February 1, 2013 at 1:40 P.M. "Errors" inserted overnight will now be corrected.
January 31, 2012 at 1:10 P.M. "Errors" inserted in the text will now be corrected. I will try to defend these posts from future alterations to the best of my ability. At any time I may be prevented from writing further at these blogs or they may be destroyed by hackers protected by New Jersey officials. ("How censorship works in America" and "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")
I wish that I could say that I am surprised by accusations that Senator Menendez "consorted with prostitutes" -- some underage protitutes, allegedly -- and that F.B.I. seizures of financial records from big "donors" in Florida are only the beginning of the next scandal in Mr. Menendez's career. I will be writing about this matter in the days ahead. Efforts to prevent me from doing so will also escalate. ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" then "Crooked Broker Paid-Off Menendez!" and "Bribery in Union City, New Jersey.")
January 30, 2013 at 12:23 P.M. I am in receipt of a letter that purports to come from something called "EOS CCA, 700 Longworth Drive, Norwell, MA 02061."
I am reminded of "Publish America" for some reason. ("How censorship works in America" and "A Letter From the DRB in New Jersey" and "Another Letter From the DRB in New Jersey.")
Phone numbers are provided for this "entity," allegedly, which is probably a front or p.o. box: 781-681-4300; 800-455-8026; (FAX) 781-4340. The envelope in which the letter was sent bears postage meter number: #041L1124737.
The letter was posted on January 24, 2013 and was received by me in Manhattan on the next business day. This suggests that the letter was actually sent from within New York city or New Jersey, not from any place in Massachusetts.
The return address is stamped on this envelope. Anyone may purchase or create a stamp bearing any address. The envelope is addressed by hand, so that the person sending this communication should be easy to identify. (Lourdes Santiago? Alexandra Ramirez?)
This letter seeks to perpetuate the original fraud and lies in the threatening letter sent to me, previously, to which I have responded. ("Psychological Torture in the American Legal System" and "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" then "Another Warm Letter From the DRB.")
Do you speak to me of "ethics," Mr. Rabner? ("Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" and "What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?")
The origin of this letter, I believe, is identified with the source of the harassing phone calls to my home from numbers that I have posted and cybercrimes as well as censorship that I struggle against every day. These calls alone constitute stalking and criminal harassment. ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
I have retained copies of hundreds of pages revealing cybercrime at my blogs and sites. Admitting that the original letter was false or a lie (or an "error") is irrelevant to the criminal issues which have arisen in this matter. Accordingly, I believe a criminal investigation should proceed in this matter to its conclusion.
What follows is the text of the letter allegedly from "STACEY WELLESLEY" of "EOS CCA."
"Dear Mr. Menendez:
After reviewing our files, I have determined that Mr. Menendez was contacted in error by our collection department, while trying to locate another consumer.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Any phone numbers and/or addresses mentioned in the compliant [sic.] have been removed and will not receive further contact from us.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at 800-886-9177 ext 14250.
Sincerely,
Stacey Wellesley (s)
STACEY
(Processing Services)"
Manohla Dargis? Allison Gopnick? This obviously bogus letter and fictional signature is an embarassing lie for the person and/or agency creating it. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
If Trenton's government agencies are reduced to such transparent frauds, New Jersey's incompetence has reached a new low. Even the mafia is usually smarter than this letter-writer. Does all of this lead back to Mr. Menendez? Or the OAE? Both? ("Is Senator Menendez 'For' Human Rights?" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" then, again, "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
Congratulations, Mr. Menendez, on your prospective appointment to the Chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Is it really a "done deal"? ("Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez" then "Is Menendez For Sale?")
In response to a letter from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, Martha Coakley, Attorney General, c/o Brittany Kaminski, Mediator, Public Inquiry and Assistance Center, Boston, MA, 02018, I am sending copies of all I have received, together with a complaint form that I have completed which should or may result in criminal charges in several states -- charges that will, perhaps, be heard in a federal forum.
I have yet to hear from Mr. Vance's office. I am also enclosing copies of on-line writings pertaining to these matters.
"Dear Ms. Kaminski:
Thank you for your response to my original communication with your office.
I enclose with this letter copies of additional letters and materials which are self-explanatory together with your duly-executed complaint.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss this matter at your convenience.
Very truly yours,
Juan Galis-Menendez (s)
JUAN GALIS-MENENDEZ
cc: Cyrus R. Vance, New York District Attorney (w/encls.)"
Brittany Kaminski, Mediator
Public Inquiry & Assistance Center
Martha Coakley, Attorney General
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 727-2200
(617) 727-4765 TTY
http://www.mass.gov/ago
Please feel free to inquire about and follow-up on the progress of this matter as members of the public. After all, it is a free country and these are public proceedings. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.")
I am grateful for the support of many persons in several countries in the world. If I am able to continue writing and posting texts on-line -- at these blogs -- then you may expect periodic progress reports in these matters to see whether accusations mysteriously disappear or are dismissed without a hearing or an explanation.
If I am injured or incapacitated and unable to testify, I believe that these matters should -- and will -- still be investigated and pursued to a legal conclusion.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Will he walk the walk?
"Beyond Selma-to-Stonewall," (Editorial) in The New York Times, January 28, 2013, at p. A16.
"By including gay rights in the arc of the struggle for civil rights --'the road through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall' -- President Obama linked his presidency to ending anti-gay discrimination and underscored the legal wrong of denying gay people the freedom to marry."
Many of us attending to President Obama's inspiring Inauguration speech were struck by the forthright and brave manner in which Mr. Obama, correctly, embraced the struggle for equal rights of gay and lesbian as well as transexual and transgendered persons. ("Manifesto For the Unfinished American Revolution" and "America's Holocaust.")
Mr. Obama understands that the struggle for equality of our brothers and sisters in these communities today is incorporated into the continuing civil rights struggle because all of our rights are implicated or threatened by the violation of any one person's (or community's) rights. ("Presidential Debates" and "Republicans Unplugged.")
What is at issue in creating lesser or separate legal rights for any despised minority group, or person, is the diminution of everyone's rights as a cost of generalized dehumanization. ("Dehumanization" and "Is there a gay marriage right?" then "John Finnis and Ethical Cognitivism" and "Judith Butler and Gender Theory.")
If the history of the twentieth century has taught us anything, then it must be that dehumanization is a very slippery slope. It becomes progressively easier to encroach on the civil rights of all persons in the state when precedents are created for such encroachments upon the legal protections of disfavored persons in society.
Those we dislike -- or who are different and/or unpopular because of that difference -- are usually first to be denied their rights. ("Freedom For Mumia Abu-Jamal" and "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal" then "So Black and So Blue in Prison.")
"Now that Mr. Obama has declared that he believes denying gay people the right to wed is not only unfair and morally wrong but legally unsupportable, the urgent question is how he will translate his words into action. [emphasis added] To start he should have his Solicitor General file a brief in the Proposition 8 case being argued before the Supreme Court in March, saying that California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional."
Mr. Obama has been criticized by opponents for making great speeches while failing to act on his rhetoric. The same critics who do their best to undermine every White House initiative complain that Mr. Obama is not accomplishing much. ("Boehner's Disgrace.")
It must be said in response to this accusation that it is unprecedented for the President of the United States of America to make such an explicit declaration about LGBT rights.
It is likely that Mr. Obama's words will be echoed in international law and conventions on human rights involving many more nations in this effort at equality for everyone. President Obama has ALREADY changed the discussion in America and the world based on this crucial speech.
By shifting the discussion of LGBT rights to the level of Bill of Rights protections, which may be anti-majoritarian without being undemocratic -- since these protections emanate from the Constitution enacted by "We the People" as our most fundamental law -- he makes the protection of individuals' and especially minorities' fundamental rights primary over the "transitory will of majorities" as the Framers intended.
If a majority of voters approved the restoration of slavery for African-Americans, the courts would strike down such a law or mandate in any state, or for the nation, because that propspective law is prohibited by the 13th and 14th Amendments.
Denial of fundamental rights to LGBT persons is likened by many persons (myself included) to denigration of such persons or their reduction to a subhuman status. This goes way beyond the definition of marriage. (Again: "Is there a gay marriage right?")
Mr. Obama has placed concern for the rights of LGBT persons on the same level with the rights of African-Americans, women, and other traditionally disempowered groups or all persons confronted by the power of the state. Even the national government in an age of terrorism must obey the law.
I urge the president to direct the Solicitor General to file an amicus brief in the Proposition 8 case, to seek qualified candidates for the federal judiciary -- including the Supreme Court if a vacancy becomes available -- from the LGBT community (which is OUR community).
I also suggest that we continue to devote resources to the struggle for equal rights of which President Obama is now a global symbol. In Mr. Obama's words:
"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like everyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." (emphasis added!)
"By including gay rights in the arc of the struggle for civil rights --'the road through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall' -- President Obama linked his presidency to ending anti-gay discrimination and underscored the legal wrong of denying gay people the freedom to marry."
Many of us attending to President Obama's inspiring Inauguration speech were struck by the forthright and brave manner in which Mr. Obama, correctly, embraced the struggle for equal rights of gay and lesbian as well as transexual and transgendered persons. ("Manifesto For the Unfinished American Revolution" and "America's Holocaust.")
Mr. Obama understands that the struggle for equality of our brothers and sisters in these communities today is incorporated into the continuing civil rights struggle because all of our rights are implicated or threatened by the violation of any one person's (or community's) rights. ("Presidential Debates" and "Republicans Unplugged.")
What is at issue in creating lesser or separate legal rights for any despised minority group, or person, is the diminution of everyone's rights as a cost of generalized dehumanization. ("Dehumanization" and "Is there a gay marriage right?" then "John Finnis and Ethical Cognitivism" and "Judith Butler and Gender Theory.")
If the history of the twentieth century has taught us anything, then it must be that dehumanization is a very slippery slope. It becomes progressively easier to encroach on the civil rights of all persons in the state when precedents are created for such encroachments upon the legal protections of disfavored persons in society.
Those we dislike -- or who are different and/or unpopular because of that difference -- are usually first to be denied their rights. ("Freedom For Mumia Abu-Jamal" and "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal" then "So Black and So Blue in Prison.")
"Now that Mr. Obama has declared that he believes denying gay people the right to wed is not only unfair and morally wrong but legally unsupportable, the urgent question is how he will translate his words into action. [emphasis added] To start he should have his Solicitor General file a brief in the Proposition 8 case being argued before the Supreme Court in March, saying that California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional."
Mr. Obama has been criticized by opponents for making great speeches while failing to act on his rhetoric. The same critics who do their best to undermine every White House initiative complain that Mr. Obama is not accomplishing much. ("Boehner's Disgrace.")
It must be said in response to this accusation that it is unprecedented for the President of the United States of America to make such an explicit declaration about LGBT rights.
It is likely that Mr. Obama's words will be echoed in international law and conventions on human rights involving many more nations in this effort at equality for everyone. President Obama has ALREADY changed the discussion in America and the world based on this crucial speech.
By shifting the discussion of LGBT rights to the level of Bill of Rights protections, which may be anti-majoritarian without being undemocratic -- since these protections emanate from the Constitution enacted by "We the People" as our most fundamental law -- he makes the protection of individuals' and especially minorities' fundamental rights primary over the "transitory will of majorities" as the Framers intended.
If a majority of voters approved the restoration of slavery for African-Americans, the courts would strike down such a law or mandate in any state, or for the nation, because that propspective law is prohibited by the 13th and 14th Amendments.
Denial of fundamental rights to LGBT persons is likened by many persons (myself included) to denigration of such persons or their reduction to a subhuman status. This goes way beyond the definition of marriage. (Again: "Is there a gay marriage right?")
Mr. Obama has placed concern for the rights of LGBT persons on the same level with the rights of African-Americans, women, and other traditionally disempowered groups or all persons confronted by the power of the state. Even the national government in an age of terrorism must obey the law.
I urge the president to direct the Solicitor General to file an amicus brief in the Proposition 8 case, to seek qualified candidates for the federal judiciary -- including the Supreme Court if a vacancy becomes available -- from the LGBT community (which is OUR community).
I also suggest that we continue to devote resources to the struggle for equal rights of which President Obama is now a global symbol. In Mr. Obama's words:
"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like everyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." (emphasis added!)
Saturday, January 26, 2013
"Nice Babies" and Bad Psychologists.
February 7, 2013 at 1:52 P.M. I experienced additional obstacles to accessing these sites today. I hope to continue writing from multiple branches of the NYPL. So far, no fire alarms have gone off.
January 28, 2013 at 1:25 P.M. The article commented upon in this essay demands some kind of response from readers. Is this article typical of American social science or the ethics of U.S. journalists today? I hope not.
The following strange calls have been received by me: January 18, 2013 at 7:16 P.M. 516-656-4112, C4C FOP, NY; January 18, 2013 at 10:22 P.M. 516-490-8826 HICKSVILLE, NY; January 17, 2013 at 12:53 P.M. 973-273-7847 NEWARK, N.J. I am sure that there is a rational explanation for these mysterious calls.
Abigail Tucker, "Born to be Mild: Are we born knowing right from wrong?," in Smithsonian, January, 2013, at pp. 34-76. http://www.smithsonian.com (Isn't right and wrong all "relative"?)
Margaret Westheim, "Many Hands Make Fractals Tactile," in The New York Times, January 23, 2013, at p. D3. ("Science Times.")
Richard Lewontin, "Let DNA Fit the Crime," in The New York Review of Books, February 23, 2012, at p. 28.
Richard Lewontin, The Doctrine of DNA: Biology as Ideology (New York & London: Harper/Collins, 1992), pp. 39-59. ("Causes and Their Effects.")
Mary Midgley, Science and Poetry (London & New York: Routledge, 2001), pp. 79-155. ("Mind and Body: The End of Apartheid.")
John L. Carti, The Cambridge Quintet: A Work of Scientific Speculation (Canada: Helix Books, 2012).
Jerry Fodor, The Mind Doesn't Work That Way: The Scope and Limits of Computational Psychology (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2001).
Robert Coles, The Mind's Fate: A Psychiatrist Looks at His Profession (New York: Little, Brown & Co., 1995). (Summarizes and updates findings in Dr. Coles' Pulitzer Prize-winning trilogy focusing on the Moral Life, Spiritual Life, Political Life of Children. Notice the discussion of Piaget's work in relation to the great psychoanalysts and phenomenologists, like Professor Coles, whose books on Walker Percy and Simone Weil are highly recommended.)
Konrad Lorenz, On Aggression (New York: HBJ, 1963).
Stanley Milgram, Obedience to Authority (New York: Harper, 1974).
"Nice Babies" and Bad Psychologists.
An article in Smithsonian magazine by "Abigail Tucker," whose style is amazingly similar to the golden prose of "Jerry Adler" in Scientific American, raises more questions than it answers. ("Erasing Painful Memories" and "The Galatea Scenario and the Mind/Body Problem.")
