of hating Joshua and upset daughter was living with the Komisarjevsky family.

Shortly after being awarded full custody of his small daughter, Joshua Komisarjevsky become one of the Petit family, triple-killers.  Again, although psychiatric records showed Komisarjervsky was a dangerous man, both the family court and his family would continue to shield him.

And themselves

Shortly after that the Petit triple murders – judges sealed Komisarjevsky’s family court records…and my investigation, which had been moving right along, ended.

Most remember the Petit family, Mom, Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and her two daughters, the, about to go off to college Hayley, and barely a new teen, Michaela. They were the first three homicide victims, of Joshua Komisarjevsky, an admitted molester, who was incarcerated on 17 burglary charges, and while incarcerated, began with the help of a State run redemption program began petitioning the State for visitation.  He saw his daughter 55 times during his incarceration.

Shortly after being released from his GPS, Joshua and one of his half-way house roomies hatched a plan to kidnap, rob, sexually assault the family of Dr. William Petit, (while the local crack police department wasted only, every valuable second deciding what to do about the in-progress crime of kidnap, rape, murder and arson.)  Only Dr. Petit survived.

That’s why I remembered Judge Pinkus’s name.  I also remembered media showed ZERO interest at all in Jennifer Norton’s custody case from the month prior. Funny how that works.

So the public should be warned that media’s deliberate failure to cover Family Court in favor of covering only the criminal and civil beat, means judges like Judge Barry C. Pinkus will continue to play a major role in getting people killed.

Oh, one other thing.  Judge Pinkus is no oddity.

Likewise, Mothers in court trying to report a crime, will continue to know they must find a work-around for the tone-deaf judges they encounter.  This is due to, and this is critical to understand:

The judges aren’t even having the same conversation.

Moms such as Adrianne Oyola who continue trying to report a c-r-i-m-e;  will continue to encounter Judges like Judge Pinkus who will continue responding like stern editors from Family Circle Magazine, trilling the latest PR driven, “co-parenting” plan.  Family Court Judges do not want to hear about crimes.  Period.

More bad news:  Tone deaf Judges like Judges Pinkus populate family court throughout the nation

Because the police fail mothers, mothers mistakenly return to family court for for help.  This is a mistake.  Judges like Judge Pinkus wind up getting kids killed in order to help facilitate various non-profits (a tax phrase, not a vow of poverty) with their latest, “co-parenting” plan.  Turns out, the domestic violence industry is a hugely profitable carer field.

How that happened. 

Ever since various courts established a “media committee” whose singular function appears to omit the journalistic “who” behind court rulings, it’s up to the public to demand accountability including the sudden “sealing of records.”  Also, asking why reporters continue shielding basic information from the public after judicial orders result in murders. Examples at “Archives.”

This was recently addressed on a blog about divorce in Connecticut,

“When I asked Christine Dempsey, one of the lead reporters on this story, what was the name of the Judge, she responded that she did not know.  This is hardly credible granted that it is clear that “Hartford Courant” reporters reviewed the files in the case and quoted from the Motion For a Restraining Order which the judge was required to sign in order to deny it.

Why would “The Hartford Courant” seek to suppress this information?  Perhaps a little thing called the Judicial – Media Committee, about which this blog has previously reported, played a role?  Who knows! “

Lack of coverage means Connecticut Family Court Judge Barry C. Pinkus, who trashed Adrianne Oyola’s tiny family after her son Aaden Moreno’s body was retrieved by Connecticut State Police, will continue.

Another example

California’s Judge John Pacheco clearly demonstrated this dynamic in another, too familiar example of a thoroughly, preventable murder.  Although the state PR on Judge Pacheco is “he is said to be in control of his courtroom where he treats all who appear before him with dignity and respect ”  actual transcripts showed an opposite, daily reality of disdain for another such now childless, mother. Andrea Gallegos valiantly tried to protect her child, Issac Gallengos, from his father, Alex Baeza.

Isaac Gallegos died April 13 from a head injury. His father Alex Baeza is charged with murder.

Consider the trial transcript.

Judge John M. Pacheco – killer judge

“I already made my order OK?” Pacheco told Andrea Gallegos. “I talked to the detective; the detective talked to the doctor. I’ve done my investigation, I feel very confident this man did not hurt his son all right? …

“I think you’re overreacting all right? Now, if you continue to act this way… I’ll have to take custody away from you and… I will give custody to the person that is most willing to cooperate with the other parent, and giving them custody OK?” Pacheco said, according to court transcripts.

“I understand you want to protect your child, and that’s fine. That’s the way moms are, and dads too. But I don’t see anything here to stop him from letting him see his son OK? I really don’t.”

Isaac was beaten to death shortly afterward.

Why these murders will continue

The name of this column is “Media and the Courts” to address the issue of people confusing media with journalism.  During the Reagan administration, President Reagan e decided it would be a swell idea to eliminate the Fairness Doctrine, which opts for presenting both sides of an issue.  At the time newspapers would have negative reporting in areas an the editorial page was against.  Because they were separate from the news division.  With President Reagan, the Fairness Doctrine, disappeared.  Television honchos bought newspapers.  Newspaper editorial pages later trilled for corporations, which in some cases, harmed the public.  Journalism became media; and all media became marketing.  Later, President Bush, refused to allow the return of the Fairness Doctrine.  This only benefits corporations.  The public be dammed.

