The Gray Lady is Red Faced.

Keith J. Kelly & Andy Sattis, "Times They Are A-Lyin'," in The New York Post, December 29, 2011, at p. 5.

Something has been seriously amiss at The New York Times for a while.

I have reason to believe that Times reporters may have assisted in censorship and cybercrime efforts aimed against my blogs and me. No doubt this assistance from Times writers was provided in exchange for a small fee, possibly from persons in New Jersey. Does Jay Romano still "write" for the Times? ("Jay Romano and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "North Bergen, New Jersey is the Home of 'La Cosa Nostra.'")

Naturally, there is no worse offense for journalists than censorship. To help government officials or their unofficial employees to censor dissidents on-line amounts to a betrayal of everything the print media and all journalists should stand for in a free society -- especially in America during the post-Watergate and post-Lewinsky era.

Journalists risk their lives in many countries in the world to report the facts of corruption in their governments. My experiences in New York -- including public cybercrime and censorship -- are ignored by U.S. media. ("What is it like to be censored in America?" and "How censorship works in America" then "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")

A critical and independent media is all that working men and women, or the poor, can count on to guard their interests in a society where government -- including the judicary -- has been coopted or bought by corporate power. The same corporations now own 98% of all media as well as 99% of politicians in the United States. ("Is Menendez For Sale?")

Arthur "Pinch" Sulzberger is alleged to be a rabid Republican who has allowed -- or been compelled to grant -- Right-wingers access to the pages of The New York Times.

This once family-owned (I am sure the Times is now a publicly-traded company) and much-esteemed newspaper which is and has been for some time in sharp decline -- in order to compensate, I guess, for a so-called "liberal bias" in the media -- has decided to permit a "Right-wing bias" in the articles of some dubiously-styled "reporters." ("Justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal.")

These alleged "reporters" are obviously front-persons for various Conservative politicians, as I and many others believe, who not only disseminate the usual Right-wing drivel, but do so in dismal prose unworthy of a great newspaper. I cannot abide wretched writing in the pages of a newspaper I have read with respect and admiration for decades. ("Manohla Dargis Strikes Again!" and "'The Reader': A Movie Review.")

Boundaries between journalists and government officials are necessary to the media's independence -- to the extent that there is such a thing as "independence" in the press anymore -- even as these boundaries are transgressed or violated all the time.

It boggles the mind that the U.S. lectures to other nations about a "free and independent media" when politicians are writing newscopy through hired goons or corrupt journalists using transparent aliases. Politicians -- like Iliana Ros-Leghtinen -- are responsible for news stories, ostensibly written by journalists, accountable for objective and neutral coverage of the actions of the very same government officials telling them what to write, allegedly, or how to slant coverage to benefit Republican positions. This is propaganda, not journalism.

This development is even more frightening than the emergence of something called "The Fox News Channel." The dishonesty and unethical nature of such developments, along with the betrayal of the First Amendment and journalistic ethics, as I say, is a sad and ominous twist on the growing corruption of power in our National Security State:

"It's another black eye for New York Times [sic.] publisher Arthur 'Pinch' Sulzberger. The Paper [sic.] of record yesterday sent out a deluge of 8.6 million e-mails begging people not to cancel their subscriptions, and first blamed spammers -- before finally fessing up to the 'mishap.' ..." (Post, p. 1.)

Not only was the Times caught engaging in these shameful shenanigans worthy of New Jersey's crooked politicians, but they LIED about it (again, like New Jersey's bosses), then tried to conceal the truth (coverup and stonewall), rather than reveal the truth, which is their job as journalists. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

Is there a New Jersey aspect to this fiasco at the Times? Are Jill Abramson and Debbie Poritz or Stuart Rabner "friends"? Mr. Sulzberger? Mr. Remnick at The New Yorker? Mr. Wieseltier at The New Republic? ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!" and, again, "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

The obligation to be forthright and candid in revealing ALL the facts is especially great when the newspaper of record itself is the "story," Mr. Sulzberger. ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "Herbert Klitzner's Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")

Continuing to ignore the decomposition of this crucial American institution, our free press, is dangerous because it undermines the U.S.'s faltering democracy. Newsmen and -women are not and should never be spear-carriers for government policy makers.

The Times is being beaten to this "scoop" by the Post. Perhaps "Manohla Dargis" or "Carlotta Gall" bears some responsibility for this latest catastrophe. Miguel Perez? "Jean-Paul Rathbone"? ("'Revolutionary Road': A Movie Review.")

According to the Times, the newspaper did not lie: " ... the newspaper had 'initially mischaracterized the mishap as spam.' ..." (Post, p. 5.)

Menendez-like weasel words notwithstanding, such a lie is unworthy of the Times. If you are going to lie, Mr. Sulzberger or (more likely) Jill Abramson, please have the decency to, as it were, "fess up" to your sin after you are caught. A creative explanation by way of mitigation may then be appropriate. Confession is not only good for the soul, but it may help with your circulation problems.

Allowing half-wits and illiterates, such as "Manohla Dargis" -- whatever name she/he is using this week -- or any other morons to review movies and/or world events damages a newspaper I happen to love that, for some mysterious reason, I still read on a daily basis.

We expect more from The New York Times, sir. If you do not attend to this matter soon, you may find yourself writing obituaries for the next ten years at The Daily News.

By the way, the Arts section is still barely readable while the Sunday Book Review is in extremis. You do not want the Times to become The New York Post. What could be worse than that? Nothing. Hint: Book reviews should be written by persons capable of reading books.

"The Gray Lady is red faced."

Post-Holiday Ills!

Americans are feeling the effects of overindulgence right about now. Stomachs are upset; heads ache; wallets are empty as everything goes on sale. On a national level the scene is depressingly similar.

Mr. Obama's charm is wearing thin as substance is lacking in efforts aimed at curing the nation's post-holiday ills. Iraq is falling apart more quickly than even I anticipated as divisions among sunnis and shiites are exploited by "factions" seeking to dismantle that nation's faltering alleged democracy.

America's "alliance" with Pakistan cannot be salvaged by our expressions of "regret" as distinct from necessary apologies. Pakistan has told us to "get lost" in diplomatic double-talk. Consequently, we have reduced the amount of financial aid (bribes) to that nation's government.

Even America's so-called "puppets" are no longer nice to us. Perhaps nations with an ancient history do not think of themselves as U.S. "puppets." ("Time to End the Embargo Against Cuba" and "China Warns of U.S. Cybercrime and Hegemony.")

The shattered alliance with Pakistan damages our efforts in the region much more than it hurts Pakistan which is getting cozy with China and with the Taliban as well as related factions in the region -- factions which will be around long after we are gone and, unlike the Americans, tend to refrain from murdering Pakistanis with robot bombs.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, attacks in Afghanistan have made it abundantly clear -- to the world if not to the U.S. media -- that the war in that country is unwinnable. The struggle outside Afghanistan's borders (not just within Pakistan) against Taliban fighters, Al Qaeda and the Haqqani network included, is made impossible by the logistical support provided to the enemy by military intelligence agencies from SEVERAL other countries.

