Juliet Fletcher, "Courts Are a Fallible Target for Christie: Contempt, Criticism, Come as No Surprise," in The Record, February 20, 2012, at p. A-1.
Tensions between New Jersey's Governor Christopher Christie and lawyers as well as the state's soiled judiciary -- a judiciary stained by continuing allegations of disgusting political corruption -- have escalated. No wonder they want to stop me from writing. ("How censorship works in America" and "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")
There is much wringing of hands over Mr. Christie's struggle against Stuart Rabner's highly politically-partisan Supreme Court and the state bar association's efforts to undermine political reform efforts at the request of forces which have grown accustomed to the legal system's protection of their power while their enemies are targeted for professional destruction. ("New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")
"... 'Where we've gotten off the tracks here is that the Supreme Court has acted like a superior branch of government, not a coequal branch of government,' Christie said in April, 2009."
Allegations of bribes -- as well as the assumption of intellectual or moral "superiority" attributed to Mr. Rabner -- in the form of support for appointments to the Superior Court bench in exchange for judges "cooperation" with organized crime and the state's dirty politics have been common for years. Politicians like judges who are indebted to them. ("George E. Norcross, III, is the Boss of New Jersey's Politics and Law.")
Conventional wisdom among lawyers indicated that fifteen to twenty-five thousand dollars in cash would buy you an appointment to the Superior Court bench, after ten years in practice. A little more money would get you past the bar association's evaluations and the OAE's secret so-called "four-way check." I will be delighted to name lawyers who said such things to me.
The primary consideration for approval of judicial performances was and is loyalty to the Democratic machine's "bosses." This may explain why Mr. Menendez has escaped ethics actions or criminal charges. ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" then "Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")
"This pattern of politicizing the judicial branch is leading to the loss [of] public trust in the courts" -- New Jersey's judges have lost the right to ask for that trust! -- "says one analyst tracking the issue. And that loss of trust and increased partisanship come at the same time as lawmakers, activists and others try to push the state's policies through the courts to test political ideas to their limit."
As Alexander Hamilton wrote, the courts do not have funding power nor the military means to enforce their rulings. Courts rely on the other branches of government. When courts usurp non-judicial powers by presuming to legislate in areas where they lack expertise, a practice that has plagued the Poritz-Rabner courts (hubris?), the result is catastrophic for the Constitutional balance of powers. I do not believe that Mr. Rabner is intellectually or morally "superior" to other persons. ("New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court" and "New Jersey's Political and Judicial Whores.")
Well-intentioned efforts at social meliorism that have disastrous effects which are harmful to everyone, including the court itself, must be curtailed and the damage must be controlled. Ignoring this situation may be suicidal, Mr. Rabner.
Judges, like Paul De Pascale and his "crony" (Governor Christie's term) Linda Feinberg, both of whom sought to exempt themselves from austerity cuts that affected all public employees, are partisan political operators for corrupt forces in New Jersey and self-interested agents undermining trust in a failed judicial system. Judges in the Garden State are too often unethical and grossly incompetent. ("New Jersey's Political and Judicial Whores" and "New Jersey's Judges Disgrace America.")
" ... Christie repeatedly called Feinberg's rulings 'self-interested.' He also questioned Stuart Rabner's decision to recuse himself from the case, saying he was disappointed and would have preferred Rabner to lead rather than [Poritz "crony"] Virginia Long." ("Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Mr. Rabner has tried to protect Deborah T. Poritz, allegedly -- by preventing charges that she traded judicial favors, or made "convenient mistakes," in exchange for lesbian sex -- from reaching a docile media. Is Jill Abramson of the Times a friend of Ms. Poritz or Mr. Rabner? ("New Jersey Supreme Court's Implosion" and "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest" then "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!")
Mr. Rabner's willingness to shelter politically- or otherwise "connected" litigants (Angelo "The Horn" Prisco) and the Chief Justice's behind-the-scenes political activities (Mr. Rabner is well aware of the allegations in these blogs and of the Trenton source of the cybercrime I struggle against) on behalf of influential law firms that, no doubt, show their appreciation during the holidays, must be unacceptable in a Chief Justice of an American jurisdiction.
Mr. Rabner is far from neutral or disinterested in this unseemly PUBLIC spectacle of corruption and cover-ups as regards my matters. Mr. Rabner, your lack of concern for ethics or legality in the system over which you preside is troublesome for all who care about law in America. ("Legal Ethics and Legality" and "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")
A list of examples of corruption in New Jersey's political and legal system will be attached to this essay in the days ahead -- I hope -- despite Trenton's cybercrime and censorship.
Have you no sense of decency, Mr. Rabner?
Sources:
New York & the World:
Raphael Minder, "Spanish Judge Is Acquitted of Abusing His Authority," in The New York Times, February 28, 2012, at p. A8. (Disbarment will proceed; criminal charges have been dismissed.)
Tim Arango, "Iraq's Prime Minister Gains More Power After Political Crisis," in The New York Times, February 28, 2012, at p. A8. (4,477 U.S. service members killed in Iraq, including Staff Sergeant AHMED AL-TAIE, 41, this week; 1,884 in Afghanistan, new riots there after U.S. burns Korans; 100-125,000 Americans wounded in all regional conflicts.)
Frank Bruni, "It's a College, Not a Cloister," (Op-Ed) in The New York Times, February 28, 2012, at p. A25. (Mr. Santorum's proud anti-intellectualism.)
Rick Gladstone, "At Work in Syria, Times Correspondent Dies," in The New York Times, February 17, 2012, at p. A1. (If U.S. government entities continue to use names like "Manohla Dargis" to insert text in newspapers, real journalists will be placed in peril. U.S. media must be independent of government. Someday, the American press will be free and independent.)
"Small Thinking: Rick Santorum's Blame Government Platform is Worryingly Predictable," in The New York Times, February 17, 2012, at p. A26. (Mr. Santorum's bizarre locutions are so "snobbish.")
Declan Walsh, "Taliban Gaining More Resources From Kidnapping," in The New York Times, February 20, 2012, at p. A1. (Taliban preparing to return to power after riots in Afghanistan.)
Tim Arango, "Deadly Car-Bomb Attack Shatters Calm in Baghdad," in The New York Times, February 20, 2012, at p. A5. (Iraq continues to fall apart. Americans continue to be wounded and killed after the "end" of military hostilities.)
John Markoff, "Phyicists Create Single-Atom Transistor, A Crucial Step Towards a Nanocomputer," in The New York Times, February 20, 2012, at p. A8. (This is, possibly, the most important story in science of many years and it is not very well appreciated by many readers.)
Trip Gabriel, "Santorum Defends Remarks on Obama and Government Role in Education," in The New York Times, February 20, 2012, at p. A11. (The purpose of education is not to make us "snobs," but to allow us to recognize beauty, goodness, and meaning in our lives and make us better citizens.)
"Trust and the Supreme Court: With Public Doubts Rising, the Justices Should Commit to More Transparency," (Editorial) in The New York Times, February 20, 2012, at p. A18. (Courts belong to the people and legal processes should never threaten or undermine legality or democracy.)
New Jersey's Nightmare:
Harvey Lipman, "Agency Paid Son of CEO $2 MILLION: Official Under Fire For Hefty Nest Egg Defends Contracts," in The Record, February 26, 2012, at p. A-1. ("A local non-profit ... paid nearly $2 MILLION over nine years to a construction company owned by the son of retiring CEO, federal tax records show." This is alleged misuse of taxpayer money.)
Matt Friedman, "Top Court Overturns Assemblywoman's Election," in The Star Ledger, February 17, 2012, at p. 23. (New Jersey Supreme Court meddles in politics, again, allegedly at the request of political bosses opposed to the election of GABRIELA MOSQUERA, said to be a reformer and corruption fighter.)
J. Rundquist & J. Portnoy, "Christie Unveils 20 School Projects: He Vows No Politics in Construction Plans," in The Star Ledger, February 16, 2012, at p. 1. ("Cement is Gold." Will Christie control corruption in the Soprano State?)
Herb Jackson, "Menendez Turnaround Gives Some GOP Pause," in The Star Ledger, February 16, 2012, at p. 26. (Menendez is "petty and vindictive" in Patty Schwartz confirmation, allegedly. "Boss Bob Holds a Grudge.")
Mathew Perrone, "Counterfit Cancer Drug Makes Its Way to Doctors in the U.S.," in The Record, February 16, 2012, at p. A-10. (New Jersey corruption makes the state ideal for child sexual exploitation and for bogus drugs distributed throughout the country that kill many persons. Many of these drugs arrive in the U.S. by way of Latin America even if they originate in China.)
Peter J. Sampson, "FBI Conficates Data at Hudson Finance Agency," in The Record, February 17, 2012, at p. A-3. (Problems for lawyers and others in Hudson County involved in a real estate industry sheltered from fraud, often enough, by public officials entrusted with protecting consumers -- like the OAE focusing on unethical conduct by politically-connected attorneys that is winked at while minority solo attorneys are harassed. Lilian Munoz, Esq.? Nydia Hernandez, Esq.? Maybe Senator Bob will help with your troubles, ladies.)
Scott Fallon, "Highlands Council OKs Gas Pipeline: Vote Follows Outcry From Critics," in The Record, February 17, 2012, at p. L-1. (Allegations of corruption explain, allegedly, local officials disregard for environment and loss of forest land in allowing for gas pipelines. Will "fracking" be next?)
Mary Ann Spoto, "Assembly Says Yes to Gay Marriage," in The Star Ledger, February 17, 2012, at p. 1. (Assembly says, yes; Christie says no. Let's take it to the people not on the definition of marriage, but on whether all persons have the equal right to define marriage for themselves: "Is There a gay Marriage Right?")
Matt Friedman, "State Withholds Union City Aid Until Mayor Makes Good On Claim," in The Star Ledger, February 17, 2012, at p. 27. (My old friend Mayor Brian Stack may have LIED in state forms seeking public funds: "Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?" and "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.")
Julia Terrero, "Caretaker Guilty of Neglecting Elderly Friend: Victim, 92, Lived in Accused's Hillside Home," in The Star Ledger, February 17, 2012, at p. 23. (Barbara Brookman, represented by Myron Bledock, Esq., may have stolen from and otherwise abused "longtime friend" and elderly tenant. Trust account troubles, Mr. Garcia? Ms. Kricko? Ray Gonzales? Are these my "ethical superiors," Mr. Rabner? Did these attorneys and others cooperate in efforts to solicit grievances against me by OAE officials acting illegally?)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
More in Sadness Than in Anger.
February 28, 2012 at 1:25 P.M. Yesterday, I attempted to sign-in after reserving computer number #1 at the New York Public Library (Inwood). I was prevented by a blocking of the library's home page from signing-in. The implication of this "tactic" was that I would be unable to regain access to my blogs if I signed-in. I closed the session with the full 45 minutes left on the reserved time.
Denials of access to the Internet and opportunities to write is more New Jersey censorship, I believe, "induced frustration" as well as anxiety generated in accordance with so-called "psychological torture techniques." ("Torture" and "How censorship works in America.")
I do not know if I will be able to write at this blog from one day to the next. I will try to write on-line every day. If more than two days pass without alteration of these blogs, this silence will not be voluntary. (See my forthcoming essay with sources listed: "New Jersey's Unethical Judges.")
I am not providing my list of unethical judges or criticisms of the Garden State's judiciary, but only quoting and commenting on the statements of Governor Christie and others throughout the country and the world. ("Legal Ethics and Legality" and "New Jersey's Judges Disgrace America.")
I will attempt to create a blog elsewhere on-line -- if I am prevented from writing here -- so that this process of censorship and suppression based on Trenton's cybercrime may begin again. ("New Jersey Supreme Court's Implosion" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")
I suggest to Mr. Rabner that he continue to deny any knowledge of this matter for as long as possible. ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!" and "Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
"Power is not a means; it is an end. [Terry Tuchin agrees.] ... The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power."
1984, III, 3. ("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.")
Denials of access to the Internet and opportunities to write is more New Jersey censorship, I believe, "induced frustration" as well as anxiety generated in accordance with so-called "psychological torture techniques." ("Torture" and "How censorship works in America.")
I do not know if I will be able to write at this blog from one day to the next. I will try to write on-line every day. If more than two days pass without alteration of these blogs, this silence will not be voluntary. (See my forthcoming essay with sources listed: "New Jersey's Unethical Judges.")