The article is occasionally suggestive and interesting, if marred by a tendency to anounce with a drum roll the proverbial reinvention of the wheel by offering conclusions that can best be described as banal and, sometimes, absurd.
Strangely, the classic works in the field of infant studies are not mentioned (or recognized) by the author or the so-called scientists interviewed by the author. I suspect that at least some of these scientists and their studies may be fictional.
Journalistic ethics requires that this publication apologize to readers if, in fact, some or all of this article is based on lies. Echoing the work of discredited Harvard researcher, Mr. Hauser, this journalist focuses on alleged experiments with infants (12 to 16 months in ages) concerned with the question of whether moral behavior is innate or learned through social interaction.
At the outset of this article several philosophers and scientists are mentioned without being quoted who have, clearly, also not been read by this author: Thomas Hobbes is contrasted with Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Noam Chomsky is mentioned along with Jean Piaget. Tell us why they are important, Ms. Tucker, if you know.
More worrisome is the possibility that none of the scientists involved in this curious research seem to have read these thinkers or classic sources on the origins of human moral faculties.
The scientists have completed "fascinating research" which suggests (to them) conclusions that are already known to readers who have read the sources and to philosophers and psychologists working in this field today. Incidentally, Schopenhauer and Freud -- neither of whom are mentioned or quoted -- observed and commented upon the behavior of infants.
As we "spin our wheels" -- to quote Ms. Tucker who is (or was) a lawyer in New Jersey, perhaps -- thinking about these matters, a few reservations become especially important: 1) methodological problems arise surrounding the integrity of the process by which these conclusions were reached, allegedly, exclusively from pristine observations of "nice babies"; 2) ethical concerns focusing on the scope and limits of the alleged "consent" obtained by researchers, manipulations, comparisons and equating of these babies with adult apes on the basis of knowledge and capacity to acquire knowledge that are said to be "the same" for adult apes in relation to, or compared with, human infants.
I find this claim about babies and apes ludicrous because it is unsupported by any evidence cited in this article and defies common sense.
Human babies are admitted to possess a priori linguistic and social capacities that allow for moral life. This is what thinkers describe as "innate knowledge." I have yet to see or read of an ape that is equally well endowed, intellectually or emotionally.
It does not seem to occur to this writer -- who cannot have heard of, or read, structuralist psychologists -- that the "structural" facility for absorbing social-linguistic skills and/or moral dispositions ("disposition" is not a word or concept that is defined or used appropriately in this article) is also a kind of "knowledge" that permits "understanding" to emerge, moral and aesthetic understandings very much included. (Chomsky, Coles, Piaget and others agree on this much.)
Such deeply-ingrained knowledge and knowledge-capacity has been "known" to be BOTH inherent and socially developed by philosophers and psychologists for generations.
What is new is recent discoveries suggesting a similar "ingrained" mathematical knowledge in persons that is likened to an aesthetic faculty in all humans. Fusions of realism in the philosophy of mathematics with hermeneutics in philosophy seems promising as a future direction for students in these fields as well as in quantum physics. ("Dialectics, Entanglements, and Special Relativity" and, soon, "Let's be realistic about Realism.")
The implications of this so-called "new" research for scientists seeking to model human consciousness and intelligence, mathematically, in order to produce consciousness in computers, is not recognized nor can it be discussed by this author. ("Mind and Machine" and "Consciousness and Computers.")
Methodology.
No discussion is offered concerning the selection process for these infants, or so-called "nice babies," that make up the base group studied, nor are we told whether a control group was created to correct for any bias in the base group or distorting influences created by scientists themselves.
Social scientists tend to observe and discover exactly what they decide to find before examining the evidence, very much like judges. After telling us of the importance of culture, to take one example, the author of this article fails to comment on the academic and so-called scientific culture among social science researchers that tends to mirror the culture of the people participating in this research and of their "nice" babies.
A great deal has been learned by infants in the first year of life long before they get to these researchers. Not surprisingly, the base group of nice babies is likely to be mostly, one infers, white, middle to upper-middle class, as determined from the observations of a handful of "scientists" (I use the word loosely) of similar backgrounds to the subjects.
How different they (nice people) must be from the persons who, we are told, assaulted one of the scientists interested in researching "goodness."
Generalizations are made about all human infants and, indeed, about chimpanzees on the basis of this tainted and selective group of "nice" babies. I have yet to find a group of "not-nice babies."
Speaking of "cultural" issues, for example, in most places in the world there would be shock at parents willing to lend themselves and their infants to such so-called scientists' manipulations that may well be extremely harmful to the healthy emotional development of their babies' lives.
Anxiety resulting from concern that a scientists' "stuffed animals" have been taken or harmed could be a serious problem for babies, if not (perhaps) for adult apes. I doubt that the scientists doing this alleged experimentation -- if they exist -- are "nice scientists." These scientists may need a little time out:
" ... researchers outfit them [babies] with miniature wire skullcaps to monitor brain waves, scrutinize them like shoplifters through wall cameras and two-way mirrors, and conduct exceedingly clever and tightly-controlled experiments, which a good portion of their subjects will refuse to sit through anyway. Even well-behaved babies are notoriously hard to read: their most meditative expressions are often the sign of an impending bowel movement." (pp. 35-36.)
I suspect that the babies, by defecating, are making an eloquent comment on the scientists' experiments. I concur.
This research is said to point to natural capacity or a priori "dispositions" toward moral behavior as opposed to learned behavior. The greatest mistake may be to think of an opposition between these kinds of explanations and theories, nature or nurture, when it is clearly nature and nurture that matters to "niceness."
This author and these scientists seem -- and, indeed, they are -- thoroughly confused about these matters.
"It's all relative!"
Locating goodness in human nature -- at least when discussing nice babies -- rather than the nasty criminals who participate in "gang initiations" by beating up scientists -- may involve racist assumptions and generalizations. This is to fail to appreciate, again, the very concept mentioned as important to all findings "culture."
The very same nice babies admired by the author and scientists, if placed in an environment in which survival requires development of the capacity for violence, will become criminals capable of assaulting researchers. The discussion of human potentialities is more subtle and complex than this article's author supposes.
Capacity for ethical concern or awareness, apparently, is not relative at all. Capacity for moral life, inherent goodness -- like the capacity to acquire a language -- is a feature of human cerebral functioning and, only then, subject to social development that is not reducible to Darwinian dismissals, nor to "self-interest" or "advantage," either for individuals or groups of individuals. Regrettably, the statements of the author (or authors) of this article, as we will see, are self-contradictory on these issues.
Ms./Mr. Tucker first dismisses ethical dispositions in humans as Darwinian adaptations or a matter of "self-interest" (survival?) then self-interest is specifically rejected as an explanation for ethical behavior:
"Natural selection has operated as much or more on social behavior" -- Does behavior evolve? Or do persons evolve? -- "as are more basic things like perception." Is perception distinguishable from social behavior? Does some experience take place outside of behavior? Emotions? You can observe behavior, but not necessarily experience. ("R.D. Laing and Evil" and "John Finnis and Ethical Cognitivism.")
"In our evolution survival and reproduction depend more and more on social competence as you went from basic mamals [sic.] to primates to human ancestors to humans." (p. 37, emphasis added.)
Human ancestors are humans by definition even if they are also something else. This section of the article is reminiscent of Richard Dawkins' "selfish genes" and memes. It is the kind of talk that will delight Richard Posner and adherents of law and economics. Immediately after this statement, however, we are told:
" ... a child arrives in the world provisioned with rich, broadly pro-social tendencies and seem ["seems"?] predisposed [what's that?] to care about other people. Children can tell, to an extent, what is good and bad, [It's not all relative?] and often act in an altruistic manner." (p. 37.)
This goodness in infants is found even when there is inconvenience to the child and no reward is offered or given for the altruism displayed. (pp. 37-38.)
Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, Kant and Jefferson agreed with this observation and said as much about humanity -- even accounting for Kant's skepticism about the "crooked timber of humanity" -- because of human reason and natural rational CAPACITIES and DISPOSITIONS towards goodness.
Rationalism is vindicated in much of this research as a viable and important contributor to "our" understanding of the human mind.
Schopenhauer and Freud expressed reservations about "innate" capacities for aggression. Konrad Lorenz deserves a mention as devil's advocate. What about Milgram and Zimbardo? ("Drawing Room Comedy: A Philosophical Essay in the Form of a Film Script" and "The Wanderer and His Shadow.")
Several obviously fictional scientists quoted ("Allison Gopnick"?) were astonished to discover that "nice babies" will persist in compassionate behavior out of affection or empathy ...
" ... even at a cost to themselves, growing concerned if someone shreds another person's artwork" -- Or inserts "errors" in the on-line creative works of others? -- "and divying-up [sic.] earnings after a shared task, whether the spoils take the form of detested rye bread or precious Gummy Bears." (p. 37.)
This sounds like socialism. ("Hansel and Gretl.")
All of this research leads to the bafflement of leading scientist "Allison Gopnick" of Berkeley University. Again, I doubt that such a person exists at the Berkeley campus of the University of California:
"There isn't a moral module that is there [where?] innately. But the elements that underpin morality -- altruism, sympathy for others, the understanding of other people's goals -- are in place much earlier than we thought and clearly in place before children turn 2." (p. 38.)
A full human language is not "in" the brain, but the unique capacity to absorb a language is an innate, a priori human faculty. Similarly, a full set of ethical principles and rules for ethical life are not "in" the brain at birth, but a capacity for reasoning about right and wrong, together with empathetic identification leading to attraction to goodness and revulsion at evil (or hatred of wickedness) may well be present at birth in healthy persons. ("Why I am not an ethical relativist" and "Nihilists in Disneyworld.")
Healthy individuals may develop in an ethical direction provided that a number of other factors are also available: culture, environment, nutrition, and many other external factors not controlled by infants, like equal access to education and safety from violence.
Culture Vultures.
Here is where the selection issue concerning methodology arises: Babies raised by nice parents who are loving and protective tend to be nice babies. There needs no ghost come from "Berkeley University" to tell us this. ("Richard A. Posner on Voluntary Actions and Criminal Responsibility.")
Where innate capacities for learning and developing moral dispositions are encouraged as well as naturally evolve, anti-social behavior is minimized. This capacity for moral behavior or "disposition toward the good" (Aristotle) -- not mere behavior -- is part of what we mean by consciousness or human nature. ("Immanuel Kant and the Narrative of Freedom.")
This leads to the great difficulties with efforts to create artificial intelligence in computers ("A.I.") in order to achieve machine consciousness. Human intelligence is never entirely amoral or non-valuing. Consciousness is always consciousness "of" something. ("Mind and Machine" then "Consciousness and Computers" and "The Entanglements Are Primary.")
Ethical capacity or quasi-linguistic features of human minds may be the very "moral modules" that allow us to become persons in the fullness of time, if we are lucky. ("Ape and Essence" and "Primates and Personhood.")
A few persons -- possibly for pathological reasons -- will be unable to develop normally whatever circumstances they are in. Fortunately, such persons are a tiny minority of any human society.
An article in the "Science Times" section of the New York Times, develops insights from Spinoza and Kant, neither of whom may be well-known to the author, concerning innate mathematical intuitions and realism or the metaphysical reality of numbers examined by Godel, Penrose, Putnam and Salmon.
Not surprisingly, Immanuel Kant suggested an analogy between mathematical intuition of pattern and form and the rational groundwork of ethical-social life. I will conclude with Times reporter Margaret Westheim's words echoing Noam Chomsky:
"Human beings are born with an innate capacity to learn languages. Yet while mathematics is the language of pattern and form, many people struggle to acquire even its basic grammar."
Ethics and love are the languages of personhood. Notice the insight from aesthetics and hermeneutics analogizing mathematical talent developed by doing math to love by loving, goodness by being good, justice by being just:
"But what if we could experience language by speaking it."
January 28, 2013 at 1:25 P.M. The article commented upon in this essay demands some kind of response from readers. Is this article typical of American social science or the ethics of U.S. journalists today? I hope not.
The following strange calls have been received by me: January 18, 2013 at 7:16 P.M. 516-656-4112, C4C FOP, NY; January 18, 2013 at 10:22 P.M. 516-490-8826 HICKSVILLE, NY; January 17, 2013 at 12:53 P.M. 973-273-7847 NEWARK, N.J. I am sure that there is a rational explanation for these mysterious calls.
Abigail Tucker, "Born to be Mild: Are we born knowing right from wrong?," in Smithsonian, January, 2013, at pp. 34-76. http://www.smithsonian.com (Isn't right and wrong all "relative"?)
Margaret Westheim, "Many Hands Make Fractals Tactile," in The New York Times, January 23, 2013, at p. D3. ("Science Times.")
Richard Lewontin, "Let DNA Fit the Crime," in The New York Review of Books, February 23, 2012, at p. 28.
Richard Lewontin, The Doctrine of DNA: Biology as Ideology (New York & London: Harper/Collins, 1992), pp. 39-59. ("Causes and Their Effects.")
Mary Midgley, Science and Poetry (London & New York: Routledge, 2001), pp. 79-155. ("Mind and Body: The End of Apartheid.")
John L. Carti, The Cambridge Quintet: A Work of Scientific Speculation (Canada: Helix Books, 2012).
Jerry Fodor, The Mind Doesn't Work That Way: The Scope and Limits of Computational Psychology (Cambridge: MIT Press, 2001).
Robert Coles, The Mind's Fate: A Psychiatrist Looks at His Profession (New York: Little, Brown & Co., 1995). (Summarizes and updates findings in Dr. Coles' Pulitzer Prize-winning trilogy focusing on the Moral Life, Spiritual Life, Political Life of Children. Notice the discussion of Piaget's work in relation to the great psychoanalysts and phenomenologists, like Professor Coles, whose books on Walker Percy and Simone Weil are highly recommended.)
Konrad Lorenz, On Aggression (New York: HBJ, 1963).
Stanley Milgram, Obedience to Authority (New York: Harper, 1974).
"Nice Babies" and Bad Psychologists.
An article in Smithsonian magazine by "Abigail Tucker," whose style is amazingly similar to the golden prose of "Jerry Adler" in Scientific American, raises more questions than it answers. ("Erasing Painful Memories" and "The Galatea Scenario and the Mind/Body Problem.")
The article is occasionally suggestive and interesting, if marred by a tendency to anounce with a drum roll the proverbial reinvention of the wheel by offering conclusions that can best be described as banal and, sometimes, absurd.
Strangely, the classic works in the field of infant studies are not mentioned (or recognized) by the author or the so-called scientists interviewed by the author. I suspect that at least some of these scientists and their studies may be fictional.
