"You Gotta Pay to Play!"

September 30, 2013 at 1:55 P.M. NYPL, computer #14, (Morningside Heights) frozen due to what the librarian describes as "severe problems causing damage to the hard drive." Evidently, a number of library computers have been damaged by sabotage of various kinds. I can never be sure of writing again. 

This computer shut down once. I had to sign-in, twice, without being able to sign-out on either occasion. ("How censorship works in America.") 

I will try to sign-in, again, from other computers in order to continue writing.  

September 27, 2013 at 2:13 P.M. Due to sabotage at NYPL, #10, (Morningside Heights) no printing is possible from this location today. I will try to print this text from public print shops. 

On second thought, it may not be wise to attempt to print from another location in light of the computer crime aimed against these blogs and me. I will wait until I can make use of a functional computer at the New York Public Library. 

It is sad to think that for many poor persons library computers -- that are the only access to the Internet upon which they can or must rely -- are disabled at the whim of politicians or others wishing to silence a lone dissident. ("How censorship works in America" and "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")

Shame on you, Mr. Rabner. ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")  

"Income Inequality: Economy is Improving For Some," (Editorial) The Record, September 23, 2013, p. A-11. (N.J. income rose to $69,667 per household; this is second highest in the country, except that the high cost of living and expenses due to the worst corruption in the nation reduce the quality of life for most New Jersey persons to one of the lowest in the country. Disparities in income between the wealthy few and the poorest many have grown under Mr. Christie's administration: " ... poverty in New Jersey actually increased last year from 10.4 percent of the population to 10.8 percent. And the number of residents receiving food stamps or on welfare increased from 8.8 percent in 2011 to 10.2 percent in 2012." 1 out of 10 N.J. persons needs help to eat regularly in a state with the country's second largest income per household due to unequal distribution of wealth.)

Will a Christopher Christie presidency produce an increase in wealth for the super-rich and more poverty for the rest of us? Would Mr. Christie care about the suffering of the poorest Americans? Why continue to give tax breaks and other perks to the richest New Jersey persons at the cost of the poorest people? You decide.

Jessica Silver Greenberg & Ben Protess, "JP Morgan May Settle With Group of Agencies," The New York Times, September 25, 2013, p. B3. (Neither Mr. Diamond nor any prominent Wall Street figure will be going to prison. The lapses and thefts on Wall Street are in the billions of dollars and have affected the entire world. "So Black and So Blue in Prison.")

John C. Ensslin, "County Attorney Back on the Job: County Likely to Settle Wrongful Dismissal for $250,000," The Record, September 24, 2013, p. L-1. (KELLY DURKIN, ESQ., politically targeted attorney, may next face legal ethics charges. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

Rebecca D. O'Brien, "Defiant Bergrin  Goes Out Swinging," The Record, September 24, 2013, p. A-1. (N.J.'s legal system was further disgraced and humiliated when Mr. Bergrin was charged with owning a brothel to which prominent lawyers and judges in the state -- probably including Stuart Rabner, Bergrin's colleague in the U.S. Attorney's Office and alleged one-time friend! -- were invited and for far worse offenses. "Paul W. Bergrin, Esq. is an Ethical New Jersey Attorney.")

John Petrick, "2 Judges On Notice For Ties to Defendant: Misconduct Seen in Dinners With Friend, Indicted in PVSC Case," The Record, September 24, 2013, p. L-1. ("Two judges in Paterson courts were accused of 'misconduct' Monday because they regularly dined publicly with an INDICTED Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission Supervisor, [Mafia?] a longtime friend and fellow 'church group' member." Irony?)

John Petrick, "Justices Review Finds Lawyer 'Deceitful' and They Disbar Him," The Record, September 24, 2013, p. L-3. (CHARLES INGENITO, ESQ., apparently, was not "sharing" -- despite being connected to "Jaynee LaVecchia, allegedly -- with judges. He got greedy. The N.J. Supreme Court's silence and cover-ups in my matters are deceitful practices which the justices are unwilling to acknowledge, but continue to cover-up. Chief Justice Rabner is unwilling to admit his "connections" to Solomon Dwek or Terry Tuchin as well as his deceitful "conflicts of interest" in my matter. "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")

Ryan Hutchins, "N.J. to Sue Over Foul Cleanup at Landfill: Smelly Roxbury Site in Years-Long Dispute," The Star Ledger, September 24, 2013, p. L-1. (N.J. is a foul-smelling clean-up site. Much of the stench is due to corruption in the courts, legislature and politics of municipalities where little can be, or has been, done to "clean things up." "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.")

Jason Grant, "Disgraced Ex-Lawyer Bergrin Gets 6 Life-Sentences," The Star Ledger, September 24, 2013, p. 13. (None of the N.J. lawyers and judges who were Bergrin's guests at his whore house have been identified, sanctioned, or charged for their despicable and grossly unethical conduct: Is there a war on criminal defense lawyers? "Lynne F. Stewart's Path of Thorns.")

Michael Barbaro, "Now Revealed by Stripper: Booker's Twitter Messages," The New York Times, September 26, 2013, p. A23. (Mr. Booker's stripper friend is a Republican.)

It is traditional wisdom among prostitutes and attorneys (overlapping categories in New Jersey) that clients have to "pay-to-play." 

This maxim is the unwritten fundamental rule of Garden State politics for Republicans and Democrats. In the words of the proverbial Trenton insider, "Fat Tony": "You gotta bring something to the party!" ("Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?" and "New Jersey is Lucky Luciano's Havana.")

"Fat Tony" may be related to "Big Nicky" Sacco whose North Bergen base is suffering from an outbreak of suspicious fires and, perhaps, worse things. ("North Bergen, New Jersey is the Home of La Cosa Nostra" and "Jay Romano and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")

In fairness it should be acknowledged that the state's Democrat Machine has been linked to the mafia for decades. ("Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")

In an effort to undermine the accurate impression of N.J. as a sewer of political corruption, legal attempts at reform have focused on this "pay-to-play" tradition governing contractors and others doing business with the state as well as litigants in the state's soiled courts. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")

Litigants have been known to bribe judges, whether with sexual favors or through politicians as intermediaries offering under-the-table cash payments. ("Bribery in Union City, New Jersey" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")

Bergen County has witnessed a war between County Executive Kathleen Donovan (R) and Ferreiro's old crew as well as Zisa's operatives among cops and judges. Ms. Donovan is a brave and honest public official and yet, somehow, still a Republican:

"Donovan, a Republican, began the exchange with a letter Wednesday in which she cited the recent indictment of JOSEPH FERREIRO and the 'negative light' it once again shines on Bergen County and the Democratic party as a whole." ("Joe Ferreiro is Bergen's Godfather.")

A so-called "Mr. Ganz," whose first name is not given in this article, probably because he "knew somebody" at this paper (a paragraph is missing from the published text, I guess), who is an "unindicted co-conspirator" -- as per the Grand Jury transcripts, allegedly, in the Ferreiro matter -- found it easy to object to any and all complaints that he, Ganz, may have been "influenced" to support the Xanadu/American Dream scam by Ferreiro or bribes received, if any. ("Cement is Gold.")

In other words, "Mr. Ganz" probably would have voted the same way, anyway, even if he were not bribed. "So what the hell?" says Mr. Ganz. ("Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")

Mr. Ganz is what I would describe in more ways than one as a "Freeholder" in Bergen County, New Jersey. This means that his "services" -- like those of a hooker -- are far from "free." 

What they have done in Bergen County is to make pay-to-play easier under the existing law:

"The freeholders reached a bipartisan agreement earlier this year on a revised pay-to-play ordinance that relaxed the limits on what no-bid contractors could contribute to county political committees."  

N.J. Fraud Scheme Results in Probation.

September 13, 2013 at 12:34 P.M. The computer at which I type these words is missing some keys. I will, therefore, refrain from providing all periodical sources until I am able to type at a better keyboard. 

Regrettably, this sabotage of NYPL computers is not unusual. I believe that persons from New Jersey may be responsible for these actions. I am not the only person using these computers, Mr. Menendez.

I lost my Time/Warner television and Internet signals earlier today. A revision of this essay was obstructed this afternoon, at 5:15 P.M. from my home lap-top. I will try to make the corrections again. I am not the only person using a television and computer in my home.

Shawn Boburg, "Sandy Funds to Go to Seaside: But Determine Fire's Cause First, Feds Say," The Record, September 17, 2013, p. A-2. (Who will steal these federal funds in New Jersey?)

John Petrick, "Three Get Probation in Fraud Scheme: Chiropractors Bilked Insurance Companies," The Record, September 17, 2013, p. L-1. (No one is going to prison with the exception of one participant in the scams who will go to jail, but not serve state time in a New Jersey prison.)

