March 25, 2015 at 2:13 P.M. Developments are taking place quickly in matters highlighted in this essay. Some of these developments were expected (and are far from surprising) while others are bizarre. A case in point is Senator Reid's decision not to seek reelection upon completion of his current term, possibly after being spoken to, again, recently about Mr. Menendez's troubles. I am sure that Senator Menendez was offered a similar option, more than once, "not to come back" to the senate and chose to reject it. Perhaps Harry Reid is wiser than Bob Menendez in this matter:
Jodi Rudoren & Julie Hirchfeld Davis, "Netanyahu Apologizes; White House Is Unmoved," The New York Times, March 24, 2015, p. A1. (The beginning of the realization of a price to be paid by all parties for the Netanyahu attack on the White House in his speech before Congress will come with the UN report on the Gaza "operation." Diplomatically -- catastrophically! -- there is a "before" Mr. Netanyahu's speech and "after" that notorious address in terms of world political reality and U.S. influence on events in the Middle East.)
Matt Apuzzo, "Botched 2008 Case Against Stevens Looms Over Menendez Investigation: Comparisons Are Made to a Federal Inquiry Into an Alaska Senator," The New York Times, March 24, 2015, p. A19. (Menendez, through media friends and croneys, suggests that he -- like Senator Ted Stevens -- is "wrongly targeted" [sic.] by the Justice Department. Continuing attempts to intimidate the U.S. Attorney will fail. The prosecution of Senator Menendez, which has been ten years in the making, will be a textbook example of how such cases are established. Is Senator Menendez behind these continuing media stories about what a wonderful guy the senator happens to be? I am sure that Mr. Menendez, unwisely, is seeking to try his case in the newspapers.)
Herb Jackson & Dustin Racioppi, "Sen. Menendez's Curious Role: Possible Indictment Could Cloud His Vote On AG," The Record, March 24, 2015, p. A-1. (Mr. Menendez does not wish to give President Obama anything on any issue regardless of the merits of the issue or person(s) involved.)
Matt Friedman, "Embattled Menendez Dodges Questions About Investigation," The Star-Ledger, March 24, 2015, p. 15. (Senator Menendez refuses to discuss new allegations or to comment on me, or my allegations and evidence, or whether he has read any essays at these blogs. I am flattered by some of the statements allegedly made by the senator. Philosophy Cafe, Senator Menendez? Care for a rematch, Mr. Menendez?)
March 13, 2015 at 2:57 P.M. A list of sources will be attached to this text in the days ahead. Spacing and size of text may be affected by New Jersey hackers affiliated with Mr. Menendez.
At this time federal and state prosecutors are unable to respond to my communications. I believe -- or hope -- that this non-communication (or silence) will end in April, 2015.
Jonathan D. Salant, "Amid Scandal, Menendez Stays the Course: In the Wake of Reports That an Indictment is Looming, Senator Says, 'My work has not been affected at all,'" The Star-Ledger, March 12, 2015, p. 1.
The allegedly self-professed "Lion of the Senate," Bob Menendez, claims that the expected federal criminal indictment in connection with multiple charges of bribery and influence-peddling have "not affected" the performance of his duties in the U.S. Senate and that he is "not going anywhere." ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
This type of aggressive response to a promised indictment by the Justice Department may be ineffective in legal preparations even if the tactic may work in political squabbles.
It is particularly dangerous to attempt to manipulate federal prosecutors through the use of proxies in the media. Almost always such tactics generate even more serious allegations against culprits and malefactors to say nothing of criminals and fraudsters. ("New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead!" and "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")
Blustering in newspapers and press conferences may have ensured Menendez's indictment on more severe charges than he might otherwise have faced.
Dr. Melgen's situation and friendship will not be the worst problem for Senator Menendez. ("Menendez Croney's Office Raided.")
Persons affiliated with Mr. Menendez writing news articles using pseudonyms will not extricate Mr. Menendez from this legal dilemma.
