Jodi Rudoren, "Gaza Clash Escalates With Deadliest Israeli Strike: Brigades That Fire On Israel Are Showing More Discipline," in The New York Times, November 19, 2012, at p. A1.
David D. Kirckpatrick & Mayy el Sheikh, "An Emboldened Hamas Makes New Demands -- Netanyahu Holds Fast," in The New York Times, November 19, 2012, at p. A1.
As of the latest count 116 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli operations in Gaza, 27 children and 25 women among them. 3 Israelis have been killed. It is undisputed that all of these victims are civilians. (Some now raise the number as high as 160 persons killed in Gaza.)
The national right to self-defense does not excuse Israel's leaders in Jerusalem -- or the leadership of any other nation -- from the obligation to protect civilians and/or non-combatants, especially children.
Astonishingly, it is necessary to say this: Palestinians are human beings with the same rights as you or I, or Mr. Netanyahu. (The Israeli Prime Minister's name has appeared in the Times as "Netanjahu" and "Netanyahu.")
Mr. Obama's controlled and "minimalist" responses to questions on this issue display a Stuart Rabner-like lack of concern with the appalling human consequences of policies that are murderous and shocking to the world. I refer to the policies of everyone with guns and rockets in Gaza.
I trust that President Obama's private comments are more forthright. It is never "meaningless" for the United States of America to say:
"We are agonizing and suffering with all victims of violence in Gaza. We recognize the human reality on the ground as well as security and geopolitical issues. We are mindful -- in this season of Thankfulness -- of the pain of our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. We will strive more mightily to bring them the peace they deserve before we sit down to enjoy the good fortune and plenty available in our society. We pray for you. We must continue to struggle together to make peace."
An army used to supress or fire upon a civilian population is worthy of Assad's Syria, not something Israel should ever do. The lingering effects of trauma on a colossal scale for Palestinian and Israeli children cannot be calculated.
Sadly, a number of hacks into my sites prevented me from making corrections yesterday, as I have indicated elsewhere, which disrupted the posting of a short story for the holidays. I will return to the writing of that story soon. ("Hansel and Gretl.")
I detect the same indifference to my rights and those of readers of these writings on the part of the persons responsible for the cybercrime that I struggle against as is seen today in Gaza. This does not surprise me. ("Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
Indifference to inhumanity -- torture or harming of children to control their parents -- is monstrous and diminishes all of us.
I see little difference between America's robot bombs and the bombings of schools and hospitals by U.S.-supplied F-18 ("Phantom") fighter jets in Gaza. A writer to read on the robot bombs issue is Medea Benjamin. Noam Chomsky is still the best commentator on the "open-air prison" that is Gaza.
I cannot say whether I will be able to post this text against the constant attacks by hackers during the 45 minutes per day when I have access to the Internet. Many of my writings continue to be plagiarized.
U.S. media is unable -- or unwilling -- to cover my situation. Other national media seems to be picking-up the story, including China, I have reason to believe and hope. ("What is it like to be plagiarized?" then "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")
People in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey and elsewhere in the Middle East are especially horrified by this latest escalation by Israel and also by the American non-response, or seeming neutrality and indifference to the humanitarian crisis.
Transformations of the Islamic world -- including profound changes that are only beginning to be felt and seen -- will dictate a change in policy from the leadership of those countries, also of European states, and much of the rest of the world. This level of human suffering by innocents cannot be ignored by the global community.
The U.S., especially, cannot and should not ignore these global changes nor the attitudes of BILLIONS of people in the world to this carnage.
It is because I support Israeli security and the welfare of that embattled nation, that I urge restraint upon the leadership in Jerusalem.
Security cannot be acquired through murder and oppression. Terror tactics -- by anyone -- will only continue to generate a response in kind.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Scott Shane & Charlie Savage, "F.B.I. Inquiry Into E-Mails Raises Questions On Motives," in The New York Times, November 13, 2012, at p. A11. (Was Mossad a contributor to General Petraeus' troubles? Is there a partnership between the far Right-wing of the Republican party and Israeli Likud members? "Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez?" Efforts to prevent me from writing continue to go unpunished. I wonder why that is?)
Joe Nocera, "A Texas Prosecutor Faces Justice," (Op-Ed) in The New York Times, November 13, 2012, at p. A27. ("A prosecutor's conduct often goes unchallenged. Not this time." "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal" and "Larry Peterson Cleared by DNA.")
Ethan Bonner, "Gaza Crisis Poses Threat to Faction Favored by U.S. : Leadership in West Bank Loses Credibility as Palestinians Rally Behind Hamas," in The New York Times, November 20, 2012, at p. A1. (U.S. is one of the losers in this conflict.)
Gregory D. Johnson, "The Wrong Man For the C.I.A.," in The New York Times, November 20, 2012, at p. A27. (John Brennan is an apologist for the robot bombs and wrong for the credibility of the C.I.A. in Pakistan and the world.)
Peter Baker & David D.Kirckpatrick, "Egypt's Leader Is Crucial 'Link' in Gaza Deal," in The New York Times, November 22, 2012, at p. A1. (Keep your eyes on Muslim Bortherhood efforts now that much of the Middle East is igniting.)
Erick Echholm, "Constitutional Experts Denounce Oklahoma Judge's Sentencing of Youth to Church," in The New York Times, November 22, 2012, at p. A26. (Church and state issues are obvious with a judge's possible violations of the "Establishment Clause.")
Lauren E. Bohn, "Carter Declares a 'Crisis Stage' for Israeli/Palestinian Relations," in The Star Ledger, October 23, 2012, at p. 8. (No one was listening to President Carter's prediction of a new Gaza action or increasing hostilities between Israelis and Palestinians. No one was paying attention when Mr. Carter suggested the abandonment of a two-state solution by both sides.)
David E.Sanger & Thom Shanker, "Gaza Conflict as Trial Run: For Israel, Exploring Defense Against Iran," in The New York Times, November 23, 2012, at p. A1. (No one is suggesting that Israel invade Iran these days. Israel is pondering what it cannot do alone.)
Jodi Rudoren & Isabel Kershner, "Factions in Gaza Make Unity Vow After Cease-Fire: Celebrations Ring Out," in The New York Times, November 23, 2012, at p. A1. (How many Palestinians have you "interrogated," Terry Tuchin? How many African-Americans have you tortured, Mr.Tuchin? "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
David D. Kirckpatrick & Mayy el Sheik, "Citing Deadlock, Egypt's Leader Seizes New Power and Plans Mubarak Retrial," in The New York Times, November 23, 2012, at p. A4. (U.S. is losing influence in the region and was marginalized in this conflict by Egypt.The American reaction seemed "inept." What happened?)
Kareem Fahim & David D. Kirckpatrick, "Violent Protests in Egypt as Leader Expands Power," in The New York Times, November 24, 2012, at p. A1. (Crowd control?)
New Jersey's Disintegration:
Jeff Pillets, et als., "Scout Abuse Files Speak Volumes: Many Decades-Old Cases Never Reported to Police; 36 New Jersey Leaders Listed," in The Record, October 19, 2012, at p. A-1. (New Jersey leads the nation in the number of persons involved in these scout molestation matters. None was subjected to "hypnosis" or "therapy" by Terry Tuchin? How many persons have been falsely accused by Mr. Tuchin? What secret statements has Mr. Tuchin made against his victims? Who was providing "protection" for these so-called "scout leaders"? Or for Tuchin? Bob Yudin? Debbie Poritz? What did they do to you, Marilyn Straus? "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest.")
Rebecca D. O'Brien & Deena Yellin, "Another Luring Attempt Reported: Girl, 13, Says She Was Accosted in Westwood," in The Record, October 19, 2012, at p.L-1. (N.J.'s disgusting spectacle of child molestation by persons buying "protection" explodes.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Judge Sentences Informant in Corruption Ring to 6 Years," in The Record, October 19, 2012, at p. A-4. (Rabbi's son Solomon Dwek gets 6 years to study the Talmud. Friend of yours, Stuart Rabner?)
Chris Harris, "Hearing Set in Complaint Against Mayor; Official Alleges Harassment in Emerson," in The Record, October 22, 2012, at p. L-3. (Mayor Carlos Colina targeted in a suit by Joseph Scarpa, alleged underworld figure and Borough Administrator, that will be heard before Judge Ray F. McGready, who may belong to George E. Norcross, III.)
Melissa Di Pinto & Carly Romalino, "12 Year-Old Goes Riding, Does Not Come Home," in The Star Ledger, October 23, 2012, at p. 13. (N.J.'s nightmare of DAILY child abuse, digusting exploitation of children made possible by corruption, remains mostly unpunished. Is this an example of New Jersey's "ethics," Mr. Rabner?)
Matt Friedman, "F.B.I. Papers Threaten Ex-Sheriff's Court Bid: Oxley Won't OK Release of Dwek Conversations," in The Star Ledger, October 23, 2012, at p. 13. (Joseph Oxley will not get to sit on the Superior Court bench because he refuses to release details of his chats with Dwek and other F.B.I. material. What's he hiding?)
Mary Ann Spoto, "Court: Due to Judge's Error, Ex-Cop Guilty of Sex Crime Not Bound by Megan's Law," in The Star Ledger, October 23, 2012, at p. 13. (Not everybody has to register? Was this a "mistake"? Or a deal? Was cash money exchanged?)
"North Bergen Appoints New Police Chief," in The Record, November 5, 2012, at p. L-3. (New Police Chief, ROBERT DOWD, will be responsible for protecting "Big Nicky" Sacco and Jay Romano. I remember Mr. Dowd well. He was among the officers, allegedly, targeting a former client of mine for abuse, whose official accusations were rejected as part of a Superior Court reversal of North Bergen's Municipal Court finding based on "bias.")
Scott Fallon, "Problems Persist at Sewage Facility," in The Record, November 6, 2012, at p. L-1. (More INCOMPETENCE in New Jersey government resulting in 240 MILLION gallons of untreated raw sewage pouring into New York harbor. Thanks a lot, New Jersey.)
John Reitmeyer & Melissa Hayes, "Christie Advisor Leaving Halfway House Post: His Firm Targeted in Times Series Last Summer," in The Record, November 9, 2012, at p. A-4. (William J. Palatucci, Esq., tarnished in halfway house scandals with rumored underworld affiliations and close to Mr.Christie as well as Republican "power-house" and convention delegate, will leave Community Education Centers in order to serve on the legal ethics committee, perhaps?)
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
America's "Gridlock" and the Crisis in Gaza.
November 20, 2012 at 12:35 P.M. Yesterday I was forced to retype entire paragraphs to correct a single letter because hackers altered the spacing of my texts. I believe this "technique" is part of the frustration-inducement and use of anxiety in censorship through cybercrime used against me. I will continue to write.
Isabel Kershner & Fares Akram, "Israel Assault Into Gaza Kills a Hamas Leader: Wider Conflict Feared," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (General condemnation for Israeli actions in the world.)
Mark Handler, "Obama Details Lines of Battle In Budget Plan," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (Gridlock and no reduction in taxcuts for the rich -- regardless of the election results -- according to Republicans.)
Michael S. Schmidt, Scott Stone, and Alan Delaquierre, "F.B.I. Agent in Petraeus Case Is Called a Relentless Veteran," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (FREDERICK W. HUMPPHRIES, II, 47, Republican F.B.I. agent in Florida behind Petraeus matter with Congressional "connections.")
The continuing crisis in Gaza has generated renewed hostility against U.S. embassies and Israeli interests in the world.
Particularly worrisome is the Egyptians' decision to withdraw their embassy from Israel. The Jordanians are also abandoning their embassy in Israel.
The Egyptians are only the first to reach out to President Barack Obama. Mr. Obama was seen in the Islamic world as a target of Mr. Netanyahu's hostile p.r. efforts during the reelection campaign. The U.S. president is asked to recognize the humanitarian effects of the crisis.
A foreign trip by Mr. Obama may be unwise at this time, even as a distraction from the Middle East crisis, because it suggests indifference to how these events are perceived in the world.
Fourteen persons were killed in the first day of the Isareli operation in Gaza; over one hundred Palestinians killed during the most recent "period of crisis" last month (three Israelis murdered yesterday in response to the targeted hit); and a pregnant Palestinian woman with her two children was murdered today.
In order for the U.S. to establish credibility, as a negotiator with both parties, our nation cannot be seen as an "apologist" for Israel. This is what Mr. Obama meant by creating "daylight" between Israel and America. Thus far, Mr. Obama's answers to questions concerning events in Gaza have been formulaic and disappointing.
The Israeli/American connection is and must remain fundamental and powerful. This alliance transcends any individual leader in either country.
Nevertheless, the two nations must be able to offer mutual criticisms on human rights matters and to differ on key issues at times. An explosive situation in the Middle East is the last thing Mr. Obama desires at the moment.
Egyptian "Muslim Bortherhood" members are obligated to assist their brethren in Gaza. Jordan may go up in flames, as I suggested, after the latest of two nationwide uprisings against King Abdullah.
Israel may wish to worry more about Jordan, right next door, than Iran. A number of Egyptians and others are making their way to Jordan for reasons other than tourism. Some prospective fighters are coming from as far away as North Africa, I believe, with the goal of entering Israel to carry out attacks.
The Egyptian Prime Minister is visiting Gaza today, sharing the emergency with Palestinians, and he "experienced" the death of a child held in his arms -- a child who had been wounded in the bombings, as reported on Al Jazeera.
Overwhelming military superiority on the part of Israel has created a situation in which the Isareli military acts, routinely, without severe military consequences in response (fortunately!), while generating intense political and diplomatic consequences for America as well as for the Israeli government.
Libya (and/or "Lybia" and/or "Libyia") is nothing compared to the situation in Gaza right now. There are at least 9 countries in which the U.S. embassy is threatened as I type these words.
As long as the U.S. is identified with Israel's military tactics -- or is deemed responsible for Israeli superiority -- we will share the adverse effects of Israel's actions.
I believe in Israel's right to exist and be secure. American military action would be appropriate to prevent severe harm to Israel, by any nation and for any reason, in the unlikely event that the Israeli military could not deal with the challenge.
The question is whether Israeli military action in Gaza is a "feasible and proportionate" response to the security issues raised by recent rocket attacks by Hamas in light of the likely human consequences.
This is, in fact, the debate currently taking place within Israeli politics, both on the Left and Right.
I am glad that Ehud Barak is Foreign Secretary/Minister of Defense, as former Prime Minister, he has experience and is very cool under pressure. The issue is more complicated than the undisputed right of every nation to self-defense. Persons to read on the Israeli/Palestinian crisis are Noam Chomsky and Richard Falk.
Israel wishes to avoid boots on the ground in Gaza. Allegations that this operation is a stunt by Mr. Netanjahu to gain votes in the upcoming election seem absurd to me.
I condemn not the killing of the Hamas leader, but the taking of so many innocent lives which cannot be minimized in a crowded urban setting.
As a result, on humanitarian grounds, continued operations in Gaza would be improper. Additional rocket attacks by Hamas, however, will ensure that such operations will continue indefinitely.
I urge Israel -- as difficult as it may be -- to exercise restraint in this situation. There is no point in making suh a request from Hamas. Allow the diplomats time to deal with the crisis. I hope that Professor Chomsky made it home safely.
The Cuban embargo is also resulting in deaths and suffering to innocent people. By siding with the U.S. -- or even by not voting against the U.S. position -- Israel has been further isolated in the world.
This is an instance of Israel paying a political price for siding with the U.S. on an issue where (I believe) that nation otherwise agrees with the world community that opposes the embargo.
The U.N. will probably, once again, condem this barbarism. Any embargo is an act of war on a civilian population. I believe that this issue is reconsidered every year. There will be new opportunities to persuade the president on this embargo issue. If the U.S. position changes, I am sure Israel will also agree to end the embargo.
The targeting of diplomats, such as Susan Rice, for reprisals to embarass the president is offensive. Having said that, I am sure that Ms. Rice is not the best candidate for Secretary of State where an experienced political figure, like John Kerry, is needed and available.
My e-mail accounts are blocked, illegally. I have only 45 minutes per day to write my essays and other texts. I am subjected to a variety of harassments at public computers after the destruction of my home computer. No images can be posted at these blogs. No answer to my continuing requests for the truth in my matters has been received from New Jersey.
If I were able to post images with this essay, I would attach the photo of a Palestinian journalist holding his murdered eleven month-old son, a casualty of the most recent wave of bombings. He is seen weeping while posing his unaswerable question to the world: "What has my son done to deserve this death?"
A list of sources detailing incidents of corruption, incompetence, frauds, and other examples of the failure of New Jersey's legal system will be attached to this comment in the days ahead, provided that I am able to continue writing on-line.
America's selective and slanted coverage of the Gaza crisis is shameful.
I am unable to add a list of sources due to vandalism at this site that alters paragraphs when I attempt to make corrections. Hence, I may have to post the list of sources separately. I will try to add those sources because they are important.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Jodi Rudoren & Isabel Kershner, "Israel Widens Gaza Assault, Hitting Government Targets: Diplomats Confer in Cairo, Pressing for a Cease-Fire," in The New York Times, November 18, 2012, at p. A1. (The crisis in Gaza is escalating, more children are dying.)
Ethan Bonner, "With Longer Reach, Rockets Bolster Hamas Arsenal," in The New York Times, November 18, 2012, at p. A1. (Israeli civilians are still under threat.)
Jodi Rudoren, "Netanjahu Says He'd Go It Alone On Striking Iran," in The New York Times, November 6, 2012, at p. A5. (The Gaza crisis is the greatest achievement of Iran's intelligence services.)
"Names of the Dead," in The New York Times, November 6, 2012, at p. A7. (Over 12,000 wounded; 2,132 casualties in Afghanistan of American service members.)