I am not providing my list of unethical judges or criticisms of the Garden State's judiciary, but only quoting and commenting on the statements of Governor Christie and others throughout the country and the world. ("Legal Ethics and Legality" and "New Jersey's Judges Disgrace America.")
I will attempt to create a blog elsewhere on-line -- if I am prevented from writing here -- so that this process of censorship and suppression based on Trenton's cybercrime may begin again. ("New Jersey Supreme Court's Implosion" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")
I suggest to Mr. Rabner that he continue to deny any knowledge of this matter for as long as possible. ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!" and "Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
"Power is not a means; it is an end. [Terry Tuchin agrees.] ... The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power."
1984, III, 3. ("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.")
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Derek Parfit's Ethics.
Derek Parfit, On What Matters, Volume 1 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012).
Derek Parfit, On What Matters, Volume 2 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012).
Philip Kitcher, "The Lure of the Peak," in The New Republic, February 2, 2012, at p. 30.
Larissa MacFarquhar, "How to be Good," in The New Yorker, September 5, 2011, at p. 43. (Shameful.)
Juan Galis-Menendez, "The Mind/Body Problem and Freedom," http://www.criticalvision.blogspot.com/2007/02/mindbody-and-freedom.html
Juan Galis-Menendez, "How to be Good," in http://www.againstdarkarts.blogspot.com/
Philip Kitcher's review of Derek Parfit's massive two-volume examination of ethical theory is marred by a final section which could not have been written by the ostensible author of this article.
I suspect that a person (or persons) writing as "LARISSA MACFARQUHAR" is responsible for a concluding section of this review which undermines the preceding argument to the extent that the article-review contains any effective argument against or in opposition to Parfit's book.
I focus on a few difficulties in the reviewer's response to Professor Parfit's work: 1) the relation between religion and ethics; 2) the anthropological confusions and claims in some remarkable parts of this essay; 3) the worse confusions concerning "naturalism" and problems with Parfit's purported reconciliation of Kantian deontological theory with his Sidgwick-based teleological commitments. Parfit's curious form of consequentialism dates at least from Reasons and Persons (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1984).
These commitments and Parfit's elaborations of them make his theory reminiscent of rule-utilitarianism in the style of Richard Brandt. The significance of Parfit's "fusion approach" and suggested resolution of the time-honored conflict between the "right and the good" is ignored by TNR's reviewer.
Derek Parfit's goal in his more recent work is to dissolve the tension between the right and the good that has plagued philosophy since Kant. The jury is still out on whether Parfit has succeeded in this effort. Unfortunately, this reviewer will not be very helpful for readers seeking to come to terms with Parfit's efforts or importance.
1. Ethics and Religion.
"From Plato on, most philosophers have denied that the will of a deity could have anything to do with what is required of us." (p. 30.)
This is a bizarre statement for a professor of philosophy to make. What about Jesus or Muhammad, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Maimonedes, Bishop Berkeley, Kierkegaard, Simone Weil, Gabriel Marcel and so many others in the Western tradition alone who see ALL human knowledge as "participation in God's divine essence"?
No answer to this question is provided by Professor Kitcher. Most philosophers, including those within secular traditions (Karl Marx), have traced the origins of moral awareness to vital religious traditions and spiritual values -- even as those traditions and values are criticized -- recognizing or celebrating a unique importance and value to human lives.
Persons are necessarily moral subjects worthy of respect as well as attention in all religious traditions. The relation between religion and ethics, in other words, may be much more subtle than a matter of "commands" issued by a deity. ("Is it rational to believe in God?" and "Jacques Derrida's Philosophy as Jazz.")
Among the strange and unsupported historical generalizations by Professor Kitcher is the claim that " ... for at least a century philosophers have known that this kind of [ethical] knowledge is mistaken." (p. 34.)
For at least a century, in fact, many philosophers -- like Brand Blanshard, Paul Weiss, or John Rawls, who is mistakenly mentioned as a "naturalist" in ethics, have agreed with Professor Parfit on this issue. (p. 35.)
Ralws is actually a Kantian deontologist -- and, unlike Professor Parfit, an opponent of utilitarianism -- whose a priori foundations in ethics and contractarianism in politics are nonetheless deemed helpful by Parfit in his fusion theory. ("John Rawls and Justice" and "Roberto Unger's Revolutionary Legal Theory.")
Rawls and Robert Nozick also agree with Parfit, as ethical cognitivists and objectivists, that there is indeed ethical truth and that moral philosophy yields "objective knowledge" of the human world of meanings that is distinct from scientific knowledge of empirical facts. ("Bernard Williams and Identity" and "Immanuel Kant and the Narrative of Freedom" then "John Searle and David Chalmers on Consciousness.")
Facts must be judged or INTERPRETED in terms of values. Accordingly, evaluation is concerned with applying values to fictional or actual cases where they can be tested. ("John Finnis and Ethical Cognitivism" and "Why I am not an ethical relativist.")
Albert Einstein (magic elevator, train moving at the speed of light), Steven Hawking (falling into a black hole), Brian Greene (string theory on video) -- all have made use of thought experiments in physics. Judith Jarvis Thomson and Martha Nussbaum, John Rawls and Robert Nozick have used fictional cases extensively in their philosophical writings. Derek Parfit is in good company. ("The 'Galatea Scenario' and the Mind/Body Problem.")
2. Anthropology.
Another weird statement in this review concerns the origins of ethical life that were, allegedly, based on "fifty thousand years" of social experimentation with ethical rules through "discussion and debate" -- an assertion that is unsupported by any footnote. (p. 35.)
Writing and civilization as well as sophisticated abstract thought made possible by language are regarded as about 5,000 years-old. Arnold Toynbee or the historian of your choice should make this issue clear for you. Hence, this statement about 50,000 years of social experiments with ethical ideals is not only factually wrong, but absurd.
The real difficulties for Parfit's position, which the author of section 4 of this essay-review is not competent to discuss, concerns the scope of "naturalism" -- which is poorly defined and understood by the reviewer -- and how the understanding of "naturalism" as distinct from "scientism" relates to Parfit's effort to transcend the debate favored by Kantians (while remaining a Kantian) centering ethical life on the "right action" over the "good result." ("Out of the Past" and "F.H. Bradley's Absolute.")
Parfit offers a priori foundations for what is essentially a non-naturalistic form of teleology that is respectful of science, making use of right action to effectuate optimal outcomes or good results. Useful comparisons to the works of R.M. Hare and P.F. Strawson are obvious.
Does Parfit resolve the tensions between the ideas brought together in his theory?
I suggest that students may wish to compare the works of T.M. Scanlon and Bernard Williams as adversaries and partners in discussion with Professor Parfit on this question.
The TNR reviewer, apparently, does not know and/or can not say how Parfit meets his challenge of reconciliation, that is, if he/she has actually read Parfit's book.
I doubt that at least one of the persons writing this review has read -- or is capable of reading -- Parfit's work.
3. "Naturalism"
As for "naturalism," you either accept limitation in thought to natural facts (a limitation which is not itself a "natural fact") or you go beyond such facts to formulate principles or values allowing for the resolution through judgment of ethical controversies.
You either accept the fact/value distinction or you reject or limit that distinction to permit objective ethical knowledge and understandings to emerge.
Even philosophers who accept the fact/value distinction may defend the objectivity of ethical judgments.
This reviewer begins by accepting the fact/value distinction and ends by abandoning it, perhaps unknowingly leaving it behind thereby proving Parfit's point. The reviewer accepts an undefined "naturalism," allegedly, while admitting nevertheless that:
"The changes come about not through recognition of some special ethical fact, hitherto unappreciated, but through the discovery of natural facts, about people, their capacities, sufferings, and aspirations, on the basis of which there are new probabilities for mutual engagement." (emphasis added, p. 35.)
Ethical theories and values are "built on" natural facts while not themselves being natural facts. Evaluation is concerned with the interpretation of natural facts that provide the scientific basis for conclusions of value, decisions about right and wrong, good and evil. This is the opposite of a defense of "naturalism" and the "fact/value distinction," these concepts do not designate the same thing or have the same meaning. ("Nihilists in Disneyworld" and "Nihilism Against Memory.")
It follows from the reviewer's own language that no natural fact can establish ethical conclusions (fact/value) even if they are, somehow, ESSENTIAL to such conclusions.
This concession by the reviewer undermines the fact/value distinction, again, or "Hume's Guillotine." On the assumption that you wish to hang on to the fact/value distinction this reviewer's statement makes no sense. ("Hilary Putnam is Keeping it Real.")
This is the dilemma that Parfit wishes to resolve. This novel position ("let's get beyond the fact/value distinction") is shared with Roberto Unger and found in pre-modern philosophy (no fact/value problem) from Aristotle and Aquinas to John Finnis and virtue ethics today.
Parfit wishes to resolve the opposition between teleology and deontology. Please see H.L.A. Hart's classic essay "Between Utility and Rights."
The fact/value problem only enters Western philosophy with David Hume. I refer readers to Alasdair McIntyre's important book, After Virtue. A number of philosophers have attempted to square this circle, that is, to overcome the fact/value problem, notably Catholic philosophers and Hilary Putnam, also Iris Murdoch. This review is self-contradictory and, occasionally, ridiculous. I cannot believe that it was written by Philip Kitcher.
The realization that the reviewer of Professor Parfit's seminal scholarly work (whoever that person or persons may be) is unaware of what the book is about is shocking and sad.
Readers of TNR deserve better than this article, as does Derek Parfit.
Derek Parfit, On What Matters, Volume 2 (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2012).
Philip Kitcher, "The Lure of the Peak," in The New Republic, February 2, 2012, at p. 30.
Larissa MacFarquhar, "How to be Good," in The New Yorker, September 5, 2011, at p. 43. (Shameful.)
Juan Galis-Menendez, "The Mind/Body Problem and Freedom," http://www.criticalvision.blogspot.com/2007/02/mindbody-and-freedom.html
Juan Galis-Menendez, "How to be Good," in http://www.againstdarkarts.blogspot.com/
Philip Kitcher's review of Derek Parfit's massive two-volume examination of ethical theory is marred by a final section which could not have been written by the ostensible author of this article.
I suspect that a person (or persons) writing as "LARISSA MACFARQUHAR" is responsible for a concluding section of this review which undermines the preceding argument to the extent that the article-review contains any effective argument against or in opposition to Parfit's book.
I focus on a few difficulties in the reviewer's response to Professor Parfit's work: 1) the relation between religion and ethics; 2) the anthropological confusions and claims in some remarkable parts of this essay; 3) the worse confusions concerning "naturalism" and problems with Parfit's purported reconciliation of Kantian deontological theory with his Sidgwick-based teleological commitments. Parfit's curious form of consequentialism dates at least from Reasons and Persons (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1984).
These commitments and Parfit's elaborations of them make his theory reminiscent of rule-utilitarianism in the style of Richard Brandt. The significance of Parfit's "fusion approach" and suggested resolution of the time-honored conflict between the "right and the good" is ignored by TNR's reviewer.
Derek Parfit's goal in his more recent work is to dissolve the tension between the right and the good that has plagued philosophy since Kant. The jury is still out on whether Parfit has succeeded in this effort. Unfortunately, this reviewer will not be very helpful for readers seeking to come to terms with Parfit's efforts or importance.
1. Ethics and Religion.
"From Plato on, most philosophers have denied that the will of a deity could have anything to do with what is required of us." (p. 30.)
This is a bizarre statement for a professor of philosophy to make. What about Jesus or Muhammad, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Maimonedes, Bishop Berkeley, Kierkegaard, Simone Weil, Gabriel Marcel and so many others in the Western tradition alone who see ALL human knowledge as "participation in God's divine essence"?
No answer to this question is provided by Professor Kitcher. Most philosophers, including those within secular traditions (Karl Marx), have traced the origins of moral awareness to vital religious traditions and spiritual values -- even as those traditions and values are criticized -- recognizing or celebrating a unique importance and value to human lives.
Persons are necessarily moral subjects worthy of respect as well as attention in all religious traditions. The relation between religion and ethics, in other words, may be much more subtle than a matter of "commands" issued by a deity. ("Is it rational to believe in God?" and "Jacques Derrida's Philosophy as Jazz.")