Journalistic ethics requires that this publication apologize to readers if, in fact, some or all of this article is based on lies. Echoing the work of discredited Harvard researcher, Mr. Hauser, this journalist focuses on alleged experiments with infants (12 to 16 months in ages) concerned with the question of whether moral behavior is innate or learned through social interaction.
At the outset of this article several philosophers and scientists are mentioned without being quoted who have, clearly, also not been read by this author: Thomas Hobbes is contrasted with Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Noam Chomsky is mentioned along with Jean Piaget. Tell us why they are important, Ms. Tucker, if you know.
More worrisome is the possibility that none of the scientists involved in this curious research seem to have read these thinkers or classic sources on the origins of human moral faculties.
The scientists have completed "fascinating research" which suggests (to them) conclusions that are already known to readers who have read the sources and to philosophers and psychologists working in this field today. Incidentally, Schopenhauer and Freud -- neither of whom are mentioned or quoted -- observed and commented upon the behavior of infants.
As we "spin our wheels" -- to quote Ms. Tucker who is (or was) a lawyer in New Jersey, perhaps -- thinking about these matters, a few reservations become especially important: 1) methodological problems arise surrounding the integrity of the process by which these conclusions were reached, allegedly, exclusively from pristine observations of "nice babies"; 2) ethical concerns focusing on the scope and limits of the alleged "consent" obtained by researchers, manipulations, comparisons and equating of these babies with adult apes on the basis of knowledge and capacity to acquire knowledge that are said to be "the same" for adult apes in relation to, or compared with, human infants.
I find this claim about babies and apes ludicrous because it is unsupported by any evidence cited in this article and defies common sense.
Human babies are admitted to possess a priori linguistic and social capacities that allow for moral life. This is what thinkers describe as "innate knowledge." I have yet to see or read of an ape that is equally well endowed, intellectually or emotionally.
It does not seem to occur to this writer -- who cannot have heard of, or read, structuralist psychologists -- that the "structural" facility for absorbing social-linguistic skills and/or moral dispositions ("disposition" is not a word or concept that is defined or used appropriately in this article) is also a kind of "knowledge" that permits "understanding" to emerge, moral and aesthetic understandings very much included. (Chomsky, Coles, Piaget and others agree on this much.)
Such deeply-ingrained knowledge and knowledge-capacity has been "known" to be BOTH inherent and socially developed by philosophers and psychologists for generations.
What is new is recent discoveries suggesting a similar "ingrained" mathematical knowledge in persons that is likened to an aesthetic faculty in all humans. Fusions of realism in the philosophy of mathematics with hermeneutics in philosophy seems promising as a future direction for students in these fields as well as in quantum physics. ("Dialectics, Entanglements, and Special Relativity" and, soon, "Let's be realistic about Realism.")
The implications of this so-called "new" research for scientists seeking to model human consciousness and intelligence, mathematically, in order to produce consciousness in computers, is not recognized nor can it be discussed by this author. ("Mind and Machine" and "Consciousness and Computers.")
Methodology.
No discussion is offered concerning the selection process for these infants, or so-called "nice babies," that make up the base group studied, nor are we told whether a control group was created to correct for any bias in the base group or distorting influences created by scientists themselves.
Social scientists tend to observe and discover exactly what they decide to find before examining the evidence, very much like judges. After telling us of the importance of culture, to take one example, the author of this article fails to comment on the academic and so-called scientific culture among social science researchers that tends to mirror the culture of the people participating in this research and of their "nice" babies.
A great deal has been learned by infants in the first year of life long before they get to these researchers. Not surprisingly, the base group of nice babies is likely to be mostly, one infers, white, middle to upper-middle class, as determined from the observations of a handful of "scientists" (I use the word loosely) of similar backgrounds to the subjects.
How different they (nice people) must be from the persons who, we are told, assaulted one of the scientists interested in researching "goodness."
Generalizations are made about all human infants and, indeed, about chimpanzees on the basis of this tainted and selective group of "nice" babies. I have yet to find a group of "not-nice babies."
Speaking of "cultural" issues, for example, in most places in the world there would be shock at parents willing to lend themselves and their infants to such so-called scientists' manipulations that may well be extremely harmful to the healthy emotional development of their babies' lives.
Anxiety resulting from concern that a scientists' "stuffed animals" have been taken or harmed could be a serious problem for babies, if not (perhaps) for adult apes. I doubt that the scientists doing this alleged experimentation -- if they exist -- are "nice scientists." These scientists may need a little time out:
" ... researchers outfit them [babies] with miniature wire skullcaps to monitor brain waves, scrutinize them like shoplifters through wall cameras and two-way mirrors, and conduct exceedingly clever and tightly-controlled experiments, which a good portion of their subjects will refuse to sit through anyway. Even well-behaved babies are notoriously hard to read: their most meditative expressions are often the sign of an impending bowel movement." (pp. 35-36.)
I suspect that the babies, by defecating, are making an eloquent comment on the scientists' experiments. I concur.
This research is said to point to natural capacity or a priori "dispositions" toward moral behavior as opposed to learned behavior. The greatest mistake may be to think of an opposition between these kinds of explanations and theories, nature or nurture, when it is clearly nature and nurture that matters to "niceness."
This author and these scientists seem -- and, indeed, they are -- thoroughly confused about these matters.
"It's all relative!"
Locating goodness in human nature -- at least when discussing nice babies -- rather than the nasty criminals who participate in "gang initiations" by beating up scientists -- may involve racist assumptions and generalizations. This is to fail to appreciate, again, the very concept mentioned as important to all findings "culture."
The very same nice babies admired by the author and scientists, if placed in an environment in which survival requires development of the capacity for violence, will become criminals capable of assaulting researchers. The discussion of human potentialities is more subtle and complex than this article's author supposes.
Capacity for ethical concern or awareness, apparently, is not relative at all. Capacity for moral life, inherent goodness -- like the capacity to acquire a language -- is a feature of human cerebral functioning and, only then, subject to social development that is not reducible to Darwinian dismissals, nor to "self-interest" or "advantage," either for individuals or groups of individuals. Regrettably, the statements of the author (or authors) of this article, as we will see, are self-contradictory on these issues.
Ms./Mr. Tucker first dismisses ethical dispositions in humans as Darwinian adaptations or a matter of "self-interest" (survival?) then self-interest is specifically rejected as an explanation for ethical behavior:
"Natural selection has operated as much or more on social behavior" -- Does behavior evolve? Or do persons evolve? -- "as are more basic things like perception." Is perception distinguishable from social behavior? Does some experience take place outside of behavior? Emotions? You can observe behavior, but not necessarily experience. ("R.D. Laing and Evil" and "John Finnis and Ethical Cognitivism.")
"In our evolution survival and reproduction depend more and more on social competence as you went from basic mamals [sic.] to primates to human ancestors to humans." (p. 37, emphasis added.)
Human ancestors are humans by definition even if they are also something else. This section of the article is reminiscent of Richard Dawkins' "selfish genes" and memes. It is the kind of talk that will delight Richard Posner and adherents of law and economics. Immediately after this statement, however, we are told:
" ... a child arrives in the world provisioned with rich, broadly pro-social tendencies and seem ["seems"?] predisposed [what's that?] to care about other people. Children can tell, to an extent, what is good and bad, [It's not all relative?] and often act in an altruistic manner." (p. 37.)
This goodness in infants is found even when there is inconvenience to the child and no reward is offered or given for the altruism displayed. (pp. 37-38.)
Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas, Kant and Jefferson agreed with this observation and said as much about humanity -- even accounting for Kant's skepticism about the "crooked timber of humanity" -- because of human reason and natural rational CAPACITIES and DISPOSITIONS towards goodness.
Rationalism is vindicated in much of this research as a viable and important contributor to "our" understanding of the human mind.
Schopenhauer and Freud expressed reservations about "innate" capacities for aggression. Konrad Lorenz deserves a mention as devil's advocate. What about Milgram and Zimbardo? ("Drawing Room Comedy: A Philosophical Essay in the Form of a Film Script" and "The Wanderer and His Shadow.")
Several obviously fictional scientists quoted ("Allison Gopnick"?) were astonished to discover that "nice babies" will persist in compassionate behavior out of affection or empathy ...
" ... even at a cost to themselves, growing concerned if someone shreds another person's artwork" -- Or inserts "errors" in the on-line creative works of others? -- "and divying-up [sic.] earnings after a shared task, whether the spoils take the form of detested rye bread or precious Gummy Bears." (p. 37.)
This sounds like socialism. ("Hansel and Gretl.")
All of this research leads to the bafflement of leading scientist "Allison Gopnick" of Berkeley University. Again, I doubt that such a person exists at the Berkeley campus of the University of California:
"There isn't a moral module that is there [where?] innately. But the elements that underpin morality -- altruism, sympathy for others, the understanding of other people's goals -- are in place much earlier than we thought and clearly in place before children turn 2." (p. 38.)
A full human language is not "in" the brain, but the unique capacity to absorb a language is an innate, a priori human faculty. Similarly, a full set of ethical principles and rules for ethical life are not "in" the brain at birth, but a capacity for reasoning about right and wrong, together with empathetic identification leading to attraction to goodness and revulsion at evil (or hatred of wickedness) may well be present at birth in healthy persons. ("Why I am not an ethical relativist" and "Nihilists in Disneyworld.")
Healthy individuals may develop in an ethical direction provided that a number of other factors are also available: culture, environment, nutrition, and many other external factors not controlled by infants, like equal access to education and safety from violence.
Culture Vultures.
Here is where the selection issue concerning methodology arises: Babies raised by nice parents who are loving and protective tend to be nice babies. There needs no ghost come from "Berkeley University" to tell us this. ("Richard A. Posner on Voluntary Actions and Criminal Responsibility.")
Where innate capacities for learning and developing moral dispositions are encouraged as well as naturally evolve, anti-social behavior is minimized. This capacity for moral behavior or "disposition toward the good" (Aristotle) -- not mere behavior -- is part of what we mean by consciousness or human nature. ("Immanuel Kant and the Narrative of Freedom.")
This leads to the great difficulties with efforts to create artificial intelligence in computers ("A.I.") in order to achieve machine consciousness. Human intelligence is never entirely amoral or non-valuing. Consciousness is always consciousness "of" something. ("Mind and Machine" then "Consciousness and Computers" and "The Entanglements Are Primary.")
Ethical capacity or quasi-linguistic features of human minds may be the very "moral modules" that allow us to become persons in the fullness of time, if we are lucky. ("Ape and Essence" and "Primates and Personhood.")
A few persons -- possibly for pathological reasons -- will be unable to develop normally whatever circumstances they are in. Fortunately, such persons are a tiny minority of any human society.
An article in the "Science Times" section of the New York Times, develops insights from Spinoza and Kant, neither of whom may be well-known to the author, concerning innate mathematical intuitions and realism or the metaphysical reality of numbers examined by Godel, Penrose, Putnam and Salmon.
Not surprisingly, Immanuel Kant suggested an analogy between mathematical intuition of pattern and form and the rational groundwork of ethical-social life. I will conclude with Times reporter Margaret Westheim's words echoing Noam Chomsky:
"Human beings are born with an innate capacity to learn languages. Yet while mathematics is the language of pattern and form, many people struggle to acquire even its basic grammar."
Ethics and love are the languages of personhood. Notice the insight from aesthetics and hermeneutics analogizing mathematical talent developed by doing math to love by loving, goodness by being good, justice by being just:
"But what if we could experience language by speaking it."
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Hansel and Gretl.
" ... You will see fearful shapes in darkness, and wicked voices will whisper in your ear, but they will not harm you, for against the purity of a little child the powers of hell cannot prevail."
Oscar Wilde, "The Canterville Ghost," in Lord Saville's Crime and Other Stories (New York: Penguin, 1954), p. 54.
It was a windy, dark and icy Halloween night. Hansel Finkelstein decided that, as he had just turned twelve, a final "trick-or-treat" adventure was in order before the arrival of adolescent confusions and grim adult responsibilities.
Among strangers, of course, Hansel would have affected an ironic distance from childish pleasures on the ground that the world's troubles preclude any concern with such frivolities.
"Oh, to see the privileged class enjoying its privileges," Fitzgerald writes, "is one of life's great pleasures."
Hansel felt far too "privileged" in a city that offered daily opportunities to witness devastated lives to enjoy his good fortune without a pang of guilt that nourished his keen sense of social justice. Being a "lucky kid" can be a burden for New York children.
Hansel's dad worked in the movie business. Hansel often met famous people and super-rich people, but his dad explained that they were like everybody else -- except a little sillier. Airplanes and fancy cars did not mean much to Hansel.
"Money is important in life," Hansel's dad said, "but spirituality and goodness are more important concerns."
Hansel loved to read. He used his New York Public Library card, every day, right before Hebrew lessons. Standing before the mirror now, flexing the iron-like muscles of his 95 pound frame, Hansel rose to his full height of a proud 4 feet, 11 inches.
Placing his thick black spectacles on the tip of his nose, Hansel tried to look like Kato on the Green Hornet t.v. show that he saw in reruns on "T.V. Land" as he peered into his father's wall-length mirror.
Hansel had a way with the ladies in his sixth-grade class. As an international man of mystery, he tossed an over-the-shoulder smile at any vixens wandering by, donned his elegant and casual ensemble from Eddie Bauer, while offering a wry remark. Women can't resist "devil-may-care" insousiance.
Hansel picked-up his costume and prepared to encounter his best friend and future girlfriend, Gretl Straus -- who was unaware of her good fortune just yet because Hansel was terrified and embarassed to say anything romantic to an actual, real-life "empowered female person" as distinct from a "girl" -- in order to indulge in a shared, if highly ironic, candy-gathering expedition.
Just this once, in exchange for a tiny peck on the cheek, Hansel would divide his bubble-gum pop with Gretl, even the one with the Batman wrapping. Too much indulgence in such generosity was not a good thing. Women are easily spoiled.
What a lucky girl -- I mean female person -- was the not-so-rich Gretl Straus. Gretl lived with her mom on the lower east side. Hansel lived in a huge condo at the Apthorp, Broadway and 79th Street, about a block from his favorite Chinese restaurant.
Gretl was already modelling for The New York Times magazine, Cosmo, and other glossy publications (even though she was politically opposed to capitalism) because her mother needed the money.
Gretl looked like a blond goddess-type in a Tommy Hilfinger advertisement, but she was not stuck-up or snotty, nor a shiksa. In fact, Gretl was really nice and strangely insecure, rarely allowing people to see her wearing the thick glasses that she preferred to contacts.
Gretl was totally hostile to religion. Hansel felt that religion was helpful for parents and other adults dealing with issues.
Gretl agreed to come over around 5:30 P.M. for their expedition. Right on cue the doorbell rang. Hansel buzzed Gretl into the building. He stood at the open door with a look of boredom and "whatever-style" ease to indicate that he really liked this girl. Eagerness would send the opposite of his intended message in the Age of Irony.