Joe Nocera, "A Texas Prosecutor Faces Justice," (Editorial) in The New York Times, November 13, 2012, at p. A27. (Finally, an attempt to deal with the plague of prosecutorial misconduct, lying, falsifying, denial of evidence and cover-ups that destroys innocent lives. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
Jodi Rudoren, "Riots Erupt Across Jordan Over Gas Prices," in The New York Times, November 14, 2012, at p. A7. (Jordan is close to crisis stage.)
Isabel Kershner & Fares Akram, "Israeli Assault Into Gaza Kills a Hamas Leader," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (Who are the "fighters" going to Israel to assist the Palestinians?)
Ethan Bonner, "Israel, Battlefield Altered, Takes a Tougher Approach," in The New York Times, November 17, 2012, at p. A1. (" ... the arrival in Gaza and Sinai from North Africa of other militants ..." Israel should look at this issue closely.)
"Another Israel-Gaza War? Israel's Right to Defend Itself is Unarguable, but Is This the Best Way?," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A34. ("Engaging in a full-scale war is especially risky. ...")
Isabel Kershner & Rick Gladstone, "Israel and Hamas Step Up Air Attacks in Gaza: Tel Aviv a Target as Calls For Restraint Are Rejected," in The New York Times, November 16, 2012, at p. A1. (30,000 to 70,000 reserves called-up for possible ground war. This is the worst possible outcome for all parties.)
New Jersey & the World:
Melissa Hayes & John Reitmeyer, "Governor Open to 'Smart' Halfway House Fixes," in The Record, November 13, 2012, at p. A-1. (The halfway house scandal will follow Mr. Christie and will hurt the governor in any future campaign.)
Richard Cowen, "N. Halledon Mayor, Chief Used Borough Generators: Council Investigating; Merchant Reaction Mixed," in The Record, November 13, 2012, at p. A-1. (More of the Jersey Shuffle as people in emergency rooms were left without power.)
Tom Hayden, "Federal Panel Rejects Appeal of Ex-Mayor's Corruption Conviction: Judges -- Evidence Finding Democrat Guilty is Sufficient," in The Star Ledger, November 13, 2012, at p. 15. (Joe Vas, a former Menendez capo then an enemy, lost his appeal, but claims: "I didn't know from nothing!")
"School Chief's Folly: He Takes a Van, Generator, Vacation," in The Record, November 13, 2012, at p. A-10. (The usual scams with compensation, taxpayer-provided vacations, in the midst of Sandy's terrors.)
Mary Jo Layton, "Suit Alleges Years of Scout Abuse: Incidents Date to the 1990s," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. A-1. (Dozens of boys molested by protected persons in New Jersey. "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Menendez For Sale?")
AP, "House Report to Blame Corzine Over MF Global," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. A-8. (GOP members say collapse is due to Corzine's decisions as is the "disappearance" of over $1 BILLION in customer money.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Union Leaders Arrested: Allegedly Stole $350,000 From IBEW," in The Record, November 16, 2012, at p. A-1. (Labor "leaders" connected to mob and politicians steal $350,000. "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
Marcy Gordon, "Corzine Faulted in Debacle," in The Record, November 16, 2012, at p. L-9. (Corzine faulted for $6.3 BILLION bet on European countries' debt, nearly $2 BILLION of clients' money flew the coop while Corzine's money was tucked away. Mr. Corzine testified under oath that he "did not know what happened.")
Nick Clunn, "Cop Sued in Case of Mistaken Identity: Paterson Man Alleges Beating," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. L-1. (N.J. is famous for cases of "mistaken identity" featuring victims of police violence and criminality. "Albert Florence and New Jersey's Racism" and "Driving While Black [DWB] in New Jersey.")
Denisa R. Superville, "Ex-Officer's Case Costs Bogota $85,000 -- Fees Likely to Rise After Review," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. L-3. (Officer Regina Tasca -- first lesbian woman on force -- fired in violation of her rights for doing the right thing.)
Richard Cowen, "Mayor Draws Controversy: Faces Inquiry Over Generator Use as well as Two Lawsuits," in The Record, November 15, 2012, at p. L-6. (Randy George says: "Let 'em eat cake.")
Isabel Kershner & Fares Akram, "Israel Assault Into Gaza Kills a Hamas Leader: Wider Conflict Feared," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (General condemnation for Israeli actions in the world.)
Mark Handler, "Obama Details Lines of Battle In Budget Plan," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (Gridlock and no reduction in taxcuts for the rich -- regardless of the election results -- according to Republicans.)
Michael S. Schmidt, Scott Stone, and Alan Delaquierre, "F.B.I. Agent in Petraeus Case Is Called a Relentless Veteran," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (FREDERICK W. HUMPPHRIES, II, 47, Republican F.B.I. agent in Florida behind Petraeus matter with Congressional "connections.")
The continuing crisis in Gaza has generated renewed hostility against U.S. embassies and Israeli interests in the world.
Particularly worrisome is the Egyptians' decision to withdraw their embassy from Israel. The Jordanians are also abandoning their embassy in Israel.
The Egyptians are only the first to reach out to President Barack Obama. Mr. Obama was seen in the Islamic world as a target of Mr. Netanyahu's hostile p.r. efforts during the reelection campaign. The U.S. president is asked to recognize the humanitarian effects of the crisis.
A foreign trip by Mr. Obama may be unwise at this time, even as a distraction from the Middle East crisis, because it suggests indifference to how these events are perceived in the world.
Fourteen persons were killed in the first day of the Isareli operation in Gaza; over one hundred Palestinians killed during the most recent "period of crisis" last month (three Israelis murdered yesterday in response to the targeted hit); and a pregnant Palestinian woman with her two children was murdered today.
In order for the U.S. to establish credibility, as a negotiator with both parties, our nation cannot be seen as an "apologist" for Israel. This is what Mr. Obama meant by creating "daylight" between Israel and America. Thus far, Mr. Obama's answers to questions concerning events in Gaza have been formulaic and disappointing.
The Israeli/American connection is and must remain fundamental and powerful. This alliance transcends any individual leader in either country.
Nevertheless, the two nations must be able to offer mutual criticisms on human rights matters and to differ on key issues at times. An explosive situation in the Middle East is the last thing Mr. Obama desires at the moment.
Egyptian "Muslim Bortherhood" members are obligated to assist their brethren in Gaza. Jordan may go up in flames, as I suggested, after the latest of two nationwide uprisings against King Abdullah.
Israel may wish to worry more about Jordan, right next door, than Iran. A number of Egyptians and others are making their way to Jordan for reasons other than tourism. Some prospective fighters are coming from as far away as North Africa, I believe, with the goal of entering Israel to carry out attacks.
The Egyptian Prime Minister is visiting Gaza today, sharing the emergency with Palestinians, and he "experienced" the death of a child held in his arms -- a child who had been wounded in the bombings, as reported on Al Jazeera.
Overwhelming military superiority on the part of Israel has created a situation in which the Isareli military acts, routinely, without severe military consequences in response (fortunately!), while generating intense political and diplomatic consequences for America as well as for the Israeli government.
Libya (and/or "Lybia" and/or "Libyia") is nothing compared to the situation in Gaza right now. There are at least 9 countries in which the U.S. embassy is threatened as I type these words.
As long as the U.S. is identified with Israel's military tactics -- or is deemed responsible for Israeli superiority -- we will share the adverse effects of Israel's actions.
I believe in Israel's right to exist and be secure. American military action would be appropriate to prevent severe harm to Israel, by any nation and for any reason, in the unlikely event that the Israeli military could not deal with the challenge.
The question is whether Israeli military action in Gaza is a "feasible and proportionate" response to the security issues raised by recent rocket attacks by Hamas in light of the likely human consequences.
This is, in fact, the debate currently taking place within Israeli politics, both on the Left and Right.
I am glad that Ehud Barak is Foreign Secretary/Minister of Defense, as former Prime Minister, he has experience and is very cool under pressure. The issue is more complicated than the undisputed right of every nation to self-defense. Persons to read on the Israeli/Palestinian crisis are Noam Chomsky and Richard Falk.
Israel wishes to avoid boots on the ground in Gaza. Allegations that this operation is a stunt by Mr. Netanjahu to gain votes in the upcoming election seem absurd to me.
I condemn not the killing of the Hamas leader, but the taking of so many innocent lives which cannot be minimized in a crowded urban setting.
As a result, on humanitarian grounds, continued operations in Gaza would be improper. Additional rocket attacks by Hamas, however, will ensure that such operations will continue indefinitely.
I urge Israel -- as difficult as it may be -- to exercise restraint in this situation. There is no point in making suh a request from Hamas. Allow the diplomats time to deal with the crisis. I hope that Professor Chomsky made it home safely.
The Cuban embargo is also resulting in deaths and suffering to innocent people. By siding with the U.S. -- or even by not voting against the U.S. position -- Israel has been further isolated in the world.
This is an instance of Israel paying a political price for siding with the U.S. on an issue where (I believe) that nation otherwise agrees with the world community that opposes the embargo.
The U.N. will probably, once again, condem this barbarism. Any embargo is an act of war on a civilian population. I believe that this issue is reconsidered every year. There will be new opportunities to persuade the president on this embargo issue. If the U.S. position changes, I am sure Israel will also agree to end the embargo.
The targeting of diplomats, such as Susan Rice, for reprisals to embarass the president is offensive. Having said that, I am sure that Ms. Rice is not the best candidate for Secretary of State where an experienced political figure, like John Kerry, is needed and available.
My e-mail accounts are blocked, illegally. I have only 45 minutes per day to write my essays and other texts. I am subjected to a variety of harassments at public computers after the destruction of my home computer. No images can be posted at these blogs. No answer to my continuing requests for the truth in my matters has been received from New Jersey.
If I were able to post images with this essay, I would attach the photo of a Palestinian journalist holding his murdered eleven month-old son, a casualty of the most recent wave of bombings. He is seen weeping while posing his unaswerable question to the world: "What has my son done to deserve this death?"
A list of sources detailing incidents of corruption, incompetence, frauds, and other examples of the failure of New Jersey's legal system will be attached to this comment in the days ahead, provided that I am able to continue writing on-line.
America's selective and slanted coverage of the Gaza crisis is shameful.
I am unable to add a list of sources due to vandalism at this site that alters paragraphs when I attempt to make corrections. Hence, I may have to post the list of sources separately. I will try to add those sources because they are important.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Jodi Rudoren & Isabel Kershner, "Israel Widens Gaza Assault, Hitting Government Targets: Diplomats Confer in Cairo, Pressing for a Cease-Fire," in The New York Times, November 18, 2012, at p. A1. (The crisis in Gaza is escalating, more children are dying.)
Ethan Bonner, "With Longer Reach, Rockets Bolster Hamas Arsenal," in The New York Times, November 18, 2012, at p. A1. (Israeli civilians are still under threat.)
Jodi Rudoren, "Netanjahu Says He'd Go It Alone On Striking Iran," in The New York Times, November 6, 2012, at p. A5. (The Gaza crisis is the greatest achievement of Iran's intelligence services.)
"Names of the Dead," in The New York Times, November 6, 2012, at p. A7. (Over 12,000 wounded; 2,132 casualties in Afghanistan of American service members.)
Joe Nocera, "A Texas Prosecutor Faces Justice," (Editorial) in The New York Times, November 13, 2012, at p. A27. (Finally, an attempt to deal with the plague of prosecutorial misconduct, lying, falsifying, denial of evidence and cover-ups that destroys innocent lives. "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics.")
Jodi Rudoren, "Riots Erupt Across Jordan Over Gas Prices," in The New York Times, November 14, 2012, at p. A7. (Jordan is close to crisis stage.)
Isabel Kershner & Fares Akram, "Israeli Assault Into Gaza Kills a Hamas Leader," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A1. (Who are the "fighters" going to Israel to assist the Palestinians?)
Ethan Bonner, "Israel, Battlefield Altered, Takes a Tougher Approach," in The New York Times, November 17, 2012, at p. A1. (" ... the arrival in Gaza and Sinai from North Africa of other militants ..." Israel should look at this issue closely.)
"Another Israel-Gaza War? Israel's Right to Defend Itself is Unarguable, but Is This the Best Way?," in The New York Times, November 15, 2012, at p. A34. ("Engaging in a full-scale war is especially risky. ...")
Isabel Kershner & Rick Gladstone, "Israel and Hamas Step Up Air Attacks in Gaza: Tel Aviv a Target as Calls For Restraint Are Rejected," in The New York Times, November 16, 2012, at p. A1. (30,000 to 70,000 reserves called-up for possible ground war. This is the worst possible outcome for all parties.)
New Jersey & the World:
Melissa Hayes & John Reitmeyer, "Governor Open to 'Smart' Halfway House Fixes," in The Record, November 13, 2012, at p. A-1. (The halfway house scandal will follow Mr. Christie and will hurt the governor in any future campaign.)
Richard Cowen, "N. Halledon Mayor, Chief Used Borough Generators: Council Investigating; Merchant Reaction Mixed," in The Record, November 13, 2012, at p. A-1. (More of the Jersey Shuffle as people in emergency rooms were left without power.)
Tom Hayden, "Federal Panel Rejects Appeal of Ex-Mayor's Corruption Conviction: Judges -- Evidence Finding Democrat Guilty is Sufficient," in The Star Ledger, November 13, 2012, at p. 15. (Joe Vas, a former Menendez capo then an enemy, lost his appeal, but claims: "I didn't know from nothing!")
"School Chief's Folly: He Takes a Van, Generator, Vacation," in The Record, November 13, 2012, at p. A-10. (The usual scams with compensation, taxpayer-provided vacations, in the midst of Sandy's terrors.)
Mary Jo Layton, "Suit Alleges Years of Scout Abuse: Incidents Date to the 1990s," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. A-1. (Dozens of boys molested by protected persons in New Jersey. "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Menendez For Sale?")
AP, "House Report to Blame Corzine Over MF Global," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. A-8. (GOP members say collapse is due to Corzine's decisions as is the "disappearance" of over $1 BILLION in customer money.)
Peter J. Sampson, "Union Leaders Arrested: Allegedly Stole $350,000 From IBEW," in The Record, November 16, 2012, at p. A-1. (Labor "leaders" connected to mob and politicians steal $350,000. "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")
Marcy Gordon, "Corzine Faulted in Debacle," in The Record, November 16, 2012, at p. L-9. (Corzine faulted for $6.3 BILLION bet on European countries' debt, nearly $2 BILLION of clients' money flew the coop while Corzine's money was tucked away. Mr. Corzine testified under oath that he "did not know what happened.")
Nick Clunn, "Cop Sued in Case of Mistaken Identity: Paterson Man Alleges Beating," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. L-1. (N.J. is famous for cases of "mistaken identity" featuring victims of police violence and criminality. "Albert Florence and New Jersey's Racism" and "Driving While Black [DWB] in New Jersey.")
Denisa R. Superville, "Ex-Officer's Case Costs Bogota $85,000 -- Fees Likely to Rise After Review," in The Record, November 14, 2012, at p. L-3. (Officer Regina Tasca -- first lesbian woman on force -- fired in violation of her rights for doing the right thing.)
Richard Cowen, "Mayor Draws Controversy: Faces Inquiry Over Generator Use as well as Two Lawsuits," in The Record, November 15, 2012, at p. L-6. (Randy George says: "Let 'em eat cake.")
Friday, November 9, 2012
Republicans, Unplugged.
November 14, 2012 at 2:10 P.M. Once again, the Cuban embargo has come before the General Assembly. Global opinion is overwhelmingly on the side of ending the embargo. This archaic piece of cold war legislation is causing millions to suffer in Cuba and billions of dollars to be lost by the economies of both countries. Strangulation of the Cuban people is inhumane and counterproductive.
I appreciate the political pressures on President Obama. However, like many persons of conscience, I urge the president to abandon this failed experiment in political blackmail. I am sure that, once more, the U.S. will be embarassed by the U.N. vote. I will continue to argue against this law, every year. ("Time to End the Embargo Against Cuba.")
Today's targeted assassination by Israel of a Hamas leader and killing of fourteen others, including a number of children in Gaza, is the first crisis of the second term for President Obama. Noam Chomsky happens to be in Gaza. Professor Chomsky may be endangered by these events. Let us hope that Mr. Chomsky -- the world's foremost linguist and rationalist philosopher -- will come home safely.
November 9, 2012 at 10:15 A.M. I received a call from "JAZMIN" (what happened to "Muhammad" or "Marcel"?), allegedly, from Time/Warner. The call ostensibly emanated from 718-358-0900. At 11:53 A.M. and 2:50 P.M., I received calls from 845-206-4250. Apparently, these calls came from the same source.
I did not realize that Time/Warner used a cell phone to call customers about their bills. My cable bill was paid on November 7, 2012 even though it is not due until November 11, 2012.
In the aftermath of Sandy -- which has affected so many people's lives in this city and in New Jersey -- Time/Warner, allegedly, was so concerned about payment of a bill which is not due until December 6, 2012, about one month from now, that Ms. Jazmin was required to call my home to remind me to pay this forthcoming bill, or my service would be cut off, or I may incur "additional fees."
Obviously, this was not a call from Time/Warner, Mr. Menendez. I doubt that "Jazmin" is the real name of the person making this call. ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez.")
These tactics of harassment, cybercrime, censorship and much worse are racist ("Jazmin"?) and unethical as well as criminal.