Among the strange and unsupported historical generalizations by Professor Kitcher is the claim that " ... for at least a century philosophers have known that this kind of [ethical] knowledge is mistaken." (p. 34.)
For at least a century, in fact, many philosophers -- like Brand Blanshard, Paul Weiss, or John Rawls, who is mistakenly mentioned as a "naturalist" in ethics, have agreed with Professor Parfit on this issue. (p. 35.)
Ralws is actually a Kantian deontologist -- and, unlike Professor Parfit, an opponent of utilitarianism -- whose a priori foundations in ethics and contractarianism in politics are nonetheless deemed helpful by Parfit in his fusion theory. ("John Rawls and Justice" and "Roberto Unger's Revolutionary Legal Theory.")
Rawls and Robert Nozick also agree with Parfit, as ethical cognitivists and objectivists, that there is indeed ethical truth and that moral philosophy yields "objective knowledge" of the human world of meanings that is distinct from scientific knowledge of empirical facts. ("Bernard Williams and Identity" and "Immanuel Kant and the Narrative of Freedom" then "John Searle and David Chalmers on Consciousness.")
Facts must be judged or INTERPRETED in terms of values. Accordingly, evaluation is concerned with applying values to fictional or actual cases where they can be tested. ("John Finnis and Ethical Cognitivism" and "Why I am not an ethical relativist.")
Albert Einstein (magic elevator, train moving at the speed of light), Steven Hawking (falling into a black hole), Brian Greene (string theory on video) -- all have made use of thought experiments in physics. Judith Jarvis Thomson and Martha Nussbaum, John Rawls and Robert Nozick have used fictional cases extensively in their philosophical writings. Derek Parfit is in good company. ("The 'Galatea Scenario' and the Mind/Body Problem.")
2. Anthropology.
Another weird statement in this review concerns the origins of ethical life that were, allegedly, based on "fifty thousand years" of social experimentation with ethical rules through "discussion and debate" -- an assertion that is unsupported by any footnote. (p. 35.)
Writing and civilization as well as sophisticated abstract thought made possible by language are regarded as about 5,000 years-old. Arnold Toynbee or the historian of your choice should make this issue clear for you. Hence, this statement about 50,000 years of social experiments with ethical ideals is not only factually wrong, but absurd.
The real difficulties for Parfit's position, which the author of section 4 of this essay-review is not competent to discuss, concerns the scope of "naturalism" -- which is poorly defined and understood by the reviewer -- and how the understanding of "naturalism" as distinct from "scientism" relates to Parfit's effort to transcend the debate favored by Kantians (while remaining a Kantian) centering ethical life on the "right action" over the "good result." ("Out of the Past" and "F.H. Bradley's Absolute.")
Parfit offers a priori foundations for what is essentially a non-naturalistic form of teleology that is respectful of science, making use of right action to effectuate optimal outcomes or good results. Useful comparisons to the works of R.M. Hare and P.F. Strawson are obvious.
Does Parfit resolve the tensions between the ideas brought together in his theory?
I suggest that students may wish to compare the works of T.M. Scanlon and Bernard Williams as adversaries and partners in discussion with Professor Parfit on this question.
The TNR reviewer, apparently, does not know and/or can not say how Parfit meets his challenge of reconciliation, that is, if he/she has actually read Parfit's book.
I doubt that at least one of the persons writing this review has read -- or is capable of reading -- Parfit's work.
3. "Naturalism"
As for "naturalism," you either accept limitation in thought to natural facts (a limitation which is not itself a "natural fact") or you go beyond such facts to formulate principles or values allowing for the resolution through judgment of ethical controversies.
You either accept the fact/value distinction or you reject or limit that distinction to permit objective ethical knowledge and understandings to emerge.
Even philosophers who accept the fact/value distinction may defend the objectivity of ethical judgments.
This reviewer begins by accepting the fact/value distinction and ends by abandoning it, perhaps unknowingly leaving it behind thereby proving Parfit's point. The reviewer accepts an undefined "naturalism," allegedly, while admitting nevertheless that:
"The changes come about not through recognition of some special ethical fact, hitherto unappreciated, but through the discovery of natural facts, about people, their capacities, sufferings, and aspirations, on the basis of which there are new probabilities for mutual engagement." (emphasis added, p. 35.)
Ethical theories and values are "built on" natural facts while not themselves being natural facts. Evaluation is concerned with the interpretation of natural facts that provide the scientific basis for conclusions of value, decisions about right and wrong, good and evil. This is the opposite of a defense of "naturalism" and the "fact/value distinction," these concepts do not designate the same thing or have the same meaning. ("Nihilists in Disneyworld" and "Nihilism Against Memory.")
It follows from the reviewer's own language that no natural fact can establish ethical conclusions (fact/value) even if they are, somehow, ESSENTIAL to such conclusions.
This concession by the reviewer undermines the fact/value distinction, again, or "Hume's Guillotine." On the assumption that you wish to hang on to the fact/value distinction this reviewer's statement makes no sense. ("Hilary Putnam is Keeping it Real.")
This is the dilemma that Parfit wishes to resolve. This novel position ("let's get beyond the fact/value distinction") is shared with Roberto Unger and found in pre-modern philosophy (no fact/value problem) from Aristotle and Aquinas to John Finnis and virtue ethics today.
Parfit wishes to resolve the opposition between teleology and deontology. Please see H.L.A. Hart's classic essay "Between Utility and Rights."
The fact/value problem only enters Western philosophy with David Hume. I refer readers to Alasdair McIntyre's important book, After Virtue. A number of philosophers have attempted to square this circle, that is, to overcome the fact/value problem, notably Catholic philosophers and Hilary Putnam, also Iris Murdoch. This review is self-contradictory and, occasionally, ridiculous. I cannot believe that it was written by Philip Kitcher.
The realization that the reviewer of Professor Parfit's seminal scholarly work (whoever that person or persons may be) is unaware of what the book is about is shocking and sad.
Readers of TNR deserve better than this article, as does Derek Parfit.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Legal Ethics and Legality.
February 15, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. I was forced to Yahoo's home page when I signed-in at New York Public Library (Inwood) computer number #6 today. I suspect that this is part of the continuing effort to deny me access to these blogs or to prevent my writing on-line.
I will not sign-in -- or attempt to sign-in -- anywhere but at these blogs.
Continuing cyberwarfare makes writing difficult. Only one letter was altered in this text overnight. If more than two days pass without alteration in the contents of this blog or new essays being posted, it is probably against my will that I am prevented from writing. ("How censorship works in America.")
Rafael Mendes & Marlene Simons, "Spain's High Court Suspends Prominent and Divisive Rights Judge for 11 Years," in The New York Times, February 10, 2012, at p. A4.
Mary L. Dudziak, "This War Is Not Over Yet," in The New York Times, February 16, 2012, at p. A31.
Noam Chomsky, 9-11 (Berkeley: Seven Stories, 2001), entirety.
Mark Danner, Abu Ghraib: The Politics of Torture (Berkeley: North Atlantic, 2004), entirety.
"MADRID -- Spain's Supreme Court on Thursday convicted the crusading human rights judge Baltazar Garzon of illegally ordering wiretapping in a corruption case and suspended him from the court for 11 years."
Judge Garzon achieved international fame when he sought to indict Agusto Pinochet, former Chilean dictator and alleged mass murderer, for "crimes against humanity" during the General's visit to London.
The indictment effort against General Pinochet was unsuccessful, sadly, because Mr. Pinochet had many influential British friends, including former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. ("Menendez Charged With Selling His Office.")
Judge Garzon still faces severe criminal charges that may result in his disbarment and even more sanctions. I believe that it was a mistake to shelter Mr. Pinochet from liability. I also agree with Judge Garzon that the actions of Mr. Bush and his Vice President, Mr. Cheney, may have brought those American leaders into conflict with international human rights laws even if they do not descend to the level of General Pinochet's mass murders and "disappeared' as well as tortured political enemies.
It saddens me to realize that American political leaders may be subject to intense hatred in the world today as a result, largely, of Bush/Cheney policies that have made the U.S. a symbol of illegality in some places in the world. ("Is America's Legal Ethics a Lie?" and "American Doctors and Torture.")
I thought at the time -- when efforts to indict Bush and Cheney failed -- that Judge Garzon had sealed his fate, that his career would be destroyed by Right-wing segments of the military and politics in Spain, perhaps at the behest of the CIA and their counterparts or henchmen in Europe.
Garzon's fate was surely even more completely "sealed" when the brave judge examined the actions of Franco's fascists in his society and some crimes that could not, legally, be covered by Spain's general amnesty of 2008, nor by any statute of limitations, because they must be deemed "crimes against humanity."
This category of crimes in international law includes tortures, such as the tortures at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. (Again: "Is America's Legal Ethics a Lie?" and "American Doctors and Torture" then "Dehumanization" and "Torture.")
Every society defines human rights in convenient terms and applies human rights as well as legal ethics "standards" in xenophobic and hypocritical ways:
Judge Garzon was applauded in the U.S. when he sought to apply human rights laws to figures like Mr. Pinochet, who is universally reviled.
Judge Garzon's life and career were destroyed, however, when he called on Spain to examine its history and was willing to apply the same jurisprudential criteria to powerful men, such as Bush and Cheney. (Compare "Ronald Dworkin's Jurisprudence of Interpretation" with "Richard A. Posner On Voluntary Actions and Criminal Responsibility.")
Great crimes call out for punishment. In the absence of laws applied fairly to all litigants, we may expect -- whether rightly or wrongly, sanely or insanely -- more 9/11-like incidents to satisfy the human craving for recognition and resolution of pain produced by injustice or irresponsible power. ("Roberto Unger's Revolutionary Legal Theory" and "Fidel Castro's 'History Will Absolve Me.'")
I need not agree with every decision by Judge Garzon to be sure that legal scholar Phillipe Sands is correct:
"Targeting an independent judge or prosecutor [or controversial attorney?] through the criminal justice system anywhere raises very serious concerns."
The same concerns arise from politicizing the legal ethics process and corrupting courts to make them serve the interests of "bosses" acting from behind the scenes upon the judicial process. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
Loss of judicial independence in the U.S. since 9/11 is frightening because it deprives populations of the only equalizing institution of government -- courts where litigants are treated as equals before the law, regardless of power or lack of influence, wealth or absence of wealth, race, creed, gender or sexual-orientation. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Is Senator Menendez 'For' Human Rights?")
The low-point with regard to this issue may be the Supreme Court's flawed decision in Citizens United that has the effect of depriving ordinary persons of speech-based power by granting so-called "equal" free speech "rights" to wealthy corporations that may dominate the air waves most UNEQUALLY.
It is incumbent on those of us trained in law and philosophy to speak out on questions of fundamental human rights, independence of courts, legal ethics, corruption and injustice even if we recognize that we may have to pay a great personal price for doing so. ("What is it like to be tortured?" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System" then "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")
The regime of international law -- true legality -- is the only alternative to terrorism and criminal warfare.
Judges must be independent and as apolitical as possible in interpreting and applying our laws. ("What is Law?" then "The Critical Legal Studies Movement.")
The human need for justice will be satisfied either through laws or bloodshed.
I can only hope that it will be only through laws that people will bring about the more just social order that we desire and expect. ("Manifesto for the Unfinished American Revolution.")
I am told that -- for many persons in lots of places in the world -- I am regarded as very much like Judge Garzon.
I am deeply flattered by the highly apt comparison and will continue to struggle for the truth in America. I also hope to see corrupt and criminal lawyers and officials -- such as Mr. Menendez -- prosecuted for their many crimes while demanding the "facts" from New Jersey as concerns my life.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Salman Masood, "Rejecting Appeal, Pakistani Court Says Premier Must Face Charges," in The New York Times, February 11, 2012, at p. A4. (I am rooting for the courts in this struggle.)
Alissa J. Rubin & Jarwad Sukhangar, "Informer Misled NATO in Airstrike That Killed 8 Civilians, Afghans say," in The New York Times, February 11, 2012, at p. A9. (Chaos has come again. Taliban news conferences, which can no longer be disrupted by coalition forces, were shown on Al Jazeera to feature bombing raids that had killed children in Taliban territory. No one believes that bombings of Afghan or Pakistani civilians are "errors.")