Gretl strolled out of the elevator, towards Hansel's apartment, with a big smile on her face (permissible for girls, that is, female persons) and wearing a comfortable Irish-knit sweater under a denim jacket and old jeans.
Gretl looked like she had stepped out of one those nice catalogues sent out for the holidays. She held a big bag from one of the pricey stores she modelled for that contained her costume.
This meant that Gretl would change in Hansel's room, which would be O.K. with his mom, except that Hansel had not engaged in the usual "girl-is-coming-over" decorations that included leaving his Noam Chomsky books scattered over his bed and putting up his "Inception" poster.
Gretl wore a big bunny rabitt costume; Hansel wore a "Rudy-the-Red-Nosed-Raindeer" costume. They each selected a big bag to fill with candy to be obtained from the stores on Broadway, then they'd take out a lot of the candy -- so the bags would appear mostly empty -- when they went to neighbors in their building and in other ritzy buildings who would feel sorry for them and give them lots more candy.
Hansel had considered a career in entertainment law. They had a really nice time making out like bandits -- especially Hansel! -- when they decided to cross the park at 79th Street, emerging right by the Metropolitan Museum.
Many of the nice brownstones on 5th Avenue and further down on Madison were known to be candy gold mines rarely visited by unadventurous kids from the west side.
As Hansel and Gretl were making their way across the park, texting their parents not to worry, listening to their favorite music while enjoying a heated conversation concerning the merits of their respective laptops, they suddenly came upon a person in the best wolf costume either of them had ever seen.
This amazingly life-like wolf -- eyes glittering, saliva sparkling on white fangs and pointed front teeth -- was wearing a black Channel suit, together with a button that said "Vote for Me For City Council."
"Why, hello there!" Said the wolf in a beguiling and very husky female voice.
"Hey," Hansel responded.
Gretl reached for her I-phone and took the wolf's picture sending it, instantly, to her mom for protection as she had been taught to do.
"There's no need to be concerned." Said the wolf.
She smiled a wolfish smile, while lighting a very expensive cigarette placed in a long holder; she wore long black gloves over her suit sleeve as required from female evil wolves, leaned towards them and with a silken intonation whispered: "I am originally from New Jersey."
The wolf came even closer to them speaking these words in a menacing pianissimo, "I've decided to move to the city in order to enter politics in the Big Apple, where the money is best and one can have ... eh, the greatest impact."
"We're trick-or-treating." Gretl was cautious.
"I'd be only too happy to hold on to your candy and keep it safe for you."
The wolf said this while drawing yet closer to Gretl, filling the girl's nostrils with a whiff of cheap perfume and cigarette smoke, also something much worse.
"Perhaps you'd like to leave a trail of candy that you could follow in order to get home later, when it's dark?" The wolf suggested, helpfully.
"Well, duh. We've got GPS on our I-Phones!" Gretl said.
Gretl placed her arms at her hips then tilted her head with disapproval at the wolf's ignorance of technology.
"No thank you." Hansel responded politely, as his father had taught him to do, even when dealing with someone unpleasant or from New Jersey, which may amount to the same thing.
The wolf then lowered her glove to reveal at least six Rolex watches, each available for $60.00.
Hansel had been offered the real thing (a gold-and-silver Rolex), but he'd turned it down because his I-Phone also had a time feature or "app." Hansel didn't need anything so fancy.
Hansel declined the wolf's invitation to hold their candy "in trust" pending completion of a fact-finding investigation of the candy's sensitivity to political issues, or whether the companies making the candy employed a sufficient number of minorities and female persons adopting alternative lifestyles.
Making their excuses the kids strolled past the wolf, heading to the east side, following what appeared to be the yellow bricks of a glittering wet cobblestone road straight through the park.
They failed to realize, however, that this particular wolf sensed a candy windfall in the making and had decided to follow Hansel and Gretl at a discreet distance.
As the children began knocking on doors, they were greeted by friendly strangers along with other kids who compared notes on their pirate booty.
Along with some new friends their age, they came to a white marble townhouse that was decorated with beautiful Halloween stuff: a strawman sat on a rocking chair at the entrance to the property; a doorman smiled and greeted the children dressed as Superman; music and laughter could be heard all the way in the street.
A masked ball was taking place inside this beautiful home owned by a tall man with dark curly hair dressed in green velvet breeches resembling the style of Oscar Wilde. Others glimpsed behind him looked like the authors and characters that Hansel and Gretl loved most -- William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Frankenstein and Mary Shelley, J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter were dancing in the living room, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle were chatting with Robin Hood.
"Please come in," Oscar Wilde said.
As Hansel and Gretl entered the premises they were dazzled by the beauty of the rooms and impressed by the sparkling conversations of the various guests.
The children had never before experienced such a sense of peace and belonging. Ice cream was available on command, offered by persons also in costume willing to play with the other children in the room.
Pre-Raphaelite canvases and some seemingly genuine impressionist works decorated walls painted in stunning and exquisite colors: Hansel recognized Millais' "Death of Ophelia" and Burne-Jones' "The Death of Merlin," both great favorites of Oscar's youth. There were also Whistler prints and a small Botticelli copy of the Florentine painter's Primavera in Florence.
The children were invited by Oscar to fill their bags with candy savoring all of the tasty treats on silver trays placed throughout his home that came from everywhere in the world.
"I can resist everything," Oscar said, "except temptation."
"These rooms are like yourselves, my darling children, glittering with the charm, innocence, and beauty of youth. I have decorated them myself, in accordance with the advice and suggestions of friends -- like Mr. Pater who is conversing with Lewis Carroll in that far corner of this gracious space."
Oscar pointed to a bald and mustached man chatting with a smaller man in a black suit holding the hand of a girl called "Alice."
"Take my hands, each of you. We will wander through these rooms commenting harshly on all we see. At the conclusion of our perambulations, you may each take one toy (or other item) with you to remember this evening and our little chat."
Oscar lifted a chocolate strawberry then placed it in his mouth with great solemnity.
"A man should be judged," Oscar said, "by how well he eats a strawberry."
Gretl was astonished to see a woman disguised as her favorite author, Louisa May Alcott, who was accompanied by three girls about her own age dressed in nineteenth century costumes.
"That's Joe!" Gretl said. "She writes stories."
Hansel hoped to write stories someday, like Oscar did for his children. As if reading her mind, Oscar whispered:
"You have a wonderful personality. Develop it. Be yourself. Don't imagine that your perfection lies in accumulating or possessing external things. Your perfection is inside you. If only you could realize that, you would not want to be rich. Ordinary rishes can be stolen from a man [or woman.] Real riches cannot. In the treasury house of your soul, there are infinitely precious things, that may not be taken from you. And so, try to so shape your life that external things will not harm you. And try also to get rid of personal property. It involves sordid preoccupation, endless industry, continual wrong. ..."
"The Soul of Man Under Socialism," in De Profundis and Other Writings (New York & London: Penguin, 1954), p. 28 (emphasis added).
They sat together on the floor. Oscar explained what he meant and hoped for them, as if he knew of Hansel's questions about injustice and Gretl's doubts about her beauty:
" ... One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes the wicked have committed," -- wickedness is the only true horror! -- "but by the punishments the good have inflicted; and a community is infinitely more brutalized by the habitual employment of punishments than it is by the occasional occurrence of crime." (p. 31.)
Hansel was reminded of sadistic and cruel persons who relish power as he saw the wolf enter this beautiful room, approaching them with a feline suppleness ...
"My little gems," said the wolf, with an insincere intonation and equally false smile, "I am so pleased to see you both again."
Oscar bid them farewell as he drifted off to greet new arrivals -- a man dressed as Sam Spade and a woman disguised as "The Maltese Falcon."
The wolf placed her long arms on the children's shoulders and they felt a chill enter their bones at her touch. Also, a terrible anxiety and sense of dread was instantly felt in the room.
A smell of something old and fetid accompanied this wolf. The wolf eyed the children's bags of goodies with a kind of lust, salivating at the life that pulsed in Hansel and Gretl.
The three of them emerged into the night, exiting the white marble townhouse, strolling towards Central Park. Oscar waved to the small group from the entrance to his home -- a home that would remain available and open to Hansel and Gretl forever.
As they came to the Metropolitan Museum, Hansel glimpsed a banner anouncing an exhibit of Leonardo's drawings and paintings borrowed from the Louvre featuring Marie Cassat's and Madame Vigee-LeBrun's greatest works. Hansel turned to the wolf and said:
"I'd like to share some of my candy with you."
Gretl agreed and offered some of her own treats. Hansel dipped into his bag providing some of his favorite candy to a stunned wolf who released the children, briefly, as she marvelled at her sudden good fortune.
Hansel and Gretl ran immediately towards the park that embraced them, laughing and waving at the frozen wolf.
New York strollers glanced at the wolf and shared in the laughter. This wolf that wore Prada was not accustomed to being subjected to ridicule. A child's laughter is simply one of the greatest weapons against evil.
The wolf's Manolo Blanik shoes were not made for running. She saw her opportunity to capture the children slipping away, being forced to ponder the reality of her grim and solitary existence in the darkness of her single bedroom apartment, together with the putridness of her inner life.
The wolf dropped the candy she had lusted for on the ground, slithering away, slowly, to her squalid hiding place for one more night.
"Dante described the soul of man as coming from the hand of God 'weeping and laughing like a little child,' and Christ also saw that the soul of each one should be a guisa di fanciulla che piangendo e ridendo porgaloggia. He felt that life was dangerous, fluid, active, and that to allow it to be stereotyped into any form was death. He saw that people should not be too serious over material, common interests; that to be unpractical was to be a great thing: that one should not trouble over affairs. The birds didn't, why should man? ..." (De Profundis, p. 176.)
Oscar Wilde, "The Canterville Ghost," in Lord Saville's Crime and Other Stories (New York: Penguin, 1954), p. 54.
It was a windy, dark and icy Halloween night. Hansel Finkelstein decided that, as he had just turned twelve, a final "trick-or-treat" adventure was in order before the arrival of adolescent confusions and grim adult responsibilities.
Among strangers, of course, Hansel would have affected an ironic distance from childish pleasures on the ground that the world's troubles preclude any concern with such frivolities.
"Oh, to see the privileged class enjoying its privileges," Fitzgerald writes, "is one of life's great pleasures."
Hansel felt far too "privileged" in a city that offered daily opportunities to witness devastated lives to enjoy his good fortune without a pang of guilt that nourished his keen sense of social justice. Being a "lucky kid" can be a burden for New York children.
Hansel's dad worked in the movie business. Hansel often met famous people and super-rich people, but his dad explained that they were like everybody else -- except a little sillier. Airplanes and fancy cars did not mean much to Hansel.
"Money is important in life," Hansel's dad said, "but spirituality and goodness are more important concerns."
Hansel loved to read. He used his New York Public Library card, every day, right before Hebrew lessons. Standing before the mirror now, flexing the iron-like muscles of his 95 pound frame, Hansel rose to his full height of a proud 4 feet, 11 inches.
Placing his thick black spectacles on the tip of his nose, Hansel tried to look like Kato on the Green Hornet t.v. show that he saw in reruns on "T.V. Land" as he peered into his father's wall-length mirror.
Hansel had a way with the ladies in his sixth-grade class. As an international man of mystery, he tossed an over-the-shoulder smile at any vixens wandering by, donned his elegant and casual ensemble from Eddie Bauer, while offering a wry remark. Women can't resist "devil-may-care" insousiance.
Hansel picked-up his costume and prepared to encounter his best friend and future girlfriend, Gretl Straus -- who was unaware of her good fortune just yet because Hansel was terrified and embarassed to say anything romantic to an actual, real-life "empowered female person" as distinct from a "girl" -- in order to indulge in a shared, if highly ironic, candy-gathering expedition.
Just this once, in exchange for a tiny peck on the cheek, Hansel would divide his bubble-gum pop with Gretl, even the one with the Batman wrapping. Too much indulgence in such generosity was not a good thing. Women are easily spoiled.
What a lucky girl -- I mean female person -- was the not-so-rich Gretl Straus. Gretl lived with her mom on the lower east side. Hansel lived in a huge condo at the Apthorp, Broadway and 79th Street, about a block from his favorite Chinese restaurant.
Gretl was already modelling for The New York Times magazine, Cosmo, and other glossy publications (even though she was politically opposed to capitalism) because her mother needed the money.
Gretl looked like a blond goddess-type in a Tommy Hilfinger advertisement, but she was not stuck-up or snotty, nor a shiksa. In fact, Gretl was really nice and strangely insecure, rarely allowing people to see her wearing the thick glasses that she preferred to contacts.
Gretl was totally hostile to religion. Hansel felt that religion was helpful for parents and other adults dealing with issues.
Gretl agreed to come over around 5:30 P.M. for their expedition. Right on cue the doorbell rang. Hansel buzzed Gretl into the building. He stood at the open door with a look of boredom and "whatever-style" ease to indicate that he really liked this girl. Eagerness would send the opposite of his intended message in the Age of Irony.
Gretl strolled out of the elevator, towards Hansel's apartment, with a big smile on her face (permissible for girls, that is, female persons) and wearing a comfortable Irish-knit sweater under a denim jacket and old jeans.
Gretl looked like she had stepped out of one those nice catalogues sent out for the holidays. She held a big bag from one of the pricey stores she modelled for that contained her costume.
This meant that Gretl would change in Hansel's room, which would be O.K. with his mom, except that Hansel had not engaged in the usual "girl-is-coming-over" decorations that included leaving his Noam Chomsky books scattered over his bed and putting up his "Inception" poster.
Gretl wore a big bunny rabitt costume; Hansel wore a "Rudy-the-Red-Nosed-Raindeer" costume. They each selected a big bag to fill with candy to be obtained from the stores on Broadway, then they'd take out a lot of the candy -- so the bags would appear mostly empty -- when they went to neighbors in their building and in other ritzy buildings who would feel sorry for them and give them lots more candy.
Hansel had considered a career in entertainment law. They had a really nice time making out like bandits -- especially Hansel! -- when they decided to cross the park at 79th Street, emerging right by the Metropolitan Museum.
Many of the nice brownstones on 5th Avenue and further down on Madison were known to be candy gold mines rarely visited by unadventurous kids from the west side.
As Hansel and Gretl were making their way across the park, texting their parents not to worry, listening to their favorite music while enjoying a heated conversation concerning the merits of their respective laptops, they suddenly came upon a person in the best wolf costume either of them had ever seen.
This amazingly life-like wolf -- eyes glittering, saliva sparkling on white fangs and pointed front teeth -- was wearing a black Channel suit, together with a button that said "Vote for Me For City Council."
"Why, hello there!" Said the wolf in a beguiling and very husky female voice.
"Hey," Hansel responded.
Gretl reached for her I-phone and took the wolf's picture sending it, instantly, to her mom for protection as she had been taught to do.
