Vanderbilt’s Brandon Vandenburg Gang Rape Trial: Year Four: Brandon Banks

Mack Prioleau  – The most chilling part in the fourth Vanderbilt University football gang-rape trial, this one featuring defendant, Brandon Banks; was testimony from Mack Prioleau.  Teammate and Christian, All Saints High School graduate, Mack Prioleau, didn’t comment on the laughter.  So much laughter.

Mack Prioleau – the fourth time wasn’t the charm.

So much muffled guffaws and squeals of delight of Prioleau’s teammates.  This was something Mack Prioleau pretended to sleep through.  So it was the continued loud squeals of sheer glee throughout the ongoing attack, and Mark Prioleau doing nothing, for thirty odd minutes, that got me. Mainly because the laughter began within three minutes of the rapists entering the room.

Mack Prioleau had four years to clean up his testimony.  But, exactly how does one “clean up” one’s lack of character?  If there is a way, Mack Prioleau certainly didn’t find in time to testify as to why he never acted after initially lifting his head, while listening to the gleeful sounds of a gang rape.  A gang-rape that included the sound of urinating on the victim, the sound of bottle squeezes on the victim’s body, the sound of the victim being physically slapped during the gang’s prolonged gang rape.  All happening inches from Mack Prioleau. Who did nothing.

Per the UK Daily Mail, four years ago Mack Prioleau told the court that he awoke to sounds of porn, laughing and the men discussing sex and saw the woman face down in the dorm.

Four years ago Mack Prioleau said the victim didn’t make a sound.

Four years ago Mack Prioleau said he didn’t leave to get help or check on her well-being.

‘I was trying to sleep, trying to do whatever I could to block it out of my mind,’ Prioleau said. ‘After it quieted down, I looked down and saw the female on the bed below me.

Eventually, Prioleau said he left the room to stay with a friend and when he returned the next morning, he cleaned up vomit found in the dorm. He only told one friend about what he had witnessed.

‘At the time I was scared and uncomfortable,’ he said. ‘I didn’t know what to do.’

But that was then.  This is now.

Fast forward to the fourth trial: Mack’s grown.

But life goes on!  Four years later, Mack Prioleau’s become a world traveler.  Now, Mack Prioleau has all kinds of advice and tips for a plethora of situations!  Check him out.  From 10 Vital Tips for international traveling, to shopping to tips for beginner surfers. It seems Mack Prioleau can’t shut up! See all Mack’s tips at Mack Prioleau’s Presentations!

Mack’s living the high life.  See his personal, fun life at MackPrioleau.org

My guess was with four years worth of hindsight from world travels, Mack’s testimony might include something a bit more…apologetically reflective.  Boy was I wrong.

Prioleau said he didn’t feel pressure.  Then offered the same nothing burger as four years earlier. Based on his testimony, Mack Prioleau confirmed he’s as empty on the inside as ever.

Back to the post rape action

Shortly after the gang-rape, Coach Franklin called a meeting.  Told the players to “Anchor down.”  Shortly afterward, Franklin bolted from Vanderbilt University for a job back at the collegiate national hallmark doe child sexual abuse. Penn State.  Irony?

Now, three trials and two convictions later, we’re baaaaaaack with the defense in the fourth trial.  Brandon Banks said he felt pressure.  Because he was little.  I am not making this up.

The Fourth trial and the fourth time the victim’s character puts them all to shame

The defense tried to make the case for I don’t know, a bullied, rapist?  Much was made of the size of everyone else.

Brandon Banks “He made me do it” defense.

Ladarius Banks, Brian Kimbrow, all testified Brandon Banks, (who was his high school football team’s captain) felt threatened by Brandon Vandenburg.  Banks was called “gay” for not wanting to participate in a gang-rape. Gay people were appalled by that.

Brandon Banks – might have a sense it’s not working.

Also, Banks was not drunk at the time, and had a girlfriend.

Prosecutor Jan Norman. Kicking ass through out.

Banks took pictures.  Banks, the preacher’s son and high school football captain squeezed the bottle.

Referring to the victim, unconscious and vomiting, Banks says he’d never seen anyone that sick before. Or that out-of-it. The inference was alcohol…(although most believed she was drugged.)

The “he made me do it” defense

While Banks mentioned his daddy was a preacher, he appeared not to have made the connection a lifetime of football discipline, including as team Captain, along with his father’s preaching didn’t matter one little bit, two minutes after Brandon Vandenburg told Banks to take the bottle and squeeze.  Nor did Banks refuse to take pictures of the unconscious woman he physically, sexually assaulted with an empty bottle.  Nor did he leave the room.  As Prosecutor Jan Norman noted, neither did Brandon Banks text anyone he felt “pressure.”

After testifying, Banks looked a little worse for the wear. He went to his chair.  And cried.

Detective Gish testified he found no texts of fear of bullying.  Detective Gish did find more videos….and other incriminating evidence that in no way indicated Brandon Banks was worried about being bullied. 

Can you say something nice about Banks’ Defense attorney

Sure.  Given I once titled a column, “Guilty – is it too soon to say “Malpractice” and

“The Malpractice Continues!”

Mark Scruggs, Brandon Banks’ attorney and former football player, was not criminally charged for financially exploiting a client during trial and did not lose his bar license.

Mark Scruggs – in fairness – he didn’t have much to work with

But Mark Scruggs was also corrected during his close for telling the jurors factually incorrect information.  Also, he recovered nicely.  But it was when Scruggs began with a background of the law, then mentioned the Magna Carta minutes in, that my thoughts went to Scruggs might have first bored the jurors, but a reference to the Magna Carta might have annoyed the heck out of them.

So…am thinking guilty on most of the charges.  The judge commented the jurors looked tired.  Maybe they are tired of carrying the burden of four years of delay.  Imagine how the victim feels.

Mike Levin or Doug Applegate: The choice is seriously, easy

Levin or Applegate – San Diego Democrats, smart Independents, and more than a few fed-up Republicans, are rapidly choosing Mike Levin.  In record numbers.

Levin is the smart, effective, environmental attorney, whose 10 year history of volunteering for the Democratic Party from local, to national levels, caught fire.  Levin’s winning endorsements are from sitting members of Congress who would like to see Mike working alongside them.

Also, as past behaviors portend future conduct, the choice between Mike Levin and Doug Applegate is hands-down easy.

We all know voting is a deeply, personal act.  In that I have experience with all three candidates, below is that experience as a former Independent, now registered Democrat, who has yet to join any local affiliate.

First, Levin actually returned my phone calls. By putting himself in a position to learn,  I was able to explain how a cheaper, effective, (the strap can’t be cut-off) GPS monitoring system could save California lives, and millions in tax dollars.  I’d tipped NBC media to California’s huge (and largely unreported) GPS problems, here.

As a congressman, Levin would be in a position to help state legislators get it right, while saving California lives, and of course, millions in our State budget.

However, was 0 for 6 with my efforts to educate Applegate.  Including last year. Turns out, when it comes to being available, Applegate mirrors Issa.

This is not counting the prior election cycle where the count was 0-5 after Applegate’s post-divorce, stalking, scandal, broke.  Applegate, apparently, is an Issa-like,  “duck and take cover” kind of guy.

But new year.  New campaign.  So tried again, this year.  This time Applegate called a friend of mine asking, “What’s she want” rather than simply return the call.  Apparently Applegate acts as his own gatekeeper, too!  But that wasn’t what got my serious, attention.

Legal skills

Also, Levin seems to be a smarter attorney than Applegate; but unlike Applegate, Levin hasn’t run afoul of of the California State Bar.  (Note to readers of Court of Appeal decisions.  Important nuggets often lie in the footnotes. Applegate is in this footnote.)

Rick Miller vs. Applegate: Case Number: D0386816

So yes, ethics has been problematic for Applegate.

Still, while trying to verify information on Applegate’s now, three marriages, as reported in the LA Times, from the last election.

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“He also served as a military lawyer for about three decades. After he retired from the Marines in 2006, he worked as a general practice trial attorney  throughout Southern California. Applegate, who is twice divorced and has two children, lives in San Clemente with his girlfriend and his 17-year-old daughter.”

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I tried calling Applegate again this past Friday.  I can report my phone still not ringing!  That must be Applegate, still not calling!

Turns out, when it comes to returning calls, Applegate favors the Darrell Issa model.

(Issa hasn’t returned any of my calls this year but, hey;  in 2008, I was apparently on Issa’s speed dial!  Yes, Team Issa wanted loads of information on Angelo Mozilo…and I had tons to share.)

Issa’s staff called me repeatedly, eagerly soaking up all the negative information I had to offer on Countrywide; and more particularly, on Angelo Mozilo, from the information I’d received from the website I’d set up about Countrywide.

I  was happy to share.  Hey, if my Congressman needs my help, it’s my duty as a good citizen to help. However, when I watched the hearings, live, instead of answering any sharp questions from Issa from the information I provided,  I watched in horror as Darrell Issa slobbered all over Mozilio —in thanks. 

That’s right.  Issa thanked Angelo Mozilo for helping facilitate the American dream to own a home, right as the market was crashing, and costing people their hopes and dreams right along with their homes, financed by Mozilo’s, Countrywide Mortgage.  Issa ended his cheer fest by declaring Mozilo a great American.  Folks.  You just can’t make this stuff up.

Back to Applegate

Second, and unlike Applegate, Levin has a long history of volunteer work, by being effective in politics for others.  So no one wonders why members of Congress and other officeholders are endorsing Levin.

Perhaps it was combination of Levin’s 10 years of volunteer work, coupled with — well, Trump, but the immediate effect of a toxic Trump wound up producing a more determined to get involved, Mike Levin.  On the plane home, and as a direct result of the 2016 election, Mike Levin began mapping out a strategy for the 49th District.  (Only later did we learn Trump was right.  The national election was  rigged.  Shout-out to  Mike Farb1; who helped us discover the many ways to rig an election.)

Meanwhile, past portends future.

Applegate remains true to himself.  The man who repeatedly demonstrated an exceptional amount of disdain towards women, first towards his wife, expanded that disdain to include women in the military. Specifically, the women marines cyber-attacked by the Marines United scandal, which puts America, at risk as a matter of foreign policy.  Check this out this article in Foreign Policy.

After news of the initial Marines United scandal broke, Marines United took down their private Facebook page.  I waited to Applegate to comment.  Nothing.

I tweeted a question to Applegate about commenting on the scandal.  No response.  (Hey if I want a member of Congress to remain silent, I’d just call Issa!)

Then CSPAN inteviewed General Neller.

More silence from Applegate.  So I tweeted another request for Applegate to comment. Continued silence from Applegate.

Then, and amazingly, Marines United, regrouped!  Complete with a new Facebook page!

An in your face, “How Dare you try to shut us down”

I again tweeted to Applegate for a comment on newly reorganized, Marines United.  Again, although cyber-attacking female marines impacts national security…Applegate remained mute. Why wouldn’t a guy running for Congress take a stand for cyber-attacked women Marines?

So the bottom line is:  If I can’t depend on my Congressman for national security, along basic fairness, why on earth would I vote for someone like that?  Also, folks:  This is a pattern.

Applegate’s stony silence on “Marines United” is not merely shameful, it’s unsurprising.

Because as Applegate has demonstrated beyond all reasonable doubt, past behavior is future behavior.

Thomas James Brennan, the reporter who exposed Marines United, is a former Marine.  A bounty was put out on Brennan, and his daughter for exposing them.  But Applegate, who claims to have served proudly, continually refuses to address the issue, or the bounty put on the Brennan’s daughter.  Since March.

Applegate’s refusal to step up on behalf of cyber-attacked female Marines, and the young daughters of a former Marine, demonstrates Doug Applegate, is simply not, leadership material. Voter wise, sirens are not sounding; they’re wailing.

I’m sure no real Democrat could possibly be in favor of sending another sexist to Congress.  Thanks all the same.

Last:  Why is Applegate still in the race?

To address the obvious by highlighting the oblivious — some Democrats had no idea of Applegate’s in-depth history.  Some are just poor sports.  This includes a few who talk progressive, but act otherwise.

Others, who can’t win a local Democratic office position themselves, imply future donations may be made to the those the Democrats are committed to defeating.  They also identify as “Progressive.”  Why, I’m not sure.  But the below, happened.

A veiled threat to donate to Republicans.

On the sexism side, it took five sex scandals before San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne decided to suddenly “retire.”  Chief Zimmerman is addressing the newer ones, but they are slowing down.  Sadly, replacing them, is:  military scandals.

Nine more indicted in Fat Leonard scandal, the Feds are on the case.

Good News

The good news is San Diego does appear to be growing out of its weird, parochial wrinkle.

Being reared in the military I’ve lived all over. My Dad’s a happily retired, WWII pilot, and POW escapee, who also flew 108 Command missions in Vietnam.  But having lived in the South, my biggest surprise was discovering the number of San Diego women who didn’t seem to mind San Diego’s openly casual, sexist bent.  There’s definitely a Stepford Wife vibe here when it comes to women supporting men who don’t care about them. But more good news, it’s ebbing!

I am happy Levin is getting more support both inside the community and nationally. We need Mike Levin to knock out the embarrassment of Darrell Issa, Duncan and Hunter and Dough Applegate’s, failure to respond. 

So am particularly glad the, “Doug ran first so no one else should run,” mentality (which sounds as hollow as it was), is also going away.

Last, although San Diego Democrats have in the past, allowed candidates at least three tries before giving up; that’s gone too.

And that folks, is real progress!

Magnolia Realty: Chip Gaines is great at public relations, but shouldn’t facts prevail

Chip Gaines – Negotiates with a hammer?

So is Mr. “Aw shucks,” Chipper Gaines really, Mr. “I want all the chips to fall in my direction,” Chip Gaines?

Turns out, goofy behavior aside, it’s beginning to feel Chipper Gaines is a much better thespian than anyone could have ever imagined.  And one thing is for sure:  Chip Gaines is no slouch at self-promotion.

Am referring to the lawsuit filed against Square MB, LLC d/b/a Magnolia Realty, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc, Scripps Networks LLC, and High Noon Productions, LLC by the founding partners of Magnolia Realty. That’s right.  Chip, who had a third interest in the business, began talking to his friend, since 1997, about the business of Magnolia Reality in 2006.

But before we determine what is; notice what is not.

As is commonly known — when attorneys file a lawsuit, everyone and the kitchen sink is named in the Complaint.  Everyone.  Don’t take it personally, that’s called: Lawyering 101.

Is Joanna Gaines not a founding partner of Magnolia Realty?

But what’s interesting is neither Magnolia Realty founding partners, attorneys, John L. Lewis and Rick L. Clark, cared to name Joanna Gaines in their suit….and didn’t.

This is almost unheard of, not to mention very classy.  It also makes me wonder if attorneys Lewis and Clark suspected Chip Gaines kept some information from  Joanna.  Or worse.

Was Joanna not named as a founding partner because she wasn’t?  If so, how does that square with Chip Gaines “we share it all” image?

Darn.  Why didn’t reporters ask about that?  Also, why wasn’t it mentioned that the saga began in 2012?  Chip likely mentioned there had been contact…but if you look at the earlier shows, there was not an abundance of filming all over town and out in the public, as there are now.

Also, everyone has a camera.  There is production company in my town that pitches as a birthday feature for parents, a “Paparazzi package” – where five guys with a camera follow 21 year olds around town on their birthday, shouting their names in pretend stardom and clicking away as the newly minted 21 year olds, step into imaginary stardom…if only for a night.

John L. Lewis – founding member of Magnolia Realty.

It was clear to me as negotiations with Chip and Joanna Gaines continued, that Gaines realized the Fixer Upper show was going to be a go.

However, this information was not relayed by Chip to his partners and long-time, good friends, John Lewis and Rick Clark. Although friends since 1997…

who, busy with their law practice, likely trusted Gaines to keep them abreast of everything.

(Again, discussions for what Magnolia Realty would become, began in 2006.)

Fast foward – Fixer Upper became the big hit HGTV thought it would become; and all is not as folksy as it appears.

The first negative publicity came when the public learned the houses were selected before-hand.  That was dealt with.  (Will cover the gay issue later.)

Waco does cater to the show that put Waco on the map in a good light.  That’s a given.

So not much coverage on the woman who fell and suffered a head injury in the store, a bit ago.  Or the guy suing them about the gate access.  A little, but not much. No Magnoliagate.  Even though it was about, a gate!

Good coverage didn’t end with this lawsuit…but as coverage begged questions, I called.

David Tekell – finally – an attorney talks to me!

On Friday, April 28, 2017, I spoke with attorney David Tekell.  Mr. Clark suggested (through his secretary) I call David Tekell.  ( I didn’t get beyond capable staff of both founding member attorneys of Magnolia Realty when I telephoned.)  I’m against attorneys not speaking to reporters.  This is based on simple logic.  If the story is going to be written, best to speak and make your points. 

But hey, that’s just my opinion. John Lewis and Rick Clark perhaps thought all issues would be addressed by media from the Complaint they filed. 

That didn’t happen.  However, when I called David Tekell my very first question concerned the timing of the lawsuit…and whether there were meetings before good friends John Lewis and Rick Clark, filed.

Tekell indicated there were discussions prior to the lawsuit, and I later learned a copy of the draft of the lawsuit was sent to the email ole Chip has had for years.  I surmised the discussions were not especially productive. But also sensed Tekell didn’t want to talk about it much either, so didn’t press my luck, for particulars.

Enter: Logic

However, Logic demands when meetings are not productive, litigation is filed before the time limit by law, to address concerns, runs out.  The last thing attorneys want to do is sue their friends of many years; so meetings prior to filing suit, makes sense.  However, there comes a time when waiting makes no sense so lawsuits are filed; and the courts sort out the evidence.

Chip Gaines is winning the public relations side

Chip Gaines is wining the pr side, but readers looking at the evidence in the Compliant but not covered, initially, by media, might want to rethink their oh-so-quick, condemnations.

Oh yeah.  Evidence

Here’s a little something Chip hasn’t mentioned so fair.  I mean, far.

Evidence – Does this look like fraud to anyone?

The threats made by Chip have been well reported, and are listed in the Complaint on Page 12.  #38:

“You better tell Rick to be careful.  I don’t come from the nerdy prep school he’s from.  And when people talk to me that way they get their asses kicked.  And if hes not ready to do that he better shut his mouth.  I’m not the toughest guy there is, but I can assure you that would not end well for [R]ick.”

Also not mentioned in past coverage?  According to the Complaint, Gaines told his partners if they didn’t agree, he would start a competing agency against them.

As a writer, I found Doug Eastland interesting.  Who is Doug Eastland?  Seems to me Doug Eastland could be a key witness.  He knows all individuals involved, and worked with Magnolia Realty.  Someone should have called him for background.

Doug Eastland – once worked with Magnolia – friends with all involved.

But as no reporter called Doug, I did.  Doug’s a smart man, and very personable.  However, before I could ask a thing, Doug began with, “No comment.”  Not exactly a conversation starter for sure.

Eventually, after we chatted a bit…and because I am all about background, Doug did answer one question.

BR:  “Well, the story is all over the news, but as you were mentioned in the Complaint, didn’t anyone, from any publication, call you?”

DE:   “No.”

More interesting?  Doug mentioned he’s friends with all three.  That’s right.  Present tense.

Given the initial reporting was quick and dirty, seems a shame the reporting was also missing key facts. Because facts matter…and a bonanza for Waco, aside:  Facts are key to fairness.

Full Disclosure:  I once lived in Waco.  Since moving to California, have participated in one documentary (Divorce Corp*) and one reality show* (in which I was ecstatic when the series was cancelled in its fifth season.) This is important only when I mention to readers that reality show participants do get a sense of a network’s commitment to a project the longer it continues.  You can feel the groundswell.

I once called Magnolia Realty and High Noon Productions in an attempt to end negative coverage they were receiving for refusing to work with gay people.  My friend, Mark Ebenhouch had purchased a home in New Orleans and was attempting to remodel it in the summer.  (Mark was the real marine, director Oliver Stone hired to train a bunch of actors, how to look like real marines for the movie, Platoon.) Mark is an excellent human being and very active in the community and director of the Sacred Cloth Project.

So I thought working with Mark Ebenhoch would be a win-win as it was hard for me to believe there were so many people who seem to have forgotten, God did not appoint them his personal messenger.  (Also, I worried the New Orleans summer heat would kill Mark.)

The folks at High Noon said the Gaines had made a commitment to their children not to leave the Waco area.  I suggested a working vacation…and included family friendly activities.  No dice.  I did however, notice Chip never once committed on the negative publicity, shrewdly noting it would die out.  But these days Chip’s tweeting selected Bible verses to his own benefit.

I suspect if after discovery and depositions, if this goes to trial, Chip’s reputation will suffer. Because, facts. Facts are really so bothersome sometimes.  They really can screw up a good PR campaign.  But if it does, please know there is no better trial reporter than Tommy Witherspoon.  Especially on Twitter, which is harder.  Tommy tweets as TspoonFeed.

•  1.  I agreed to participate in the film Divorce Corp with the stipulation the high-tech real-time, GPS device that alert would-be victims in real-time, beforehand, (in time for her to vacate the area, thus ending restraining order violations), would be featured in the film.  It was filmed but subsequently, edited out. 1,631 women were murdered in the U.S. in 2015.  This device would have prevented some of these murders.
• 2.  The show was “Family Plots” and in one episode I was the blind-date for the main character. Originally was unaware it was a reality show.  Had noticed a blind item on a film board that read, “Three daughters are looking for a date for their father” and answered, “Does your father know what you’re up to?”  They called me and things progressed from there. My interest in participating was to see how production companies actually worked on the job.  Neither of us were interested in each other.

New journalism program to expose Trump and end our failing media

The press continues to fail in the most basic element of keeping  “an informed public” informed; and must adjust reporting standards for covering the presidency. Currently Trump treats Americans and the press, exactly as he did the small business contractors who unfortunately, signed contracts with him.

The first failure is ignoring Trump’s unfit, mental state.

The second area is press can ill-afford to mince words.  NRP deciding to not call Trump out for lying when he lies, identifies another, key issue in our current, media, fail.

Once media decides to speak the truth without mincing words, the next goal is figuring out how to combat Trump’s history of serving up a blitz of forcefully spoken statements, including lies, but never, apologizing when caught in a  lie. Including bald-faced lies. (In fact, when caught in a bald-faced lie, Trump doubles-down.)

Meanwhile, Sean Spicer, in an effort to deflect from the giant chunks of the White House website, disappearing, now claims individual heads of various departments, ordered the non-tweeting policy.  (Still waiting to see if media lets that go.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Naturally, the first step is recognizing the massive, media failure we’ve found ourselves in.  Suggest beginning with the realization even the most Basic questions are not being asked. Consider one that’s been bothering me.

“Although Kellyanne Conway is now a federal employee, did Trump require Kellyanne sign an additional Non-Disclosure Agreement for her federal position; or, was this eventuality covered in Conway’s original Non-Disclosure Agreement, under a catch-phrase, “in the event I am successful, this Agreement supercedes any other employment?”

Why this hasn’t been asked underscores why media must flip the script when dealing with an illegitimate president.  Foremost being:  Media cannot afford to cultivate a deliberate, blind-eye, to ignore the claim of 17 federal agencies stating, Trump was working with Russian agents before running for office, while running for office, and after winning a rigged election…which Trump specifically invited to be rigged.

Likewise, media cannot afford to not change how they report.  Such as missing the obvious when it’s happening.  My tweet during Sean Spicer’s first news conference…having earlier watched Trump’s presser.

 

Compared to  this highly respected MSNBC anchor, Joy Reid, whom I like, two days after the fact.

Now for the solution:

Good news for the public!  It includes potential media profits!  Yes, higher ad revenues while keeping the public informed as to reality of a Trump Presidency. Here’s the basics!

1. “Trump Lies Told Daily!”  A new program with a new style and focus.  Profits would soar once NBC, MSNBC, CNN, ABC and CBS scheduled their own variation.  But essentially,

“Trump Lies Told Daily” – A Daily Rundown of Lies told by Trump, or the Trump Administration.”

Journalism – it’s back to the basics.

Subtitled – An ongoing investigation by Russian/Saudia/Chinese leaders (or lobbyists or/including, Senators So-and-So). Trump Time could air nightly for a half-hour, with expanded coverage on the weekends.

The first half will be split among staff, with a specific focus on lies in certain areas.  One staffer for Trump’s bankruptcies, one for his refusal to divest, and most importantly, a key staffer to expose Trump’s continued ties to Russian/Saudi/Chinese mobsters.  Each panelist should have 5 minutes to state what they’e learned.  Suggest contacting, Adam Khan, here.    (Wish he would get a website.)

Domestic areas addressed include Domestic Violence, (because – Trump’s background.  Also, duh.  The Womens March for half the population), Environment, Medicare, Veterans Benefits, Military needs, Social Security, Federal Regulations, National Security, etc.

The Twist:  In the first part, the staff present their findings, But the second half of the program, host and staffers  (and perhaps, invited guests) debate which area has the biggest, negative effect on the American public.

Graphics needed:  A counting logo in the top right corner during each segment:  For instance, “400 Days since Trump said he would release his taxes.”  Or regarding Trump’s ties to Russia, the logo “Trump signed 24 new contracts to his existing 118 contracts.“  A graph would also be nice.

Why this is necessary.

Currently, media fails with nearly every question.   There is no banding together as a tactic, to force any issue.  Especially in the area of Trump taxes as this example demonstrates.

Kellyanne Conway’s defense of Trump’s refusal continues to be, “The people elected him, so they don’t care.”

Reporters and anchors haven’t yet appropriately responded with:

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“Trump lost in the popular vote by three million, because those people didn’t believe him.  The people who voted for Trump in the Electoral College – voted, believing he would.  They are the public who still wants to see his taxes.  They said so.  Visit  The GOP APOCALYPSE.”

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which astounds me.

Also, Trump’s still complaining about his high numbers? Really.  Consider the parade route. Katy Tur showed us.

As for high TV views Trump’s administration claims.  Why haven’t reporters volleyed back with the obvious?  

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“The movie “Carrie” had high numbers. The Shining had high numbers.  People do tune in to be scared.”

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Personally, my answer would be, “I liken Trump’s Parade, (or, drive…since hardly anyone was there), to watching Alfred Hitchcock’s, “Psycho.”  

That might stop the subject from ever being brought up again.

Why the “Carrie” or “The Shining” answer hasn’t been directed to Trump, or Pence, or Kellyanne puzzles me.  But it saddens me, underscoring as it does, the failure of media to get to tactics to seriously inform the public about America’s first, Russian-installed president. 

I love the press – I just want to them to regroup so they can be effective.

Does media really want to mess around with women like this?  Women who marched in the snow, during the Womens March?  Does media think they’ll retain viewers who watch, pablum?