Tiffany Cay, "Trustee Says Corzine Led Earnings 'Scheme': Complaint Against Ex-MF Global Chief Intensifies Current Suit," The Record, September 18, 2013, p. L-9. (The numbers now are $8.3 BILLION in losses, possibly over $2 BILLION in client funds "disappeared." No one will go to prison in this matter.)

"Taking Its Toll: Accountability Lacking at Port Authority," (Editorial) The Record, September 17, 2013, p. A-8. (P.A. overtime has led to a rise in tolls to $15 a car in cash or $12.50 in a car with E-Z Pass by 2015. Will this added money pay for the bogus overtime? "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")

Richard Cowen, "4 Workers Win Back Their Jobs With County," The Record, September 17, 2013, p. L-1. (County employees fired for political reasons as retaliation by their boss, "The Jersey Way." "Voting in North Bergen, New Jersey" and "Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whorehouse?")

AP, "Brazil Seeks Net Independence: Spying Spurs Move; Rips in Web Feared," The Record, September 18, 2013, p. A-9. (Brazil's pursuit of international litigation and "disconnection" from U.S.-controlled Internet services will result in the loss of billions for the U.S. economy: Was the NSA spying justified and worthwhile?)

Chris Harris, "Ridgewood Pays More Than $80,000 to Former Manager," The Record, September 19, 2013, p. A-8. (Fired former manager KEN GRABBERT received $46,250, three months salary, plus 250 accrued vacation days valued at $36,288, for a total payout of $82,538. Why hire this person in the first place, politics? Will Mr. Grabbert also "grab" another pension?)

John Petrick & Abbott-Koloff, "Teacher is Facing Another Sex Count," The Record, September 19, 2013, p. L-1. (Thomas Weir, 51, who taught in Paterson's high school will now face yet another child abuse charge -- no doubt others will follow -- including allegations focusing on a young boy, at the time of the incident, who is now a 37-year-old man damaged for life: "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" and "Marilyn Straus Was Right!") 

"Three former chiropractors from Bergen and Passaic Counties were sentenced to five years of probation Monday for setting up a fraudulent practice in Paterson and cheating more than 30 insurance companies out of what prosecutors say was millions."

Most people seeking the services of chiropractors have suffered soft-tissue injuries in car accidents. The same persons are typically pursuing their remedies in personal injury litigation against insured drivers or drivers subject to state-provided coverage because they were uninsured.

Lawyers have so-called "runners" and "connections" with chiropractors and police, where money changes hands for referrals, especially if all a lawyer does is car accident cases. 

It is true that Mr. Ginarte, Mr. Navarrete, Mr. Hernandez and many others in Hudson, Union, Essex and other Counties used the services of such runners, but then so did Bass & Bass, along with almost all of the big personal injury lawyers. I am told that this is still true.

Another scam is to offer to do free legal work for brokers who send cases to a personal injury firm and provide other perks, right Mr. Linares and Mr. Coviello? Any form of consideration for referrals violates ethics rules. Mr. Linares is now a federal District Court Judge.

I never paid a runner or cop to send me accident cases. I never paid a chiropractor for a referral or to lie in a report, nor did I accept (or pay) one cent from (or to) such a professional except in a legally prescribed manner with full disclosure.

According to New Jersey, this honesty makes me a "trouble maker," not a "team player," and "unethical." ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.") 

One of the chiropractors in this conspiracy, Charles Nicivoccia, will also serve nearly a year in jail, but no state time. Friend of "Big Nicky" Sacco? ("North Bergen, New Jersey is the Home of La Cosa Nostra" and "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.") 

Evidently, none of the lawyers involved in these scams -- there must have been quite a few of them, including Mr. DeCotiis perhaps? -- will face ethics charges, nor criminal accusations of any kind, anywhere, according to news reports. No doubt several of these fine ladies and gentlemen of the law serve on their local ethics committees. ("New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce.")

I have heard lawyers comparing notes on who has the best runners (Mr. Zavodnick was high on that list that included Jacoby and Meyers) or who got the best settlement by scamming an insurance company. 

The three esteemed New Jersey "professionals" generated about $2.8 million in earnings. The lawyers involved in the scams probably made three times as much, but were sharing with judges helping insurers to see the wisdom of settling their big cases. What do think, Mr. Ginarte? Sound familiar to you?

"Nicivoccia and Klein were ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution, while Esposito was ordered to pay $50,000. That money will be distributed among the various victim insurance companies [according to] the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office."

Insurance companies generally receive little sympathy since they often screw worthy claimants. Besides, quite a few brokers and defense attorneys "dip into" the recovery pie by accepting under-the-table cash "thank you notes," as it were, from plaintiffs' lawyers. ("Cement is Gold" and "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Bribery in Union City, New Jersey" then "Is Menendez For Sale?")

There is no doubt that these insurance company scams in soft-tissue injury cases (which are sometimes real) undermines the credibility of persons with more serious injuries. 

For instance, it makes juries skeptical concerning claims of permanent pain and suffering, particularly in New Jersey when it comes to African-American defendants whose pain is worth -- according to Garden State juries -- about one third of what white people's pain in identical injury cases is "valued at" by the same juries. 

Nothing will really be done to limit insurance frauds in New Jersey -- since everyone is sharing in the proceeds -- until lawyers are disbarred in sufficient numbers to send the right message, even if they know and "kick-back" to politicians. ("Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" and, again, "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey Hypocrisy.") 

N.J. Lawyers' Ethics Farce.

Ellen Nalfarinna, Julie Tate, Carol Leonning, "N.S.A. Broke Privacy Rules For 3 Years," The Washington Post, September 11, 2013, p. A1. ("... no one at [the N.S.A.] had a technical understanding of how their system worked." Reassuring.)

Salvador Rizzo, "High Court Will Decide Hot-Button Cases," The Star Ledger, September 9, 2013, p. 1. (Bidding war for N.J. justices' favors. What will it take for Mr. Rabner to deal with my hot-button issue? A little cash in an envelope, perhaps?)

Rachael Bildner, "Court Papers Show Montvale Bent the Rules," The Star Ledger, September 9, 2013, p. 13. (Town violates law to reward insiders, police chief and high ranking officers, at the expense of more deserving -- but less political -- "others.")

Richard Cowen, "Ex-Top Cop May Get a New Leadership Post Tonight: Passaic Mayor to Name Public Safety Director," The Record, September 10, 2013, p. L-1. (Mayor ALEX BLANCO will name RICHARD DIAZ, who was recently retired from the police at age 50, reportedly, to a new position as "Public Safety Director" for $65,000 per year in addition to his "pension" of $110,000 per year, potentially earning Mr. Diaz another pension after 5 years.)

Ben Protess, "Lawyers For Corzine Seek Cases Dismissals," The New York Times, September 11, 2013, p. B3. ("There is no evidence that Mr. Corzine knowingly directed unlawful conduct or acted without good faith." Over a period of years, in numerous transactions, Mr. Corzine "accidentally" protected his own assets by borrowing, "unintentionally," from client funds -- $1.8 BILLION -- and violating, but not on purpose, SEC rules and other federal statutes with the assistance of N.J. attorneys.)

Mathew McGrath, "Man Charged With Sexually Assaulting a Girl," The Record, September 11, 2013, p. L-3. (Teaneck man, Savan A. Dow, 20, assaulted a 12 year-old girl in America's child sex state. He was one of numerous persons recently charged for this offense.)

Jim Norman, "Lawsuit Claims Police Beat-Up Handcuffed Men: Surveillance Camera Captured Assault in Paterson, Lawyer Says," The Record, July 1, 2013, p. A-1. (New developments in this story and incidents throughout New Jersey are adding urgency to this crisis of police misconduct. Will we "stop and frisk" N.J. cops? Do New Jersey cops choke and assault persons rendered helpless by drugging and hypnosis? Terry Tuchin? "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture" and "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")

Jean Rimbach & Jeff Pillets, "Big Lawyers Play Role in Ferreiro Indictment: Only Former Bergen Democratic Leader is Charged," The Record, September 16, 2013, p. A-1. (Corrupt lawyers serving as bag men for Democratic bosses in New Jersey.)

Nicholas Confessore, "Donors' Funds Sidestep Law, Aiding Christie," The New York Times, September 18, 2013, p. A1. (N.J. lawyers "sidestep" law to bribe, allegedly, Republicans in New Jersey.)

New Jersey legal practice is heavily politicized -- far more than in any other state -- as is the so-called legal ethics system of that unfortunate jurisdiction. 