"Manny Fernandez" is obviously also one of the persons using the name "Manohla Dargis" and/or claiming to be "George Johnson" in America's newspaper of record. ("Manohla Dargis Strikes Again!" and "'The Reader': A Movie Review.")
Are any of these names the actual name of this individual and so-called "journalist"? I doubt it. However, it is likely that this person (who also writes for other publications for reasons beyond my comprehension) is affiliated with Mr. Menendez and, ostensibly, serves the senator's interests.
Use of "behind-the-back" methods (Again: "Manohla Dargis Strikes Again!") may further undermine the ethics of the New Jersey senator while revealing the identity of some of his most unsavory supporters. ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")
Is "Jodi Herman" (real name?) Netanyahu's former staff member? Or only a friend and supporter of the Israeli Prime Minister? Do not agents of another nation need to register, legally, as the "agents" or "spokespersons" of foreign governments, including persons acting for Israel? ("Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Was Menendez Bribed to Get a Visa for a Croney?" then "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
Mr. Menendez's war against President Obama makes no sense except as a response to Israeli lobby requests from a politician receiving MANY contributions from pro-Israeli organizations and "professional gamblers." ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Menendez to be Indicted; Christie's Self-Destruction.")
Mr. Menendez has put on a brave front and is -- like most politicians -- a good actor, but he is said to be terrified about the pending destruction of his life, and yet seems to have done everything in his power to worsen and hasten that destruction. ("Is Senator Bob For Human Rights?" and "Bribery in Union City, New Jersey" then "More Problems For Menendez -- Tapes!")
I suspect that my humble life-story may feature in Senator Menendez's forthcoming troubles. ("Another FBI Investigation of Menendez" and "Menendez Croney's Office Raided.")
" ... 'Nothing has changed for me other than the constant questions,' Menendez said in an interview after the hearing. But other than that, my work has not been affected at all.' ..."
Mr. Menendez continues to insist: "I am not going anywhere!" ("Is Senator Menendez a Suspect in Mafia-Political Murder in New Jersey?" and "Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?")
Senator Menendez's dismissive attitude to now certain federal criminal charges that will necessarily result in disbarment reveals a lack of moral clarity concerning what a person in the senator's position should wish to project publicly. ("John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and New Jersey Corruption.")
The "scrappy" Mr. Menendez is not cooperating with investigators' efforts. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
The pending criminal ARREST and litigation is not about politics and is long overdue for Hudson County's "Boss Bob." Insulting disdain for the U.S. Attorney (which is understandable and interesting to observe) is part of the arrogance and lack of comprehension common among N.J. officials -- like Joe Ferreiro -- facing serious criminal allegations resulting from their public actions and the harmful consequences of such actions to which they remain indifferent. ("Jay Romano and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Joe Ferreiro is Bergen's Godfather" and "Joe Ferreiro Indicted Again!" then "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")
Senator Menendez's actions clearly constitute a betrayal of his public trust and, worse, a terrible failure of recognition that undermines public confidence in America's institutions and in New Jersey's legal profession. ("Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" and "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes.")
Mr. Menendez's distorted perspective on his own actions is also evident in his past practice of engaging in insider trading as a member of Congress, when it was legal for members to do so, even as he now "introduced legislation to ban insider trading and define it as trading stocks on the basis of information known not to be publicly available."
Mr. Menendez has made much of his money by trading on exactly such information.
Perhaps Senator Menendez now opposes the use of prostitutes by middle aged men? ("New Jersey is Lucky Luciano's Havana.")
"Hypocrisy," apparently, is not a concept or word that Mr. Menendez either knows or can define. ("Senator Bob Says -- 'Xanadu and You Are Perfect Together!'")
Mr. Menendez is not Bill Clinton. Senator Menendez is without Clinton's charm or wit (or intelligence), although he is not stupid. And Mr. Menendez has never really practiced law.
The subtlety in Bill Clinton's machinations against Ken Starr are beyond Bob Menendez. Any suggested comparison between the two men -- Bill Clinton and Bob Menendez -- is ludicrous.