And an uninformed public makes me question why the FCC allows continued licensing for non-performance.  (Except Trump’s pick to head the FCC was Ajit Pai, whose main goal is killing net neutrality, so expect higher prices for much less.)

Back to Trump Lies Told Daily!

2. Invited Guests for “Trump Lies Told Daily.”

The mantra is simple.  Producers must impress upon bookers, “We’re here to inform:  Guests must be worth watching.”  The public knows it’s being shabbily treated when guests who lie constantly, are just as contstantly, booked. (Hint:  They’re all friends…most of this is just for show.)

Media fixation on Alternative facts

Former attorney, Kellyanne Conway, flattened Chuck Todd on his own program, twice. Todd, exasperated, managed to get off the one great line. “Alternative facts are not facts.  They’re falsehoods.”

Did anyone else notice media closed ranks, protecting Todd by focusing on that rather than admitting Kellyanne steamrolled Chuck twice, rattling off lie-after-lie, in rapid-fire, Gatlin gun style…in two separate areas, without once answering a single question.

Folks, we’re all given a certain number of heartbeats in this life. People sometimes watch fluff.  But trust this:  American’s don’t want fluff in politics. They want substantive discourse.  Yet in that same appearance, Conway, (a former lawyer) began with,

“A falsehood is told about removing the bust of Martin Luther King Junior from the Oval Office. No, that’s just flat out false. And the pool writer…”

and was not challenged.

Tim Russert would have laughed, as he interrupted Conway, to accurately point out the reporter did not commit a “falsehood.”  Tim Russet would say it was  a simple “mistake” and one that was quickly addressed by the reporter himself.  Tim’s unfailing realism in the face of spin – stopping people  in their tracks, is why people across the country, upon learning Tim died suddenly, got in their cars and drove through many states to pay tribute to Tim and his family at the funeral.)

Chuck Todd was struck hapless by Kellyanne.  Confounded, he laughed…and Kellyanne jumped at the chance to tell Chuck she was offended he laughed.  But that’s part just of the shtick.  That girl can recognize and seize an opportunity.  But still, it’s a better way to present the tsunami of lies Trump is trying to get the media to forget about himself.

So given by now the comatose knows Trump et al, demonstrate a keen proficiency at getting away with lies…largely because it’s how Trump operates in business.

The public’s heads up was yesterday… and Trump is beside himself by the number of women who shut down his lousy numbers.

So it’s not “Business as usual.”  The press cannot continue operating the same old way.  No more, “we can’t keep up.”

A daily, “Trump Time” is the best way to make sense of rapid-fire lies.. Otherwise, lies left unaddressed are later given credibility, (such as Pami Bondi as an Electoral College member) because that’s Trump’s calculation as a business tactician.

Reporters must change now they cover Trump.  “Trump Time” beats Trump at his own game.  But it also raises journalism standards. That Trump Time would while generating ad revenues is just the icing on the cake

3. Conditions for appearing on the show.  The producers must caution guests the basic rules are no repeatedly talking-over each other.  In cases of a split-screen, producers will remind guests Trump Time is to inform the public, and anyone who violates the rules will have their mic cut and screen shot dropped. The camera will return to the host, until such time the guest can get themselves together.

Good journalism.  Good ad growth.  Good to be informed.  But most importantly, we can impact change.  Please consider supporting independent journalism.  Past successes, detailed here.

Let’s roll!  

Great signs from the Womens March – and a little Trump madness

My first inkling the Womens March was going to be BIG came from a short tweet I noticed the night before.

Paraphrasing a DC guy’s tweet,

“I don’t know what it’s like in your neighborhood but it’s around 9:30p.m. where I live and all I can hear is the sound of the wheels on luggage carriers — and it’s deafening.”

Rolling thunder seems the best way to describe that sound.

The Womens March infuriated the predator president for a couple reasons.  The first being:  Women brought it.  The second being…still women!  Women birthing the most massive, global, anti-Trump response. All women – humiliating Trump.  Collectively.

But plummeting popularity aside, tweets captioned like the below have a way of burrowing under Trump’s paper-thin skin.

“Is it fair to call it a parade if no one is watching”

Agent Orange aside, women finally got woke, thanks to Hillary.  We knew Putin was fearful of our strong Hillary, whereas Trump is weak and malleable.  We know the election was stolen, and so we rolled. Collectively.

All those people – and not a single arrest.  Kinda makes one wonder why men are in charge, eh?

What was done to Hillary was what got those little luggage wheels rolling towards DC…as well as all around the world.  While much focus has been children and young women, grandmothers are pissed off too.  So don’t rest Congress.  We’re coming for you, too.

Some of us are coming on behalf of the 1,631 women who were killed by their boyfriends or husbands in 2015.  They would want us to roll some of you out of office.  Guys like Arkansas Tom Cotton, who stalled Cassandra Butts Ambassadorship so long, she died.

The backstory media missed

Media, being itself misogynistic, never quite got it.  On July 28, 2016, I’d written, “This presidential race will boil down to the most qualified candidate in the world; versus: Misogyny.” Misogyny won.  Temporarily. But we’re woke now.

So enjoy the signs, a little commentary, and knowing nothing will ever be the same, again.

THE MARCH – BOSTON

THE MARCH – NEW YORK CITY

THE MARCH – WASHINGTON DC

Tweet nice – caught by Col Morris Davis

 

 

 

 

 

Remember Charlie?  Charlie Brotman, the 89 year old presidential inaugural parade announcer since 1957, that Trump dumped?  Well,  the Womens March organizers invited Charlie to speak and not only did Charlie show up, he was funny, upbeat and awesome!

 

(Imagine Trump worrying about the march on top of being in a terrible mood from watching one’s own plummeting popularity. Imagine hosting the world’s most important electoral parties and still not being able to give tickets away.  Imagine all that,and  knowing a march was coming the very next day.)

THE MARCH – PORTLAND

 THE MARCH – DENVER

THE MARCH – CHICAGO

Trolling Trump  –  World-wide

Who would have guessed it would be knitters who knew how to best, represent!

and

THE MARCH – ANTARTICATHE MARCH – HOTLANTA!

 

John Lewis said, “I know something about marching.”

THE MARCH – BIRMINGHAM

 

THE MARCH – OAKLAND SAN FRANCISCO

THE MARCH – LOS ANGELES

THE MARCH – TOPEKA

THE MARCH – OKLAHOMA

 

 

THE MARCH – AUSTIN – Broke the record

THE MARCH – SEATTLE

THE March – LONDON

That was one day.  Don’t rest Congress. We’re coming for you, too.

How America and the LA Times can fully recover from Japanese Internment camp, mistakes

Good news! Now that Muslim Registry looms again on the horizon; a teachable moment is at hand.

Nisei heroes – many from the 442 Regiment – 100 Battalion

The teachable moment arrives courtesy of:  Lane Nishikawa; the anti-dote for America’s post-factual era; and documentary film maker most able to help the LA Times wiggle free from its latest debacle.  Nishikawa’s film, “Never Forget” is also uniquely positioned to keep America from repeating earlier mistakes.

From incarcerations, military service, and post-service, bigotry, “Never Forget” serves as a guide to coming out of the darkness.

But first and specifically, the film addresses mistakes made by the LA Times, the Times has yet to address.  Our fear of immigrants.

In that regard, Lane Nishikawa provides the necessary fresh air to assist Americans deal our fear-fueled immigrant underbelly, the LA Times seems content to let lie.

As many are aware, the LA Times continues to smart from the entirely regrettable decision made by, Catharine Hamms, Editor of the LA Times, Travel Section, after Hamms published online and print, two letters, around December 7, 2016, referencing Japanese-American internment/prison camps.

Unfortunately, the letters Hamms published were written by revisionist history proponents,  Steve Hawes and Dick Venn.  Both deemed the facilities more than adequate.  Hawes wrote,  “The Japanese assigned the job of staying out of the way and not causing complications.  Millions of Americas were assigned far worse jobs.  Hundreds of thousands were wounded or died.”  (More on that, later.)

For the fact-free Hawes and Venn, Japanese-American Internment housing, (prisons) were essentially portrayed as, comfortable sleep-away camps.

The internet immediately noticed the first problem

Yahoo News published:
“LA Times: We regret publishing pro-Japanese Internment camps.”

The Wonkette: “Idiots demand LA Times offer Bigots’ perspective on Japanese Internment Camps.”

and ahortly thereafter, Hamms realized her decision to publish Hawes and Venn was an error in judgment, of Trumpian proportions.

However, neither the Internet or the LA Times dealt with the underlying issue.

America cannot afford “Post-Truth”news. Facts have never been more important.

In an era where the Oxford Dictionaries awards “Post-truth” (a version of reporting where the reporter writes to appeal to emotions over facts,  fake news, and, poorly covered news…including the sins of omission); the LA Times opted for the sins of omission, and ignored the fear factor behind President Roosevelt’s Executive Order, 9066.

---

That being the stellar, American military service provided by brave Nisei men and women for America, during a time these brave men and women were stripped of their rights as citizens and condemned by bigoted Americans, from the Commander-in-Chief, on down.

Although The LA Times was mum on America’s core fear of immigrants; other news outlets should not follow their lead.

Granted ignoring fear of immigrants is pretty weird, considering what newly arrived immigrants and soon to be “Americans’ did to Native Americans.  Or, perhaps, because.

However, reality is this:   Blander looking Americans have long feared immigrant citizens who don’t look like blander looking Americans.

Not often mentioned is:  Blander looking Americans (and the cosmetics industry) knows “looks count.” Religion does too, of course.  But if new immigrants  look different…well, that’s kinda, it.

So, we really haven’t come a long way, baby.

Thus, by not addressing the fears of some Americans,  the LA Times missed an opportunity to bring comfort to the fearful.  This is regrettable as anyone watching “Never Forget”  might find it useful in taking baby-steps towards developing some  coping skills to deal with less-blander looking Americans.

Doing so would have made everyone feel better as the 442 was featured in “Never Forget.”  What’s the 442?  So glad you asked!  The 442 is the most decorated Regiment in the entire, U.S. Army.

I learned this from watching “Never Forget.”  Immediately  afterward I called my 93 year old Dad, Lee Russell, who happened to be part of  the “Bridge busters” B-25 pilots flying out of Corsica during WWII;  and asked if he’d heard of the 442 Regiment.

Dad immediately laughed and yelled,

“Go for broke!”

I took that as a “yes” as  “Go for broke!” was the motto of the 442nd; and, with 18,000 medals, more than any in the history of the U.S., they certainly, did.  

By the way, surprise!  The 442 consisted of all Japanese-Americans.  Lane Nishikawa featured the lives, loves and, service of the MIS and the 442 battles in, “Never Forget” which included the 442’s  most epic contribution —  the rescue the 1st Battalion 141st Infantry, (which consisted of a bunch of Texans), pinned by the Germans in the Vosges Mountains.   The 442 rescued the lost battalion on October 24, 1944, and folks, it was, epic.  It was epic because so many died trying to save so few.

The 100/442, Regiment saved 200 Texans while losing 800 members of their own.  

It also turns out, there was a bit of Hollywood Post-Truth news going on, to diminish the efforts of the 442,  immediately afterward. 

Coverage of the event  included zero mention of the major losses suffered by the men of the 442.  Indeed, news clips like the one below, made it seem as if the primary thing the lost Texans had to do, was to keep up their fighting spirit.

Enter Post-Truth news

So I recommend Nishikawa’s film of the famous Nisei soldiers known as the 442 Regiment...which the LA Times, in creating their debacle, chose not to mention.

I do so as “Never Forget” America needs the antidote to Post-Truth, toxic news.  It’s learning tool for everyone, everywhere….not just newspapers or television programs. 

Also, and not a minor point: During the course of World War II;  some Americans were convicted of spying for Japan.  But none were from Japan.  (Just a mention.)

Lane Nishikawa – film maker, writer-director

Given the Muslim Registry is rearing its head right as 2017 marks the 75th year of American’s shameful act against our brave citizens: I recommend contacting Lane for critical information, partly because these brave Nisei soldiers emerged as the most decorated unit in the history of the U.S. Army…and then returned home to families still locked up in internment camps…and restaurants who refused to serve them.

It bears repeating that this cannot be repeated.

Then, President Truman awarded the 442 medals, he said, “You fought not only the enemy, but you fought prejudice…and you’ve won.” Perhaps he was unaware it wasn’t true.

By a stroke of good luck, I got to meet Nishikawa.  He gave me a copy of both his films, and we agreed the film is as current today as it was in forties. I just finished the first and sat right down to compose this.

(WARNING:  If you can get through “Never Forget” without feeling a lump in your throat…don’t bother taking your pulse. You’re dead.)

In Nishikawa’s interviews with released Americans of Japanese descent, who volunteered to serve while incarcerated; most offered extremely polite, poignant comments.  But the one comment that nailed me occurred just ten minutes in.  It came from a gentleman who simply said,

“This is a perfect example of a Constitution is only as good as the Government that wants to enforce it.”

 

If you learned something new, please consider supporting independent journalism.  Past, successful efforts are detailed here.

Riley Gaul – reporting from Knoxville County Jail

Riley Gaul’s new home.

A couple of jail notes on Riley Gaul, from his location at the Roger D. Wilson facility on Maloneyville Road, in East Knoxville.   I mention this as Riley’s hearing is tomorrow, December 2, 2016, unless it’s been rescheduled. (Update:  Riley waived the hearing.  Will go to the Grand Jury.)  A little about those details, and four, unreturned calls to Knoxville County spokesperson, Martha Dooley, later.  

Meanwhile,  learned the following:

• Riley Gaul was not on any kind of “Suicide Watch.”
• No one has beaten him up.  Yet.

Meanwhile, Emma Walker’s friends and teachers responded

One friend of Emma Walker directly responded to Riley Gaul’s Twitter project attempt to distance himself as a suspect in Emma’s murder.

Friends of Emma Walker

Also, one of Emma’s many teachers most eloquently remembered Emma Walker.

I mention this, because media coverage on Emma Walker, has not been in keeping with what Emma Walker deserved.

Media on Emma Walker:  the lessening of Emma

Will begin with how the Knoxville News Sentinel emphasized Emma Walker’s murder.  Emma was not mentioned by name. Neither was Riley.  But football, was.  Football was their lede.  Football and basketball was the main feature throughout Knoxville News coverage.

(My complaint to the Knoxville News Sentinel, immediately followed.)

Emma had planned to be a neonatal nurse and participated in a Disaster drill.

It gets worse.  The Knoxville Jail was no help either.  This is our tax dollars, not working.

Days prior to the hearing I attempted to learn more information on Riley Gaul’s hearing. Would he be transported, or would the County want to save time and money and conduct the hearing by video.  The basics.  Telephoned four times. Not a single call was returned.  Folks, this is their job.  Martha Dooley works in Media Relations.  It’s how she earns her living.

But before I took Martha not doing her job, I did a little research.  Bingo.

Martha Dooley sucks – at taxpayer expense

Here’s Martha on camera – not addressing why she was non responsive to repeated requests, from citizens, then mischaracterizing the individual’s intentions.   

Apparently Martha’s job is not to speak to the public about concerning information the public likely has a right to know.  

See Martha’s non-response to coverage of two fired, deputies, below, although the Sheriff said:  

“This investigation found that you conducted yourself in a manner that was notoriously disgraceful and of such a nature morally and ethically that rendered you unsuitable as an employee,”

Pretty strong stuff!

Shouldn’t someone be talking? Did MSM roll over?

Two Knoxville Deputies fired.  Mum’s the word!

Why taxpayers allow Martha Dooley to behave in this manner is beyond me.  But why media allows it, is egregious.

(Second Update:  Martha Dooley telephoned me on December 2, claiming no prior knowledge of any calls.)  Did she not figure on phone records?  I suggested she review the voicemails I left, including with her assistants, and check back.  

My next piece will feature women targeted by men who claim to be heavily involved in becoming better Christians.  

Riley Gaul arrested in galling murder of Knoxville cheerleader, Emma Walker

Emma Walker – Murdered  Knoxville Cheerleader

It was a cowardly, sneak attack murder like no other.

Emma Walker was shot to death late at night, while she slept.

Meanwhile, boyfriend Riley Gaul, (soon arrested for Emma’s murder) went home and tried to hide or destroy evidence.

But prior to his arrest, Riley Gaul posted a biblical verse on Twitter for Emma Walker.

I am not making this up.

Riley Gaul, football playing boyfriend, and;  cunning individual.

Here’s a Cliff’s Notes version of Riley Gaul’s  1 Corinthians 13-8  

Now – and this is where it gets more than a little creepy.   Count the number of “likes” in Riley’s tweet.  There’s more since I grabbed this screen shot, sadly.

Riley reminds me of Vanderbilt football player and gang-rapist, Brandon Vandenburg.

On Brandon Vandenburg’s, idiotic Twitter account, he wrote, “IAMSECOND” (First) and “GOD FIRST (Second.)  

And Brandon was an Honor student.

Believe it or not, Eric Smith objected to naming Maryville College, where Riley Gaul played. Yep. Possibly relating a murder to a Maryville College football player was Eric’s concern.  

Fortunately, Hillary Meeks Tune, set Eric Smith straight in one quick hurry.

But how’d we’d get to a horrible murder and some clown talking about football in the Bible belt?

Quick reminder:  The Bible was written long after events transpired, (with time enough for revisionist history to match one’s personal bias); and, as most women were considered of little value, weren’t taught to read.

That explains why zero chapters of the Bible were from the point of view of half the population; although Jesus hung around with lots of women on his own, and expanded to the “proper” women who accompanied their husbands to events.  

Thus, considering for much of time, women have been muzzled, for bogus, religious reasons…it’s hardly a surprise the states with the highest murder rates involving women, come from the South.

In short; there’s not a shortage of this, as men continue to prove women are disposable.

The arrest and trial of Riley Gaul will likely show Emma wanted to end the relationship, and Gaul had trouble accepting that.  It’s a fairly common version of,

 “If I can’t have you, then by God, no one can.”

However,  today only, will demonstrate not only was Emma’s future stolen; but her family’s future was too.  Something as simple as family get-togethers.   And photos.  Riley ended it all.

Emma liked to tease her brother

Two cuter kids would be hard to find.

Emma and Evan Walker

Only men can end the culture of misogyny in America.  Last year 1,631 women were murdered by those who “loved” them.   They become “anonymous” women, while others talk about equal rights for those of differing religions and sexual orientations.

Worse? Have seen some posts (by men) saying to take the name of the college out, as their allegiance remains with…football!  That’s hideous: But that’s misogyny folks.

For some,  football will always be more important than a murder victim, killed in her sleep.  Football is their religion.

Speaking of religion

So now what? Pray for the family, but please, proof of prayer is action, There is no “Rest in peace” for murder victims.

Also, people who are murdered while they sleep, are not resting. They’re dead.

Last, please know this is not God’s will. God gave us the gift of free-will. So no cop outs with “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

(Using that logic, there’s no need for the police or the courts.)

Sometimes think it just might be that God views humans as a well-meant experiment. That failed. I get the feeling when it comes to cold-blooded murders such as this one, that God decamped to another Galaxy to concentrate on making a smarter, more humane, species.

So will leave you with happy photos of a shattered family because another idiot was outraged a young woman he wanted to stay with him, wasn’t interested.

Last photographs of Emma and Evan.

Two cuter, nicer kids weren’t to be found

For the living, be a friend of murder victims.  Emma wanted to be a neo-natal, nurse.  She was a helper.  Pray for the energy to help make sure justice is served.

Blessings to the family.

Vanderbilt gang rape – Brandon Vandenberg sentencing hearing blew up – 17 years

Brandon Vandenberg’s friend Miles Finley – bailed.

Finally!  Long-time Brandon Vandenberg bro, Miles Finley, finally came clean. As Finley finally began describing what really happened, the camera panned to Brandon, who looked like he’d been hit between the eyes by a baseball…bat.

Miles Finley – from a happier, pre-defendant, time.

But, on the morning of November 4, 2016, the public heard for the first time, Miles Finley manning up, from an earlier investigation.  I thought he  took the stand, and explained how he and Brandon’s Mom – destroyed evidence under the direction of, Surprise: long time family friend and father of Brandon’s high school sweetheart, attorney Albert Perez!

But I was wrong.  It was from an earlier recorded hearing with the police.  My readers are good!

Perez, predictably, with every twist and turn of Miles’ story bounced up out of his chair like a Jack-in-the-box, objecting.  To no avail.

(During the live testimony, tweeted to the California State Bar during the proceedings, they might want to listen live.  Had this feeling about Perez from the get.  So much so had ordered transcripts from earlier testimony.)

But Brandon’s (former) friend, Finely, testified Brandon kept changing his story the night of the gang rape. There was talk about Miles violating his earlier plea, and this time around, none of Finley’s past arrogance was on display as he burbbled forth with date rape drug information. Also, (it surprised me) Finley wouldn’t let his girlfriend see the videos Brandon sent. Yes, videos. Finley said Brandon was up on date rape drugs as Rod, Brandon’s father, gave Brandon him the date rape drug saying it “loosens women up.”  (I’d reported this earlier.)

Miles Finley said Shawna Alexander repeatedly said, “Brandon is the victim here.”  So Mom’s denial seems to remain entrenched.

Miles Finley’s explosive testimony was followed by long-time Vandenberg family friend, Pernilla Linner; who testified Brandon was the most polite and kind young man she has ever met — both in Sweden and in the United States.  She went on to say  she didn’t think her daughter would ever be unsafe around Brandon.  She would let her daughter be around Brandon – now.  She believes had Brandon left the victim at her place, “it” would never have happened.  Linner envisioned Brandon speaking to colleges around the United States.  She ended asking for the least amount of time in prison possible. Next came a pastor, and Ms. Fix, a high school English teacher.  Fix said she didn’t think Vandenberg “Needed rehabilitation.  She said, “I think he needs mercy.”  (Fashion note:  When trying to appear credible jettison white socks with sandals.)

On cross-examination, Fix said she thought Brandon “Might have been” calling for help.

She was hopeless.  

Brandon testifies

Brandon claims he was an inexperienced drinker. Laughably untrue.  See prior column.  Brandon’s mentions “football mentors” twice.  Brandon’s mentioned 40 drinks.  He refers to the gang rape as “the incident.”

So we end where we began….happy for the conviction….horrified by the crime, horrified by the quality of defense counsel, heartened by Nashville Metro Police, the DA and the victim all determined to “make it right.”

Originally, was delighted the victim wasn’t there.  My not-so-secret hope, was the woman had a, work-or-vacation scheduling conflict, hoping her life had drastically improved since departing Nashville. The rapee (whom I always believed was drugged – not drunk) having been through the wringer and I’d hoped  she’d opted, literally, to not give Brandon Vandenberg the time of day.

But it turns out, the victim was not there as she continues to suffer. Judge Watkins easy sentencing on Cory Batey being the straw that broke the victim’s back.

However, the date rape drug FINALLY came into play.  And as Miles Finley finally came came clean, and Albert Perez morphed into an objecting, bobbing little jack-in-the-box; it all fell into place.

DA Jan Norman finished strong

Jan Norman killed it at the close. She described Brandon’s actions as the facilitator, who also, in a position of trust post-rape;  acted in a way to both cover his crimes while blaming the victim.  In short, she described Brandon Vandenberg for what he is.

Every parents nightmare.

Defense maintained Brandon had never been away from home for any length of time.  (So I guess Xaxier Prep didn’t count?) Defense said each of the acts were performed by someone else.  Said Mr. Vandenberg should not be sentenced to more than Cory Batey who urinated on her, and sat on her face.  Defense mentioned there was a little bruising, is all. Defense said Brandon Vandenberg was a good guy.  Said “You can’t fool 40 people you’ve known all your life.”  Except of course, you can.  Defense also tried to use the “Devil Alcohol” defense to mitigate a longer sentence.  Defense said “he was not a drinker.” 

Finally, Judge Monte Watkins spoke.

The Court agreed with the Prosecution.  Abused the position of private trust and was the Leader and the rape would not have happened “were it not for him.”  And he did nothing to stop it.  As for mitigating factors – no priors, defendant has community support.  Seems remorseful – but that the Enhancement factors Vandenburg got 17 years.  Sure glad the victim didn’t bother to show up.

Brandon Vandenberg – Violent Sex Offender

Am now tying to determine how much time Brandon Vandenberg will spend in the care, custody and control of the State of Tennessee.

The legal line up

The legal line up has always been pristine for all involved on the side Prosecution; and considerably less than stellar, on defense.

First: CA attorney Perez.

A pricey, routinely inept (in our by now, jaded opinion) presence.  

Second: Fletcher Long – convicted of extortion of his own client – Long was thrown out of the legal profession, and

currently, flaps his gums on some radio program.

Third: Troy Bowlin – Appellate attorney – in for a half-second, and now out, due to a conflict of interest – after the Court of Appeal threw out his motion.

The Bench:  Judge Monte Watkins

Judge Monte Watkins – presiding over Vanderbilt’s top football draft pick, Brandon Vandenberg’s gang-rape trial – 2 defendants down, 2 to go.                                               (Coach Franklin skedaddled pdq.)

Judge Watkins – with whom we had the utmost confidence — until he fell out of favor; well, leaped out of favor —after the Cory Batey sentencing, influenced by letters of supportive family members willing to over-look Batey’s alcohol and anger problem.

But thankfully the prosecutor discovered the letters sent to the court were not provided the Prosecution. How this happened, no one knows; and worse fewer still are asking.

The national favorite flavor of rape continues

Texas

College wise – Police and Baylor University buried reports of Baylor’s sex crimes.

Then there’s Jersey.  

NJ Judge Robert Bellmeier (father of two sons)

Judge Bellmeier opts for sentencing-light for a rapist who attacked a 15 year old, because of Family Letters of support.

California

Oakland cops in underage teen sex case  Child began having sex as a minor.  It’s called child exploitation.  And she was then exploited by police officers in five, Bay Area Counties.  Whew! A short run-down list is available at the Bad Cop page at Familylawcourts.com

Who says there’s not a war on women

In all cases, but the most stupid women – 

who marry really jerky men,

rape is not an entitlement, sport.  No…rape is not something for which men are entitled

Wait:  There is a solution!

Brandon Vandenberg sentencing on November 4th; Jailhouse phone calls provoke a question

In light of the November 4, 2016, sentencing date for convicted Vanderbilt rapist Brandon Vandenburg, the only question is;  Head injury?  

Head injury because Nothing changes!  Brandon Vandenburg, the once nationally hailed football playing, “honor student,” three years later, remains unable to process his decision to facilitate the gang-rape of the woman he was dating.  A woman who trusted him. The best Vandenberg can offer is, “it doesn’t make sense.”