New Jersey's ethics system is a byzantine, behind-the-back political process and secret network of "relationships" designed to accomplish some unofficial objectives: 1) damage radical lawyers or disfavored outsiders to this power structure who seek to reform any aspect of the system; while 2) protecting very serious and often lucrative unethical legal practices, or even the commission of crimes, by connected law firms and attorneys -- crimes that are usually intended to enrich politicians. 

This criticism refers to politicians from both parties, even if Democrats aligned with organized crime "families" have usually been far worse than their colleagues from "across the aisle." 

The irony in this situation is that the so-called "mob lawyers" and politicians' "bag men" are often the same attorneys serving on state and county ethics committees deciding whether their own crimes and unethical actions are acceptable. Mysteriously, their conduct is fine, only other attorneys are "unethical." ("Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy" then "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead" and "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")

New Jersey's Supreme Court justices may be sanctioned for ethics violations as a result of secret, behind-the-scenes activities by colleagues; a Chief Justice may be sexually involved with another woman linked to organized crime, allegedly, who was illegally listed as a therapist at the same time as she was interested in a matter where the Chief Justice served as decision-maker; while another Chief Justice is accused of accepting a cash-in-an-envelope "consultation fee" from con man Solomon Dwek even as Chief Justice Rabner was, somehow, oblivious to the release of alleged mafia boss, Angelo ("The Horn") Prisco, on his watch, when he served as N.J. Attorney General. Dozens of others in the judiciary and elite bar positions -- as well as politics -- commit worse infractions as New Jersey attorneys while presuming to comment on the character and morals of their intellectual and professional superiors. ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" then "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Neil M. Cohen, Esq. and Conduct Unbecoming to the Legislature in New Jersey" and "Eric Wisler, Esq. is an Ethical New Jersey Attorney" and "Joe Ferreiro is Bergen's Godfather.")

"A review of the federal indictment of Joseph A. Ferreiro and other records shows that three leaders of two top law firms in New Jersey figure prominently in the government's case against the former Chairman of Bergen County's Democratic Party, who is accused of using his power to profit from a string of bribery, extortion and kickback schemes."

The attorneys involved -- except for Mr. Ferreiro, who is a FORMER lawyer -- include Mr. Robert DeCotiis, Mr. Donald Scarinsci (a so-called Bob Menendez "flunky" and alter ego who has "accepted" donations and "payments" on behalf of Senator Menendez), Mr. Kenneth Hollenbeck, and the deceased Mr. Eric Wisler ("You won't see him no more!"), as well as the shadowy, Mr. Dennis Oury. ("Take the canolis.") 

None of the attorneys who facilitated and profited from Mr. Ferreiro's scams, usually at the expense of their ostensible clients and for the benefit of their political friends, will be indicted or face any ethics charges as of this writing. ("Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")

To my knowledge, none of these lawyers, aside from the deceased Mr. Wisler, is facing an Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE) investigation that may, at some future point, lead to charges or grievances or sanctions. Perhaps some of them will soon become New Jersey judges? ("New Jersey's Judges Disgrace America.") 

By publicizing this matter of mutual backscratching, hypocrisy, double standards, frauds and bogus, pompous and moronic self-justifying "false piety," it is at least possible that someone in Trenton will take action. ("Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" and "John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and New Jersey Corruption.")

Legal ethics sanctions against "attorneys number 1, 2, and 3" (to quote the indictment) are unlikely in New Jersey, unless they come from outside the state. The picture of a legal culture of repellent greed, selfishness, theft, lies, cover-ups, rationalizations is difficult to deny or ignore:

"According to the indictment, DeCotiis recommended to his client, that it pay, both to [bribe] Ferreiro and those under his sway [like DeCotiis himself?] from opposing Mills' bid to secure Ferreiro's help in winning public and official support." (emphasis added!)

Conflict of interest? Apparently, this conduct is fine with the OAE. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "Sexual Favors For New Jersey Judges" then "New Jersey Supreme Court's Implosion.")

Are Republicans in New Jersey better than Democrats? Yes, but the "culture of corruption," to quote Mr. Christie, is spreading:

"Joshua Hendle, a spokesman for One New Jersey, declined to comment on the group's donors, or to say whether any of them had contacts with state agencies or authorities covered by the pay-to-play rules." (Times.)

Ironically, for Mr. Christie:

"All-told at least 15 New Jersey donations to the [Republican] Governors' Association [-- donations that make their way to Mr. Christie, eventually --] this year have come from people or companies covered by the state's pay-to-play rules, including several who also backed Reform Jersey Now. Some had never given to the R.G.A. before." (Times.)

Wayne J. Politan, Esq., Republican "bag man," as it were, is senior partner in a firm that has earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in state work only since Mr. Christie took office. ("New Jersey's Legal System is a Whore House" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")

Will Mr. Politan show his gratitude to the governor by "attending further fundraisers" or even with the occasional cash-in-an envelope "contribution"? ("Christie Rails Against New Jersey's Corrupt Judiciary" and "New Jersey's Disgraced Judges.")

Do you speak to me of ethics in New Jersey's legal world? ("New Jersey's Failed Judiciary.")  

N.J. Corruption Taints Christie.

What follows is a sad comment on continuing corruption in America's "Soprano State," the alleged home of the mafia in the United States of America, also of political and legal incompetence in what many observers describe as a "failed jurisdiction." 

China, Europe, and many parts of Latin America have made New Jersey symbolic of unfortunate tendencies in American society that are leading to a serious global decline in influence for our nation.

Whether this societal decline can be contained or reversed may well depend on controlling incompetence and criminality among New Jersey lawyers, judges, politicians and other officials, especially police and government inspectors. 

As I type these words a new scandal among New Jersey lawyers is exploding. I will be writing more about this Garden State legal ethics disaster soon. Among those afflicted by this wave of scandal are several prominent law firms and individual attorneys -- many of them known to me, personally, as once important legal ethics officials, also several self-described "colleagues" and "friends." 

Please do not contact me seeking any kind of advice or assistance with your troubles in New Jersey's fascinating legal world. I wish all of you the best of luck with what has already begun and, more so, with what is about to begin in New Jersey. 

Rick Gladstone & C.J. Chivers, "U.N. Implicates Syria in Using Chemical Arms," The New York Times, September 17, 2013, p. A1. ("Mischaracterization!" Mr. Assad said.)

Kareem Fahim & Serbnem Arsu, "Turkey Says It Shot Down Syrian Military Helicopter Flying In Its Airspace," The New York Times, September 17, 2013, p. A8. (Turkey's Prime Minister will NOW go to Parliament seeking approval for his decision.)

Thomas Erdbrink, "President's Speech and Online Army Video Point to Iran's Dueling Interests in Syria," The New York Times, September 17, 2013, p. A8. (Iran may be the new temporary home of Mr. Assad's chemical weapons. However, the "fee" for this Iranian service may be a wee bit expensive for Mr. Assad.)

Shawn Boburg, "Sandy Contractor to Repay $300,000: State Probe Confirms Mileage Overcharges, Other Billing Issues," The Record, September 11, 2013, p. A-1. 

John Brennan, "$800 MILLION Bonding Plan for American Dream: Proposal Would Help Developers Restart Project," The Report, September 11, 2013, p. A-1. 

"The firm chosen by the Christie administration to clean up debris from Superstorm Sandy has agreed to repay more than $300,000 in overcharges and other questionable billings found by the state's independent watchdog agency." 

The question now debated by observers is whether this so-called state watchdog agency was really concerned to protect the public or whitewash this matter in order to cover the substantial backside of New Jersey's governor -- a backside that is, as it were, "exposed" in this scandal. 

How "independent" is this New Jersey watchdog agency? 

Unsettled in this ugly little episode for the once "corruption-busting" former U.S. Attorney in New Jersey's Governor's Mansion is the extent of the scams in this matter of "disappearing" hurricane Sandy funds. 

Curiously, all of the "unintentional" errors made by contractors were at the expense of New Jersey taxpayers, none of the "errors in calculation" favored New Jersey taxpayers. As the number of "errors" increased, the mathematical probability of "innocent" mistakes explaining the phenomenon decreased. One might even conclude that these "unintentional" errors were quite intentional. 

How strange that no one was found at fault by Mr. Christie's so-called "watchdogs"? I wonder whether there will be additional "errors" with any future federal funds to assist victims of the latest fires in New Jersey? Does the determination as to how "intentional" are errors involving loss of taxpayer funds depend on whether the Governor's friends and/or contributors make the errors?