Several countries wish America to remain stagnated in an unwinnable and costly military conflict that weakens us, every day, as our economy prevents further commitments to renewal of military hardware. Under these circumstances, economic saber-rattling against China is absurd.

None of this complex international reality is discussed intelligently in our coopted and corporate media.

The Republican field of presidential candidates looks like a special education class in one of New Jersey's worst schools with a single smart hoodlum thrown in (Gingrich) to make trouble for the teacher (Obama).

One shudders to think of any of the Republican candidates as President of the United States of America. Another four to eight years of imbecility in the White House (Mr. Perry?) may finish us off for the century.

On a personal level, every glance in the direction of the state of New Jersey reveals a yet more failed jurisdiction: Corrupt and incompetent courts and government together with a sold out legal profession and bribed judiciary acting in their own interest at the expense of litigants as well as the general public. Mr. Christie's criticisms of Garden State judges are highly apt and all-too correct.

Schools in New Jersey where experienced teachers are fleeing and/or demoralized, at best, if they remain as gluttons for punishment are in need of assistance. Instead, there are cutbacks and theft on a massive scale everywhere in public expenditures as $3.7 BILLION is spent on a non-existent shopping mall in New Jersey. ("Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")

New Jersey's legal ethics establishment is still in cover-up mode and stonewalling in response to my efforts to receive the torture files with the goal (I guess) of avoiding liability. The same entities, I believe, are responsible for public cybercrime and censorship aimed at silencing me in violation of the federal Constitution. ("What is it like to be censored in America?" and "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")

Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli are still walking the streets -- I am told that the latter "street-walker" has some legal troubles -- and more problems are on the way for both of those persons, rumors indicate. ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")

The symbolic gesture of smearing Garden State courtrooms with feces, on more than one occasion -- whoever may be responsible for it -- is significant and apt. Perhaps New Jersey is on fire in more ways than one: Mr. Rabner may be the worst Chief Justice in the entire history of a much-soiled tribunal, followed closely by Deborah T. Poritz. (Compare "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" with "Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" then "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!")

Senator Bob is running for reelection on a "reliable corruption" platform. Richard J. Codey and Christopher Christie have promised to outdo one another in nasty commentary and indirect cooperation in nepotism and inefficiency in government. ("Is Menendez For Sale?")

This widespread corruption from his rivals makes Mr. Sweeney angry and envious: Why can't Sweeney be as evil as the other two Jersey Boys? Lack of opportunity and/or talent, perhaps. Sweeney makes up for it by being more of a thug than the other two -- and that's saying a lot. ("Is Stephen M. Sweeney, Esq. a Liar?" and "Is Christopher Christie, Esq. 'Mentally Deranged' and a 'Liar'?" then "Richard J. Codey, Esq. Immortalized on Canvas.")

Under the circumstances, what is one to do? My suggestion to one and all is to take a deep breath, keep your eyes on these blogs as new items focusing on New Jersey politics and law appear that make all previous criticisms seem like a dozen roses, struggle against the evil in Trenton, and never yield.

I plan to catch a movie some time this week, visit a museum, stroll through this lovely city, while thanking my lucky stars that I am not in New Jersey. Keep the illegal attacks coming from the OAE. Try not to get caught so easily. Do not throw bottles at me in public places where innocent persons may be injured, New Jersey. Shame on you, Mr. Rabner. Is there an attorney general in New Jersey? Mr. Chiesa? ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

Sources:

Jack Healy, "Clash On Regional Control Spurs Iraq's Sectarian Right," in The New York Times, December 24, 2011, at p. A1. ("Shiite leaders in Baghdad fight sunni push for greater power in the provinces." Various nations -- like Iran -- may wish to "assist" one side or the other.)

David D. Kirckpatrick, "March In Cairo Draws Women by Thousands," in The New York Times, December 21, 2011, at p. A1. (Anger at military over beating and humiliation of a woman undressed -- or stripped -- by soldiers before the eyes of the world. Television audiences witnessed the brutality, while so-called "virginity tests" for women are administered in private -- where no one can see them -- and these tactics have not helped the Egyptian military. Mr./Ms. Kirckpatrick, is this a real name or are you gesturing at Jeanne Kirckpatrick as a mentor? Does anyone at the Times use their real name anymore? How many of the people writing these articles are U.S. government officials or their minions? "Manohla Dargis"? No conflict of interest, Ms. Ros-Leghtinen?)

Michael Schmidt, & Tim Arango, "Vice President of Iraq Voices Sunnis' Anger as He Denies Ordering Killings," in The New York Times, December 21, 2011, at p. A14. (Tensions are quickly leading to a schism in Iraq.)

Robbie Brown, "Georgia Judge Accused of Misconduct Will Resign," in The New York Times, December 21, 2011, at p. A29. (Demented and violent, scurrilous and abusive as well as unethical judge will be forced to resign or move to New Jersey. Is it true that a similar fate awaits a notorious Cubanaza? Anne Rodgers, Esq.? Mr. Romankow?)

Eric Schmidt, "U.S. Report on Fatal Strike on Pakistani Soldiers Reveals Crucial NATO Delays," in The New York Times, December 27, 2011, at p. A4. (" ... a pivotal allied mistake was not warning Pakistan about the patrol ...")

Eric Schmidt, "U.S. Redraws Pakistani Ties With Limits," in The New York Times, December 26, 2011, at p. A1. (I doubt that the redrawing of "limits" upon a bilateral relationship will be unilateral. New agreements will affect security and logistics for all U.S. troops in the area.)

New Jersey Persists in its Political Corruption.

December 23, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. I am among those who often find the holidays more annoying than blissfully delightful. I welcome the chance to see a few family members and others I love, of course, while dreading the obligatory encounters with persons I detest -- persons whose lingering presence in my life is like a cancer that I cannot remove just yet.

To quote Richard Nixon, "Let me make one thing crystal clear": Anyone who cooperated with my enemies or betrayed my trust by assisting in the violations of my rights and then lying about it is hateful to me. I will not be able to avoid treating such persons in the manner that they deserve. Please do not approach me with a pretense at friendship if you are someone who claims to have known me in my New Jersey existence but whose actions, for a small fee, were "less than loyal." Hypocritical smiles from "persons" whose loathsome and false statements behind my back are now known to me are simply sad and sickening, especially from the good folks in suburban New Jersey. ("How censorship works in America" and "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")

Sam Dolnick, "New Jersey Company Is Given Contract It Lost," in The New York Times, December 15, 2011, at p. A34. ("Herbert Klitzner's Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")

"Over the summer, Essex County, N.J., abruptly canceled plans for a contract with a private company to house federal immigrant detainees after questions were raised about the sole bidder, a company with close ties to Governor Christie. But after county officials conducted a new round of bidding in October, the same company was again the only [emphasis added] participant, and on Wednesday night, county officials unanimously approved the contract."

I wonder how they "sweetened the deal" to lead local officials -- who were opposed to this obvious mutual back-scratching operation the first time around -- to accept this Faustian bargain? Money?