Use of so-called "psychological torture tactics" should have no place in our politics. Harassments of those who disagree with you, Mr. Tuchin, will not change the results of the presidential election. ("Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez" and "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")
I was glad to learn that President Obama won Florida's electoral votes, bringing his total to 332. Perhaps Mr. Rubio and Ms. Ros-Leghtinen can lead the effort for "bipartisanship" in Miami. Mr. Obama won the Latino vote in the "Sunshine State" by a comfortable margin. Mr. Rubio's efforts on behalf of the Republican ticket may have helped President Obama. About 50% of Cuban-Americans, again, voted for the President.
David Rivera's ethics charges and possible future indictment in Florida is said to have opened a door into new investigations of more of Mr. Rubio's "friends." Allegations of involvement by the Right-wing Cuban-Americans in the troubles of General Petraeus can not be confirmed. Is this about intimidating or embarassing Mr. Obama? ("Cubanazos Pose a Threat to National Security.")
Please see: Michael D. Shear, "As Electorate Changes, Fresh Worry for G.O.P.," in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. A1 and Nicholas Confessore & Jess Bidgood, "Little to Show For Cash Flood Big Donors," in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. A1. (Citizens United did not help?)
Use of gutter tactics derived from foreign intelligence agencies designed to damage people emotionally, permanently, is not the best future direction for partisan politics in America. We must find common ground, "Jazmin." ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
An unidentified F.B.I. agent "alerted the office of representative Eric Cantor, REPUBLICAN of Virginia, the House Majority Leader, about the inquiry [into Mr. Petraeus's love-life] in late October ..."
Scott Shane & Charlie Savage, "Timeline Shows F.B.I. Discovered Affair in Summer: Congress Seeks Inquiry," in The New York Times, November 12, 2012, at p. A1-A8.
What role, if any, Ms. Ros-Leghtinen and Marco Rubio have played in this matter is unknown at this time. Curiously, F.B.I. concern about possible cybercrime in Florida led to an investigation that resulted in the C.I.A. Director's resignation. More serious and well-documented allegations of cybercrime and cyberstalking at these blogs continue to be ignored. ("How censorship works in America.")
Denial of what is now obvious cybercrime and censorship, also much worse, is not the answer for New Jersey. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
It is vitally important that New Jersey acknowledge responsibility for terrible crimes committed against innocent persons by overzealous enthusiasts, like John McGill, Esq. perhaps. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" then "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")
Privacy rights cannot continue to be violated with impunity: What did you know, Ms. Poritz, and when did you know it? ("Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" then "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest.")
Please direct all insults and threats to me, not my family members, New Jersey. Happy holidays.
"We'll leave Republicans to their discussions in quiet rooms in the hope that at least a few are suggesting throwing out their old and failing play book, seemingly written by and for a dwindling society of angry white men."
"Republicans, Unplugged: A Divided America Heard the Right-Wing Appeal to Fear and Resentment and Didn't Buy It," (Editorial) in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. A22 (emphasis added).
Have you no sense of shame, Mr. Rabner? ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!" then "Chief Justice Rabner and the Decline of the New Jersey Supreme Court.")
A list of sources will be attached to this essay in the days ahead if I am able to regain access to these blogs in order to continue writing.
Sources:
New York and the World:
Adam Liptak, "Question for Justices: When Does Evidence Require a New Trial?," in The New York Times, November 13, 2012, at p. A16. (Justice Scalia is quoted as saying: "Like other human institutions, courts and juries are not perfect. One cannot have a system of criminal punishment without accepting the possibility that someone will be punished mistakenly. That is a truism, not a revelation." Would Justice Scalia be equally sanguine about such a "mistake" if he or his family members were subjected to it? Does Mr. Scalia's analysis change if mistakes are made more often when defendants are African-Americans or Latinos as opposed to whites?)
Patrick Di Leo, "Caught Rigging the Game: Explains What's at the Heart of the Scandal at Barclay's Bank and Beyond," in Socialist Worker, August, 2012, at p. 7. (Barclay's Bank fined $455 MILLION for actions in connection with the "loss" or "disappearance" of several billion dollars. No one will go to prison: "So Black and So Blue in Prison" and "Foucault, Rose, Davis and the Meanings of Prison.")
Alan Moss, "Chief Injustice or Health Care Hero?," in Socialist Worker, August, 2012, at p. 10. http://www.socialistworker.org/node/19012. (Chief Justice Roberts experiences an epiphany. Did he vote for Obama/Biden?)
Roger Kimball, "A Vicious Narcissus: On the Career of Gore Vidal," in National Review, August 27, 2012, at p. 27. (A man criticized by Gore Vidal, who refused to debate Vidal at the time of the criticisms, now publishes an attack on the deceased novelist. See Vidal's essay "The Hacks of Academe" and my essay "Book Chats and 'Chits.'" Has Mr. Kimball visited my sites? James Wood? Jim Holt? Has Mr. Kimball used either of those names in writing articles for publication?)
Richard A. Posner, "The Spirit Killeth, But the Letter Giveth Life," in The New Republic, September 13, 2012, at p. 18. (Judge Posner offers an effective critique of Mr. Scalia's theory of interpretation.)
David Kaiser & Lovisa Stannow, "Obama Tries to Stop Prison Rape," in The New York Review of Books, October 11, 2012, at p. 49. (Is Mr. Romney "for" prison rape? 1 out of 3 U.S. women in prisons will be raped, many of them more than once.)
"Romney Versus the Automakers: He Can't Admit the Bailout Helped, So He Decided to Invent Problems With It," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A30. (Why Romney lost.)
"Report On Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails," Dept. of Justice, April, 2012, 88 pages.
http://www.ojp.usdojgove/reviewpanel/pdfs/prea_finalreport_2012.pdf
Kate Zernike, "One Result of Hurricane: Bipartisanship Flows," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A26. (Irony, Ms. Guardagno? No conflict of interest for a government lawyer writing, as a journalist, under the name "Kate Zernike"?)
Scott Shane, "Petraeus's Lover C.I.A. Profile Leaves Void in Benghazi Furor," in The New York Times, November 3, 2012, at p. A1. (Is there an Israeli/Miami connection in this matter? The New York Post is delighted to feature a classy headline that reads: "Cloak and Shag Her!")
Adam Nagovsky, "How a Race in the Balance Went to Obama," in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. 1. ("Election, 2012" Analysis and breakdown. Not as close as we thought. The issue of continuing tax cuts for the rich was decided by the electorate. These tax cuts must be ended. Gridlock will not go away.)
New Jersey's Sad Decline:
"Failure at 4Cs: Former Director Gets a Huge Nest Egg," (Editorial) in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. A-12. (MARY ANN MIRKO, scooped $1.4 MILLION for her retirement benefits and other perks in addition to a hefty salary as a "non-profit" executive. These scams have to end in New Jersey. As a result of this greed, the 4Cs of Passaic County will lose $900,000 in funding: "Celeste Carpiano Likes Da Shore.")
Kibret Marcos, "Zisa Linked to Cops On Trial: Dispatcher Says Ex-Chief Seen On Night of Alleged Tampering," in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. L-1. (Despite being sentenced to years in prison, Mr. Zisa -- former Hackensack Chief of Police -- has yet to serve a minute behind bars.)
Justo Bautista, "Doctor Pleads Guilty to Kickback Charge," in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. L-3. (Dr. Bercik? LUCIO CARDOSO, 54, admits to "kickback scheme" with Orange, New Jersey diagnostic center. Lawyers may have been involved. Judges?)
Chris Harris, "Schroeder Hears Criminal Charges in Hillsdale: Accused of Writing Bad Checks," in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. L-3. (New Jersey Assembly's "member" goes under.)
Lindy Washburn & Barbara Williams, "Car Insurer Files Suit Against Meadowlands Hospital Owner," in The Record, October 12, 2012, at p. A-4. (Alleged fraudulent claims by lawyers and doctors who are, so far, protected from professional ethics and legal claims.)
Abbott Koloff & Justo Bautista, "Cop Accused of Sex Assault: Essex Sheriff's Officer is Wayne Man," in The Record, October 12, 2012, at p. L-1. (THOMAS INGHAM, 48, charged with sexual assault of an 18 year-old young woman. Officer Ingham investigates sex offenses. Did Ms. Poritz enjoy the company of young women, Diana Lisa Riccioli?)
Colleen Disla & Mary Jo Layton, "N.J. Scout Leader in Sex Files: 'Perversion' Papers Tell of Secret Dismissals," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. A-1. (A number of prominent persons in New Jersey may be part of a child molestation network that is sheltered in the state. Multiple pending investigations are still "open." "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Menendez For Sale?")
Denisa R. Superville, "Parents On Edge Over Luring: Officials Sound Call for Vigilance," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. L-1. (As long as New Jersey's many bribed politicians continue to provide protection for the child sex industry, these activities will flourish.)
Kibret Marcos, "Another Officer Denies Aiding a Cover-Up: Says Captain Chose Not to File Charges," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. L-1. (Filing false charges, altering reports, hiding evidence, covering-up atrocities to protect insiders is not limited to the Office of Attorney Ethics -- OAE -- but defines a number of police departments and agencies in New Jersey.)
Salvador Rizzo, "Resurgent Menendez in Line to Lead Panel," in The Star Ledger, November 13, 2012, at p. 1. (Favorable coverage in New Jersey media may be expensive for Bob. Senator Menendez wants to head the "Foreign Relations Committee" of the U.S. Senate: "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" then "Is Senator Bob 'For' Human Rights?" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" then "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")
I appreciate the political pressures on President Obama. However, like many persons of conscience, I urge the president to abandon this failed experiment in political blackmail. I am sure that, once more, the U.S. will be embarassed by the U.N. vote. I will continue to argue against this law, every year. ("Time to End the Embargo Against Cuba.")
Today's targeted assassination by Israel of a Hamas leader and killing of fourteen others, including a number of children in Gaza, is the first crisis of the second term for President Obama. Noam Chomsky happens to be in Gaza. Professor Chomsky may be endangered by these events. Let us hope that Mr. Chomsky -- the world's foremost linguist and rationalist philosopher -- will come home safely.
November 9, 2012 at 10:15 A.M. I received a call from "JAZMIN" (what happened to "Muhammad" or "Marcel"?), allegedly, from Time/Warner. The call ostensibly emanated from 718-358-0900. At 11:53 A.M. and 2:50 P.M., I received calls from 845-206-4250. Apparently, these calls came from the same source.
I did not realize that Time/Warner used a cell phone to call customers about their bills. My cable bill was paid on November 7, 2012 even though it is not due until November 11, 2012.
In the aftermath of Sandy -- which has affected so many people's lives in this city and in New Jersey -- Time/Warner, allegedly, was so concerned about payment of a bill which is not due until December 6, 2012, about one month from now, that Ms. Jazmin was required to call my home to remind me to pay this forthcoming bill, or my service would be cut off, or I may incur "additional fees."
Obviously, this was not a call from Time/Warner, Mr. Menendez. I doubt that "Jazmin" is the real name of the person making this call. ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez.")
These tactics of harassment, cybercrime, censorship and much worse are racist ("Jazmin"?) and unethical as well as criminal.
Use of so-called "psychological torture tactics" should have no place in our politics. Harassments of those who disagree with you, Mr. Tuchin, will not change the results of the presidential election. ("Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez" and "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli.")
I was glad to learn that President Obama won Florida's electoral votes, bringing his total to 332. Perhaps Mr. Rubio and Ms. Ros-Leghtinen can lead the effort for "bipartisanship" in Miami. Mr. Obama won the Latino vote in the "Sunshine State" by a comfortable margin. Mr. Rubio's efforts on behalf of the Republican ticket may have helped President Obama. About 50% of Cuban-Americans, again, voted for the President.
David Rivera's ethics charges and possible future indictment in Florida is said to have opened a door into new investigations of more of Mr. Rubio's "friends." Allegations of involvement by the Right-wing Cuban-Americans in the troubles of General Petraeus can not be confirmed. Is this about intimidating or embarassing Mr. Obama? ("Cubanazos Pose a Threat to National Security.")
Please see: Michael D. Shear, "As Electorate Changes, Fresh Worry for G.O.P.," in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. A1 and Nicholas Confessore & Jess Bidgood, "Little to Show For Cash Flood Big Donors," in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. A1. (Citizens United did not help?)
Use of gutter tactics derived from foreign intelligence agencies designed to damage people emotionally, permanently, is not the best future direction for partisan politics in America. We must find common ground, "Jazmin." ("Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
An unidentified F.B.I. agent "alerted the office of representative Eric Cantor, REPUBLICAN of Virginia, the House Majority Leader, about the inquiry [into Mr. Petraeus's love-life] in late October ..."
Scott Shane & Charlie Savage, "Timeline Shows F.B.I. Discovered Affair in Summer: Congress Seeks Inquiry," in The New York Times, November 12, 2012, at p. A1-A8.
What role, if any, Ms. Ros-Leghtinen and Marco Rubio have played in this matter is unknown at this time. Curiously, F.B.I. concern about possible cybercrime in Florida led to an investigation that resulted in the C.I.A. Director's resignation. More serious and well-documented allegations of cybercrime and cyberstalking at these blogs continue to be ignored. ("How censorship works in America.")
Denial of what is now obvious cybercrime and censorship, also much worse, is not the answer for New Jersey. ("New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")
It is vitally important that New Jersey acknowledge responsibility for terrible crimes committed against innocent persons by overzealous enthusiasts, like John McGill, Esq. perhaps. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" then "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")
Privacy rights cannot continue to be violated with impunity: What did you know, Ms. Poritz, and when did you know it? ("Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" then "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest.")
Please direct all insults and threats to me, not my family members, New Jersey. Happy holidays.
"We'll leave Republicans to their discussions in quiet rooms in the hope that at least a few are suggesting throwing out their old and failing play book, seemingly written by and for a dwindling society of angry white men."
"Republicans, Unplugged: A Divided America Heard the Right-Wing Appeal to Fear and Resentment and Didn't Buy It," (Editorial) in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. A22 (emphasis added).
Have you no sense of shame, Mr. Rabner? ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!" then "Chief Justice Rabner and the Decline of the New Jersey Supreme Court.")
A list of sources will be attached to this essay in the days ahead if I am able to regain access to these blogs in order to continue writing.
Sources:
New York and the World:
Adam Liptak, "Question for Justices: When Does Evidence Require a New Trial?," in The New York Times, November 13, 2012, at p. A16. (Justice Scalia is quoted as saying: "Like other human institutions, courts and juries are not perfect. One cannot have a system of criminal punishment without accepting the possibility that someone will be punished mistakenly. That is a truism, not a revelation." Would Justice Scalia be equally sanguine about such a "mistake" if he or his family members were subjected to it? Does Mr. Scalia's analysis change if mistakes are made more often when defendants are African-Americans or Latinos as opposed to whites?)
Patrick Di Leo, "Caught Rigging the Game: Explains What's at the Heart of the Scandal at Barclay's Bank and Beyond," in Socialist Worker, August, 2012, at p. 7. (Barclay's Bank fined $455 MILLION for actions in connection with the "loss" or "disappearance" of several billion dollars. No one will go to prison: "So Black and So Blue in Prison" and "Foucault, Rose, Davis and the Meanings of Prison.")
Alan Moss, "Chief Injustice or Health Care Hero?," in Socialist Worker, August, 2012, at p. 10. http://www.socialistworker.org/node/19012. (Chief Justice Roberts experiences an epiphany. Did he vote for Obama/Biden?)
Roger Kimball, "A Vicious Narcissus: On the Career of Gore Vidal," in National Review, August 27, 2012, at p. 27. (A man criticized by Gore Vidal, who refused to debate Vidal at the time of the criticisms, now publishes an attack on the deceased novelist. See Vidal's essay "The Hacks of Academe" and my essay "Book Chats and 'Chits.'" Has Mr. Kimball visited my sites? James Wood? Jim Holt? Has Mr. Kimball used either of those names in writing articles for publication?)
Richard A. Posner, "The Spirit Killeth, But the Letter Giveth Life," in The New Republic, September 13, 2012, at p. 18. (Judge Posner offers an effective critique of Mr. Scalia's theory of interpretation.)
David Kaiser & Lovisa Stannow, "Obama Tries to Stop Prison Rape," in The New York Review of Books, October 11, 2012, at p. 49. (Is Mr. Romney "for" prison rape? 1 out of 3 U.S. women in prisons will be raped, many of them more than once.)
"Romney Versus the Automakers: He Can't Admit the Bailout Helped, So He Decided to Invent Problems With It," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A30. (Why Romney lost.)
"Report On Sexual Victimization in Prisons and Jails," Dept. of Justice, April, 2012, 88 pages.
http://www.ojp.usdojgove/reviewpanel/pdfs/prea_finalreport_2012.pdf
Kate Zernike, "One Result of Hurricane: Bipartisanship Flows," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A26. (Irony, Ms. Guardagno? No conflict of interest for a government lawyer writing, as a journalist, under the name "Kate Zernike"?)
Scott Shane, "Petraeus's Lover C.I.A. Profile Leaves Void in Benghazi Furor," in The New York Times, November 3, 2012, at p. A1. (Is there an Israeli/Miami connection in this matter? The New York Post is delighted to feature a classy headline that reads: "Cloak and Shag Her!")
Adam Nagovsky, "How a Race in the Balance Went to Obama," in The New York Times, November 8, 2012, at p. 1. ("Election, 2012" Analysis and breakdown. Not as close as we thought. The issue of continuing tax cuts for the rich was decided by the electorate. These tax cuts must be ended. Gridlock will not go away.)
New Jersey's Sad Decline:
"Failure at 4Cs: Former Director Gets a Huge Nest Egg," (Editorial) in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. A-12. (MARY ANN MIRKO, scooped $1.4 MILLION for her retirement benefits and other perks in addition to a hefty salary as a "non-profit" executive. These scams have to end in New Jersey. As a result of this greed, the 4Cs of Passaic County will lose $900,000 in funding: "Celeste Carpiano Likes Da Shore.")