 

So what has Brandon been worrying about?

Football.

Vandenburg’s chief worry, as expressed from his phone calls, is being in his prime years for making a fortune playing football.  That Brandon processed.  That he understands.  Consider Brandon’s jailhouse conversation with Brandon’s equally dimwitted father, Rod.

Brandon Vandenburg whining to father Rod Vandenburg

Links for each of Vandenburg’s jailhouse with his parents and a female friend, are here.

Gotta wonder why at least one of Brandon’s four clueless attorneys didn’t float a possible “head injury” defense during the initial trials.  (On appeal, it’s too late.)

But it appears although Vandenberg has new counsel, they’re still keen on the loser, “Devil Alcohol” defense, that failed Twice before.  (As we used to say out West.  “If the horse is dead — get off.”)

Am also baffled that neither the DA or Judge Monte Watkins asked any of the defendants (two remain) whether – while out on bail, whether they enjoyed a cocktail or seven.)

Have maintained from the onset that Vandenberg’s defense team committed malpractice.  (And Fletcher Long committed a felony – so now he’s a radio host and not an attorney.)

However,  the defense continues.  As quoted in the Tennessean:

“It is likely that Vandenburg’s alcohol use will be discussed. His defense lawyers, Randall Reagan of East Tennessee and Albert Perez of California, portrayed Vandenburg during trial as a young man overcome by pressure to drink”

So glad neither jury bought in to that.  As demonstrated in the screen-shots I grabbed before Brandon and friends locked down their Twitter and Facebook accounts;  Brandon was never pressured to drink.  Brandon and his crew had been drinking and manhandling drunk women for quite a while.

Vandenberg friend Miles Finley – who suggested a second attack in a text to Vandenberg during the gang-rape

Brandon’s friends from high school.

So why any attorneys would even consider citing Pressure to drink – is beyond absurd.  It’s malpractice.

Legal Malpractice is what I first mentioned in January 28, 2015 – at the conclusion of Vandenburg’s first trial.

NOTE: Vandenburg’s friend’s Father texted: “Nothing has changed.”

Brandon’s friend’s father was right

The disgusted father of one of Brandon Vandenberg’s friends was right in 2014, when he texted, “Nothing has changed” to now; 2016.

Everything in Brandon Vandenberg’s mindset remains exactly the same.

So for the record, “Nothing has changed” sums up Brandon Vandenberg, and his family, best.  Vandenberg’s victim will move on. The sentencing is a box to check in her life.  (A life that has already changed for the better.)

But Brandon Vandenberg and his parents seem doomed to remain frozen in denial. 

Because if nothing changes; nothing changes.

 

 

Doug Sain is promoting his Anti-Hillary movie and furiously requesting continuances for his DV arrest.

Hello irony.  Is this perfect, or what!?!

Update:  May 19, 2017:

Although Doug Sain successfully delayed accountability for nearly a year, we suspect Sain has tried the patience of three attorneys, and  perhaps one judge.  Sain has been ordered to appear in Lake Havasu City Court to answer to no less than FIVE charges in connection with the case below, and others, on May 25, 2017, at 1:30p.m. for June trial.

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Doug Sain, the former partner of Dinesh De  Souza, is excited his anti-Hillary movie, “Clinton Inc., the Movie” is set for release Friday, September 30, 2016.

Nationwide, Sain’s anti-Hillary movie is set for release in October.

October being: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Apparently Doug’s so excited, he can’t be bothered to appear in court for his Domestic Violence arrest in Lake Havasu City…for which Doug has requested and received two continuances.

Um, here’s what’s wrong with this picture?

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Meanwhile, First grade teacher, and former wife of Doug, Brooke Sain, would love to move on with her life.

But, does it seem to readers, that the Lake Havasu City judge is allowing letting Sain essentially, run the show?

Of course the local Lake Havasu judge could order Sain to appear; but to date, the local judge appears to not to be so inclined.

Although, it’s been months.  But wait, there’s more!

Irony:  Round Two

Brooke Sain Baumkirchner, is a fan of women who support women.  So Hillary is featured on Brooke’s Facebook page.

Meanwhile, it appears as if Doug views himself as King of the Jungle. 

Doug Sain – Too big to answer to a DV violation?

Justice delayed is justice denied…

Oddly enough,  in October of 2015, the Lake Havasu City Attorneys’s office was accepting awards for their efforts.  

What changed?   Have they gone Hollywood?

What might it take to get an actual, hearing on calendar?

Stay tuned.  We sure are!

Election 2016: Trump, and the time Angelina Jolie starred in a movie about police misogyny

Election 2016 — The perfect time to end paying taxes for police services the police refuse to provide!

Need additional motivation?  Watch the Clint Eastwood directed movie detailing life imitating art, starring Angelina Jolie.  It’s also great for Hillary to keep in mind.

In this instance, it’s Jolie’s star-turn detailing police corruption — and Trump’s total embrace of law enforcement misogyny.  (Misogyny, being a huge part of Trump’s life, dove-tails so nicely with his campaign.)

It also helps that New York’s largest Fraternal Order of Police endorsed, Don-the-Con.  Benefit to Hillary Clinton, in her efforts to change the police during what is the most important election of our lives.

Jolie’s role was on-point and contrary to the current, media narrative:

That being it’s not always all about shooting unarmed black men.

Last year, 1,613 women were killed by the men who professed to love them.  Including, police officers.)

However, because we are now paying the price for ignoring the 2006, FBI report detailing how white supremacist groups infiltrated police departments, promoting “ghost skins”  — now seems as good a time as any to remind people how scary life under a jackboot President supporting jackboot cops, can be; and not just for black men…but all women.

So I recommend watching Angelina Jolie in the true-life story of Christine Collins; a single mother who challenged Los Angeles Police Department in the movie, The Changeling, after her boy, Walter, simply disappeared.

If you didn’t see The Changeling, (you can here, for free).  The story revealed the depths of corruption in LAPD, and what happened to Christine when she protested LA police forcing their mistakes down her throat.  (The actual case was featured multiple killings, known as, The Chicken Coop Murders.)

The Background

LAPD launched a massive search for Christine Collins missing son, Walter.  Later, LAPD’s PR machine kicked in with headlines after detectives found and Walter, and made Christine pay for his return to Christine.

The only problem was, it wasn’t Walter.  As if Christine’s son’s disappearance wasn’t enough, Christine’s troubles piled on, when she insisted the boy wasn’t her son.

LA PD’s Captain J. J. Jones was furious at this turn of events.

So furious, Jones had Christine Collins committed to a mental institution.

Because that’s what thugs with badges, do when their egos come into play.

What’s evergreen about this?  Among Trump’s favorite group of white supremacists, the police, is in the red states in the Mid-West and South; is using the Bible to suppress the rights of women in America. It’s YUGE.

Returning to how LAPD tried to destroy Christine’s life after botching the case. . .

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From Wikipedia:

“A public reunion was organized by the police, who hoped to negate the bad publicity they had received for their failure to solve this case and others. The police also hoped that the uplifting story would deflect attention from a series of corruption scandals that had sullied the department’s reputation. At the reunion, Christine stated that the boy was not her son, Walter. She was told by the officer in charge of the case, police Captain J.J. Jones, to take the boy home to “try him out for a couple of weeks.” Christine agreed to do this.”

Three weeks later, Christine returned to see Captain Jones and persisted in her claim that the boy was not Walter. Even though she had dental records proving it, Jones had her committed to the psychiatric ward at Los Angeles County Hospital under a “Code 12” — a term used to jail or commit someone who was deemed difficult or inconvenient.

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Christine was released ten days after Hutchins admitted that he was not her son.

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That’s right. Rather than believe the adult Mother; LAPD Captain Jones chose to believe an 12 year old boy.  

Because white male privilege begins early.

When Christine Collins made it out of the mental institution, she sued LA PD and Captain Jones, personally.  And won.  Captain Jones promptly retired, and stiffed her.  

California legislators were aghast.  Laws were enacted to prevent the police from sending more people to mental institutions for the crime of daring to prove them wrong.  Again, folks; we are paying dearly for choosing to both militarize our police, and allowing them to recruit jackboot misogynist-racists.   But strictly by the numbers;  gender bias/hatred precedes racial -bias/hatred.

Circa 2015:  Consider the less reported, rape of women by police in Tulare County – just east of LA.

I’m happy Angelina Jolie and Clint Eastwood brought Christine Collins harrowing life experience courtesy of LAPD, to light.  I’m sure thoughts have crossed Jolie’s mind in regard to amicably settling upcoming custodial matters.  That said, as a global advisor on behalf of children, Angelina Jolie knows,

Misogyny is a global issue.

I wonder if she knows  Twitter suspended the Accounts of a group trying to help Saudi women gain greater rights.

In the U.S.  often people won’t take reports of women attempting to report family assaults.  Often, these women wind up dead.  In 2014, a total of 1,613 of them did.  

Vote for Hillary and vote out any mayor who won’t fire police chiefs who allow law enforcement to abuse women under color of authority.

Our freedom, our lives, depend on it.

Cops and Robbers: When Bad Cops and Don-the-Con team up, America loses

Voting gets down to the basics because as Tip O’Neill maintained:  All politics is local.  

But as America is engaged in a Civil War;  yes, in part this election boils down to: Misogyny and bigotry demonstrated by Trump and the police, vs. One Strong Woman.

But first; consider a brief look at the money — which explains in part, why Don-the-Con, will never disclose his tax records…which reporters should continue demanding them…given they let Trump slide for decades.

(The short version being: Trump is in debt beyond his hair weave, and is nowhere near as rich as he works so hard to have us believe.)

Does Trump really have money?

Trump has other people’s money – and his own 870 million dollar debt, that he uses to pay down with;  other people’s money!  In private Trump has a name for his suckers.  Oops.  I spoiled it.  Anyway,

as American Journalism is on the wane – the world is only now learning of the staggering amount of debt Don-the-Con, owes China and other countries not friendly to U.S. concerns exceeds  870 million.

This means China and other countries who do not like America, own Trump. Let that settle in with you.

Like Congress and eschewing the needs of the public; Trump panders to corporate interests.  Naturally this is the opposite of best interests of the public.  It’s just that in Trump’s case, Trump lines his own pockets as much as possible. 

We also have the problem of Trump’s double-dealing in his ongoing failure to pay debts, while his past efforts to settle lawsuits against various real estate projects, are for pennies on the dollar to the people he ripped off.  Check out the nightmare the people who wanted to buy a Trump condo, endured.

But again — given we’re in a civil war, folks.  So lets not get off track.  

Instead, here’s a quick look at the players.

Cops and Robbers – Profiling is a good thing!

Don’t freak out before I can mention a couple other words for “Profiling.”

1.  AMBER ALERT
2. BOLO  (Be On The Lookout For”)

So, yes. Profiling is good.  Very good.  That’s true.   But the needed changes to profiling that must be made; must include:

3.  Profiling the profilers  – more on that later.

4.  A BOLO that is simply, “Black” or “Immigrant” is illegal, anti-American profiling, and must go.  How to stop it?  Easy.  

5.  Civilian oversight to all U.S. police departments must be implemented, yesterday; not to put too fine a point on it.  

Why is this necessary?  As the FBI mentioned in 2008 – racist organizations have infiltrated police departments for years.  

Another recent example, the very pro-Trump Milwaukee Sheriff Joe Clarke, who let a black man die in his jail cell.  Of thirst.

So.  Returning to our Civil War, keeping in mind both sides have their issues, in simpler terms, on the one side we have Democrats with Social and Criminal Justice Reform, and other programs to benefit society.

On the Republican side, we have Trump’s greed, his anti-American values; and his disdain for laws.  Not coincidentally, that seems to be in line with much of America’s police force. Is that reminding anyone of any other country?  Hmm?  Because if it doesn’t,  perhaps someone spiked your drink.   Consider the facts:

➡️ @GLFOP The largest police association in the nation endorsed Trump for President⬅️

What to Expect?   Jackboots on steroids.✔️

Why?  Separate from Black Lives Matter – consider women rape victims of thugs with badges.  Yes, I know you don’t want to, but do it anyway.  Because media excels at misogyny.  See the CBS, Ick Factor, example.

Simply put; we must get a handle on our Thugs with badges and good pensions. Period.

1.  Over a thousand Police officers fired for sexual misconduct, – go to other departments.

But that AP investigation didn’t include California.  Not one county.

2.   My vote is for Tulare County and their on-duty rapes…and attempts to buy silence.

Tulare County is due East of LA.  Anyone wonder why American media didn’t cover it?  

3.  Consider San Diego County police officer, on-duty sexual assaults.  Or the poor women who live in San Diego who are victimized by police dogs trained to bite and hold.  One such case is going to the full 9th Circuit.

A quick reminder – California, the state with the largest population in the country, was not party of AP’s survey.  But why pick on Southern California.

4.  Consider Oakland Police, and neighboring Bay Area Police Departments.  What began in Oakland, with officers initially passing around the underage daughter of an OPD dispatcher, grew to “sharing” her with with other department.  Oakland named 3 separate police chiefs in nine days…as each one couldn’t pass muster.  But key to Oakland’s scandal is that it only came to light in the suicide note of one officer – whose wife died under odd circumstances the year prior.

Okay – back to basics.  Trying to find a police officer who will prosecute a rape – assuming it’s not theirs.  Baltimore Police Department reflects the problem with rape prosecutions, nationally.

Make no mistake.  This Presidential election represents our civil war coming to head with American society – and the war on women.  Also, make no mistake, (because media continues making every mistake — cuz, misogyny) it’s gonna be a landslide win.  For Hillary.  

Because women are done.

Women are so done with everything Trump and his ilk, represents.  Should you want the black perspective, I recommend reading Texas’ own, Propane Jane.  Jane educates all as to the basics of what’s going on in Texas.  I suspect media cribs her stuff.  The short version is Jane’s a gem.   Also a great way to become educated.  In a real way.  Not a Trump University way.

After the election?  My hope is President Clinton by executive orders, compels civilian oversight of police departments. We must fire mayors who won’t fire police chiefs who allow criminal cops to remain on the force.  We also have to get rid of the therapists who okay these losers for hire in the first place.

Lets get busy.  Cheers!

The Washington County cover up of Tierne Ewing’s murder.

After Tierne Ewing’s thoroughly preventable murder, the cover up by Washington County court administrators and County Probation officials continues.  This is a national problem.  

Spoiler Alert 1:  There is an effective GPS with Victim Notification – where the intended victim is called by GPS monitors FIRST, before police are called, to give the target a chance to vacate the area.

Spoiler Alert 2:  Washington County prefers its residents, particularly its female residents, remain unaware they are not doing their job, thank you very much.

Tierne Ewing told everyone Kevin Ewing would kill her. No one cared.

The murder of Tierne Ewing murder is notable for the sheer depraved indifference that continues to be demonstrated by Washington County Probation officials and state judges such as Washington County Judge Gary Gilman, who self-identified as a “critical thinker” during his election bid.

Critical thinker Judge Gilman got the ball rolling as an accessary to Tierne Ewing’s murder as upon hearing evidence of Ewing’s actions, in a Motion for Higher Bail, so Ewing’s parents could not spring their son.

 

It was reported some of the Tierne’s injuries included:

Hammer to the knees.
Branded with a metal stick.
Burned with cigarettes.
Pistol whipped.
Zip tied.
Spit on.
Made to sleep with a chain around her neck.
Tierne Ewing told police over and over if Kevin Ewing got out of jail, he would kill her.

Yes.  Because reporting family crimes to the police, the agency with the highest DV rate in the Country makes so much sense.

Still no one questions that women are forced to report to family assaults to police, instead of directly with the DA, because that would be common sense solution when police as middle-men, continue getting women killed.

Judge Gary Gilman decided on low bail…and eventual release with an Alcohol Monitor as noted in this report.

My brief phone interview, underscores systemic misogyny within the structure of the court system.  Details of this can easily be found at Familylawcourts.com.  My job is to educate police, judges and county officials, (who mostly remain disinterested) and work with clients for a better result.  Like getting to keep living.  I remain optimistic somewhere, someone, might actually become interested in doing their job.  I remain optimistic that attorneys will begin demanding real-time, Victim Notification, for their clients going through a nasty divorce, or custody battle.

But I admit the actions of Washington County, tested my faith that I will find someone interested in doing their job.

Generally reporters stand in front crime scene tape, and recount the specifics.  Reports usually end with “the victim had a restraining order.”

What doesn’t happen is how many times it took to get a restraining order, or how reluctant judges are to protect crime victims.  Particularly women.

Very happy Cara Sapida changed that.  

Watch Sapida’s Report featuring Washington County Probation Officials stiff-arming all efforts made by Sapida to get to the bottom of the thoroughly preventable murder of Tierne Ewing.

A little background on media – it’s not pretty

For several months beginning in 2014, I provided various media outlets with numerous GPS company reports and lawsuit information.  Only NBC’s San Diego station seemed mildly interested.  (Women getting killed is kind of a, “meh.”)

Was interviewed, and described the underlying problems, along with one solution….a GPS device with a strap that can’t be cut and which, (and this is Key) where the Victim is notified first, to enable her to leave the area.  Because:  Common sense.

All cool stuff!  All edited out!  Perhaps  someone might ask, why, um, what brilliant NBC editor thought cutting the solution out of the piece was a good move.

The continuing problems with GPS that doesn’t score air time.  

Media is only now learning the problem is No one in PUBLIC SERVICE seems to care Washington State judges and County Probation officials are getting unsuspecting members of the public, killed.  Especially in Family Court.

Wild, eh?  Cara Sapida seems to be the only one.  

See just one solution.  There’s more.  (I am not recommending this  company as they don’t care enough about women to market their wares to family court.)

One wonders why this isn’t in Family Court.  Why Family Court judges aren’t routinely using effective GPS.  Why attorneys for crime victims remain stuck in Family Court when they are crime victims.

In conclusion

The net-net is:  Our tax dollars that are being wasted by individuals claiming to work as public servants.  Instead, these “leaders” exhibit depraved indifference to the fact they are getting members of the public, killed.  Why aren’t they charged?

Making matters worse, it’s these very same public service officials, who, when questioned, refuse to be accountable.

I smell cowardice, stupidity, and hubris. Also, perhaps, kick-backs.  Who knows?

After all, Washington County officials aren’t talking.   

If this article was helpful in educating you as to the reality of the courts, please  consider supporting independent news.  Details of past successful efforts are here.

 

Dear WPIX, AP, WTAE, Pittsburgh Press: When judges get women killed, how about Identifying them!

Journalism 101:  Who, what, when, where, why, and, if known, how.

So another woman with a restraining order is dead.  This time, the victim was Tierne Ewing. Still, not one reporter is reporting Ewing’s murder could have been twice, easily prevented.

Worse, not one reporter, (initially) identified the judge by name, who was responsible for getting Tierne Ewing,  killed.  My question is:  Why.

Yesterday it was Tierne Ewing.  Today and tomorrow and for all the days after that; it’ll be someone else.  The “reporting” will all be the same.  Faulty.  Weak.   

Faulty and weak for omitting two, key pieces of information.

1. The identity of the judge; and

2. That there exists several kinds of GPS which would have saved her life with early warning – and which can’t be cut off.

For those with not much time, one of many new types of Effective GPS, some that can’t be cut off, can be found at Restraining order solutions.  It’s been around for years.  But media seems to want to keep it a big ole secret.

Great.  But still, what’s up with the weak reporting?

You got me there!  I don’t know what is being taught in journalism schools, (or whether these media hires were, “Marketing and Communications”) majors.   But more importantly, I don’t know why the public accepts bad reporting from corporations identifying themselves as News organizations in the first place.

I do know people watch TV and read the news for better information.  We do not want low level information.  The identity of every judge in these types of crimes is significant. 

Identifying the solution, is key.  Yet almost daily, the public watches a scrum of “reporters” fresh from hair and make-up standing in front of crime scene tape, each offering details of the murder; just carefully not mentioning the identity of the Judge who made the murder, possible…or that there’s a solution.

Demand an end to poor journalism practices

I called both WTAE and WPIX and asked about this.  Both assignment editors seemed bored by my question.  Why is that?  Why are reporters deliberately failing to inform the public of the decisions of elected/appointed judges?  Why aren’t Assignment editors demanding key information when not doing so makes zero sense?  

Except sexism-to-misogyny is deeply embedded in American DNA.

By the way, the name of the killer judge is Judge Gary Gillman.  Also, the public should be aware Judge Gary Gillman lists among his skills “Critical listener.”  No really!  You can see Gary Gillman’s Youtube commercial, here. Or click below.

Omitting pertinent information from the voting public is something media has been doing for a long, long time.

Click here -> for a short history of the name of judges being deliberately withheld from the public.  Maybe that’s something Emily’s List could consider making a priority.  God knows,   media isn’t.  Today it’s The Trib TOTAL Media (Not so much!) and WPIX and WTAE Action News  and Bofta Yimam not identifying the judge.  Tomorrow it it will be another  corporation….not identifying the judge somewhere.   And the below screen shots are what you’ll see.

Kinda makes me wonder exactly what AP “contributed” the report.

Judge Gary Gillman fancies himself to be a critical listener.

Interestingly, Tierne Ewing’s father, had no problem identifying the problem.

“Something’s wrong with the judging system in our country.”

I have a six year history of trying to get media to do their job in the area of GPS

Sexism.  Misogyny – see another demonstration how women are treated by the police and the Court system.

Consider this clip from Kentucky, featuring a naked, from-the-waist down, woman, and a Public Defender, so shy, that she tip-toed, delicately, around the subject, instead of expressing her outrage by the treatment of her client from the beginning of the hearing.  (Something the Judge Amber Wolf asked the PD herself.)

In closing we need:

Reporters who actually report the basics.

More judges like Judge Amber Wolf

Way, way Better than the above, public defenders.

Muskogee Fail: Protect the public – Get Muskogee Police Department outta there

When cops become criminals

After viewing the body-cam footage of the gum smacking Muskogee Police Officer who pepper-sprayed an 84 year old, Geneva Smith, while a herd of her lackluster criminal cohorts looked on,  (so far, exactly zero media outlets have identified the officers…which is part of the problem)

I think it’s safe to say Merle Haggard would never sing “I’m proud to be an Okie from Muskogee” again.  See footage, below.  (You might have to click twice.)

Muskogee Mayor Bob Coburn

That this happened after police egos took over when a kid ran from a traffic stop; signifies an utter failure of leadership by the City of Muskogee, under the leadership of Mayor Bob Coburn, who has not yet fired Muskogee Police Chief, Rex Eskridge.

Skipping to the Solution:

First:  Meet with local citizens to form a police oversight committee.  Make sure the group is composed of members of the community who rotate in every two years.

Second:  Have the group Determine which police officers can stay and lead the community, and which need to go.

Third:  Contract with the County for policing services until it is sorted out.

Fourth:  Get rid of Chief Eskridge.  He must go.

Chief Eskridge states the Mission of the Muskogee Police Department, is:

“The men and women of the Muskogee Police Department are committed to enhance the quality of life and lessen the fears of all citizens.

The mission of the Muskogee Police Department is enhancement of the quality of life of residents and visitors through effective crime reduction, preservation of peace, and responsiveness to social changes in the community, accomplished through a police-community partnership focusing on proactive policing and crime prevention.?

I might add that Chief Eskridge is a part of the State of Oklahoma’s Police Education and  Training.  So clearly, it’s a big, fail; and this is not acceptable. This will not do.

Muskogee Police Chief Rex Eskridge

Answers for ending racist police attacking Muskogee residents, include.

1.Better screening for in the hiring process and of major importance, is a focus on conflict resolution and negotiations.

Because Muskogee police officers attacking an 84 year old woman represents a complete and utter failure of policing.  Never mind, “public servant.”

The police also failed their community in their capacity as trusted, “public servants.”

Only the egos of people who never should have been hired in the first place, were fed. Again, this was over a traffic stop.

When so-called, trained officers, chased, kicked in a door, tased, pepper-sprayed, and traumatized two people over a traffic stop….something is not merely wrong.  It is completely, out-of-control.

Not a single officer in the mob scene displayed an ounce of maturity, or worse; a capacity to serve the public. Essentially, the victims suffered from an armed, mob attack, home invasion. At two pepper-spraying, stun-gunning members should likewise be criminally charged, and fired. The rest could be charged as accessories after the fact. 

So the public is best served by getting rid of any mayor who allows a Police Chief – and in the case of Muskogee, Rex Eskridge, who is a member of Oklahoma’s police Training Law Law Enforcement Council.

Keep that in mind. Also,  prior reporting on how the police “warrior training” process winds up mass-producing fools who conduct themselves in opposition to every facet of serving the community.  

One wonders in these training seminars, exactly how many hours are devoted to “conflict resolution”  and “Negotiation Tactics.”   This is Muskogee’s main problem.   Check the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Training page to discover there is barely a mention.  Contact the Chiefs to let them know how you feel about that.

The population of Muskogee is about 40-50,000. No one really believes military war machines are necessary, but checked this, which was approved by Chief Eskridge on Muskogee’s Police Department’s webpage:

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The Muskogee Police Department Special Operations Team is an operational support unit for the Muskogee Police Department and any other requesting law enforcement agency (upon approval of the Chief of Police or his designee) with a mission to tactically respond to critical incidents. Critical incidents are defined as follows:

Hostage Situations: The holding of any person(s) against their will by an armed or potentially armed suspect.
Barricade Situations: The standoff created by an armed or potentially armed suspect in any location, whether fortified or not, who is refusing to comply with police demands for surrender. This includes armed suicidal suspects.
Sniper Situations: The firing upon citizens and/or police by an armed suspect, whether stationary or mobile.
Apprehension: The arrest or apprehension of armed or potentially armed suspect(s) where there is the likelihood of armed resistance.
Warrant Service: The service of search or arrest warrants where there is a likelihood of armed or potentially armed suspect(s) and there is the potential of armed resistance.
Personal Protection: The security of special persons, such as VIPs, witnesses, or suspects, based on threat or potential threat to the well being of those persons.
Special Assignments: Any assignment, approved by the Chief of Police or SOT Commander, based upon the level of threat or the need for a special expertise.

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Seriously?  A bearcat to serve a warrant?  What was Eskridge thinking?  Not only is this insane, the inevitable result….is, high-octane cops.

I understand Muskogee has trouble getting good recruits.  But that said, the world sees what Muskogee accepted. Prior reports of staffing issues available from the Muskogee Now indicate the situation was under control.

“Interim City Manager Roy Tucker, who met with Eskridge on Wednesday, said a permanent solution to the police department’s staffing situation is something that could take time. There are, however, some short-term fixes being discussed to ensure public safety needs continue to be met.  [Editor:  “Continue to be met” 😐 What are they thinking?]