It is obvious that, if Guantanamo is closed, you can be sure that detainees or inmates currently confined and tortured at that facility will end up in sparkling new federal buildings, like this prison (that's what we're talking about here, a prison), in Essex County.

The African-American and blue-collar community in the Newark area is going to be stuck with these confined people who would be much better off in Stuart Rabner's neighborhood in Short Hills -- Is that Essex County, Stuart? -- or in the area of Mr. Christie's northern New Jersey office, Ridgewood, New Jersey. ("More Trouble for Ridgewood, New Jersey.")

For some reason, politicians and judges -- like Christie and Rabner -- are reluctant to live next door to a facility housing "the worst of the worst." However, they will be among the first to welcome the presence of such detainnees in the Garden State -- if the federal government adds some money to the request for their acceptance when it closes the Guantanamo prison. ("Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "New Jersey's Politically Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")

The government will close that infamous prison because the facility in Cuba has become an object of global scorn and humiliation for America. The people of New Jersey deserve better from their elected officials than a shady sweetheart deal like this, Mr. Christie. I wonder how much is coming back to Governor Christie under the table? ("U.S. Attorney Calls New Jersey Politics a Culture of Corruption.")

About 1,250 immigrants/detainees (amazingly similar to the total number of detainees now in Guantanamo and "elsewhere"!) will be housed at the new facilities for "approximately $50 MILLION."

Who will share in this loot? Republican friends of the Governor? How many of these friends are "local" people residing in Newark, New Jersey? Very few Republicans call Newark home. I wonder why that is? ("Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")

" ... Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Esq." -- better known as "Joey D" -- "the county executive hailed the deal as a victory for his administration and for the county."

I guess this answers my question: Joey D is going to make some money and so will his friends. The rest of the people in the county will get stiffed, as it were. Joey D is a "Turncoat Democrat" who breaks bread with Mr. Christie and is known to Sweeney and Codey as the "Godfather of the Barzzini family." Joey just "wants to wet his beak." ("Mafia Influence in New Jersey Law and Politics" and "Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?")

Essex County and a private company "close to" the New Jersey Governor will "profit from immigrant detention" at the expense, perhaps, of the public interest of most people in Essex County, some of that county is rural and absolutely beautiful, as are parts of Newark.

Who cares about the people in this urban area? Not their elected officials in this administration.

Mr. Christie, what happened to the crusading corruption fighter that you once were? Ambition? Do you really want to be Vice President of the United States, Mr. Christie? Wouldn't you prefer to be the Governor of New Jersey, Mr. Christie, ALL of New Jersey? ("Is Christopher Christie 'Mentally Deranged' and a 'Liar.'")

The company getting these contracts "Community Education" of West Caldwell, New Jersey -- Republican country! --"has donated to Mr. DiVincenzo's political campaigns, as have [its] senior executives and several members of [the CEO's] family."

Is this a way of getting around campaign finance laws, Mr. Christie? Have individual contributions come from wives, friends, one's dog in order to circumvent limits on individual donations?

"William J. Palatucci, [Esq.,] a senior vice president at the company, is one of Mr. Christie's closest friends and a former law partner [of the New Jersey Governor.]"

This depressingly familiar scenario of visible cronyism reminds us that the more things change in New Jersey the more they stay the same. Christie's people claimed to be ushering in a corruption-free era -- after the fiasco of the McGreevey administration -- only to collapse, quickly enough, into "business as usual." Are these my self-styled "ethical and intellectual superiors," Mr. Rabner? ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")

Democrats will be thrilled to see a Republican scam, for once, targeted by me as opposed to one of their many shady capers. Democrats will actually feel vindicated because, while Democrats often steal in Trenton, Republicans obviously do exactly the same thing. The notion that no one should be stealing the people's money will be regarded as utopian or romantic idealism suitable for Connecticut, perhaps, but never for New Jersey. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Cement is Gold!" then "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")

Stuart Rabner will demur; the New Jersey Bar Association will offer an ICLE course on legal issues in land use and municipal practice in graft situations. Everybody will be happy -- except for the little people, of course, who in Mr. Nixon's favorite phrase: "get shafted."

A list of sources detailing further corruption and incompetence in New Jersey's political and legal system will be added to this essay in the days ahead.

Sources:

New York and the World:

Dennis Overbye, "Data Hints at Elusive Particle, but The Wait Continues," in The New York Times, December 14, 2011, at p. A10. (Have we found the Higgs field boson? Too soon to tell, but it looks like we have identified the source of all matter in the universe.)

Brian Greene, "Waiting for the Higgs Particle," in The New York Times, December 15, 2011, at p. A39. (Have we really discovered the ultimate reality of all being or what Stephen Hawking described as "the mind of God?" Empirical verification of a priori knowledge and theory at last? Ideas and idealism vindicated? Looks that way.)

New Jersey's Nightmare:

James Quirk & Kibret Marcos, "Suspect Failed Drug Tests: Ex-Cop in Wood-Ridge Killing Struggled On Probation," in The Record, December 14, 2011, at p. A-1. (One of many New Jersey cops suffering from substance abuse and other emotional troubles resulting in criminal activity. Mr. Romankow, allegedly?)

Jeff Pillets, "Insurance Broker Draws FBI Scrutiny: Had Lucrative Deals With Town, Agency," in The Record, December 14, 2011, at p. A-1. (Crooked brokers kickback to politicians who then let them in for a piece of the action in terms of public expenditures. Does this sound familiar, Senator Bob? Is Lilian Munoz, Esq. still your front person and partner on closings and real estate deals, Bob? Mark Elias? Were these lawyers at "The Philosophy Cafe" at MSN? If so, why? At whose request were the attacks on my sites launched, Senator? Any of my so-called "relatives" and "friends" involved in those efforts against me -- for a small fee -- at "The Philosophy Cafe"? Give my regards to the twins, Bob.)

Herb Jackson, "Corzine Denies Role in Misuse of Funds: But Overseer Disputes Ex-Governor's Account On Client Moneys," in The Record, December 14, 2011, at p. A-1. (Corzine "dipping"? Or only incompetent, as usual?)

Peter J. Sampson, "Doctors Charged With Taking Bribes From Test Facilities," in The Record, December 14, 2011, at p. A-3. (A kickback scheme for New Jersey doctors subjecting patients to tests and TREATMENTS deemed unnecessary in order to scam medicaid funds, allegedly, including phantom tests for non-existent patients with the assistance of crooked lawyers and politicians. Hudson County? Is it true that one New Jersey man had his appendix removed three times? That almost sounds like criminal fraud: "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!")

Jarett Renshaw, "Christie Ends Security Detail Used by Codey: Ousts 2 Officials Close to Democrat," in The Record, December 14, 2011, at p. A-4. (Christie continues his war with Codey by removing Codey's security detail hoping that Bob Menendez will agree with other Democrats to approve the Governor's appointees in order to avoid further bloodshed in Trenton.)

John Petrick, "Man, 40, On Trial in Rape of Girl, 12, Charges Are Based on 2005 Assaults," in The Record, December 14, 2011, at p. L-1. (Frank Smith assaulted and raped a 12 year-old girl in the state that leads the nation in the volume of child sex matters: "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Senator Menendez For Sale?")