Kibret Marcos, "Zisa Linked to Cops On Trial: Dispatcher Says Ex-Chief Seen On Night of Alleged Tampering," in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. L-1. (Despite being sentenced to years in prison, Mr. Zisa -- former Hackensack Chief of Police -- has yet to serve a minute behind bars.)
Justo Bautista, "Doctor Pleads Guilty to Kickback Charge," in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. L-3. (Dr. Bercik? LUCIO CARDOSO, 54, admits to "kickback scheme" with Orange, New Jersey diagnostic center. Lawyers may have been involved. Judges?)
Chris Harris, "Schroeder Hears Criminal Charges in Hillsdale: Accused of Writing Bad Checks," in The Record, October 11, 2012, at p. L-3. (New Jersey Assembly's "member" goes under.)
Lindy Washburn & Barbara Williams, "Car Insurer Files Suit Against Meadowlands Hospital Owner," in The Record, October 12, 2012, at p. A-4. (Alleged fraudulent claims by lawyers and doctors who are, so far, protected from professional ethics and legal claims.)
Abbott Koloff & Justo Bautista, "Cop Accused of Sex Assault: Essex Sheriff's Officer is Wayne Man," in The Record, October 12, 2012, at p. L-1. (THOMAS INGHAM, 48, charged with sexual assault of an 18 year-old young woman. Officer Ingham investigates sex offenses. Did Ms. Poritz enjoy the company of young women, Diana Lisa Riccioli?)
Colleen Disla & Mary Jo Layton, "N.J. Scout Leader in Sex Files: 'Perversion' Papers Tell of Secret Dismissals," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. A-1. (A number of prominent persons in New Jersey may be part of a child molestation network that is sheltered in the state. Multiple pending investigations are still "open." "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" and "Is Menendez For Sale?")
Denisa R. Superville, "Parents On Edge Over Luring: Officials Sound Call for Vigilance," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. L-1. (As long as New Jersey's many bribed politicians continue to provide protection for the child sex industry, these activities will flourish.)
Kibret Marcos, "Another Officer Denies Aiding a Cover-Up: Says Captain Chose Not to File Charges," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. L-1. (Filing false charges, altering reports, hiding evidence, covering-up atrocities to protect insiders is not limited to the Office of Attorney Ethics -- OAE -- but defines a number of police departments and agencies in New Jersey.)
Salvador Rizzo, "Resurgent Menendez in Line to Lead Panel," in The Star Ledger, November 13, 2012, at p. 1. (Favorable coverage in New Jersey media may be expensive for Bob. Senator Menendez wants to head the "Foreign Relations Committee" of the U.S. Senate: "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" then "Is Senator Bob 'For' Human Rights?" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" then "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.")
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Images and Death.
November 7, 2012 at 12:45 P.M. Congratulations to President Barack Obama on his reelection. America has chosen hope over despair. The Republicans have admitted to being "baffled" by the election results. Mr. Romney's declared policy yesterday to prepare "only a victory speech" did not serve him well.
Mr. O'Reilly's comments on Fox News were inappropriate and highly irresponsible: Mr. Obama was not elected (or reelected) because 50% of Americans want "stuff" for free from the government. Only 1% of the people demand stimulus funds and tax cuts after leading us into an economic crisis.
But enough about Bain Capital. It is time for bipartisanship in the national interest. Sadly, we will not see cooperation in Washington, D.C. We will see more gridlock, obstructionism, division -- and the American people as well as the global population will suffer. Americans cannot afford these continuing post-election ego contests. Let us deal with the reality that is facing us, N.J. and G.O.P. members. Our children will thank you for it.
Mr. Boehner's comments claiming an alleged "mandate," despite losing the presidential election -- suggesting an inflexible as well as non-cooperative approach on economic issues that must be intended to undermine President Obama's efforts -- is unfortunate for the American people. I have never heard of a Speaker of the House and Minority Whip refusing the reelected U.S. President's phone call on election night.
Perhaps Republicans on the Hill have not taken in the numbers. Far from being a "tie," like Bush v. Gore or Kerry v. Bush, this election was not as close as many expected: The president's popular vote lead was over 2 million, according to the latest accounts, and he will be credited with Florida's electoral votes when they get around to counting all votes, if they ever do. President Obama will have Florida's electors added to his 303. Jeff Zeleny & Jim Rutenberg, "Obama's Night: Tops Romney in Bruising Run & Democrats Turn Back G.O.P. Bid For Senate," in The New York Times, November 7, 2012, at p. A1.
November 2, 2012 at 3:55 P.M. I did not expect to reach this site after being unable to write at one library branch. Although I have completed a draft of this review by hand, on a legal pad, I cannot say when I will be able to transcribe the full text here in order to post the work on-line. I will try to write every day. ("What is it like to be censored in America?" and "How censorship works in America.")
Alan Hollinghurst, The Stranger's Child (New York: Vintage, 2011), 435 pages.
Alternative Review: James Wood, "Sons and Lovers," in The New Yorker, October 17, 2011, http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2011/011107/111017crbo_books_wood?
"I sometimes hold it half a sin."
I hope that many people will read The Stranger's Child. The novel is so sumptuously and elegantly written that the delights of the prose alone justifies the cost of the book.
Reviews of Mr. Hollinghurst's books in America, generally, have been favorable. Concerning The Stranger's Child, however, critics and reviewers -- including Mr. Wood, perhaps -- have been less sympathetic or understanding than one might have hoped: for example, few readers have paused to consider the author's dedication of the novel to "I.M." [In Memoriam] "Mick Imlah 1956-2009."
This terse dedication to a deceased friend clues us in to the haunting and powerful presence of death in the story and in all of our lives in the AIDS-era and after 9/11.
I write this essay as a storm devours the lives of about 80 persons from my city and neighboring areas, including killing persons whose precautions have been impeccable and whose lives have no doubt been utterly moral even as less worthy others are spared, seemingly, for no rational reason or purpose.
Much the same may be said of the bloody spectacle that was once called: "The Great War." Hundreds of thousands of the finest young men of a generation perished for no particular reason in a stagnant military struggle now known, more accurately, as only the first World War.
Mr. Hollinghurst's writing is tinged with melancholy and pain at loss -- loss of friends, possibly, and a sharp, middle-aged appreciation for the tragedy and transitory nature of all forms of beauty. I suspect that many personal losses have been transformed into art in this work. Beauty fades all-too quickly, vanishing before our eyes, leaving only a ghostly and sweetly-perfumed presence in the memory.
Mr. Hollinghurst's subjects in Stranger's Child are memory and time, love and loss, eros and thanatos.
Evelyn Waugh is one important influence on this author, not only Brideshead Revisited but even more Decline and Fall and Sword of Honor.
On one level The Stranger's Child is an elegy for a Rupert Brooke-like World War One poet who falls in battle.
On a deeper level, the novel is a personal exploration of Hamlet-like themes of lost affections and vanished youth.
On yet another level, the book raises profound questions concerning literature and life, history and imagination. ("Jacques Derrida's Philosophy as Jazz" and "Metaphor is Mystery.")
What is a poem about? To whom does a poet/poem "belong"? At what point does a poet become his or her poem? Is the truth found in a work of literature external or internal to the work?
An "elegy" is a "song of mourning or lamentation for the dead, with reflections on the departed life, often ending in a mood of calm and consolation."
Tom McArthur, ed., The Oxford Companion to the English Language (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992), p. 343.
The Stranger's Child is an elegy that focuses on a possibly gay central character -- "Cecil Valance" -- with several supporting players in the drama also being gay, so that this extraordinarily fine work is in danger of being ghettoized as a "gay novel" that is meant to be read only by gays and lesbians.
Nothing could be more wrong or absurd. If there is such a thing as "gay literature" then this is not it: Oscar Wilde's The Portrait of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest; Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time; Henry James' The Wings of the Dove; or, for that matter, Shakespeare's "Sonnets" and Thomas Mann's Death in Venice; also Gore Vidal's The City and the Pillar and A Search for the King -- transcend attempts to limit their importance to so-called "gay issues." These works and many others today become universal meditations on aspects of human nature and life.
An example of a kind of elegy for the first AIDS generation of gay men is Edmund White's haunting Farewell Symphony. Much the same may be said of E.M. Foster's Where Angel's Fear to Tread and Howard's End which touch on themes of loss and yearning for a vanished Edwardian age.
A.S. Byatt's Possession examines parallel themes of scholarly greed for "possession" of genius in literature; and Sarah Waters' gorgeous neo-Gothic Affinity, a novel I am currently reading, should be mentioned as well since in that novel death is analogized to "imprisonment" of various kinds in terms of the situation of women in sexist Victorian society and of many lesbians today. ("Judith Butler and Gender Theory" then "Master and Commander.")
These books provide true touchstones for Mr. Hollinghurst's meta-literary preoccupations that complement his romantic story. There is so much added pleasure in this novel when one is reminded of Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure and of Derrida's riddles about textuality as one delights in Mr. Hollinghurts's luxurious prose.
Mr. Hollinghurst's lush style is not "antiquarianism," Mr. Wood, it is simply fine writing. It only appears "antique" to us because we have become accustomed to bad writing in our print media and novels. "LOL! Whatever." ("God is Texting Me!")
" ... 'In Memory of Major Robert Gregory' is Yeats's first full statement of what he took to be a complex and tragic situation: the position of artists and contemplatives in a world built for action, and their chances of escape, which are in effect two: the making of images, and death."
Frank Kermode, "In Memory of Major Robert Gregory," in Romantic Image (New York & London: Routledge, 1957, 2002), p. 37.
Mr. Hollinghurst -- like "Cecil Valance" -- is concerned with "the making of images and death" in this novel. The name "Valance" suggests duality: "valance" refers to a veil or curtain placed before something private and also to dual aspects or bivalent levels of reality. ("Magician's Choice" then "The Soldier and the Ballerina.")
Literature, like Mr. Hollinghurst's protagonist, possesses this "yes-and-no" quality by describing the internal and external "world" of its makers. ("Metaphor is Mystery.")
Was Cecil Valance "gay"? The question misses the point that the major concern of this text is a poem, "Two Acres." The title to the novel, for example, and the opening pages of the work establish a relationship with Alfred Lord Tennyson's "In Memoriam." This masterpiece of English literature written "for" Arthur Hallam who died suddenly in 1833 at the age of 22 is among the most gloriously ambiguous of texts:
I sometimes hold it half a sin
To put in words the grief I feel;
For words, like nature, half reveal
And half conceal the soul within.
But, for the unquiet heart and brain,
A use in measured language lies,
The sad melancholic exercise,
Like dull narcotics numbing pain.
Alfred Lord Tennyson, "In Memoriam," in Paul Negri, ed., English Victorian Poetry: An Anthology (New York: Dover, 1999), p. 30.
Equally significant is Rubert Brooke's (1887-1915) most famous sonnet:
If I should die, think only this of me;
That there is some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blessed by suns of home.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learned of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
Rupert Brooke, "The Soldier," in Robert M. Bender, & C.L. Squier, eds., The Sonnet: An Anthology (New York: Washington Square Press, 1965, 1987), p. 290.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori."
Shortly before the First World War Cecil Valance is invited to spend a weekend at the family home of Cambridge University classmate and lover, George Sawle.
George's sixteen year-old sister, Daphne -- like England -- is in the midst of a transition from innocence in adolescence, amidst Edwardian splendor or comfort, to experience in the aftermath of ghastly wars and resulting deprivations.
Significantly, allusions are offered to Tennyson -- a friend of the Sawle family -- whose poems are read aloud in the suburban house called, "Two Acres." This unusual name will also serve as the title to Cecil Valance's poem written in Daphne's journal in gratitude and commemoration for the stay.
England's decline in the twentieth century and the "shabbiness" of the once lovely Daphne will be analogized in a subtle comment on the effects of a terrible century upon the English language and civilization.
A reference to Wagner's "Flying Dutchman" (p. 27.) whose haunting themes of timeless searching for an evanescent beauty and agonizing sense of loss will mirror the quest of several characters for a return to an instant of perfect bliss in the June of life -- individual lives, certainly, but also in the life of a great nation -- will be captured forever in verse in the form of Valance's poem "Two Acres."
"Two Acres," two siblings -- Daphne and George -- each is romantically involved with the poet who is the symbol of English beauty and literary genius represented in the form of a single image at the center of the novel: a marble tomb for Cecil Valance that is to "stand for all time."
A poet/poem becomes a "monument" to the English language and people: Is literature something "living" and vital that is about "eternal" aspects of human nature? Or is literature merely a fleeting confession of sexual "sins" or other autobiographical fodder for People magazine? Is what matters in the long scope of history the meanings of great works that are universal? Or personal confessions? Is there a difference between two kinds of "communication" personal and philosophical?
You, the reader, are invited to answer these questions by Mr. Hollinghurst.
"Now the lovely tune," the introductory theme of Dutchman, "was pulsing through the garden, full of yearning and defiance and the heightened effect of beauty encapsulated in an unexpected setting." (p. 28.)
As in Alice in Wonderland the English garden is an idyllic setting for symbolizing innocence and youth, also romanticism about landscape and people. ("A Review of the T.V. Show, 'Alice.'")
The title to the novel hints not only of Cecil's possible fathering of a child while on leave during the war, as part of a brief encounter with Daphne, but also points to some famous lines from Tennyson's "In Memoriam":
And year by year the landscape grow
Familiar to "The Stranger's Child." (p. 52.)
The novel's reader is the true "Stranger's Child" wandering into this text.
This blessed "plot" of English soil will be hideously altered by time. English poetry and civilization are depicted as crumbling, falling from a state of glory, as we all must, into decrepitude and death (?), even as Cecil's poem and life are transformed into rich matter for small-minded literary scholar-squirrels digging for the hard nut of "truth" as opposed to Truth.
The sharpest disapproval in the novel is reserved for literary journalists and devoted readers -- like Alan Hollinghurst as "Paul Bryant"? -- digging into the personal lives of their favorite authors.
Is James Wood also another "Paul Bryant"? Aren't all of us, as readers, a bit like Mr. Bryant? I suspect so. ("Shakespeare's Black Prince" and "An Evening With Gore Vidal.")
Mr. Bryant's focus misses the point to the poem and, indeed, to the life of Cecil Valance because of an inability to appreciate the "seven types of ambiguity" and complexity of this genius for an earlier generation of English persons. That generation has now been taken from us by time and war, placed forever on the far side of a divide between the living and dead, a "valance" between living readers and dead poets, including (someday) the readers of this very novel and the novelist, Mr. Hollinghurst, who must depart the scene in the fullness of time.
Time's passage and the acid-like effects of history upon even marble monuments -- or black ink -- is underlined for readers for whom "Time's Winged Chariot" must draw near:
" ... The bracket clock whirred and then struck eleven, its weights spooling downwards at the sudden expense of energy. She had to sit for a moment, when the echo had vanished, to repossess her thoughts. Other clocks (and now she could hear the grandfather in the hall chime in belatedly) showed a more respectful attitude to telling the hours. They struck, all through the house, like alternative servants. Not so that brass bully, the morning room clock, which banged it out as fast as it could, 'Life is short!' it shouted. 'Get on with it, before I strike again!' Well, it was their matter, wasn't it: Carpe diem. ..." (p. 88.)
And the point is emphasized, again, as George Sawle visits Cecil's tomb when the question arises whether the likeness of the carved figure is accurate to the poet's appearance in life.
How do we understand the poetry and lives of our greatest literary figures? Do our monuments in the world of letters reflect "reality"? Are our "heros of the pen" flesh-and-blood men and women, or do they become myths?
" ... 'Hello, Cecil, old boy,' he said pleasantly and not very loudly, with a dim echo, and then he laughed to himself in the silence that followed. They wouldn't have to have an awkward conversation. He listened to the silence, with its faint penumbra of excluded sounds -- birdsong, periodic rattle of the distant mower, soft thumps that were less the wind on the roof than the pulse in his ear." (p. 119.)
Daphne marries the Evelyn Waugh-like Dudley, divorces him, then marries Revel Martin, an important painter, in search of the fleeting magic offered by Cecil in an English garden.
Is Daphne the "Flying Dutchman" in this myth? Daphne's memoirs are at least as true as the mythical "objective" history reconstructed by Paul Bryant. The "reality" of these lives is beyond all individual accounts; finally, it can only be confined to Cecil's marble tomb. ("Michel Foucault and the Authorship Question" then, again, "Master and Commander.")
Paul Bryant (James Wood? Alan Hollinghurst?) is the inheritor of English civilization -- heaven help us! -- who does very nicely by exploiting the lives of persons he is incapable of understanding. "Hooper" in Brideshead Revisited has inherited the estate.
Britain has entered a new Dark Ages, we feel, where "Sonnets" have been replaced by "texting" and Wagner by "The Spice Girls." Like Oliver Cromwell, David Cameron has come to rule over lord and vassal alike. Actually, the age of Mr. Cameron sounds pretty good. Boris Johnson is next. ("There will always be an England.")
To focus on the possible gay identity of the poet to the exclusion of other themes in this ambitious novel may confirm many of Mr. Hollinghurst's worst fears concerning the decline in reading skills among us peasants.
Perhaps the most tragic and important character in this story is Daphne, not Cecil. After all, to have lived, genuinely and eternally, only for a few moments early in a long life may be agony worthy of Wagner's music.
Setting down this novel one is struck by the realization, once again, that any human life is as variable and complex as the greatest works of the finest writers:
"'As it happens,' said Stokes, 'we weren't quite able to decide, were we, George? Is it Cecil, or is it, as it were, someone else?' He had a slight air of taking sides and teasing" -- as does Mr. Hollinghurst -- "Madeleine, [Proust?] while George entirely understood and bitterly resented? ..."