“That may mean we have to pull back some officers from special assignments to make sure we have sufficient staffing within the department,” Tucker said, citing details with the U.S. Marshal Service and Hilldale Public Schools as examples. “We also may need to pull people from special assignments within the department to ensure we have enough officers on patrol — those are the ones who are responding to calls and directly affect public safety.”

Tucker said it could take a more than a year to recruit and train enough new officers to fill present vacancies and those expected to be vacated during the coming months. He attributed that to the limited number of training slots available to the city and the rigorous demands of the application process for new officers.

“You want to ensure you have a quality person who is going to be carrying a gun and in charge of public safety out there in the streets while they are dealing with the public,” Tucker said. “They go through a rigorous application and background process — a polygraph and a knock-on-the-door-of-their-neighbors background exam — and so you may have people who want to be police officers, but they can’t get past the background check.”

Ok.  So clearly, Muskogee’s background, hiring and most of all, Training tools have not worked out.  But the Bearcat has found other uses.   School supplies for kids.

Is this cost-effective or are the police lovin’ it too much to send back?

Return the Bearcat – or what ever it is. The City of Muskogee doesn’t need it.

Also, and recently, a federal court ruled two St Louis Police officers had to pay an arrestee about $600,000.00 for the injuries they caused him. Something to think about, City of Muskogee.

In closing – what is with some of Muskogee’s less bright residents?

Consider that some of Muskogee residents, just aren’t that bright. I leave you with:

Dr. Sharon Woolwine, president of the Murrow Board of Trustees, a group composed of Church Lady types who can’t get out of their own way. The Murrow folks purportedly want to help needy Indian children at the Murrow Children’s Home. Well, they say they do. But when the words and the actions don’t fit:  watch the actions.

So far, this so-called Christian group only wants money from the right kind of people.  That would eliminate the Muskogee Atheist Community, led by Matt Wilbourn and his wife Keli; and also; you Atheists can go straight to hell.  To date, Dr. Sharon Woolwine has rejected about 28k from an atheist group trying to foster better relations.  (The number keeps rising.)

My guess?  I think Jesus would smack Dr. Woolwine, not to put too fine a point on it.

After this was reported, Woolwine prissed right up and stated her Christian group is declining the money on “principle.”

“He wants his organization’s name as a donor on our program for our pow wow,” Woolwine said. “That is unacceptable.”

Turns out, Woolwine’s ego, mirrors some members of the Muskogee police, just in a different way.  But the bottom line is this.  Neither about about serving the community.

My hope?  That the good folks of Muskogee stage a Merle Haggard concert, and introduce city leaders to a healthy dose of good, common sense.

 

Debuting November 9, 2016: Trump TV! A media network all his own

Wondering why all media seems to have their collective heads in…

the sand?  

Thank media, and hang on.  It’s going to be a bumpy ride.

First:  Sexism. As in, sexism is embedded in media.  Ask Roger Ailes.   Sexism remains the toned-down, cocktail party phrase for Misogyny.  

Second:   To-the-bone, misogyny is embedded in American DNA, including the systemic denial of rights for women.  This includes the right to police protection.

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Sidebar!  Turns out,  women pay taxes for police services, the police refuse to provide.  (The courts are much the same, as Judge Thomas Estes and Judge Aaron Persky recently demonstrated.)

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But guess who realized this could be a business opportunity.

Yep.  Noted misogynist Donald Trump, who recognized a great, post-election loss, business opportunity!  Sooooo,

TRUMP MEDIA!  Debuting soon —!

It’s obvious.  Trump has reason to believe no matter what he says, the worst America has to offer, will support him.

This includes older, tired Republicans. Trump knows he’s free to continue being as nasty as possible while keeping the voting public, remarkably clueless about his personal and business backgrounds.

Including, when Trump calls his ardent fans, dumb.  I guess since few background checked Trump’s real beliefs, they are.

But, I digress.

Trump TV!  The newest Media Channel

Trump began laying the ground-work, last month

Trump can read polls.  He knows he’s not in the dumpster, but a whole, dumpster on fire.  But Trump also knows there is scant journalism, and better; that media has the attention span of a butterfly; so…perfect!  Time to swoop!

In order to paint himself as a noble American, last month, Trump began raging elections are “rigged.”  Trumps fans took up the cry — and media followed, rather than address Trump as the draft dodging, tax cheat with a sketchy medical background, he is.

(Addressing the reality of Trump involves work.  Unfortunately, Media prefers snazzy sets over actual, investigative journalism.)

Thus, Trump was free to begin laying the ground work for a new Trump TV Media, business model, raining all things Trump, 24/7. 

To be fair, Trump kinda had to, given the Trump business model of licensing his name is failing…to the surprise of no one.  Turns out,  women who can afford to stay in some of Trump’s over-priced hotels, don’t want to!

But as there’s plenty of idiots who watch TV, Trump figured Trump TV Media could save him.

Why wouldn’t Trump create Trump Media?

After all media sat for six months watching Trump say anything he wanted, then (bonus!) these same hire-priced “talent” drones, turned to their colleagues, exclaiming,

“I can’t believe he said that!”

but continued to sit…not vetting him…of course Trump realized if he could create a media circus simply by opening his mouth; and profits for networks, he could do it for himself.   After all, even CBS President, Les Moonves said,

“Trump might not be good for America; but he makes great TV!”

So, why wouldn’t he?

The Fairness Doctrine – a relic from the past

Might our do-nothing Congress insist on a return of the Fairness Doctrine, for the sake of sanity, and the Fourth Estate?  Perhaps President Clinton could add that to her “To Do” list.

As Trump watches TV like a real junkie, he likely realized how to get away with piping hot misogyny, for profit.  Consider the historical background.

Exhibit A

First Example: On March 4, 2015, CBS This Morning, using almost women entirely, slyly revealed the depth of misogyny in media. Am betting Trump saw the piece and realized he could pretty much do and say, anything…and, has.

Second Example:  On August August 26, 2016: CBS This Morning did it again, in their sly interview with Joshua Green.  Not mentioned by Joshua Green in the piece?

Steve Bannon‘s DV charge.  Not mentioned by a single CBS, “anchor” in the piece?  Steve Bannon’s DV charge.  See how it works?

What’s it gonna take CBS This Morning, to get to the meat of the matter and practice real journalism?  How about the Fairness Doctrine!

However, it wasn’t until noted reptilian and Donald Trump suck up, Roger Stone, (Full Disclosure: Stone blocked me on Twitter) had a discussion regarding possible genitalia mutiliaton of Huma Abedin, with none other than, frothing-at-the-mouth, Alex Jones, on August 23, 2016,

and the rest of lame duck media, ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, MSNC — shrugged, that  Trump new his idea was a winner.  

What the hey.

After all, if nothing happened after the American Nazi Party endorsed Trump, the sky’s the limit!

And lets not forget the Klan supports Trump too.  After all, Trump might be able to get the support of every hate-group and American born, home-grown, terrorist-in-the-making!

Yes, this KKK endorsement from the Rebel Brigade of the Knights of the Klu Klux Klan.

Means Trump TV Media will out-Breitbart, Brietbart.  Trump TV Media will make FOX look like child’s play.  Trump TV Media will out-sludge, Drudge.  Trump TV media will feature pretty, vacuous women, who will bring stupid to a new low.

It’ll be wildly popular.

Duck Dynasty Commander may move from A&E to the Trump TV Media Channel.

This began when, “I’ll release my taxes when the audits are over” became, no release…and no MSM comment, while — Hillary released 28 years of taxes….but MSM remains focused on emails. 

So when Trump recognized journalism is scant, and correctly guessed media is in its present state, is ripe for profitable exploitation:  Folks, he’s all over it.

Trump’s latest, post-election plan is right out of the Rupert Murdoch playbook.

Let’s hope the FCC remembers this all began when the Fairness Doctrine was eliminated. 

Why is ElectionJusticeUSA acting so dodgy?

So Bernie Sanders returned to his “Independent” roots after demanding (and receiving) HUGE concessions from the Democrats. Great!  That’s politics – and Bernie is doing his best to kiss and make-up nicely, too.  Good for him!

Bernie bros?  Not so much.  They remain wigged out.  Hence the covert, so-called, non-partisan, ElectionJusticeUSA.org.  (They aren’t as yet, claiming non-profit status on their website.)

Except for one thing. One important thing. ElectionJusticeUSA is trying very hard, (although failing, completely) to appear Non-partisan.  Another thing.  They are so not, non-partisan.  (Irony Alert:  The first attack on Hillary’s campaign, was from Bernie staffers, hacking into Hillary’s donor base.)

No “whos” for you!

Check out ElectionJusticeUSA’s website.

In the “Who We Are” section, Election Justice USA doesn’t really answer.  Instead of identifying members by names and titles, as is normal; Election Justice USA answers “who” with “Occupations.”  Such as “We are a collection of attorneys, journalists, activists….”  

(Really?  What journalist okayed the basic massacre of “Who, What Where, When, and Why?”)

But make no mistake.  ElectionJusticeUSA is Bernie bro wet dream come true.  They got reports y’all.  Big reports.  They’re waving ’em around.  All fair and detailed and stuff like that.  And what a coincidence; All made by them.

Bless their hearts.

Also, ElectionJusticeUSA  employs all kinds of dodgy moves to prevent the average reader from knowing they are 24/7 Bernie.  See Twitter exchange, below.  

ElectionJusticeUSA – Dodgy behavior

Their social media “engagement” person  got back to me five hours later with a couple of names…and a little name calling.  Perhaps ElectionJusticesUSA had more important things to do.

Oh hey, good guess!

Enter Fundraising!

Wait.  Turns out ElectionJusticesUSA has a couple of, ahem, issues.  From their GoFundME  “Ask a Question” page.

Does this read like “Non-partisan” to you? (Me neither!)

They tried!

I support people trying.  But not so much dodgy behavior in reaching goals.  Rough and tumble behavior in politics – is politics. So adults should learn to deal with it.

Bernie is a pro.  Hillary is a pro.  Both have faults.

No whining!

Looking glum:  Blaire Fellows and Jonathan Clarke – They lost the fight but press on for the masses.

Blaire Fellow, Jonathan Clarke, will go on – but it’s time we recognize the crew at ElectionJusticeUSA is not, non-partisan.  To continue to claim such is just plain, silly.

Also,  poor sports, much?  The dog in their fight has memory problems.  So much Hillary whining when it wasn’t the Russians hacking Hillary’s donor base. It was Bernie bros.   

Y’all forget that part?

Okay, so the lawyers didn’t get their restraining order.  But it’s okay.

ElectionJusticeUSA – RO denied

Gonna  ripoff, quote Susan DuQuesnay Bankston’s,  The Good Fight.  If you’re too lazy to click, I took a couple of screen shots.  Because Susan is great, and I’m really nice that way. 🙂

Susan  puts things into place, very nicely.   Politics is rough and tumble. Or as Mitt famously said, “It’s not beanbags.”

Last,

There will always be complainers.

There will always be some people who act like spoiled children when they don’t get their way.  Don’t be that girl.  Put on your big girl pants and move on.  Or, flounce on.

(Southern women are great flouncers, so they should definitely, flounce on.)

And there should be none of the below  – three days after the DNC convention by people who claim to be Democrats in their run for local office.  Ever.

Rena Marrocco – wants to burn Hillary but calls herself a Democrat. Don’t be that girl.

We do have important work to do.  Good God, everyone’s listened to Donald Trump, right?  Everyone knows what’s at stake, right?  

And by the way; if Bernie Sanders, (whose ego is considerable), is fighting for Hillary — it might be a good idea for the sore losers to check their mirror.

No whining; and most of all:  No undercutting Democrats while claiming to be one.

Cheers!

Hillary deserved a worthy opponent – but got Donald Trump, instead.

Hillary as a beautiful, innocent child

In the area of “First Things First,”

as a woman who has dreamed of a woman President since I was a child; am conflicted.

I owe Hillary Clinton a huge apology, (along with Chelsea and Bill), for secretly wanting Trump to win the GOP nomination. 

My desire was self-serving.

Hillary in college

 

I simply wanted to watch, (knowing Hillary’s 30 plus years of experience began in college), made her the most qualified candidate of either party, to mop the floor with the other side.

GOP, however, delivered unto the world, not a candidate; but an abomination, instead.  

Both men on the GOP ticket, have proven themselves to be anti-American in values; with a bonus for Mike Pence for his votes against veterans and widows of veterans!   Trump?  Heck, I know why Trump’s parents sent him to a military academy (where Donnie scored a medal for “Neatness”), they didn’t like him, either.

But I am not happy Hillary never got a real opponent.  She got a misogynist-racist, carnival barker.  Who doesn’t like veterans any more than his Vice-Presidential, pick; and has no plan.  Or attention span.  As a bonus, Trump knows zip about the military.  See here from Matt Lauer’s softball questions.

Veterans aren’t stupid enough to vote for a failed business man (21 bankruptcies) who would put their life in danger.

You pay your money – you take your chances – (But Trump is a crap-shoot.)

I called it Seven months ago.  

Seven months ago I said:

“This presidential race will boil down to the most qualified candidate in the world; versus:  Misogyny.

Misogyny first:

Business Misogyny

racism second.”

On the Democratic side we have Hillary:   In the trenches for equal rights for 30 years.

On the GOP side:  We have…the Chief Birther.

So in that regard, Trump filling a dual roles as top misogynist-racist; is, Perfect!

Also, Trump chose as his, Second-In-Command; Mike Pence. Who did this.

Pence legislating misogyny  Plainly speaking, the dude has a problem with women.

But wait – there’s more.  If you think Pence is Veteran friendly, I cordially invite you to rethink that notion.

Mike Pence is heavily anti-veteran – and against widows of veterans.

Hillary, girlfriend; – you’ve got your work cut out for you.  Especially since neither party will discuss the obvious….and Matt Lauer made the hashtag, #LaueringTheBar trend after his disastrous “interview.”

But some women aren’t helpful. I live in San Diego.  Our Democratic Party leader refuses to make the solution for safety of women a platform.  Her name is Francine Busby.  

But mostly, Hillary.  The problem with criminal cops. The secondary problem is the therapists like Dr. Michael Mantrell, who okay these weirdos as “fit for duty.“

Black eyes matter.  Lone wolf attackers often start with attacks on their wives or girlfriends.  Women are the canary in the coal mine. This includes police officers attacking family members.  Or committing on-duty rapes.

Just today  – Retired NY Police Lt. Vincent Curulli – 

Bad Cop Vincent Curulli – multiple DV arrests

Quick aside:  Dear Hillary, I found one solution to Domestic Violence.  I discovered that judge could order, live-saving, Effective Restraining orders. (It’s a high-tech solution).  Sadly, six years later, I found that not one judge cares about women enough, to use it.  If you know of any judges willing to help you help women live, have someone call me.  Thanks!

But still:  I really hadn’t figured on the guy who openly said he’d probably date his daughter, would be quite the total nut job he turned out to be.  (However I am glad people are beginning to comment on Trump’s obvious mental health issues.)  In fairness, at the time, I was unaware the Republican Party had devolved into total anti-American, stupidity. 

Although; there were clues.

But, I digress.

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Back to Misogyny!

Hillary will have to contend with vast quantities of misogyny in media.  And I don’t mean “FOX” this time.  Misogyny especially by women. Click —>  CBS demonstrated a prime example of misogyny regarding online harassment to read one very alarming attack, by women on a father attempting to protect his daughter from targeted harassment.

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Selfishly, I wanted Hillary to beat a GOP nominee who was strong and fair; who at the very least, knew foreign policy.

But GOP gave us a man who is not only so globally clueless as to qualify as the village idiot, but as a bonus:  who could also be diagnosed as certifiable.  

The strange part was GOP did so, with no apologies. I really wanted a worthy opponent.  One who has done the kind of work Hillary has.  Like this.

 

(A stranger part is Trump insists he loves Veterans.  Nah.  Trump petitioned to have homeless Veterans removed from an area near Trump Plaza.)

Also, heads up media. Given Trump only answers to the voices in his head – consider,

Will Trump debate?  It’s not a given.

1. Hillary has released about 30 years of taxes; and  

2.  Trump refuses to release any taxes. (Media remains largely asleep at the wheel.)

3.  although Debates are scheduled – since Trump refuses to prove he’s as rich as he claims, why would Trump debate?  Especially when his habit is to jettison reporters from his “private” rallies.

Another thing: As an aside, The Republican Party is so patently cowardly, not one member called Trump out when he asked Putin to interfere in our election.  Until, Day Two.

Consider this:   Trump’s own son is quoted in a Washington Post article:

Donald Trump Jr. — who is also an executive with Trump’s business — makes clear how the company in 2008 sought business from wealthy Russians. “In terms of high-end product influx into the U.S., Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets,” he said at a conference that year, according to news reports. “We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia.”

The jig is up.

Trump is not a good businessman.  Here’s 21 Chapter 11’s media didn’t find.

 

GOP is 24/7 Anti-American Tea Party with seemingly, boundless energy for hate towards women, especially black women, and most immigrant Americans.

But misogynist racists love Trump.  And America has a few of them.  So, Trump has the misogynist-racist vote, down.  For sure.

Thus the job for Democrats, is:  Early voting.  Because you know the Republicans will try to suppress the vote.  Or distributing flyers saying to be sure and vote — the day after the election.  Especially in the South.

Fool ’em.  Vote early!

Best for last

I’m sorry you didn’t have a worthy opponent, Hillary.  But I thank you for all you’ve done.  And I want to help you end the problem of women getting killed after filing for divorce or a change of custody. The issue of violating restraining orders could be over with the cost-effective use of high-technology.  However, the issue of judges not caring enough about women and keeping them at risk, remains.

Helping change this dynamic could be your legacy.  Please let me know if you’re interested.

In conclusion:  a reality check:  If you’re voting for Trump:  See below.

If you learned anything new, please help support independent journalism.  Details of past, successful efforts to implement change, are here.

 

 

Will the Secret Service get Hillary killed? Veteran Trump “advisor” Al Baldasaro NOT arrested for treason.

Real Talk:  While Trump promises a “LAW and ORDER” mandate — the reality is, Trump has been promoting violence since the beginning of his crazy, reality-show type, campaign.

For sport.  

Not that the Secret Service seems to mind.  I reported rcdrurysa to Twitter in July, 2016.  Response?

                                                                 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Directed a tweet to my to the Secret Service on, August 11, 2016.

Fourth Estate not demanding appropriate governmental response. Media ignores Trump’s refusal to provide tax records.  Media focused remains Hillary’s private emails, because; L-A-Z-Y? Bring back Fairness Doctrine!

Trump is jonesing for a hit on Hillary.  Proving himself the great Pooh-bah of the lunatic fringe, on September 16, Trump invited the Secret Service to disarm themselves around Hillary.  

That Trump doesn’t sound Presidential to anyone, is not the point.  Briefly, he’s insane.

Trump’s earlier attack on Hillary referenced the Supreme Court (for which Republicans refuse to hold hearings.)  Trump assassination talk was in a sly reference of how to stop  Hillary from appointing candidates for the Supreme Court and there being nothing anyone can do about it, adding “although maybe the Second Amendment people“ before his thought trailed off.  However, the implication was there – as evidenced by the shocked look on the face of the man in the red shirt on the right, demonstrated.  

Similar to a JFK Treason Poster below.  (Complete with how not to spell, “marriage.”)

After Reagan killed the Fairness Doctrine; the FOX based “Lunatic Fringe” went mainstream.

The results could be deadly for Hillary Clinton.  Much like Trump’s insane candidacy, media appeared not to notice until Trump’s dog-whistle assassination, mention.

Therefore, on July 21, 2016, was the first to go on record with my fear of the real possibility that the Secret Service could get Hillary Clinton killed. Their ineptness appears to be building a separate, legend.

Sound far-fetched?

Well, consider the run-up.    

This Tweet from Riverside County GOP

Story here. Riverside County GOP Chairman Scott Mann said: “I was made aware of derogatory Tweet this afternoon toward Secretary Clinton when the Press-Enterprise called me for comment. I was horrified and had the Tweet taken down immediately. While some may think it was political satire, it clearly has no place in American political dialogue.
“As Chairman of the Republican Party of Riverside County, I apologize to everyone and anyone who was offended by it. I have taken steps to ensure that the individual who posted the Tweet no longer has access and I can assure you the person responsible will be held accountable.”

The Secret Service?  

The Secret Service said they were aware of it.  Nifty.  The Secret Service response bears a resemblance to police statements made after a terrorist blows up people and buildings. I can’t be the only one who notices police response is generally,

“We were aware of XYZ; and had them on our radar.”

Other threats – Other Secret Service shrugs

Ohio’s Licking County Commission Duane Flowers later apologized.

No word the Secret Service is investigating an OHIO case.

That would be Licking County Commissioner Duane Flowers, who said “Hillary Clinton should be hanging from a tree“

proving yet again that openly wishing death on a Presidential candidate, is indicative of misogyny in the extreme.

Although Flowers later apologized; the facts are simple.

An elected official who feels entirely comfortable openly wishing death on Hillary Clinton – America’s first female Presidential candidate, signals  how deeply misogyny is embedded in American DNA.

And it’s downright scary. Need a few more police misogyny clues?  No problem!  Happy to help! Click here.

Trump supporters being extremely vocal in their belief executing Hillary is “in the Constitution” – direct from a report in Mother Jones.  Including,

“She’s extremely corrupt, she’s extremely dangerous,” said Rhonda Welsch, a 55-year-old food and beverage worker at a Hawaii resort. “I think that’s what she deserves: the death penalty.”

Secret Service response? Crickets.  (Again.)  Clearly there are no more Clint Hill’s.

Next we have an elected New Hampshire official stating Hillary Clinton should be put before a firing squad.  (I am not making this up.)

New Hampshire’s Unhinged Legislator: Al Baldasaro

But it’s New Hampshire so, consider the source.

New Hampshire is known for their in unhinged, misogynistic rants.  That said, traitorous rantings from a former Marine cannot be ignored.  Still, New Hampshire legislator Al Baldasaro home to the slogan,  “Live free or Die” is the same state that brought us the longest serving New Hampshire alderman, Crow Dickinson.  Crow liked to crow and famously said, “Domestic Violence is a gimmick.”  Crow believed women should not have equal protection under the Constitution to be safe.  Specifically, Crow said,

“I don’t think taxpayers should be responsible for funding a program that takes in abused women,” Dickinson said. “The church should, the neighbors should, and anybody who’s interested should. But not taxpayers. “
Dickinson said, “Clearly, there’s a need” for such a program. But he also said Starting Point is a “new program” that “needs to demonstrate they can do whatever they’re doing and be successful and show a big need. “
Starting Point has been in existence since 1981.
”There are a lot of women who use (domestic violence) as a gimmick in divorce proceedings,” Dickinson said. “All they have to do is call the police and get the person thrown out. If I call the police and say you’re abusing me, they’d have to believe me. I wish people would split up and be more polite about it. “
Although Dickinson said he had “absolutely no question” that there are legitimate cases of domestic violence, he added, “Just because you have a worthy cause doesn’t mean we should put money in a tin cup. Some people are very convincing. It’s not an easy thing to say no. “
Instead of taxpayers being asked to give the organization money, Dickinson said, “A lot of people could make contributions to this effort.”

(When I called Crow on his anti-American rhetoric against women, he hung up on me.)

So that’s New Hampshire’s background for which blowhard Al Baldasaro’s firing-squad rhetoric, below, came.

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“I’m a veteran that went to Desert Shield, Desert Storm. I’m also a father who sent a son to war, to Iraq, as a Marine Corps helicopter avionics technician. Hillary Clinton to me is the Jane Fonda of the Vietnam,” Baldasaro said. “She is a disgrace for the lies that she told those mothers about their children that got killed over there in Benghazi. She dropped the ball on over 400 emails requesting back up security. Something’s wrong there.”

“This whole thing disgusts me, Hillary Clinton should be put in the firing line and shot for treason,” Baldasaro added.

Why Baldasaro wasn’t escorted out by the Secret Service thirty seconds after those remarks, is:  America’s first clue the Secret Service is not on the job.

Of course Baldasaro, like the rest of GOP, ignores that Bush and Colin Powell both deleted emails. But as Republican Crow Dickinson and crazy blowhard Al Baldasaro proved: in a GOP world, men enjoy one standard; women quite another.  

So it’s not the emails.  Emails are merely a convenient cover for misogyny. If it wasn’t emails, it would be something else.  Tonight we’ll likely hear more angry attacks on Hillary Clinton from the reality-star entertainer-GOP nominee.  Media loves this, for ratings. Ratings equal ad dollars.  Misogyny for profit!

What’s worrisome, is, under Joe Clancy, the Secret Service seems to be comatose when Baldasaro, a Trump delegate to the Republican National Convention of 2016, made his unprecedented “Firing squad” remark.

That Baldasaro is a dangerous fool cannot be denied.  But is he also, unhinged?

The point is the lack of security for Hillary Clinton.  The Secret Service is well aware Trump gatherings since the beginning, were designed by Trump to promote violent assaults.  Trump is so clueless he actually thinks anything that make good TV, trumps all.  Trump’s an entertainer.  A voting member of the Screen Actors Guild.  He is a television personality — running for president; and creating a dangerous real-life horror show along the way.

Scary is Joe Clancy allowing the Secret Service to become bit players in Trump’a reality show, charade.  Our Secret Service has done nothing to tamp down Trump’s real-life, violent rhetoric.  Why?

It’s mot as if women everywhere don’t know that Any threat unaddressed is a threat that is made with tacit approval.  So the question must be asked:  What service is the Secret Service providing for Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton?  Right now it seems to be a secret.

How the Secret Service should have handled Baldasaro

The correct Secret Service response would have been, immediate.

The correct Secret Service response would have been to quickly and quietly surround Baldarosa, then walking him off the stage, out of the area (to an undisclosed area) — followed shortly after with a press conference announcing Baldarosa was being held during their investigation, and that part of the investigation included testing.  

The Secret Service response to specific questions referencing mental health testing of Baldarosa, would be a terse, “No comment” – leaving reporters to their sources.  Ending the press conference, the Secret Service spokesperson would mention Baldarosa was placed on a “No Fly” list until further notice.

In other words, the appropriate Secret Service response would be a heads up – the Secret Service will not tolerate any talk of treason, period.

That didn’t happen.  Nothing of the sort, happened.  By the day’s end the Secret Service merely said they were “investigating.”  Very tame.

What happened to the “rapid response” the Secret Service used to be famous for?

Silly rabbit.  Quick action is for men.

This is why all women —but especially Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, should worry.    And that’s separate from Donald Trump slyly inviting her murder.

Does anyone not know the climate of violence against women is amping up?