Mr. Menendez is well advised to be careful and conservative about public statements and appearances at this difficult time and to rely on the advice of experienced criminal counsel.
Making speeches attacking the American president and receiving awards from pro-Israeli groups will not solve Mr. Menendez's problem, but these tactics will certainly make things far worse for "Boss Bob."
Mr. Menendez's pretended indifference to criminal charges is absurd and unconvincing. To paraphrase T.S. Eliot, for Bob Menendez, "April is the cruelest month."
This year April will bring criminal charges, arrest, bail, and long-expected as well as overdue resignations and ethics charges to Union City's version of Harrison Williams.
Sources:
"Robert Menendez: Iran's Worst Nightmare, Israel's Great Friend," (Paid Advertisement) The New York Times, March 11, 2015, p. A7. (This paid advertisement anouncing the "Champions of Jewish Values Invitational Awards Gala, This World -- The Values Network" on May 28, 2015 at the Mariott Marquis, Times Square, NYC makes it clear that Mr. Menendez is in the pay of Israeli front groups and, therefore, Mr. Netanyahu's "spokesperson." This is the opposite of how Senator Menendez wishes to be seen at the moment. The granting of this "award" and the attack on Mr. Obama by the same organization and its friends appears to be an effort to intimidate the Obama Justice Department in its investigation of Mr. Menendez. This effort to intimidate the U.S. Attorney's Office is not likely to succeed. It is counterproductive, Mr. Menendez, to engage in such tactics at this time. Few persons will believe that you and/or your staff and/or friends had nothing to with this tactic or advertisement.)
Bill Vlasic, "G.M. Settles Switch Suit Avoiding Depositions," The New York Times, Business Day, March 14, 2015, p. B1. (Perhaps an example of wiser litigation tactics for Mr. Menendez is provided by the G.M. legal staff and executives who will provide no depositions, or ANY other discovery, in civil matters pertaining to the deaths of nearly 100 persons from a defective switch the company knew about and lied to the public about, as well as covered-up to avoid liability. There will be no sworn testimony that may be used in any "other" proceedings. Indeed, there are no prospective ethics actions or criminal proceedings against attorneys for G.M. who ordered the cover-up and allowed cars to go unrecalled and unrepaired permitting more deaths and serious injuries to take place. No doubt many of these distinguished attorneys serve on ethics committees and are Republicans concerned with the morality of others. "'Michael Clayton': A Movie Review.")
Mathew Rosenberg, "Cash From the C.I.A. Ends Up as Part of Qaeda Funds," The New York Times, Sunday Edition, March 15, 2015, p. A1. (Under post-9/11 legislation all of the C.I.A.'s membership may be arrested and charged with "promoting" terrorism.)
Samantha Marcus, "Study: N.J. Trails the Nation in Funding Pensions," The Star-Ledger, March 12, 2015, p. 3. ("New Jersey's record of funding its pensions is the worst in the country." Given that New Jersey's legal and political system may also be the most corrupt in the country it is likely that "disappearing" funds may be traced to attorney malfeasance: "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")
Justin Zarimba, "Municipal Attorney Cleared in Ethics Case," The Star-Ledger, March 15, 2015, p. 22. ("The [N.J.] state Attorney General's office has dismissed ethics charges filed by the majority of the Parsippany township council against its own attorney." Apparently, town money was being directed to a N.J. politician by this local attorney -- without the knowledge of town officials -- but this was deemed "hunky-dory" by the ethics committee in Trenton, possibly committee members were receiving kickbacks or were "reached" politically.)
Scott Fallon & James O'Neill, "Study Details Why Exxon Faced an $8.9 BILLION Tab," The Record, March 10, 2015, p. A-1. (Lawmakers in Trenton want a judge to reject the $225 million settlement deal in this lawsuit. Lawyers at G.O.P. law firms "friendly" to Mr. Christie will make $45 MILLION in fees if this settlement goes through, allowing some of that fee money to be used to support Republican candidates in New Jersey and beyond, especially Mr. Christie's future political campaigns: "Christie Gives a Donor $1 Million of New Jersey Money" and "New Jersey's Tainted Legal Ethics.")