"There's no need to be concerned." Said the wolf.
She smiled a wolfish smile, while lighting a very expensive cigarette placed in a long holder; she wore long black gloves over her suit sleeve as required from female evil wolves, leaned towards them and with a silken intonation whispered: "I am originally from New Jersey."
The wolf came even closer to them speaking these words in a menacing pianissimo, "I've decided to move to the city in order to enter politics in the Big Apple, where the money is best and one can have ... eh, the greatest impact."
"We're trick-or-treating." Gretl was cautious.
"I'd be only too happy to hold on to your candy and keep it safe for you."
The wolf said this while drawing yet closer to Gretl, filling the girl's nostrils with a whiff of cheap perfume and cigarette smoke, also something much worse.
"Perhaps you'd like to leave a trail of candy that you could follow in order to get home later, when it's dark?" The wolf suggested, helpfully.
"Well, duh. We've got GPS on our I-Phones!" Gretl said.
Gretl placed her arms at her hips then tilted her head with disapproval at the wolf's ignorance of technology.
"No thank you." Hansel responded politely, as his father had taught him to do, even when dealing with someone unpleasant or from New Jersey, which may amount to the same thing.
The wolf then lowered her glove to reveal at least six Rolex watches, each available for $60.00.
Hansel had been offered the real thing (a gold-and-silver Rolex), but he'd turned it down because his I-Phone also had a time feature or "app." Hansel didn't need anything so fancy.
Hansel declined the wolf's invitation to hold their candy "in trust" pending completion of a fact-finding investigation of the candy's sensitivity to political issues, or whether the companies making the candy employed a sufficient number of minorities and female persons adopting alternative lifestyles.
Making their excuses the kids strolled past the wolf, heading to the east side, following what appeared to be the yellow bricks of a glittering wet cobblestone road straight through the park.
They failed to realize, however, that this particular wolf sensed a candy windfall in the making and had decided to follow Hansel and Gretl at a discreet distance.
As the children began knocking on doors, they were greeted by friendly strangers along with other kids who compared notes on their pirate booty.
Along with some new friends their age, they came to a white marble townhouse that was decorated with beautiful Halloween stuff: a strawman sat on a rocking chair at the entrance to the property; a doorman smiled and greeted the children dressed as Superman; music and laughter could be heard all the way in the street.
A masked ball was taking place inside this beautiful home owned by a tall man with dark curly hair dressed in green velvet breeches resembling the style of Oscar Wilde. Others glimpsed behind him looked like the authors and characters that Hansel and Gretl loved most -- William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Frankenstein and Mary Shelley, J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter were dancing in the living room, Sherlock Holmes and Arthur Conan Doyle were chatting with Robin Hood.
"Please come in," Oscar Wilde said.
As Hansel and Gretl entered the premises they were dazzled by the beauty of the rooms and impressed by the sparkling conversations of the various guests.
The children had never before experienced such a sense of peace and belonging. Ice cream was available on command, offered by persons also in costume willing to play with the other children in the room.
Pre-Raphaelite canvases and some seemingly genuine impressionist works decorated walls painted in stunning and exquisite colors: Hansel recognized Millais' "Death of Ophelia" and Burne-Jones' "The Death of Merlin," both great favorites of Oscar's youth. There were also Whistler prints and a small Botticelli copy of the Florentine painter's Primavera in Florence.
The children were invited by Oscar to fill their bags with candy savoring all of the tasty treats on silver trays placed throughout his home that came from everywhere in the world.
"I can resist everything," Oscar said, "except temptation."
"These rooms are like yourselves, my darling children, glittering with the charm, innocence, and beauty of youth. I have decorated them myself, in accordance with the advice and suggestions of friends -- like Mr. Pater who is conversing with Lewis Carroll in that far corner of this gracious space."
Oscar pointed to a bald and mustached man chatting with a smaller man in a black suit holding the hand of a girl called "Alice."
"Take my hands, each of you. We will wander through these rooms commenting harshly on all we see. At the conclusion of our perambulations, you may each take one toy (or other item) with you to remember this evening and our little chat."
Oscar lifted a chocolate strawberry then placed it in his mouth with great solemnity.
"A man should be judged," Oscar said, "by how well he eats a strawberry."
Gretl was astonished to see a woman disguised as her favorite author, Louisa May Alcott, who was accompanied by three girls about her own age dressed in nineteenth century costumes.
"That's Joe!" Gretl said. "She writes stories."
Hansel hoped to write stories someday, like Oscar did for his children. As if reading her mind, Oscar whispered:
"You have a wonderful personality. Develop it. Be yourself. Don't imagine that your perfection lies in accumulating or possessing external things. Your perfection is inside you. If only you could realize that, you would not want to be rich. Ordinary rishes can be stolen from a man [or woman.] Real riches cannot. In the treasury house of your soul, there are infinitely precious things, that may not be taken from you. And so, try to so shape your life that external things will not harm you. And try also to get rid of personal property. It involves sordid preoccupation, endless industry, continual wrong. ..."
"The Soul of Man Under Socialism," in De Profundis and Other Writings (New York & London: Penguin, 1954), p. 28 (emphasis added).
They sat together on the floor. Oscar explained what he meant and hoped for them, as if he knew of Hansel's questions about injustice and Gretl's doubts about her beauty:
" ... One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes the wicked have committed," -- wickedness is the only true horror! -- "but by the punishments the good have inflicted; and a community is infinitely more brutalized by the habitual employment of punishments than it is by the occasional occurrence of crime." (p. 31.)
Hansel was reminded of sadistic and cruel persons who relish power as he saw the wolf enter this beautiful room, approaching them with a feline suppleness ...
"My little gems," said the wolf, with an insincere intonation and equally false smile, "I am so pleased to see you both again."
Oscar bid them farewell as he drifted off to greet new arrivals -- a man dressed as Sam Spade and a woman disguised as "The Maltese Falcon."
The wolf placed her long arms on the children's shoulders and they felt a chill enter their bones at her touch. Also, a terrible anxiety and sense of dread was instantly felt in the room.
A smell of something old and fetid accompanied this wolf. The wolf eyed the children's bags of goodies with a kind of lust, salivating at the life that pulsed in Hansel and Gretl.
The three of them emerged into the night, exiting the white marble townhouse, strolling towards Central Park. Oscar waved to the small group from the entrance to his home -- a home that would remain available and open to Hansel and Gretl forever.
As they came to the Metropolitan Museum, Hansel glimpsed a banner anouncing an exhibit of Leonardo's drawings and paintings borrowed from the Louvre featuring Marie Cassat's and Madame Vigee-LeBrun's greatest works. Hansel turned to the wolf and said:
"I'd like to share some of my candy with you."
Gretl agreed and offered some of her own treats. Hansel dipped into his bag providing some of his favorite candy to a stunned wolf who released the children, briefly, as she marvelled at her sudden good fortune.
Hansel and Gretl ran immediately towards the park that embraced them, laughing and waving at the frozen wolf.
New York strollers glanced at the wolf and shared in the laughter. This wolf that wore Prada was not accustomed to being subjected to ridicule. A child's laughter is simply one of the greatest weapons against evil.
The wolf's Manolo Blanik shoes were not made for running. She saw her opportunity to capture the children slipping away, being forced to ponder the reality of her grim and solitary existence in the darkness of her single bedroom apartment, together with the putridness of her inner life.
The wolf dropped the candy she had lusted for on the ground, slithering away, slowly, to her squalid hiding place for one more night.
"Dante described the soul of man as coming from the hand of God 'weeping and laughing like a little child,' and Christ also saw that the soul of each one should be a guisa di fanciulla che piangendo e ridendo porgaloggia. He felt that life was dangerous, fluid, active, and that to allow it to be stereotyped into any form was death. He saw that people should not be too serious over material, common interests; that to be unpractical was to be a great thing: that one should not trouble over affairs. The birds didn't, why should man? ..." (De Profundis, p. 176.)
Friday, January 18, 2013
EXTORTION Charge for 29 Persons in New Jersey Mafia.
January 23, 2013 at 12:20 P.M. Does Terry Tuchin have a criminal record? Did he have such a record in November, 1988? Was Mr. Tuchin among the persons who had sexual contact with Marilyn Straus while she was under hypnosis? ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")
January 21, 2013 numerous drone weapons were used in Yemen killing scores of persons -- for reasons not disclosed -- adding to the thousands killed without trial or charges, often dismissed as "collateral damage," in countries with which we are not at war.
These killings are crimes under international law and offensive to our Constitutional system. The drone policy and tortures at Guantanamo continue to go unpunished. I greatly fear that retaliation for such killings will create terrorists in these countries -- like Yemen -- and may result in the tragic loss of American lives in the not-too-distant future. Let us hope that such tragedies can be avoided.
International Socialist Review (ISR) is the only publication pursuing the full truth about American drone/torture policies and fiercely critical of Israeli policies in Gaza. http://www.isr.org
William K. Rashbaum & Joseph Goldstein, "Extortion Charges for 29 Tied to Trash-Hauling Industry," in The New York Times, January 17, 2013, at p. A23.
Peter J. Sampson, "30 Arrested in Trash-Hauling Sting: Lead Defendant is Ramsey Man Linked to Mob," in The Record, January 17, 2013, at p. L-1.
"CARMINE FRANCO, [a.k.a. "Papa Smurf,"] the aging Bergen County trash-collection baron [and reputed Godfather to Mr. Molinelli, Bergen's Prosecutor,] who has been banned from the industry in N.J., was arrested Wednesday along with 29 others[,] reputed mobsters and associates in the latest crackdown on mafia control over waste-hauling in New York and New Jersey." (Record, p. L-1.)
It cannot be confirmed at this time that the name of "Diana Lisa Riccioli" of Clifton and Paramus, New Jersey has been linked to some of these underworld figures in F.B.I. materials, including tapes. ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture" then "More Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
As with most things in New Jersey -- including the courts -- Mr. Franco, 77, who is described in a federal indictment, wisely brought in Manhattan as a "Genovese crime family associate," operates through "buffers" in various organizations and government agencies, including the OAE in Trenton, allegedly.
Is this sort of association an example of New Jersey's legal ethics? ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
A great deal of commentary focuses on the fact that New Jersey's state and federal prosecutors -- notably, U.S. Attorney, Paul Fishman -- were kept "out-of-the-loop." Apparently, nobody trusts any police or prosecutor from New Jersey. I wonder why people are so skeptical about New Jersey's legal system? ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Organized Crime Group in New Jersey's State Police" then "New Jersey's KKK Police Shocker" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
Unlike New York, where many watchdog agencies have been put in place to regulate waste-disposal, industry supervision is non-existent or corrupt in N.J. and, thus, easily made meaningless by mafia influence in the legal profession, judiciary, police, prosecutors and among politicians as well as ordinary government personnel. ("Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
"The case seems to highlight the effectiveness of [N.Y.'s] experienced, well-financed and aggressive regulatory agency in keeping organized crime out of the carting industry." (Times, p. A23.)
Significantly, N.J. law enforcement has been largely or entirely excluded from plans to implement future comparable controls, at a federal level, to protect the public from dangerous and illegal medical waste-disposal by organized crime in the Garden State that already accounts for contaminated needles and worse in Jersey shore communities. ("More Medical Waste in New Jersey.")
It is especially noteworthy that New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and Angelo "The Horn" Prisco continue to be "linked" in law enforcement circles, allegedly. ("Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?" then, again, "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" and "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner" and "Chief Justice Rabner and the Decline of the New Jersey Supreme Court.")
A list of sources of continued corruption and incompetence in New Jersey prosecutorial circles, law enforcement, judiciary and elsewhere in government will be attached to this essay in the days ahead provided that I am able to continue writing despite the cybercrime and harassment I struggle against every day.
Sources:
New York & the World:
"Evidence of Rape Ignored," (Editorial) in The New York Times, January 21, 2013, at p. A21. (Nothing is worse than condoning by failing to prosecute rape. "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
Alissa J. Rubin, "Anti-Torture Efforts in Afghanistan Failed, U.N. Says," in The New York Times, January 21, 2013, at p. A6. (Torture cannot be contained when it becomes U.S. policy. Terrorist bombing of a police station took place at the same time as this anouncement.)
Michael Wilson, "Carmine (Papa Smurf) Franco?: Long Line of Reputed Mobsters Dragging Nicknames Through Mud," in The New York Times, January 18, 2013, at p. A19. (Vincent -- "Vinny Gorgeous" -- Basciano; Earl -- "Squint" -- Caralluzzo; Thomas -- "Tough Thommy" -- Contaldo; and many others call, or have called, New Jersey home and may be involved in Garden State politics.)
Wendy Ruderman & Christopher Maag, "7-Year-Old Takes Gun to School," in The New York Times, January 18, 2013, at p. A19. (The 7-year-old child claims to be a member of the National Rifle Association and to enjoy hunting.)
Marc Santora & Wendy Ruderman, "Mother Admits She Put a Pistol in 7-Year-Old's Bag, Police Say," in The New York Times, January 19, 2013, at p. A15. (Child likes the gun, but hated the peanutbutter sandwich in his lunch box.)
D. Adnan, "Bombings in Iraq Kill More Than 20 and Are Seen as Political," in The New York Times, January 17, 2013, at p. A9. (Americans are dying in Iraq and will continue to do so despite our fortress/embassy that cost $6 BILLION. The only lasting solution in Iraq will be peaceful unification of divided factions. Iran may not be entirely innocent in these matters.)
Declan Walsh, "Internal Forces Besiege Pakistan Ahead of Voting," in The New York Times, January 16, 2013, at p. A1. (Dissent and steady attacks in Pakistan. Fury at U.S. is growing in the region.)
Scott Shane, "Senator Seeks to View Files On Killings of Americans," in The New York Times, January 15, 2013, at p. A13. (Secret legal opinions -- a contradiction in terms -- will not be revealed, even to members of the U.S. Senate, to explain America's killings of U.S. citizens without due process of law in any meaningful or traditional sense of this concept. Will Asata Shakur be targeted in Cuba?)
Nicholas D. Kristoff, "In Defense of Hagel For Defense," (Op-Ed) in The New York Times, January 10, 2013, at p. A23. (Will Israel's Prime Minister be given approval of the U.S. Secretary of Defense?)
Noam Cohen, "A Data Crusader, A Defendant and Now a Cause," in The New York Times, January 14, 2013, at p. A1. (Aaron Schwartz, 26, a brilliant young scientist and heroic crusader for freedom of information and speech among members of the intellectual community throughout the world was driven to suicide by what can only be described as psychological torture at the hands of out-of-control federal prosecutors violating the young man's civil and Constitutional rights, allegedly, because he did the equivalent of "borrowing too many books from the library," except that the library was on-line. The malice in this incident suggests undisclosed reasons for this criminal cruelty. I hope to write more about this matter.)