Ryan Hutchins, "Mayor's Salary Chopped by a Third -- Rahway Overturns Veto, Passes Nepotism Ban," in The Star Ledger, December 14, 2011, at p. 29. (Rick Proctor, Mayor of Rahway, had his salary cut from $65,000 to $20,809 -- this will not affect cash in envelopes, if any, for Mr. Proctor's "consultation services" -- as part of a political coup aimed at ousting the mayor from office. Who is behind this operation? Codey? I think the mayor is still overpaid. As for a "nepotism ban" in New Jersey, people are still laughing.)

Jarett Renshaw, "Christie's Actions Get Message to Codey: Senator's Security Detail Stripped, His Friend Fired After a Public Spat," in The Record, December 14, 2011, at p. 1. (Codey and Christie duke it out. Christie by a TKO. Codey has a Constitutional argument on First Amendment grounds. Each says the other is an idiot. I think they are both right.)

Abrazo.

William Grimes, "Polemicist Who Slashed All, Freely, With Wit," in The New York Times, December 16, 2011, at p. A1. ("Hermano: An Evening With Christopher Hitchens.")

Christopher Hitchens, Unacknowledged Legislation: Writers in the Public Sphere (New York & London: Verso, 2000).

Christopher Hitchens, Hitch-22: A Memoir (New York & Boston: Twelve, 2010).

It is rare when one has the opportunity to meet a personal hero. I have enjoyed such meetings on several occasions. One of these meetings -- or "encounters," as they say in California -- was with Christopher ("The Hitch") Hitchens. ("Fidel Castro's 'History Will Absolve Me.'")

This encounter took place before Lewinsky scandal fame and controversial reversals of position on C-Span, centering on what he called "Islamofascism," transformed Christopher into an object of villification for the very people who once sang his praises. I am here to sing his praises, to sing of "arms" (any computer keyboard) and the man (generous, funny, sharp, passionate).

The "late" Mr. Hitchens -- the man who arrived twenty minutes late to every auspicious occasion in his life, or so he claimed -- was a "wordsmith" in the true meaning of the term. He cared passionately about the written word. Language's power to move hearts and minds was never very distant from Christopher's thoughts or from the cadences of his speech. ("Shakespeare's Black Prince" and "An Evening With Gore Vidal.")

Our shared masters of the word included Evelyn Waugh, Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw, Graham Greene and Gore Vidal. Among Christopher's friends (fortunate man) were Martin Amis, Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan and Julian Barnes -- all of these men have been my teachers, by way of their books, in the use of the written word in our GLORIOUS English language. ("Playing Snookers With Martin Amis" then "Lord Malquist and Mr. Moon" and "John Updike and My Grub Street Blues.")

"The Hitch" displayed the obvious virtues of an Oxford University education (PPE) obtained during the era when this school could claim to be the best in the world (what is it like today?) at training eager young minds: precision in speech and thought, wit as a weapon against powerful and pompous politicians, identification with the poor and powerless, Anglo-American obsession with the rights of conscience and expression of each and every person, learning and scholarship that was lightly worn and made available to others -- like an exquisite meal offered to a guest at Christopher's home. We thank you, Mr. Hitchens, for not skimping on the wine of your genius.

The pleasures and instruction derived from devouring Hitchens' prose are the closest many of us will come to an Oxford tutorial session for which this humble reader is also deeply grateful. I am sad and angry that death has taken one more hero of the pen from the world leaving us with many versions of, say, Bob Menendez in politics and law. ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?")

"It was" -- the Salman Rushdie affair that was so similar to my adventures in New Jersey and on-line -- "if I can phrase it like this, [that became] a matter of every thing I hated versus every thing I loved. In the hate column: dictatorship, religion, stupidity, demagogy, censorship, bullying, and intimidation. In the love column: literature, irony, humor, the individual, and the defense of free expression. ..."

Hitch-22, p. 268.

Please see the Preface to Hitchens' collection of essays listed above and "What is it like to be plagiarized?" as well as "How censorship works in America" then "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review."

We laughed and spoke, candidly, about the future and death's thieving tendency to take opportunities from us. I suggested that Christopher should write a political novel focusing on Bill Clinton's Shakesperean contradictions. He said I should write one, too. I promised that I certainly would buy his book.

I will not quote what Christopher said, specifically, by way of a response. We laughed, again, discussed Vidal (before whom we must bow our heads if we are partial to Disraeli-like political novels), then Christopher paused, speaking softly, he said: " ... when I think of someone like that, [Gore Vidal,] ... I don't know ... [then unspoken, but said:] whether I have much to add."

I know, Christopher, even if you did not. Your words will live in the hearts and minds of many readers, like me. Your example -- whether I am in agreement or the opposite -- of courage in debate and fearless struggle for principles of ethical-political life has served me well at difficult moments of comparable struggle against Cuban-American "fascists," who are very similar to the persons you despised and fought against throughout your life. There are always plenty of them -- fascists of every variety -- against whom to take up arms. ("Hypocrisy" then "Irrationalism" and "American Hypocrisy and Luis Posada Carriles.")

I loved you, Christopher, for your determination to see war criminals charged with their crimes; for your insistence on Salman Rushdie's genius and freedom as an artist; for your concern that smaller nations, like Cuba, be treated fairly by being RESPECTED in their self-definitions concerning national identity and philosophy; for your wonderful Englishness and American iconoclasm; for your passionate Bardolatry; for your kindness to me, and for much more.

A few writers become intimate friends who share our lives in crises and at moments of joy. Christopher Hitchens was such a writer for me, as only one of his many and growing number of readers. I will miss him. Abrazo.

"Peacemaking may not need to be termed a blessed or sanctified activity, suffering may be an experience to be recalled with sobriety rather than banished or obliterated in mind, and redemption will begin when the life of all free citizens is enhanced in common by music and letters and philosophy, and the qualities of eloquence and irony, and when it may be fairly said, in no mean city, that when we hear the word 'gun' we reach for our culture."

Unacknowledged Legislation, p. 107.

Justice for Mumia Abu-Jamal

December 13, 2011 at 9:55 A.M. My television signal was obstructed this morning even as my profile page continues to be altered by hackers, possibly from the police department in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Also, the Union County Prosecutor, Mr. Romankow (who represented Mrs. Fallat in her divorce matter years ago and may have discussed me with her daughter at some point) could have something to do with the cybercrimes committed against these blogs and me over many years.