"Looking at eight Ocean County towns, the comptroller found trips that should have been less than 16 miles, but were charged at the higher rate, either because of mapping software errors, ... rounding or inexplicable miscalculations by the independent monitor hired to oversee the clean up. [Was some of the overcharged money coming back to this "monitor" under the table?] Most of the overcharges resulted from one monitoring firm that gave AshBritt [the contractor] credit for an additionl 0.6 miles of driving inside the Ocean County landfill [isn't the landfill only 3 miles long?] pushing many bordenline trips over the 16-mile threshold." (emphasis added!)

Curiously, the state watchdog under Governor Christie does not wish to embarrass Mr. Christie (who may get that official more and better jobs at higher pay if Christie becomes president!) found that this was all "accidental," despite the fact that nearly fifteen "mistaken" overcharges were made against the state of New Jersey. This is something that is mathematically highly unlikely as a matter of random error. 

The New Jersey towns that were overcharged hired AshBritt ONLY "after the Christie administration gave the politically connected Florida firm [Marco Rubio? Iliana Ros-Leghtinen?] an emergency contract without competitive bidding and allowed municipalities to sign on to it."

Allegations of kickbacks from AshBritt to Mr. Christie and/or his supporters cannot be confirmed. "Pay-to-play," Mr. Christie?

"The administration has been criticized for the move, partly because former Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour, a partner in the lobbying firm that represents AshBritt and a mentor for Governor Christie, recommended the clean-up firm."

The matter has been referred to Homeland Security's Inspector General. 

Not surprisingly, this depressing story of yet more alleged theft -- or incompetence, at best, at the people's expense -- appears as yet new scandals and efforts to extract additional money surfaces in the American Dream nightmare, also as Mr. Ferreiro along with the "usual suspects" in New Jersey face added charges for fraud and theft.

Scandal seems to cling to Mr. Menendez, Mr. Ferreiro -- now Mr. Christie as well -- just as the foul stench of chemical rot clings to the Turnpike. Indeed, foul smells have come to define New Jersey to the nation and world as the paradigm of corrupt government, obese and slovenly, also guilty of  grotesque overconsumption, and repellent GREED:

"The Bergen County Improvement Authority is seeking state approval to float as much as $800 MILLION in bonds on behalf of ... the American Dream project at the Meadowlands."  

Joe Ferreiro Indicted Again.

September 16, 2013 at 1:43 P.M. NYPL, Morningside Heights branch. The essay that appears below was obstructed from my home lap-top, but I was able, finally, to post this text. Perhaps it is to Mr. Ferreiro that the "N.J. Consumer Affairs Order" applies. 

Maybe this so-called Order refers to a reimbursal to one of the clients contacted, illegally, by Gilberto Garcia, who needed the money and stole clients from my office? The Order is probably moot, based on fraud, or may refer to someone other than myself? Statute of limitations on contracts (unenforcable after 7 years?) may render the point moot since this purports to be a civil Order. Please keep posting such items, OAE. It all helps now.

Peter J. Sampson, "Ferreiro Indicted Again: Among Accusations is $1.7 MILLION Extortion Plot On Failed Meadowlands Project," The Record, September 12, 2013, p. A-1. (Mr. Ferreiro may be going back to prison.)

Karen Rouse, "N.J. Transit Kept Costly Payouts From Public View," The Record, September 12, 2013, p. A-1. (Like the OAE, N.J. Transit tries to keep evidence of wrongdoing and incompetence from "getting out.")

Los Angeles Times, "U.S. Wealth Gap Approaches One Hundred Year High," The Record, September 12, 2013, p. A-10. (95% of government tax benefits accrue to the top 1% of income earners.)

Joel Rosenblatt, "Corzine Asks Court to Throw Out Suits in Trading Debacle: Ex-Governor Says Regulators Have No Evidence," The Record, September 12, 2013, p. L-8. ($6 BILLION collapse of trading house resulting in nearly $2 BILLION in "missing" client money is no big deal. Mr. Corzine was represented, as N.J. governor, by the DeCotiis law firm. No lawyers are facing ethics charges as a result of these, allegedly, fraudulent filings and missing money.)

Diana Lisa Riccioli's political protection in N.J. (her long list of "friends") may be diminishing because so many formerly prominent Garden State officials are going to prison, some not for the first time. ("Diana's Friend Goes to Prison" and "Marilyn Straus Was Right!" then "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")

Among Diana's friends are Mr. Zisa and Mr. Ferreiro in Bergen County, which may explain Diana's one-time decision to move her "office" to Paramus to be near the mall. Recently, Diana may have returned to Clifton. 

Is Diana Lisa Riccioli still listed as a "therapist" anywhere in New Jersey? ("Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!")

"JOSEPH A. FERREIRO abused his power and influence as the Chairman of Bergen County's Democratic Party by engaging in bribery, kickback and shakedown schemes, including a plot to EXTORT $1.7 million from a prior developer of the Meadowlands retail and entertainment project now known as American Dream, a federal grand jury alleged Wednesday." 

Bob Menendez is "alleged" to be an "unindicted co-consirator" to the various scams surrounding the so-called Xanadu project that is now "American Dream" development. 

The failed plan to build a shopping mall in the Meadowlands has consumed $4 BILLION with no prospective date of completion for this so-called shopping mall. New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs is not interested in this matter? ("Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!" and "Senator Menendez Says 'Xanadu and You Are Perfect Together!'")

"Ferreiro, 56, once among the state's most powerful political leaders, was indicted on federal racketeering charges, accused of soliciting $35,000 [per month] from a Virginia-based real estate investment trust that developed the Meadowlands project, formerly known as Xanadu."

I met Mr. Ferreiro (at his request) at his law office when he made inquiries of me, possibly at the behest of Bob Menendez, an old political ally and, as it were, "a partner in crime" of Mr. Ferreiro's. ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")

Significantly, Mr. Ferreiro was a member of the state's legal ethics committee, despite his alleged mafia affiliations, and was (also allegedly) one of the attorneys recruited to come after me. I am flattered. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" then "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")

Is Mr. Ferreiro what the OAE considers an "ethical New Jersey attorney" and my "superior"? ("John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and New Jersey Corruption.")

Let us examine the mechanism used in these extortions and how they illustrate New Jersey's "pay-to-play" legal ethics as compared with my ethics:

"The trust made the illicit payments through its Teaneck law firm from 2002 to 2006 in exchange for Ferreiro's help in securing endorsements and official support, and to prevent him and others from opposing the project, the indictment alleges."

By way of comparison, see "Bribery in Union City, New Jersey" and "Is Menendez For Sale?" then "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes."

Essentially, Mr. Ferreiro and his law partner(s) went to "Mills" (the developer) and offered to "represent" them rather than a competitor to Mills (who had offered to bribe Ferreiro for more money, or so they claimed) to "get" the public funds in New Jersey for the project. If Mills did not provide $35,000 per month to Ferreiro's "consulting firm," the "boys" would "work for the opposition." ("6 Government Officials Indicted in New Jersey" and "7 Executives Indicted in N.J. Engineering Firm.") 

A new developer has appeared on the scene once more as the Bergen County Improvement Authority has just signed off on an application for $800 MILLION in bonds to be issued to finance the new incarnation of the Xanadu Mall/American Dream Real Estate Project. ("New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead" and "Cement is Gold.")

Among the usual suspects are KENNETH HOLLENBECK, ESQ. and Bob Menendez front-man, DONALD SCARINSCI, ESQ., Mr. Ferreiro's former law partners and alleged "bag men" for Senator Menendez. ("Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Menendez Gets Over On the Feds.")

This is to say nothing of the continued shadowy presence of convicted con man and former attorney, also a member of the legal ethics committee that went after me, DENNIS OURY, ESQ., who now resides in Naples, Florida -- a mafia retirement community, allegedly. 

Was there a connection between Mr. Ferreiro's call to me and the Rose law firm? Or did the call come from Mr. Oury and/or Alex Booth, Esq.? 

Mills was formerly represented by the Teaneck-based law firm De Cotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole and Wisler. ("Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" and "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" then "Eric Wisler, Esq. is an Ethical New Jersey Attorney.")

"The indictment also accuses Ferreiro of accepting kickbacks during his time as the county's Democratic Chairman from a Nutley software developer who sought his help in obtaining public contracts in various Bergen County municipalities. [Barbara Buono?] The software developer agreed to pay Ferreiro a quarter to a third of the gross receipts from any contracts he obtained as a result of Ferreiro's recommendations to various public officials, the indictment alleges." 

Mr. Putin's Advice to America.

Evidently, a person (or persons) unknown has posted something on-line that purports to be a "final order" concerning me from New Jersey's Consumer Protection Agency. Since I have not set foot in New Jersey -- except to visit family members -- for more than ten years, I assume that the posting of this document is yet more lies or insults from Mr. McGill and the OAE. 