With a fist-pump from the GOP nominee, Americans feel quite comfortable stating their violent wishes.  We have become, thanks to Trump, an increasingly violent county…and an especially misogynistic one.  Including our police.  Consider this:  All by themselves; in a listing of  all government occupations:  Our police earned the highest rate of domestic violence attacks against their family members.

 And they’re guarding Hillary Clinton.  Still feeling comfortable?

(Yes, thanks.  I do remember the Secret Service busily arranging for private hook-ups when they were supposed to be doing protecting our President in South America.) 

What else?

Media.  Given the Secret Service’s dim view of women to begin with — and separate from the firing-squad rhetoric; add media interviewing as the worst optic of all:

Former Governor, Haley Barbour, interviewed by Chuck Todd, as a “distinguished” Republican.

Tellingly, Chuck Todd never once referenced Barbour’s misogynistic past support of wife killers.

Haley Barbour – frees wife killers.

Haley Barbour released Michael David Graham, sentenced to life after Michael blew away Adrienne Klasky, his ex-wife, after Adrienne made the mistake of driving to the same intersection as Michael, three years after their divorce.  Graham blew her away at the light with his handy shot-gun and a blast to her head.

Graham was tried, convicted, sentenced to life in prison, and wound up working in the Governor’s mansion after becoming a “trustee.” But Haley Barbour liked the killer.  So being a good ole boy, Haley Barbour decided a life sentence was too much for his pal.  So Graham and 8 other killers were freed by Law and Order Haley Barbour and now are free walking men.  

Adrienne Klasky – killed 3 yrs post divorce

A brief background on Adrienne Klasky’s murder.  Ambush style, from the first police officer to arrive on-scene.

Michael David Graham

Law and Order?  Where?

Consider Tucson Police Department officer Brandon Tatum, who sucker punched a protestor who was being escorted out of the stadium.  Tatum was arrested but the Pima County DA “declined to prosecute Tatum for his unprovoked attack.  Tatum promptly changed his Facebook page to look less, “para-military” to flat-out, “military.”

all while (I’m not making this up) preaching Love as the solution.  Tatum’s right.   Just on the wrong team.  Pima County DA, Barbara LaWall, provided the cop standard, get-out-of-jail-free, card; when she “declined to prosecute” Tatum for his assault.

Sucker punching Tucson cop, Brandon Tatum, now claims we all need LOVE to make America great.

Law and Order: Where?

Have a gander at these police officers!  Cops attacking women, including their wives, both on and off duty.  

In Congress?  Misogyny wins.  Has won for hundreds of years.  Who believes Hillary Clinton is safe with this kind of record?

Secret Service

When might the Secret Service begin doing their job?  Here, let me help.  Here’s the Code Section.  18 U.S.C. § 879 

The Secret Service under Joe Clancy – a West Point graduate, is not unaware.  However, Secret Serice inaction signals a huge problem for Hillary Clinton’s safety.  

House Judiciary Committee hearing on “Oversight of the United States Secret Service.” with acting Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy.

Joe Clancy’s testimony for a bigger budget for 2017, is geared to Defense.  Not Pro-active.  Also, as has been demonstrated, their “protection training” clearly, isn’t cutting it.

 “I am also pleased to report that the establishment of a standalone Office of Training (Training) is producing big results for the agency. Beyond the basic training necessary to support our expanded hiring activities, Training has increased its offerings for our existing workforce. In the past year alone, nearly 800 Uniformed Division officers have attended Emergency Action and Building Defense training, while another 650 officers attended mission in-service training. Training also conducted 30 candidate protection training sessions at the JJRTC and in the field for a total of 943 special agents. Another 11 detail training courses for 221 special agents were completed, all while maintaining an extremely demanding operational tempo.”

Buzzfeed News reported Baladasro stands by his comments,  much like Trump’s German butler.  The Secret Service sees a pattern building – but chooses, steadfastly, to ignore it.

As the Secret Service is not only not women friendly, (except for working girls) the question must be asked:  Is the Secret Service putting Clinton at risk?  I think it is.

By now most Americans realize the Republican Party is almost wholly, misogynistic. The Republican Convention for 2016, is nothing short of a misogyny rally. Threats are now made often, openly, on prime time, and; largely ignored. To be blunt, Hillary Clinton is not safe.  

If our Secret Service personnel continue to allow GOP’s misogyny rally, headed by Trump to unfold, we need new agents and a new director; stat.

Would Sean Smith be proud of his mother, Patricia Smith?

Sean Smith signed up with the Air Force right after high school.

Sean Smith: Dad to Samantha and Nathan

I felt sorry for Patricia Smith last night.

Right up until the beginning of the middle, of Smith’s over-the-top, harangue.

It happened when Smith said something that made her Hillary-centric vitriol, suddenly fall into place.

As Smith rolled through her long, hateful list of of all things Clinton, including her wish Hillary be in prison, I felt badly for Hillary Clinton — knowing she would not respond given Patricia Smith remains out-of-her-mind with grief.  A grief that’s long since morphed into the kind of venomous, soul-killing, hatred, that was ripe for Trump to easily take advantage.

(I would say “Shame on Trump” except; waste of time.  As Trump’s 3,500 lawsuits and five deferments exhibit.) 

But then Smith accidentally revealed something that tipped me her hate is likely the direct result of something else, entirely.

Reporters missed it; but came to light when, as Patricia Smith, warming up her now, long-practiced vitriol said;

“The State Department only releases information to Immediate family members.”

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The problem is Patricia Smith still sees herself as an “immediate family” member.

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That’s when I knew the real problem wasn’t Hillary Clinton.  It wasn’t Hillary Clinton at all.

Patricia Smith’s issue is the State Department recognizing Heather; Sean’s Smith’s widow, her daughter-in-law and mother to her two grandchildren, as the “immediate family member,” go-to for everything involving Smith’s only child, Sean.

Yes, it’s the classic, Mother and daughter-in-law conflict after an untimely, death.

Sean Smith was an only child.  His wife, Heather, who has been in touch with the State Department, has, not surprisingly, an entirely opposite view of the situation. Heather released a statement saying she was happy with the State Department.

“First, let me thank everyone for the outpouring of support and love my family has received in the wake of this tragedy. As the country mourns the death of four great patriots, my family is grieving for a husband and father lost. The amazing tributes to him have given the entire world a glimpse of the man we loved and we are thankful for every kind word,” she said.

“During this time, the official and unofficial support and communications I have experienced with the Department of State and FBI have been free flowing, and I have been satisfied with the level of information I have received. I have no doubt that I will also be made aware of any new facts as they are uncovered throughout the investigations.”

“Sean was a wonderful man. He supported the mission of diplomacy and served his country with pride and optimism,” said Smith. “We miss him every day.”

Sean Smith had been married for a long time.  He was pretty well known for operating in the shadows, always eschewing the limelight, as he achieved his goals – via work and gaming.

Also, Sean Smith was a Dad.  Father to two kids; one each flavor.  He had a life.  But in an interview with San Diego’s NBC News, Patricia Smith showed her preferred side, as the report mentioned

“Smith said she wants to honor her son’s memory in another way.
She’s considering selling her home to help raise money to send her sons ashes into space.”

So the question must be asked:

Why would Patricia Smith feel she had ownership of her long-married, son’s ashes? What if Sean’s widow and his children didn’t want Sean’s ashes shot into space?

Patricia Smith wants to send her son’s ashes to space

Then another thought popped into my head.

Patricia Smith – spewing hate

Most remember the hit TV show, “Everyone loves Raymond”

One of the reasons Everyone Loves Raymond was so popular was not everyone loved Raymond’s Mother on the show; the pushy, the demanding, Marie Barone.

Is Patricia Smith a Marie Barone?

“He’s my only child, but he turned out to be a perfect kid” Patricia said at the time of one of her first interviews.

Then, as the State Department turned to Heather, Smith’s rhetoric became heated.  FOX loved it.  In San Diego, where Smith resides – she became a sought after guest of the likes of the likes of Sean Hannity.  Newspaper articles quoted her as being stonewalled by the State Department with headlines like the false narrative, “Patricia Smith Fights for Answers.”

“I wasn’t looking for my 15 minutes of fame. I’m not a political person at all — I’m just angry,” Smith said, adding that she has no party affiliation.

Her anger centers on insufficient security at the U.S. diplomatic compound in Libya where the assault occurred last year, along with the administration’s massaging of talking points that downplay the nature of the terrorist incident. That wrath was evident in a comment she made during a Mother’s Day appearance on the “Huckabee” show on Fox News.

“I interrupted (Mike Huckabee) to wish Hillary a happy Mother’s Day,” Smith said of former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, who held the post when her son died from smoke inhalation as dozens of al Qaida-linked militants overran the compound. “She’s got her child. I don’t have mine, and I blame her because it was her department.”

Smith’s persistent search for accountability has endeared her to conservative commentators who view the Benghazi incident as a scandal. For example, Sean Hannity of Fox News has devoted much of his daily TV and radio shows to the issue. Smith, he said, is an important voice in the story.

“She’s one of the ones who’s been impacted the most,” he said Friday. “The families haven’t gotten answers, and I think she has a right to know the full story more than any of the rest of us, especially after eight months.”

‘I’ve heard nothing’

Again:  It should be noted the State Department was not stonewalling Patricia Smith. The State Department was following every protocol in every state, and remaining in touch with Sean Smith’s widow, Heather Smith.

Donald Trump knew he could use Patricia Smith’s grief and anger, to his advantage.  The woman who wanted no attention, is now, everywhere.

Oddly enough, Patricia seems unaware her son Sean, aka “Vile Rat” was the superb gamer, and…wait for it:   A total liberal.  No mention of that in any of Smith’s speeches.

Another thing Patricia Smith was unaware?  Sean recognized and supported the diplomatic efforts of the State Department to such an intense degree that he created a State Department for the game, “Eve” where his skills were, frankly; unmatched.

Sean Smith believed in Hillary style diplomacy – Not Trump’s, ham-fisted means

Would Sean Smith, even with his great sense of humor, be appalled that the man with five deferments swooped in for his own purposes to take advantage of his Mother?

I think so.

Apparently, Patricia Smith – in her grief-morphed-hatred, was easy pickings for Trump.  She would forgive Sean for becoming a liberal, which he had become.  Or, in the words of his friend, Alex “A flaming leftist.”

Sean Smith – believed in diplomacy

As an only child, I figure Sean Smith would forgive his mother for trashing the command under which he proudly served. But I like to think he would reserve a special payback for Trump. I would ask gamers what they think, but I don’t know any as crafty as VileRat to sort of, um; fix Trump’s wagon, so to speak.  Wish I did.

Sean Smith was an amazingly cool guy and good family man.  As such I think he’d be super annoyed Trump was using his mother’s mother’s misplaced grief, to manipulate, like a puppet on a string.

The best diplomat and computer gamer ever. VileRat: Sean Smith

Vanderbilt gang-rape sentencing: Add Judge Monte Watkins name to the top of the list of sentencing light, Judges.

Judge Monte Watkins – sympathy for the urinating, misogynistic, rapist . Zip for the victim.

Well, at least Judge Monte Watkins didn’t high-five Cory Batey.  Who says there’s no war on women?  But it turns out the last person to screw the victim was Judge Monte Watkins.Cory Batey knows what counts is:  Football.  Football counts big.

Seems Judge Monte Watkins is a fan of Vanderbilt and football.

Vanderbilt University’s gifted football player, with adjudicated past anger and alcohol issues, was looked up kindly by Judge Monte Watkins, after raping and urinating on the unconscious, gang-raped student.

Judge Watkins sentenced Cory Batey to the minimum prison sentence.  15 years. Again, I suppose we should be grateful Judge Watkins didn’t high-five him.

Having lost my lunch over this, I will waste no more time on the despicable Judge Monte Watkins.  Watkins can do his phony, judicial hand-wring somewhere else.

Here’s the victim’s statement.

The woman has testified in court three times in the case. Now 24 and living out of state, the woman addressed the court Friday, her fourth time:

“Thank you.

“It’s hard for me to stand here on display and speak to you today about the impact this has had on my life. The thought of sharing any more of myself that hasn’t already been taken from me seems unbearable, and it goes against every instinct that I have.

“I was fearful of giving a victim impact statement at all because I know that after three years and everything that has happened, I can never do it justice, and I’m scared of that failure. It will never be possible for anyone to put into words how this has affected me. You will never understand what this has done to me if you aren’t standing in my shoes. The humiliation, the pain, the isolation, being reduced to nothing but a piece of flesh right before your eyes, it does something to you that is truly impossible to describe.

“I also know that it’s hard to encapsulate the impact this has had because it is still ongoing. The attack on me didn’t end that day because I relive it in every proceeding and experience additional attacks every time I am in court.

“When I let myself think of this I become so angry and feel so powerless, even today, that speaking coherently about it at all is a challenge.

“But, after what was done to me that night and three years of abuse at the hands of the defendant, I felt I had to come here and ask the court to consider the impact of his choices and his actions.

“On June 22nd of 2013, I was a happy, hard-working Vanderbilt student looking forward to my future. I was twenty-one years old. I’ve seen with my own eyes what I was when Mr. Batey was done with me: a piece of trash, face down in a hallway covered in his urine and palm prints.

“A photograph he took himself.

“There are no words to describe the horror of the images from that night and how it feels to watch yourself be dehumanized.

“A detective showed me some of those photos and videos that you and forty-two jurors have now seen so many times, and what I saw was image after image of my genitalia covering the entire frame on the screen. These stark, alien-looking fingers all over the flesh were moving from frame to frame, with multiple hands reaching in. Videos played, and I heard the laughing. I heard the degrading, taunting voices.

“My memory of the images I was shown then starts to flash in and out. The realization of all the different ways that they raped me, that people can see these close up pictures of my body, the unknown of what was done to me in those thirty minutes that wasn’t recorded — it was incomprehensible. I wanted to run away and never stop running.

“At one point I saw what I first thought was a dead woman’s face. I was suddenly overwhelmed by my memory of a family member’s corpse, and then I realized that it’s me. They had taken a picture of my face during the rape. I was lifeless and my face was covered in something shiny. I didn’t recognize myself.

“Something permanent snapped that day. I felt myself detach from my body. Now, I feel like I’m walking around in the shell of someone else. A part of me went numb, a sense of being a whole person with hopes and dreams about what’s possible in the world was now gone.

“I felt my belief that people are inherently good twist into some cruel joke in an instant. I even blamed myself for believing that people weren’t capable of something like this and that the world is a better place than it is, when the truth was that I did nothing wrong. No one should ever have to experience what I have. Mr. Batey is to blame for his actions and his choices.

“I was twenty-one years old when this happened. I’m twenty-four today. Since the horror of that night, all I have wanted is for this to be behind me, to be left alone and try to live my life in peace, but the process to get justice has been a never-ending, constant misery that has twisted itself so into my life that I can’t even remember what it was like in a time when this wasn’t happening. Everything the defendant has done in this case and the media circus surrounding it have been a continuous disruption repeatedly dragging me back every step I try to take forward. I can only feel that the defendant has intentionally wanted this to be as tortuous for me as possible.

“Part of the impact this has had and will continue to have on my life is the media scrutiny, invited by Mr. Batey’s own high-profile status and amplified by his own television interviews. What happened to me that night has been compounded by the live-streaming, tweeting, and international dissemination of every detail of how I was degraded and humiliated for all posterity. In this age of technology, anyone I ever meet in my personal or professional life can learn I am a rape victim and the details of the case before I’ve even fully introduced myself to them. There is no way for me to even know if any given person I interact with has done so. This is something I now have to expect for the rest of my life.

“It is also hard for me to push aside all of the attempts by the defendant to misrepresent himself and disparage my character, because I could stand here for hours talking about the impact of all the lies I’ve had to sit in this courtroom and listen to. I remember each and everyone of them, and every time it hurt me. It made me angry because I didn’t have a voice, and I couldn’t say anything. I shouldn’t even have to defend myself, and even if I could everything I share about myself here is repeated by the national media. It got so bad that for the last two trials I couldn’t even bear to sit in here and listen to it. Part of me does want to stand here for hours and hours and go through every single thing Mr. Batey has done throughout this case, but the truth is that the focus never should have been on me. I was unconscious. I was driven and carried to the crime scene. The defendant was a complete stranger.

“Again, the attack on me didn’t end that day because I relive it in every proceeding and am constantly experiencing additional attacks. The fact that I even had to breathe the same air as the men who did this to me ever again to me is unthinkable. But, I have endured all of this because the details of the rape are so horrific, and there is so much irrefutable evidence, I knew that they had to be stopped and held accountable.

“This is a serious violent crime, and it must receive the enhanced punishment it deserves. Any victim should know they would have justice if they went through the process.

“I am asking that Mr. Batey receive the maximum sentence of 25 years under the law to set the amount of time that he will not be able to do this to another victim, to deter others like him, and based on the particularly egregious nature of the rape itself. He did not commit just one act of violence against me.

“There were five acts of sexual assault and rape committed by him and him alone, and there were seven acts of violence he was found guilty of committing against me. But sexual assault was not where the attack ended. Mr. Batey continued to abuse and degrade me, urinating on my face while uttering horrific racial hate speech that suggested I deserved what he was doing to me because of the color of my skin. He didn’t even know who I was. I also ask for the maximum sentence of twenty-five years as is appropriate for the impact this has had and will continue to have on me every day for the rest of my life.”

(Editor’s note: There was mention in prior trials that Batey made a racial statement during the rape. Prosecutors argued to keep that statement from being used during trial and it was never revealed publicly.)”

 

 

 

Is Air Force Academy recruit Jack Warmlots, a Brock Turner, Brandon Vandenburg in the making?

Two, separate themes featuring ending denial

A. The denial of the right of raped women to seek criminal prosecution; no matter how the raped occurred.  No matter how also includes when the rapist is a college or professional athlete; and

B. the denial of consequences for the rapist due to judicial bias.

Both forms of denial are geared to support for the business of college sports; over the rights of women not to be raped.   No matter what.

Sentencing of: Brandon Vandenburg and Corey Batey or, put another way – what is wrong with women – and some media types?

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Beth Shepard

As sentencing approaches for Brandon Vandenburg and Corey Batey, now seems a good time to demonstrate what was true in the beginning for the Vanderbilt University gang-rape, is less true today, (minus Coach Franklin’s hasty retreat to another college.)

A few pictorial examples from the first trial at Vanderbilt…from Beth Shepard.  Who seems to be a defense plant.  One hopes she isn’t real.

From Beth Shepard: “This case seems like a joke,” and …”I feel sorry for the jurors but even worst (sic) of rate boys who are getting dragged into.”

More from Beth Shepard, who wrote, seemingly, from a Defense leak, point-of-view.

Beth’s post was scrubbed.  Just not prior to a screen shot.

More of Beth’s reasoning. 

Beth Shepard’s reasoning: “When this goes to trial i can’t wait to see this chick try to testify, it’s going to be LOL funny!”

But media also plays a role

What happens when Nick forgets Journalism always aces media – the Joe Padula reminder.

Am specifically referencing the treatment given to one Nancy Foster.  Ms. Foster was the woman Al Perez attempted to malign and Joe Padula, abdicated his responsibility to check it out.  Sadly, NC5 Nick Beres not only gave a “hat tip to Deputy Joe Padula after his misogynistic failure to investigate. But Beres added to it with his verbal finger wagging. Some piled on.  My comment (removed) called out Padula and the station.

As I’ve repeatedly stated:  courts are a public place.   Deputies are there to protect all, and that includes the public.  Here’s a few deputies who act as thugs  in court, also.   

I immediately jumped on those who were saying she was disrespectful, as clearly those snarking seemed to have no idea at all about free speech, or that the courtrooms belong to the PUBLIC.  However, in either case, Nick abandoned journalism for media, and then piled on Nancy Foster for good measure.  Not cool.  I wonder if Nick will apologize.  

As I have been following this trial for three others, I heard Nancy’s original call in and Perez’s comments about her being drunk.  Sadly, the crux of the situation was cut from subsequent broadcasts.  Journalism?  No.  Misogynistic?  Absolutely. 

Sample NC5’s subtle misogyny in this interview with Ms. Foster.

Here’s Nancy’s response, which I hope doesn’t disappear as quickly as mine did.

On a whim, Nancy Foster’s civil rights were violated by Deputy Joe Padula

“Nancy Anne Foster NC5_NickBeres Haunting seared images of Brandon Vandenburg smiling directly at me in and outside of the courtroom – not in the hallway – and comments made by his attorney, Albert Perez Jr., along with some neglected crucial points in your post and misguided comments here have compelled me to respond about being escorted from the Birch Building on Saturday, June 18th. I wanted this to be a story about something completely different – i.e.misogyny – and that was cut from my Skpye interview. I’ve been in broadcasting so I know – you do what you have to do. But wait – this is news and – your take? 🙂 Nah. I never said, “Hi” to Brandon Vandenburg. I didn’t say Anything to him – Ever. I wasn’t harassing him in any form. And I promise really really – I didn’t “act like (a) fool(s).” I sat quietly in the back of the courtroom on Friday the 17th after resolving personal business that mandated me being at The Birch Building. Even as Brandon Vanderburg looked directly at me and beamed a confident smile as he walked past me in the courtroom on Friday, I didn’t respond to him in any Verbal – or physical – manner. I have the highest and utmost respect for the victim in this trial and and would not do anything to disrupt a courtroom, most especially during a trial of this magnitude.

I recounted the exact sequence of events when I called in to News Channel 5’s Gavel to Gavel coverage. To encapsulate and expound though: I was at the Birch Building for a Small Claims Court trial on Thursday, in which I was the plaintiff. That doesn’t matter. I had to be there so I left the the courthouse immediately after my trial on Thursday. Until I discovered your “live” broadcast coverage, I wasn’t even remotely aware of the re-trial – much less that it was in the same building – on the same floor – as I’d been in earlier that day.

So I had to finish personal business at the Birch Building on Friday – with much difficulty as I’m unable walk unaided after a car wreck – and had learned from your Coverage that the public was allowed in the Courtroom.
A policeman was very helpful in guiding me to the correct courtroom. A Court Officer – possibly Mr. Joe Padula, to whom you seemingly defer to in your post 🙂 – questioned why I wanted to go into the courtroom, and I just said, “well isn’t the pubic allowed?” kinda like that and it went on but he finally sternly said, “Turn off your phone and sit only right there, on the back row, and do not move.” Yes, sir” I replied and I so obeyed that man. He seems English in his demeanor. So I sat quietly, watching the victim, total respect – and noticed that she left through a side door. Seated next to me was a man who’d been there throughout the trial as a spectator. During a break, we quietly talked and he expressed his concern for the twin brothers. I knew nothing of the family but began to see his point. I’d followed the case as it broke 3 years ago and sporadically on your broadcast so learning much more along the way.

Since it’s difficult to walk and park, I’d taken taxis to the Birch Building and knew only of the stairs on 2nd Ave. where drivers had let me out as close as possible. On Friday, I drove since I felt sure I’d find a parking place and it was late in the day – around 4:00. After the trial was officially over, I waited for the courtroom to empty so as not to impede anyone leaving since I walk very slowly. I looked up from gathering my stuff – like putting on my Ray-Bans, turning my phone back on – and saw Mr. Perez, followed closely by Brandon Vandenburg, who stared in my eyes and smiled a friendly innocuous enough smile – as if he was just a happy care-free stranger just being polite. I showed no reaction but the proximity was unsettling and the courtroom seemed almost empty – and it was a tiny courtroom. The whole point – I waited a minute to make sure I’d not run into him again.

Since the victim had left through a different door, I was surprised and a bit confused as to where Mr. Vanderburg was going. I rode in the elevator with a spectator I’d not met until then and she walked with me to the outside of the Birch Building – only to see about 7 people, including Brandon Vandenburg – standing right almost on 2nd Ave. unintentionally blocking the stairs where I needed to walk to get to my car.

When I stopped to assess the options of getting to my car on Gay Street, Brandon Vandenburg smiled at me again. I specifically did Not want to walk by them and held up my cane and smiled to indicate that I was trying to walk to my car but didn’t want to interrupt them or bother or really – be near them. Some seemed to have gotten the point, even Brandon Vandenburg! – but a blonde woman asked, “May I help you?” I uttered, “Are you the family?” since – again – I didn’t want to go near them, wasn’t sure who they were, just standing there blocking the stairs, etc. – sorta surreal that they would be standing outside the Birch Building, smiling as if it was just another beautiful day in Paradise. Mr. Perez mumbled something inaudible and I began to explain that I’d just had a trial in the Birch Building and said, “The same thing happened to me” – when he interrupted me and said, “Well, you must’ve been dunk then!!!” – followed by this knee-slapping laughter. I was terribly confused by what he meant as I didn’t know that would be a major part of the defense and wanted to finish saying that I meant I was in a trial in the Birch building when I realized he possibly thought I meant I had been assaulted in – a similar manner? Drunk = my fault? The only thing that would come out of my mouth was, “What?” – with genuine quiet confusion tone and no emotion. Then – bam! Mr. Perez immediately said “She just threatened me! Get security – NOW!!!” I looked to my right and saw a handicapped wheelchair ramp and left with the woman I’d met on the elevator as quickly as I could limp on out of there. I went to a friend’s home and we decided it was an inexplicable, strange story and I was calm and reassured by friends that I’d done nothing wrong.

I returned on Saturday as it was historical and compelling and I’d already forgotten about \what Mr. Perez said. The man I’d met on Friday who talked about feeling compassion for the twin brothers was there and the courthouse was full with the doors locked because more people had shown up on Saturday. During a break, the doors were opened and I went in to get a seat since it’s really imperative that I have a seat. Right then, Perez walked towards the door to the hallway, followed by Brandon Vandenburg, who once again smiled at me. Not wanting any trouble, I managed a very slight weak smile in return. Immediately, the Court Officer told me I had to leave. Confused, I asked him why and a police officer appeared and escorted me from the Birch Building. I never saw Brandon Vandenburg or Perez again – and not in the hallway – ever.

Timing was weird. When the nice policemen – and he was – escorted me out – suddenly I saw Rod Vandenburg and his twin sons were walking past me. I said to the twins, “I’m sorry for what you two are going through” and both politely thanked me. Rod Vandenburg mumbled a thanks and said, “We have much bigger things on our minds.”

That’s what happened. There was no “Drama in the Hallway” – no harassing or disparaging comments made by me – or Brandon Vandenburg for that matter, or any of his family. The twins looked genuinely appreciative and I am glad that I may have helped them but in the end, TRUTH, justice and respect for the victim is my concern. Peace and Love – Nancy”

It’s my sincere hope all traces of misogyny disappears from media and courthouse deputies for this and any future sentencing.  The public right to be treated respectfully in all courtrooms should not be violated by those hired to serve the public.  There are too many Joe Padula types already.