Herb Jackson, "Menendez Says Post on Foreign Relations Committee is Safe: Senator Reportedly Facing Corruption Charges," The Record, March 10, 2015, p. A-3. (Although Mr. Menendez has lost the Chairmanship of the U.S. Senate's Foreign Relations Committee, he remains a member of that committee and, so far, refuses to resign. I have reason to believe that Mr. Menendez has been asked to resign -- more than once -- by his colleagues. "Menendez Must Give Up the Gavel!")
John Malinconico, "Principal Back On Job After Inquiry: Paterson looked into cellphone sex photo," The Record, March 10, 2015, p. L-3. (Moses McKenzie is back on the job as principal at Destiny School for "special" children in New Jersey after posing for a photo with students while holding a cellphone image of people having sex. What the hell? "New Jersey is the Home of Child Molesters.")
Sue Epstein, "Donations to Democrats Got Officers Promoted, Edison Chief Testifies," The Star-Ledger, March 10, 2015, p. 3. (Edison police officers had to bribe local Democrats to get promotions, or keep their jobs. Barbara Buono is from Edison. This is exactly like Hudson County's Democrat machine tactics. Right, Bob? "Voting in North Bergen, New Jersey.")
Katie Lannan, "Winner of $5 MILLION Instant Ticket Prize 'Still in Complete Shock,'" The Star-Ledger, March 10, 2015, p. 5. (It is all the more remarkable to find this winner among the living since several recent lottery winners were said to be among the deceased. The matter is under "review" by state officials. "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead.")
Manny Fernandez [Manohla Dargis] & John Eligion, [Jill Abramson, Jennifer Shuessler] "Suspect, 20, is Arrested in the Shooting of 2 Police Officers in Ferguson," The New York Times, March 16, 2015, p. A1. (If young men and women of African-American origin continue to be exterminated or, unjustly, thrown away in prisons, to the indifference of legal authorities, we will see many more self-help shootings targeting police officers, tragically. "America's Holocaust." Is "Manohla Dargis" a Menendez person while "Jennifer Shuessler" is a Shumer/Netanyahu person? )
Emmarie Hutterman, "Human Trafficking Bill Stands in Way of Pick For Attorney General," The New York Times, March 16, 2015, p. A14. (No vote for Loretta E. Lynch as Attorney General unless Democrats accept new restrictions on abortion. Republicans will give-in on this vote in about a year.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Developer Testifies $1.7 Million Was Not a Bribe: Says Money For Ferreiro Was to Boost Xanadu," The Record, March 11, 2015, p. A1. (Testimony emerging in the Ferreiro trial implicates "other" officials who "profited" by the Xanadu matter. More details are emerging. It appears that Bob Menendez may have profited -- directly and/or indirectly -- by the Xanadu fiasco that has cost N.J. taxpayers BILLIONS of dollars for a non-existent shopping mall. "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")
Herb Jackson, "Reid Won't Speculate on Menendez's Past: Senate Top Democrats Call N.J. Lawmaker 'Outstanding,'" The Record, March 11, 2015, p. A-4. (Mr. Reid has received financial and other assistance in past elections from Mr. Menendez and Dr. Melgen. Getting close to Menendez now, however, could be lethal. Aside from such meaningless statements, politicians in D.C. are running away from "Boss Bob.")
Dustin Raccioppi, "Christie Declares Exxon Settlement 'Really Good': Says He Didn't Have Involvement in Settlement," The Record, March 11, 2015, p. A-4. (Mr. Christie is lying about his obvious involvement in the Exxon settlement that will certainly benefit him even if it is bad for New Jersey.)
Matt Arco, "Public Often Pays Tab for Our High-Flying Governor," The Star-Ledger, March 11, 2015, p. 1. (Christie has promised to reimburse tax payers for the governor's jaunts to Long Island and other celebrity locations to party with the glitterati -- like Cher and Ru Paul, to say nothing of Jon Bonjovi and Bruce Springstein -- the governor's idols.)