Jim Yardley, "Clashes Continue in Maldives as the Former President Takes Part in a March," in The New York Times, February 9, 2012, at p. A7. (The removal of the climate-conscious president may have been orchestrated by the CIA. The president of the maldives was removed from office, illegally, and is now incarcerated because his environmental policies "adversely affected" American corporations.)
"The House's Less Persuasive Ban On Insider Trading," (Editorial) in The New York Times, February 9, 2012, at p. A23. (Senator Bob may continue engaging in insider trading even if this practice violates ethics rules for New Jersey lawyers. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Judges in Bayonne, New Jersey Protect Child Molesters.")
Declan Walsh, "Court Challenges Put Unusual Spotlight on Pakistan Spy Agency," in The New York Times, February 7, 2012, at p. A4. (The Pakistanis object to losing $69 BILLION from their economy, loss of 3,000 civilian lives, and much worse in furtherance of the U.S. struggle against so-called "militants" which is creating MORE militants.)
"Killing in Syria," (Editorial) in The New York Times, February 7, 2012, at p. A31. (We must join the Syrian people in opposing the crimes against humanity of the current regime. UN action is more likely if some entity other than the U.S. calls for such action, perhaps the Arab League.)
AP, "50 Years After Kennedy's Ban Embargo on Cuba Remains," in The New York Times, February 8, 2012, at p. A8. (Atrocity and crimes against humanity includes not only crimes in Syria, but also the robot bombs in Pakistan; starvation and maiming of children in Iraq resulting from the U.S. war effort; suicide bombs and soldiers urinating on corpses in Afghanistan; also "cruel and unjust" embargos that starve old people and children in Cuba who are forced into impoverishment. For as long as I live and I am able to do so, I will speak out against this evil. All of the member states of the UN have condemned the embargo, except for Israel, which cannot vote against the United States position. Legal authorities have concluded that the embargo violates human rights laws.)
New Jersey's Disaster:
Jeff Pillets, "Lobbyist Testifies On How En Cap Got Breaks and Money: Says 'Friendly' Lawmakers Played Role," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-3. (De Cotiis, Fitzgerald, Wisler, Esqs. wrote "prepared" laws or amendments that were steered to friendly lawmakers for the "benefit" of En Cap and its parent company at the taxpayers' expense: "New Jersey's Politically Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" then "Erik Wisler, Esq. is an Ethical New Jersey Attorney.")
Erik Shilling, "Wallington Man Held On Child Porn Charges," in The Record, February 7, 2012, at p. L-3. (James Rowal, 35, possessed and may have distributed Internet child porn. The investigation is "ongoing.")
Jenna Portnory, "Christie Wants Teachers [sic.] Union Official to Quit," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 23. (New Jersey's Governor called on VINCENT GIORDANO -- who denies all underworld affiliations -- to resign after his comment that "life is not always fair" as a reaction to disparate educational opportunities for the poor and minority children. Mr. Giordano is the Executive Director of the state's largest teachers' union and is affiliated with Richard J. Codey, allegedly.)
David Giambusso, "Watershed Director Paid Ex -- $16K to Design Offices for MUA That Never Was," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 23. ($16,000 for nice offices for a prospective new agency of a government entity that never came into being. The renovations were performed by "Edit Interiors," which is co-owned by the former husband of Linda Watkins, Director of the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation.)
Christopher Baxter, "Ex-State Worker Admits to Theft," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 17. (Shanon Caldwell, Esq., 58, of Trenton, former financial analyst for the State Department of Labor -- not the OAE? -- pleaded guilty to stealing $18,500 by issuing unauthorized government checks, some of which must have gone to political officials through "intermediaries" in order for this scam to continue as long as it did. Another New Jersey lawyer on the ethics committee, perhaps?)
AP, "Ex-Bank Employee Charged With Fraud," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 17. (Karen Febles, 47, of Palisades Park, New Jersey is charged with bank fraud -- Ms. Kriko? -- resulting in theft of $1.8 MILLION from a retired bank executive's account. This defendant may have been a lawyer in the Garden State. Allegations that some of this loot flowed to Senator Bob Menendez can not be confirmed at this time: "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?" and "Is Menendez For Sale?")
Megan DeMarco, "New Jersey Goal: Less Bureaucracy, More Business," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 21. (Irony? A government commission -- according to Kim Guardagno, consiglieri to Governor Christie -- will spend millions to determine how to save public money. How about getting rid of this commission?)
Jenna Portnoy & Christopher Baxter, "Christie: Dems Can't See Kwon's Tax Returns," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 23. (Democrats are looking for dirt on nominee Kwon. The Knicks want to know whether Mr. Kwon can play guard like Mr. Lin. The Trenton Supreme Court is Democrat turf. Rabner is their boy. The basketball court is Mr. Lin's turf. Mr. Kwon plays tennis. "They don't want none of these Republican new guys in the judiciary." Jeez.)
Patricia Alex, "UMDNJ Debt Raises Red Flag: Negative Rating May Hinder N.J.'s Planned Overhaul," in The Record, February 9, 2012, at p. A-1. (A hospital with a sordid history of corruption burdened with $668 MILLION in debt receives a negative rating as to services and finances. Congratulations. There are new allegations of "missing" money at UMDNJ. Now they will be starting a medical school to scam money from unsuspecting residents of New Jersey.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Pal Park Woman Held in $1.8 Million Fraud," in The Record, February 9, 2012, at p. A-1. (Garcia & Kriko, Esqs.?)
Christina Hoag & Greg Risling, "200 More Photos of Kids Are Found in Lewdness Case -- Teacher Allegedly Gave Cards and Gifts," in The Record, February 9, 2012, at p. A-7. (Allegedly, members of a network trading in such images are found in New Jersey's soiled government, courts, and schools: "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Neil M. Cohen, Esq., and Conduct Unbecoming to the Legislature in New Jersey.")
I will not sign-in -- or attempt to sign-in -- anywhere but at these blogs.
Continuing cyberwarfare makes writing difficult. Only one letter was altered in this text overnight. If more than two days pass without alteration in the contents of this blog or new essays being posted, it is probably against my will that I am prevented from writing. ("How censorship works in America.")
Rafael Mendes & Marlene Simons, "Spain's High Court Suspends Prominent and Divisive Rights Judge for 11 Years," in The New York Times, February 10, 2012, at p. A4.
Mary L. Dudziak, "This War Is Not Over Yet," in The New York Times, February 16, 2012, at p. A31.
Noam Chomsky, 9-11 (Berkeley: Seven Stories, 2001), entirety.
Mark Danner, Abu Ghraib: The Politics of Torture (Berkeley: North Atlantic, 2004), entirety.
"MADRID -- Spain's Supreme Court on Thursday convicted the crusading human rights judge Baltazar Garzon of illegally ordering wiretapping in a corruption case and suspended him from the court for 11 years."
Judge Garzon achieved international fame when he sought to indict Agusto Pinochet, former Chilean dictator and alleged mass murderer, for "crimes against humanity" during the General's visit to London.
The indictment effort against General Pinochet was unsuccessful, sadly, because Mr. Pinochet had many influential British friends, including former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. ("Menendez Charged With Selling His Office.")
Judge Garzon still faces severe criminal charges that may result in his disbarment and even more sanctions. I believe that it was a mistake to shelter Mr. Pinochet from liability. I also agree with Judge Garzon that the actions of Mr. Bush and his Vice President, Mr. Cheney, may have brought those American leaders into conflict with international human rights laws even if they do not descend to the level of General Pinochet's mass murders and "disappeared' as well as tortured political enemies.
It saddens me to realize that American political leaders may be subject to intense hatred in the world today as a result, largely, of Bush/Cheney policies that have made the U.S. a symbol of illegality in some places in the world. ("Is America's Legal Ethics a Lie?" and "American Doctors and Torture.")
I thought at the time -- when efforts to indict Bush and Cheney failed -- that Judge Garzon had sealed his fate, that his career would be destroyed by Right-wing segments of the military and politics in Spain, perhaps at the behest of the CIA and their counterparts or henchmen in Europe.
Garzon's fate was surely even more completely "sealed" when the brave judge examined the actions of Franco's fascists in his society and some crimes that could not, legally, be covered by Spain's general amnesty of 2008, nor by any statute of limitations, because they must be deemed "crimes against humanity."
This category of crimes in international law includes tortures, such as the tortures at Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo. (Again: "Is America's Legal Ethics a Lie?" and "American Doctors and Torture" then "Dehumanization" and "Torture.")
Every society defines human rights in convenient terms and applies human rights as well as legal ethics "standards" in xenophobic and hypocritical ways:
Judge Garzon was applauded in the U.S. when he sought to apply human rights laws to figures like Mr. Pinochet, who is universally reviled.
Judge Garzon's life and career were destroyed, however, when he called on Spain to examine its history and was willing to apply the same jurisprudential criteria to powerful men, such as Bush and Cheney. (Compare "Ronald Dworkin's Jurisprudence of Interpretation" with "Richard A. Posner On Voluntary Actions and Criminal Responsibility.")
Great crimes call out for punishment. In the absence of laws applied fairly to all litigants, we may expect -- whether rightly or wrongly, sanely or insanely -- more 9/11-like incidents to satisfy the human craving for recognition and resolution of pain produced by injustice or irresponsible power. ("Roberto Unger's Revolutionary Legal Theory" and "Fidel Castro's 'History Will Absolve Me.'")
I need not agree with every decision by Judge Garzon to be sure that legal scholar Phillipe Sands is correct:
"Targeting an independent judge or prosecutor [or controversial attorney?] through the criminal justice system anywhere raises very serious concerns."
The same concerns arise from politicizing the legal ethics process and corrupting courts to make them serve the interests of "bosses" acting from behind the scenes upon the judicial process. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
Loss of judicial independence in the U.S. since 9/11 is frightening because it deprives populations of the only equalizing institution of government -- courts where litigants are treated as equals before the law, regardless of power or lack of influence, wealth or absence of wealth, race, creed, gender or sexual-orientation. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Is Senator Menendez 'For' Human Rights?")
The low-point with regard to this issue may be the Supreme Court's flawed decision in Citizens United that has the effect of depriving ordinary persons of speech-based power by granting so-called "equal" free speech "rights" to wealthy corporations that may dominate the air waves most UNEQUALLY.
It is incumbent on those of us trained in law and philosophy to speak out on questions of fundamental human rights, independence of courts, legal ethics, corruption and injustice even if we recognize that we may have to pay a great personal price for doing so. ("What is it like to be tortured?" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System" then "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")
The regime of international law -- true legality -- is the only alternative to terrorism and criminal warfare.
Judges must be independent and as apolitical as possible in interpreting and applying our laws. ("What is Law?" then "The Critical Legal Studies Movement.")
The human need for justice will be satisfied either through laws or bloodshed.
I can only hope that it will be only through laws that people will bring about the more just social order that we desire and expect. ("Manifesto for the Unfinished American Revolution.")
I am told that -- for many persons in lots of places in the world -- I am regarded as very much like Judge Garzon.
I am deeply flattered by the highly apt comparison and will continue to struggle for the truth in America. I also hope to see corrupt and criminal lawyers and officials -- such as Mr. Menendez -- prosecuted for their many crimes while demanding the "facts" from New Jersey as concerns my life.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Salman Masood, "Rejecting Appeal, Pakistani Court Says Premier Must Face Charges," in The New York Times, February 11, 2012, at p. A4. (I am rooting for the courts in this struggle.)
Alissa J. Rubin & Jarwad Sukhangar, "Informer Misled NATO in Airstrike That Killed 8 Civilians, Afghans say," in The New York Times, February 11, 2012, at p. A9. (Chaos has come again. Taliban news conferences, which can no longer be disrupted by coalition forces, were shown on Al Jazeera to feature bombing raids that had killed children in Taliban territory. No one believes that bombings of Afghan or Pakistani civilians are "errors.")
Jim Yardley, "Clashes Continue in Maldives as the Former President Takes Part in a March," in The New York Times, February 9, 2012, at p. A7. (The removal of the climate-conscious president may have been orchestrated by the CIA. The president of the maldives was removed from office, illegally, and is now incarcerated because his environmental policies "adversely affected" American corporations.)