Since then, with the rise of newspaper “Partnerships” with “media”  –  journalism died.  Which means crime will continue to pay as media deliberately turns a blind eye when blood runs down the the driveway of a family home and media outlets cruise by for a quick, two-minute report.

However, there is no desire to investigate how decisions in family court set up a now-routine, deadly result.  Also, there is no desire to cover the high-tech solution to domestic violence, which has been available for years.  Ultimately, given media is just as misogynistic as the rest of the country, the refusal to address, much less, investigate misogyny in the nation’s largest court, (including legislative immunity for so-called “professionals”) guarantees these preventable murders will continue.

More bad news – when professionals lie – licensing organizations don’t mind

In other cases, professional organizations give therapists who lie, a pass. In other cases, professional organizations give therapists who lie, a pass. Consider Randy Rand.

Journalism 101:  The “Who” in the the who, what, when, where, why and how.

Another problem? Reporters are not identifying the judges who issue these rulings.  So Mothers remain trapped in family court, a civil court, when the crimes they attempt to report are blown off by the police and the court in general, although Family Court judges can recommend the case be turned over to the DA.

Until this happens Family Courts might be better used for property only, cases.  If not, jury trials, as judges clearly can’t handle the power.  Want less government? See Endfamilycourt.com

Why the bad news continues

Thanks to “Mom’s Hugs” who lets us know a Government Task Force was implemented, in February.  It’s here.  Call them;  ask what they are doing about the killer judge, Pinkus.

One last thing.  Interestingly, during local elections media always interviews people saying,  “I don’t know what judge to vote for” not realizing media put the entire, “hide the name of the judge” in play.  Media.  It’s dangerous.  Bring back the Fairness Doctrine.

Brandon Vandenburg – Fletcher Long: When criminals find each other.

Surprise!  Would you believe a second mistrial was quietly in the works last week?

No kidding; and…what up, Tennessee?!

Fletcher Long and the bird-flipping Carrie Gasaway during their trial

After decades of working in the legal-media business, have noticed it’s not particularly unusual when really bad guys like Brandon Vandenburg, gravitate toward hiring, crooked attorneys for their legal defense.  Guys like Fletcher Long, formerly, one of Vandenburg’s defense attorneys.

 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Wait.  Context.  A little background on yours truly.  Bear with me.]

Although my clients are attorneys and individuals interested in media for themselves or their company; in general; when attorneys commit crimes causing financial harm to their clients, (never my clients, I only work with the best), next to sailing, I like going after bad attorneys and others who deliberately injure people for financial gain; best.  

My particular interest is kids and seniors. See StopElderFinancialAbuse.com and one news feature on one of my cases, here.

“Others” includes Angelo Mozilo, former CEO of Countrywide Mortgage, whose mortgage firm almost single-handedly tanked the U.S. economy in 2008.  I do “Oppositional work” if I like the project.  In the case of Mozilo, my client was a national political fundraiser who preferred Angelo Mozilo not visit San Diego.  Soooo, six days of no sleep and more fun than was absolutely necessary – could have been titled, “Bonnie Russell had a lot of fun going after Angelo Mozilo.)

Wait –  you go after crooked attorneys?

Sure.  Admiring really good attorneys as I do, when necessary, also work to facilitate the arrest and prosecution and jail/prison time for attorneys who rip off their clients.  Am two for two.

However, while good DAs are hard to find, through dint of repeated, “why not do the right thing” have been able interest a couple into performing their job.  It’s harder than it should be.  I knew we were making progress in one case after one crooked attorney emailed me a, “I will hunt you down” death threat. My thought?

YOLO!  and end of context for backstory.)   

Brandon Vandenburg, Fletcher Long and Fletcher’s law partner in crime; raccoon style make-up fiend, Carrie Gasaway

Convict, Carrie Gasaway – Also, did someone box her ear as a child?

The short version?  Long and the and the utterly charmless, Carrie Gasaway both enjoyed their long history of shady behavior – thanks due in no small part to The Tennessee State Bar’s disinterest in protecting the public.  Including when Casaway had their client arrested and prosecuted for “Theft of Services” after their client wisely dumped them both. More on the Tennessee State Bar, later.

Facts for the trial presided over by the recruited, Judge Paul Summers

Judge Paul Summers

1.  For $800.00 Michell Langlois, retained Fletcher Long to be at her father’s reading of his will.

2.  Langlois testified Carrie Gasaway pressured her to pay Fletcher and Carrie’s firm $50,000.00 with a promise to pay a portion of whatever they obtained from the estate.  (Major league up-selling.)

3.  Langlois signed, but soon changed her mind and hired new attorneys.  Bank officials testified Long and Gasaway transferred funds from their trust account to cover a purchase the firm made.  (This was to help another client…and themselves.)