S.P. Sullivan, "Legal Fees Could Eat Into State's $225 Million Exxon Deal," The Star-Ledger, March 11, 2015, p. 13. ("About $50 MILLION -- one-fifth of a $225 MILLION settlement between the state and the oil giant over pollution at their facilities in New Jersey -- could go toward payment to an outside counsel if the agreement is approved by a judge." Deducting $5 million for "costs" leaves $45 million for the G.O.P. lawyers. From this reduced sum "contributions" to Republicans may be made. Some of the money for "costs" will probably go, secretly, to judges as cash under-the-table inducements to approve the deal. If the deal is not approved, it may mean that judges want more money, or that New Jersey's Democrat Legislators want a piece of the Exxon pie.)
Matt Arco, "Gov. Calls Exxon Pact 'Really Nice Settlement,'" The Star-Ledger, March 11, 2015, p. 13. (It is a nice settlement for Christie; not so nice for New Jersey's residents.)
Noah Cohen, "Sex Offender Accused of Abusing Children," The Star-Ledger, March 11, 2015, p. 16. (William Kooney of Teaneck is a "41-year-old registered sex offender ... charged with sexually abusing 'several' boys and girls who ranged from 3 to 5 years-old, prosecutors said on Tuesday." Mr. Kooney may serve as a lay member of the N.J. Bar Association's Ethics Committee: "Sexual Favors For New Jersey Judges" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Bill Wichert, "Ex-Leader of Non-Profit Agency Gets 5 Years in Prison for $350,000 Theft," The Star-Ledger, March 11, 2015, p. 16. (Lance Marchan, Esq., 65, stole $380,000 from a low-income housing project. Further N.J. Supreme Court involvement in housing issues will generate more such corruption and thefts, while further burdening the courts with what are really legislative matters, to the indifference of the state's "activist" Supreme Court. "Jaynee LaVecchia and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Eric Schmidt, "Iran Sent Arms to Iraq to Fight ISIS, U.S. Says," The New York Times, March 17, 2015, p. A1. (Iranian assistance to Iraqui forces have allowed for the near defeat of ISIS in Tikrit. The recent Iranian halt of assistance may be a response to the letter from Republican senators raising new questions about whether the U.S. government can be relied upon in international negotiations. Should nations bypass the U.S. government and deal directly with Israel which, seemingly, owns, or controls, so many American politicians? Republicans seem to believe that Mr. Netanyahu is their president.)
Anne Barnard, "ISIS Keeps Hold in Tikrit As Iraq Pauses Offensive," The New York Times, March 17, 2015, p. A9. (Aside from the U.S., it appears that the "lull" in the fighting will allow Iran to learn whether U.S. negotiators are to be believed. ISIS is already recovering lost territory.)
Michael R. Gordon, "Iranian Officials Ask Kerry About Republican Letter," The New York Times, March 17, 2015, p. A9. ("As a deadline for a NUCLEAR accord looms, a week of negotiations is planned." Lack of confidence about U.S. negotiations and fear of Mr. Netanyahu's influence on American officials is now global.)
Jodi Rudoren, "Netanyahu Says No to Statehood for Palestinians," The New York Times, March 17, 2015, p. A1. (Israel's Prime Minister has made decades of U.S. pronouncements -- and his own previous statements concerning a "two state solution" -- obvious lies in the estimation of diplomats from the Middle East. Should future apologies or declarations by Mr. Netanyahu, one way or the other on this issue, be believed by any party, including the United States of America? I doubt it. "On Bullshit.")
Kate Zernike & Benjamin Wieser, "Settlement With Exxon is Defended by Christie," The New York Times, March 11, 2015, p. A20. (Mr. Christie defends the controversial settlement that will allow his legal friends and colleagues to profit handsomely while showing their appreciation to Mr. Christie, perhaps, at some future point. "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce.")