I have reason to believe that Mr. McGill advised persons to pursue such actions against me from before the first grievances were solicited and/or paid-for against me. Hence, I will simply ignore all bogus documents and insults from Trenton and rise to higher ground. To the best of my knowledge, I have never received any pleadings or documents from such an agency in Trenton.

New Jersey has many new problems. Besides the mysterious fires throughout the state and continuing sabotage in courtrooms, there are new arrests in Bergen and Hudson Counties about which I plan to write at greater length very soon. These scandals include the arrest of Mr. Ferreiro, former Democrat Party Chairman and legal ethics committee member involved in efforts to target me, allegedly, perhaps at the request of Mr. Menendez. Mr. Ferreiro is said to be involved in a fraud case concerning $1.7 MILLION. Also, new corruption allegations are engulfing the Christie administration. The Garden State may be a lost cause and certainly humiliates America. ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")

Steven Lee Meyers, "As Obama Pauses Action, Putin Takes Center Stage: For Russians, Series of Goals Achieved," The New York Times, September 12, 2013, p. A1.

Peter Baker, "A Rare Public View of Pivots on Policy," The New York Times, September 12, 2013, p. A1. 

"Diplomacy as Deterrent," (Editorial) The New York Times, September 12, 2013, p. A30.

"More Mistakes at the N.S.A.," (Editorial) The New York Times, September 12, 2013, p. A30.

Vladimir Putin, "A Plea For Caution From Russia," (Op-Ed) The New York Times, September 12, 2013, p. A31.

It is difficult to dispute that the biggest winner in the recent Syrian/U.S. crisis was neither President Obama nor Mr. Assad (nevertheless, Mr. Assad has probably benefitted from the exchange), but President Vladimir Putin of Russia. 

Mr. Putin has "outslicked" Mr. Obama, like Johnny Cochran dancing around flat-footed prosecutors in the O.J. Simpson case. Part of the reason why Mr. Putin has been the global winner is that he has shrewdly "capitalized" on international perceptions and fears surrounding U.S. actions over the past ten years, or more.

After 9/11, America's National Security State (NSS) has turned away from the obligations, discipline, and restraints of international law to engage in covert and overt wars in many countries in pursuit of Al Qaeda and something described only as "terror." Al Qaeda has morphed and spread all over the world. Terror -- like rich and poor people -- is always with us. We can expect decades of continued fighting in the "War on Terror."

Among the changes that Americans have witnessed from their government are heinous violations of privacy, surveillance, monitoring of individuals within the U.S. and in many parts of the world, including Russia, and monitoring of everyone writing on-line. (My first effort to type this text was interrupted by hackers forcing me to retype the work in its entirety.)

Massive killings of innocent civilians have resulted from U.S. impositions of "soft" and "hard" power throughout the world; drone killings of thousands; detentions without trials; tortures; targeted asassinations, and worse. 

Is the world and are Americans safer as a result of these policies? Probably not. The opposite may be true. 

The U.S. is identified by millions of persons in Europe and throughout the world as the greatest threat to world peace on the planet. This is far from how Americans see their government. Mr. Putin probably enjoys MORE popularity and respect in the world than Mr. Obama at the moment. 

Even if this reality seems bizarre or insane to Americans, I believe that we need to understand why people feel this way and what Mr. Putin is articulating for millions of persons in his recent Op-Ed piece in The New York Times. 

In response to Mr. Putin's essay, I focus only on three points. I will not bother to quote or respond to insults or any kind of ad hominem attacks against Mr. Putin (or myself), insults are irrelevant to the merits of what is said and/or to my quest for the truth and justice from New Jersey: 1) First, I will examine the U.S./Russia disagreement concerning the nature of the dispute in Syria; 2) next I turn to questions of international law; then 3) I will close with a discussion of American "exceptionalism." 

The concept of "exceptionalism" is understood in radically different ways by Americans as compared with most others in the world. Discussions by officials, such as Mr. Kerry and his Russian counterpart, or diplomats from other countries, are almost comical (to me) because of the lack of a "meeting of minds" due to diametrically opposed definitions and logical usages for the idea of "exceptionalism." 

The vast literature concerning the logic of concepts and entailments should be noted. Mr. Putin's frequent references to "logic" together with his respect for mathematical rationalism combined with pragmatism should not be underestimated. This text was not significantly ghosted by anyone. I detect the tone of Mr. Putin's thinking and terminology in these words. 

What is the Syrian conflict about? 

Mr. Putin states: "Syria is not witnessing a battle for democracy, but an armed conflict between government and opposition in a multireligious country."

The so-called "rebels" in Syria are a diverse group of people mostly from forces that are extremely hostile to Western and U.S. interests (Hamas, Al Qaeda, extreme Palestinian factions) as well as the sort of people that Washington would like to see in power in Syria. 

Most likely, if the rebels win, there will be a bloodbath in which the pro-Western liberals may be destroyed and a new semi-fundamentalist state would come to power in a post-Assad Syria. 

This transformation of Syria would arguably be "better" from the U.S. perspective because it would serve Israeli interests and weaken Russian influence in the region, which may be what Washington really wants. 

Actually, however, the entire region could well be MORE dangerous. Syrians would find themselves living in a country that, like Iraq today, exists in a permanent state of disintegration, after millions of deaths and the destruction of that nation's few resources for everyone. 

Afghanistan is yet another disaster in the making; Pakistan is tottering on the edge of an abyss that may place nuclear weapons in the hands of fundamentalist forces allied with Al Qaeda; Yemen and other nations are experiencing "unrest" partly due to U.S. robot bombs. Some of these countries are very close to Russia's borders. It is difficult to blame Russians for being concerned about events in Syria. For this reason, Mr. Putin is warning the world:

"The potential strike by the United States against Syria, despite strong opposition from many countries and major political and religious leaders, including the Pope, will result in more innocent victims and escalation, potentially spreading the conflict beyond Syria's borders."

Do we respect international law?

The modern regime of international law was put in place after World War II. Generations of American legal scholars, jurists, and other diplomats from all over the world sought to prevent anything like the Holocaust or Stalin's purges or massive global wars from taking place, again, through resort to "reasoned and law-governed" proceedings in which all nations would be seen as equals when resolving disputes. 

"Municipalities" (nations) would be equal before the law, as the true subjects of international norms and constraints. Nations were not to attack other states, nor to impose embargoes --  which are acts of war -- use soft power to starve populations based on individual nationalistic policies, but to abide by international norms and principles of law at all times. ("Time to End the Embargo Against Cuba.") 

Aside from vetos in the Security Council, nations were generally regarded as equally entitled to assert rights and grievances, or to invoke laws determining when the use of force is valid, and to seek the assistance of the international community in resolving disputes and ending military conflicts. ("Mr. Obama's Waterloo?")

No provision exists under international law for "exceptionalism" for any nation. Neither America, Russia, China nor any other country may step outside the system of international law to kill civilians with drone bombs, or engage in limited strikes against anyone, nor to impose embargoes upon defenseless smaller states. To do such things is simply illegal and maybe criminal, regardless of who does it, under applicable principles of international relations. ("Embargos" and "embargoes" are equally prohibited by law even if both of these spellings of the word are permissible.)

To criticize Russia on the Georgia issue is to admit the point I am making, even as Russians see a territorial threat on that issue, which the parties have seemingly been able to resolve without further military actions. Ukraine is seen in similar terms by Russia.

It follows "logically" that a unilateral American strike, limited or not, robot bombs, tortures, detention without trial and many other such actions are crimes under international law. Worse, these crimes often make situations far worse for millions of people and, geopolitically, for the entire world community, including Israel. ("The Audacity of Hope" and "Israel Heightens the Crisis in Gaza.") 

"From the outset," Mr. Putin said, "Russia has advocated peaceful dialogue enabling Syrians to develop a compromise plan for their own future. We are not protecting the Syrian government, but international law."

What is American "exceptionalism"?

The idea that Americans may set aside international law when necessary to pursue U.S. national security objectives or interests in the world amounts to a self-given right to ignore the law when we do not like what the laws require of us. (OAE?)

This doctrine is based on something called "American exceptionalism." The idea seems to be that "we" are exceptional because "we" are the good guys, enjoying a special dispensation from God, or Hollywood, or Wall Street, or world history to cure the world's ills, making the planet safe for democracy, or forcing all others to become obedient to our will. 

Americans see this concept as a modest statement of what used to be called "The White Man's Burden" or, today, America's moral responsibility to keep the peace and be the world's policeman, also to explain things (like democracy) to the world's "little people." This category of those needing explanations, allegedly, may include Russia and Syria.