4.  Gasaway promptly swore out an arrest warrant, accusing Langlois of “Theft of Services” even though the time the firm actually worked on Michelle Langlois’s case was miniscule.

5.  Trial lasted a week.  Both Casaway and Long were convicted of extortion.

Then came fireworks!

Post trial:  One juror did the right thing.  The juror reported some jury members had long ago made up their minds both attorneys were guilty.  As in, well before deliberations began.  Plural jurors.  Apparently some jurors were enjoying real old-fashioned gabfests about the case throughout the building, although Judge Summers recited his admonition not to every time the jury left the courtroom.  Fortunately, Judge Summers also asked jurors to let him know if that ever happened.

At least one juror was interested in being a good citizen.  The rest?  Not so much.

Casaway’s attorney, Mark Olson, immediately asked for a mistrial.  The DA scrambled to “negotiate” a plea deal.  (The public is generally unaware district attorneys prefer to negotiate rather than go to trial; partly due to their bonuses or raises being tied to a conviction rate.  Also; trial preparation is hard work.)

Rudely, neither, “Special Prosecutor” Tommy Thompson, or Assistant District Attorney General Jason Lawson ran their offer to Defendants by the victim, Michelle Langlois.   Michelle learned about it just prior to the hearing.

Judge Summers did not like Michelle being left out of the process at all.  So the DAs beat feet back to convince Michelle to agree to the deal. That Lawson and Thompson completely ignored Langlois during plea negotiations, provides a clear demonstration of the little regard any number of prosecuting attorneys have for the crime victims they purport to represent.

6. Ultimately, after Michelle Langlois agreed to the previously-worked-out-without-her, plea deal; Judge Summers delivered unto Casaway and Long….a wrist slap.

Judge Summers sentenced Defendants Gasaway and Long to two years in prison.  Then he immediately suspended sentence to four years of…probation! Gasaway and Long also agreed to permanently forfeit their law licenses for life, waive all rights of appeal, and pay $2,000 (a pittance) each in restitution to the Michelle Langlois.

At sentencing Carrie Casaway seemed – annoyed by everything!

Click for WSMV news clip of the plea agreement and sentencing featuring Carrie Gasaway’s raccoon make up, bird-flipping persona. Afterward, Michelle Langlois noted the ever charmless Carrie – while giving her victim the stink eye in court, also made time to discreetly flip Michelle the bird.  In Court.  Watching the video, it was clear Carrie Gasaway remains one brassy, unrepentant, convict….who continues to seethe. It seemed as if the entire proceeding fueled Gasaway’s contempt towards her victim.  Gasaway expressed no remorse, asked no forgiveness, and huffed herself right out the door, immediately afterward.  Fletcher Long did not.  He apologized to Michelle  – – then offered to maybe have her on his new radio show.

Oh come on.  You knew Fletcher Long would do something to keep himself in the spotlight, didn’t you?! 

But why only a slap on the wrist from Judge Summers?

Politics. DA’s don’t want to run the risk of losing ground in the next case.  Perhaps before Carrie Casaway’s husband. That would be, Nashville Judge, John Casaway.

Here’s a picture of the family, during what is typically referred to as “happier times.”

Judge John Gasaway and his wife, convict, Carrie Gasaway.

Or put another way:  While there’s a problem nationally with DA’s who “decline to prosecute” cases that should be prosecuted with vigor; another problem that might be as large is – dishonest DAs,  – but  Not talked about is:

Bible belt Christian jurors who replace the law with their Bible.

Lately Tennessee is demonstrating a larger problem in America concerning what happens when so-called “Bible-Belt Christians” wind up in the jury pool, and then secretly decide to act as if they are God.

Although this deliberate rejection of good citizenship is in direct conflict with our laws, either Bible Belt jurors do not realize this, or they do, but insist their religious beliefs trump American laws.  Because, “God made America.”

It turns out many “Bible Belt” Christians are firm in their mistaken belief God is in the Constitution.  (God is nowhere in the Constitution).  But while these smug, so-called “Christians” are long on Bible quotes, they are very short on actual, historical facts, regarding the separation of Church and State, in America.  As anyone might guess, sussing these people out from the jury pool seems to be a problem.

But the fact remains that many Bible Belt Christians do not know America was founded by people who were sick of being conscripted to the Church of England, as much as they were high taxes.  Although these were the top two reasons why our Founding Fathers became our founding fathers.  Fathers who deliberately made the State Government separate from every Church.  Or, no church. Problems occur when extreme Bible Belt types deliberately ruin the judicial process based on whatever cherry picked Bible quote best describes their own particular bias.

Using the Bible as a control technique for power

This renders Bible Belt jury members neither good American citizens or good Christians.

Once jurors feel comfortable enough to routinely engage in, during-the-trial-guilt gabfests in all areas of the courthouse, this is a clear signal the practice is commonplace. Thus, the question must be asked why DA’s are allowing jurors to do so without consequence. Although no one has shown much interest in the question, it’s one that is sorely in need of an answer.