I wonder whether Mr. Romankow also had something to do with Tuchin's interrogational hypnosis of me in 1988? Is it true that there was a romance between Mr. Romankow and his "protege," Anne Rodgers? Would such a thing be "ethical," especially for a member of the Union County Ethics Committee? Has the Union County Prosecutor allowed for entry into the homes of persons close to me, or for thefts from such persons, or for much worse that has been done to me? I wonder why there are so many allegations of racism against the Union County Prosecutor's Office which concentrates on African-American defendants in its law enforcement efforts and does so little about political corruption for some mysterious reason? Has Mr. Romankow received cash or other compensation from his "friends" in the Cuban-American community in Elizabeth, New Jersey to go after me at any time in my life? ("New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")

I cannot say whether allegations of corruption at the Union County Prosecutor's Office are accurate. I do not know the nature of the relationship between Terry Tuchin and officials in Union County or New Jersey. Allegations that Ms. Rodgers is a racist cannot be confirmed. ("Larry Peterson Cleared by DNA" and "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" then "Is Senator Menendez For Sale?")

December 12, 2011 at 12:37 P.M. My blog was altered today by hackers. I am unable to access "Critical Vision" from my dashboard. My blog profile has been damaged. I cannot access that profile or see the bottom of the profile page. The number of hits received at these blogs cannot be determined accurately. No images can be posted by me as a result of this censorship. I will try to continue working at public computers and writing at these blogs. I do not know whether I will be able to return to these sites from one day to the next. I will do my best to avoid bottles thrown at me in public places. I prefer that attacks be aimed at me and not at my family members. ("Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?")

For information about Cuba and coverage of matters such as Mumia Abu-Jamal's case from a non-U.S. perspective, see: CUBA UPDATE, 124 West 23rd Street, New York, N.Y. 10011, (212) 242-0559; Fax (212) 242-1937. http://cubanctr@igc.org

Timothy Williams, "30 Years After Officer's Killing, Inmate Will Leave Death Row," in The New York Times, December 8, 2011 at p. A22. (Manohla Dargis? Iliana Ros-Leghtinen?)

Mumia Abu-Jamal is a symbol of the failures and racism of the American legal system, just as I have become emblematic of hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech and legal ethics in the United States. ("How censorship works in America" and "What is it like to be plagiarized?" then "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")

Mr. Abu-Jamal is treated with unique disregard for legality and utter disdain for his human and Constitutional rights. In the words of Bishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Laureate, Mr. Abu-Jamal can only be considered a "torture victim."

Mr. Abu-Jamal, who is identified in this Times article as "black," was sentenced to death for the killing of officer Daniel Faulkner, whom he allegedly shot several times in the back of the head, AFTER Mr. Abu-Jamal had himself been shot in the chest.

The absurdity of the so-called "facts" in this case is self-evident. No one who is shot in the chest will get his gun in a leisurely fashion in order to stroll over to the person shooting him so as to then fire at the original shooter.

Mr. Abu-Jamal claimed at the time of the shooting that another person had fired at the officer. An unrelated African-American inmate has since confessed to the shooting, according to Amnesty International. Referring to Mr. Abu-Jamal as a "murderer" in The New York Times does not alter the genuine legal issues that remain unresolved in this important case. ("American Hypocrisy and Luis Posada Carriles" and "Cubanazos Pose a Threat to National Security!")

A Circuit Court concluded that racism contaminated both the fact-finding and penalty phases of Mr. Abu-Jamal's proceedings and that, therefore, Mr. Abu-Jamal could not be executed.

Under the circumstances, the appropriate remedy is to commute the death penalty to life imprisonment making Mr. Abu-Jamal elligible for parole, immediately (after nearly 30 years of incarceration), rather than to determine, unilaterally (without a new factual proceeding concerning the correct penalty to be imposed), to deny the right to parole to Mr. Abu-Jamal. 

Was there any new sentencing evaluation or psychological report of Mr. Abu-Jamal before the imposition of a new sentence? If not, there is no objective basis for the new sentence which offends due process and equal protection, since other persons sentenced must receive sentencing reports.

The unavailability of witnesses precluding the prosecutors from pursuing a death penalty that is now permanently off the table is irrelevant on this issue concerning Mr. Abu-Jamal's right to parole today. 

If parole is denied, unfairly and illegally, then it is appropriate for Mr. Obama to grant a pardon in this matter ending the long dark night of the soul for Mr. Abu-Jamal and America.

No ex post facto laws can be applied to the sentencing decision. The applicable law is the statute in effect at the time of the alleged homicide, not the "life sentence without parole" for killing a police officer provision of a subsequently enacted law.

No one condones shooting at a police officer or murder. There are serious doubts concerning guilt and legal "irregularities" in Mr. Abu-Jamal's matter that transcend the undoubted horror and evil in the killing of a police officer, anywhere and at any time, by anyone.

This new sentence that is imposed arbitrarily and capriciously, without a new factual basis, or even (again) an updated sentencing report provided by witnesses or examining experts, is an unconstitutional usurpation by the prosecutor of a judicial and jury function under the law: setting or determining the appropriate sentence under all the circumstances for this defendant is exclusively for a tribunal to decide. Accordingly, there are separation of powers, due process, equal protection and other Constitutional issues that are still unresolved and simply IGNORED in Mr. Abu-Jamal's case.

Worse, the sentence amounts to a punishment for Mr. Abu-Jamal's expression of political opinions and for his philosophical ideas as a writer. A similar unofficial sanction and daily attempts at "gagging" (silencing) are imposed on me by New Jersey's cybercriminals and censors in denying me access to the Internet and censoring as well as suppressing my writings, as in the cyberattack today. 

I can only hope that international audiences are witnesses to these events. Is this censorship and computer-crime "ethical," Mr. Rabner? ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")

Mr. Abu-Jamal is indeed a "tortured dissident" who is subjected now to what is essentially a "bill of attainder" -- or unconstitutionally prescribed prosecutorial sentence -- based on notoriety and/or for the content of his opinions, without due process of law, in a discriminatory fashion, outside the boundaries of the applicable statutes and cases, only because the defendant-appellant is Mumia Abu-Jamal. 

Prosecutors are unilaterally rewriting the sentencing laws of Pennsylvania in devising this unique sentence for Mr. Abu-Jamal because the cops do not like his politics. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

Bills of attainder (like Star Chambers) are prohibited by the Constitution of the United States of America, as is censorship and suppression of political expressions. ("What is it like to be censored in America?" and, again, "How censorship works in America.")

For as long as such tactics are visible to persons concerned with justice in many places in the world, the struggle for freedom for this revolutionary fighter, Mr. Abu-Jamal, will continue.

Already a street has been named for Mr. Abu-Jamal in Paris, France. Other nations recognize and honor Mr. Abu-Jamal's achievement and importance, notably in Africa and Latin America, including Cuba in consideration of human rights. ("Freedom for Mumia Abu-Jamal" and "Mumia Abu-Jamal and the Unconstitutionality of the Death Penalty.")

Given the levels of corruption and racism in this matter, executive clemency on the part of President Obama, in the form of a pardon, is more than appropriate as I continue to insist. 

A pardon -- which could also be granted by the Governor of Pennsylvania -- would finally end the suffering for Mr. Abu-Jamal. The struggle to resolve all of the legal issues in this case will certainly continue for the foreseeable future. ("America's Holocaust" and "Give Us Free!")

A list of sources detailing further corruption and ineptitude in New Jersey's judiciary and politics will be attached to this essay in the days ahead. Vandalism of this essay must always be expected.