"The House's Less Persuasive Ban On Insider Trading," (Editorial) in The New York Times, February 9, 2012, at p. A23. (Senator Bob may continue engaging in insider trading even if this practice violates ethics rules for New Jersey lawyers. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Judges in Bayonne, New Jersey Protect Child Molesters.")
Declan Walsh, "Court Challenges Put Unusual Spotlight on Pakistan Spy Agency," in The New York Times, February 7, 2012, at p. A4. (The Pakistanis object to losing $69 BILLION from their economy, loss of 3,000 civilian lives, and much worse in furtherance of the U.S. struggle against so-called "militants" which is creating MORE militants.)
"Killing in Syria," (Editorial) in The New York Times, February 7, 2012, at p. A31. (We must join the Syrian people in opposing the crimes against humanity of the current regime. UN action is more likely if some entity other than the U.S. calls for such action, perhaps the Arab League.)
AP, "50 Years After Kennedy's Ban Embargo on Cuba Remains," in The New York Times, February 8, 2012, at p. A8. (Atrocity and crimes against humanity includes not only crimes in Syria, but also the robot bombs in Pakistan; starvation and maiming of children in Iraq resulting from the U.S. war effort; suicide bombs and soldiers urinating on corpses in Afghanistan; also "cruel and unjust" embargos that starve old people and children in Cuba who are forced into impoverishment. For as long as I live and I am able to do so, I will speak out against this evil. All of the member states of the UN have condemned the embargo, except for Israel, which cannot vote against the United States position. Legal authorities have concluded that the embargo violates human rights laws.)
New Jersey's Disaster:
Jeff Pillets, "Lobbyist Testifies On How En Cap Got Breaks and Money: Says 'Friendly' Lawmakers Played Role," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-3. (De Cotiis, Fitzgerald, Wisler, Esqs. wrote "prepared" laws or amendments that were steered to friendly lawmakers for the "benefit" of En Cap and its parent company at the taxpayers' expense: "New Jersey's Politically Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" then "Erik Wisler, Esq. is an Ethical New Jersey Attorney.")
Erik Shilling, "Wallington Man Held On Child Porn Charges," in The Record, February 7, 2012, at p. L-3. (James Rowal, 35, possessed and may have distributed Internet child porn. The investigation is "ongoing.")
Jenna Portnory, "Christie Wants Teachers [sic.] Union Official to Quit," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 23. (New Jersey's Governor called on VINCENT GIORDANO -- who denies all underworld affiliations -- to resign after his comment that "life is not always fair" as a reaction to disparate educational opportunities for the poor and minority children. Mr. Giordano is the Executive Director of the state's largest teachers' union and is affiliated with Richard J. Codey, allegedly.)
David Giambusso, "Watershed Director Paid Ex -- $16K to Design Offices for MUA That Never Was," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 23. ($16,000 for nice offices for a prospective new agency of a government entity that never came into being. The renovations were performed by "Edit Interiors," which is co-owned by the former husband of Linda Watkins, Director of the Newark Watershed Conservation and Development Corporation.)
Christopher Baxter, "Ex-State Worker Admits to Theft," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 17. (Shanon Caldwell, Esq., 58, of Trenton, former financial analyst for the State Department of Labor -- not the OAE? -- pleaded guilty to stealing $18,500 by issuing unauthorized government checks, some of which must have gone to political officials through "intermediaries" in order for this scam to continue as long as it did. Another New Jersey lawyer on the ethics committee, perhaps?)
AP, "Ex-Bank Employee Charged With Fraud," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 17. (Karen Febles, 47, of Palisades Park, New Jersey is charged with bank fraud -- Ms. Kriko? -- resulting in theft of $1.8 MILLION from a retired bank executive's account. This defendant may have been a lawyer in the Garden State. Allegations that some of this loot flowed to Senator Bob Menendez can not be confirmed at this time: "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?" and "Is Menendez For Sale?")
Megan DeMarco, "New Jersey Goal: Less Bureaucracy, More Business," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 21. (Irony? A government commission -- according to Kim Guardagno, consiglieri to Governor Christie -- will spend millions to determine how to save public money. How about getting rid of this commission?)
Jenna Portnoy & Christopher Baxter, "Christie: Dems Can't See Kwon's Tax Returns," in The Star Ledger, February 9, 2012, at p. 23. (Democrats are looking for dirt on nominee Kwon. The Knicks want to know whether Mr. Kwon can play guard like Mr. Lin. The Trenton Supreme Court is Democrat turf. Rabner is their boy. The basketball court is Mr. Lin's turf. Mr. Kwon plays tennis. "They don't want none of these Republican new guys in the judiciary." Jeez.)
Patricia Alex, "UMDNJ Debt Raises Red Flag: Negative Rating May Hinder N.J.'s Planned Overhaul," in The Record, February 9, 2012, at p. A-1. (A hospital with a sordid history of corruption burdened with $668 MILLION in debt receives a negative rating as to services and finances. Congratulations. There are new allegations of "missing" money at UMDNJ. Now they will be starting a medical school to scam money from unsuspecting residents of New Jersey.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Pal Park Woman Held in $1.8 Million Fraud," in The Record, February 9, 2012, at p. A-1. (Garcia & Kriko, Esqs.?)
Christina Hoag & Greg Risling, "200 More Photos of Kids Are Found in Lewdness Case -- Teacher Allegedly Gave Cards and Gifts," in The Record, February 9, 2012, at p. A-7. (Allegedly, members of a network trading in such images are found in New Jersey's soiled government, courts, and schools: "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Neil M. Cohen, Esq., and Conduct Unbecoming to the Legislature in New Jersey.")
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Torture.
February 10, 2012 at 2:35 P.M. I am sitting in my home, still in shock, as I write these words on a legal pad.
As I completed my Internet posting earlier today, I was denied the opportunity to regain access to my dashboard at blogger. I believe that hackers using government technology or authority obstructed me when I used the print-feature from the New York Public Library's computer number #5 at the Inwood branch of the library.
This tactic is called "anxiety inducement" and is intended to enhance and aggravate emotional damage or post-traumatic symptoms comparable to the effects of war shock. Persons subjected to daily stress on this scale, over years and decades, coping with long-term damage, are at great risk for severe psychological harm. ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System.")
I believe that legal authorities in New Jersey (perhaps also in New York) are aware of and maybe complicit in this situation. Furthermore, efforts to censor my writings are content-based. It is because of my opinions and the facts reported in my texts that may give rise to criminal liability for corrupt Garden State officials that my writings are attacked in this way. Please see Rebeca Lemov, World as Laboratory: Experiments With Mice, Mazes, and Men (New York: Farrar, Starus, Giroux, 2005), pp. 92-106:
" ... an atmosphere of tension and unease (or in its strong form, terror) was considered ideal for learning ... subjects would rather quickly acquire new habits [or new opinions?] through 'trial and error' and 'other goal-seeking' behavior." (emphasis added) then "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture" and "How censorship works in America" then "Dehumanization."
What did they do to you, Marilyn Straus? In addition to Diana Lisa Riccioli, were you, Marilyn Straus, forced into sexual relations or made to engage in sex acts with prominent individuals or lawyers, and/or "others" in New Jersey? ("Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!")
I do not believe that my experiences of censorship and cybercrime while writing on-line are a coincidence. If I am unable to regain access to my blogs, I will attempt to create a new blog elsewhere on-line. I may have to do so, anyway, in order to have a place from which to comment on events in New Jersey or the censorship I still face here, at blogger, for which I do not blame Google. ("Fidel Castro's 'History Will Absolve Me'" and "Time to End the Embargo Against Cuba.")
I cannot receive or send e-mail. I cannot post images on-line. I can never be sure about which of my writings has been plagiarized or stolen, damaged, or suppressed. ("What is it like to be plagiarized?" and "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")
I never know from one day to the next whether I will be able to continue writing, on-line, despite the life-or-death nature of writing for me. Maybe that is the goal of the terror tactics, to create a state of constant fear and tension for the victim:
"In 1984 the U.S. and other governments adopted the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. [Like all treaties, once adopted, this law becomes part of the U.S. Code or federal statutory law.] Article 1 defined torture broadly, as 'any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person,' committed by a public official to obtain information or a confession. [Or for ANY reason.] The Convention was also categorical that there were no circumstances -- even a war against terrorism -- in which torture could be justified, ... ALL acts of torture are treated as criminal offenses. According to Article 4, 'any act by any person which constitutes complicity or participation in torture' is also to be treated as CRIMINAL OFFENSE."
Phillipe Sands, Torture Team: Rumsfeld's Memo and the Betrayal of American Values (New York: Palgrave, 2009), pp. 72-73, pp. 168-169 (emphasis added).
As I completed my Internet posting earlier today, I was denied the opportunity to regain access to my dashboard at blogger. I believe that hackers using government technology or authority obstructed me when I used the print-feature from the New York Public Library's computer number #5 at the Inwood branch of the library.
This tactic is called "anxiety inducement" and is intended to enhance and aggravate emotional damage or post-traumatic symptoms comparable to the effects of war shock. Persons subjected to daily stress on this scale, over years and decades, coping with long-term damage, are at great risk for severe psychological harm. ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System.")
I believe that legal authorities in New Jersey (perhaps also in New York) are aware of and maybe complicit in this situation. Furthermore, efforts to censor my writings are content-based. It is because of my opinions and the facts reported in my texts that may give rise to criminal liability for corrupt Garden State officials that my writings are attacked in this way. Please see Rebeca Lemov, World as Laboratory: Experiments With Mice, Mazes, and Men (New York: Farrar, Starus, Giroux, 2005), pp. 92-106:
" ... an atmosphere of tension and unease (or in its strong form, terror) was considered ideal for learning ... subjects would rather quickly acquire new habits [or new opinions?] through 'trial and error' and 'other goal-seeking' behavior." (emphasis added) then "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture" and "How censorship works in America" then "Dehumanization."
What did they do to you, Marilyn Straus? In addition to Diana Lisa Riccioli, were you, Marilyn Straus, forced into sexual relations or made to engage in sex acts with prominent individuals or lawyers, and/or "others" in New Jersey? ("Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!")
I do not believe that my experiences of censorship and cybercrime while writing on-line are a coincidence. If I am unable to regain access to my blogs, I will attempt to create a new blog elsewhere on-line. I may have to do so, anyway, in order to have a place from which to comment on events in New Jersey or the censorship I still face here, at blogger, for which I do not blame Google. ("Fidel Castro's 'History Will Absolve Me'" and "Time to End the Embargo Against Cuba.")
I cannot receive or send e-mail. I cannot post images on-line. I can never be sure about which of my writings has been plagiarized or stolen, damaged, or suppressed. ("What is it like to be plagiarized?" and "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")
I never know from one day to the next whether I will be able to continue writing, on-line, despite the life-or-death nature of writing for me. Maybe that is the goal of the terror tactics, to create a state of constant fear and tension for the victim:
"In 1984 the U.S. and other governments adopted the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment. [Like all treaties, once adopted, this law becomes part of the U.S. Code or federal statutory law.] Article 1 defined torture broadly, as 'any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person,' committed by a public official to obtain information or a confession. [Or for ANY reason.] The Convention was also categorical that there were no circumstances -- even a war against terrorism -- in which torture could be justified, ... ALL acts of torture are treated as criminal offenses. According to Article 4, 'any act by any person which constitutes complicity or participation in torture' is also to be treated as CRIMINAL OFFENSE."
Phillipe Sands, Torture Team: Rumsfeld's Memo and the Betrayal of American Values (New York: Palgrave, 2009), pp. 72-73, pp. 168-169 (emphasis added).
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Christopher Christie's Court-Packing Plan.
Christopher Baxter & Mary Ann Spoto, "Answers Provide Insight On High Court Nominees: Wealth, Time in Court Among the Differences," in The Record, February 7, 2012, at p. A-1.
As I turned on my television this morning, I found that my remote control only allowed for changing some channels -- a number of television channels had been blocked -- which is kind of like obstructing my Internet access.
Use of such techniques to "disconcert" a victim has been described "frustration inducement" in the literature of psychological torture. No hot water today. Evidently, the notice that the water would be shut off was taken down, accidentally, by someone entering my building. No images can be posted at these blogs. Happily, the Fox News channel is still available. Maybe I can look forward to another call from "Muhammad" or "Marcel" at Time/Warner? (Senator Bob?)