The Tennessee State Bar is the other problem

Why were licensed con artists like Carrie Gasaway and Fletcher Long allowed to continue ripping people off?  Largely because The Tennessee State Bar, continues to… shrug.  In spite of Fletcher Long and Carrier Gasaway’s felony convictions and past “discipline problems” the State Bar of Tennessee chose to not suspend either Gasaway or Long.

Never mind this deliberately turned, blind-eye goes completely against the “Mission Statement ” of the Tennessee State Bar.  Hate to disappoint, but it turns out, just like most State Bars, the Tennessee State Bar is merely a giant public relations outfit, lobbying on behalf of – Attorneys!  They are good to each other.  Were the Tennessee State Bar to be interested in salvaging their reputation, attorneys would be promptly investigated and their discipline records would be available online for the public to easily locate. But they are not.  The go-to for the Tennessee State Bar is:  Punt.  The same system worked well in California, until Joe Dunn, State Bar President, blew the whistle.

Lying Tennessee jurors – Again?!

Ultimately, jurors who deliberately lie during voir dire will continue to cripple our already, limping along, judicial system.  In addition to depriving the accused the right of a fair trial, these smug self-serving so-called “Christian” types will continue causing victims more pain while wasting taxpayer dollars.  As such, any DA who doesn’t prosecute a juror who acts with this type of callous disregard for the jury system, should be replaced.

It’s not rocket science, folks.

BREAKING UPDATE: David Sweat

Breaking:  A bloodhound searching for David Sweat just communicated this to his handler.  (real updates below)

David Sweat – from a bloodhound’s perspective

Well.  Who can blame him?  Our thought is reporters need to stop quoting authorities releasing press statements, and start digging around themselves.

Real update:  David Sweat is now in custody and suffering from gunshot wounds.  Not self-inflicted.   Buffalo News (thanks Moms Hugs) reports that Sweat is bleeding badly from two gunshot wounds.  Sweat was not packing. and spotted walking down the street in Constable, – just outside search area.

Prediction:  Joyce Mitchell’s really bad day will continue; and her husband might want to consider hiring a divorce attorney.

Future Lessons:  When planning a prison break, if you have short hair; grow it out beforehand.

Do we know David Sweat is alive?

UNDATED: In this handout from New York State Police, convicted murderer David Sweat (L) is shown. Richard Matt, 48, and Sweat, 34, escaped from the maximum security prison June 6, 2015 using power tools and going through a manhole. (Photo by New York State Police via Getty Images)

Last night after a reporter referred to Sweat as an “inmate” my thought was,

“Err, no.”

My second thought was, reporters ought to concentrate on fact-finding.

Lets review:

1.  Two murderers escape prison; and,

2.  There have been few sightings of both, since.

Today, a key point.

Bloodhounds have not picked up David Sweat’s scent.

Is it possible Richard Matt killed David Sweat some time ago?  Is anyone exploring that idea?  Are authorities backtracking?

Is media, back-pedaling?  Are hard questions not being asked authorities?

Just askin’

 

 

Bond hearing for Ex Vanderbilt Football Players Brandon Vandenburg and Corey Batey

Brandon Vandenburg, Corey Batey – Orange is the new black

Bail hearing:   Corey Batey’s attorneys went first.  Three bond companies were present.  Batey made bond earlier from the sale of his Grandmother’s home.  Attorneys want the prior, before trial bond amounts of $350,000.00 reinstated.

Testimony from the bondsmen was that Corey Batey made and met all the bail conditions, routinely.  Bail company owner, Mario Hambrick testified on behalf of his bonding company, “Free At Last.”  Mentioned Nashville Bonding was also present.  John Gutrie, owner of Nashville Bonding Company, was also present and testified.  But Guthrie added a wrinkle.  He said he did not want the bond reinstated.  While not objecting to a Bond, Guthrie wanted a new process.  (Mo’ money.)

Another bond guy testified.  Didn’t get his name, which was good for him as he apparently didn’t know too much.  (Who knew so many bond people would show up?)  Ah…first mention of new charge.  Third bond guy on the stand was surprised by this information.

He quickly shrugged it off as a “citation misdemeanor.”  (State jumped in to say “an arrest is an arrest, and violation of bond conditions.”

State mentioned now that Corey and especially, Brandon Vandenburg, knew the likely results, they are a flight risk.  New guy said he doesn’t have GPS.  (Everyone seems surprised.  No one more than me as I’ve been talking about GPS since 2008.)

Court asks if there’s another bonding company.  No one responds.

Batey’s attorney asked for bail reduction as an “appropriate remedy for this case in light of National Bonding Company’s wish to not continue the bond.”

Judge Watkins reinstated Bond for Corey Batey at the same price.  Guthrie doesn’t get any more money.

Vandenburg’s bond however, was increased by a mere 50k.  Both have to wear GPS.

Vandenburg immediately began whispering with attorneys.   Batey just watched.

Very surprised that the court was largely unaware of how GPS works.

Check the news clips here to see how GPS works.

A crazy coincidence

Vandenburg will return to his home in Palm Desert after being fitted for GPS.  Next column with be an update of his friends; but, in a related note, former Vandenburg attorney Fletcher Long and his partner will be sententced today for Extortion.