New Jersey's Moral Devastation:
John C. Ensslin & Jeff Pilletts, "Bergen Switches Insurance Broker: New Firm Led by Big Political Player," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. A-1. ("Bergen County has switched insurance brokers ... to a company headed by South Jersey political boss George E. Norcross, III." The company has been subjected to "investigation for its role in a fee sharing arrangement that was potentially wasteful of public funds.")
John Reitmeyer, "New Jersey's Debt Rises to $38.8 BILLION, and Its Slated to Go Higher," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. A-3. (N.J.'s economy continues to be a basket case because of decades of corruption and unethical politics in Trenton that has resulted in theft, waste, incompetence.)
AP, "Indicted Trenton Mayor in D.C. Despite Travel Limits," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. A-3. (Tony Mack of Trenton was not about to miss President Obama's inauguration. Who provided the indicted mayor with tickets? "Papa Smurf" supports Romney, allegedly, although he contributes to Democrats in New Jersey, also allegedly. For the first time in history, to my recollection, the losing presidential candidate, Mr. Romney, refused to attend this ceremony.)
Kibret Marcos, "Man Gets 171/2 years for String of Rapes: DNA Evidence Ties Him to 4 Attacks," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. L-1. (New Jersey may be the nation's rape and child molestation capitol.)
Chris Harris, "Ridgewood Teacher Takes Court Deal: Accused of $75 Grocery Theft," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. L-3. (Teachers living in Ridgewood -- even if they work in Leonia or Lodi -- sometimes "steal" a great deal more than $75 in groceries. "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!")
Zach Patberg, "5 Women Arrested in Hotel Sex Sting," in The Record, January 18, 2013, at p. L-1. (Political protection for prostitution ring did not help this time?)
Kim Lueddeke, "Cops Sued in Garfield Man's Shooting," in The Record, January 18, 2013, at p. L-3. (More police murders of African-American and other poor young men.)
Peter J. Sampson, "30 Arrested in Trash-Hauling Scheme: Lead Defendant is Ramsey Man," in The Record, January 17, 2013, at p. L-1. (I am aware of citing this article earlier, but I am asking the reader to compare this item with the first item listed for New Jersey sources today. Corruption is about "pay-to-play," whether kickbacks come from waste disposal contract beneficiaries or insurance beneficiaries of government "booty," is irrelevant. "Cement is Gold.")
Michael Linhorst, "Rutgers Merger Cost May be Rising: Schools Expect State to Help With $60 Million -- $75 Million Tab," in The Record, December 14, 2012, at p. A-1. (See what I mean? This is more of a burden for a state running on empty.)
John Reitmeyer, "Report Sees Dire Budget Ahead: Faults Gimmicks, Borrowing," in The Record, December 14, 2012, at p. A-3. (Projecting non-existent or unlikely-to-be-received funds to cover a gap in the budget resulting from theft, corruption, incompetence will not provide a long-term solution. Is this New Jersey's "ethics," Mr. Rabner? Mr. Christie?)
January 21, 2013 numerous drone weapons were used in Yemen killing scores of persons -- for reasons not disclosed -- adding to the thousands killed without trial or charges, often dismissed as "collateral damage," in countries with which we are not at war.
These killings are crimes under international law and offensive to our Constitutional system. The drone policy and tortures at Guantanamo continue to go unpunished. I greatly fear that retaliation for such killings will create terrorists in these countries -- like Yemen -- and may result in the tragic loss of American lives in the not-too-distant future. Let us hope that such tragedies can be avoided.
International Socialist Review (ISR) is the only publication pursuing the full truth about American drone/torture policies and fiercely critical of Israeli policies in Gaza. http://www.isr.org
William K. Rashbaum & Joseph Goldstein, "Extortion Charges for 29 Tied to Trash-Hauling Industry," in The New York Times, January 17, 2013, at p. A23.
Peter J. Sampson, "30 Arrested in Trash-Hauling Sting: Lead Defendant is Ramsey Man Linked to Mob," in The Record, January 17, 2013, at p. L-1.
"CARMINE FRANCO, [a.k.a. "Papa Smurf,"] the aging Bergen County trash-collection baron [and reputed Godfather to Mr. Molinelli, Bergen's Prosecutor,] who has been banned from the industry in N.J., was arrested Wednesday along with 29 others[,] reputed mobsters and associates in the latest crackdown on mafia control over waste-hauling in New York and New Jersey." (Record, p. L-1.)
It cannot be confirmed at this time that the name of "Diana Lisa Riccioli" of Clifton and Paramus, New Jersey has been linked to some of these underworld figures in F.B.I. materials, including tapes. ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture" then "More Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
As with most things in New Jersey -- including the courts -- Mr. Franco, 77, who is described in a federal indictment, wisely brought in Manhattan as a "Genovese crime family associate," operates through "buffers" in various organizations and government agencies, including the OAE in Trenton, allegedly.
Is this sort of association an example of New Jersey's legal ethics? ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
A great deal of commentary focuses on the fact that New Jersey's state and federal prosecutors -- notably, U.S. Attorney, Paul Fishman -- were kept "out-of-the-loop." Apparently, nobody trusts any police or prosecutor from New Jersey. I wonder why people are so skeptical about New Jersey's legal system? ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Organized Crime Group in New Jersey's State Police" then "New Jersey's KKK Police Shocker" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
Unlike New York, where many watchdog agencies have been put in place to regulate waste-disposal, industry supervision is non-existent or corrupt in N.J. and, thus, easily made meaningless by mafia influence in the legal profession, judiciary, police, prosecutors and among politicians as well as ordinary government personnel. ("Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
"The case seems to highlight the effectiveness of [N.Y.'s] experienced, well-financed and aggressive regulatory agency in keeping organized crime out of the carting industry." (Times, p. A23.)
Significantly, N.J. law enforcement has been largely or entirely excluded from plans to implement future comparable controls, at a federal level, to protect the public from dangerous and illegal medical waste-disposal by organized crime in the Garden State that already accounts for contaminated needles and worse in Jersey shore communities. ("More Medical Waste in New Jersey.")
It is especially noteworthy that New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and Angelo "The Horn" Prisco continue to be "linked" in law enforcement circles, allegedly. ("Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?" then, again, "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" and "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner" and "Chief Justice Rabner and the Decline of the New Jersey Supreme Court.")
A list of sources of continued corruption and incompetence in New Jersey prosecutorial circles, law enforcement, judiciary and elsewhere in government will be attached to this essay in the days ahead provided that I am able to continue writing despite the cybercrime and harassment I struggle against every day.
Sources:
New York & the World:
"Evidence of Rape Ignored," (Editorial) in The New York Times, January 21, 2013, at p. A21. (Nothing is worse than condoning by failing to prosecute rape. "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
Alissa J. Rubin, "Anti-Torture Efforts in Afghanistan Failed, U.N. Says," in The New York Times, January 21, 2013, at p. A6. (Torture cannot be contained when it becomes U.S. policy. Terrorist bombing of a police station took place at the same time as this anouncement.)
Michael Wilson, "Carmine (Papa Smurf) Franco?: Long Line of Reputed Mobsters Dragging Nicknames Through Mud," in The New York Times, January 18, 2013, at p. A19. (Vincent -- "Vinny Gorgeous" -- Basciano; Earl -- "Squint" -- Caralluzzo; Thomas -- "Tough Thommy" -- Contaldo; and many others call, or have called, New Jersey home and may be involved in Garden State politics.)
Wendy Ruderman & Christopher Maag, "7-Year-Old Takes Gun to School," in The New York Times, January 18, 2013, at p. A19. (The 7-year-old child claims to be a member of the National Rifle Association and to enjoy hunting.)
Marc Santora & Wendy Ruderman, "Mother Admits She Put a Pistol in 7-Year-Old's Bag, Police Say," in The New York Times, January 19, 2013, at p. A15. (Child likes the gun, but hated the peanutbutter sandwich in his lunch box.)
D. Adnan, "Bombings in Iraq Kill More Than 20 and Are Seen as Political," in The New York Times, January 17, 2013, at p. A9. (Americans are dying in Iraq and will continue to do so despite our fortress/embassy that cost $6 BILLION. The only lasting solution in Iraq will be peaceful unification of divided factions. Iran may not be entirely innocent in these matters.)
Declan Walsh, "Internal Forces Besiege Pakistan Ahead of Voting," in The New York Times, January 16, 2013, at p. A1. (Dissent and steady attacks in Pakistan. Fury at U.S. is growing in the region.)
Scott Shane, "Senator Seeks to View Files On Killings of Americans," in The New York Times, January 15, 2013, at p. A13. (Secret legal opinions -- a contradiction in terms -- will not be revealed, even to members of the U.S. Senate, to explain America's killings of U.S. citizens without due process of law in any meaningful or traditional sense of this concept. Will Asata Shakur be targeted in Cuba?)
Nicholas D. Kristoff, "In Defense of Hagel For Defense," (Op-Ed) in The New York Times, January 10, 2013, at p. A23. (Will Israel's Prime Minister be given approval of the U.S. Secretary of Defense?)
Noam Cohen, "A Data Crusader, A Defendant and Now a Cause," in The New York Times, January 14, 2013, at p. A1. (Aaron Schwartz, 26, a brilliant young scientist and heroic crusader for freedom of information and speech among members of the intellectual community throughout the world was driven to suicide by what can only be described as psychological torture at the hands of out-of-control federal prosecutors violating the young man's civil and Constitutional rights, allegedly, because he did the equivalent of "borrowing too many books from the library," except that the library was on-line. The malice in this incident suggests undisclosed reasons for this criminal cruelty. I hope to write more about this matter.)
New Jersey's Moral Devastation:
John C. Ensslin & Jeff Pilletts, "Bergen Switches Insurance Broker: New Firm Led by Big Political Player," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. A-1. ("Bergen County has switched insurance brokers ... to a company headed by South Jersey political boss George E. Norcross, III." The company has been subjected to "investigation for its role in a fee sharing arrangement that was potentially wasteful of public funds.")
John Reitmeyer, "New Jersey's Debt Rises to $38.8 BILLION, and Its Slated to Go Higher," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. A-3. (N.J.'s economy continues to be a basket case because of decades of corruption and unethical politics in Trenton that has resulted in theft, waste, incompetence.)
AP, "Indicted Trenton Mayor in D.C. Despite Travel Limits," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. A-3. (Tony Mack of Trenton was not about to miss President Obama's inauguration. Who provided the indicted mayor with tickets? "Papa Smurf" supports Romney, allegedly, although he contributes to Democrats in New Jersey, also allegedly. For the first time in history, to my recollection, the losing presidential candidate, Mr. Romney, refused to attend this ceremony.)
Kibret Marcos, "Man Gets 171/2 years for String of Rapes: DNA Evidence Ties Him to 4 Attacks," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. L-1. (New Jersey may be the nation's rape and child molestation capitol.)
Chris Harris, "Ridgewood Teacher Takes Court Deal: Accused of $75 Grocery Theft," in The Record, January 19, 2013, at p. L-3. (Teachers living in Ridgewood -- even if they work in Leonia or Lodi -- sometimes "steal" a great deal more than $75 in groceries. "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!")
Zach Patberg, "5 Women Arrested in Hotel Sex Sting," in The Record, January 18, 2013, at p. L-1. (Political protection for prostitution ring did not help this time?)
Kim Lueddeke, "Cops Sued in Garfield Man's Shooting," in The Record, January 18, 2013, at p. L-3. (More police murders of African-American and other poor young men.)
Peter J. Sampson, "30 Arrested in Trash-Hauling Scheme: Lead Defendant is Ramsey Man," in The Record, January 17, 2013, at p. L-1. (I am aware of citing this article earlier, but I am asking the reader to compare this item with the first item listed for New Jersey sources today. Corruption is about "pay-to-play," whether kickbacks come from waste disposal contract beneficiaries or insurance beneficiaries of government "booty," is irrelevant. "Cement is Gold.")
Michael Linhorst, "Rutgers Merger Cost May be Rising: Schools Expect State to Help With $60 Million -- $75 Million Tab," in The Record, December 14, 2012, at p. A-1. (See what I mean? This is more of a burden for a state running on empty.)
John Reitmeyer, "Report Sees Dire Budget Ahead: Faults Gimmicks, Borrowing," in The Record, December 14, 2012, at p. A-3. (Projecting non-existent or unlikely-to-be-received funds to cover a gap in the budget resulting from theft, corruption, incompetence will not provide a long-term solution. Is this New Jersey's "ethics," Mr. Rabner? Mr. Christie?)
Monday, January 14, 2013
Another Warm Letter From the DRB?
January 17, 2013 at 1:08 P.M. Attempts to extort payments from innocent persons -- persons who may be unsophisticated about legal matters -- or criminal frauds where the amount to be stolen exceeds $1,000, are INDICTABLE offenses, even when such efforts are only meant to be annoying or harassing. Accordingly, I will forward copies of the letters below to Mr. Vance, New York's District Attorney.
I do not expect New Jersey to take any action in this matter. Although I suspect that the OAE can illuminate the mystery concerning the source of this letter. However, I hope that non-N.J. governmental agencies may do something about these absurdities.
I cannot send or receive e-mails, nor can I use images at these blogs. I am unable to respond to questions from scholars or students interested in my writings. I continue to be prevented from revising or editing many of my texts. I will struggle to continue writing on-line.
January 14, 2013 at 11:50 A.M. Among the techniques of psychological torture to which I have been subjected are efforts to use stress and anxiety to generate severe depression, psychosis, suicide, or nervous breakdown. ("Torture" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System" then "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal.")
These techniques are successful with laboratory animals and are favored by some so-called social scientists for use in prisons and, secretly, upon selected individuals in society whose opinions or intellects are deemed "threatening" or "controversial." ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
I am in receipt of a number of threatening letters, for example, within a short period of time, that are designed -- when combined with other pressures -- to create a hostile and unwelcoming psychological environment for the victim. ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
Telephone calls timed at fifteen minute intervals from bogus marketers or collectors ("Jazmin" at Time/Warner) may enhance the flavor of the experience of harassment, together with cybercrime and censorship of my blogs as well as plagiarism. ("What is it like to be plagiarized?" and "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")
For instance, I have received numerous calls over several days from "800 Service" or 1-888-234-9939. ("Jazmin"?)
Personal information is easily obtained by government agencies, or persons "connected" to government agencies, or stolen from businesses with whom one does personal business -- like laundromats.
My response to only one recent bill collection effort for a bogus creditor and bill will be posted below if I am able to continue writing on-line. I am confident that this alleged "debt" is not only fraudulent, but easily traced to persons in New Jersey described in my blog posts. (John McGill? Terry Tuchin? Lourdes Santiago?)