Sources:

Patrick McGeehan, "Unusual Move by Christie In Fued Over Judgeships," in The New York Times, December 13, 2011, at p. A28. (Paula Dow, Esq. will be assigned to the Port Authority to control OT theft until she can be confirmed as a Superior Court Judge in Essex County. Ms. Dow was afraid to act as Attorney General. Maybe Paula will do better in her new job. Trenton Democrats refuse to confirm Christie's appointees. James Chiesa, Esq. is "acting" Attorney General -- whatever that means -- until he is confirmed. This absence of a chief law enforcement official in New Jersey may explain the attacks on my blogs and television signal yesterday, including violations of copyright law with respect to my profile. Ms. Dow will substitute for Christopher Hartwyk, Esq. -- Richard J. Codey's cousin -- who, apparently, was "sharing" Port Authority OT payments generously. Mr. Hartwyk yanked down $215,000 last year, plus OT. Give my regards to Richard, Chris.)

"The Abu-Jamal Case," (Editorial) in The New York Times, December 13, 2011, at p. A34. (Mr. Abu-Jamal should be considered for parole and no sentence is strictly a prosecutorial matter. Mr. Posada-Carriles is a murderer, Ms. Ros-Leghtinen, allegedly of course, but you continue to protect him while claiming to favor "law and order." I believe that I saw Ms. Ros-Leghtinen some time ago in New York regarding me with some curiosity. Invicta Watch Company, Ms Ros-Leghtinen? "Swisserland"?)

Charles C. Krulak & Joseph P. Hoar, "Guantanamo Forever?," in The New York Times, December 13, 2011, at p. A35. (The U.S. Congress is considering a bill to allow "indefinite detention" without trial and, already, government is using drones to spy on the U.S. population, according to "Democracy Now." http://www.democracynow.org/ Persons, like me, critical of government policies may be "incarcerated without trial, indefinitely, for the expression of political opinions" if these laws are passed.)

"Stop Internet Criminals From Stealing Our Jobs," (Advertisement) in The New York Times, December 13, 2011, at p. A23. ("Creative America" calls on readers to support the Protect IP Act and the Stop On-line Piracy Act even as items from my blog are stolen and my intellectual property rights are ignored. It is alleged that the U.S. government is seeking filters and censorship powers akin to those in China -- or worse -- and in other nations that we criticize for violating dissidents' rights: "What is it like to be plagiarized?" and "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")

Elizabeth Rosenthal, "Used Batteries From U.S. Expose Mexicans to Risk," in The New York Times, December 9, 2011, at p. A1. (Who cares about the little brown people? "Little Brown Men Are Only Objects For Us" and "John Rawls and Justice." Please see: ''Michael Clayton': A Movie Review.")

Herb Jackson, "Christie Calls Obama a Failure," in The Record, December 8, 2011, at p. A-1. (The pot calling the kettle "black.")

Kibret Marcos, "Suspect Arrested in Luring Attempts: Allegedly Solicited 12 Girls in Five Towns," in The Record, December 8, 2011, at p. A-1. (I wonder whether somebody paid off prosecutors to look the other way at this activity that can be so lucrative? More follow-up on this will arrive soon.)

Frank Eltman, "Missing Woman's Clothes, ID Found," in The Record, December 8, 2011, at p. A-5. (Police think New Jersey "prostitute," Shannan Gilbert, was murdered in Long Island. You can't refer to this young woman -- she was 18 years-old at her death -- as something other than a "prostitute" at the hour of her murder? "Abuse and Exploitation of Women in New Jersey" and "Not One More Victim!")

Herb Jackson, "Corzine Apologizes But Can't Explain: 'Stunned' by MF Global Loss of $1.2 BILLION From Clients," in The Record, December 9, 2011, at p. A-1. (550,000 arrested for protesting corporate greed and participating in the "Occupy Wall Street" demonstrations; zero arrested among Wall Street's thieving financiers. Mr. Corzine does "not know" why money "disappeared," just as Jaynee LaVecchia can't explain what happened to $300 MILLION in the HIP scam. You try that as a minority attorney in New Jersey. My accounts were reconciled. I did not take a penny from any client. Allegedly, I am "unethical." Mr. Corzine is "ethical" -- along with his friend, Stuart Rabner and Angelo "The Horn" Prisco.)

Ben Protess & Azam Ahmed, "Confusion Follows a Claim That Corzine Knew of a Funds Transfer," in The New York Times, December 14, 2011, at p. B1. (Not only was Mr. Corzine clearly aware of "funds transfers" taking place at MF Global, including "APPROPRIATIONS" of $175 million in customer funds to "cover" gaps from one branch of the firm to another, but Mr. Corzine was also sheltering some of his own assets in anticipation of the collapse of the firm, allegedly. All of this theft was made possible by politically-connected lawyers: "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce" and "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")

Joel Schectman, "West Milford Utility Balks at State Timetable," in The Record, December 8, 2011, at p. L-1. (More scams for the Jersey Boys?)

Nick Clunn, "No Pension for Ex-Paterson Mayor: Plea by Tax Evader Barnes Fails to Sway Board," in The Record, December 8, 2011, at p. L-1. (Former Paterson Mayor Martin Barnes served 2 years in prison for tax fraud and will not get a state pension. This is fortunate since much state money for pensions was placed in the market by people -- like Jon Corzine -- gambling illicitly, allegedly, with taxpayer funds hoping to make a profit. Mr. McGreevey? Maybe Mr. Barnes wants to be a judge so he can get a pension from the New Jersey judiciary.)

Does N.J. Teacher Andrew Brown Abuse Children?

December 8, 2011 at 3:15 P.M. -- A-train at 175th Street platform: A bottle was thrown into a stopped subway train nearly striking and injuring (possibly severely) a woman sitting directly before me and spilling its contents on to the floor as well as other passangers. If this missile was intended for me -- as I think likely -- by New Jersey's "minions," then members of the public in New York are also being endangered and are not safe, Mr. Kelly. I hope such a state of affairs is unacceptable in this city. There are better ways to disagree with people, Mr. Menendez and the Cuban American National Foundation. ("What is it like to be censored in America?" and "How censorship works in America?")

Erik Shilling, "Teacher Charged in Sex Sting On the Web," in The Record, November 23, 2011, at p. L-3.

"Bergen County authorities arrested an elementary school teacher [emphasis added] on Tuesday on charges of engaging in sexually explicit conversations over the Internet with someone he believed to be a 14 year-old child." ("New Jersey Superior Court Judge is a Child Molester" and "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" then "Neil M. Cohen, Esq. and Conduct Unbecoming to the Legislature in New Jersey.")

The problem of child sexual abuse is worse in New Jersey than in most -- possibly, all -- other states. This is true not only in Atlantic City, which may lead the nation in the production of child porn, allegedly, but throughout the Garden State -- including Elizabeth, New Jersey.

It must be said that this problem of child abuse is not caused by the Italian mafia, which is smart enough to stay away from these matters, but the pervasiveness of the problem is often due to Cuban-American organized crime. ("New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Senator Menendez For Sale?" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks.")