The craziest part of the bond hearing

Update:  As of 2:00p.m both Brandon Vandenburg and Corey Batey are out of jail.  Oddly enough, Judge Watkins did not make as a condition of bail, that neither uses alcohol or drugs.

File that under:  Stunning miss.  To be fair, the DA didn’t bring it up and should have.

Batey and Vandenburg making Bail. Take TWO

Given the defense was,

“Devil alcohol did this”

were I the victim I would be furious.

However, the DA missed it, at trial so,

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Meanwhile, the DA will have to deal with public outrage, on top of their sloppy bond performance.  However, the DA is still in the cat bird seat and will only deal with more outrage should the decision be made to work out a plea deal, rather than re-try the case.

That said, how the DA managed to botch a case with so much evidence remains a mystery.

I guess 20/20 or 48 Hours  or Dateline might figure it out.

it was reported Batey was carrying a Bible when released.

Breaking: Judge Monte Watkins grants “Mistrial” in Brandon Vandenburg, Corey Batey, Vanderbilt rape trial

Todd Easter, Juror Number 9

Todd Easter got a little more fame than he bargained for today after Nashville Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins granted a mistrial for Vanderbilt University foottball players, Brandon Vandenburg, and Corey Batey who were earlier convicted of multiple sex crimes.

Judge Watkins said:

“The defendants have a right to a fair and impartial trial, a right that was violated by juror #9’s conduct.”  

Complicating the matter for himself, Vandenburg was also consvicted for either tampering/obstruction of justice after flying back to California to get rid of the his co-Defendants phones. (Read:  Evidence.)

Also,  (as Vandenburg can’t seem to stay out of trouble), he picked up another assault charge at his little brother’s school.  

But the case spun around Todd Easter, the juror who lied about a prior statutory rape conviction.

Because truth is stranger than fiction, Easter’s past was brought to light by his attacker.

This will afford Brandon Vandenburg and Corey Batey the opportunity to

A:  Get religion

B.  Work on a plea deal.

Corey we think, might have religion.  He apologized during the trial for his behavior.  He owned it.

Brandon Vandenburg remained the total opposite.

Brandon Vandenburg’s prior, shouted claims including claiming he was second, (first) and that God was first, (second.)  Dude never got the irony.

Brandon Vandenburg’s past, fake Christian, life

Defense attorneys will be in court at 9 a.m. Wednesday, rarin’ to go for bonds to be reinstated for Brandon Vandenburg, 22, and Cory Batey, 21. (Prior to trial, both had been out on bond.)

However, given the amount of evidence, the bail amount is likely to be skyscraper high.

Also, as earlier mentioned, Vandenburg picked up another assault charge while out on bail, which will have a high-bail amount, impact.

Am thinking Corey Batey’s bail won’t be as high…but high bail over-all  seems likely, given the amount of video and phone pics and texting data Vandenburg and the others, inadvertently supplied in copious amounts.

Also, plainly speaking, only the defendants are happy.  Everyone else is in an uproar.

We likewise wonder if given time, if the only sober one in the bunch, another one of those Texas style graduates from a Christian school,  Mack Prioleau, the team player who, testified after seeing what was going on, rolled over and pretended to be asleep, doing nothing to aid the victim.

Mack Prioleau – not the guy to go to in a clinch

A year and a half later, Prioleau set a new high on the creep-o-meter when he testified he still wasn’t sure if he wouldn’t do anything differently.

So naturally anyone might wonder if Prioleau will again testify – exactly the same way.

The victim has not yet weighed in.

Now seems like a great time for a plea deal.  After all, this time, the Defendants attorneys might have finally gotten a clue their earlier defense,

“Devil alcohol and the college culture did it”

ain’t gonna fly.

A plea might work, considering the dorm video and the defendant’s own photographs and texts, seldom has one multiple sex crime ever been better documented by the Defendants themselves.  But the ego of Vandenburg’s family in going all in, can’t be discounted.

 

University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides blows a teachable moment

Way to pander, President Pastides!

Ducking an opportunity to educate, University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides, blew a “teachable moment” on Thursday, the day after nine people were murdered in cold blood in Charleston’s most prominent black church.  Although President Pastides could have opted for a true, teachable moment, instead he wimped out with a call to prayer on the University’s page book page…and; absolutely nothing else.

Mind you, Charleston’s black people are calling for change.  But Southern racists are  employing their standard, “we’re in mourning” racist sleight-of-hand.  The go-to refrain is

“Now is not the time.”

However, you can bet your bottom dollar, the University of South Carolina will not be setting a Date calling for change of any kind.  Nosireeebob.  That would demonstrate a learning institution.  That would demonstrate change; and we’ll be having none of that, Missy.

I posted a critical response, mainly calling out Gov. Nikki Haley who didn’t have the decency to lower South Carolina’s racist flag…and sure enough,  Cheri Conlee Eade immediately responded.

“Kinda of not the response needed.”

 

When I cordially invited Cheri Conlee Eade to pull her head out of the sand, Kori Lee Campbell chimed in with the standard,  racially motivated sleight-of-hand, pivot.