Then,
" ... 'I'm afraid I don't think it's him!' ..." (p. 129.)
Is Cecil the great poet everyone thinks he is? Cecil is indeed a great poet because his words mattered, if only for a little while, at a moment of crisis for a great nation.
George Sawle's yellowing photographs and the almost comical destruction of Cecil's revealing letters at the conclusion of the narrative hint at the insignificance of biographical detail to the importance and meaning of literature to say nothing of the accidental nature of the Canon of Great Books.
If in some smothering dreams, you too could face
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His longing face, like a child's sick of sin,
If you could bear, at every joint, the blood
Come gurgling from the froth corrupted lungs,
Bitter as the cud
Of vile incurable sores on imminent tongues, --
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest, --
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
Wilfrid Owen, "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," in Oscar Williams, ed., The Mentor Book of Major British Poets (New York: Signet, 1963), pp. 477-478.
Wilfrid Owen, Sigfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and other poets are echoed in Mr. Hollinghurst's text.
"Anthem for Doomed Youth."
Cecil Valance in Stranger's Child creates a poem that reflects the happiness of a perfect weekend. Fortune and the day come together to make the poem a masterpiece that is reflective of personal and public concerns, a significant moment in history and individual lives is captured in verse -- however fleetingly -- with Churchill's quoting of the lines on the radio during the worst moments of the Battle of Britain.
The Valance poem's meaning seems, simultaneously, external and internal to the text. The words point to emotions of the artist as well as to horrible events in the world. This will be the judgment of posterity at a moment of literary-mythical need.
Recognition of the importance of such needs for myth is one aim of Stranger's Child.
Predicting what literary works will survive the ravages of time is a fool's game. One writes out of a need to establish a larger communication with the world knowing that Paul Bryant-types will never understand literature as anything but veiled autobiography. Astonishingly, these days, the most complex short stories and novels are routinely reduced to stereotypes meeting P.C. expectations.
The true subject of a poem, this novel suggests, is the poem itself. The poem's multiplicity mirrors the subjectivity of the author/poet (all that personal stuff), but also must reflect the felt needs of intelligent future readers and recipients of a work's coded personal revelations. ("What you will ..." and "Conversation On a Train.")
Tensions are explored by Mr. Hollinghurst between literature and life: Dudley's indifference to "Wilfrid" (his son or perhaps his brother's son) -- the name offers an allusion to Wilfrid Owen -- and Dudley's equal indifference to the body of a woman who has died as a guest in his home is contrasted with his literary concerns as a society novelist. (p. 186.)
Absence of genuine feeling is then contrasted with the affectation of "literary sensibility" at several points in the text, notably during Paul Bryant's interview of the aged Daphne.
"It was one of those disorienting moments, all too common in Paul's life, when he saw he'd missed something, and thinking back he couldn't see what had triggered the change in emotion in the other person. He wondered if she was about to cry. Socially awkward, but wonderful for the book if the trick had worked and he'd stilled some brand new memory; he glanced at the patient revolution of the tape." (p. 371, emphasis added.)
Memories captured in words or images cannot be tested against an objective external world. They may be self-sufficient and reflective of that objectivity ("truth" if you like) that is independent of the individual keeper of memory, but memories must be embodied in some enduring form that matters to the person recollecting in tranquility. ("What is Memory?")
"Two Acres" is that enduring form in this novel -- a novel that is also "enduring form" for the affection and sense of loss of the novelist that is felt and expressed for a departed friend -- and, like a marble monument, the text is transformed into a "likeness" of its reader/subject/maker.
This is one of Shakespeare's greatest lessons and themes that "in black ink my love may still shine bright."
Every work of literature, as a great writer once explained, is "for you." You the reader of the work. This is because to "live" the work must resonate for readers with powerful meanings.
A work of literature must live in and "for" you, as a reader, if it is to survive.
The poem, "Two Acres," in the story we are told met the needs of an embattled generation of British persons for expressions of patriotism. Patriotism, of the ethical variety, is desperately needed today in America and Britain. The cathartic function of art allowed British people to endure the horrors of that great conflagration that would be followed by an even more dreadful war. What would allow Americans to survive a life-threatening struggle today? "The Simpsons"? ("Who killed the liberal arts?" and "Nihilists in Disneyworld.")
The future importance of Cecil's poem in Stranger's Child is an open question. With most literary works "survival" is always in doubt. Survival will always depend on their merits, to be sure, but equally on the needs of posterity. You are invited to decide this issue with regard to "Two Acres," as a poem, and to the fine novel in which it is placed.
Mr. Hollinghurst's achievement, as a faux World War One poet, matches the achievement of Siegfried Sassoon, but falls short of the standard of Wilfrid Owen and Rupert Brooke.
The most profound observations in the novel have to do with the "ephemera" that fills the lives even of scholars in the humanities: egotism, gossip, jealousy that prevents men and women from achieving an adequate understanding of a poem or poet -- even of themselves.
Busy scholar-squirrels and seekers of power fill their days with distractions from the reality of death and of our need for love and beauty not as some terrible weakness; rather, as a matter of being fully human we NEED these things. We must, as W.H. Auden says "love one another or we shall die." (Pages 411-412.)
As for wars, military and otherwise, George Santayana -- who knew many of the World War One poets, as his students, and who may be a better poet than Mr. Hollinghurst! -- reminds us of the illusory nature of so much human pride, arrogance, and conceit as well as of our easily dashed hopes for peace and love:
"Only the dead are safe; only the dead have seen the end of war. ... This war has given you your first glimpse of the ancient, fundamental, normal state of the world, your first taste of reality. It should teach you to dismiss all your philosophies of progress or of governing reason as the babble of dreamers who walk through one world mentally beholding another."
Soliloquies in England (Ann Arbor: U. Mich. Press, 1967), pp. 102-104.
This is the lesson that a great generation of poets sought to impart to us and that we have yet to absorb:
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of good byes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing down of blinds.
Wilfrid Owen, "Anthem for Doomed Youth," in Major British Poets, p. 479.
Mr. O'Reilly's comments on Fox News were inappropriate and highly irresponsible: Mr. Obama was not elected (or reelected) because 50% of Americans want "stuff" for free from the government. Only 1% of the people demand stimulus funds and tax cuts after leading us into an economic crisis.
But enough about Bain Capital. It is time for bipartisanship in the national interest. Sadly, we will not see cooperation in Washington, D.C. We will see more gridlock, obstructionism, division -- and the American people as well as the global population will suffer. Americans cannot afford these continuing post-election ego contests. Let us deal with the reality that is facing us, N.J. and G.O.P. members. Our children will thank you for it.
Mr. Boehner's comments claiming an alleged "mandate," despite losing the presidential election -- suggesting an inflexible as well as non-cooperative approach on economic issues that must be intended to undermine President Obama's efforts -- is unfortunate for the American people. I have never heard of a Speaker of the House and Minority Whip refusing the reelected U.S. President's phone call on election night.
Perhaps Republicans on the Hill have not taken in the numbers. Far from being a "tie," like Bush v. Gore or Kerry v. Bush, this election was not as close as many expected: The president's popular vote lead was over 2 million, according to the latest accounts, and he will be credited with Florida's electoral votes when they get around to counting all votes, if they ever do. President Obama will have Florida's electors added to his 303. Jeff Zeleny & Jim Rutenberg, "Obama's Night: Tops Romney in Bruising Run & Democrats Turn Back G.O.P. Bid For Senate," in The New York Times, November 7, 2012, at p. A1.
November 2, 2012 at 3:55 P.M. I did not expect to reach this site after being unable to write at one library branch. Although I have completed a draft of this review by hand, on a legal pad, I cannot say when I will be able to transcribe the full text here in order to post the work on-line. I will try to write every day. ("What is it like to be censored in America?" and "How censorship works in America.")
Alan Hollinghurst, The Stranger's Child (New York: Vintage, 2011), 435 pages.
Alternative Review: James Wood, "Sons and Lovers," in The New Yorker, October 17, 2011, http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/books/2011/011107/111017crbo_books_wood?
"I sometimes hold it half a sin."
I hope that many people will read The Stranger's Child. The novel is so sumptuously and elegantly written that the delights of the prose alone justifies the cost of the book.
Reviews of Mr. Hollinghurst's books in America, generally, have been favorable. Concerning The Stranger's Child, however, critics and reviewers -- including Mr. Wood, perhaps -- have been less sympathetic or understanding than one might have hoped: for example, few readers have paused to consider the author's dedication of the novel to "I.M." [In Memoriam] "Mick Imlah 1956-2009."
This terse dedication to a deceased friend clues us in to the haunting and powerful presence of death in the story and in all of our lives in the AIDS-era and after 9/11.
I write this essay as a storm devours the lives of about 80 persons from my city and neighboring areas, including killing persons whose precautions have been impeccable and whose lives have no doubt been utterly moral even as less worthy others are spared, seemingly, for no rational reason or purpose.
Much the same may be said of the bloody spectacle that was once called: "The Great War." Hundreds of thousands of the finest young men of a generation perished for no particular reason in a stagnant military struggle now known, more accurately, as only the first World War.
Mr. Hollinghurst's writing is tinged with melancholy and pain at loss -- loss of friends, possibly, and a sharp, middle-aged appreciation for the tragedy and transitory nature of all forms of beauty. I suspect that many personal losses have been transformed into art in this work. Beauty fades all-too quickly, vanishing before our eyes, leaving only a ghostly and sweetly-perfumed presence in the memory.
Mr. Hollinghurst's subjects in Stranger's Child are memory and time, love and loss, eros and thanatos.
Evelyn Waugh is one important influence on this author, not only Brideshead Revisited but even more Decline and Fall and Sword of Honor.
On one level The Stranger's Child is an elegy for a Rupert Brooke-like World War One poet who falls in battle.
On a deeper level, the novel is a personal exploration of Hamlet-like themes of lost affections and vanished youth.
On yet another level, the book raises profound questions concerning literature and life, history and imagination. ("Jacques Derrida's Philosophy as Jazz" and "Metaphor is Mystery.")
What is a poem about? To whom does a poet/poem "belong"? At what point does a poet become his or her poem? Is the truth found in a work of literature external or internal to the work?
An "elegy" is a "song of mourning or lamentation for the dead, with reflections on the departed life, often ending in a mood of calm and consolation."
Tom McArthur, ed., The Oxford Companion to the English Language (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1992), p. 343.
The Stranger's Child is an elegy that focuses on a possibly gay central character -- "Cecil Valance" -- with several supporting players in the drama also being gay, so that this extraordinarily fine work is in danger of being ghettoized as a "gay novel" that is meant to be read only by gays and lesbians.
Nothing could be more wrong or absurd. If there is such a thing as "gay literature" then this is not it: Oscar Wilde's The Portrait of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest; Marcel Proust's In Search of Lost Time; Henry James' The Wings of the Dove; or, for that matter, Shakespeare's "Sonnets" and Thomas Mann's Death in Venice; also Gore Vidal's The City and the Pillar and A Search for the King -- transcend attempts to limit their importance to so-called "gay issues." These works and many others today become universal meditations on aspects of human nature and life.
An example of a kind of elegy for the first AIDS generation of gay men is Edmund White's haunting Farewell Symphony. Much the same may be said of E.M. Foster's Where Angel's Fear to Tread and Howard's End which touch on themes of loss and yearning for a vanished Edwardian age.
A.S. Byatt's Possession examines parallel themes of scholarly greed for "possession" of genius in literature; and Sarah Waters' gorgeous neo-Gothic Affinity, a novel I am currently reading, should be mentioned as well since in that novel death is analogized to "imprisonment" of various kinds in terms of the situation of women in sexist Victorian society and of many lesbians today. ("Judith Butler and Gender Theory" then "Master and Commander.")
These books provide true touchstones for Mr. Hollinghurst's meta-literary preoccupations that complement his romantic story. There is so much added pleasure in this novel when one is reminded of Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure and of Derrida's riddles about textuality as one delights in Mr. Hollinghurts's luxurious prose.
Mr. Hollinghurst's lush style is not "antiquarianism," Mr. Wood, it is simply fine writing. It only appears "antique" to us because we have become accustomed to bad writing in our print media and novels. "LOL! Whatever." ("God is Texting Me!")
" ... 'In Memory of Major Robert Gregory' is Yeats's first full statement of what he took to be a complex and tragic situation: the position of artists and contemplatives in a world built for action, and their chances of escape, which are in effect two: the making of images, and death."
Frank Kermode, "In Memory of Major Robert Gregory," in Romantic Image (New York & London: Routledge, 1957, 2002), p. 37.
Mr. Hollinghurst -- like "Cecil Valance" -- is concerned with "the making of images and death" in this novel. The name "Valance" suggests duality: "valance" refers to a veil or curtain placed before something private and also to dual aspects or bivalent levels of reality. ("Magician's Choice" then "The Soldier and the Ballerina.")
Literature, like Mr. Hollinghurst's protagonist, possesses this "yes-and-no" quality by describing the internal and external "world" of its makers. ("Metaphor is Mystery.")
Was Cecil Valance "gay"? The question misses the point that the major concern of this text is a poem, "Two Acres." The title to the novel, for example, and the opening pages of the work establish a relationship with Alfred Lord Tennyson's "In Memoriam." This masterpiece of English literature written "for" Arthur Hallam who died suddenly in 1833 at the age of 22 is among the most gloriously ambiguous of texts:
I sometimes hold it half a sin
To put in words the grief I feel;
For words, like nature, half reveal
And half conceal the soul within.
But, for the unquiet heart and brain,
A use in measured language lies,
The sad melancholic exercise,
Like dull narcotics numbing pain.
Alfred Lord Tennyson, "In Memoriam," in Paul Negri, ed., English Victorian Poetry: An Anthology (New York: Dover, 1999), p. 30.
Equally significant is Rubert Brooke's (1887-1915) most famous sonnet:
If I should die, think only this of me;
That there is some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blessed by suns of home.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learned of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
Rupert Brooke, "The Soldier," in Robert M. Bender, & C.L. Squier, eds., The Sonnet: An Anthology (New York: Washington Square Press, 1965, 1987), p. 290.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori."
Shortly before the First World War Cecil Valance is invited to spend a weekend at the family home of Cambridge University classmate and lover, George Sawle.
George's sixteen year-old sister, Daphne -- like England -- is in the midst of a transition from innocence in adolescence, amidst Edwardian splendor or comfort, to experience in the aftermath of ghastly wars and resulting deprivations.
Significantly, allusions are offered to Tennyson -- a friend of the Sawle family -- whose poems are read aloud in the suburban house called, "Two Acres." This unusual name will also serve as the title to Cecil Valance's poem written in Daphne's journal in gratitude and commemoration for the stay.
England's decline in the twentieth century and the "shabbiness" of the once lovely Daphne will be analogized in a subtle comment on the effects of a terrible century upon the English language and civilization.
A reference to Wagner's "Flying Dutchman" (p. 27.) whose haunting themes of timeless searching for an evanescent beauty and agonizing sense of loss will mirror the quest of several characters for a return to an instant of perfect bliss in the June of life -- individual lives, certainly, but also in the life of a great nation -- will be captured forever in verse in the form of Valance's poem "Two Acres."
"Two Acres," two siblings -- Daphne and George -- each is romantically involved with the poet who is the symbol of English beauty and literary genius represented in the form of a single image at the center of the novel: a marble tomb for Cecil Valance that is to "stand for all time."
A poet/poem becomes a "monument" to the English language and people: Is literature something "living" and vital that is about "eternal" aspects of human nature? Or is literature merely a fleeting confession of sexual "sins" or other autobiographical fodder for People magazine? Is what matters in the long scope of history the meanings of great works that are universal? Or personal confessions? Is there a difference between two kinds of "communication" personal and philosophical?
You, the reader, are invited to answer these questions by Mr. Hollinghurst.
"Now the lovely tune," the introductory theme of Dutchman, "was pulsing through the garden, full of yearning and defiance and the heightened effect of beauty encapsulated in an unexpected setting." (p. 28.)
As in Alice in Wonderland the English garden is an idyllic setting for symbolizing innocence and youth, also romanticism about landscape and people. ("A Review of the T.V. Show, 'Alice.'")
The title to the novel hints not only of Cecil's possible fathering of a child while on leave during the war, as part of a brief encounter with Daphne, but also points to some famous lines from Tennyson's "In Memoriam":
And year by year the landscape grow
Familiar to "The Stranger's Child." (p. 52.)
The novel's reader is the true "Stranger's Child" wandering into this text.
This blessed "plot" of English soil will be hideously altered by time. English poetry and civilization are depicted as crumbling, falling from a state of glory, as we all must, into decrepitude and death (?), even as Cecil's poem and life are transformed into rich matter for small-minded literary scholar-squirrels digging for the hard nut of "truth" as opposed to Truth.
The sharpest disapproval in the novel is reserved for literary journalists and devoted readers -- like Alan Hollinghurst as "Paul Bryant"? -- digging into the personal lives of their favorite authors.
Is James Wood also another "Paul Bryant"? Aren't all of us, as readers, a bit like Mr. Bryant? I suspect so. ("Shakespeare's Black Prince" and "An Evening With Gore Vidal.")
Mr. Bryant's focus misses the point to the poem and, indeed, to the life of Cecil Valance because of an inability to appreciate the "seven types of ambiguity" and complexity of this genius for an earlier generation of English persons. That generation has now been taken from us by time and war, placed forever on the far side of a divide between the living and dead, a "valance" between living readers and dead poets, including (someday) the readers of this very novel and the novelist, Mr. Hollinghurst, who must depart the scene in the fullness of time.