"Andrew Brown, 38, of South Plainfield also allegedly exposed himself on a webcam to the 'child,' who was actually an undercover investigator, Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said in a statement. Brown is a SECOND GRADE [emphasis added] teacher at Woodruck Elementary School in Edison."

"Brown was charged with two counts each of attempting to endanger the welfare of a minor and attempted criminal sexual contact, Molinelli said. He was being held Tuesday on $25,000 bond at the Bergen County jail in Hackensack." ("Another Child Molesting New Jersey School Teacher" and "New Jersey is the Home of Child Molesters.")

I am not going to second-guess bail decisions because there is a presumption of innocence entitling a defendant to bail, especially when there are no prior convictions and plenty of so-called "ties to the community." 10% is usually sufficient to get out of jail on a bond option. If this is correct, then Mr. Brown could hit the streets on a posting of $2,500 cash with the use of a bail bondsman.

In my opinion -- unless there are facts that I am not aware of based on this news account -- this is an insane outcome given the gravity of these charges. Bail should be set at $100,000 cash, no bond.

The child sex "industry" generates millions of dollars in New Jersey and Florida that pays for political protection. There is no other explanation possible for the continuation and thriving of this loathsome "business" and activity in New Jersey. Plenty of women in the sex trade are victimized by the same monsters hurting children and purchasing get-out-of-jail-free cards from corrupt politicians. ("Abuse and Exploitation of Women in New Jersey" and "More Child Abuse in New Jersey" then "Cubanazos Pose a Threat to National Security!")

Drastic action to control the cesspool of corruption that is New Jersey is needed from the federal government. Mr. Holder, please take the necessary actions to bring some semblance of legality and order or decency to what is clearly a failed jurisdiction. New York is "successful" in controlling such horrors; New Jersey continues to fail in these efforts. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")

A list of sources detailing many further recent examples of corruption, ineptitude, and unethical conduct in New Jersey's legal profession as well as the state's soiled courts and politics will be attached to this essay in the days ahead.

Sources:

Rod Nordland, "Sectarian Attack Kills at Least 60 In Afghan Cities: Worshipers Are Targeted," in The New York Times, December 7, 2011, at p. A1. (We will see more attacks and suicide bombings in Afghanistan and Iraq after the killing of 24 Pakistani soldiers. Iran's downing of a U.S. drone, which the State Department claimed did not exist, as part of an "unacknowledged" program has created a new embarassment for American foreign policy.)

Juliet Fletcher, "N.J. Saves Little On Reform of Health Benefits," in The Record, December 6, 2011, at p. A-1. (Few people are opting for cheap health insurance. I wonder whether Mr. Christie has cheap health insurance for himself and his family? I doubt it.)

Charles Stile, "Energized Democrats Don't Hold All the Cards," in The Record, December 6, 2011, at p. L-1. (Democrats in Trenton are "preening" after their recent "retention of control" of the legislature. The people of New Jersey are not preening after devastating economic decline largely due to corruption in their party. Anyone found Mr. Corzine's $1.2 BILLION? Mr. Corzine says that he "does not know where the money is." Perhaps it is with the $300 MILLION lost by Ms. LaVecchia in the HIP scam? "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Jaynee LaVecchia and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")

Chris Harris, "Child Porn Suspect Barred From Teaching," in The Record, December 6, 2011, at p. L-6. (More New Jersey child sex issues. He can still be a Superior Court Judge.)

Kibret Marcos, "Suspect Arrested in Luring Attempts: Allegedly Solicited 12 Girls in Five Towns," in The Record, December 8, 2011, at p. A-1. (Possibly one of many "Coyotes" or "Den Mothers" and "Den Fathers" recruiting children for organized crime groups in New Jersey, often doing so with legal protection. I will be writing about this matter in the future. How many of you raped Marilyn? Diana? "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")

Juliet Fletcher, "Powers of Persuasion Land Town Contracts: Vendors Turn On Salesmanship at State Convention," in The Record, November 23, 2011, at p. A-1. (Hustlers were "obtaining" state contracts from municipal officials by circumventing state "undue influence laws in public contracting" and not through mere "salesmanship." Bribery?)

Shawn Boburg, "Toll Hikes Fail to Lift Agency's Outlook: Port Authority Debt Increasing," in The Record, November 23, 2011, at p. A-3. (The PA financial outlook is not rosy. Christie will take $1.8 BILLION from the PA for road repair fearing theft and overtime. Are theft and overtime overlapping categories for the PA's "architects and engineers"? CBS news reported on December 9, 2011 at 11:00 P.M. that PA officers were taking home more than $200,000 in overtime, in some cases, possibly by working as many as fifty hours of overtime per day.)

Susan K. Livio, "Audit Questions $35 MILLION in Medicaid Billing: NJ May Owe US in Dispute Over Mental Health Services," in The Record, November 25, 2011, at p. A-3. (New Jersey's health services consist of warehousing and chemical lobotomy for which fraudulent billing at the expense of the tax payers usually follows: "A Killing in New Jersey's House of Healing.")

Joel Schectman, "Feds Probe Vandalism at Water Authority: West Milford Facilities Damaged in 15 Incidents," in The Record, November 26, 2011, at p. L-1. ("The Department of Homeland Security said Friday there is an 'ongoing investigation' into what officials have called sabotage at the township's water and sewage treatment systems." Rumors of further damage have appeared since this story was published. Kids? Perhaps this is related to allegations that feces were placed in several Garden State courtrooms.)

Kim Luddiki, "Police Chief Blasts Mayor For Blocking Call-In Show: Top Cop Must Get Saddle Brook's OK," in The Record, November 26, 2011, at p. L-1. (Censorship by cops in New Jersey? OAE? Is censorship by the OAE "ethical," Mr. Rabner? "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")

Jerry Markom, "Terrorist Exposes FBI, Police Strains," in The Record, November 27, 2011, at p. A-1. (NYPD doesn't trust the feds; feds really don't trust anybody in New Jersey (I don't blame them!); NYPD and feds don't trust New Jersey's Attorney General; Homeland Security doesn't trust any of these law enforcement agencies. Do you feel safe and secure knowing the chaos in these various agencies efforts to protect you? Is this what we have learned from 9/11? What is the "terror threat level" in New York today?)

David Kravetz, Esq. is a Smart Lawyer!

December 6, 2011 at 1:20 P.M. Developments in New Jersey will require additional essays examining legal and political corruption in the Garden State.

Kibret Marcos, "Attorney Says Scam Left Him Deep in Debt: Lawsuit Highlights Potential Risks of Investing in 'Life Settlements,'" in The Record, November 28, 2011, at p. A-1.

"Gerald Kapilof," a scam artist protected (for years) in New Jersey with connections in the banking industry, was behind a number of insurance scams targeting "naive" lawyers, like David Kravitz, Esq., of Cliffside Park, New Jersey -- a town previously famous for a global prostitution ring serving the "needs" of former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer. ("New Jersey's Prostitution Ring and New York's 'Pay-For-Luv-Guv.'")