So in fairness to President Pastides, it’s not as if white, Charleston, South Carolina can ever be rightfully be accused of having a desire to leave the 19th century.

As such, President Pastides was definitely pandering to his racist base.  A base currently trilling for prayer and reflection, but won’t be calling for a date to act for the betterment of all.  So, no questions such as,

Why aren’t Dylann Roof’s actions considered treasonous? 

will ever be asked.

The legal definition of treason is:

“Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.”

1.  Dylann Roof owes an allegiance to the United States.  Check.

2.  Dylann Roof declared war on the United States by murdering in cold blood, nine innocent people attending a Bible Study.  Roof’s murderous actions were in adherence to the plans of our enemies who also want to kills us.  So, check.

3.  Dylann Roof’s cold-blooded actions also most certainly provided aid and comfort to our enemies within the United States.  Double Check.

Dylann Roof’s actions were in accordance with the rest of the nut case Tea Party members, of which the Southern Poverty Law Center claims there are 19 Hate groups within South Carolina.  None of which I hasten to add,  have decried Dylann Roof’s actions.

Thus, while the definition of Treason (18 U.S. Code Section 2381)  seems to have been met, my thought which is open for discussion, includes changing the sentencing for treason to include, losing citizenship and being deported.  But only because I view the KKK and groups like them to be a cancer on the United States which has metastasized, and needs to be dealt with appropriately.  Prison, loss of citizenship, fines and deportation works for me. So…

It would be interesting if the University President talked about expanding the penalties for treason.

Otherwise, the University’s racist base will continue feeding South Carolina’s spectacular history of ongoing racism.  Which brings us to South Carolina’s national, racist role model, and former of head of South Carolina, GOP.  Ladies and gentlemen, Columbia attorney, and over-all nut case, Todd Kincannon!

Who continues to lead a charmed life!

Oh, not charmed in a personal or professional sense.  He’s loud, broke, admittedly unhinged, and of course, carries a weapon. I just mean in case of Kincannon’s arrest, in Lexington County.  Todd Kincannon according to his wife and parents, is a gun waving, domestic terrorist.

But how lucky is he!?  When Kincannon began posting vile, racists tweets to his 60k racist cracker followers, (unlike more evolved states, South Carolina State Legislature hasn’t passed state hate laws for obvious reasons); nothing happened to chubby Todd, professionally.

Could be due to the fact the South Carolina Legislature functions in unison as a racist collective of the NRA.  And how lucky for Kincannon, in addition to getting himself arrested in Lexington County, that the South Carolina State Bar, decided to continue to not deal with their licensed, but mentally unhinged gun-toting brethren who threaten to kill their wives and parents?

Kincannon’s luck holds!

Luckiest of all, was when Todd was finally, (belatedly) arrested for kidnapping his terrified wife, that he committed his crime in Dylann Roof’s stomping grounds:  Lexington County!

Although Todd has a history of threatening to kill his parents, his wife, and his own, chubby little self:  that’s no problem for Lexington County.  Like most places, Lexington County is pretty casual about family crimes.  They don’t mind.  In fact, South Carolina holds the nation’s murder rate for most husbands killing their wives.  (It used to be Alaska.)  Also, consider Lexington County’s, longest serving sheriff, James Metts.

Metts will be out of prison in a year and a day, and God bless his heart, he’s being really positive in the interim.

Maybe Metts’ll do an interview about crime, post release.  He gets to keep his pension – praise Jesus!  Hallelujah!

But 19 hate groups in South Carolina?  Something must change.

SPOILER ALERT:  Jack Montgomery!

Returning to the audacity of no action from the University of South Carolina’s so-called institution of higher learning (my love for irony, endures) enters:  A breath of fresh air!

Former graduate Jack Montgomery checked in. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, Montgomery now sees the world regularly from far away places.  His Facebook pictures are breathtaking.

Also, checking in?  The Atlantic: comes the real historical slant to which South Carolina whites, cling to, while ignoring reality.

 “The Confederate flag’s defenders often claim it represents “heritage not hate.” I agree—the heritage of White Supremacy was not so much birthed by hate as by the impulse toward plunder. Dylann Roof plundered nine different bodies last night, plundered nine different families of an original member, plundered nine different communities of a singular member. An entire people are poorer for his action. The flag that Roof embraced, which many South Carolinians embrace, does not stand in opposition to this act—it endorses it. That the Confederate flag is the symbol of of white supremacists is evidenced by the very words of those who birthed it.

This moral truth—“that the negro is not equal to the white man”—is exactly what animated Dylann Roof. More than any individual actor, in recent history, Roof honored his flag in exactly the manner it always demanded—with human sacrifice.”

Still, President Pastides has the committed racist populace having his back.  So Pastides, continues offering nothing of substance to those who back a return to the norm.  The norm being Anti-American people able to walk in and killed nine innocent people attending a Bible study, saying he “had to” due to people just. being. Black.

[SIDEBAR]  Had to laugh when Hampton Cooper twice said my Facebook profile was fake.  (Hampton’s entry got 5 likes, so you know it’s a brain trust.)  But seriously, how dumb can people be when people Facebook and blog under their own name for years?