Governor Christie, apparently, has come to the conclusion that, with the current composition of the state Supreme Court, little progress will be made in dealing with corruption, incompetence, and cronyism in New Jersey's legal world. Worse, for me, is the obvious motivation on the part of Stuart Rabner and Jaynee LaVecchia to provide ass cover for themselves and Ms. Poritz that will preclude any meaningful response to my requests for the truth concerning my matters. ("New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court" and "New Jersey's Judicial and Political Whores.")
Governor Christie has named Phillip Kwon, 44, as well as Bruce Harris, 61, to the New Jersey Supreme Court. They are the first Asian-American and gay man, respectively, nominated to the tainted court. Will these men also be intimidated into taking no action? Probably.
Most importantly, these men (presumably, both are Republicans) will break-up the Democrat machine's "phalanx" currently controlling the most activist and least competent state's high court in the nation. As usual, Democrats in the Senate seek to obstruct any effort by the Governor to interfere with their control of the justices in Trenton.
" ... amid a growing battle over when the Senate will take up these nominations, Democrats on the committee said the questionaire [for the Bar Association and Judiciary Committee] raised concerns that first need to be addressed." ("Boss Bob Holds a Grudge.")
The real issue obstructing the momentum of these nominations has nothing to do with financial disclosures drawn from what used to be confidential forms (still doing the four-way check, boys?), it is all about power.
The Democrat mafia machine in the Garden Sate has always seen the courts and legal establishment, including the OAE, as La Cosa Nostra. Control of the legal profession -- which may also explain my troubles -- has allowed political bosses to crack the whip when dissident attorneys step outside the boundaries of "obedience." That's me. I am not the "obedient" type. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Is New Jersey Lucky Luciano's Havana?" and "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")
The issue that should trouble attorneys in New Jersey and residents who are served, badly, by the soiled tribunals of the Soprano State is whether the judiciary should be INDEPENDENT of politics and organized crime.
No one seriously suggests that New Jersey's prosecutors, courts, and judges today are independent of party bosses. The legal profession is also embroiled in the state's dismal and notorious corruption problem. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")
My so-called "naive and idealistic" goal is to shame the system into responding to public requests for the truth. Frankly, I never anticipated the degree of shamelessness in New Jersey's legal system that may make any ethical or legal response to my statutorily sanctioned requests impossible. Legality is irrelevant to OAE or Supreme Court action, I am told, it is all about "how much juice you've got." ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
A list of additional recent examples of gross incompetence, dishonesty, falsehoods, blatant theft, tampering with evidence and witnesses (worthy of the OAE), and much worse, will be attached to this essay in the days ahead.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Declan Walsh, "Court Plans Prosecution of Premier in Pakistan," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A5. (The solutions in the Pakistani crisis between the judiciary and government are still falling apart.)
Elisabeth Bumiller, "U.S. Will Keep Fighting as Afghans Take the Lead, Panetta Says," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A13. (He said it, but he didn't say it.)
Colin Moynahan, "Rabbi Admits Torah Tales Were a Fraud," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A20. (Pathological liar with delusions of grandeur and, possibly, a pseudo-intellectual and friend of Terry Tuchin, perhaps.)
Matt Flegenheimer, "Ex-Director of Non-Profit is Arraigned," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A20. (Jeffrey Bernstein charged with grand larceny at psychotherapy association. Another friend of Terry Tuchin? According to Mr. Bernstein, the thefts were "for their own good.")
Scott Shane, "Hackers Eavesdrop on the F.B.I. -- Group Listens in On Call About Itself," in The New York Times, February 4, 2012, at p. A4. (The F.B.I. is a crime victim. Suspects include the C.I.A. and Newt Gingrich.)
Al Baker & Joseph Goldstein, "Commissioner Voices Concern On Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Man," in The New York Times, February 4, 2012, at p. A14. (Not again? "I Am Shawn Bell" and "Give Us Free!" then "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal.")
David H. Kirckpatrick, "Egypt Defies U.S. by Setting Trial for 19 Americans," in The New York Times, February 6, 2012, at p. A1. (Let us be more creative in the future with C.I.A. front organizations.)
Scott Shane, "U.S. Drone Strikes Are Said to Target RESCUERS at Sites," in The New York Times, February 6, 2012, at p. A4. (Medical personnel and others -- like family members of child victims! -- killed by drone weapons as "collateral damage." This cruel and illegal tactic will create militants and terrorists for generations to come.)
Declan Walsh, "Court Challenges Put Unusual Spotlight on Pakistan Spy Agency," in The New York Times, February 7, 2012, at p. A4. (Courts versus civil government in Pakistan. Meanwhile, 1,872 dead Americans in Afghanistan and counting: 10 more casualties of U.S. soldiers to reach 24 since the killing of 24 Pakistanis. I urge caution in Afghanistan and reconsideration of the drone program.)
"Release the Stevens Report," (Editorial) in The New York Times, February 8, 2012, at p. A27. (" ... systematic concealment of significant exculpatory evidence" is prosecutorial misconduct, unethical and criminal. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet" and "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
New Jersey Corruption:
Shawn Boburg, "Audit Faults Spending at Port Authority: 'Dysfunctional' Agency Criticized Over Pay, WTC," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-1. (BILLIONS of dollars are stolen or wasted, allegedly, in a PA projects. Top administrators refuse to answer questions. Sounds like the OAE.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Former Official Gets 2 Years in Mortgage Fraud: Used Office to Boost Clients," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-1. (Ronald J. O'Malley, one of my self-styled "ethical superiors" will begin a two-year sentence in prison. Will Debbie Poritz be next? "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Jeff Pillets, "Lobbyist Testifies on How En-Cap Got Breaks and Money: Says 'Friendly' Lawmakers Played a Role," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-3. ("Friendly lawmakers" played a role for a little kickback in the En-Cap scandals and swindles, allegedly. "Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")
Zach Patberg, "Towns Vie For Irene Funding: County to Get $12.5 MILLION in Federal Relief," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. L-1. (You can see why people are concerned about what will happen to this money. "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.")
Megan De Marco, "Old Measures Still Dominate Trenton Agenda: Legislature Rarely Sees New Bill," in The Record, February 6, 2012, at p. A-5. ("Hurry-up and wait!" Sweeney and Codey use delay tactics. "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "Boss Bob Holds a Grudge!")
"Justice on the Rocks: Christie's Nominees Are in Trouble," in The Record, February 6, 2012, at p. A-13. (Democrat-generated smears against Christie's judicial appointees based on their non-loyalty to bosses, like Menendez, Codey, Sweeney, or "non-protectiveness" of Chief Justice Rabner's "cover-ups." "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")
Mathew McGrath, "Judge Puts Rumana Ethics Case in Limbo: Overturns Ruling that Dismissed Charges," in The Record, February 7, 2012, at p. L-1. ("Conclusory" and politically-biased exoneration by OAE of allegedly unethical lawyer and politician, also a former ethics committee member, allegedly -- Scot Rumana -- is "scuttled" by a politically-opposed judge on Monday. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!")
Justo Bautista, "Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old," in The Record, February 3, 2012, at p. L-2. (Another sex assault of a child in America's leading jurisdiction for child sexual exploitation. Friend of Diana Lisa Riccioli, allegedly? How much did you steal from Marilyn Straus, Diana? Did you make use of the services of Antonio Martinez while he was investigating matters in my office, Diana or Terry Tuchin? Were you given access to clients' confidential files, Diana? If so, by whom were you given that access, Diana or Terry? Did Mr. Martinez also do "favors" for the Rose law firm at any time? Dwight Garcia, this one is for you.)
Marcy Gordon, "Ex-Risk Officer Testifies He Warned Corzine," in The Record, February 3, 2012, at p. L-7. (Corzine was WARNED and fully aware of what he was doing when he "moved funds" from client accounts into firm accounts. $1.2 BILLION is "missing." Mr. Garcia? Ms. Kricko? Best of luck with your troubles. Furthermore, Corzine LIED before Congress when he claimed to be unaware of "what happened," allegedly.)
Mathew McGrath, "Rumana May Face Rehearing On Ethics Charges: Phone Vote Could Void Panel's Decision Not to Adopt Case," in The Record, January 21, 2012, at p. L-1. ("Shenanigans" in New Jersey's corrupt and tainted ethics proceedings for Scott Rumana, Esq. "Jaynee LaVecchia and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
As I turned on my television this morning, I found that my remote control only allowed for changing some channels -- a number of television channels had been blocked -- which is kind of like obstructing my Internet access.
Use of such techniques to "disconcert" a victim has been described "frustration inducement" in the literature of psychological torture. No hot water today. Evidently, the notice that the water would be shut off was taken down, accidentally, by someone entering my building. No images can be posted at these blogs. Happily, the Fox News channel is still available. Maybe I can look forward to another call from "Muhammad" or "Marcel" at Time/Warner? (Senator Bob?)
Governor Christie, apparently, has come to the conclusion that, with the current composition of the state Supreme Court, little progress will be made in dealing with corruption, incompetence, and cronyism in New Jersey's legal world. Worse, for me, is the obvious motivation on the part of Stuart Rabner and Jaynee LaVecchia to provide ass cover for themselves and Ms. Poritz that will preclude any meaningful response to my requests for the truth concerning my matters. ("New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court" and "New Jersey's Judicial and Political Whores.")
Governor Christie has named Phillip Kwon, 44, as well as Bruce Harris, 61, to the New Jersey Supreme Court. They are the first Asian-American and gay man, respectively, nominated to the tainted court. Will these men also be intimidated into taking no action? Probably.
Most importantly, these men (presumably, both are Republicans) will break-up the Democrat machine's "phalanx" currently controlling the most activist and least competent state's high court in the nation. As usual, Democrats in the Senate seek to obstruct any effort by the Governor to interfere with their control of the justices in Trenton.
" ... amid a growing battle over when the Senate will take up these nominations, Democrats on the committee said the questionaire [for the Bar Association and Judiciary Committee] raised concerns that first need to be addressed." ("Boss Bob Holds a Grudge.")
The real issue obstructing the momentum of these nominations has nothing to do with financial disclosures drawn from what used to be confidential forms (still doing the four-way check, boys?), it is all about power.
The Democrat mafia machine in the Garden Sate has always seen the courts and legal establishment, including the OAE, as La Cosa Nostra. Control of the legal profession -- which may also explain my troubles -- has allowed political bosses to crack the whip when dissident attorneys step outside the boundaries of "obedience." That's me. I am not the "obedient" type. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Is New Jersey Lucky Luciano's Havana?" and "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")
The issue that should trouble attorneys in New Jersey and residents who are served, badly, by the soiled tribunals of the Soprano State is whether the judiciary should be INDEPENDENT of politics and organized crime.
No one seriously suggests that New Jersey's prosecutors, courts, and judges today are independent of party bosses. The legal profession is also embroiled in the state's dismal and notorious corruption problem. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")
My so-called "naive and idealistic" goal is to shame the system into responding to public requests for the truth. Frankly, I never anticipated the degree of shamelessness in New Jersey's legal system that may make any ethical or legal response to my statutorily sanctioned requests impossible. Legality is irrelevant to OAE or Supreme Court action, I am told, it is all about "how much juice you've got." ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
A list of additional recent examples of gross incompetence, dishonesty, falsehoods, blatant theft, tampering with evidence and witnesses (worthy of the OAE), and much worse, will be attached to this essay in the days ahead.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Declan Walsh, "Court Plans Prosecution of Premier in Pakistan," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A5. (The solutions in the Pakistani crisis between the judiciary and government are still falling apart.)
Elisabeth Bumiller, "U.S. Will Keep Fighting as Afghans Take the Lead, Panetta Says," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A13. (He said it, but he didn't say it.)
Colin Moynahan, "Rabbi Admits Torah Tales Were a Fraud," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A20. (Pathological liar with delusions of grandeur and, possibly, a pseudo-intellectual and friend of Terry Tuchin, perhaps.)
Matt Flegenheimer, "Ex-Director of Non-Profit is Arraigned," in The New York Times, February 3, 2012, at p. A20. (Jeffrey Bernstein charged with grand larceny at psychotherapy association. Another friend of Terry Tuchin? According to Mr. Bernstein, the thefts were "for their own good.")
