Eric Lipton & William K. Rashbaum, "Details Emerging in Menendez Case: Senator Backed Donor On Port Security Plan," in The New York Times, February 11, 2013, at p. A1.
Karen Sudar, "Slowing Tide Of Sex Traffic: Next Year's Super Bowl Puts the Focus on Seedy Trade," in The Record, February 11, 2013, at p. A-1.
"Senator Robert Menendez sought to discourage any plan by the United States government to donate port security equipment to the Dominican Republic, citing concern that the advanced screening gear might undermine efforts by a private company -- run by a major campaign contributor and friend of his -- to do the work."
Leaders of the Dominican Republic were rightly concerned about the terms of a contract for security at their ports that would, essentially, require their independent country to abandon control of its own ports (sovereignty) to a so-called "private" company that is now seen as a front for Miami's Cuban-American "interests."
An eye surgeon was hardly in a position to provide the necessary security expertise for such a large challenge.
This scandal raises questions concerning the total number of persons "behind-the-scenes" who were likely to benefit from this deal, financially and otherwise.
Worse, was a United States Senator willing to compromise American security to further his own prospective financial gain? ("Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" and "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")
The public wishes to receive answers to these questions. ("Is Senator Menendez a Suspect in Mafia-Political Murder in New Jersey?" and "Menendez Gets Over on the Feds.")
Allegations that Mr. Rubio and Iliana Ros-Leghtinen also received contributions from Dr. Melgen have not been confirmed. ("Cubanazos Pose a Threat to National Security!" and "Cubanoids Protest Against Peace!")
Dr. Salomon Melgen was "affiliated" with various anti-Castro organizations with shady histories, but as a person (until now!) without a criminal record, Dr. Melgen was a suitable signature on a contract.
It is alleged by the Cuban government and others that the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF) has underworld affiliations.
Control of the Dominican Republic's ports by this Miami-based private entity would allow it to monopolize the industry of illicitly entered items, whether into the Dominican Republic or from that country into the United States of America.
Officials of that company would be in a position to "look the other way" when their own merchandise, as it were, cleared one of these ports, allegedly.
Drugs, guns, child pornography and many other items that can be carried over "controlled borders" become extremely lucrative to persons able to control those ports and borders.
Knowing that U.S.-donated X-ray scanners had allowed authorities in the Dominican Republic to intercept illegal drug shipments, Mr. Menendez prevented or obstructed the shipment of another X-ray scanner to be used in a second port in that nation with the result that additional drugs may have entered the U.S. illegally.
All of this obstruction by Mr. Menendez was designed to push for his friend's -- and whoever stood behind that person's -- so-called "port deal."
Quid pro cuo? Or was Mr. Menendez acting out of the kindness of his heart? ("Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez" and "Crooked Broker Paid-Off Menendez.")
Expected returns on the port security deal would be at least $500 MILLION which many observers believe Dr. Melgen would share with his "good friend," Mr. Menendez. Others estimate that the windfall would be in the billions of dollars. ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?")
Darker suggestions continue to focus on the flow of drugs into Miami and throughout the region that would accompany authority over the Dominican Republic's ports, something which that nation (or any nation) is unlikely to surrender.
To take a seemingly distant example: 100,000 to 293,000 children per year are in danger of sexual exploitation, and 83% of children trafficked for sex are Americans. $32 BILLION per year is generated in sex trafficking operations, according to The Record. ("Is Menendez For Sale?" and "New Jersey's Child Sex Industry.")
The individuals acting as footsoldiers for Senator Menendez in this matter, TRICIA ENRIGHT and PEDRO PABLO PEGUY, are said to be Cuban-Americans using false names and/or also affiliated with anti-Castro organizations.
Both of these persons may have visited my sites and attempted, unsuccessfully, to debate philosophical and/or political issues with me, perhaps at the request of Mr. Menendez. This can neither be confirmed nor denied at this time. ("What is it like to be plagiarized?" and "'Brideshead Revisited': A Movie Review.")
"Officials at the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department declined to comment on the matter, with a State Department official citing an investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee into related matters." (emphasis added!)
A Justice Department inquiry may also be in the works. However, New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE) -- represented in Hudson County at one time by alleged former Menendez "hench-man" Herbert Klitzner, Esq. -- seems strangely uninterested in the implications of this sordid affair for Mr. Menendez as a member of the New Jersey Bar Association. ("Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?")