" ... what made the whole scheme possible, according to [a] lawsuit, was a dubious loan approved by a T.D. Bank official in Ramsey, who provided the financing with FULL KNOWLEDGE that the money was going to be spent on a high-risk bet that was peddled as a low-risk investment." (emphasis added!)

Sounds like the Wall Street bankers before the credit "bubble" burst. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Cement is Gold" then "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")

I wonder whether Senator Menendez benefitted, secretly, from real estate deals involving the "twins" as brokers in Union City? Did Mr. Garcia have "friends" in banks helping with his shady deals? I wonder how my old friend Ramon Gonzales, Esq. is doing these days? Was Mr. Gonzales "fronting" for North Bergen officials when he was meeting, secretly, with clients from my former office? Or was Mr. Gonzales doing favors for "Senator Bob"? Is all of this conduct from members of the New Jersey Bar Association "ethical"? Do you speak to me of "ethics," gentlemen? ("Jay Romano and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "New Jersey's Politically Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")

Debbie Poritz is -- or was -- a "friend," allegedly, of Mr. Kravitz, who is said to be a former member of the Bergen County Ethics Committee, although recent financial pressures may raise doubts about his trust account -- or they would if Mr. Kravitz were a minority group member. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")

Mr. Kravitz, a lawyer for many years and a man in his seventies, is reportedly "naive" and was tricked by a con artist out of $400,000. ("Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court" then "New Jersey's Judges Disgrace America.")

I wonder whether Debbie Poritz was "scammed" by Diana Lisa Riccioli out of money (or favors) when the two women were lovers, allegedly? When do I get the torture files, Stuart Rabner? ("Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")

Mr. Rabner, my matter cannot be swept under the rug any longer.

Crimes by OAE officials and others must be examined by federal and other non-New Jersey law enforcement officials. To the extent that New Jersey's legal system is genuinely concerned with the ethics of attorneys and judges, some effort must be made, promptly, to right a great wrong. Time is of the essence.

There must be some members of New Jersey's legal profession with the remnants of conscience that would allow for honesty and decency in acknowledging what I have described as well as established to be their foul and repellent system so as to make necessary amends. ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System" then "Abuse and Exploitation of Women in New Jersey's Legal System.")

Members of the African-American community urge state officials to "get tough on crime." ("America's Holocaust" and "Give Us Free!" then "Stuart Rabner's Selective Sense of Justice.")

Sources:

AP, "All-White Church OKs Ban On Interracial Couples," in The Record, December 1, 2011, at p. A-10. (A spreading "mandate from heaven" to promote racism has not been greeted by protests from any Republican official. What do you say, Mr. Gingrich?)

Nick Clunn, "OT Pay On Time Sheets: Department Heads' Signatures Cited by Personnel Director," in The Record, December 1, 2011, at p. L-1. ("Mayor Jeffrey Jones and other salaried employees were paid overtime for responding to Hurricane Irene ..." I wonder what work they did during this overtime? Maybe they were at the Port Authority building.)

Monsy Alvarado, "Wrongful Arrest Suit Dismissed: Plaintiff Claimed Ridgefield Mayor [Anthony Suarez] Caused Emotional Harm," in The Record, December 1, 2011, at p. L-2. (Ridgefield Mayor and alleged Menendez man, Anthony Suarez, who escaped indictments and trial for corruption, may be behind these arrests of an alleged political enemy from "Moonachie," New Jersey: "Suarez Goes On Trial" and "Suarez Gets a Walk!")

Kibret Marcos, "Family Man Killed by Cop Awarded $2 Million: Tribal Member Shot in '06," in The Record, November 29, 2011, at p. A-1. (More allegations of criminal violations of the rights of people by New Jersey law enforcement in the killing of a Native-American protester: "Driving While Black [DWB] in New Jersey" and "Give Us Free!" then "Larry Peterson Cleared by DNA.")

Kimberly Dozier, "Mistaken ID Blamed in Deaths: 24 Pakistani Soldiers Killed in Air Raid," in The Record, November 29, 2011, at p. A-9. (U.S. claims "mistake" in the deaths of 24 Pakistani soldiers.)

Saeed Shah & Nancy Youseff, "U.S. Calls Fatal Airstrike 'Defensive Move': Orders Probe in Assault Deaths of 24 Pakistanis," in The New York Times, November 28, 2011, at p. A-7. (I thought the U.S. said, offically and on the record, that these killings were a "mistake"? If so, then how could a "mistake" be a deliberate "defensive " move? Is it possible that the U.S. government is lying? New Jersey's government always lies, but until now the federal government is usually careful about its facts.)

John H. Cushman, Jr., "Condolences From Obama Over Deaths In Pakistan," in The New York Times, December 5, 2011, at p. A8. (No apology only "condolences" because President Obama does not wish to give the Republicans an issue, regardless of the humanitarian considerations for an apology, thus pleasing no one. If there is no U.S. fault involved or military "error," why express condolences for a "defensive act" in war time?)

"Reinforcing the Case For a Strong Public Records Act," in The Record, November 29, 2011, at p. A-13. (NJ gives lip-service to open file and sunshine laws while denying records of tortures and other human rights violations to victims, like me, of government criminality. Again: "Larry Paterson Cleared by DNA" and "Give Us Free!")

Nick Clunn, "Three Hearings This Week On Irene Overtime: Paterson Officials' Response at Issue," in The Record, November 29, 2011, at p. L-1. (More allegations of theft from Hurricane Irene emergency funds.)

Jeffrey L. Fisher, "The Bill of Rights Doesn't Come Cheap," in The New York Times, December 2, 2011, at p. A30. (So-called "forensic experts" must be subject to confrontation and cross-examination, Ms. Poritz, including your friends Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli. This right to confrontation is crucial for victims of experts' incompetence: "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture." Do you speak to me of "ethics" at the OAE? No OAE cover-up will now succeed, "ladies and gentlemen." "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

Al Baker, "Foreign Twist to Latest Case Involving Mob and Strippers," in The New York Times, December 1, 2011, at p. A32. (Abuse and exploitation of women is made possible by corrupt politicians, allegedly: "Is Menendez For Sale?" and "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry.")

"The Supreme Court's Recusal Problem: The Justices Undermine Their Credibility and Public Trust Without Clear Conflict Rules," (Editorial) in The New York Times, December 1, 2011, at p. A38. (Justices must recuse themselves when they have clear conflicts or they will become as discredited as New Jersey's laughable "justices." "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court" and "New Jersey's Supreme Court Implosion.")

"The True Costs of Privacy Invasion," (Editorial) in The New York Times, December 3, 2011, at p. A23. (Heinous violations of human rights to privacy and autonomy go unpunished, as in New Jersey.)

Zach Patberg, "Extra Costs Can Swell Contracts for County Work: $2.5 MILLION Added to the Initial Price of Capital Projects For This Year Alone," in The Record, November 28, 2011, at p. L-1. (I wonder where the additional $15 MILLION total in cost overruns for New Jersey county contracts went? "Cement is Gold." Is this New Jersey's legal ethics, Mr. Rabner?)