Sentencing:  Brock Turner – or put another way – Ladies, wake up!

Separate from the perv-friendly Judge Micael Aaron Persky, where jurors are practicing judicial nullification by refusing to be seated in his courtroom; by now, everyone is completely over the despicable behavior of Dan and Carleen Brock,  Brock Turner’s parents.  From his father’s  “twenty minutes of action” to Carleen Turner’s stomping her foot at the verdict and her letter to the judge whining that she no longer can enjoy decorating her new home, to Brock’s friends like drummer Leslie and even his dolt of an ex-girlfriend, Lydia Pocisk:  who wrote:

“He was determined to be the best he could be in all he did. I say this with 100% confidence because I remember a conversation with him a few years back. I asked why he had gotten so good at everything he did, and his answer surprised me. He simply said, ‘It’s not as fun to not be successful or not work hard.’”

She continued, “You would think a close friendship of 8 years could predict something like this happening, but the type of person Brock is could never deserve this or do anything he has been convicted of in a thousand of his lives. I have never been so angry with God in all of my life, for instilling such pain on such an undeserving soul.“

Also from Ohio, comes Kate Sickinger and her letter.

Kate Sickinger – unwilling to face Brock Turner’s DNA

Criminal defense attorney Mike Armstrong was not smart enough to delete Kate’s email address and the London Publication went with it.

Apparently there exists any number of college women who are simply incapable of coming to grips with the fact some childhood pals grow up to commit sex crimes.  These women, doom others.

Don’t be one of them.

Reset:  Repeat:  More Rape Charges  – JACK WARMLOTS

Booking  photo of Jack Warmlots – a highly recruited athlete from Ohio.

Jack Warmlots – second Air Force Academy charged with rape

DNA Evidence ties Air Force Academy cadet to a rape in Boulder.  Jack is the second rape case.

Jack Marmolts – post booking

Surprise!  Just kidding.  Here’s Jack post booking waiting for bail.

Here’s a little behind Jack Warmlots decision to apply for the Air Force Academy.  

P.S.  Like Brock Turner, Jack Warmlots also hails from  Ohio. Also like Brock Turner, friends are rallying for Jack.  No word on the victim.  The Air Force Academy’s second victim.  Misogyny is in American DNA – as evidenced, here. 

(Hey, if Generals can get away with sex crimes, why not cadets.  Fair’s fair, right?)

ESPN interview

Jack Warmlots –  rape charge at the U.S. Air Force Academy.  Hey folks, it’s tradition!

and a fund was immediately set up to help ole Jack.

Save a rapist from his actions, Donate here!  eSome donations are for a $1,000.00 dollars a pop.  Read the comments of a doctor (first do no harm) and others, proud to donate.  They are really creepy.  

Is it me, or does Jack Warmlots look like Brock Turner?

 

Will close with a column written a couple of years ago featuring Republican women who support rapist friendly judges during an election year.  Not that the Democrats were any better.  The Democrats didn’t even bother to run a candidate.

Although misogyny is embedded in American culture, I have noticed cracks in the culture of men and women willing to support it.  If you want to turn cracks into chasms, speak up and stop funding rape defenses.  Donate to funds supporting equal pay for women.  We have public defenders for indigent rapists. 

Scoop! John P. Enochs two rape charges became Misdemeanor Battery with injuries

Yes.  Big scoop coming.  Sadly, it shouldn’t be a scoop, at all.  Here’s why.

This column is called “Media and the Courts” not “Journalism and the Courts” for the very good reason after media successfully worked to eliminate the Fairness Doctrine, the critical, who, what, where, how, and why, basic elements of journalism; took their leave.

How this impacts the individual is in relation to the judges they or family members might appear before…after having no awareness of which candidate they might want to vote for or against during an election year.

However, judicial elections are generally relegated to a passing mention in newspaper articles after elections, with one or two people complaining, 

“I skipped it because I didn’t know who the candidates are.”

Folks, a lack of voters awareness of judicial candidates is by design, not accident.

Two quick examples

1.  SCOOP!

John Phillip Enochs – two rape charges became a guilty plea to battery with moderate bodily injury (a class A misdemeanor.)

A national outcry even reached England’s shores after it was reported former Indiana University student and Delta Tau Delta frat rat John Enochs, who benefited after two rape charges morphed into, to a Class A Misdemeanor, for which he pleaded “guilty.”  

Not one media outlet identified the sentencing judge who ordered Probation.  Nope.

Not one.

So I will.  Because, journalism.  John P. Enochs sentencing judge was Monroe County, Division II judge,  Marc R. Kellams.  

A little about Judge Kellams.  He’s a Republican and a Catholic and once said,

“Fortunately my judicial responsibilities as a criminal court judge do not include actions that force me into ethical dilemmas.” 

One FOX6now report was from web-producer Katie Long:  is here.

Katie DeLong-producer – news producer doesn’t mean journalism.

Long didn’t identify Judge Kellams.  However, Long has  this to say about producing news.

“I feel like this position is absolutely perfect for me, as I am a web junkie! I don’t think there is a single hour in the day that I’m not doing SOMETHING online, whether it be at work, at home on my laptop, or on my Blackberry. Also a self-described newsie, I’m so excited to see how we can use technology to help keep you informed!”

Note the tags in Longs story.

Nothing about the Judge is even in the tags. But Long’s piece does explain how reporters and news producers no longer produce news – but are “content providers” Seemingly whose purpose is to gin up previously reported stories without adding new information.

In other words, news spam for readers who may or may not notice critical information is missing.

Last night I telephoned @FOX59 as they were local….as the Fox59 report on John Enochs sentencing was inserted into what many might believe was the IndyStar – once a reputable paper was produced by Digital Producer Greg Margason.

Digital Producer Greg Margason – producer of, what?

When I inquired who the judge was having not as seen his or her name in a single newspaper, radio, or digitally produced television news report, the Producer replied without an iota of irony,

“That was a national story which we ran from KTLA.”

That’s CBS Los Angeles, folks.  As in California.

Not one person local news outlet in Indiana, identified the sentencing judge.  But wait, it gets better!  John Enochs is from Downers Grove, Illinois.

Don’t get excited.  Behold, from the Chicago Tribune.

Note this is from Tribune News Service.  Key word, “service.”

Please note the “contact the reporter”  link.  To anyone thinking “Yay, a real live reporter —  nope.  This is what happens.

How is digital spam killing journalism while keeping voters in the dark?

By magic!  It’s called, The illusion of choice.

and it’s worse for radio. Clear Channel owns most everything and the playlists mirror each other.

Wait.  Media companies making billions much reporting of the same story with no new information — and no one identified the judge?

Right.

As mentioned at the beginning…..this is by design, not accident.  

Unless people demand accountability, expect non-informational, digital spam minus basic facts, to continue.

Digital spam is how media bias eliminates critical elements journalism.  And then on a larger scale, this happens.

Can we change this?

We can!  Lets take it one step at a time.  To assist ending the practice of media not identifying judges, please post this column to your Facebook page along with a request at least three friends contact their local media outlet with the specific request that coverage for all future cases to identify the judges in their opening paragraph.

Sure it’s a Presidential Election year.  But local elections matter; and the only intelligent voter is an informed one.

Also, and pragmatically, if newspapers and television want us to pay for their product, we really must insist the elemental basics of journalism be included.

Especially in the case of judicial officers.  These would be the same judicial officers we, the public appear before; be they civil, probate, family or criminal. Therefore media outlets claiming to deliver breaking and important news stories can no longer omit the important WHO, in the case of judicial officers, for those before the court.  This is truly, a basic part of news reporting.

Individuals who commit to notifying their local newspaper, radio or television station, that they require this information, will grow to reform media…and revive journalism.

Thanks.  Tomorrow – a new shocker in the Brandon Vandenburg case!

Real Estate broker Rod Vandenburg to Brandon – “The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

Brandon Vandenburg – mugshot post verdict

Real Estate broker Rod Vandenburg at son’s gang rape trial, demonstrating more bad decisions.

Update:  GUILTY.

It didn’t take the second jury much longer than the first to convict Brandon Vandenburg…and shortly after the Saturday evening verdict was read, Brandon’s collegiate sweater was exchanged for county colors. 

Presentation matters

On Friday social media was atwitter with the attire Rodney Vandenburg chose,  as shot by News Channel 5.  

Thank God afterward, someone gave the fifty-something year old, a clue.

On the final day of trial, Rod Vandenberg  showed up for court in a way that would at least, benefit the seriousness of the gang-rape trial of son, Brandon. Rod showed up in a suit.

Okay.  Not a suit that fits; but at least, a suit.  Rod’s attire however, goes to his over-all bad decision making.  Or, put another way.  “How did we get here?” 

Rod Vandenburg:  Beau Brummel spinning in grave.

I’m getting there.

Family insights

Have confirmed from two friends of Rod’s.

1. At age fourteen Rod hired a “working girl” for Brandon.
2. Rod has been bragging about his conquests and showing videos of his having sex with women, for years.
3. Rod’s criminal past involved an assault on his now, ex-wife.

When I asked “why are men still friends with Rod” one answer was,  “alcohol played a role” (which I rejected.)  

But the more troublesome answer was, Media:

“Palm Springs – Palm Desert, it’s a small place and what’s happened didn’t get much play out here.  Rod’s been a successful broker.”

(That’s correct.  While the nation has been focused on campus rapes, there’s been zero coverage in the Desert Sun.)

However, both individuals I spoke with didn’t mind speaking for the simple reason that apparently, Rod has shown his videoed sex acts with women for a long, long time.  In fact – and this is just a guess, but what might be true, is,  It might be much harder to find a man Rod Vandenburg, the successful real estate broker, hasn’t shown a sex tape to in the Palm Springs area. 

Rod Vandenburg – father of Brandon Vandenburg

Rod Vandenburg’s Pacific Coast Properties

Rod’s a busy guy.  Also with Home Quest Real Estate

Gotta love the email, “Rod4real”  

However, I do keep hearing one thing from those in the Palm Springs area.

Some feel sorry for everyone involved; but add,

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

Brandon Vandenburg Vanderbilt Retrial – The victim testifies

Update:  Totally Guilty

Also, the Reading of the Verdict.  (Personally, I think the jury was disgusted Brandon painted himself as a victim.)

The Victim testifies.  The Victim soon learns her protector – is post-crime, conducting himself as a victim.  The Victim is confused.  This follows:

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A little background on the Vanderbilt’s football players gang-rape, retrial.  As near as anyone can tell, Brandon Vandenburg, three weeks into pursuing his dream career in the NFL via Vanderbilt University, decided to look for a bonding moment with his teammates.

Vandenburg decided a “sports-bro” gang-rape was just the Ticket!

How could Brandon decide such a thing? 

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Family Background:

A little Vandenburg background may explain Brandon Vandenburg’s flat-affect in court.  I was recently contacted by a long-time friend of the family.

Will dig further but so am been told:  No One likes the father, Rod. No one.

Was told Rod’s former male friends were uncomfortable over how routinely Rod treats women poorly.  That Rod has in his past, an assault charge involving his ex-wife.

Was also informed the Vandenburg’s daughter has specific medical issues, and Rod demeans her for them.  As for the the twins, who by all accounts, are nice, except that they adore their older brother; have eyesight issues.  (No pun.)  But they have never seen their brother, clearly.  Was informed they have more than an inkling about their father.

A quote from Rod:  “That’s right, his Daddy…taught him some good old fashion “Sourthern Charm” works every time.”

Rod, according to a family friend, was banking on Brandon going to the NFL in part because Brandon’s success would be Rod’s money ticket, as well as an invitation to further abuse women who like football players.  Will flush out more specifics and details should others cooperate.

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So the family background explains Brandon’s flat-affect in court.  The Victim is not human to him.

I admit to being puzzled when listening to call-in shows with both anchors and the public saying, “The Victim was treated like garbage.”  I know how I treat garbage; and it’s at arm’s length.  I barely touch garbage.

However, the Victim was not treated like garbage.  She treated as a sex toy.  An unconscious, uncommunicative, real-life, but knocked out, sex toy.  She was treated as non-human with a pulse.  Her bruises demonstrated that.  The testimony revealed Brandon assured everyone she would not wake up, so it was okay to slap her and insert objects in her body, sit naked on her face, and other things.

But yesterday we learned just how scuzzy Brandon acted after facilitating the gang-rape.  We learned from the Victim, that she had been told by Vandenburg that she had been violently ill and throwing up.

We learned from the Victim that Brandon offered himself up as the white knight who cleaned her up afterward…and took care of her.  We also learned the reality was Vandenburg was taking videos of the Victim and forwarding them to his friends in California from the get.  As in before-during-and, afterward.

 

And we already knew that

<— Miles Finley, one of the people on the receiving end of Brandon’s texts, urged more crimes be committed upon the unconscious body of the Victim, in a very crude way.

Such is Brandon’s family background.

I won’t get into how Brandon’s father treats his sister.

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However when the police first told the Victim she was raped, the Victim had trouble believing the police.  We didn’t learn why until later.

From the Victim 

 

We learned soon afterward Brandon began complaining to the Victim it was all her fault.  

We learned Brandon Vandenburg complained to the Victim he was Never going to help anyone ever again…and then he spontaneously had sex with her — knowing she hadn’t been to the police yet…and consensual sex would make a rape kit – moot.

Keep in mind, this is the third time the Victim has returned to testify.

We also learned Vandenburg assured his teammates that they could slap the Victim because she wouldn’t wake up.  This speaks to a date rape drug but unlike the first trial, this time the Judge won’t allow the phrase “Date rape drug” in court.

But the thought hangs right there in the open.

Site of the talked around date-rape drug not allowed in court

So there is much testimony surrounding, a blackout drinker from alcohol, the Victim’s complete lack of memory.   As routinely happens after ingesting a date-rape drug.  

So, there is much ado about a blue drink – did it come from Angie, the older woman booster of Vanderbilt football team, (who in call-in shows claims it did not) or; if it came from Brandon.  

Blue drink. Red herring.  The jury isn’t stupid.

Again.  Horrible for Brandon.  The Victim is and remains, not human.

The District Attorneys

Now – a word about the one guy – the only sober guy there from the get-go, Mack Prioleau

Mack Prioleau stayed in the room during the Entire 30 minute attack, and other than turning his back on the Victim, and did nothing to stop it. 

Mack Prioleau comes from a rich family.  Some in Texas, some in technology in Silicon Valley.  

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How could this happen?   Easy.

As a reminder:  At the first trial, 18 months later, Mack Prioleau who literally rolled over and turned his back to the Victim, then testified didn’t know if he would do anything differently.  Seriously.

Mack Prioleau said that.  

Mack Prioleau transferred to a university in South Africa.  It’s claimed Prrioleau now does charity work.  By all means, lets have a look at some of the Prioleau’s friends and family adventures via the presentations he films.

Click –> for Mack Prioleau’s international, fun filled ongoing “Life for Charity!”

No matter the verdict the take-away here is:  Women are disposable.  The question is not how they got this way, but why it’s difficult for women to be treated equally.  

Good news – that answer is easy.

The Prioleau family are big-time Texas members of the party that routinely demonstrates their loathing of women.

So I researched and this is what legally was going on in government in the year of the sports-bro gang rape of  2013.  And found this.

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Returning to Mack Prioleau’s life post-trial

Mack Prioleaus has been very a very busy world traveler, since.

According to his blog,  Mack was in Japan, last month.

Last,

Why are the Vandenburg teen-age boys there?

My thought is Mom is (finally) no longer in denial.  So those boys are there to learn who their brother really is…and what happens when you treat women poorly – so those boys will be virgins until they marry.

Considering the family history; good move, Mom.

 

Michael MacNeil; the Deputy DA San Diego media almost helped to get away

Michael MacNeil- sexting attorney

Former San Diego Deputy District Attorney, Michael MacNeil, continues to enjoy a general shield of protection from his conduct, courtesy of San Diego Media.  Including after he was identified by a co-worker.  

The “whys” of protection is media gets too chummy with sources. Here’s how San Diego media protected MacNeil; and a little of background on MacNeil’s conduct.  (And by the way, MacNeil worked in the same field – Juvenile Division, as the now charged, David Lamb.)

Using the District Attorney’s office as his base, MacNeil secretly,

MacNeil

• took pictures of women in court
• texted information about cases with strangers
• demeaned female co-workers to other female co-workers
• and apparently lied in a court declaration about pointing a loaded gun (one of seven he owns) at his wife
• while enjoying the protection of his friends with the San Diego Police.

This being San Diego, the wife didn’t matter.  Including the below, which I received from a tipster and forwarded to the DA, as from an individual identified as a female on a social media platform.

“…this guy’s first word was “tits” or something and he used it as a way of startin nasty conversation and immediately he started flirting and sexting.

He started bashing his wife, being as nasty as he is in the office, a tell-all kind of person who bragged about being a millionaire because of his grandfather’s inheritance. His dad has a lot of money as well, being a former DA and inheriting as well. He went as low as asking if the person he was talking to had savings account, it is all about sex and money. Then as he got comfortable he told all the abusive stories, called his wife a bitch often, told about “wanting to leave her F÷%×%€ poor“, etc

Admitted being abusive. I tried to get him to admit him pulling a gun on her but he didnt (sic). But I found out in mediation he told Patti he pulled gun on himself and his wife said it didn’t happen like that, that he pointed at her. He admitted filming her when he forced himself inside the house after separation, until she agreed to his 50/50 custody demands.”

(Mediator Patti Chavez-Fallon is often described as one of the worst mediators in all San Diego. Naturally some of San Diego’s most misogynistic judges prefer Chavez-Fallon.)

A loaded gun? Police taking his guns? Family court judges do not refer obvious criminal matters to the DA. Why?  Ask them.

Media?  Shrugs all around.  Media specializing in positioning a reporter standing in front of some drive-way behind crime scene tape announcing, “She had requested a restraining order.”

What drew the San Diego District attorney’s attention however, was not MacNeil’s behavior at home by terrorizing his wife, but sharing case information with strangers; and taking pictures of co-workers and court personnel in court

Michael MacNeil – texts case information with someone he met online

although the co-workers and court personnel had no idea they were being creeped on by a perv.  Finally!  Something mattered!

Also,  Michael MacNeil spent hours messing around snapping pictures of himself in after-five, office attire.

Meaning, naked.

(Hoping he didn’t put in for overtime. Particularly since post-five;  MacNeil was one, picture snapping, non-stop, lewd, texting machine.)

San Diego Deputy District Attorney, Michael McNeil’s, after five, office attire.

So, yeah.  ABC’s Channel 10 decided to protect that guy.  

ABC aired part of the story, but protected Michael MacNeil by not revealing his identity including when a co-worker identified him.  

This is just a wild hunch – but what do you want to bet the Scripps affiliate legal team is top-loaded with men?

Did I mention MacNeil’s father is a retired District Attorney?  Yeah.  That too. Perhaps that’s why, although MacNeil resigned two days ago, Michael Colin MacNeil is still listed as working as a San Diego Deputy District Attorney, on the California State Bar.

So while MacNeil’s possible criminal behavior aired ever-so-briefly on Channel 10 — the ABC Scrips affiliate editors turned back-flips to protect MacNeil in one ridiculously tabloid “non-story.”  ABC focused on MacNeil’s illegal court snaps and concentrated on the “sexting Deputy DA.” Demeaning attitudes towards female co-workers, references to his soon-to-be ex wife and a gun?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Please know: the same information was also sent to other San Diego media outlets.

1.  San Diego Union Tribune Watchdog:   No response. Same for reporters  Harry Jones, and Jeff MacDonald
2.  San Diego Reader:   Don Bauder – “I’ll have a look.” For 15 years, it’s never gotten beyond “I’ll have a look” – including supervised visitation people who scam for profits.
3. NBC – Tom Ford is notorious for torpedoing stories concerning how women can get Effective Restraining Orders.  (Hint: super great technology) 
4. CBS – one great story five years ago. Most recently with MacNeil’s case – the woman assignment editor turned up her nose, saying, “We’re not touching it.”
5. Voice of San Diego – Nope.  Somehow the “Voice” has mandated never taking a look at the largest court in San Diego. San Diego women have no voice.

Media’s devotion to protecting abusive men – isn’t new to media or San Diego.  But San Diego media’s ignoring female crime victims trying to get out of family court alive, is getting tiresome.

Disclaimer:  Having lived all over the U.S.,  (including in Utah, whose residents reside in a separate, reality bubble,)  I can categorically state San Diego is and remains, the most misogynistic city in the nation.  That no one suspects.  Here’s just one example from Courthouse News regarding UCSD.

Things are no better at “Campus living at USD.”
Compare  Another San Diego rape from Courthouse News.

Family court is a whole ‘mother massively ignored, and summed up below.

San Diego media norm

Burning question:  With all this going on in San Diego:  One wonders why would San Diego media choose to protect attorney Michael MacNeil?  Why would ABC air such a feeble feature?

In closing —

Funniest of all?  Because San Diego is a tourist town, San Diego anchors often begin broadcasts with their hap-hap-happy chirp:

 “Welcome to San Diego, America’s finest city!”  

At least —until a scandal breaks.

The chirping resumes after the scandal fades, either by prosecution, or interest.

Cheers!

Brandon Vandenburg – Vanderbilt’s sports-bro gang rape trial: Take Two

Timing is everything

Brandon Vandenburg – circa 2016

Brandon Vandenburg’s second trial is barely out of the gate and am already getting the feeling a lot of money is being wasted with a IT company called Logic Force Consulting, to refute what has to be via, pictures, video, texts, and telephone calls, the most well-documented rape and obstruction of justice charges in the country.  Seriously.

 

Contrary to Stacey Barchenger’s hilarious tweet, I think this trial will fly.

I covered the first Brandon Vandenburg sports-bro, gang-rape trial, in which one Brandon Vandenburg, a wannabe football star, was accused of  facilitating a 30 minute attack on an unconscious woman.  A woman who remembers nothing.  Brandon facilitated this attack barely three weeks after arriving with plans to be a big man on campus.  Details here.

Timing is Everything

Timing for the trial is really bad for Brandon. . .who accepted two years Probation for the assault charge he managed to pick up in Palm Desert, CA, when he was out on bail for the #VandyTrial.  How dull was he for that?  

Still, making things worse for Brandon, consider the recent college rape cases in the news.

Stanford’s Brock Turner – and a judicial recall. 

1.  First we have the Judicial nullification in Santa Clara;  with jurors refusing to sit in Judge Michael Aaron Persky’s court.

Baylor’s mishandled Rape cases and Ken Starr’s hilarious stumble.

2.  Then we have the unintentionally hilarious Ken Starr interview in which he destroyed his own credibility in the wake of Baylor’s sex crime scandals.

 3. Last, we have the sexual harassment claims against Holland and Knight, the law firm hired to defend the sex crimes at Phillips Exeter Academy.  See here for other college rapes, and the reasons why.  Psst.  It’s not alcohol.  It’s religion.

Speaking of religion – Bradon Vandenburg’s completely unaware,  “I’m Second (first) and “God is First” (second) Twitter account.

 Ready for the unbelievable?   The defense has, learned nothing.

I just screen shot this from the excellent Stacey Barchenger’s piece in the Tennessean regarding Vandenburg’s retrial.

From the Tennessean – Vandenburg Defense Team Still Stick Dumb

There’s the usual mixture of personalities.  But it’s still a straight-forward, with heaps of evidence and a strong victim, kind of case.

Defense strategy remains Logic Free

Or put another way —

From the Defense Playbook:  

“Remember what didn’t work the first time?  Let’s do it again!”

Only one new wrinkle.  That would be Brandon’s three, prior concussions. Or,

“Football made me do it. It couldn’t have been the cocaine!”

Still, bad idea for defense to stick with Devil alcohol.  

 

Good news.  I saved the 2013 tweets from Brandon’s friends!

And to think Brandon’s Mom, Dad, and his twin brothers trekked in for this charade.

The victim was not in court today, and thus spared having to hear what five guys did to her one more time.

I do not know if the cowardly, but sober Mack Prioleau is back. Mack was literally at the scene of the crime, feet away.  Mack took one look, feigned sleep, rolled over, and literally turned his back to the victim.

The ever cowardly Mack Prioleau – pretended to be asleep

Gonna be a quick trial with a few fireworks.  But I still want the Prosecutor to ask the same question not asked of any Defendants last time.

Do you still drink?  

 

 

 

San Diego women in custody cases: You’re screwed. Loaded guns, penis pics – no problem.

1. Here’s the video of the sexting Deputy DA Michael MacNeil San Diego media refused to identify.
2. Update:  One day later. We received word MacNeil resigned from the DA’s office. (In exchange for no charges?) However, his State Bar record hasn’t changed as of 5:00p.m. on June 13, 2016.  As MacNeil claims his parents are millionaires, we’re not too worried.
3. What happens when pervy DAs get divorced?  The public learns Perjury pays;  that’s what.  Am posting because San Diego media, their coverage, chose to protect the identity of the perverted Deputy DA, Michael MacNeil.  (I was just one of the tipsters, (and have emails from Channel 10 saying they weren’t interested. CBS was particularly not interested. Snooty, even.)
4. Meanwhile, 10 news ignored the fact Patti Chavez-Fallon continues putting children at risk.
5. Will the Judicial Council act – to finally create real oversight to the field of Supervised Visitation?  Real oversight  includes members of the public.  Will City Attorney’s office act? I called both candidates in the runoff.  Neither responded.  I emailed. . .and; crickets.
6. Media concentrated on the salacious – instead of the more important, zero oversight in the area of Supervised Visitation.  The  bigger issue.  But okay, now for the salacious!
   

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7. Penis pics sent by San Diego Deputy District Attorney Michael MacNeil – (are below.) No pics of loaded gun he pointed his wife. Police took all seven of them away – for maybe a day.  MacNeil has cop friends.)
8. Also, in court snaps.  Pictures of female attorneys who have absolutely no idea a pervy Deputy DA is happily snapping away.  (Court reporters too)  This is a crime.  Will the City act?  Nope.  They say they might if a police report is filed.  As San Diego residents are numb from San Diego’s six prior sex scandals, a police report against a “friend” appears unlikely. 
   

   An attractive woman who never knew a perv was close by.

9. And then there’s Family Court.  Screen shots of McNeil saying he walks naked around his little girls?  Check.
10. Declarations during his divorce he doesn’t do that?  Check.  
11. Heck there’s 900 screen shots of some pretty dysfunctional stuff.  Who has the time to go into it all?  But there is plenty more to go into.  

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Custody cases go this way. Guns, Penis pics, pervy behavior?  Ladies, you and your kids are screwed.

Welcome to San Diego!  

Media however, will likely be more interested in MacNeil’s work.  Or, working it.

Michael MacNeil – ripping off his clothes and taxpayers – a twofer!