Most people in the world and the system of international law, as I have said, does not recognize "exceptionalism" for ANY nation or people. Furthermore, such a doctrine will lead other nations to develop concepts of their own exceptionalism and to sanction violations of international law by others. Noam Chomsky is the most perceptive critic of "exceptionalism" in U.S. foreign policy. 

Mr. Assad may claim that "Syrian exceptionalism" allows him to use chemical weapons. Such an argument would not be persuasive to us nor would it stand under international law. No such argument is offered by Syria at this time.  

Russia is not persuaded by arguments based on American exceptionalism. However, in the U.S. exceptionalism is seen as a moral responsibility growing out of centuries of experience with democracy and the opposite of a racist creed. Mr. Putin certainly speaks for most of the people of the world on this issue when he says:

"It is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, [Europeans think of Nazism when they hear this word!] whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor countries, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their politics differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord's blessing, we must not forget that God created us equal." (emphasis added!)

Mr. Obama's Waterloo?

Jonathan Martin & Allison Kopicki, "Poll Shows Obama Approval Rating Matching Two-Year Low," The New York Times, September 26, 2013, p. A17. 

The size of the text in this essay has been altered by New Jersey hackers as part of the censorship and harassment effort I struggle against. 

September 10, 2013 at 11:09 A.M. The decision to refrain from attacks in Syria in exchange for a promise (without a time-line as of this writing) that Syria will turn over chemical weapons to the "international community" at some undefined future point is a win for diplomacy, for Russia and Mr. Putin, for the regime of international law, and a defeat for American unilateralism. 

I find it difficult to trust any of the parties involved beyond the minimum necessary for peaceful interaction, including the so-called "rebels" in Syria, who certainly are less than boy scouts.

During an interview with Dianne (America's "Lady Di") Sawyer, Mr. Obama indicated that he was willing to accept this "way out." Did Mr. Obama paint himself into a corner in this crisis from which Mr. Kerry and Mr. Putin have managed to extricate him? You decide.

Michael Wines, "Proudly Patriotic but Skeptical On Syrian Attacks," The New York Times, September 6, 2013, p. A1. (Domestic opinion in the U.S. is against the strikes.)

Jodi Rudhoren, "Israel Backs Limited Strikes," The New York Times, September 6, 2013, p. A1. ("Let them kill each other," the Israeli Ambassador said in response to  question about Syria.)

N. Pericotle, et als., "N.S.A. Able to Foil Basic Safeguards of Privacy On the Web," The New York Times, September 6, 2013, p. A1. (Encryption may no longer protect U.S. commercial transactions and communications. This will discourage foreign investment in the U.S. economy while further promoting the flow of capital to China and Asia in general.)

Peter Baker & Steven Lee Myers, "Obama Falls Short On Wider Backing for Syria Attacks," The New York Times, September 7, 2013, p. A1. (Low point for the Obama administration.)

Steven Erlanger, "A Weapon Seen as Too Horrible Even in War," The New York Times, September 7, 2013, p. A1. ("There is no nice way to kill people," Norman Schwartzkopf said. Drones?)

Simon Romero, "Obama Tries to Soothe Brazil and Mexico Over Spying Reports," The New York Times, September 7, 2013, p. A4. (International litigation will proceed.)

Declan Walsh & Ismail Khan, "U.S. Drone Strike Kills 6 in Pakistan, Feeding Anger," The New York Times, September 7, 2013, p. A10. (Continuing anger and protests in Pakistan over U.S. drone killings of CIVILIANS spreading to Yemen and Afghanistan.)

Charlie Savage, "President Tests Limits of Power in Syrian Crisis: Obama Parts With Past," The New York Times, September 9, 2013, p. A1. (U.S. "hegemony" tested in Syria.)

Anne Barnard, "On Both Sides, Syrians Make Pleas to U.S. -- Lobbying Via E-Mail and Social Media," The New York Times, September 9, 2013, p. A1. (Fear of "indiscriminate killings" by U.S. through the use of missiles and drones.)

Azam Ahmed & Sharifullah Sahak, "Drone and Taliban Attacks Hit CIVILIANS, Afghans Say," The New York Times, September 9, 2013, p. A7. (More civilians killed by U.S. drone weapons and, allegedly, Taliban bombings. "Crimes Against Humanity"?)

September 9, 2013 at 5:34 P.M. I experienced new obstructions at my home Internet connection when I struggled to sign-in to these blogs. Earlier the size of the lettering in this essay was altered by hackers from New Jersey. I will do my best to repair the harm done to my text. A number of continuing pop-ups and harassments make it uncertain whether I will be able to sign-in again in order to continue writing. I will struggle to write from some location in the city, every day. 

September 9, 2013 at 1:06 P.M. I experienced difficulties accessing the blogger dashboard from NYPL computers, possibly as payback for my previous post on the part of Trenton officials at the OAE. Shame on you, Mr. McGill? Cyber-crime, theft, official lying and cover-ups may violate the rules of ethics for the legal profession -- even in New Jersey -- despite the fact that an attorney works for the Garden State's disgraced legal ethics establishment. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

The events surrounding the use of chemical weapons in Syria have left many of us puzzled by President Obama's strategy. First, Mr. Obama declared that a "red line" had been crossed by Mr. Assad and his regime in using chemical weapons that are deemed "violations of all international norms." 

We have been told that the use of such weapons constitutes a "crime against humanity" requiring a response, initially, from the United States of America, since it was Mr. Obama's so-called "red line" that had been breached, but also (eventually) from the entire global community. 

Torture is also a "crime against humanity" under international law. Yet U.S. lawyers have argued that U.S. tortures at Guantanamo are legally permissible. ("America's Torture Lawyers" and "American Doctors and Torture.")

The Russians immediately demurred and declined our invitation to join in a "limited strike" (defined as a missile attack from a safe distance that allows us to kill many Syrians without having our people killed) on the grounds that this "move" was a ploy to enhance American influence in the region and serve Israeli interests, but also because it could not be established whether Mr. Assad (or the so-called rebels) were truly responsible for this atrocity. 

It is a popular theory among some intelligence agencies in the world that the rebels, wishing to draw in the international community (meaning us), used these chemical weapons with the cooperation of some of their people who have "penetrated" the regime's ranks. 

It cannot be denied that the case against Mr. Assad did not exactly benefit from "unfortunate" incidents occurring immediately after the initial chemical mass murder: 1) an incendiary bomb was dropped on a crowded schoolyard within the rebel-held territory by our "gallant allies"; and 2) a number of prisoners, who had clearly been tortured, were "summarily" executed when bullets were fired into their skulls by the "noble opposition" in Syria. 

These incidents occurred, again, as Mr. Obama was arguing for a rescue effort to destroy Mr. Assad's military superiority and allow the rebels " a level playing field." Civil war is not football, Mr. Obama, no "playing field" is at issue here. 

Second, Mr. Obama -- after having the navy get all dressed-up with nowhere to go -- decided to retreat from his initial position and "consult" not only Congress (where Republicans have a majority in the House of Representatives and do not agree with the president on the day of the week), but also the international community at the G-20 meeting hosted by, you guessed it, Mr. Putin, who is now sure that Mr. Obama has taken leave of his senses. ("Obama Says Torture is a Secret.")

President Obama received a token and pro-forma statement at the G-20 session, without ANY action accompanying the declaration, to the effect that the nations of the world "deplore" the use of chemical weapons, whoever may have used them, and calling on all nations to REFRAIN from using military force except in accordance with international law as per the UN Charter: 1) only in response to a direct attack against a nation; and/or 2) pursuant to a military violation of territorial integrity or under the terms of a military alliance; NATO qualifies as such an alliance because Turkey was attacked by Mr. Assad, briefly; and 3) also pursuant to a determination by the UN Security Council that military action is necessary. 

Since the UN Inspectors' Report has not yet been issued, there is no official determination of blame in the matter of use of chemical weapons. Hence, any US action at this time would be illegal. 

Bob Menendez had long since declared that he was "for" a limited strike without waiting for the UN Inspectors' Report and without expecting that he would be the Chairman of the Senate Committee that would be consulted on the issue of whether a strike would be appropriate. This is a matter decided by Senator Menendez BEFORE hearing any evidence or testimony on the record in a dispute where his vote must be based on such a record. ("Is Senator Menendez 'For' Human Rights?") 

A "limited" strike would not produce "limited" deaths. Real people would really die and remain dead. Unhappily, this time the deaths would be "caused by" U.S. missiles. Images of this new atrocity would be all over the Internet. Global protests would certainly follow. ("America's Drone Murders" and "Psychological Torture in the American Legal System.") 