Benjamin Wieser, "Maligned Exxon Deal Grows Less Lucrative: Legal Fees Could Reduce New Jersey's Recovery by About $46 Million," The New York Times, March 10, 2015, p. A15. (Mr. Christie favors lucrative settlements for lawyers. Mr. Christie's own former law firm may be among those doing very nicely from this settlement. "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce.")
Carl Hulse & Ashley Parker, "F.B.I. Interviewed Senate Democratic Leader Last Year in Menendez Inquiry," The New York Times, March 10, 2015, p. A16. (Mr. Reid was interviewed by the F.B.I. -- more than once, allegedly -- in connection with Mr. Menendez's financial irregularities and their joint contributor, Dr. Melgen. No wonder Mr. Reid is a "supporter" of Mr. Menendez at this time.)
Nick Cumming-Bruce, "U.N. Rights Chief Criticizes World Powers," The New York Times, March 6, 2015, p. A9. (U.S. and others -- like Israel -- are criticized by international authorities and institutions for using the alleged concern with security to excuse heinous human rights violations, like murder and torture, as well as invasions of privacy and censorship. The long-awaited UN human rights report on the Gaza events is expected in April, 2015. "American Lawyers and Torture" and "American Doctors and Torture" then "The Audacity of Hope" and "Israel Heightens Gaza Crisis.")
Carl Hulse, "Immigration Fight Shouldn't Stall Vote on Confirming Lynch, Senate Democrats Say," The New York Times, March 6, 2015, p. A15. (Republican opposition to Ms. Lynch as U.S. Attorney General is not merely about race, but is due to a desire to oppose anything favored by President Obama, regardless of the merits of the issue or person(s) involved.)
"Gov. Christie Goes Easy on a Big Polluter," (Editorial) The New York Times, March 6, 2015, p. A28. ("The state of New Jersey invested more than 10 years in a lawsuit to recover $8.9 billion in damages from Exxon Mobil Corporation for environmental contamination of more than 1,500 acres of wetlands, marshes and meadows in northern New Jersey, Exxon's liability was not in dispute. But just as a state judge was nearing a decision on damages, Gov. Chris Christie's administration intervened and quietly agreed to settle the claim for a stunningly low $250 million." [emphasis added!] Exxon Mobil is a major contributor to Republican causes and candidates in New Jersey and nationally. "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")
"An Israeli Election Turns Ugly," (Editorial) The New York Times, March 18, 2015, p. A24. ("Israel's election has already done a lot to reveal the challenge facing the country and the intentions of the men who seek to lead it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's outright rejection of a Palestinian state and his racist rant against Israeli Arab voters on Tuesday showed that he has forfeited any claim to represent all Israelis." Mr. Netanyahu may have crossed a line and entered a territory from which it will be difficult to return to civilized discussion and disagreement with his American partners, fellow Israeli citizens, and others in the region and world.)
Jodi Rudoren, "Netanyahu Soundly Defeats Chief Rival: Stage is Set for Fourth Term by Israeli Leader," The New York Times, March 18, 2015, p. A1. (President Obama has already offered his congratulations. Perhaps Mr. Obama will be invited by Mr. Netanyahu's opposition to speak to the Knesset?)
Peter J. Sampson, "Other Consultants Besides Ferreiro Were Paid Through Law Firm, Developer Testifies," The Record, March 12, 2015, p. L-1.
Law firms are used to launder funds or obscure the source of bribes for officials in New Jersey. Gilberto Garcia, Esq.? Alex Booth, Esq.? Often firms in New Jersey engaging in these activities are beyond the reach of the OAE because they are connected to leading politicians or judges, like Bob Menendez or Stuart Rabner: "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics."
"Under cross-examination, for a second day, James Dausch said that Kay LiCausi, a former staffer of Sen. Bob Menendez and the late Rep. Robert Roe also were paid by the Virginia-based Mills Corporation for lobbying or consulting services through the DeCottis law firm. ..." ("Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks.")