Michael McNeil in, after-five, office attire.

After receiving the below pics of Deputy DA Michael MacNeil, I immediately notified the DA’s office. It’s a given attorneys who send pictures of their junk around are stupid…but what else are they?

In the case of MacNeil: Well-paid! See salary information from 2014.

2014:Michael MacNeil – San Diego County DDA – Are taxpayers getting their money’s worth?

The difference being MacNeil prosecutes bad guys on behalf of the San Diego.  Or, put another way:  Pot, meet kettle.

Although I really don’t care about MacNeil’s penis.  I care how he skulks around the courtroom taking sneaker shots of women who have no idea they are being photographed and sexually rated in texts to co-workers with negative comments.  As for the positive ratings, I can’t imagine any court reporters would be pleased by comments he makes about wanting to do things to them, either.

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If nothing changes nothing changes

Still, media ignores the main issue:  How is it Supervised Visitation monitors remain unchecked? Why is there no oversight when monitors such as Patti Chavez-Fallon who was aware of all this, could recommend Michael MacNeil have 50-50 custody of his two pre-teen girls?  This is due to California’s lackluster, Judicial Council. 

Chavez-Fallon’s take was: Mother showed poor judgment.  Sorry kids. Patti is part of the gang favored by San Diego’s family court judges.  And one other thing.  MacNeil better than anyone, knows there is no penalty for perjury.  But as an employee of the County, who better to know the rewards for lying under oath, are many, widespread, and far far, ranging.

Is San Diego interested in cleaning up its Supervised Visitation Program?

No. The Judicial Council doesn’t care to regulate an industry that is supposed to make sure kids are not at risk.  However, this being an election year I worked hard to interest all candidates in a solution to Domestic Violence.  My hope was all candidates and especially those already working in government; Chief City Attorney Mara Elliot and Robert Hickney might be interested in change given the City Attorney’s office latest, Domestic Violence debacle of blown statute of limitations.  Meanwhile,

What chance do San Diego women have being free from pervy DAs?

So far, not much.  But stay tuned.  We think it’s kinda cute that Michael MacNeil stripped out his Facebook page — after it was scooped up.  But no matter. Some of MacNeil’s former friends are pretty darn chatty. Some would call MacNeil’s scrubbing his Facebook page an attempt to “obstruct justice.”  Others would say it is evidence of guilt.  Stay tuned.

Peaceful shot. But, real life? Not so much.

I do wonder why San Diego and the Judicial Council continue putting kids at risk, now going on year twenty with no oversight to Supervised Visitation. Also,

Exhibit A 

Consider: the 98 misdemeanor cases whose Statute of Limitations were blown by City Attorney Jan Goldsmith.  When it was revealed five months later, one of the attorneys in the City Attorney’s Office involved in the blown Domestic Violence statutes; left.

Meanwhile City Attorney Jane Goldsmith said one of his “Domestic Violence Advocates” recommended DV victims not be told why the City was “not moving forward on their case.”  (Thus victimizing them twice.)  These so-called “advocates” are still “working” with San Diego.  Why?

The attorney on the DV team who left the City’s employ?  She was promptly hired by the DA’s office.  So what chance do women and kids have when this is how San Diego DA Bonnie Dumanis, rolls?

I can report Mara Elliot expressed directly to me, great confidence in those so-called Domestic Violence advocates the City continues to work with, in-house.  That would be the same “Domestic Violence Advocates who recommended Jan Goldsmith not tell the women crime victims the city blew the statutes.

Mara said she will continue to work with these very Domestic Violence Advocates and various “psychologists” currently the City has “relationships” with.  Much like San Diego Police Department for years worked with Dr. Michael, “I like having sex with my patients” Mantell.

When county attorneys take sneak shots of women in court…..that’s just sneezy. But while it’s sneezy towards an adult…what chance do San Diego kids have?

I was informed MacNeil happily describes himself as a home “brewer” with a fondness for drinking, and walking naked around his girls.  Also MacNeil own seven guns, has a concealed carry permit; and a temper.  Perfect.

But no problem with that in a city where father’s  rights insiders run the show for  – Supervised Visitation monitors. Patti Chavez-Fallon, seem to be harming children.

Years later, women are still suffering the Betty Broderick blowback as Family Court judges rubber-stamp pro-pervert, dreck.  So, this bears repeating:

Supervised Visitation Patti Chavez-Fallon knew the history of this pervert: and still recommended  50/50 custody to him.

My source communicated with Chavez-Fallon, and wrote:

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“He also pointed a loaded gun at his wife (he owns 7 guns), there is no report because he threatened her if she talked. She wrote this in a sworn declaration to Patti.

Even that Patti blamed on her, saying she used bad judgment in not leaving him after that incident, instead of bashing him for his actions.

Patti has blamed everything on her. Like I told you, Patti decided to talk to me, and her attitude was nasty and she defended him basically and blamed her and me while having all this proof of who he is”

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At least some lose social workers lose their license. LA  and San Bernardino is doing a much better job, canceling the license of Social worker Kevin Bom.

I have long written about the problems with custody cases in San Diego, by “insiders” whose reports are rubber-stamped by  judges.  What’s also true is the San Diego is fond of shooting the messenger.  (Again, largely due to the machinations of Patti Chavez-Fallon, who for years ran the Family Court Services and was BFF of San Diego’s favorite supervised visitation monitor, and fake therapist, (this being San Diego no one checked Susan Griffin’s resume).  

In true San Diego fashion once exposed the judges were embarrassed and shot the messenger.  I kid you not.  San Diego Judges continue referring cases to both Patti Chavez-Fallon and Susan Griffin, who in turn, promptly doom kids for a profitable career.  Griffin’s new place is “Hannah’s House.”

It is strongly recommended appealing any order directing family court litigants to either, Griffin’s Hannah’s House or Chaveg-Fallon…and not getting involved with any attorney who works with either of them.

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Update: June 15, 2016: For reasons not equating in any way with journalism, San Diego media choses to continue not identifying Michael MacNeil. Click —> for Examples of San Diego media outlets ignoring their job function.

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Last,  I thought this post by MacNeil was ironic.  Just sayin’

 

Dear GOP: Trump isn’t acting like a bigoted racist – Trump is a bigoted racist

Poor Joe Scarborough. After months of kissing the pudgy back-side of Donald Trump, reality finally smacked the former Republican Congressman from Florida right in the face.

With sidekick Mika, (who has perfected the art of eternally looking as if she’s about to speak) Joe blew up. Joe finally unleashed on Trump – below.

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“Donald, guess what, I’m not going to support you until you get your act together. You’re acting like a Bush-league loser, you’re acting like a racist, you’re acting like a bigot.”

“I have taken the gun away from my head I am putting it on the table and now. It is in your hands on whether you are going to prove to the Republican party and me personally that you’re not a bigot,” he said.

“Don’t use Hillary Clinton as a threat against me, don’t use Hillary Clinton as an excuse, as your blank check to say racist things about people born in Indiana,” Scarborough added. “No, Donald, you don’t get to play it that way, I’m not scared of you, and I’m not scared of the base because they’re just as pissed off as me.”

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But poor Joe hasn’t figured out the problem.  Trump isn’t acting like a bigoted racist. Trump is a bigoted racist who is being true to himself.

The reality? Hillary Clinton totally called it when she said, “Trump is Dangerously Incoherent.” If Trump acts in such a way in his “real” life, and by this I mean the number of lawsuits against Trump to date, featured here, imagine how fast the blustery hot-head would send Americans off to war, over one of his business deals.

What happens when Candidates aren’t vetted

1. Trump’s history is getting rich off of the middle class.  Some of whom finally wised up and sued him. Hence, “How Trump financially devasted people who just wanted to buy a condo.”
2. Trump’s business partners – no one you’d want for neighbors. “Meet the business partners Trump doesn’t want you to know about.“
3. It’s all out there, but for years reporters sold out.  Reporters gave Trump slack-for-access.  This came out in the suppressed Documentary from the original documentary where reporters admitted to it.

But what about the campaign?

GOP’s main problem is they can’t unring the bell — and in case anyone still hasn’t noticed….Trump is not equipped psychologically, to apologize. An inability to apologize isn’t  Trump’s biggest Achilles Heel — That would be his abject narcissism…but it’s a close second.

I’d say Trump’s inability to apologize is what has led to the thousands of lawsuits and ultimately, a blue print from Trump U – and how Trump will, eventually hit the gas  Thelma and Louise style – careen the Republican Party off a cliff.

When GOP finally wrestled Trump to a leash, aka: a script:   The effect was Donald Trump appearing to be on sedatives. He’s boring.

Worse, when Donald Trump is uses a teleprompter, for one of his impromptu press conferences, (that reporters are often prohibited) he dies in real time!

So the Republican Party insisting on bringing Trump to heel, is chaining a mean-tempered dog to a post, and not giving him water.  The idea was good, considering Trump doesn’t merely go off-script, but off-the-rails.  Still, getting Trump to conform isn’t going to work.

Not that Trump won’t attract racists. Sadly, America still has plenty. But it’s over and GOP knows it.

Cheer up.  It’s not just the Party Trump is killing.  But his own brand.

Several months ago I said two things.

1.  The race would boil down to women vs. misogyny; and
2. That we were witnessing the demise of the Republican Party. (I just hadn’t envisioned it would be so entertaining.)

Back in time – it was the Democrats who prevented women from testifying in support of Anita Hill; which lead to Clarence Thomas on the Supreme Court. 

No one who cares about civil rights, wants to see that repeated.  Hillary is smart, and plays the long game.  She knows it’s not just about an eights years being President.  It’s also about staffing the U.S. Supreme Court. 

San Diego to Women: Drop Dead (Your voting guide)

Voting Recommendations for San Diego men and women based on women being equal.

For San Diego, equality for women is no small challenge.  If you don’t have time to read; scroll for the top two, best and worst.  Cheers!

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By way of background, I’ve been trying to find someone – anyone interested in equality for a while.  In 2010, I alerted elected officials to a cost-effective, high-tech solution to end domestic violence.   (It was featured on most local news and in-depth on CBS, after I attended the parole hearing called by then Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher, after John Gardner murdered Chelsea King and Amber Dubois.)  I met with a half-dozen of officials.  The result? Bumpkiss.

Fast forward to 2016; and having discovered other, perhaps better, high-tech solutions to empower women to save their own lives.  Also learned elected officials aren’t interested in  solutions. Particularly when they are more cost-effective than what is currently in use.  Turns out, domestic violence is somewhat profitable in the area of generating state and federal grants.  High-tech solutions prevent crimes. As this reduces a need for grants…officials seem completely disinterested. Go figure, eh?

As the examples below clearly demonstrate, the Office of the City Attorney is an office headed by someone who doesn’t care about the safety of women crime victims.

2016:

The 98 cases blown by the City Attorney’s office which handles misdemeanors and misdemeanor domestic violence and were of no surprise to me.  

2013

Audit dropped for Domestic Violence Program

2012

“San Diego second-highest county in the State for calls for service.”

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So this election cycle I decided to approach nearly every candidate of office in person. I also followed-up with with calls or emails. To each I demonstrated the solution to end domestic violence.  Of the few I could not approach in person, I telephoned and emailed.

As such, my recommendations are based on each candidate’s response.

A clear winner emerged, immediately.   The individual most interested in saving lives and saving money while demonstrating equal representation for all, is Gil Cabrera.  Hands down.  Sadly, it wasn’t even close. 

Gil Cabrera is the Best choice for City Attorney

Gil Cabrera was very receptive both to the problems that are systemic in the system; as well as more immediate high-tech cost-effective solutions to make the City of San Diego safe for women.

Cabrera asked the kind of questions people ask who are both smart, psychologically insightful, and who have the foresight to attend to finance. Only one other person did that; but he’s running for City Council. If I had one knock on Gil Cabrera, (nobody’s perfect) I’d say Gil doesn’t return calls quickly. Gil said it’s a fair complaint. 🙂

Another thing, completely unrelated.  Gil Cabrera is the father to quite possibly, the two cutest little girls on the planet.  Seriously.  Those girls are so sweet  you just want to take bites out of ’em.  I told Gil he was wasting valuable talent not taking them out to events, reminding him of Sasha Obama’s exuberant, “Vote for Daddy!” shout-out at the end of one Obama’s first presidential campaign events.  I suggested Gil take the girls to every event.  Gil laughed, and declined.  

Going from best to worst….

Rafael Castellanos: Worst choice for City Attorney

I called Castellanos office twice.  Each time I was told “He’s busy.”  Left a return number both times as well as a reason for the call.  No calls were returned.

By now everyone knows Rafael Castellanos also answered to another name.  “Defendant” in a sexual harassment lawsuit.  In speaking about the case, Castellanos was disrespectful to the woman, and also;

Castellanos was dishonest in his interview with Voice of San Diego.  I understand why.  It seems Catellanous might equate dollars with truth, not understanding some people are more interested in truth— than money.  That’s a tough concept for some.  Castellanos could be as lethal for some women, as Goldsmith. 

But in speaking of the DV scandal within the Office of City Attorney; Rafael wrote the following on his Facebook page,

“As part of my campaign, I will immediately undertake to develop and propose common sense reforms for the City Attorney’s office to ensure this does not happen again. In light of the serious criminal justice issues facing our nation it is imperative we take all steps necessary to build trust between the community and law enforcement, which includes greater transparency and prompt accountability. If elected City Attorney I will do everything within my power to make San Diego a national model for the effective administration of criminal justice.”

Question:  Why wait?  Were that true, why wouldn’t Rafael immediately make domestic violence part of his campaign the instant the Goldsmith debacle was exposed? That Castellanous did not add the safety of women crime victims to his list of “things to address” speaks volumes, folks.

Pragmatically speaking — women vote more than men. But as 1,600 women were murdered in the United States last year, it’s remarkable Castellanos wouldn’t immediately jump on Goldsmith’s ineptness during his campaign, instead of once again putting women on the back-burner.  Makes me wonder.  Is there some kind of “keep ’em in the kitchen” attitude going on? 

Now for the other side….

Robert Hickey might be a strong contender

All I can offer about Hickey is:  I called his office twice, and no calls were returned.  Also, anyone Bonnie Dumanis demotes is probably someone I could get along with.  Just saying.  

Returning to the other candidates.

Mara Elliott – she is trying

Mara Elliot is trying.  When I first spoke with Mara about eliminating Domestic Violence – Mara gave me the the canned, “I’ll work closely with the Family Justice Unit” response.  I explained stats showed the DV rate was up in San Diego largely due to the Family Justice Unit, but that high-tech can all but eliminate the problem, (especially when stalking is involved.)  Mara was agreeable to learning.  (Shortly after another publication came out referencing to her misinterpreting the law in one area.)   Okay.  Still learning. Still, when I next communicated with Mara was when she disagreed with a tweet I’d made.  Which I like.  Except that now Mara was speaking about her work with some people who are still part of the problem and not the solution and so at that point, the second definition of “trying” came into play.

Moving along…

Bryan Pease –  not easily defined. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I already wrote about Bryan Pease.  It’s amazing.  Wait.  That was the terrible media coverage that included the arrest of Pease.

How did San Diego come to have a bad reputation in domestic violence?

Mostly due to women.  Take Francine Busby.  Please.  I made Francis Busby aware of the solution to domestic violence, years ago.  Years.  But not once did Francine Busby make ending crimes against women a priority.  Educating women, yes.  Keeping them safe?  No.

Only Rena Marrocco got the matter on the agenda this year.  Most clubs for Democrats don’t bother.  (I was a “Decline to State” – until last year).  But have noticed in lecturing Para-legal classes in the area of Family Law, and visiting both Democrat and Republicans clubs speaking about the solution – crimes against women are at epidemic levels, including in the military.

That few women or men in San Diego seem interested.

Democrats for Equality?  They’re about women’s reproductive rights.  Not about the Constitutional right of women to live without being attacked.  

Point Loma Democrats?  Late last year I defended their President, Susan Peinado after she was viciously, verbally attacked by someone.  Susan said she’d like to have me lecture about the high-tech solution at a Democratic women’s club….in the Spring.  Then, crickets.

Check the Facebook page for Point Loma Democrats. See anything remotely addressing the right of women to live in safety?  Nope.  Only Ruth Rollins seems interested.  Ruth’s my go-to on doing things right.

Even Barbara Bry didn’t make domestic violence an issue – until it made headlines.  Prior to that, I’d sent Bry lots of information on empowering women through technology.  Really thought a woman in technology would jump on this.  But I was completely wrong.  Bry got it.  But she just didn’t think empowering women to be safe via technology, was important enough to add to her list.  At least until the (latest) scandal broke in the City Attorney’s office.  

Also spoke to Bry’s opponent.  He seemed interested, and caught on extremely fast as to the merits. But I might have to leave the space blank because neither has earned my vote.

Dave Roberts – no calls returned.  But okay; no surprise, either!  

Ending on a high note.  Gil Cabrera is the only one who fits this description

 

I am definitely voting for Gil Cabrera for City Attorney. For the safety of all San Diego women, I hope you do too.

2016: Recall effort of Rape-friendly judge, Michael Aaron Persky barreling ahead

Update: June 16, 2016:   Judge Aaron Persky removed from upcoming sex case…after dismissing another case of theft.

Update:  June 11, 2016:    Campaign to remove judge picking up steam! 

Update:  June 11, 2016:     A teachable moment:  Letter from a Dad with boys and girls

Update:  June 10, 2016:   California State Legislators Want Pervy Persky investigated.

Update: June 10,  2016:  California jurors refusing to serve in Judge Persky’s court.  (Who can blame them?)

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BRO CODE!    Let’s end the bro code. Recall Judge Michael Aaron Persky as a judge on the bench of Santa Clara County.  It turns out, Judge Persky has a history or ruling for Defendants in rape cases.

Brock Turner – Convicted felon – heavily recruited by Stanford, retained Stanford Alumn, Mike Armstrong.  Jurors didn’t buy his weak defense.  But then Armstrong is a talker, he’s not really a litigator.

Persky is Stanford Alum up for retaining office, who said of Brock Turner, the multiple convicted felon:

Rapist-friendly Judge Michael Aaron Persky

 

“A prison sentence would have a severe impact on him…a lack of criminal history warranted a much shorter sentence.  I think he will not be a danger to others.”

Please review the victim’s statement, in full, below, given before Persky passed judgment.  Please also remember the sentence was given in conjunction with an unnamed, but very rape-friendly, Probation officer, as that’s San Jose Mercury News reporter Tracey Kaplan, rolls.  Kaplan is both poor reporter, who is likewise, unethical. 

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Quick review:  The problems with the Santa Clara DA’s office are legendary.  This includes the actions of San Jose Mercury News reporter Tracey Kaplan who, in another criminal matter against a female, I sent confidential material to Kaplan regarding the actions of criminal defense attorney Michael Armstrong….another Stanford graduate. Kaplan sent the message I sent her, directly to Armstrong.  (Members of the Society of Professional Journalists urged me to complain to the San Jose Mercury News, which I did. They did nothing.  So consider this a heads up:  Never give Kaplan anything.)

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The victim, said:  “You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today,” she said, reportedly directly to Turner. “I am a human being who has been irreversibly hurt.” And yet it’s Turner who would be severely impacted in his sentencing? Right.”

Most importantly, thank you to the two men who saved me, who I have yet to meet. I sleep with two bicycles that I drew, taped above my bed to remind myself there are heroes in this story.  That we are looking out for one another. To have known all of these people, to have felt their protection and love, is something I will never forget.  (Peter Jonsson and Carl Arndt are the two bicycle riding heroes who chased down Brock Turner)

Two heroes on bikes: Carl Fredrik and Peter Jonsson

My sister picked me up, face wet from tears and contorted in anguish. Instinctively and immediately, I wanted to take away her pain. I smiled at her, I told her to look at me, I’m right here, I’m okay, everything’s okay, I’m right here. My hair is washed and clean, they gave me the strangest shampoo, calm down, and look at me. Look at these funny new sweatpants and sweatshirt, I look like a P.E. teacher, let’s go home, let’s eat something. She did not know that beneath my sweats, I had scratches and bandages on my skin, my vagina was sore and had become a strange, dark color from all the prodding, my underwear was missing, and I felt too empty to continue to speak. That I was also afraid, that I was also devastated. That day we drove home and for hours my sister held me.

My boyfriend did not know what happened, but called that day and said, “I was really worried about you last night, you scared me, did you make it home okay?” I was horrified. That’s when I learned I had called him that night in my blackout, left an incomprehensible voicemail, that we had also spoken on the phone, but I was slurring so heavily he was scared for me, that he repeatedly told me to go find my sister. Again, he asked me, “What happened last night? Did you make it home okay?” I said yes, and hung up to cry.

I was not ready to tell my boyfriend or parents that actually, I may have been raped behind a dumpster, but I don’t know by who or when or how. If I told them, I would see the fear on their faces, and mine would multiply by tenfold, so instead I pretended the whole thing wasn’t real.

I tried to push it out of my mind, but it was so heavy I didn’t talk, I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep, I didn’t interact with anyone. After work, I would drive to a secluded place to scream. I didn’t talk, I didn’t eat, I didn’t sleep, I didn’t interact with anyone, and I became isolated from the ones I loved most. For one week after the incident, I didn’t get any calls or updates about that night or what happened to me. The only symbol that proved that it hadn’t just been a bad dream, was the sweatshirt from the hospital in my drawer.

One day, I was at work, scrolling through the news on my phone, and came across an article. In it, I read and learned for the first time about how I was found unconscious, with my hair disheveled, long necklace wrapped around my neck, bra pulled out of my dress, dress pulled off over my shoulders and pulled up above my waist, that I was butt naked all the way down to my boots, legs spread apart, and had been penetrated by a foreign object by someone I did not recognize. This was how I learned what happened to me, sitting at my desk reading the news at work. I learned what happened to me the same time everyone else in the world learned what happened to me. That’s when the pine needles in my hair made sense, they didn’t fall from a tree.

He had taken off my underwear, his fingers had been inside of me. I don’t even know this person. I still don’t know this person. When I read about me like this, I said, this can’t be me.

This can’t be me. I could not digest or accept any of this information. I could not imagine my family having to read about this online. I kept reading. In the next paragraph, I read something that I will never forgive; I read that according to him, I liked it. I liked it. Again, I do not have words for these feelings.

At the bottom of the article, after I learned about the graphic details of my own sexual assault, the article listed his swimming times. She was found breathing, unresponsive with her underwear six inches away from her bare stomach curled in fetal position. By the way, he’s really good at swimming. Throw in my mile time if that’s what we’re doing. I’m good at cooking, put that in there, I think the end is where you list your extra-curriculars to cancel out all the sickening things that’ve happened.

The night the news came out I sat my parents down and told them that I had been assaulted, to not look at the news because it’s upsetting, just know that I’m okay, I’m right here, and I’m okay.

But halfway through telling them, my mom had to hold me because I could no longer stand up. I was not okay.

The night after it happened, he said he didn’t know my name, said he wouldn’t be able to identify my face in a lineup, didn’t mention any dialogue between us, no words, only dancing and kissing. Dancing is a cute term; was it snapping fingers and twirling dancing, or just bodies grinding up against each other in a crowded room? I wonder if kissing was just faces sloppily pressed up against each other? When the detective asked if he had planned on taking me back to his dorm, he said no. When the detective asked how we ended up behind the dumpster, he said he didn’t know. He admitted to kissing other girls at that party, one of whom was my own sister who pushed him away. He admitted to wanting to hook up with someone. I was the wounded antelope of the herd, completely alone and vulnerable, physically unable to fend for myself, and he chose me. Sometimes I think, if I hadn’t gone, then this never would’ve happened. But then I realized, it would have happened, just to somebody else. You were about to enter four years of access to drunk girls and parties, and if this is the foot you started off on, then it is right you did not continue.

The night after it happened, he said he thought I liked it because I rubbed his back. A back rub.

Never mentioned me voicing consent, never mentioned us speaking, a back rub.

One more time, in public news, I learned that my ass and vagina were completely exposed outside, my breasts had been groped, fingers had been jabbed inside me along with pine needles and debris, my bare skin and head had been rubbing against the ground behind a dumpster, while an erect freshman was humping my half naked, unconscious body. But I don’t remember, so how do I prove I didn’t like it.

I thought there’s no way this is going to trial; there were witnesses, there was dirt in my body, he ran but was caught. He’s going to settle, formally apologize, and we will both move on. Instead, I was told he hired a powerful attorney, expert witnesses, private investigators who were going to try and find details about my personal life to use against me, find loopholes in my story to invalidate me and my sister, in order to show that this sexual assault was in fact a misunderstanding. That he was going to go to any length to convince the world he had simply been confused.

I was not only told that I was assaulted, I was told that because I couldn’t remember, I technically could not prove it was unwanted. And that distorted me, damaged me, almost broke me. It is the saddest type of confusion to be told I was assaulted and nearly raped, blatantly out in the open, but we don’t know if it counts as assault yet. I had to fight for an entire year to make it clear that there was something wrong with this situation.

When I was told to be prepared in case we didn’t win, I said, I can’t prepare for that. He was guilty the minute I woke up. No one can talk me out of the hurt he caused me. Worst of all, I was warned, because he now knows you don’t remember, he is going to get to write the script.

He can say whatever he wants and no one can contest it. I had no power, I had no voice, I was defenseless. My memory loss would be used against me. My testimony was weak, was incomplete, and I was made to believe that perhaps, I am not enough to win this. That’s so damaging. His attorney constantly reminded the jury, the only one we can believe is Brock, because she doesn’t remember. That helplessness was traumatizing.

Instead of taking time to heal, I was taking time to recall the night in excruciating detail, in order to prepare for the attorney’s questions that would be invasive, aggressive, and designed to steer me off course, to contradict myself, my sister, phrased in ways to manipulate my answers.

Instead of his attorney saying, Did you notice any abrasions? He said, You didn’t notice any abrasions, right? This was a game of strategy, as if I could be tricked out of my own worth. The sexual assault had been so clear, but instead, here I was at the trial, answering question like:

How old are you? How much do you weigh? What did you eat that day? Well what did you have for dinner? Who made dinner? Did you drink with dinner? No, not even water? When did you drink? How much did you drink? What container did you drink out of? Who gave you the drink?

How much do you usually drink? Who dropped you off at this party? At what time? But where exactly? What were you wearing? Why were you going to this party? What’ d you do when you got there? Are you sure you did that? But what time did you do that? What does this text mean?