I also have "reason to believe" these persons are protected in their criminality by New Jersey officials. ("A Letter From the DRB in New Jersey" and "Another Letter From the DRB in New Jersey" then "How censorship works in America.") Lulu?
Do you speak to me of "ethics," Mr. Rabner? ("Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
Via Certified Mail, R.R.
EOS CCA
P.O. Box 296
Norwell, MA 02061-0296
Re: Account #: 5559347
Client Ref. #: 512019788511
Total Due: $4,532.15
Alleged Original Creditor: At&T Mobility.
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am in receipt of a collection letter on behalf of the above-named creditor addressed to "JUAN MENDEZ."
I am not "Juan Mendez." My correct name appears below. Furthermore, the undersigned person has never owned a mobile phone nor a cell phone of any kind. I do not own or use such a phone today. Hence, I have never incurred this debt, if it exists.
Please do not send additional harassing debt collection letters concerning this matter to me. If I continue to receive such letters, I will have no alternative but to refer this matter to the Consumer Protection Agencies of New York and Mass. I will post a copy of this letter on-line in order to follow the progress of my complaints.
Any legal action filed against me to collect this fraudulent or false debt will result in the filing of a counterclaim for harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress or "outrage." Criminal charges for extortion may also be pursued.
Regrettably, I will be compelled to seek reimbursal of all costs for the inconvenience and loss of time involved in dealing with this matter should I have to go to court.
A copy of this letter will be sent to AT&T Mobile which may be concerned about the use of their corporate logo in this matter.
Thank you for your attention to this letter.
Very truly yours,
Juan Galis-Menendez
cc: AT&T (N.Y. & General Headquarters), N.Y. & MASS. Consumer Protection Agencies (w/enclosures).
Cyrus R. Vance, Esq., N.Y. District Attorney (w/enclosures).
Posted on-line, blogger, January 14, 2013 at 11:40 A.M.
I do not expect New Jersey to take any action in this matter. Although I suspect that the OAE can illuminate the mystery concerning the source of this letter. However, I hope that non-N.J. governmental agencies may do something about these absurdities.
I cannot send or receive e-mails, nor can I use images at these blogs. I am unable to respond to questions from scholars or students interested in my writings. I continue to be prevented from revising or editing many of my texts. I will struggle to continue writing on-line.
January 14, 2013 at 11:50 A.M. Among the techniques of psychological torture to which I have been subjected are efforts to use stress and anxiety to generate severe depression, psychosis, suicide, or nervous breakdown. ("Torture" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System" then "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal.")
These techniques are successful with laboratory animals and are favored by some so-called social scientists for use in prisons and, secretly, upon selected individuals in society whose opinions or intellects are deemed "threatening" or "controversial." ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
I am in receipt of a number of threatening letters, for example, within a short period of time, that are designed -- when combined with other pressures -- to create a hostile and unwelcoming psychological environment for the victim. ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
Telephone calls timed at fifteen minute intervals from bogus marketers or collectors ("Jazmin" at Time/Warner) may enhance the flavor of the experience of harassment, together with cybercrime and censorship of my blogs as well as plagiarism. ("What is it like to be plagiarized?" and "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")
For instance, I have received numerous calls over several days from "800 Service" or 1-888-234-9939. ("Jazmin"?)
Personal information is easily obtained by government agencies, or persons "connected" to government agencies, or stolen from businesses with whom one does personal business -- like laundromats.
My response to only one recent bill collection effort for a bogus creditor and bill will be posted below if I am able to continue writing on-line. I am confident that this alleged "debt" is not only fraudulent, but easily traced to persons in New Jersey described in my blog posts. (John McGill? Terry Tuchin? Lourdes Santiago?)
I also have "reason to believe" these persons are protected in their criminality by New Jersey officials. ("A Letter From the DRB in New Jersey" and "Another Letter From the DRB in New Jersey" then "How censorship works in America.") Lulu?
Do you speak to me of "ethics," Mr. Rabner? ("Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
Via Certified Mail, R.R.
EOS CCA
P.O. Box 296
Norwell, MA 02061-0296
Re: Account #: 5559347
Client Ref. #: 512019788511
Total Due: $4,532.15
Alleged Original Creditor: At&T Mobility.
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am in receipt of a collection letter on behalf of the above-named creditor addressed to "JUAN MENDEZ."
I am not "Juan Mendez." My correct name appears below. Furthermore, the undersigned person has never owned a mobile phone nor a cell phone of any kind. I do not own or use such a phone today. Hence, I have never incurred this debt, if it exists.
Please do not send additional harassing debt collection letters concerning this matter to me. If I continue to receive such letters, I will have no alternative but to refer this matter to the Consumer Protection Agencies of New York and Mass. I will post a copy of this letter on-line in order to follow the progress of my complaints.
Any legal action filed against me to collect this fraudulent or false debt will result in the filing of a counterclaim for harassment and intentional infliction of emotional distress or "outrage." Criminal charges for extortion may also be pursued.
Regrettably, I will be compelled to seek reimbursal of all costs for the inconvenience and loss of time involved in dealing with this matter should I have to go to court.
A copy of this letter will be sent to AT&T Mobile which may be concerned about the use of their corporate logo in this matter.
Thank you for your attention to this letter.
Very truly yours,
Juan Galis-Menendez
cc: AT&T (N.Y. & General Headquarters), N.Y. & MASS. Consumer Protection Agencies (w/enclosures).
Cyrus R. Vance, Esq., N.Y. District Attorney (w/enclosures).
Posted on-line, blogger, January 14, 2013 at 11:40 A.M.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Politics of Bergen's Prosecutor.
Peter J. Sampson, "Feds Detail $1.3 MILLION Fraud Case: Banker Testifies He Was Fleeced by Aide," in The Record, January 10, 2013, at p. L-1. (Alexandra Ramirez? Garcia & Kriko? Edgar Navarrete?)
Karen Sudol & Melissa Hayes, "Molinelli's Future as Prosecutor in Limbo: Christie Undecided On Who'll Fill the Job," in The Record, January 11, 2013, at p. A-1. (Will they have to clear the appointment with the mob?)
Chris Harris, "Hawthorne Resident Charged in Theft of Meter Coins: Allegedly Stole $500 as Ridgewood Official," in The Record, January 11, 2013, at p. L-1. (Parking meter proceeds were "understood" to go to Menendez in Union City, allegedly. What was the split? %60/%40 the town's way, allegedly? Thefts from parking meters by officials are an every day reality in Hudson County.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Witness Details a High Life: Ex-Boyfriend Says Defendant Paid For Rent, Cars," in The Record, January 11, 2013, at p. L-1. (Poritz and Riccioli? McGreevey and his Israeli sailor? What they'll do for love in New Jersey.)
Kevin D. Williamson, "Panopticon, New Jersey -- A Note On the Age of Scaring Ourselves Safe," in National Review, December 31, 2012, at p. 18. (Is Jersey City, New Jersey Foucault's "carceral continuum"?)
Siobhan Gorman, "Brennan's Critics Put Focus On C.I.A.'s Tactics," in The Wall Street Journal, January 10, 2013, at p. A4. (Do harsh methods of interrogation -- such as waterboarding or walling -- yield valuable intelligence? Probably not. However, they do afford people a visceral sense of release and sadistic satisfaction. Much the same may be true of drone weapons. Will torture and drone weapons be used against Americans someday?)
Please compare Ted Sherman & Josh Margolin, The Jersey Sting: Chris Christie and the Most Brazen Case of Jersey Style Corruption -- Ever (New York: St. Martin's, 2011), pp. 156-176 with Robert Medolph, The Boys From New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds (New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1997), pp. 23-51. ("The Fixer" and "New Jersey and You.")
I have grudgingly come to respect John Molinelli, whose current term as prosecutor in Bergen County will end on January 22.
I do not envy Mr. Molinelli his position or alleged "success." Mr. Molinelli is affiliated with Democrat powers that are usually thought of as corrupt or mafia-influenced in New Jersey. Anyone appointed by McGreevey has a credibility problem ab initio. ("John Molinelli's Ethics Problem.")
I agree with the mostly favorable assessments of the Bergen Prosecutor at this time. Mr. Molinelli is doing his best even if he has been less than helpful in my matters, possibly due to intimidation.
True, Jersey Democrats are better-known as a the mob. However, it must also be said that it would strain Dr. Kissinger's diplomatic skills to survive as prosecutor in Bergen County, let alone to be an effective law enforcement official.
I suspect that many of Mr. Kerik's troubles come from Bergen County's bosses.
Prosecutor Molinelli has gone after people -- like Ken Zisa -- with some success. Molinelli has endeavored to walk a very fine line between behind-the-scenes "bosses" (of various kinds) in Hackensack and Trenton, medllesome members of the judiciary, and also rivals biting at his heels, while avoiding, allegedly, intimidation efforts from organized crime members and their lawyers or paid-for politicians. ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")
Mr. Molinelli may be in possession of part of the history that concerns me (perhaps as regards the so-called Rose law firm, Tuchin and Riccioli). ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")
I hope and believe that I will be speaking to Mr. Molinelli about such matters soon.
If it is true that Mr. Molinelli holds money or property that belongs to me, as does Mr. De Andrea, then I am not in a position to confirm this fact at this time, or what may have happened to such items.
Perhaps Mr. Molinelli or Chris Christie will be seen sporting a watch that once belonged to me. In Mr. Christie's case this may require some adjustment of the strap.
"Some people," I was told by a grizzled veteran of the Bergen County courthouse, "do not get arrested or sent to prison in Bergen County."
Maybe this conventional wisdom is finally changing in Hackensack. If so -- if there is less corruption in north Jersey (which I doubt) --then these blogs may be helping with the problem.
New Jersey's legal system remains a "dismal failure" and nothing lesss than a "disgrace" to America's Constitution. ("Sybil R. Moses and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
Mr. Molinelli is doing what he can -- unlike officials in Ridgewood, New Jersey -- he is not yet accused of stealing from parking meters. Ridgewood proudly boasts that it is the location of the northern office of Mr. Christie. ("More Trouble For Ridgewood, New Jersey.")
The challenge of corruption, child molestation as a protected industry in the Garden State, drugs and guns that are tied to political corruption, is too vast for any single county prosecutor to deal with effectively.
State Attorney generals are usually political front-men and -women who are worthless as crime fighters. Mr. Christie has said:
" ... when I do make a decision about what I want to do, about [whether] to renominate him or whether I want to nominate someone else, our first call will be to John."
Mr. Christie's first call will actually be to Codey and Sweeney to see whether his guy or gal for that office can be confirmed.
Karen Sudol & Melissa Hayes, "Molinelli's Future as Prosecutor in Limbo: Christie Undecided On Who'll Fill the Job," in The Record, January 11, 2013, at p. A-1. (Will they have to clear the appointment with the mob?)
Chris Harris, "Hawthorne Resident Charged in Theft of Meter Coins: Allegedly Stole $500 as Ridgewood Official," in The Record, January 11, 2013, at p. L-1. (Parking meter proceeds were "understood" to go to Menendez in Union City, allegedly. What was the split? %60/%40 the town's way, allegedly? Thefts from parking meters by officials are an every day reality in Hudson County.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Witness Details a High Life: Ex-Boyfriend Says Defendant Paid For Rent, Cars," in The Record, January 11, 2013, at p. L-1. (Poritz and Riccioli? McGreevey and his Israeli sailor? What they'll do for love in New Jersey.)
Kevin D. Williamson, "Panopticon, New Jersey -- A Note On the Age of Scaring Ourselves Safe," in National Review, December 31, 2012, at p. 18. (Is Jersey City, New Jersey Foucault's "carceral continuum"?)
Siobhan Gorman, "Brennan's Critics Put Focus On C.I.A.'s Tactics," in The Wall Street Journal, January 10, 2013, at p. A4. (Do harsh methods of interrogation -- such as waterboarding or walling -- yield valuable intelligence? Probably not. However, they do afford people a visceral sense of release and sadistic satisfaction. Much the same may be true of drone weapons. Will torture and drone weapons be used against Americans someday?)
Please compare Ted Sherman & Josh Margolin, The Jersey Sting: Chris Christie and the Most Brazen Case of Jersey Style Corruption -- Ever (New York: St. Martin's, 2011), pp. 156-176 with Robert Medolph, The Boys From New Jersey: How the Mob Beat the Feds (New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1997), pp. 23-51. ("The Fixer" and "New Jersey and You.")
I have grudgingly come to respect John Molinelli, whose current term as prosecutor in Bergen County will end on January 22.
I do not envy Mr. Molinelli his position or alleged "success." Mr. Molinelli is affiliated with Democrat powers that are usually thought of as corrupt or mafia-influenced in New Jersey. Anyone appointed by McGreevey has a credibility problem ab initio. ("John Molinelli's Ethics Problem.")
I agree with the mostly favorable assessments of the Bergen Prosecutor at this time. Mr. Molinelli is doing his best even if he has been less than helpful in my matters, possibly due to intimidation.
True, Jersey Democrats are better-known as a the mob. However, it must also be said that it would strain Dr. Kissinger's diplomatic skills to survive as prosecutor in Bergen County, let alone to be an effective law enforcement official.
I suspect that many of Mr. Kerik's troubles come from Bergen County's bosses.
Prosecutor Molinelli has gone after people -- like Ken Zisa -- with some success. Molinelli has endeavored to walk a very fine line between behind-the-scenes "bosses" (of various kinds) in Hackensack and Trenton, medllesome members of the judiciary, and also rivals biting at his heels, while avoiding, allegedly, intimidation efforts from organized crime members and their lawyers or paid-for politicians. ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")
Mr. Molinelli may be in possession of part of the history that concerns me (perhaps as regards the so-called Rose law firm, Tuchin and Riccioli). ("An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")
I hope and believe that I will be speaking to Mr. Molinelli about such matters soon.
If it is true that Mr. Molinelli holds money or property that belongs to me, as does Mr. De Andrea, then I am not in a position to confirm this fact at this time, or what may have happened to such items.
Perhaps Mr. Molinelli or Chris Christie will be seen sporting a watch that once belonged to me. In Mr. Christie's case this may require some adjustment of the strap.
"Some people," I was told by a grizzled veteran of the Bergen County courthouse, "do not get arrested or sent to prison in Bergen County."
Maybe this conventional wisdom is finally changing in Hackensack. If so -- if there is less corruption in north Jersey (which I doubt) --then these blogs may be helping with the problem.
New Jersey's legal system remains a "dismal failure" and nothing lesss than a "disgrace" to America's Constitution. ("Sybil R. Moses and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
Mr. Molinelli is doing what he can -- unlike officials in Ridgewood, New Jersey -- he is not yet accused of stealing from parking meters. Ridgewood proudly boasts that it is the location of the northern office of Mr. Christie. ("More Trouble For Ridgewood, New Jersey.")