Mr. Obama's red line has been crossed. Mr. Assad has become something of a "hero" in the Middle East for resisting American hegemony. Even the British will not join in our military efforts (also at this time) because they are a tad miffed about being lied to about Iraq and Afghanistan. The French have been made to look idiotic because they showed up for our shared fight and nothing happened. As a result, Mr. Holland is being criticized as an "American lackey." 

Mr. Obama may wish to give Mr. Assad a "bloody nose," as our British cousins say, and only then invite the world's opinions. Generally, global populations tend to support a use of force -- once it has taken place -- especially if we were lucky enough to actually nail Mr. Assad with one of our friendly missiles. 

The credibility of the American presidency has been tarnished by Mr. Obama's "Hamlet-like" hesitation. N.J.'s courts lost their credibility some time ago. All is not lost, however, much can still be done to save the day. 

Mr. Obama looks bewildered and ineffective. I say this as someone who voted for Mr. Obama and who wishes him to succeed in his efforts. The federal government will run out of money in five weeks unless something is done; the recovery has stagnated; military resources need to be replenished. Please think carefully about your next step, Mr. President. (Officially, according to the Congressional Budget Office, October 17, 2013 is the day the federal government runs out of money.)

Finally, over one hundred persons died in this Syrian chemical attack. More than 3,000 innocent persons have been killed by American drone bombs, including 6 "collateral victims" only days ago, but this is not a matter that generates humanitarian concern in the White House. Hypocrisy?     

John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and N.J.'s Corruption.

September 5, 2013 at 1:15 P.M. Is it O.K. if Mr. McGill or any other OAE attorney produces a fraudulent witness to testify, for money and falsely, against a targeted attorney? Is "solicitation" of grievances against a lawyer over a period of years -- a lawyer selected for destruction, secretly, by politicians (or mysterious "others") hunky-dory in New Jersey's legal profession, Mr. Rabner? Hypnosis-based interrogation and drugging are permissible, Mr. Rabner? Who provided the fee for Mr. McGill's bogus witness? Mr. Garcia? Who coached the witness as to what she was to say and before which persons did this coaching take place? Ms. Kriko? Diana Lisa Riccioli? Who altered the transcript of the taped conversation in a lawyers' office breaching attorney/client confidentiality? Are hypnosis-based interrogations making use of drugs surreptitiously administered to helpless persons still acceptable in New Jersey, Mr. Rabner? Do you speak to me of "ethics," ladies and gentlemen of the bar in New Jersey? Mr. Rabner? Mr. Christie? Mr. Menendez? ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")

September 4, 2013 at 12:24 P.M. Attacks and reprisals against me and these blogs must be expected after posting this text. New Jersey officials (or their agents) may prevent me from writing further on-line. I may suffer an unfortunate accident. Until such a calamity occurs, I will do my best to continue writing on-line.

Were either (or both) Gilberto Garcia and/or John McGill participants in dialogues or exchanges with me at "The Philosophy Cafe" at MSN? Or did they communicate with me under pseudonyms at any other forum on-line at any time? If so, when and where did these communications take place? Can either of these persons, Mr. Garcia or Mr. McGill, identify "Jill Ketchum"? Ms. Kriko? Did any of these persons have contact with Diana Lisa Riccioli at any time? What specific actions, if any, concerning me were these persons (or others) "asked" or ordered to take by the OAE, or any other officials in New Jersey? When were such instructions, if any, given to Mr. McGill and Mr. Garcia? Mr. Rabner, can you shed any light on these mysteries? Mr. Menendez? ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")

Posting so-called "Orders" or "decisions" based on fraudulent testimony and now, admittedly, FABRICATED evidence makes New Jersey's unethical and illegal conduct clearer, not less clear, and serves my purposes in these blogs. By all means, Mr. McGill and OAE officials, keep the smears and cyber-crimes coming. ("Glen Greenwald's Partner Detained" and "New Jersey's Disgraced Judiciary" then "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "14 Year-Old Girl Goes For $500 in New Jersey" then "Diana's Friend Goes to Prison" and "Marilyn Straus Was Right!")

Was John McGill, Esq. responsible for the creation of a fraudulent site at "Facebook" bearing my name and the photograph of a person (who is not me), but who appears ill and in his seventies? ("Whatever.") 

Was John McGill, Esq. -- or persons acting on his behalf -- responsible for posting allegations of me on-line and what purport to be "Orders" and "decisions" that are under FEDERAL investigation for being based on frauds upon N.J./federal courts? ("New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.")   

Abbott Koloff, "Firm Ordered to Pay $1 Million for Illegal Contributions: Birdsall's Pay-to-Play Scheme Draws Maximum Penalty," The Record, August 31, 2013, p. A-1. 

The Birdsall Services Group is an engineering firm that now symbolizes N.J.'s "culture of corruption" (Governor Christopher Christie's term), whereby business interests BRIBE politicians for government contracts that allow them to make vast sums in profits, which are then shared with the same politicians making these profits possible through under-the-table cash payments. 

In recent years this farce has become especially egregious because the "players" have discovered that incompetence pays: If it takes twice as long and costs three of four times as much money to build a public rather than a private project in New Jersey, then all of the corrupt officials in Trenton make more money. New appropriations will always be needed to "complete" the project. ("Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")

These considerations have led to the catastrophic losses suffered by New Jersey taxpayers over the past ten years. Everything costs more money and takes longer to build in New Jersey, but is generally less well done. ("Cement is Gold" then "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")

"A Monmouth County engineering firm that made illegal campaign contributions to gain lucrative government contracts across the state, including Bergen County, was ordered by a judge on Friday to pay $1 MILLION in criminal penalties, state authorities said." ("Herbert Klitzner, Esq.,'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.") 

New Jersey's pay-to-play culture allows not only politicians, but also lawyers, architects (especially at the Port Authority), engineers and others, whose businesses benefit from public spending, to enjoy a form of de facto socialism for the rich, insurance against the unpredictability of the market or economy at the expense -- not for the benefit of -- taxpayers. This is nice for the people "on the public tit," as it were, but no so nice for the suckers who have to pay for it. ("New Jersey's Child Sex Crisis" and "New Jersey's New Child Sex Crisis" then "Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Bribery in Union City, New Jersey.")

The people of New Jersey are being stolen from by a network of corrupt officials and their hangers-on, cronies, "bottom feeders" doing very nicely from wasted public funds. This system of mutual back-scratching has reached a crisis point:

" ... Birdsall made more than $500,000 in illegal contributions over six years and 'secured millions of dollars a year in public contracts' for which it should have been disqualified."

Superior Court Judge Wendell E. Daniels may have been upset at being excluded from sharing in these illicit funds:

"Daniels ordered Birdsall to pay a $500,000 public corruption penalty and a $500,000 anti-money laundering profiteering penalty [Have money laundering allegations been made against Union City's attorney and laundromat owner, Gilberto Garcia? Was there an illicit partnership between Mr. Garcia and Mr. McGill in going after me? Did Mr. Garcia and Mr. McGill steal from my office?] ... Each of those penalties is the largest allowed under the law, he said. Birdsall previously paid $2.6 MILLION to the state to settle a civil forfeiture action filed by the Attorney General's Office."

Curiously, the OAE has been unconcerned about the role of many lawyers in perpetuating these frauds, bribes, money laundering schemes. 

This lack of concern is yet further evidence of the frequent complicity of N.J.'s legal ethics establishment in continuing this culture of corruption that keeps powerful and corrupt "bosses" in place, some of these bosses are "distinguished" New Jersey judges and attorneys. ("New Jersey's Disgraced Judiciary" and "New Jersey's Supreme Court Implosion" then "Christie Rails Against New Jersey's Corrupt Judges" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")

Powerful N.J. lawyers use the legal ethics system as a weapon to enhance their power by going after "rebellious" lawyers who have a problem with authority and will not "cooperate with corruption." ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Sexual Favors For New Jersey Judges" and, again, "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")

For example, it is reported that Joseph A. Hayden, Jr., Esq. ("Joe Hayden" or "Joe H") -- a politically-connected lawyer for Birdsall -- refused to return calls requesting information concerning these matters.

It is unethical for any attorney to fail to communicate or return calls pertaining to a matter for which he or she is responsible, especially where there is a public interest, but (without publicity) no action will be taken against Mr. Hayden, whereas action would be taken against a targeted minority attorney who "displeases" the power-structure with his "questions." ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")

Hack lawyers, "stumble bums," and lawyers who cannot survive in private pratice -- like John McGill, Esq. of the OAE, allegedly, who may fall into all three of these categories -- and who are willing to serve as the "boot lickers" of politicians are used to perpetuate the power of the various "pigs at the public trough." ("New Jersey is Lucky Luciano's Havana" and "Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?")