Joe Malinconico, "City Awards Legal Contracts: List Includes Firm of Influential Republican," The Record, March 12, 2015, p. L-1. (Paterson's Democrat Mayor, Joey Torres -- possibly at the request of Mr. Christie -- will use the services of the Tom's River law firm headed by the powerful chairman of the Ocean County Republican Organization to handle the city's litigation for an initial $10,000 retainer." I wonder whether any of this 10 grand is coming back to politicians procuring the business for the law firm? "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and New Jersey Corruption.")
Matt Friedman, "Investigators Search Documents at Town Hall Office," The Star-Ledger, March 17, 2015, p. 13. (North Bergen's Town Hall was invaded by Trenton lawyers affiliated with the state Attorney General searching records relating to long-time mayor "Big Nicky" Sacco -- FBI investigators, allegedly, regard Mr. Sacco as an organized crime figure -- and to Parks Commissioner Hugo Cabrera. Mr. Cabrera may be this week's "front person" for the North Bergen boys. Mr. Cabrera is certainly no mastermind. Yael Martinez? Do not lie to the FBI, boys. "North Bergen, New Jersey is the Home of La Cosa Nostra.")
Paul Mulshine, "Menendez Tries to Spin His Way Out of Scandal," The Star-Ledger, March 10, 2015, p. 14. ("Torricelli and Menendez have a lot in common, including an ability to get up and give a very sincere-sounding speech on behalf of whoever's picking up [sic.] the tab." Mr. Menendez is now charged with accepting money from MEK, an Iranian dissident group allied to the Marxist-Leninist Revolutionary International that is supported by Cuba, for example, for free. Would Mr. Menendez also accept cash from ISIS even as he speaks for Israel for a small fee? "Cubanazos Pose a Threat to National Security.")
Stephen Stirling & Adam Clark, "Jersey's Declining School Aid," The Star-Ledger, March 13, 2015, p. 1. (Given the low probability that Republican lawyers will benefit from expenditures, Mr. Christie seems to find few reasons to spend money on schools, especially in urban communities where expenditures would benefit the dreaded teachers' union.)
Stephen Ohlemacher, "Fake IRS Agents Target More Than 366,000 in Phone Tax Scam," The Star-Ledger, March 13, 2015, p. 2. (Hudson County officials may be linked to these fake IRS agents: "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" then "The Invicta Watch Company" and "The Invicta Watch Company Caper.")
Matt Friedman, "Bill Advances to Let Mayor Collect $120,000 Pension," The Star-Ledger, March 13, 2015, p. 4. (Jimmy Davis, Mayor of Bayonne, N.J., will obtain a $120,000 police pension while working as mayor and $70,000 in salary for his public position. He will also receive a pension when he retires from the mayoralty, along with any other pensions to which he is entitled thanks to the taxpayers of New Jersey. There are persons in New Jersey collecting five public pensions while "earning" a government salary. "New Jersey's Pension Scams.")
Thomas Zambito, "Arrests Deal a Severe Blow to Jersey Organized Crime Family, FBI Contends," The Star-Ledger, March 13, 2015, p. 8. (The DeCalvacante family may number Bob Menendez and "Big Nicky" Sacco among its "friends." Diana Lisa Riccioli says she "don't speak English." Is "Alicia Mucci" in the mob? Diana Lisa Riccioli? "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "North Bergen, New Jersey is the Home of La Cosa Nostra" then, again, "Jay Romano and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics." Finally, see: "Wedding Bells Ring For Menendez!" and "Menendez Blames Castro For His Prostitution Habit.")
Kibret Marcos & Mary Diduch, "Student Sex Case Rejected: Overseas Chaperones Can't be Tried in New Jersey," The Record, March 19, 2015, p. A-1. (N.J.'s international reputation for child molestation continues to grow. Conflicts of laws principles can be interpreted to allow a state with in personam jurisdiction to apply foreign criminal laws to persons charged in the forum state provided that such foreign laws comply with the U.S. Constitution.)