The challenge of corruption, child molestation as a protected industry in the Garden State, drugs and guns that are tied to political corruption, is too vast for any single county prosecutor to deal with effectively.
State Attorney generals are usually political front-men and -women who are worthless as crime fighters. Mr. Christie has said:
" ... when I do make a decision about what I want to do, about [whether] to renominate him or whether I want to nominate someone else, our first call will be to John."
Mr. Christie's first call will actually be to Codey and Sweeney to see whether his guy or gal for that office can be confirmed.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Boehner's Disgrace.
January 7, 2013 at 12:20 P.M. New Jersey continues to cover-up facts pertaining to my matters, allegedly, and refuses, through its silence, to reveal the role of the OAE in the actions not only of Mr. McGill, but also of Mr. Tuchin and Ms. Riccioli. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
What exactly is the status of John McGill, Esq. of the OAE in January, 2013? Compare "What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?" with "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" then see Abbott-Koloff, "Man Charged With Having Child Porn," in The Record, December 21, 2012, at p. L-3. ("Justin Hertzberg" is charged with possession of child pronography. MORE such allegations involving New Jersey residents are forthcoming. Are these accused persons my ethical "superiors," Mr. Rabner?)
January 5, 2013 at 2:50 P.M. NYPL, Inwood Branch, computer #7.
Politics in America is often a depressing scene dominated by small-minded men, by their power-hunger and struggles, sometimes at the expense of the national interest. People sense this bleak reality and express feelings of overwhelming powerlessness that allows the spectacle to continue without the possibility of reform or improvement.
In contrast, there is very little sense of crisis -- there should be an appreciation of the perils that we face as a nation -- among our so-called "leaders."
Are other political leaders in the nations of the world as mediocre and uninformed as American politicians appear to be at this critical moment in our history? Does it only seem to so-called "elitists" that our national leadership is at an all-time low in terms of talent and courage?
I find it amazing -- if it is true -- that Mr. Boehner has never travelled outside the U.S. and only reads materials pertaining to his government work. I hope that this is a misperception, but I doubt it.
2013 has arrived without a response to my continuing requests for the truth from Trenton officials, but also with a renewal of my commitment to pursue that truth whatever obstacles may be arrayed against me. Given what I have written, I do not expect the help of any politicians.
I can only hope that Tuchin, Riccioli, McGill (and others like them) will be forced to account for their actions some day. I am not optimsitic that the cover-up in Trenton has unravelled. I am gratified, however, by the good wishes and encouragement offered by many persons in diverse places in the world.
My goal for January, 2013 is to post a completed short story, "Hansel and Gretl." I also hope to post a long essay "On Memory." I will continue to focus on politics and corruption in the Garden State. Efforts to censor, suppress, destroy these writings are an every day reality. At any time, I may be prevented from writing further by New Jersey's hackers.
I will continue to struggle.
Raymond Hernandez, "Fury in G.O.P. as House Stalls Hurricaine Aid: Northeast Republicans Lash Out at Boehner," in The New York Times, January 3, 2013, at p. A1.
Michael D. Shear & Jackie Calmes, "Lawmakers Gird For Next Clash, On Debt Ceiling," in The New York Times, January 3, 2013, at p. A1.
Jennifer Steinhauer, "Under Pressure, House Approves Senate Tax Deal," in The New York Times, January 2, 2013, at p. A1.
Recent events in Washington have conveyed mixed messages to observers: 1) Some politicians managed to overcome differences in order to act in the national interest (Mr. Biden, Mr. McConell); others, apparently, have been guided entirely by sectarian concerns at the expense of the national interest (i.e., Mr. Boehner).
Mr. Boehner's primary interest seems to be to preserve his status as House "leader" by "following" the dictates of his conservative base and of power-brokers on the far Right-wing of the political spectrum. This is a curious way to "lead" people.
I was shocked to see Chris Christie exasperated and enraged at a news conference suggesting, essentially, that Mr. Boehner had lied to him. ("I can never know whether to believe him again!")
This is not a trivial matter that has divided Republicans. Thousands of New Jersey and New York residents are suffering -- nearly two months after super-storm Sandy -- because of pointless or petty delays in Washington.
Senate approval of emergency funds must await a January 15th vote by the House of Representatives before funds can reach intended recipients, if they ever do. Afflicted citizens have a right to expect that ego-contests will be set aside when lives are at stake.
Mr. Cuomo, New York's Democrat Governor, was equally forthright in proclaiming that the politicians had "failed to do what they are supposed to do." I agree with both governors.
The House's decision not to vote on this emergency matter -- despite the pressing humanitarian concerns and continued suffering of thousands of persons -- (I believe) because Mr. Boehner's Right-wing base wishes to punish Mr. Christie for his eleventh-hour embrace of the Chief Executive, Mr. Obama, who came to help immediately after the crisis, is the triumph of partisanship over common sense and morality.
Mr. Boehner and his cohorts (Mr. Armey? Ms. Ros-Leghtinen?) should appreciate that the election is over. It is now necessary to actually govern in the interest and for the welfare of many suffering human beings and millions more who are rightly frightened by the prospects of a highly uncertain future, economic and otherwise.
Putting off a decision to help people in desperate need, as a power-play, in order to insist on the "obedience" of party members who are deemed "too independent" (Christie) is not simply wrong, but evil. Mr. Christie has a problem with authority only when it is illegitimate. I agree with Christie on that issue as well.
Americans -- whatever their politics or ethnic and racial identities -- are not best seen as "pawns" in a power-politics "chess game" that is played to benefit the agenda of a bizarre and tiny faction of arch-conservatives with disproportionate political power.
Mr. Rubio will never be president. This is fortunate. Even more fortunate is the greater unlikelihood that Mr. Santorum will ever president. On the other hand, Chris Christie has a genuine shot at the White House from which the music of Bruce Springstein would escape into the night if the man from New Jersey some day becomes America's new "boss." ("Born in the USA!" may become our national anthem!)
I am well aware of what Mr. Boehner is "against" (tax increases for the rich), but what is the leader of the House "for" in terms of curing the nation's ills? Not much appears in the media answering this question.
I am not a Republican. I am sure that New Jersey politics is often a disgrace to America and that this is mostly the fault of a corrupt Democrat machine aligned with organized crime in the Garden State. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
I am forced to acknowledge that Republican Governor, Chris Christie, has shown himself to be an exceptional politician and advocate for ALL of the people of his state, vastly superior to McGreevey, Corzine, even Codey in the office that he holds.
Unlike Bob Menendez, Christie seems to mean it when he says he is "for all the people." Is Christie really a Republican? He can't be. Given what he is up against -- including New Jersey's notorious "culture of corruption" -- I am surprised that Christie does not lose his temper more often. Ghandi would take a punch at some of the people in Trenton.
If there is anything beyond politics in today's America, then it should be the welfare of children, old people, sick people coping with the utter devastation of their lives as a result of a natural catastrophe.
What Christie respects in Obama (which appears mutual) was and is the ability to set aside partisanship -- even in the late moments of a heated election -- so as to help people who NEED help.
What partisans of the Right or Left think of Christie -- or me! -- is irrelevant and no excuse for hurting innocent people dismissed as "collateral damage," nor does it allow people to avoid their sworn responsibility to act in the national interest and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.
There are matters that must transcend politics -- climate change, the wars we are fighting, the struggle for a fair and effective criminal justice system, prosperity, achievement of equality by women, protection of children, and many more, like the defense of civil rights. Ideology and dogma -- from liberals or conservatives! -- will not adresss or resolve these issues in a meaningful way.
From the perspective of the majority of the people, the far-Right brigade has taken leave of what little sense they once possessed by subjugating everything to their increasingly surreal agenda, including the lives and welfare of some of the most powerless persons in our society.
No wonder these people continue to lose national elections while censoring or suppressing the speech of their critics. Please deal with my issues, Mr. Rabner and Mr. Christie. It is not too late to do the right thing.
What exactly is the status of John McGill, Esq. of the OAE in January, 2013? Compare "What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?" with "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" then see Abbott-Koloff, "Man Charged With Having Child Porn," in The Record, December 21, 2012, at p. L-3. ("Justin Hertzberg" is charged with possession of child pronography. MORE such allegations involving New Jersey residents are forthcoming. Are these accused persons my ethical "superiors," Mr. Rabner?)
January 5, 2013 at 2:50 P.M. NYPL, Inwood Branch, computer #7.
Politics in America is often a depressing scene dominated by small-minded men, by their power-hunger and struggles, sometimes at the expense of the national interest. People sense this bleak reality and express feelings of overwhelming powerlessness that allows the spectacle to continue without the possibility of reform or improvement.
In contrast, there is very little sense of crisis -- there should be an appreciation of the perils that we face as a nation -- among our so-called "leaders."
Are other political leaders in the nations of the world as mediocre and uninformed as American politicians appear to be at this critical moment in our history? Does it only seem to so-called "elitists" that our national leadership is at an all-time low in terms of talent and courage?
I find it amazing -- if it is true -- that Mr. Boehner has never travelled outside the U.S. and only reads materials pertaining to his government work. I hope that this is a misperception, but I doubt it.
2013 has arrived without a response to my continuing requests for the truth from Trenton officials, but also with a renewal of my commitment to pursue that truth whatever obstacles may be arrayed against me. Given what I have written, I do not expect the help of any politicians.
I can only hope that Tuchin, Riccioli, McGill (and others like them) will be forced to account for their actions some day. I am not optimsitic that the cover-up in Trenton has unravelled. I am gratified, however, by the good wishes and encouragement offered by many persons in diverse places in the world.
My goal for January, 2013 is to post a completed short story, "Hansel and Gretl." I also hope to post a long essay "On Memory." I will continue to focus on politics and corruption in the Garden State. Efforts to censor, suppress, destroy these writings are an every day reality. At any time, I may be prevented from writing further by New Jersey's hackers.
I will continue to struggle.
Raymond Hernandez, "Fury in G.O.P. as House Stalls Hurricaine Aid: Northeast Republicans Lash Out at Boehner," in The New York Times, January 3, 2013, at p. A1.
Michael D. Shear & Jackie Calmes, "Lawmakers Gird For Next Clash, On Debt Ceiling," in The New York Times, January 3, 2013, at p. A1.
Jennifer Steinhauer, "Under Pressure, House Approves Senate Tax Deal," in The New York Times, January 2, 2013, at p. A1.
Recent events in Washington have conveyed mixed messages to observers: 1) Some politicians managed to overcome differences in order to act in the national interest (Mr. Biden, Mr. McConell); others, apparently, have been guided entirely by sectarian concerns at the expense of the national interest (i.e., Mr. Boehner).
Mr. Boehner's primary interest seems to be to preserve his status as House "leader" by "following" the dictates of his conservative base and of power-brokers on the far Right-wing of the political spectrum. This is a curious way to "lead" people.
I was shocked to see Chris Christie exasperated and enraged at a news conference suggesting, essentially, that Mr. Boehner had lied to him. ("I can never know whether to believe him again!")
This is not a trivial matter that has divided Republicans. Thousands of New Jersey and New York residents are suffering -- nearly two months after super-storm Sandy -- because of pointless or petty delays in Washington.
Senate approval of emergency funds must await a January 15th vote by the House of Representatives before funds can reach intended recipients, if they ever do. Afflicted citizens have a right to expect that ego-contests will be set aside when lives are at stake.
Mr. Cuomo, New York's Democrat Governor, was equally forthright in proclaiming that the politicians had "failed to do what they are supposed to do." I agree with both governors.
The House's decision not to vote on this emergency matter -- despite the pressing humanitarian concerns and continued suffering of thousands of persons -- (I believe) because Mr. Boehner's Right-wing base wishes to punish Mr. Christie for his eleventh-hour embrace of the Chief Executive, Mr. Obama, who came to help immediately after the crisis, is the triumph of partisanship over common sense and morality.
Mr. Boehner and his cohorts (Mr. Armey? Ms. Ros-Leghtinen?) should appreciate that the election is over. It is now necessary to actually govern in the interest and for the welfare of many suffering human beings and millions more who are rightly frightened by the prospects of a highly uncertain future, economic and otherwise.
Putting off a decision to help people in desperate need, as a power-play, in order to insist on the "obedience" of party members who are deemed "too independent" (Christie) is not simply wrong, but evil. Mr. Christie has a problem with authority only when it is illegitimate. I agree with Christie on that issue as well.
Americans -- whatever their politics or ethnic and racial identities -- are not best seen as "pawns" in a power-politics "chess game" that is played to benefit the agenda of a bizarre and tiny faction of arch-conservatives with disproportionate political power.
Mr. Rubio will never be president. This is fortunate. Even more fortunate is the greater unlikelihood that Mr. Santorum will ever president. On the other hand, Chris Christie has a genuine shot at the White House from which the music of Bruce Springstein would escape into the night if the man from New Jersey some day becomes America's new "boss." ("Born in the USA!" may become our national anthem!)
I am well aware of what Mr. Boehner is "against" (tax increases for the rich), but what is the leader of the House "for" in terms of curing the nation's ills? Not much appears in the media answering this question.
I am not a Republican. I am sure that New Jersey politics is often a disgrace to America and that this is mostly the fault of a corrupt Democrat machine aligned with organized crime in the Garden State. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
I am forced to acknowledge that Republican Governor, Chris Christie, has shown himself to be an exceptional politician and advocate for ALL of the people of his state, vastly superior to McGreevey, Corzine, even Codey in the office that he holds.
Unlike Bob Menendez, Christie seems to mean it when he says he is "for all the people." Is Christie really a Republican? He can't be. Given what he is up against -- including New Jersey's notorious "culture of corruption" -- I am surprised that Christie does not lose his temper more often. Ghandi would take a punch at some of the people in Trenton.
If there is anything beyond politics in today's America, then it should be the welfare of children, old people, sick people coping with the utter devastation of their lives as a result of a natural catastrophe.
What Christie respects in Obama (which appears mutual) was and is the ability to set aside partisanship -- even in the late moments of a heated election -- so as to help people who NEED help.
What partisans of the Right or Left think of Christie -- or me! -- is irrelevant and no excuse for hurting innocent people dismissed as "collateral damage," nor does it allow people to avoid their sworn responsibility to act in the national interest and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America.
There are matters that must transcend politics -- climate change, the wars we are fighting, the struggle for a fair and effective criminal justice system, prosperity, achievement of equality by women, protection of children, and many more, like the defense of civil rights. Ideology and dogma -- from liberals or conservatives! -- will not adresss or resolve these issues in a meaningful way.
From the perspective of the majority of the people, the far-Right brigade has taken leave of what little sense they once possessed by subjugating everything to their increasingly surreal agenda, including the lives and welfare of some of the most powerless persons in our society.
No wonder these people continue to lose national elections while censoring or suppressing the speech of their critics. Please deal with my issues, Mr. Rabner and Mr. Christie. It is not too late to do the right thing.
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