This is to say nothing of the excessive fees charged by corrupt law firms which are also "no problem" for the OAE, possibly because they are sharing in the illicit proceeds -- allegedly:

"[A Trustee] filed a federal lawsuit in August against some of the state's top law firms in an attempt to recoup some of the money the company had spent on legal fees, alleging that payments of more than $500,000 had been illegally authorized by Birdsall's board." ("New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "Jim Florio and the Mafia in Atlantic City" then "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!" and "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")

It cannot be confirmed at this time whether such excessive legal fees are "shared" with New Jersey judges by way of under the table payments in cash as with accident cases, allegedly. I wonder whether Jose Ginarte knows anything about corrupt judges in accident cases? Edgar Navarrete? (Again: "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")

Bergen County alone awarded nearly $1.2 MILLION from 2008 to 2012 to Birdsall. During that same period the company "contributed" $29,000 to political campaigns in the county, any cash pay-offs cannot be confirmed -- including any cash "contributions" to Bergen County Prosecutor, John Molinelli, who was not involved in this prosecution for some reason. ("Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy" then "John Molinelli's Ethics Problem.")

Sources:

New York & the World:

Mark Landler & David E. Sanger, "Obama May Ban Spying On Heads of Allied States," The New York Times, October 29, 2013, p. A1. (It is difficult to see what is worse: Did the president know of the illegal spying and do nothing? Did he not know because no one bothered to tell him since he had a fundraiser to attend? Is he lying about not knowing? Does the president know whether he knew of the spying?)

John Markoff, "Making Them More Like Us," The New York Times, October 29, 2013, p. D1. (In a society where human relations have become increasingly inhuman, colder, and alienating, it appears that our machines have become more human. "'Elysium': A Movie Review" and "Not One More Victim.")

Raphael Minder, "Spain Summons American Ambassador," The New York Times, October 29, 2013, p. A9. (Why spy on Spain? Recipe for chorizo in tapas?)

Al Baker, "New Jersey School District Cancels Testing After Exams Are Leaked On the Internet," The New York Times, October 29, 2013, p. A24. (The concern seems to be that Mr. Booker and Gov. Christie would not be able to pass the examination -- if asked about them by students -- unless the answers were available to them "before the questioning." This inability is also true of 70% of New Jersey inner city students. Cheating?)

"The White House On Spying," (Editorial) The New York Times, October 29, 2013, p. A28. (Will the NSA continue to reign-in Mr. Obama? The NSA is accused of spying for corporations that govern the country through the politicians they buy. Mr. Obama may be irrelevant to this dynamic.) 

Kate Zernike, "Christie Embraces Budget Strategies He Scorned," The New York Times, October 30, 2013, p. A1. (Barbara Buono wages surrogate battles through her friends at America's independent newspaper, like Ms. Abramson.)

Mark Landler & Michael Schmidt, "Spying [Known?] at Top Levels, Officials Say," The New York Times, October 30, 2013, p. A1. (NSA suggests Mr. Obama is lying in claiming he did not know about U.S. spying on allied populations and leaders as well as ordinary Americans.)

Michael Schwartz, "Mayor's Race Intrudes On Stop-and-Frisk Cases[,] Judges Say," The New York Times, October 30, 2013, p. A23. (Do not silence Ray Kelly at Brown University even if Mr. Kelly allows for efforts to silence me and thousands of library patrons.)

Emma Fitzimmons, "Protests Halt Kelly's Speech at Brown University," The New York Times, October 30, 2013, p. A23. (Thank God, stop-and-frisk may finally end -- along with assaults on everyone's freedom of speech.)

Eric Schmidt & Michael S. Schmidt, "Qaeda Plot Leak Has Undermined U.S. Intelligence," The New York Times, September 30, 2013, p. A1. (These "leaks" seem to be coordinated with the Snowden disclosures at one month intervals. At least we are safe from Angela Merkel and M. Holland.)

"Writing Off Lives," (Editorial) The New York Times, September 30, 2013, p. A24. ("Lifers" in American prisons have quadrupled since 1984, many of them are now women. Marilyn Straus? "Marilyn Straus Was Right!")

Russ Bulttner & William K. Rashbaum, "Rabbi Is Said to be Among Those Who Helped to Set Up a Kickback Scheme at Charity," The New York Times, September 30, 2013, p. A18. (Rabbi David Cohen faces indictment. Many more will also face indictment. Terry Tuchin, friend of yours?)

New Jersey's Disgusting and Unseemly Spectacle:

Salvador Rizzo, "Christie Ends Legal Battle Against Gay Marriage," The Star Ledger, October 22, 2013, p. 1. (Mr. Christie's "feelings" for Mr. Sweeney may finally be legal. This decision may hurt Christie with conservatives in future elections.)

Ben Horowitz, "Woman Admits She Stole $100 K From Employer," The Star Ledger, October 22, 2013, p. 17. (Alexandra Ramirez, was Gilberto Garcia, Terry Tuchin, or Diana Lisa Riccioli ASKING you to steal from my office? Edgar Navarrete? John McGill? All of the above? Is this "ethical" for a Jehova's Witness?)

Ron Zeitlinger, "Police Accuse Man in Attempted Arson," The Star Ledger, October 22, 2013, p. 17. (Union City's EDWIN CORNEJO-FLORES, 30, alleged Bob Menendez supporter, tossed gasoline at his girlfriend's apartment and at herself as her children played in the backyard of their home at 28th Street, Union City, New Jersey -- not far from Gilberto Garcia's laundry -- and was threatening to burn the apartment down. After posting $75,000 cash bail, Mr. Cornejo-Flores was released. Did he call on Senator Bob? The gentleman is "unemployed.")

Dan Ivers, "Ex-PTA President Charged With Theft," The Star Ledger, October 22, 2013, p. 17. (Even your child's PTA Association is corrupt in New Jersey. KELLY MEDINA "dipped" into the treasury at Mt. Hilliers schools. Cupcake, Kelly?)

Christopher Baxter, "Countinho Sentenced to Five Years Probation: He Also Must Repay $32,000 to Charity," The Star Ledger, October 25, 2013, p. 11. (Democrat Al Countinho, former member of New Jersey's State Assembly and, perhaps, an attorney serving on the ethics committee of the bar association, overlooked by the OAE, avoided prison for stealing $32,000 in a state where young African-Americans and Latinos as well as Latinas are doing time for stealing far less money. "So Black and So Blue in Prison.") 

Bill Wichert, "Teller Stole School's Funds, Forged Slips, Affidavit Says," The Star Ledger, October 25, 2013, p. 15. (ANASSA MERCEUS, 25, a young lawyer perhaps, stole at least $5,000 from a school for children with special needs and disabilities.)

Sue Epstein, "Officer Is Indicted On Theft Charges," The Star Ledger, October 25, 2013, p. 15. (A Milltown POLICE LIEUTENANT, Douglas Cole, was indicted for filing fraudulent overtime vouchers and collected more than $5,000 -- illegally. More cops and prosecutors are under investigation for scams involving compensation in New Jersey. Is this ethical, Mr. Rabner?)

Sue Epstein, "Police Charge Retired Cop With Aggravated Arson," The Star Ledger, October 25, 2013, p. 15. (David Boland, 52, set fire with intent to defraud and collect on insurance no doubt. This is the Jersey Way!)

Jim Norman, "Ex-Radio Star is Arrested in Child-Sex Case: Dave Herman of Old WNEW Allegedly Sought Out Girl, 7," The Record, October 25, 2013, p. L-1. (DAVE HERMAN was arrested and charged with seeking to meet a 7-year-old girl for sex who was really an undercover prosecutor. Was MARY MARBAN, member of the Lesbian Love-Fest in Trenton, among the gremlins acting against me from behind my back at the request of Mr. Menendez and/or others, illegally and unethically?)

Peter J. Sampson, "Bergen Woman Accused of Ripping Off Investors: Allegedly Netted $10 MILLION in Textile Contract Scam," The Record, October 25, 2013, p. L-6. (Woman -- with the assistance of SEVERAL prominent Bergen County law firms -- scammed investors out of $10 MILLION as part of what purported to be a $156 MILLION contract with New York City, which was also to be scammed. Luckily, the Jersey scam did not fly in New York.)  

John Petrick, "State Worker Alleges Patients Abused," The Record, October 25, 2013, p. L-7. (Patients in facility for those who are mentally impaired, including some suffering from traumatic brain injuries, were assaulted, abused -- perhaps sexually -- not given proper treatment. "A Death in New Jersey's House of Healing" and "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!" then see the periodicals cited in "'Inception': A Movie Review.")