Peter J. Sampson, "No Interest in Hiring Ferreiro: Hartz Didn't Seek Firm for Land Bid, Ex-VP Says," The Record, March 19, 2015, p. L-1. (Another name linked to Senator Menendez, Donald Scarinsci, Esq., has turned-up in testimony in the latest Ferreiro corruption trial. Hartz mountain and Mills Corporation were, essentially, placed in a bidding war for the "favors" of that blushing flower, Joe Ferreiro, and -- behind the scenes -- Mr. Menendez. Others associated with this "process" are connected to Mr. Menendez: Kay LiCausi, Donald Scarinsci, Esq., as I noted, and Mr. Hollender and the DeCotiis law firm -- all of these persons have served as "bag persons" for "Boss Bob," allegedly. "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")
Lin That, "Contractor's Lawyers Want No Talk of 'Mob': Ask Judge in Lawsuit to Ban References," The Record, March 19, 2015, p. L-1. (Joseph M. Zanzari, according to his TRUTHFUL lawyers, is not and should not be linked to the mafia or organized crime. Mr. Zanzari denies knowing Diana Lisa Riccioli. Angelo "The Horn" Prisco will vouch for Mr. Zanzari. Ms. Riccioli said, through her attorney, that she "din't see nothing." "Stuart Rabner and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" then "Diana's Friend Goes to Prison!" and "Marilyn Straus Was Right!")
Christopher Baxter, "Ex-Firefighter Got Disability While Doing Jiujitsu, State Says," The Star-Ledger, March 19, 2015, p. 3. (Shane Streacher, 40, has been charged with stealing $82,488.00 in state disability payments while earning his black belt in martial arts and participating in tournaments. "Everybody does it!" Mr. Streacher is alleged to have said. Right, Maria Martinez?)
Matt Arco, "Christie Trails 5 in GOP Race, Poll Finds," The Star-Ledger, March 19, 2015, p. 15. (Christie continues to drop in the polls for GOP presidential hopefuls. The Exxon settlement is the latest catastrophe for Mr. Christie.)
"Exxon's $225 Million Deal is No Cause for Celebration," (Editorial) The Star-Ledger, March 19, 2015, p. 22. (" ... [the] governor ... surrendered to the will of campaign contributors, sold out [emphasis added] his people and then had the audacity to call it victory -- only this one took the form of shooting at the wounded and bolting from the battlefield.")
Peter J. Sampson, "Witness Tells of 'Threat': Cites Talk With Ferreiro's Partners on Mall Plan," The Record, March 13, 2015, p. A-1. (Teaneck's ultimate "connected" lawyer, M. Robert DeCotiis, Esq., testifies for the prosecution about mafia-like "threats" and shady dealings from his partners in crime: Joseph A Ferreiro, Esq.; Kay LiCausi; Donald Scarinsci, Esq.; Bob Menendez, Esq.; and other sleazy characters in this sordid drama. Hold your nose when you meet these people. "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
Mark Mazetti, "C.I.A. to be Overhauled to Fight Modern Threats," The New York Times, March 7, 2015, p. A15. (If only the CIA were used to fight the mafia and political corruption in New Jersey all would be well.)
Benjamin Wieser, "Christie's Office Drove Exxon Settlement," The New York Times, March 5, 2015, p. A20. (Mr. Christie denied all involvement in the Exxon settlement, either personally or through third parties, often on the record and very explicitly. It now appears that Mr. Christie lied about this matter and that he was involved in settling the case on these easy terms for Exxon-Mobil Corporation. The governor refers to obligations to "clean" the site or "fix" the polution. Mr. Christie fails to note that these obligations date from the early nineties, predating this lawsuit against Exxon, and that the site cannot be "cleaned" or "fixed." "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and New Jersey Corruption.")
Tanzina Vega, "Appellate Ruling Supports a Police Whistle Blower," The New York Times, February 27, 2015, p. A23. (The courts have increasingly recognized the need for discoverers and tellers of the truth regarding corruption in government, notably in police and judicial functions. This is especially necessary in the most dismal places where tribunals have failed to protect the public and may be complicit in the cancer of corruption and ineptitude: "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "New Jersey's Political and Supreme Court Whores.")