Time's passage and the acid-like effects of history upon even marble monuments -- or black ink -- is underlined for readers for whom "Time's Winged Chariot" must draw near:
" ... The bracket clock whirred and then struck eleven, its weights spooling downwards at the sudden expense of energy. She had to sit for a moment, when the echo had vanished, to repossess her thoughts. Other clocks (and now she could hear the grandfather in the hall chime in belatedly) showed a more respectful attitude to telling the hours. They struck, all through the house, like alternative servants. Not so that brass bully, the morning room clock, which banged it out as fast as it could, 'Life is short!' it shouted. 'Get on with it, before I strike again!' Well, it was their matter, wasn't it: Carpe diem. ..." (p. 88.)
And the point is emphasized, again, as George Sawle visits Cecil's tomb when the question arises whether the likeness of the carved figure is accurate to the poet's appearance in life.
How do we understand the poetry and lives of our greatest literary figures? Do our monuments in the world of letters reflect "reality"? Are our "heros of the pen" flesh-and-blood men and women, or do they become myths?
" ... 'Hello, Cecil, old boy,' he said pleasantly and not very loudly, with a dim echo, and then he laughed to himself in the silence that followed. They wouldn't have to have an awkward conversation. He listened to the silence, with its faint penumbra of excluded sounds -- birdsong, periodic rattle of the distant mower, soft thumps that were less the wind on the roof than the pulse in his ear." (p. 119.)
Daphne marries the Evelyn Waugh-like Dudley, divorces him, then marries Revel Martin, an important painter, in search of the fleeting magic offered by Cecil in an English garden.
Is Daphne the "Flying Dutchman" in this myth? Daphne's memoirs are at least as true as the mythical "objective" history reconstructed by Paul Bryant. The "reality" of these lives is beyond all individual accounts; finally, it can only be confined to Cecil's marble tomb. ("Michel Foucault and the Authorship Question" then, again, "Master and Commander.")
Paul Bryant (James Wood? Alan Hollinghurst?) is the inheritor of English civilization -- heaven help us! -- who does very nicely by exploiting the lives of persons he is incapable of understanding. "Hooper" in Brideshead Revisited has inherited the estate.
Britain has entered a new Dark Ages, we feel, where "Sonnets" have been replaced by "texting" and Wagner by "The Spice Girls." Like Oliver Cromwell, David Cameron has come to rule over lord and vassal alike. Actually, the age of Mr. Cameron sounds pretty good. Boris Johnson is next. ("There will always be an England.")
To focus on the possible gay identity of the poet to the exclusion of other themes in this ambitious novel may confirm many of Mr. Hollinghurst's worst fears concerning the decline in reading skills among us peasants.
Perhaps the most tragic and important character in this story is Daphne, not Cecil. After all, to have lived, genuinely and eternally, only for a few moments early in a long life may be agony worthy of Wagner's music.
Setting down this novel one is struck by the realization, once again, that any human life is as variable and complex as the greatest works of the finest writers:
"'As it happens,' said Stokes, 'we weren't quite able to decide, were we, George? Is it Cecil, or is it, as it were, someone else?' He had a slight air of taking sides and teasing" -- as does Mr. Hollinghurst -- "Madeleine, [Proust?] while George entirely understood and bitterly resented? ..."
Then,
" ... 'I'm afraid I don't think it's him!' ..." (p. 129.)
Is Cecil the great poet everyone thinks he is? Cecil is indeed a great poet because his words mattered, if only for a little while, at a moment of crisis for a great nation.
George Sawle's yellowing photographs and the almost comical destruction of Cecil's revealing letters at the conclusion of the narrative hint at the insignificance of biographical detail to the importance and meaning of literature to say nothing of the accidental nature of the Canon of Great Books.
If in some smothering dreams, you too could face
Behind the wagon that we flung him in,
And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,
His longing face, like a child's sick of sin,
If you could bear, at every joint, the blood
Come gurgling from the froth corrupted lungs,
Bitter as the cud
Of vile incurable sores on imminent tongues, --
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest, --
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
Wilfrid Owen, "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori," in Oscar Williams, ed., The Mentor Book of Major British Poets (New York: Signet, 1963), pp. 477-478.
Wilfrid Owen, Sigfried Sassoon, Rupert Brooke and other poets are echoed in Mr. Hollinghurst's text.
"Anthem for Doomed Youth."
Cecil Valance in Stranger's Child creates a poem that reflects the happiness of a perfect weekend. Fortune and the day come together to make the poem a masterpiece that is reflective of personal and public concerns, a significant moment in history and individual lives is captured in verse -- however fleetingly -- with Churchill's quoting of the lines on the radio during the worst moments of the Battle of Britain.
The Valance poem's meaning seems, simultaneously, external and internal to the text. The words point to emotions of the artist as well as to horrible events in the world. This will be the judgment of posterity at a moment of literary-mythical need.
Recognition of the importance of such needs for myth is one aim of Stranger's Child.
Predicting what literary works will survive the ravages of time is a fool's game. One writes out of a need to establish a larger communication with the world knowing that Paul Bryant-types will never understand literature as anything but veiled autobiography. Astonishingly, these days, the most complex short stories and novels are routinely reduced to stereotypes meeting P.C. expectations.
The true subject of a poem, this novel suggests, is the poem itself. The poem's multiplicity mirrors the subjectivity of the author/poet (all that personal stuff), but also must reflect the felt needs of intelligent future readers and recipients of a work's coded personal revelations. ("What you will ..." and "Conversation On a Train.")
Tensions are explored by Mr. Hollinghurst between literature and life: Dudley's indifference to "Wilfrid" (his son or perhaps his brother's son) -- the name offers an allusion to Wilfrid Owen -- and Dudley's equal indifference to the body of a woman who has died as a guest in his home is contrasted with his literary concerns as a society novelist. (p. 186.)
Absence of genuine feeling is then contrasted with the affectation of "literary sensibility" at several points in the text, notably during Paul Bryant's interview of the aged Daphne.
"It was one of those disorienting moments, all too common in Paul's life, when he saw he'd missed something, and thinking back he couldn't see what had triggered the change in emotion in the other person. He wondered if she was about to cry. Socially awkward, but wonderful for the book if the trick had worked and he'd stilled some brand new memory; he glanced at the patient revolution of the tape." (p. 371, emphasis added.)
Memories captured in words or images cannot be tested against an objective external world. They may be self-sufficient and reflective of that objectivity ("truth" if you like) that is independent of the individual keeper of memory, but memories must be embodied in some enduring form that matters to the person recollecting in tranquility. ("What is Memory?")
"Two Acres" is that enduring form in this novel -- a novel that is also "enduring form" for the affection and sense of loss of the novelist that is felt and expressed for a departed friend -- and, like a marble monument, the text is transformed into a "likeness" of its reader/subject/maker.
This is one of Shakespeare's greatest lessons and themes that "in black ink my love may still shine bright."
Every work of literature, as a great writer once explained, is "for you." You the reader of the work. This is because to "live" the work must resonate for readers with powerful meanings.
A work of literature must live in and "for" you, as a reader, if it is to survive.
The poem, "Two Acres," in the story we are told met the needs of an embattled generation of British persons for expressions of patriotism. Patriotism, of the ethical variety, is desperately needed today in America and Britain. The cathartic function of art allowed British people to endure the horrors of that great conflagration that would be followed by an even more dreadful war. What would allow Americans to survive a life-threatening struggle today? "The Simpsons"? ("Who killed the liberal arts?" and "Nihilists in Disneyworld.")
The future importance of Cecil's poem in Stranger's Child is an open question. With most literary works "survival" is always in doubt. Survival will always depend on their merits, to be sure, but equally on the needs of posterity. You are invited to decide this issue with regard to "Two Acres," as a poem, and to the fine novel in which it is placed.
Mr. Hollinghurst's achievement, as a faux World War One poet, matches the achievement of Siegfried Sassoon, but falls short of the standard of Wilfrid Owen and Rupert Brooke.
The most profound observations in the novel have to do with the "ephemera" that fills the lives even of scholars in the humanities: egotism, gossip, jealousy that prevents men and women from achieving an adequate understanding of a poem or poet -- even of themselves.
Busy scholar-squirrels and seekers of power fill their days with distractions from the reality of death and of our need for love and beauty not as some terrible weakness; rather, as a matter of being fully human we NEED these things. We must, as W.H. Auden says "love one another or we shall die." (Pages 411-412.)
As for wars, military and otherwise, George Santayana -- who knew many of the World War One poets, as his students, and who may be a better poet than Mr. Hollinghurst! -- reminds us of the illusory nature of so much human pride, arrogance, and conceit as well as of our easily dashed hopes for peace and love:
"Only the dead are safe; only the dead have seen the end of war. ... This war has given you your first glimpse of the ancient, fundamental, normal state of the world, your first taste of reality. It should teach you to dismiss all your philosophies of progress or of governing reason as the babble of dreamers who walk through one world mentally beholding another."
Soliloquies in England (Ann Arbor: U. Mich. Press, 1967), pp. 102-104.
This is the lesson that a great generation of poets sought to impart to us and that we have yet to absorb:
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of good byes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing down of blinds.
Wilfrid Owen, "Anthem for Doomed Youth," in Major British Poets, p. 479.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Hope or Despair?
November 13, 2012 at 1:40 P.M. Mr. Christie, please direct your energies to dealing with the issues raised in this blog. New Jersey's Supreme Court displays a Vatican-like tendency to ignore obvious disgraceful corruption and dishonesty together with cover-ups in an institution that should be beyond reproach. Sadly, this crisis simply will not go away because the stench of corruption has inflitrated every courtroom in the state.
November 5, 2012 at 1:05 P.M. As I was proof-reading my post on November 3, 2012, the computer I was working on at the Inwood branch was shut down, despite the excess time I had left. Apparently, this was the work of a hacker or bribed NYPL personnel.
I was forced just this moment to sign-in twice because I could not return to the dashboard after posting a draft of this text. I can never know whether I will be able to continue writing at these blogs from one day to the next.
I am now working at the Morningside Heights branch of the library where a dangerously loud fire alarm is going off as part of a "test."
I am sure that all of this is merely a coincidental distraction. ("How censorship works in America.")
November 3, 2012 at 12:54 P.M. I am still finding a way to get on-line in Manhattan. It is day-to-day guerilla warfare. I am used to the struggle. A list of sources is coming up, then a book review will be posted. Keep your fingers crossed. At any time, I may be prevented from writing on-line.
November 2, 2012 at 3:24 P.M. I am writing at the Morningside Heights branch of the NYPL because the Inwood branch was without computer service. I will do my best to continue writing despite the usual harassments from New Jersey's hackers.
I anticipated that they (N.J.'s minions) would be worried about more today than little-old me. I am flattered, Mr. Sacco.
Attempts to print a revised version of my Jonathan Franzen essay were unsuccessful, yet again. I do not know whether the effort will make it more difficult to write here again. I certainly will try to write on-line every day.
David M. Halbfinger, "New Jersey Reels From Storm's Thrashing," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A1.
Mark Landler & Michael Barbaro, "An Unlikely Political Pair, United by Disaster," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A1. (New Jersey devastated; Christie and Obama do the right thing.)
"Blocking the Vote," (Editorial) in The New York Times, October 26, 2012, at p. A32.
John Petrick, "Two More Chiropractors Plead Guilty: Admit Insurance Fraud at Illegal Rehab Site," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-9. (A number of lawyers involved in scams with doctors as partners to defraud insurance companies. Dr. Michael Bercik, an orthodepic surgeon who double bills, allegedly, and Edgar Navarete, Esq.? Jose Ginarte, Esq.? -- Any of you boys involved in this one? Did Barbara Eretchnis, Hudson County Court Clerk, do a little favor for Judge Gallipoli and/or others by tampering with my filings? Did Ms. Eretchnis visit my sites? Does "Barbara" know Diana Lisa Riccioli? Debbie Poritz?)
The past few days have once again seen the tri-state area subjected to catastrophic and devastating damage.
Over 70 persons have died, including one man in Queens who, after having secured all windows and doors of his home which was not "in harm's way" (according to newscasts), was killed, instantly, when a tree smashed through a window and crushed his skull.
The tragic nature of this death is not diminished by the absurdity and alleged lack of meaning in the event. ("Is it rational to believe in God?" and "Is this atheism's moment?")
"The Republican party ... has been forced to cut its ties to a well-paid consulting firm after cases of real voter registration abuse arose in several states. A thorough federal investigation of the consulting firm, Strategic Allied Consulting, is needed."
Many Americans are turned off or alienated from electoral politics not only by the corruption and ugly animosity that is felt just under the surface of so-called "debates," but also because of the vicious would-be partisanship in the process. ("Maurice J. Gallipoli and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
It seems that some powerful politicians do not want us "simple folks" to vote or to write on-line, Mr. Menendez. ("Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez" then "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "How censorship works in America.")
Part of the hypocrisy we live with is the denial of what we all know is at the center of America's political conversation: racism, class and economic tensions, ethnic and religious prejudices and conflicts. ("What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?")
Political correctness has made matters worse by installing a hypocritical set of standards governing public behavior that only conceals genuine (often privately expressed) illicit opinions and motivations.
Underlying many divisions among "mainstream" voters is hatred for minority group members and, often, women.
This is one of the truths that cannot be spoken in America. Privately, most people agree with the statement.
A storm or other crisis serves to remind people that -- if we are to survive -- we will have to put aside all of that divisiveness. Censorship is never the answer. ("Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey" and "What is it like to be censored in America?")
Is it possible for Americans to "transcend" what divides us?
This election will answer that question: Mr. Obama offers transcendence; Mr. Romney's strategy is divide and conquer.
"Florida law enforcement officials said they were looking into [by ignoring?] 'numerous' complaints against the company, which is run by Nathan Sproul, a well-known Republican campaign operative and former executive director of the Arizona Republican party. Chances of registering dead people, altering and faking registrations and other abuses are being investigated in 10 Florida counties. Similar allegations of improprieties surfaced in recent months in Colorado and Nevada, while Virginia authorities last week charged a Republican registration supervisor and former Allied employee with destruction of voter registration forms by throwing them into a dumpster."
What is being "thrown into a dumpster" is the credibility of the election results by the use of such tactics. Without credibility for the world, the actions of the next U.S. president (whoever he may be) will be inhibited and constrained.
I do not doubt that Mr. Obama is likely to win the actual vote. More "ordinary" or "little people" (like me) will vote for Mr. Obama. This recent storm has helped him.
Whether all votes will be counted is a more difficult question. If the election goes to the House of Representatives or U.S. Supreme Court, Mr. Obama will lose.
I also have no doubt that Mr. Obama is hated for the great sin of being more intelligent and articulate than his Republican opponent who says, mysteriously, "Mr. Obama is in over his head."
Mr. Romney, astonishingly, presumes to condescend to Mr. Obama, who is visibly better-informed and far better-intentioned than the Republican candidate. In my opinion, Mr. Obama is also better under pressure than Mr. Romney.
Mr. Christie and Mr. Obama have taught the nation a lesson about bipartisanship this week. I can only hope that Mr. Romney has learned that lesson.
To quote Mr. Christie -- who received some jabs from the Romney camp! -- "this is not the week in New Jersey for the state's governor to worry about presidential politics."
FEMA (which Mr. Romney wants to eliminate) will come through with emergency funds for New Jersey and New York. It is possible that these funds will reach persons needing help in the Garden State other than Trenton politicians. I have no fears of theft of emergency funds in New York.
It may be that a man with Mr. Romney's advantages in life simply cannot understand the sufferings of ordinary N.J. and N.Y. persons whose lives have been destroyed this week. I believe that President Obama gets what people are feeling.
Let us hope that Mr. Christie (not Bob Menendez) decides who receives FEMA money in New Jersey. ("Cement is Gold" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")
America is still far from overcoming its legacy of slavery and racism. Worse, to repair the "harm" done by the electorate in selecting the better man, Mr. Obama, in 2008, many Republicans are working to deprive millions of the vote in 2012.
"Forward," with Mr. Obama, America (hope); not backwards to Bush/Cheney disasters (despair) with good-old Mitt.
If I am able to regain access to these blogs, I will add a list of sources to this essay chronicling alarming developments in New York and New Jersey.
Please remember to vote on November 6, 2012 because this may be the most important election of the first decades of the twenty-first century. President Obama needs a second term to finish the important work that he has begun if our children's lives are to be secure.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Jodi Kantor, "For President, A Complex Calculus of Race and Politics: An Embrace of Black Life Balanced by a Belief in Universal Principles," in The New York Times, October 21, 2012, at p. A1. (Obama gave Romney a lesson in the duties of office this week after "Sandy" struck New Jersey and New York.)
Michael Barbaro & Ashley Parker, "Gosh, Who Talks Like That Now?," in The New York Times, October 21, 2012, at p. A19. (Romney's America?)
Nicole Perlroth, "Cyberattack On Saudi Firm Disquiets U.S.," in The New York Times, October 24, 2012, at p. A1. (Cyberwar as the new frontier. No matter what you hear, Israel did not engage in this cyberattack against Saudi Arabian interests.)
Jodi Rudoren, "Quatar's Emir Visits Gaza, Pledging $400 MILLION and Risking Deeper Palestinian Rift," in The New York Times, October 24, 2012, at p. A4. (Keep your eyes on Jordan. Was this trip helpful?)
Ben Protess, "U.S. Accuses Bank of America of a Brazen Mortgage Fraud," in The New York Times, October 25, 2012, at p. A1. (Let's get tough on crime.)
Jim Ruttenberg, "Obama Campaign Endgame: Great Work and Cold Math," in The New York Times, October 26, 2012, at p. A1. (Obama regains the edge before election.)
