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 Americans 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?)