Last, meanwhile, did ya’ll know the State of South Carolina in its collective, NRA paid wisdom, had been working to ease existing gun laws?  You know South Carolina won’t do anything, so it’s up to the federal government to deal with KKK types.

Most people who love American say if South Carolina were a fish, they would “Throw it back.”  I say, the land is okay, just expand the the sentencing for Treason to include deporting the Un-American racists plotting to aid our enemies by attacking black Americans.

Also, a quicker, second option.  Not the BRAVO, Southern Charm kind of “reality” TV featuring  a few good looking people living their aimless, inane lives, gently, drunkenly, cattily, insanely, or, whatever.  I mean a filming real, vibrant lives.

Maybe Andy Cohen could jet down and put together a fun TV show featuring the thriving black tourism industry.  Speaking from my experience visiting St. Simon Island, Georgia; black history was far more interesting than anything else there, many times over.  I figure history wise, Georgia has nothing on Charleston.

So my next visit to the low country will begin with Black History, and African-American Heritage.  If it’s too humid, will hop this bus. When I get hungry….will start with Huger’s Fine (Soul) Food and take it from there.  You can too!

It’ll do as we collectively deal with this:

If anyone reading this is attending the University of South Carolina, sorry.  Consider asking your parents to transfer you to a school interested in promoting a real education in higher learning.

Otherwise; if nothing changes, nothing changes.

 

 

FOX NEWS continued attacks on women spreads to other networks and police departments

Anyone believing media downplaying the value of women in their coverage, doesn’t play a role in their murders and unfair court decisions, might want to rethink that.

How badly does the drip-drip of misogynistic articles by Rupert Murdoch’s media companies, damage the fabric of American life?

Consider the June 15, 2015, headline in the the New York Post’s  Page Six, column as “reported” by Julia Marsh and Priscilla Degregory.

 

 

(Please note: reporters don’t write the headlines.)

Here’s the lede:

“Comedian Chris Rock’s estranged wife wants to live the life of a celebrity spouse even after they’re divorced.

Malaak Compton-Rock is demanding a huge hunk of her husband’s $70 million fortune so she can maintain a Champagne-and-caviar lifestyle, a copy of her divorce papers reveals.”

Note the verb, “demanding.”  The entire tone of the piece is slanted to denigrate Malaak Compton-Rock, mother of their two girls.  Although Chris used to say his most important job as a father was, “to keep my girls off the pole…if my girls become pole dancers I’ve failed.”

However, it seems keeping the girls off the pole isn’t as important (it was a funny riff) if their Mother is doing it.  The article continues, noting Malaak is now taking care of them in their posh home and….running on a charity circuit.

Chris, who filed for divorce, now claims he’s “sad.”

How it works

This kind of onslaught has no shortage of Fox affliated glorified stringers ready to suck it up and suck up to their woman bashing employer.  As such, most devoted moms become ungrateful gold diggers who deserve a reduced life style because, well, become women are property, (which is why so many are “disposed” of) so everyone can “move on.”  (The current, go-to phrase.)

Pick any media owned or partners (TMZ) with Fox, and notice the attempted shaming of a woman who as a partner, has earned an even asset split, continues.

This includes long term marriages.

Is FOX America’s true, Trojan Horse?

When considering the background of Murdoch, it’s likely true Fox is America’s Trojan Horse.

It must be noted the naturalized American citizen from Down Under; Murdoch comes by misogynistic leanings, honestly.

The murder rand significant injury rate is significant, according to a report in Murder rate of Australian women in May of 2014,

“the leading cause of death and injury in women under 45, with more than one woman murdered by her current or former partner every week.”

The report stated this translates into police costs accounting for 40 per cent of police time, with a total cost to the economy of $13.6 billion per year.

Although Murdoch’s daughter, Elisabeth, is well versed in the mechanics of News Corporation, and was once designated the heir apparent, that is no longer the case.  However, she could return as Murdoch moves his children around like pawns in a Chess game.

It gets worse

It’s worth noting Murdoch’s second largest stockholder, Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal,  share joint business interests with News Corp. which likewise enjoysa large stake in Rotana, an Arabic-English broadcasting company in the Middle East.  Bloomburg reports Alwaleed also owns an 80 percent stake of Rotana.

The family combustion continues.

Recently a Saudi man made news for beating his 17 year old daughter to death for contacting her mother after their divorce.

Enough of this kind of coverage and is it any surprise Tea Partyish Fathers Rights groups have popped up?  No.  Neither should it be a surprise rapists in 31 states have custody rights.  The only surprise is because women aren’t important, legislators had no clue.

Media misogyny is spreading to other networks

Anna Werner.

 

On March 4, 2015, CBS reporter Anna Werner disgraced herself and CBS with her chillingly misogynistic, Curt Schilling interview after Schilling rightly addressed his daughter’s bullies online.

Anna asked Schilling if his calling out by name, the guys who threatened to rape his daughter, was “fair.”

Seriously.  Werner asked that.