"Surveillance and Accountability: The Supreme Court Should Let Challenge to Warrantless Wiretapping Move Forward," in The New York Times, October 29, 2012, at p. A26. (Loss of civil liberties is scary.)
James Barron, "After the Devastation, A Daunting Discovery: Subway Flooded -- Millions in The Dark," in The New York Times, October 31, 2012, at p. A1. (Estimates are $50 BILLION potential hit for the city.)
Jim Rutenberg & Jeremy W. Peters, "2 American Automakers Rebut Claims by Romney," in The New York Times, October 31, 2012, at p. A11. (Bain has shifted jobs to China. Mr. Romney, falsely, charges automakers with "shifting jobs to China.")
Mark Landler & Michael Barbaro, "An Unlikely Political Pair, United by a Disaster," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A1. (Obama's trip to the Jersey Shore was not a mere photo-op. The president was calling FEMA while in the vehicle with Mr. Christie. The Trenton governor brought home the money that New Jersey residents need. Well done on both counts. If Republicans have a future, it will be men and women -- like Christie -- who can win in urban settings. Mr. Christie won the Latino vote, and other ethnic votes, in a very diverse state that is traditionally a Democrat stronghold.)
New Jersey's Continuing Troubles:
Anthony Campisi, "Schools' Chief Lose Salary Cap Appeal: Court Reaffirms Christie Restrictions," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. A-1. (Courts say as long as judges' salaries are not touched, Mr. Christie can do what he likes with other public employees' salaries.)
John Reitmeyer, "Lawmakers Subpoena Port Authority: Answers Sought From Agency," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. A-3. (P.A. says they "don't speak English." This may require more overtime for management at the P.A. and a "little something" for the kids.)
Melissa Hayes, "Christie Rallies a Crowd to Back Questions on Judges' Benefits," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. A-4. (Rabner says to Christie: "I gotta get mine!")
Rebecca D. O'Brien, et als., "Codey Calls For Biefed-Up [sic.] Law Against Luring," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-1. (In this media b.s.? Or is something finally being done about New Jersey's child sex industry?)
Chris Harris, "Judge Recuses Himself in Emerson Mayor Case: Criminal Complaints to be Reassigned," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-8. (Allegedly, corrupt judge alleges mayor is corrupt, possibly acting on behalf of corrupt politicians, allegedly. Does Judge Ray F. McGreedy "belong to" Codey?)
Nick Clunn, "Judge THREATENS Club Owner With Jail: 'Run Lawful Business in Paterson,' He's Told," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-8. (Club owner was "late with payoffs," allegedly, and told to "shape up.")
Justo Bautista, "Clifton Consultant Guilty of Foreclosure Scheme: Man Dangled 'False Promises of Relief,'" in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-8. (Enclave of mafia activity, Clifton, New Jersey -- allows ANDREW BARTOK, 66 -- to engage in "bankruptcy fraud" from North Bergen and Clifton. Allegations that DIANA LISA RICCIOLI and "BIG NICKY" SACCO were in on the scams cannot be confirmed at this time.)
Justo Bautista, "Fair Lawn Man Charged in $50 MILLION Gambling Racket," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-12. (DANIEL BELARDINO, 57, charged with "enterprise corruption, money laundering, [Gilberto Garcia?] gambling and conspiracy." Connections to Diana Lisa Riccioli are denied, I am sure, and alleged donations to New Jersey Democrats cannot be confirmed or denied at this time.)
"Boy Scout Lessons: ANOTHER Scandal of Child Abuse," (Editorial) in The Record, October 22, 2012, at p. A-11. (New Jersey becomes a byword for child molestation and child-porn. Have you no sense of shame, Mr. Chiesa? Too busy to deal with my matters and requests for the truth, sir?)
November 5, 2012 at 1:05 P.M. As I was proof-reading my post on November 3, 2012, the computer I was working on at the Inwood branch was shut down, despite the excess time I had left. Apparently, this was the work of a hacker or bribed NYPL personnel.
I was forced just this moment to sign-in twice because I could not return to the dashboard after posting a draft of this text. I can never know whether I will be able to continue writing at these blogs from one day to the next.
I am now working at the Morningside Heights branch of the library where a dangerously loud fire alarm is going off as part of a "test."
I am sure that all of this is merely a coincidental distraction. ("How censorship works in America.")
November 3, 2012 at 12:54 P.M. I am still finding a way to get on-line in Manhattan. It is day-to-day guerilla warfare. I am used to the struggle. A list of sources is coming up, then a book review will be posted. Keep your fingers crossed. At any time, I may be prevented from writing on-line.
November 2, 2012 at 3:24 P.M. I am writing at the Morningside Heights branch of the NYPL because the Inwood branch was without computer service. I will do my best to continue writing despite the usual harassments from New Jersey's hackers.
I anticipated that they (N.J.'s minions) would be worried about more today than little-old me. I am flattered, Mr. Sacco.
Attempts to print a revised version of my Jonathan Franzen essay were unsuccessful, yet again. I do not know whether the effort will make it more difficult to write here again. I certainly will try to write on-line every day.
David M. Halbfinger, "New Jersey Reels From Storm's Thrashing," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A1.
Mark Landler & Michael Barbaro, "An Unlikely Political Pair, United by Disaster," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A1. (New Jersey devastated; Christie and Obama do the right thing.)
"Blocking the Vote," (Editorial) in The New York Times, October 26, 2012, at p. A32.
John Petrick, "Two More Chiropractors Plead Guilty: Admit Insurance Fraud at Illegal Rehab Site," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-9. (A number of lawyers involved in scams with doctors as partners to defraud insurance companies. Dr. Michael Bercik, an orthodepic surgeon who double bills, allegedly, and Edgar Navarete, Esq.? Jose Ginarte, Esq.? -- Any of you boys involved in this one? Did Barbara Eretchnis, Hudson County Court Clerk, do a little favor for Judge Gallipoli and/or others by tampering with my filings? Did Ms. Eretchnis visit my sites? Does "Barbara" know Diana Lisa Riccioli? Debbie Poritz?)
The past few days have once again seen the tri-state area subjected to catastrophic and devastating damage.
Over 70 persons have died, including one man in Queens who, after having secured all windows and doors of his home which was not "in harm's way" (according to newscasts), was killed, instantly, when a tree smashed through a window and crushed his skull.
The tragic nature of this death is not diminished by the absurdity and alleged lack of meaning in the event. ("Is it rational to believe in God?" and "Is this atheism's moment?")
"The Republican party ... has been forced to cut its ties to a well-paid consulting firm after cases of real voter registration abuse arose in several states. A thorough federal investigation of the consulting firm, Strategic Allied Consulting, is needed."
Many Americans are turned off or alienated from electoral politics not only by the corruption and ugly animosity that is felt just under the surface of so-called "debates," but also because of the vicious would-be partisanship in the process. ("Maurice J. Gallipoli and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")
It seems that some powerful politicians do not want us "simple folks" to vote or to write on-line, Mr. Menendez. ("Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez" then "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "How censorship works in America.")
Part of the hypocrisy we live with is the denial of what we all know is at the center of America's political conversation: racism, class and economic tensions, ethnic and religious prejudices and conflicts. ("What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?")
Political correctness has made matters worse by installing a hypocritical set of standards governing public behavior that only conceals genuine (often privately expressed) illicit opinions and motivations.
Underlying many divisions among "mainstream" voters is hatred for minority group members and, often, women.
This is one of the truths that cannot be spoken in America. Privately, most people agree with the statement.
A storm or other crisis serves to remind people that -- if we are to survive -- we will have to put aside all of that divisiveness. Censorship is never the answer. ("Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey" and "What is it like to be censored in America?")
Is it possible for Americans to "transcend" what divides us?
This election will answer that question: Mr. Obama offers transcendence; Mr. Romney's strategy is divide and conquer.
"Florida law enforcement officials said they were looking into [by ignoring?] 'numerous' complaints against the company, which is run by Nathan Sproul, a well-known Republican campaign operative and former executive director of the Arizona Republican party. Chances of registering dead people, altering and faking registrations and other abuses are being investigated in 10 Florida counties. Similar allegations of improprieties surfaced in recent months in Colorado and Nevada, while Virginia authorities last week charged a Republican registration supervisor and former Allied employee with destruction of voter registration forms by throwing them into a dumpster."
What is being "thrown into a dumpster" is the credibility of the election results by the use of such tactics. Without credibility for the world, the actions of the next U.S. president (whoever he may be) will be inhibited and constrained.
I do not doubt that Mr. Obama is likely to win the actual vote. More "ordinary" or "little people" (like me) will vote for Mr. Obama. This recent storm has helped him.
Whether all votes will be counted is a more difficult question. If the election goes to the House of Representatives or U.S. Supreme Court, Mr. Obama will lose.
I also have no doubt that Mr. Obama is hated for the great sin of being more intelligent and articulate than his Republican opponent who says, mysteriously, "Mr. Obama is in over his head."
Mr. Romney, astonishingly, presumes to condescend to Mr. Obama, who is visibly better-informed and far better-intentioned than the Republican candidate. In my opinion, Mr. Obama is also better under pressure than Mr. Romney.
Mr. Christie and Mr. Obama have taught the nation a lesson about bipartisanship this week. I can only hope that Mr. Romney has learned that lesson.
To quote Mr. Christie -- who received some jabs from the Romney camp! -- "this is not the week in New Jersey for the state's governor to worry about presidential politics."
FEMA (which Mr. Romney wants to eliminate) will come through with emergency funds for New Jersey and New York. It is possible that these funds will reach persons needing help in the Garden State other than Trenton politicians. I have no fears of theft of emergency funds in New York.
It may be that a man with Mr. Romney's advantages in life simply cannot understand the sufferings of ordinary N.J. and N.Y. persons whose lives have been destroyed this week. I believe that President Obama gets what people are feeling.
Let us hope that Mr. Christie (not Bob Menendez) decides who receives FEMA money in New Jersey. ("Cement is Gold" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")
America is still far from overcoming its legacy of slavery and racism. Worse, to repair the "harm" done by the electorate in selecting the better man, Mr. Obama, in 2008, many Republicans are working to deprive millions of the vote in 2012.
"Forward," with Mr. Obama, America (hope); not backwards to Bush/Cheney disasters (despair) with good-old Mitt.
If I am able to regain access to these blogs, I will add a list of sources to this essay chronicling alarming developments in New York and New Jersey.
Please remember to vote on November 6, 2012 because this may be the most important election of the first decades of the twenty-first century. President Obama needs a second term to finish the important work that he has begun if our children's lives are to be secure.
Sources:
New York & the World:
Jodi Kantor, "For President, A Complex Calculus of Race and Politics: An Embrace of Black Life Balanced by a Belief in Universal Principles," in The New York Times, October 21, 2012, at p. A1. (Obama gave Romney a lesson in the duties of office this week after "Sandy" struck New Jersey and New York.)
Michael Barbaro & Ashley Parker, "Gosh, Who Talks Like That Now?," in The New York Times, October 21, 2012, at p. A19. (Romney's America?)
Nicole Perlroth, "Cyberattack On Saudi Firm Disquiets U.S.," in The New York Times, October 24, 2012, at p. A1. (Cyberwar as the new frontier. No matter what you hear, Israel did not engage in this cyberattack against Saudi Arabian interests.)
Jodi Rudoren, "Quatar's Emir Visits Gaza, Pledging $400 MILLION and Risking Deeper Palestinian Rift," in The New York Times, October 24, 2012, at p. A4. (Keep your eyes on Jordan. Was this trip helpful?)
Ben Protess, "U.S. Accuses Bank of America of a Brazen Mortgage Fraud," in The New York Times, October 25, 2012, at p. A1. (Let's get tough on crime.)
Jim Ruttenberg, "Obama Campaign Endgame: Great Work and Cold Math," in The New York Times, October 26, 2012, at p. A1. (Obama regains the edge before election.)
"Surveillance and Accountability: The Supreme Court Should Let Challenge to Warrantless Wiretapping Move Forward," in The New York Times, October 29, 2012, at p. A26. (Loss of civil liberties is scary.)
James Barron, "After the Devastation, A Daunting Discovery: Subway Flooded -- Millions in The Dark," in The New York Times, October 31, 2012, at p. A1. (Estimates are $50 BILLION potential hit for the city.)
Jim Rutenberg & Jeremy W. Peters, "2 American Automakers Rebut Claims by Romney," in The New York Times, October 31, 2012, at p. A11. (Bain has shifted jobs to China. Mr. Romney, falsely, charges automakers with "shifting jobs to China.")
Mark Landler & Michael Barbaro, "An Unlikely Political Pair, United by a Disaster," in The New York Times, November 1, 2012, at p. A1. (Obama's trip to the Jersey Shore was not a mere photo-op. The president was calling FEMA while in the vehicle with Mr. Christie. The Trenton governor brought home the money that New Jersey residents need. Well done on both counts. If Republicans have a future, it will be men and women -- like Christie -- who can win in urban settings. Mr. Christie won the Latino vote, and other ethnic votes, in a very diverse state that is traditionally a Democrat stronghold.)
New Jersey's Continuing Troubles:
Anthony Campisi, "Schools' Chief Lose Salary Cap Appeal: Court Reaffirms Christie Restrictions," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. A-1. (Courts say as long as judges' salaries are not touched, Mr. Christie can do what he likes with other public employees' salaries.)
John Reitmeyer, "Lawmakers Subpoena Port Authority: Answers Sought From Agency," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. A-3. (P.A. says they "don't speak English." This may require more overtime for management at the P.A. and a "little something" for the kids.)
Melissa Hayes, "Christie Rallies a Crowd to Back Questions on Judges' Benefits," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. A-4. (Rabner says to Christie: "I gotta get mine!")
Rebecca D. O'Brien, et als., "Codey Calls For Biefed-Up [sic.] Law Against Luring," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-1. (In this media b.s.? Or is something finally being done about New Jersey's child sex industry?)
Chris Harris, "Judge Recuses Himself in Emerson Mayor Case: Criminal Complaints to be Reassigned," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-8. (Allegedly, corrupt judge alleges mayor is corrupt, possibly acting on behalf of corrupt politicians, allegedly. Does Judge Ray F. McGreedy "belong to" Codey?)
Nick Clunn, "Judge THREATENS Club Owner With Jail: 'Run Lawful Business in Paterson,' He's Told," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-8. (Club owner was "late with payoffs," allegedly, and told to "shape up.")
Justo Bautista, "Clifton Consultant Guilty of Foreclosure Scheme: Man Dangled 'False Promises of Relief,'" in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-8. (Enclave of mafia activity, Clifton, New Jersey -- allows ANDREW BARTOK, 66 -- to engage in "bankruptcy fraud" from North Bergen and Clifton. Allegations that DIANA LISA RICCIOLI and "BIG NICKY" SACCO were in on the scams cannot be confirmed at this time.)
Justo Bautista, "Fair Lawn Man Charged in $50 MILLION Gambling Racket," in The Record, October 26, 2012, at p. L-12. (DANIEL BELARDINO, 57, charged with "enterprise corruption, money laundering, [Gilberto Garcia?] gambling and conspiracy." Connections to Diana Lisa Riccioli are denied, I am sure, and alleged donations to New Jersey Democrats cannot be confirmed or denied at this time.)
"Boy Scout Lessons: ANOTHER Scandal of Child Abuse," (Editorial) in The Record, October 22, 2012, at p. A-11. (New Jersey becomes a byword for child molestation and child-porn. Have you no sense of shame, Mr. Chiesa? Too busy to deal with my matters and requests for the truth, sir?)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?
October 24, 2012 at 3:05 P.M. I can never know whether I will be able to write from one day to the next. If I am able to continue writing, I will add sources to this essay dealing specifically with New Jersey corruption and legal incompetence over the next few days.
I make this text large because copies of my writings at "Against Dark Arts" are printed in a tiny script (for some reason) that is nearly illegible. This increased size in lettering helps with that legibility problem.
"The 'Perversion Files' Came to Light: Boy Scouts' Records On Sexual Abuse Expose a Familiar Pattern of Secrecy and Negligence," in The New York Times, October 20, 2012, at p. A22.
Compare: "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" with "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!" then "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!" and "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!"
Amy Ellis Nutt & Alexei Friedman, and Jason Grant, "Secret Shame of the Boy Scouts," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 1.
Colleen Jerkin & Mary Jo Layton, "N.J. Scout Leaders in Sex Files: 'Perversion' Papers Tell of Secret Dismissals," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. A-1.
"The Boy Scouts of America has known for nearly a century that scout leaders were preying on boys under ... its protection. Yet for most of those long years, it kept what it knew about scout leaders who were sexual predators locked away in secret 'perversion' files ..." (Times.)
For years the New Jersey Supreme Court has known about OAE abuse of "interrogational hypnosis," used illegally on numerous victims, and of the activities of Diana Lisa Riccioli as well as Terry Tuchin -- activities damaging to persons like Marilyn Straus -- but a cover-up of torture-perversion files to protect members of the court and the Garden State's legal profession, perhaps, has kept the truth from many victims. ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")
Victims of these "protected" persons or agencies are entitled to the truth about the actions taken against them -- actions taken by Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, John McGill, Esq. of the OAE and others: Theft of clients, stolen fees, slanders, solicitation of grievances, tampering with witnesses, suborning perjury, obstruction of justice, assaults and sexual assaults, lies and worse cannot be covered-up forever. This is especially true of a public agency that attaches the word "ethics" to its name. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")
" ... The Scouts had no right to protect these criminals from the police, from parents and even from troop leaders. They serve as yet another example of the disaster of institutional secrecy, [emphasis added] of the danger when officials decide that an organization [OAE?] deserves protecting more than a child."