Scott Shane, "Hackers Eavesdrop on the F.B.I. -- Group Listens in On Call About Itself," in The New York Times, February 4, 2012, at p. A4. (The F.B.I. is a crime victim. Suspects include the C.I.A. and Newt Gingrich.)
Al Baker & Joseph Goldstein, "Commissioner Voices Concern On Fatal Shooting Of Unarmed Man," in The New York Times, February 4, 2012, at p. A14. (Not again? "I Am Shawn Bell" and "Give Us Free!" then "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal.")
David H. Kirckpatrick, "Egypt Defies U.S. by Setting Trial for 19 Americans," in The New York Times, February 6, 2012, at p. A1. (Let us be more creative in the future with C.I.A. front organizations.)
Scott Shane, "U.S. Drone Strikes Are Said to Target RESCUERS at Sites," in The New York Times, February 6, 2012, at p. A4. (Medical personnel and others -- like family members of child victims! -- killed by drone weapons as "collateral damage." This cruel and illegal tactic will create militants and terrorists for generations to come.)
Declan Walsh, "Court Challenges Put Unusual Spotlight on Pakistan Spy Agency," in The New York Times, February 7, 2012, at p. A4. (Courts versus civil government in Pakistan. Meanwhile, 1,872 dead Americans in Afghanistan and counting: 10 more casualties of U.S. soldiers to reach 24 since the killing of 24 Pakistanis. I urge caution in Afghanistan and reconsideration of the drone program.)
"Release the Stevens Report," (Editorial) in The New York Times, February 8, 2012, at p. A27. (" ... systematic concealment of significant exculpatory evidence" is prosecutorial misconduct, unethical and criminal. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet" and "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
New Jersey Corruption:
Shawn Boburg, "Audit Faults Spending at Port Authority: 'Dysfunctional' Agency Criticized Over Pay, WTC," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-1. (BILLIONS of dollars are stolen or wasted, allegedly, in a PA projects. Top administrators refuse to answer questions. Sounds like the OAE.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Former Official Gets 2 Years in Mortgage Fraud: Used Office to Boost Clients," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-1. (Ronald J. O'Malley, one of my self-styled "ethical superiors" will begin a two-year sentence in prison. Will Debbie Poritz be next? "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Jeff Pillets, "Lobbyist Testifies on How En-Cap Got Breaks and Money: Says 'Friendly' Lawmakers Played a Role," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. A-3. ("Friendly lawmakers" played a role for a little kickback in the En-Cap scandals and swindles, allegedly. "Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")
Zach Patberg, "Towns Vie For Irene Funding: County to Get $12.5 MILLION in Federal Relief," in The Record, February 8, 2012, at p. L-1. (You can see why people are concerned about what will happen to this money. "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.")
Megan De Marco, "Old Measures Still Dominate Trenton Agenda: Legislature Rarely Sees New Bill," in The Record, February 6, 2012, at p. A-5. ("Hurry-up and wait!" Sweeney and Codey use delay tactics. "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "Boss Bob Holds a Grudge!")
"Justice on the Rocks: Christie's Nominees Are in Trouble," in The Record, February 6, 2012, at p. A-13. (Democrat-generated smears against Christie's judicial appointees based on their non-loyalty to bosses, like Menendez, Codey, Sweeney, or "non-protectiveness" of Chief Justice Rabner's "cover-ups." "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")
Mathew McGrath, "Judge Puts Rumana Ethics Case in Limbo: Overturns Ruling that Dismissed Charges," in The Record, February 7, 2012, at p. L-1. ("Conclusory" and politically-biased exoneration by OAE of allegedly unethical lawyer and politician, also a former ethics committee member, allegedly -- Scot Rumana -- is "scuttled" by a politically-opposed judge on Monday. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!")
Justo Bautista, "Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old," in The Record, February 3, 2012, at p. L-2. (Another sex assault of a child in America's leading jurisdiction for child sexual exploitation. Friend of Diana Lisa Riccioli, allegedly? How much did you steal from Marilyn Straus, Diana? Did you make use of the services of Antonio Martinez while he was investigating matters in my office, Diana or Terry Tuchin? Were you given access to clients' confidential files, Diana? If so, by whom were you given that access, Diana or Terry? Did Mr. Martinez also do "favors" for the Rose law firm at any time? Dwight Garcia, this one is for you.)
Marcy Gordon, "Ex-Risk Officer Testifies He Warned Corzine," in The Record, February 3, 2012, at p. L-7. (Corzine was WARNED and fully aware of what he was doing when he "moved funds" from client accounts into firm accounts. $1.2 BILLION is "missing." Mr. Garcia? Ms. Kricko? Best of luck with your troubles. Furthermore, Corzine LIED before Congress when he claimed to be unaware of "what happened," allegedly.)
Mathew McGrath, "Rumana May Face Rehearing On Ethics Charges: Phone Vote Could Void Panel's Decision Not to Adopt Case," in The Record, January 21, 2012, at p. L-1. ("Shenanigans" in New Jersey's corrupt and tainted ethics proceedings for Scott Rumana, Esq. "Jaynee LaVecchia and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Friday, February 3, 2012
New Jersey Welcomes Child Abusers!
February 6, 2012 at 2:07 P.M. I logged on to the NYPL computer only to find myself already on Google without visiting the NYPL's homepage. Strange. I can not say whether I will be able to return to this site from one day to the next. I will continue to try to write on-line, every day.
February 6, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. "The Failure of Capitalist Production: Underlying Causes of the Great Recession." Professor Andrew Kliman will discuss his new book at "Bluestocking," 172 Allen Street, New York, N.Y. (212) 777-6028. For more information or to order the book: "The Marxist Humanist Initiative," http://www.marxisthumanist.org/
Christopher Baxter, "Rutgers Instructor Shared Child Porn, Authorities Charge: Allegedly Used Office Computer," in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. A-3.
New Jersey is notorious for obscene levels of corruption permitting the loathsome child sexual abuse industry to flourish from Atlantic City to Union City. Cuban-American organized crime and not -- for the most part, the Italian mafia -- is primarily responsible for this despicable reality.
Elizabeth and West New York police departments, for example, were said to contain many "friends" of these exploiters of children and assorted (as well as sordid) drug dealers from local neighborhoods. I will be delighted to name persons who uttered indiscreet -- also "indiscrete" -- remarks pertaining to this matter.
Garden State politicians were and are among the most often bribed officials in the nation, proud of a long tradition of graft that has allowed poor young people to achieve the American dream with a modicum of criminality. ("New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Menendez For Sale?" then "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")
"A biochemistry professor at Rutgers University has been arrested on charges that he used his office computer" -- paid for by taxpayers! -- "to share hundreds of videos of child pornography over the Internet, the state attorney general's office said Wednesday."
These videos are, usually, locally produced materials that are distributed by an underground network throughout the country. New Jersey may lead the nation in the production of this stuff.
The number of young women damaged by this evil is impossible to estimate with accuracy. I believe that they number in the hundreds of thousands, maybe more.
"University officials said the instructor, GAVIN SWIATEK, 49, has been teaching at the Cook Campus in New Brunswick since 2005."
"Swiatek ... was taken into custody on Tuesday at his home in Hillborough and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, state attorney general, Jeffrey Chiesa said."
Mr. Chiesa, any chance that I can get the torture files any time soon? How much do you need, Jeffrey? ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")
This college professor was using a computer provided to him by the good folks in New Jersey, whose taxes support Rutgers University. I am sure that residents cannot imagine a better use for their money than allowing perverts to enjoy child porn. ("New Jersey's Political and Judicial Whores" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")
Given the levels of bought and paid for political protection for such people -- protection that must exist to allow for so much of this activity -- it is amazing that this guy was caught at all. ("Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?" and "Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?" then "New Jersey is the Home of Child Molesters.")
"Authorities said detectives seized Swiatek's office computer as well as a laptop [computer] and other digital media from him and [from] his home. He is being held on $50,000 bail in Middlesex County Jail as prosecutors seek a state grand jury indictment on the charges."
Allegations that Mr. Swiatek contributed to the campaigns of Senator Menendez and other prominent New Jersey Democrats (Mr. Sweeney?) can not be confirmed at this time. To my knowledge, Senator Menendez has not commented on this matter. ("Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
A list of additional recent examples of corruption in New Jersey's political and legal system -- including MORE child abuse-related matters! -- will be added to this essay in the days ahead, depending on how much cybercrime and harassment I must deal with in order to write from public computers in New York.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Rod Nordland & Alissa J. Rubin, "Taliban Captives Dispute U.S. View of the State of War," in The New York Times, February 2, 2012, at p. A1. (The world sees a defeat for the U.S. in Afghanistan together with a desperate American effort to find a way out of the quagmire.)
Josh Gerstein & MJ Lee, "Panetta: U.S. Combat in Afghanistan to End in 2013," in Politico, February 2, 2012, at p. 15. (Panetta "erred"?)
Several items pertaining to the matters discussed in these two articles will be attached to this list in the days ahead, including articles that I expect to discover in the media very soon. I invite the reader to examine the associations between the items listed.
Thom Shanker, "As Afghan Mission Shrinks, U.S. Plans to Shift to Elite Units," in The New York Times, February 5, 2012, at p. A1. (Taliban claims concerning U.S. intentions seem to be verified.)
Neil MacFarquhar & Anthony Shadid, "Russia and China Block U.N. Action On Crisis in Syria," in The New York Times, February 5, 2012, p. A1. (No repetition of the "Weapons of Mass Destruction" farce at the U.N. which does not wish to be seen as an adjuct to American foreign policy. Most crucial development in connection with this U.N. vote is the partnership between Russia and China to curb so-called "American hegemony." Perhaps we are learning something about where Taliban assistance may be coming from today and in the future.)
New Jersey's Third World Ethics:
Jeff Pillets, "Imprisoned Senator Received $200,000 From En-Cap Lawyer," in The Record, February 2, 2012, at p. A-3. (Former state senator Wayne Bryant and his law firm received $8,000 per month from jailed highly ethical attorney Eric Wisler, Esq. for "advice regarding the Meadowlands golf project." No legal services of any kind were performed for these fees, which may have involved public moneys disbursed by a then licensed attorney from a politically-connected firm that represented the former New Jersey Governor, for a total of $200,000. The OAE thought this was hunky-dory, at the time, and may think differently now only because of political pressure from a Republican Governor. No other attorneys, including partners at either of these political firms, have been disbarred as a result of these "shenanigans." Please see "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" and "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")
Shawn Boburg, "State's Top PA Official to Skip Hearing," in The Record, February 2, 2012, at p. A-4. (Effort to control PA corruption seeks to bypass New Jersey's appointees to the bi-state agency, many of whom have decided to ignore all hearings on the issue. New Jersey's PA personnel -- architects included? -- described the PA as "La Cosa Nostra.")
Deb Reichman, "Taliban Deny Peace Talk Report: Afghan Effort Would Have Pakistan's Support," in The Record, February 2, 2012, at p. A-11. (Taliban, correctly, expects to return to power after US leaves while enjoying Pakistan's support. Sweeney and Codey are taking notes in order to learn from Taliban methods.)
Stephanie Akin, et als., "Firebomb Attacks Delivered by Bike," in The Record, January 25, 2012, at p. A-1. (Anthony Graziano is, at best, one of several actors in anti-semitic attacks in several states.)
John Cristoffersen, "FBI Accuses Four Cops of Racist Policing: Says Hispanics Were Targeted in Conn. City," in The Record, January 25, 2012, at p. A-5. (FBI action is needed in New Jersey to control Trenton efforts against on-line dissidents.)
Ryan Hutchins, "The $122K Outcast: A County Employee's Non-Job is No Dream Job," in The Star Ledger, January 12, 2012, at p. 1. (Rick La Polla and the politics of New Jersey government employment at the taxpayers' expense. $100K-$200K for nothing is not bad.)
Jonathan S. Landy & Nancy A. Youssef, "Study: Taliban Aim to Retake Power," in The Star Ledger, January 12, 2012, at p. 3. (They will "regain" power by establishing a more cordial relationship with Pakistan, China, Russia and others.)
Christopher Baxter, "Rutgers Instructor Faces Charges of Possessing, Sharing Child Porn," in The Star Ledger, January 12, 2012, at p. 16. (New Jersey's child sex crisis continues.)