 

Fredricka Whitfield. They don’t make ’em dumber than this

 

But it was CNN anchor Fredricka Whitfield who described James Boulware’s attack on the Dallas Police Department, (after first buying an armored van) as a way of dealing with his frustration with losing custody of his son, after  Family Court  his mother, as “courageous and brave.”  Days later some are calling for her firing.

Cops who kill their wives – not a new thing

Meanwhile, Neptune Township Sgt. Philip Seidle – a 22 year veteran with the department,

Tamara Seidle – mother of seven

Sgt. Phil Seidle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

took his seven year old daughter in the car with him to chase down his ex-wife, Tamara, mother of their nine children.  Then using his Glock, Phil assassinated Tamara, through the windshield.

The infant daughter in the car with Tamara was not injured.  Although they had been recently divorced, all news accounts benignly report “an ongoing custody dispute.”

One witness to the assassination said,

“The guy was in the middle of the street saying, `I’m tired of going to court.”

Anyone believing media downplaying the value of women in their coverage, doesn’t play a role in their murders and unfair court decisions, might want to rethink that.

Brandon Vandenburg sentencing – here’s why he could get a new trial

Refresh for updates:

In the Brandon Vandenburg, Corey Batey sex crime sentencing hearing today, the disputed juror, Todd Easter, who first appeared both well-meaning, and not terriby smart, is on the hot seat.

I mean, witness stand.  Currently testifying about his time as a juror.  So far, he’s been great for the Defense.

Yep.

The bingo moment

Todd Easter got more fame than he bargained for.

Turns out the juror, Todd Easter, was a victim of a sex crime as a child,  (State vs. Matthew Swift) and  Easter stated his mind was made up as to Brandon Vandenburg’s guilt prior to deliberations.

Yep.  He said that.  That was his, right. out. loud, testimony.

Naturally the defense asked him more questions.

As expected, there have been “Objections” from the DA.

On cross the DA has been doing back-flips trying to provide damage control.  But there is no damage control.  The more Easter talked, the more it was revealed he had an agenda.

Todd Easter’s Big Agenda

Turns out, Todd Easter wanted to be foreman.  Todd Easter wanted to read the verdict.  Todd Easter wanted to see the faces of the accused after the verdict was read.  Todd Easter went on TV.

A lot of TV.

This went on all day.  No word whether victim is in court.  But as an aside, today is Brandon Vandenburg’s twenty-second birthday. 

Corey Batey’s family is in court, but I don’t see a crush of Vandenburgs.  Possibly Shawna, Brandon’s mother, is there.

Judge said they are taking an hour and a half for lunch to review detective’s records, which both sides agreed to stipulate, were accurate.  Court resumed at 1:15p.m. EST.

After lunch

Mr. Robinson, representing Corey Batey, is now stumbling through his “outrage.”  Keeps forgetting the name of the juror.  Robinson is now attempting to smear the juror, but breaks momentum because for the life of him, can’t get the juror’s name right.  The second attorney can’t pronounce “incredulous” although he tries about four times.

Apparently this is what passes for professional in Tennessee.

The almost conclusion

Hearing over.  The judge said he is out on all week, and should have something next week.

My guess:  New trial.

My dream:  That would be Todd Easter charged by the State for costs of the trial, and charged with obstruction of justice.

James Boulware – Media gets it wrong again on “domestic violence.”

James Boulware made history this morning, as he first threatened to do in 2013 when he choked out his Mother, and beat up his uncle.  (It was all their fault.)

James Boulware first threatened to shoot up Texas in 2013.

Prior to 9/11 “domestic terrorism” was used to describe the daily life of women living in terror of their husbands and boyfriends.

Domestic terrorism was an apt term for the simple reason if a stranger smacks a woman in public, he will be arrested for assault.

However, if a husband or boyfriend smacks a woman, it will be treated as a “civil” matter.

Worst case?  The police are called, they show up but when all is reported, the police will often turn to the victim of an assault and ask,

“Do you want him arrested”

as if the police deciding to perform their job is somehow dependent on her.

Which leads to some Dallas women getting killed during a 9-1-1 call and officers not finding the body.  When they finally showed up.  Then left.  (Relatives found the body, later.)

Post 9/11 the term “domestic violence” was high-jacked, never to return, a real shame considering domestic terrorism exists in many homes unabated and ignored by the police.

Perhaps because the police have a 40% higher than average “Domestic Violence” rate in their own families. See “Cops treating crime as a civil matter in Family Court.”

That’s right.  Women pay taxes for police services the police refuse to provide as family court is a civil court, and officers who are prone to violence within their own families, are hired.  (See Lowell Bruce.)

Disconcerting is the failure of media to get this right.  Perhaps due to those in media. See, Bill Reilly and child custody manipulation.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, James Boulware was just one of the many real faces of “domestic terrorism.”

The term is not, “Domestic violence” the cocktail party phrase favored by non-profits.  Or, the newer, “Domestic Incident” reporters don’t question, in lieu of assault, attempted murder, and murder…often while standing behind crime scene tape.

So please, media.  Please report accurately.  Since nothing changes until it is first, accurately defined, it’s important to get it right.

Thank you.