Or a "vulnerable woman?" -- right, Ms. Poritz? On how many occasions did you have sex with Marilyn Straus, Diana Lisa Riccioli? Estela De La Cruz? Mary Anne Kriko? Ms. Poritz, were you aware of Diana Lisa Riccioli's activities during the time of your shared "romance"? How often was Ms. Straus under hypnosis or un-conscious, Diana, during these "sexual encounters"? Why did you, Diana, fail to disclose this "relationhip" when acting as her alleged "therapist," and while I was subjected to "interrogational hypnosis" or "torture" at 512 42nd Street, Union City, New Jersey and elsewhere beginning in November, 1988? [See APA Rules of Ethics.] Are you now or were you ever a New Jersey "licensed therapist," Diana Lisa Riccioli? Did Diana Lisa Riccioli claim to be a licensed therapist with the knowledge of Ms. Poritz? Would it be "ethical" for a judge to condone -- or seek to cover-up criminality by a lover -- Ms. Poritz? Ms. De La Cruz? ("Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!" and "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!" then "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Mr. Menendez, what knowledge (if any) did you have of these matters concerning me and when did you acquire that knowledge? ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks.")
"For an organization that extols TRUSTWORTHINESS, these files lay bare an appalling dissonance." ("John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and New Jersey Corruption" and "New Jersey is Stronger Than the Storm.")
What did you know about my matters, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it? What steps have you, Mr. Rabner, taken to prevent further harm to the public -- including NYPL users -- caused by persons acting under color of law and the rubric of N.J.'s legal ethics establishment? ("What is it like to be tortured?" and "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")
Sources:
New York and the World:
"The Final Debate: Mr. Romney Falters On Foreign Policy, Sounding Confused and Incoherent," (Editorial) in The New York Times, October 23, 2012, at p. A22. ("Mr. Romney has nothing really coherent or substantive to say about domestic policy, but at least he can sound energetic and confident about it ...")
Peter Baker & Helene Cooper, "Obama and Romney Bristle From Start Over Foreign Policy: Debate Strategy and Tactics in Last Meeting," in The New York Times, October 23, 2012, at p. A1. (This is how the debates end -- not with a bang but with a whimper.)
Lizette Alvarez, "Florida Officials Defend Social and Ethnic Learning Goals," in The New York Times, October 18, 2012, at p. A20. (Lower standards for the allegedly "inferior species," according to Florida politicians. Racism? Ms. Alvarez is better known as "Iliana Rubio." Manohla Dargis? Carlota Gall? How many false names do you use in your so-called "journalism," Ms. Alvarez? Is Jill Abramson Editor of America's "newspaper of record" aware of politicians' rewriting journalists' articles for her newspaper?)
Scott Shane, "A Biker, a Blonde, a Jihadist and Piles of CIA Cash: A Danish Double Agent's Tale," in The New York Times, October 20, 2012, at p. A11. (Stranger than fiction.)
Michael Wilson, "An Arrest in the News, An Exoneration in Silence," in The New York Times, October 20, 2012, at p. A19. ("TRAVIS TREMMEL," 26, was charged in 2006 with a murder he did not commit. Little effort is being made to be as public with APOLOGIES and exonerations as the authorities were with accusations and insults. I wonder why that is? Is this ethical?)
New Jersey's Continuing Disaster:
Michael Linhorst, "Panel Asks Mandate to Disclose Spying," in The Record, October 16, 2012, at p. A-3. (Please turn over the torture files, OAE.)
Anthony Campisi, "Higher Fine For Human Trafficking," in The Record, October 16, 2012, at p. A-4. (Problems, Diana Lisa Riccioli? 60,000 persons are classified as slaves in America. "Slavery Today.")
Abbott Koloff, "Lyndhurst Cops Interview Van Owner in Luring Probe," in The Record, October 16, 2012, at p. L-3. (Another suspect may be charged with "luring a minor for sexual activity." This is the fifth such incident in four days in America's child porn capitol.)
Harvey Lipman, "Group Fined $2.2 MILLION for Scamming Inmates," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. A-4. (Inmates robbed by public servants. The thieves' possible connections to politicians and judges are under investigation. Someone has to protect inmates from crooked politicians in New Jersey.)
Clarcke Cornfield [sic.], "Partial IDs of Alleged Johns Cause Confusion: Initial List Left Out Birthdate [sic.] and Addresses," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. A-9. (Why protect persons making prostitution possible, Mr. Menendez? "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" then "Is Menendez For Sale?" and "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes.")
Karen Sudol, "Cops Unite Over Luring Cases: Sharing Reports, Biefing Up [sic.] Patrols," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. L-1. (Up to 6 luring cases now -- and the number is growing -- due to networks, allegedly, of PROTECTED child pornographers.)
Kibret Marcos, "Officer Denies Taking Part in COVER-UP: Says Chief Never Ordered Report," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. L-1. (Danilo Garcia, a suspended police captain, is accused of protecting suspects with a personal tie to KEN ZISA. What other matters have been covered-up by New Jersey's Supreme Court, OAE, or local politicians to protect "insiders" -- like Diana Lisa Riccioli, Terry Tuchin, or John McGill, Esq.?)
Mary Ann Spoto, "Ex-Judge Loses Appeal of His DWI Suspension," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. 17. (George Kapila, Esq., former judge, subject to 4-year license suspension. Only a suspension? So many N.J. judges are drunk or stoned on the bench, allegedly, that this seems excessive: "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Sybil R. Moses and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Jenna Pizzi, "Mom Pleads Guilty in Abuse of a 9-Year-Old Girl," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 17. (PLESIE NICHOLS, 36, charged with her boyfriend, ANTHONY ROBERTSON, 29, for "tying-up, beating and starving her 9-year-old daughter." Many offenders in these cases SELL their offspring to people making use of them in the Garden State's child sex industry, allegedly.)
Ed Beeson, "N.J. Hedge Fund, Execs. Accused of Hiding Losses: SEC Yorkville Advisors Got $10 MILLION in EXCESSIVE FEES," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 22. (Some of these offenders are or were advised by lawyers. No OAE problem? "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" then "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce.")
Ted Sherman, "2 Courts to Sentence Solomon Dwek Today," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 23. (After setting-up so many partners in crime, Mr. Dwek, asked for time off for his cooperation with the government and "civic-mindedness." No dice. Mr. Dwek has heard the call of Jehova and will become a rabbi.)
Rebecca O'Brien, "Boy, 12, Says Man in Pick-Up Tried to Lure Him: Bergenfield Suspect Resembles Sketch," in The Record, October 24, 2012, at p. L-1. (One of a continuing wave of luring and child abuse cases throughout New Jersey. "An Unpleasant Encounter With New Jersey's State Police.")
Justo Bautista, "N. Arlington Man Faces Child Sex Assault Charges," in The Record, October 10, 2012, at p. L-3. (JOHN MINERVINI, 43, one of dozens of persons charged throughout New Jersey for "procuring" or "sexual assault" on minors. Police resources may be inadequate to deal with the problem.)
Michael Linhorst, "Bank Suing Schroeder Over Loan: Complaint Says Assemblyman Owes More Than $500,000," in The Record, October 10, 2012, at p. L-3. (Scams by New Jersey Assembly member with the assistance of members of the bar, perhaps now in the judiciary." Estela De La Cruz?)
Hugh R. Morley, "Man Gets 10-Year Sentence for Fraud," in The Record, October 10, 2012, at p. L-9. (Mr. Garcia, of North Bergen, New Jersey -- connected to "Big Nicky" Sacco and Bob Menendez, allegedly -- was sentenced to 10 years inside for trying to con banks into giving him $1.5 MILLION and a venture capital firm into forking over another $2 MILLION. Was Mr. Garcia sharing? Gilberto Garcia? Ms. Kriko? Mr. Ginarte?)
I make this text large because copies of my writings at "Against Dark Arts" are printed in a tiny script (for some reason) that is nearly illegible. This increased size in lettering helps with that legibility problem.
"The 'Perversion Files' Came to Light: Boy Scouts' Records On Sexual Abuse Expose a Familiar Pattern of Secrecy and Negligence," in The New York Times, October 20, 2012, at p. A22.
Compare: "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" with "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System" and "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!" then "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!" and "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!"
Amy Ellis Nutt & Alexei Friedman, and Jason Grant, "Secret Shame of the Boy Scouts," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 1.
Colleen Jerkin & Mary Jo Layton, "N.J. Scout Leaders in Sex Files: 'Perversion' Papers Tell of Secret Dismissals," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. A-1.
"The Boy Scouts of America has known for nearly a century that scout leaders were preying on boys under ... its protection. Yet for most of those long years, it kept what it knew about scout leaders who were sexual predators locked away in secret 'perversion' files ..." (Times.)
For years the New Jersey Supreme Court has known about OAE abuse of "interrogational hypnosis," used illegally on numerous victims, and of the activities of Diana Lisa Riccioli as well as Terry Tuchin -- activities damaging to persons like Marilyn Straus -- but a cover-up of torture-perversion files to protect members of the court and the Garden State's legal profession, perhaps, has kept the truth from many victims. ("No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!")
Victims of these "protected" persons or agencies are entitled to the truth about the actions taken against them -- actions taken by Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, John McGill, Esq. of the OAE and others: Theft of clients, stolen fees, slanders, solicitation of grievances, tampering with witnesses, suborning perjury, obstruction of justice, assaults and sexual assaults, lies and worse cannot be covered-up forever. This is especially true of a public agency that attaches the word "ethics" to its name. ("New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")
" ... The Scouts had no right to protect these criminals from the police, from parents and even from troop leaders. They serve as yet another example of the disaster of institutional secrecy, [emphasis added] of the danger when officials decide that an organization [OAE?] deserves protecting more than a child."
Or a "vulnerable woman?" -- right, Ms. Poritz? On how many occasions did you have sex with Marilyn Straus, Diana Lisa Riccioli? Estela De La Cruz? Mary Anne Kriko? Ms. Poritz, were you aware of Diana Lisa Riccioli's activities during the time of your shared "romance"? How often was Ms. Straus under hypnosis or un-conscious, Diana, during these "sexual encounters"? Why did you, Diana, fail to disclose this "relationhip" when acting as her alleged "therapist," and while I was subjected to "interrogational hypnosis" or "torture" at 512 42nd Street, Union City, New Jersey and elsewhere beginning in November, 1988? [See APA Rules of Ethics.] Are you now or were you ever a New Jersey "licensed therapist," Diana Lisa Riccioli? Did Diana Lisa Riccioli claim to be a licensed therapist with the knowledge of Ms. Poritz? Would it be "ethical" for a judge to condone -- or seek to cover-up criminality by a lover -- Ms. Poritz? Ms. De La Cruz? ("Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!" and "Jennifer Velez is a Dyke Magnet!" then "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Mr. Menendez, what knowledge (if any) did you have of these matters concerning me and when did you acquire that knowledge? ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks.")
"For an organization that extols TRUSTWORTHINESS, these files lay bare an appalling dissonance." ("John McGill, Esq., the OAE, and New Jersey Corruption" and "New Jersey is Stronger Than the Storm.")
What did you know about my matters, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it? What steps have you, Mr. Rabner, taken to prevent further harm to the public -- including NYPL users -- caused by persons acting under color of law and the rubric of N.J.'s legal ethics establishment? ("What is it like to be tortured?" and "Censorship and Cruelty in New Jersey.")
Sources:
New York and the World:
"The Final Debate: Mr. Romney Falters On Foreign Policy, Sounding Confused and Incoherent," (Editorial) in The New York Times, October 23, 2012, at p. A22. ("Mr. Romney has nothing really coherent or substantive to say about domestic policy, but at least he can sound energetic and confident about it ...")
Peter Baker & Helene Cooper, "Obama and Romney Bristle From Start Over Foreign Policy: Debate Strategy and Tactics in Last Meeting," in The New York Times, October 23, 2012, at p. A1. (This is how the debates end -- not with a bang but with a whimper.)
Lizette Alvarez, "Florida Officials Defend Social and Ethnic Learning Goals," in The New York Times, October 18, 2012, at p. A20. (Lower standards for the allegedly "inferior species," according to Florida politicians. Racism? Ms. Alvarez is better known as "Iliana Rubio." Manohla Dargis? Carlota Gall? How many false names do you use in your so-called "journalism," Ms. Alvarez? Is Jill Abramson Editor of America's "newspaper of record" aware of politicians' rewriting journalists' articles for her newspaper?)
Scott Shane, "A Biker, a Blonde, a Jihadist and Piles of CIA Cash: A Danish Double Agent's Tale," in The New York Times, October 20, 2012, at p. A11. (Stranger than fiction.)
Michael Wilson, "An Arrest in the News, An Exoneration in Silence," in The New York Times, October 20, 2012, at p. A19. ("TRAVIS TREMMEL," 26, was charged in 2006 with a murder he did not commit. Little effort is being made to be as public with APOLOGIES and exonerations as the authorities were with accusations and insults. I wonder why that is? Is this ethical?)
New Jersey's Continuing Disaster:
Michael Linhorst, "Panel Asks Mandate to Disclose Spying," in The Record, October 16, 2012, at p. A-3. (Please turn over the torture files, OAE.)
Anthony Campisi, "Higher Fine For Human Trafficking," in The Record, October 16, 2012, at p. A-4. (Problems, Diana Lisa Riccioli? 60,000 persons are classified as slaves in America. "Slavery Today.")
Abbott Koloff, "Lyndhurst Cops Interview Van Owner in Luring Probe," in The Record, October 16, 2012, at p. L-3. (Another suspect may be charged with "luring a minor for sexual activity." This is the fifth such incident in four days in America's child porn capitol.)
Harvey Lipman, "Group Fined $2.2 MILLION for Scamming Inmates," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. A-4. (Inmates robbed by public servants. The thieves' possible connections to politicians and judges are under investigation. Someone has to protect inmates from crooked politicians in New Jersey.)
Clarcke Cornfield [sic.], "Partial IDs of Alleged Johns Cause Confusion: Initial List Left Out Birthdate [sic.] and Addresses," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. A-9. (Why protect persons making prostitution possible, Mr. Menendez? "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" then "Is Menendez For Sale?" and "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry" "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes.")
Karen Sudol, "Cops Unite Over Luring Cases: Sharing Reports, Biefing Up [sic.] Patrols," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. L-1. (Up to 6 luring cases now -- and the number is growing -- due to networks, allegedly, of PROTECTED child pornographers.)
Kibret Marcos, "Officer Denies Taking Part in COVER-UP: Says Chief Never Ordered Report," in The Record, October 17, 2012, at p. L-1. (Danilo Garcia, a suspended police captain, is accused of protecting suspects with a personal tie to KEN ZISA. What other matters have been covered-up by New Jersey's Supreme Court, OAE, or local politicians to protect "insiders" -- like Diana Lisa Riccioli, Terry Tuchin, or John McGill, Esq.?)
Mary Ann Spoto, "Ex-Judge Loses Appeal of His DWI Suspension," in The Record, October 18, 2012, at p. 17. (George Kapila, Esq., former judge, subject to 4-year license suspension. Only a suspension? So many N.J. judges are drunk or stoned on the bench, allegedly, that this seems excessive: "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey" and "Sybil R. Moses and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")
Jenna Pizzi, "Mom Pleads Guilty in Abuse of a 9-Year-Old Girl," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 17. (PLESIE NICHOLS, 36, charged with her boyfriend, ANTHONY ROBERTSON, 29, for "tying-up, beating and starving her 9-year-old daughter." Many offenders in these cases SELL their offspring to people making use of them in the Garden State's child sex industry, allegedly.)
Ed Beeson, "N.J. Hedge Fund, Execs. Accused of Hiding Losses: SEC Yorkville Advisors Got $10 MILLION in EXCESSIVE FEES," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 22. (Some of these offenders are or were advised by lawyers. No OAE problem? "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit" and "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics" then "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce.")
Ted Sherman, "2 Courts to Sentence Solomon Dwek Today," in The Star Ledger, October 18, 2012, at p. 23. (After setting-up so many partners in crime, Mr. Dwek, asked for time off for his cooperation with the government and "civic-mindedness." No dice. Mr. Dwek has heard the call of Jehova and will become a rabbi.)
Rebecca O'Brien, "Boy, 12, Says Man in Pick-Up Tried to Lure Him: Bergenfield Suspect Resembles Sketch," in The Record, October 24, 2012, at p. L-1. (One of a continuing wave of luring and child abuse cases throughout New Jersey. "An Unpleasant Encounter With New Jersey's State Police.")
Justo Bautista, "N. Arlington Man Faces Child Sex Assault Charges," in The Record, October 10, 2012, at p. L-3. (JOHN MINERVINI, 43, one of dozens of persons charged throughout New Jersey for "procuring" or "sexual assault" on minors. Police resources may be inadequate to deal with the problem.)
Michael Linhorst, "Bank Suing Schroeder Over Loan: Complaint Says Assemblyman Owes More Than $500,000," in The Record, October 10, 2012, at p. L-3. (Scams by New Jersey Assembly member with the assistance of members of the bar, perhaps now in the judiciary." Estela De La Cruz?)
Hugh R. Morley, "Man Gets 10-Year Sentence for Fraud," in The Record, October 10, 2012, at p. L-9. (Mr. Garcia, of North Bergen, New Jersey -- connected to "Big Nicky" Sacco and Bob Menendez, allegedly -- was sentenced to 10 years inside for trying to con banks into giving him $1.5 MILLION and a venture capital firm into forking over another $2 MILLION. Was Mr. Garcia sharing? Gilberto Garcia? Ms. Kriko? Mr. Ginarte?)
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