Hope Yen, "Tensions Rising Over Inequalities of Wealth: Study Reveals Shift in Middle Class Attitudes," in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. A-1. (Disparities grow even as the rise in employment will dissipate after the national election unless the underlying causes, like the war, are dealt with. Hatred for the 1% is growing and seems to mirror anti-semitism attacks.)
"Hate Burns: Anti-Semitic Attacks Spread," (Editorial) in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. A-12. (As economic conditions worsen, more antisemitic messages and threats are received. The usual scapegoats?)
Peter J. Sampson, "Ponzi Scheme Operator is Jailed," in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. L-1. (JENNIFER DEVINE, 40, bilked customers of $8 MILLION in a ponzi scheme. "Connected" to local politicians? What a surprise.)
Hannan Adeley, "School Defends Safety: Clifton Board Acts After Sex-Assault Arrest," in The Record, January 19, 2012, at p. L-1. (What are you up to now, Diana Lisa Riccioli? Richard Tordelo and Gary Passenti -- rumored members of organized crime and Clifton officials -- express "concern" about increasing allegations of child sexual abuse in Clifton schools and in their town.)
Justo Bautista, "Teacher Accused of Sex With a Girl: Charges Allege MONTHS of Contact," in The Record, January 19, 2012, at p. L-1. (Kyle S. Danilo, 32, of Wayne, New Jersey is the latest school teacher -- high school and college teachers have been involved in this activity -- arrested in the Garden State's epidemic of child abuse.)
Wayne Perry, "Prof. Arrested After House Fire Reveals Child Porn Magazine," in The Record, January 20, 2012, at p. A-3. (Child porn found at the Jersey shore home of professor who found the right state for his activities.)
Matt Friedman, "GOP Hopeful Jumps in to Challenge Menendez," in The Record, January 20, 2012, at p. A-6. (Joseph Kyrilios faces an uphill battle because many voters are afraid to be seen to support someone other than the Hudson Machine's boss. I urge New Jersey residents to participate in the forthcoming election by supporting opposition candidates.)
Ted Sherman& Peggy McGlone, "State Alleged to Probe Secret Payouts, " in the Record, January 20, 2012, at p. A-6. ($3.4 MILLION secretly went to promoters to bring more events to the Meadowlands, allegedly. Payola? How much was coming back to local politicians, like Bob Menendez?)
Peter J. Sampson, "North Hudson's Mayor's Sentencing Delayed," in The Record, January 20, 2012, at p. L-3. (Former Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, friend of Alex Booth, Esq., faces sentencing after accepting $10,000 bribe. "Put away the lawyer, I'll watch your back.")
February 6, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. "The Failure of Capitalist Production: Underlying Causes of the Great Recession." Professor Andrew Kliman will discuss his new book at "Bluestocking," 172 Allen Street, New York, N.Y. (212) 777-6028. For more information or to order the book: "The Marxist Humanist Initiative," http://www.marxisthumanist.org/
Christopher Baxter, "Rutgers Instructor Shared Child Porn, Authorities Charge: Allegedly Used Office Computer," in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. A-3.
New Jersey is notorious for obscene levels of corruption permitting the loathsome child sexual abuse industry to flourish from Atlantic City to Union City. Cuban-American organized crime and not -- for the most part, the Italian mafia -- is primarily responsible for this despicable reality.
Elizabeth and West New York police departments, for example, were said to contain many "friends" of these exploiters of children and assorted (as well as sordid) drug dealers from local neighborhoods. I will be delighted to name persons who uttered indiscreet -- also "indiscrete" -- remarks pertaining to this matter.
Garden State politicians were and are among the most often bribed officials in the nation, proud of a long tradition of graft that has allowed poor young people to achieve the American dream with a modicum of criminality. ("New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Menendez For Sale?" then "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")
"A biochemistry professor at Rutgers University has been arrested on charges that he used his office computer" -- paid for by taxpayers! -- "to share hundreds of videos of child pornography over the Internet, the state attorney general's office said Wednesday."
These videos are, usually, locally produced materials that are distributed by an underground network throughout the country. New Jersey may lead the nation in the production of this stuff.
The number of young women damaged by this evil is impossible to estimate with accuracy. I believe that they number in the hundreds of thousands, maybe more.
"University officials said the instructor, GAVIN SWIATEK, 49, has been teaching at the Cook Campus in New Brunswick since 2005."
"Swiatek ... was taken into custody on Tuesday at his home in Hillborough and charged with possession and distribution of child pornography, state attorney general, Jeffrey Chiesa said."
Mr. Chiesa, any chance that I can get the torture files any time soon? How much do you need, Jeffrey? ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")
This college professor was using a computer provided to him by the good folks in New Jersey, whose taxes support Rutgers University. I am sure that residents cannot imagine a better use for their money than allowing perverts to enjoy child porn. ("New Jersey's Political and Judicial Whores" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")
Given the levels of bought and paid for political protection for such people -- protection that must exist to allow for so much of this activity -- it is amazing that this guy was caught at all. ("Does Senator Menendez Have Mafia Friends?" and "Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?" then "New Jersey is the Home of Child Molesters.")
"Authorities said detectives seized Swiatek's office computer as well as a laptop [computer] and other digital media from him and [from] his home. He is being held on $50,000 bail in Middlesex County Jail as prosecutors seek a state grand jury indictment on the charges."
Allegations that Mr. Swiatek contributed to the campaigns of Senator Menendez and other prominent New Jersey Democrats (Mr. Sweeney?) can not be confirmed at this time. To my knowledge, Senator Menendez has not commented on this matter. ("Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
A list of additional recent examples of corruption in New Jersey's political and legal system -- including MORE child abuse-related matters! -- will be added to this essay in the days ahead, depending on how much cybercrime and harassment I must deal with in order to write from public computers in New York.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Rod Nordland & Alissa J. Rubin, "Taliban Captives Dispute U.S. View of the State of War," in The New York Times, February 2, 2012, at p. A1. (The world sees a defeat for the U.S. in Afghanistan together with a desperate American effort to find a way out of the quagmire.)
Josh Gerstein & MJ Lee, "Panetta: U.S. Combat in Afghanistan to End in 2013," in Politico, February 2, 2012, at p. 15. (Panetta "erred"?)
Several items pertaining to the matters discussed in these two articles will be attached to this list in the days ahead, including articles that I expect to discover in the media very soon. I invite the reader to examine the associations between the items listed.
Thom Shanker, "As Afghan Mission Shrinks, U.S. Plans to Shift to Elite Units," in The New York Times, February 5, 2012, at p. A1. (Taliban claims concerning U.S. intentions seem to be verified.)
Neil MacFarquhar & Anthony Shadid, "Russia and China Block U.N. Action On Crisis in Syria," in The New York Times, February 5, 2012, p. A1. (No repetition of the "Weapons of Mass Destruction" farce at the U.N. which does not wish to be seen as an adjuct to American foreign policy. Most crucial development in connection with this U.N. vote is the partnership between Russia and China to curb so-called "American hegemony." Perhaps we are learning something about where Taliban assistance may be coming from today and in the future.)
New Jersey's Third World Ethics:
Jeff Pillets, "Imprisoned Senator Received $200,000 From En-Cap Lawyer," in The Record, February 2, 2012, at p. A-3. (Former state senator Wayne Bryant and his law firm received $8,000 per month from jailed highly ethical attorney Eric Wisler, Esq. for "advice regarding the Meadowlands golf project." No legal services of any kind were performed for these fees, which may have involved public moneys disbursed by a then licensed attorney from a politically-connected firm that represented the former New Jersey Governor, for a total of $200,000. The OAE thought this was hunky-dory, at the time, and may think differently now only because of political pressure from a Republican Governor. No other attorneys, including partners at either of these political firms, have been disbarred as a result of these "shenanigans." Please see "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" and "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")
Shawn Boburg, "State's Top PA Official to Skip Hearing," in The Record, February 2, 2012, at p. A-4. (Effort to control PA corruption seeks to bypass New Jersey's appointees to the bi-state agency, many of whom have decided to ignore all hearings on the issue. New Jersey's PA personnel -- architects included? -- described the PA as "La Cosa Nostra.")
Deb Reichman, "Taliban Deny Peace Talk Report: Afghan Effort Would Have Pakistan's Support," in The Record, February 2, 2012, at p. A-11. (Taliban, correctly, expects to return to power after US leaves while enjoying Pakistan's support. Sweeney and Codey are taking notes in order to learn from Taliban methods.)
Stephanie Akin, et als., "Firebomb Attacks Delivered by Bike," in The Record, January 25, 2012, at p. A-1. (Anthony Graziano is, at best, one of several actors in anti-semitic attacks in several states.)
John Cristoffersen, "FBI Accuses Four Cops of Racist Policing: Says Hispanics Were Targeted in Conn. City," in The Record, January 25, 2012, at p. A-5. (FBI action is needed in New Jersey to control Trenton efforts against on-line dissidents.)
Ryan Hutchins, "The $122K Outcast: A County Employee's Non-Job is No Dream Job," in The Star Ledger, January 12, 2012, at p. 1. (Rick La Polla and the politics of New Jersey government employment at the taxpayers' expense. $100K-$200K for nothing is not bad.)
Jonathan S. Landy & Nancy A. Youssef, "Study: Taliban Aim to Retake Power," in The Star Ledger, January 12, 2012, at p. 3. (They will "regain" power by establishing a more cordial relationship with Pakistan, China, Russia and others.)
Christopher Baxter, "Rutgers Instructor Faces Charges of Possessing, Sharing Child Porn," in The Star Ledger, January 12, 2012, at p. 16. (New Jersey's child sex crisis continues.)
Hope Yen, "Tensions Rising Over Inequalities of Wealth: Study Reveals Shift in Middle Class Attitudes," in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. A-1. (Disparities grow even as the rise in employment will dissipate after the national election unless the underlying causes, like the war, are dealt with. Hatred for the 1% is growing and seems to mirror anti-semitism attacks.)
"Hate Burns: Anti-Semitic Attacks Spread," (Editorial) in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. A-12. (As economic conditions worsen, more antisemitic messages and threats are received. The usual scapegoats?)
Peter J. Sampson, "Ponzi Scheme Operator is Jailed," in The Record, January 12, 2012, at p. L-1. (JENNIFER DEVINE, 40, bilked customers of $8 MILLION in a ponzi scheme. "Connected" to local politicians? What a surprise.)
Hannan Adeley, "School Defends Safety: Clifton Board Acts After Sex-Assault Arrest," in The Record, January 19, 2012, at p. L-1. (What are you up to now, Diana Lisa Riccioli? Richard Tordelo and Gary Passenti -- rumored members of organized crime and Clifton officials -- express "concern" about increasing allegations of child sexual abuse in Clifton schools and in their town.)
Justo Bautista, "Teacher Accused of Sex With a Girl: Charges Allege MONTHS of Contact," in The Record, January 19, 2012, at p. L-1. (Kyle S. Danilo, 32, of Wayne, New Jersey is the latest school teacher -- high school and college teachers have been involved in this activity -- arrested in the Garden State's epidemic of child abuse.)
Wayne Perry, "Prof. Arrested After House Fire Reveals Child Porn Magazine," in The Record, January 20, 2012, at p. A-3. (Child porn found at the Jersey shore home of professor who found the right state for his activities.)
Matt Friedman, "GOP Hopeful Jumps in to Challenge Menendez," in The Record, January 20, 2012, at p. A-6. (Joseph Kyrilios faces an uphill battle because many voters are afraid to be seen to support someone other than the Hudson Machine's boss. I urge New Jersey residents to participate in the forthcoming election by supporting opposition candidates.)
Ted Sherman& Peggy McGlone, "State Alleged to Probe Secret Payouts, " in the Record, January 20, 2012, at p. A-6. ($3.4 MILLION secretly went to promoters to bring more events to the Meadowlands, allegedly. Payola? How much was coming back to local politicians, like Bob Menendez?)
Peter J. Sampson, "North Hudson's Mayor's Sentencing Delayed," in The Record, January 20, 2012, at p. L-3. (Former Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, friend of Alex Booth, Esq., faces sentencing after accepting $10,000 bribe. "Put away the lawyer, I'll watch your back.")
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