Who were you texting? When did you urinate? Where did you urinate? With whom did you urinate outside? Was your phone on silent when your sister called? Do you remember silencing it? Really because on page 53 I’d like to point out that you said it was set to ring. Did you drink in college? You said you were a party animal? How many times did you black out? Did you party at frats? Are you serious with your boyfriend? Are you sexually active with him? When did you start dating? Would you ever cheat? Do you have a history of cheating? What do you mean when you said you wanted to reward him? Do you remember what time you woke up? Were you wearing your cardigan? What color was your cardigan? Do you remember any more from that night? No? Okay, we’ll let Brock fill it in.

I was pummeled with narrowed, pointed questions that dissected my personal life, love life, past life, family life, inane questions, accumulating trivial details to try and find an excuse for this guy who didn’t even take the time to ask me for my name, who had me naked a handful of minutes after seeing me. After a physical assault, I was assaulted with questions designed to attack me, to say see, her facts don’t line up, she’s out of her mind, she’s practically an alcoholic, she probably wanted to hook up, he’s like an athlete right, they were both drunk, whatever, the hospital stuff she remembers is after the fact, why take it into account, Brock has a lot at stake so he’s having a really hard time right now.

And then it came time for him to testify. This is where I became revictimized. I want to remind you, the night after it happened he said he never planned to take me back to his dorm. He said he didn’t know why we were behind a dumpster. He got up to leave because he wasn’t feeling well when he was suddenly chased and attacked. Then he learned I could not remember.

So one year later, as predicted, a new dialogue emerged. Brock had a strange new story, almost sounded like a poorly written young adult novel with kissing and dancing and hand holding and lovingly tumbling onto the ground, and most importantly in this new story, there was suddenly consent. One year after the incident, he remembered, oh yeah, by the way she actually said yes, to everything, so.

He said he had asked if I wanted to dance. Apparently I said yes. He’d asked if I wanted to go to his dorm, I said yes. Then he asked if he could finger me and I said yes. Most guys don’t ask, Can I finger you? Usually there’s a natural progression of things, unfolding consensually, not a Q and A. But apparently I granted full permission. He’s in the clear.

Even in this story, there’s barely any dialogue; I only said a total of three words before he had me half naked on the ground. I have never been penetrated after three words. He didn’t claim to hear me speak one full sentence that night, so in the news when it says we “met”, I’m not sure I would go so far as to say that. Future reference, if you are confused about whether a girl can consent, see if she can speak an entire sentence. You couldn’t even do that. Just one coherent string of words. If she can’t do that, then no. Don’t touch her, just no. Not maybe, just no. Where was the confusion? This is common sense, human decency.

According to him, the only reason we were on the ground was because I fell down. Note; if a girl falls help her get back up. If she is too drunk to even walk and falls, do not mount her, hump her, take off her underwear, and insert your hand inside her vagina. If a girl falls help her up. If she is wearing a cardigan over her dress don’t take it off so that you can touch her breasts. Maybe she is cold, maybe that’s why she wore the cardigan. If her bare ass and legs are rubbing the pinecones and needles, while the weight of you pushes into her, get off her.

Next in the story, two people approached you. You ran because you said you felt scared. I argue that you were scared because you’d be caught, not because you were scared of two terrifying Swedish grad students. The idea that you thought you were being attacked out of the blue was ludicrous. That it had nothing to do with you being on top my unconscious body. You were caught red handed, with no explanation. When they tackled you why didn’t say, “Stop!

Everything’s okay, go ask her, she’s right over there, she’ll tell you.” I mean you had just asked for my consent, right? I was awake, right? When the policeman arrived and interviewed the evil Swede who tackled you, he was crying so hard he couldn’t speak because of what he’d seen.

Also, if you really did think they were dangerous, you just abandoned a half-naked girl to run and save yourself. No matter which way you frame it, it doesn’t make sense. Your attorney has repeatedly pointed out, well we don’t know exactly when she became unconscious. And you’re right, maybe I was still fluttering my eyes and wasn’t completely limp yet, fine. His guilt did not depend on him knowing the exact second that I became unconscious, that is never what this was about. I was slurring, too drunk to consent way before I was on the ground. I should have never been touched in the first place. Brock stated, “At no time did I see that she was not responding. If at any time I thought she was not responding, I would have stopped immediately.” Here’s the thing; if your plan was to stop only when I was literally unresponsive, then you still do not understand. You didn’t even stop when I was unconscious anyway! Someone else stopped you. Two guys on bikes noticed I wasn’t moving in the dark and had to tackle you. How did you not notice while on top of me?

You said, you would have stopped and gotten help. You say that, but I want you to explain how you would’ve helped me, step by step, walk me through this. I want to know, if those evil Swedes had not found me, how the night would have played out. I am asking you; Would you have pulled my underwear back on over my boots? Untangled the necklace wrapped around my neck? Closed my legs, covered me? Tucked my bra back into my dress? Would you have helped me pick the needles from my hair? Asked if the abrasions on my neck and bottom hurt? Would you then go find a friend and say, Will you help me get her somewhere warm and soft? I don’t sleep when I think about the way it could have gone if the Swedes had never come. What would have happened to me? That’s what you’ll never have a good answer for, that’s what you can’t explain even after a year.

To sit under oath and inform all of us, that yes I wanted it, yes I permitted it, and that you are the true victim attacked by guys for reasons unknown to you is sick, is demented, is selfish, is stupid.

It shows that you were willing to go to any length, to discredit me, invalidate me, and explain why it was okay to hurt me. You tried unyieldingly to save yourself, your reputation, at my expense.

My family had to see pictures of my head strapped to a gurney full of pine needles, of my body in the dirt with my eyes closed, dress hiked up, limbs limp in the dark. And then even after that, my family had to listen to your attorney say, the pictures were after the fact, we can dismiss them. To say, yes her nurse confirmed there was redness and abrasions inside her, but that’s what happens when you finger someone, and he’s already admitted to that. To listen to him use my own sister against me. To listen him attempt to paint of a picture of me, the seductive party animal, as if somehow that would make it so that I had this coming for me. To listen to him say I sounded drunk on the phone because I’m silly and that’s my goofy way of speaking. To point out that in the voicemail, I said I would reward my boyfriend and we all know what I was thinking. I assure you my rewards program is non-transferable, especially to any nameless man that approaches me.

The point is, this is everything my family and I endured during the trial. This is everything I had to sit through silently, taking it, while he shaped the evening. It is enough to be suffering. It is another thing to have someone ruthlessly working to diminish the gravity and validity of this suffering. But in the end, his unsupported statements and his attorney’s twisted logic fooled no one. The truth won, the truth spoke for itself.

You are guilty. Twelve jurors convicted you guilty of three felony counts beyond reasonable doubt, that’s twelve votes per count, thirty-six yeses confirming guilt, that’s one hundred percent, unanimous guilt. And I thought finally it is over, finally he will own up to what he did, truly apologize, we will both move on and get better. Then I read your statement.

If you are hoping that one of my organs will implode from anger and I will die, I’m almost there.

You are very close. Assault is not an accident. This is not a story of another drunk college hookup with poor decision making. Somehow, you still don’t get it. Somehow, you still sound confused.

I will now take this opportunity to read portions of the defendant’s statement and respond to them.

YOU SAID, BEING DRUNK I JUST COULDN’T MAKE THE BEST DECISIONS AND NEITHER COULD SHE.

Alcohol is not an excuse. Is it a factor? Yes. But alcohol was not the one who stripped me, fingered me, had my head dragging against the ground, with me almost fully naked. Having too much to drink was an amateur mistake that I admit to, but it is not criminal. Everyone in this room has had a night where they have regretted drinking too much, or knows someone close to them who has had a night where they have regretted drinking too much. Regretting drinking is not the same as regretting sexual assault. We were both drunk, the difference is I did not take off your pants and underwear, touch you inappropriately, and run away. That’s the difference.

YOU SAID, IF I WANTED TO GET TO KNOW HER, I SHOULD HAVE ASKED FOR HER NUMBER, RATHER THAN ASKING HER TO GO BACK TO MY ROOM.

I’m not mad because you didn’t ask for my number. Even if you did know me, I would not want be in this situation. My own boyfriend knows me, but if he asked to finger me behind a dumpster, I would slap him. No girl wants to be in this situation. Nobody. I don’t care if you know their phone number or not.

YOU SAID, I STUPIDLY THOUGHT IT WAS OKAY FOR ME TO DO WHAT EVERYONE AROUND ME WAS DOING, WHICH WAS DRINKING. I WAS WRONG.

Again, you were not wrong for drinking. Everyone around you was not sexually assaulting me.

You were wrong for doing what nobody else was doing, which was pushing your erect dick in your pants against my naked, defenseless body concealed in a dark area, where partygoers could no longer see or protect me, and own my sister could not find me. Sipping fireball is not your crime. Peeling off and discarding my underwear like a candy wrapper to insert your finger into my body, is where you went wrong. Why am I still explaining this.

YOU SAID, DURING THE TRIAL I DIDN’T WANT TO VICTIMIZE HER AT ALL. THAT WAS JUST MY ATTORNEY AND HIS WAY OF APPROACHING THE CASE.

Your attorney is not your scapegoat, he represents you. Did your attorney say some incredulously infuriating, degrading things? Absolutely. He said you had an erection, because it was cold. I have no words.

YOU SAID, YOU ARE IN THE PROCESS OF ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS IN WHICH YOU SPEAK ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE TO “SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE COLLEGE CAMPUS DRINKING CULTURE AND THE SEXUAL PROMISCUITY THAT GOES ALONG WITH THAT.”

Speak out against campus drinking culture. That’s what we’re speaking out against? You think that’s what I’ve spent the past year fighting for? Not awareness about campus sexual assault, or rape, or learning to recognize consent. Campus drinking culture. Down with Jack Daniels. Down with Skyy Vodka. If you want talk to high school kids about drinking go to an AA meeting. You realize, having a drinking problem is different than drinking and then forcefully trying to have sex with someone? Show men how to respect women, not how to drink less.

Drinking culture and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that. Goes along with that, like a side effect, like fries on the side of your order. Where does promiscuity even come into play? I don’t see headlines that read, Brock Turner, Guilty of drinking too much and the sexual promiscuity that goes along with that. Campus Sexaul Assault. There’s your first powerpoint slide.

I have done enough explaining. You do not get to shrug your shoulders and be confused anymore. You do not get to pretend that there were no red flags. You do not get to not know why you ran. You have been convicted of violating me with malicious intent, and all you can admit to is consuming alcohol. Do not talk about the sad way your life was upturned because alcohol made you do bad things. Figure out how to take responsibility for your own conduct.

Lastly you said, I want to show people that one night of drinking can ruin a life.

Ruin a life, one life, yours, you forgot about mine. Let me rephrase for you, I want to show people that one night of drinking can ruin two lives. You and me. You are the cause, I am the effect. You have dragged me through this hell with you, dipped me back into that night again and again. You knocked down both our towers, I collapsed at the same time you did. Your damage was concrete; stripped of titles, degrees, enrollment. My damage was internal, unseen, I carry it with me. You took away my worth, my privacy, my energy, my time, my safety, my intimacy, my confidence, my own voice, until today.

See one thing we have in common is that we were both unable to get up in the morning. I am no stranger to suffering. You made me a victim. In newspapers my name was “unconscious intoxicated woman”, ten syllables, and nothing more than that. For a while, I believed that that was all I was. I had to force myself to relearn my real name, my identity. To relearn that this is not all that I am. That I am not just a drunk victim at a frat party found behind a dumpster, while you are the All-American swimmer at a top university, innocent until proven guilty, with so much at stake. I am a human being who has been irreversibly hurt, who waited a year to figure out if I was worth something.

My independence, natural joy, gentleness, and steady lifestyle I had been enjoying became distorted beyond recognition. I became closed off, angry, self-deprecating, tired, irritable, empty.

The isolation at times was unbearable. You cannot give me back the life I had before that night either. While you worry about your shattered reputation, I refrigerated spoons every night so when I woke up, and my eyes were puffy from crying, I would hold the spoons to my eyes to lessen the swelling so that I could see. I showed up an hour late to work every morning, excused myself to cry in the stairwells, I can tell you all the best places in that building to cry where no one can hear you, the pain became so bad that I had to tell my boss I was leaving, I needed time because continuing day to day was not possible. I used my savings to go as far away as I could possibly be.

I can’t sleep alone at night without having a light on, like a five year old, because I have nightmares of being touched where I cannot wake up, I did this thing where I waited until the sun came up and I felt safe enough to sleep. For three months, I went to bed at six o’clock in the morning.

I used to pride myself on my independence, now I am afraid to go on walks in the evening, to attend social events with drinking among friends where I should be comfortable being. I have become a little barnacle always needing to be at someone’s side, to have my boyfriend standing next to me, sleeping beside me, protecting me. It is embarrassing how feeble I feel, how timidly I move through life, always guarded, ready to defend myself, ready to be angry.

You have no idea how hard I have worked to rebuild parts of me that are still weak. It took me eight months to even talk about what happened. I could no longer connect with friends, with everyone around me. I would scream at my boyfriend, my own family whenever they brought this up. You never let me forget what happened to me. At the of end of the hearing, the trial, I was too tired to speak. I would leave drained, silent. I would go home turn off my phone and for days I would not speak. You bought me a ticket to a planet where I lived by myself. Every time a new article come out, I lived with the paranoia that my entire hometown would find out and know me as the girl who got assaulted. I didn’t want anyone’s pity and am still learning to accept victim as part of my identity. You made my own hometown an uncomfortable place to be.

Someday, you can pay me back for my ambulance ride and therapy. But you cannot give me back my sleepless nights. The way I have broken down sobbing uncontrollably if I’m watching a movie and a woman is harmed, to say it lightly, this experience has expanded my empathy for other victims. I have lost weight from stress, when people would comment I told them I’ve been running a lot lately. There are times I did not want to be touched. I have to relearn that I am not fragile, I am capable, I am wholesome, not just livid and weak.

I want to say this. All the crying, the hurting you have imposed on me, I can take it. But when I see my younger sister hurting, when she is unable to keep up in school, when she is deprived of joy, when she is not sleeping, when she is crying so hard on the phone she is barely breathing, telling me over and over she is sorry for leaving me alone that night, sorry sorry sorry, when she feels more guilt than you, then I do not forgive you. That night I had called her to try and find her, but you found me first. Your attorney’s closing statement began, “My sister said she was fine and who knows her better than her sister.” You tried to use my own sister against me. Your points of attack were so weak, so low, it was almost embarrassing. You do not touch her.

If you think I was spared, came out unscathed, that today I ride off into sunset, while you suffer the greatest blow, you are mistaken. Nobody wins. We have all been devastated, we have all been trying to find some meaning in all of this suffering.

You should have never done this to me. Secondly, you should have never made me fight so long to tell you, you should have never done this to me. But here we are. The damage is done, no one can undo it. And now we both have a choice. We can let this destroy us, I can remain angry and hurt and you can be in denial, or we can face it head on, I accept the pain, you accept the punishment, and we move on.

Your life is not over, you have decades of years ahead to rewrite your story. The world is huge, it is so much bigger than Palo Alto and Stanford, and you will make a space for yourself in it where you can be useful and happy. Right now your name is tainted, so I challenge you to make a new name for yourself, to do something so good for the world, it blows everyone away. You have a brain and a voice and a heart. Use them wisely. You possess immense love from your family. That alone can pull you out of anything. Mine has held me up through all of this. Yours will hold you and you will go on.

I believe, that one day, you will understand all of this better. I hope you will become a better more honest person who can properly use this story to prevent another story like this from ever happening again. I fully support your journey to healing, to rebuilding your life, because that is the only way you’ll begin to help others.

Now to address the sentencing. When I read the probation officer’s report, I was in disbelief, consumed by anger which eventually quieted down to profound sadness. My statements have been slimmed down to distortion and taken out of context. I fought hard during this trial and will not have the outcome minimized by a probation officer who attempted to evaluate my current state and my wishes in a fifteen minute conversation, the majority of which was spent answering questions I had about the legal system. The context is also important. Brock had yet to issue a statement, and I had not read his remarks.

My life has been on hold for over a year, a year of anger, anguish and uncertainty, until a jury of my peers rendered a judgment that validated the injustices I had endured. Had Brock admitted guilt and remorse and offered to settle early on, I would have considered a lighter sentence, respecting his honesty, grateful to be able to move our lives forward. Instead he took the risk of going to trial, added insult to injury and forced me to relive the hurt as details about my personal life and sexual assault were brutally dissected before the public. He pushed me and my family through a year of inexplicable, unnecessary suffering, and should face the consequences of challenging his crime, of putting my pain into question, of making us wait so long for justice.

I told the probation officer I do not want Brock to rot away in prison. I did not say he does not deserve to be behind bars. The probation officer’s recommendation of a year or less in county jail is a soft time-out, a mockery of the seriousness of his assaults, and of the consequences of the pain I have been forced to endure. I also told the probation officer that what I truly wanted was for Brock to get it, to understand and admit to his wrongdoing.

Unfortunately, after reading the defendant’s statement, I am severely disappointed and feel that he has failed to exhibit sincere remorse or responsibility for his conduct. I fully respected his right to a trial, but even after twelve jurors unanimously convicted him guilty of three felonies, all he has admitted to doing is ingesting alcohol. Someone who cannot take full accountability for his actions does not deserve a mitigating sentence. It is deeply offensive that he would try and dilute rape with a suggestion of promiscuity. By definition rape is the absence of promiscuity, rape is the absence of consent, and it perturbs me deeply that he can’t even see that distinction.

The probation officer factored in that the defendant is youthful and has no prior convictions. In my opinion, he is old enough to know what he did was wrong. When you are eighteen in this country you can go to war. When you are nineteen, you are old enough to pay the consequences for attempting to rape someone. He is young, but he is old enough to know better.

As this is a first offense I can see where leniency would beckon. On the other hand, as a society, we cannot forgive everyone’s first sexual assault or digital rape. It doesn’t make sense. The seriousness of rape has to be communicated clearly, we should not create a culture that suggests we learn that rape is wrong through trial and error. The consequences of sexual assault needs to be severe enough that people feel enough fear to exercise good judgment even if they are drunk, severe enough to be preventative. The fact that Brock was a star athlete at a prestigious university should not be seen as an entitlement to leniency, but as an opportunity to send a strong cultural message that sexual assault is against the law regardless of social class.

The probation officer weighed the fact that he has surrendered a hard earned swimming scholarship. If I had been sexually assaulted by an un-athletic guy from a community college, what would his sentence be? If a first time offender from an underprivileged background was accused of three felonies and displayed no accountability for his actions other than drinking, what would his sentence be? How fast he swims does not lessen the impact of what happened to me.

The Probation Officer has stated that this case, when compared to other crimes of similar nature, may be considered less serious due to the defendant’s level of intoxication. It felt serious. That’s all I’m going to say.

He is a lifetime sex registrant. That doesn’t expire. Just like what he did to me doesn’t expire, doesn’t just go away after a set number of years. It stays with me, it’s part of my identity, it has forever changed the way I carry myself, the way I live the rest of my life.

A year has gone by and he has had lots of time on his hands. Has he been seeing a psychologist?

What has he done in this past year to show he’s been progressing? If he says he wants to implement programs, what has he done to show for it?

Throughout incarceration I hope he is provided with appropriate therapy and resources to rebuild his life. I request that he educates himself about the issue of campus sexual assault. I hope he accepts proper punishment and pushes himself to reenter society as a better person.

To conclude, I want to say thank you. To everyone from the intern who made me oatmeal when I woke up at the hospital that morning, to the deputy who waited beside me, to the nurses who calmed me, to the detective who listened to me and never judged me, to my advocates who stood unwaveringly beside me, to my therapist who taught me to find courage in vulnerability, to my boss for being kind and understanding, to my incredible parents who teach me how to turn pain into strength, to my friends who remind me how to be happy, to my boyfriend who is patient and loving, to my unconquerable sister who is the other half of my heart, to Alaleh, my idol, who fought tirelessly and never doubted me. Thank you to everyone involved in the trial for their time and attention. Thank you to girls across the nation that wrote cards to my DA to give to me, so many strangers who cared for me.

Most importantly, thank you to the two men who saved me, who I have yet to meet. I sleep with two bicycles that I drew taped above my bed to remind myself there are heroes in this story. That we are looking out for one another. To have known all of these people, to have felt their protection and love, is something I will never forget.

And finally, to girls everywhere, I am with you. On nights when you feel alone, I am with you.

When people doubt you or dismiss you, I am with you. I fought everyday for you. So never stop fighting, I believe you. Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shining. Although I can’t save every boat, I hope that by speaking today, you absorbed a small amount of light, a small knowing that you can’t be silenced, a small satisfaction that justice was served, a small assurance that we are getting somewhere, and a big, big knowing that you are important, unquestionably, you are untouchable, you are beautiful, you are to be valued, respected, undeniably, every minute of every day, you are powerful and nobody can take that away from you. To girls everywhere, I am with you.

Thank you.

Note to UCLA college students: Your campus murder might look just like Eileen Zelig’s

Note to California parents, and grandparents of college kids.

In case your college kids are physically attacked/murdered on campus – don’t bother to sue a public university.  You will lose.

UCLA student Katherine Rosen was attacked by the  “gifted but troubled student” Damon Thompson, on the UCLA campus. Although Damon’s troubled history was long-documented, and although UCLA paid for Damon’s medical care,  (A UCLA parents page offers, “Every day offers a new opportunity, experience or life-shaping event for your child.”) 

Katherine remained at risk — until Damon stabbed her. If you are surprised, you haven’t been paying attention.  See a long list of,  Schools coddling criminals; the norm.

Katherine’s parents sued UCLA for not protecting their daughter; and;

The California Court of Appeal cordially invited Katherine Rosen and her family both, to drop dead.

UCLA to college students: Drop Dead.

It didn’t matter that Katherine Rosen reported the interactions with Thompson that caused alarm.  It didn’t matter that UCLA officials treated Thompson for symptoms of schizophrenia, auditory hallucinations and paranoia.  Or that Thompson said he would “do something” — and no matter that after the stabbing Thompson admitted guilt; but was found insane.  It didn’t matter because, of Eileen Zelig’s murder.

The Court of Appeal affirmed UCLA’s position that as a student, Katherine Rosen was, “an invited guest” and UCLA owed her no duty to safety.

This begs the question:  How could such a thing happen?

Two words:  Eileen Zelig.

SF.Zelig.1.0211.BY––LOS ANGELES–(l to R) Defendent Dr. Harry Zelig (cq) talks with attorney Edward Rucker (cq) during opening phase of murder trial where Dr. Zelig is alleged to have shot his estranged wife. Boris Yaro/LATMandatory Credit: Boris Yaro/The LA Times

Few have ever heard women of Eileen, as media doesn’t cover the nation’s busiest court; but Eileen Zelig was a family court litigant whose doctor husband Harry, shot her at point-blank range in the courthouse.  In front of their six year old daughter, Lisa.

Eileen’s family, the Jensen’s, sued.  When the lower court said, the State owed no duty of safety to Eileen, even though her appearance was mandatory, the Jensens heroically, appealed.

The Court of Appeal agreed with the Jensen family.

However, the Jensen’s didn’t count on California’s level of disdain for women.  The County appealed to the California Supreme Court; and the Supreme Court essentially opined:

“Nah. In spite of her repeated pleas for help, the State of California doesn’t owe Eileen Zelig, or her now motherless kids, any duty of care.”

(The State’s “Not us” position was supported by major hypocrite Bill Lockyer, who famously, later had his own, martial problems, while passing himself off as a “Domestic Violence advocate.)

Keep in mind Eileen Zelig was killed after years of attempting to get the police to do something.

The police did nothing, essentially.  A review of most inter-family crimes evidence the police, become threat multipliers.  Something neither police, or media are determined to not notice.  Perhaps this is do to media’s over-all refusal to report within their own ranks, members of police families, experience a 40% higher rate of domestic violence.

So one must wonder who hires officers who put lives at risk.  In San Diego, until recently, that would have been Dr. Michael Mantell.  The “renowned” psychologist and long-time consultant for San Diego PD.  (But Dr. Mantell might be going to prison soon – as he decided to have sex with a patient.)

and it’s so bad in San Diego that female police officers are suing, SDPD and Chief Zimmerman.

Ultimately, women have few Constitutional rights.  Women pay taxes for police and court services.  But both law enforcement and the courts reject the idea of actually, providing those services.

Ultimately, the California Supreme Court ruled the courts had no duty to protect Eileen; although her appearance in court, was mandatory.

What happened to Harry?  He’s still around, and happy.  Shows no sign of remorse.  Also, getting free medical care for his diabetes.

 

Trump in San Diego – Media coverage chokes – and Bryan Pease

Well, at least this time, it was media and not San Diego Police – doing the choking.

Although opposite all reporting – there were injuries.

It was a busy day for attorney Bryan Pease

San Diego Police – hours after Trump departed San Diego, attacked Pease for holding an “Elect me” sign.

Candidate for City Attorney, Bryan Pease

The morning following Trump’s “visit,” I spoke with candidate for San Diego City attorney, Bryan Pease.  (Pease was campaigning in the thick of things during Trump’s visit.)  See above photo after the police took him down.

Hours after the event, the police  continued back-walking about a dozen plus, straggly protesters over the bridge,  and shooting pepper ball bullets at them.

No one knows why.  Trump had long since “left the building” and San Diego altogether.  However, during law enforcement’s “Advance on Stragglers” (about a dozen) by 60 riot-geared up police officers, a few tackled and arrested Pease.  Police actions earned for Pease:

1. A night in jail
2. Media 
3. The title of “Defendant” and;
4. “Plaintiff” for a Free Speech lawsuit.
5. For which he hasn’t had time to draft a Complaint

A little more about Pease can be found in this San Diego City Beat story. 

But my interest was in the cringe-worthy coverage provided by local media…based on law enforcement reports of  “no injuries” – announced, apparently, without a single grain of salt, in spite of several instances of news video capturing excessive use of force.  (This is fresh on the heels of law enforcement defeating Senate Bill 1286 – which would make police misconduct records open to the public.)

Sidebar!

[As California law enforcement shields bad cops, California was not included in AP’s exposé of over 1,000 police officers fired for misconduct. ]

Bryan told me of numerous “cellmates” suffered injuries;  including one guy with a mohawk whose face was slammed to the concrete to such a degree, his booking photo featured a giant goose egg.

Yet media repeatedly tweeted the opposite – sadly, beginning in real time. And then they stuck with it.

I am as massively uncomfortable with media first parroting, then cheering police reports of “no injuries” without interviewing arrestees, as I am of media refusal to address police violations of free speech and the mayoral silence in the face of what he knew was coming.

Will media follow up with the guy with the mohawk?  

Pease said Michael Chen got the shot of him going down, but not being face-slammed into the concrete.  I’m told one can acquire CTE in one accident.  Face-slamming not being in the “accidental” category.  

By the way….I didn’t here back from anyone for this tweet.