Thursday, July 07, 2011
There is a Mental Case in the District 8 Office. By Geniusofdespair
The 50 messages left here has me convinced that there is a mentally deranged person in the District 8 office, and I have the IP address. I did a report WITHOUT OPINION. A report from another newspaper. Now, with the reaction I got I have to say that I have an opinion. Lois Jones was working with a nutcase. There is someone in Lynda Bell's office with a few screws loose. And, as much as I am not a fan of Lynda Bell, I know that she would not tolerate having a nut in her office. Lynda, the nut isn't Lois!! Lois call me. I would be glad to help you.
Lynda Bell in Hot Water? By Geniusofdespair
COMPLAINTS FILED(Photo of County Commissioner Lynda Bell from inauguration of Carlos Gimenez)
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell is allegedly the target of several racial discrimination complaints filed by a former political supporter who became her employee. Lois Jones has resigned as Bell’s aide and has filed complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Florida Commission on Human Relations. Neither Jones, who is black, nor her attorney will reveal the basis for the complaints but they said details would be forthcoming. Bell’s chief of staff Eddie Borrego said the complaints have no merit and referred all question to the county attorney.
Gov. Rick "Click To Submit" Scott fluffs his public image ... by gimleteye
Suffering from dismal public opinion ratings-- the worst of any governor in the nation-- Florida Governor Rick Scott is sincerely fluffing up his public image. Scott considers his base the Tea Party. At a recent budget signing event, Scott had his deputies scrub his Tea Party of critics. Scott recently put in place a yours truly PR campaign, using robo calls and the web to enlist supporters to put their names to pre-written, positive letters to newspapers. As in: click, to submit. Having unfurled this thoroughly modern charm offensive, Scott came down from his private jet to address the Florida Association of Newspaper Editors. I'm surprised the newspaper editors would have him, after a political campaign in which he refused to meet with them. And won. According to press reports of the event, Scott spent most of the question and answer responding to complaints that his administration is charging the maximum amount for copying expenses related to public records requests. Oh, and Scott now wants to talk to newspaper editorial boards. If I were a newspaper editor and Rick Scott came to call, I'd have my secretary keep him waiting. Two years, would be about right.
Who Gave to the Mayoral Campaigns. By Geniusofdespair
All the lobbyists showed up in force for Gimenez's inauguration but some did not support him financially. However, there is another campaign report due so they could be late bloomers - in other words they saw the tide was turning and scraped together some bucks for Gimenez. (The last report online ended 6/23/11).
Rodney Barreto and Brian May's Corporation only gave to Robaina. (Brian May pictured).
Jose Fuentes (right in photo) gave to Robaina. Ron Book (left in photo) was conspicuously absent from both reports. Arriola, (in the middle of photo, lost a lot of weight) might have given. There was a Miami Beach Arriola on Gimenez's report.
Alex Hector's law firm Shutts & Bowen gave to both candidates. Dusty Melton, here on the right, said he gave to and raised money for the Gimenez campaign.
Al Maloof also didn't give to either candidate but he might have given to one of the PAC's or through a corporation. Others could have given to the PAC's too. Very hard to follow the money.
Rodney Barreto and Brian May's Corporation only gave to Robaina. (Brian May pictured).
Jose Fuentes (right in photo) gave to Robaina. Ron Book (left in photo) was conspicuously absent from both reports. Arriola, (in the middle of photo, lost a lot of weight) might have given. There was a Miami Beach Arriola on Gimenez's report.
Alex Hector's law firm Shutts & Bowen gave to both candidates. Dusty Melton, here on the right, said he gave to and raised money for the Gimenez campaign.
Al Maloof also didn't give to either candidate but he might have given to one of the PAC's or through a corporation. Others could have given to the PAC's too. Very hard to follow the money.
From the Ocala Star Banner: Solid Blow to Florida Chamber of Commerce ... by gimleteye
The following editorial from the Ocala Star Banner last weekend is a reminder that The Miami Herald really, really neglects points of view that are critical of the Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries. These two lobbying groups may be formed of many well-meaning and civic-minded individuals, but their leadership is misguided. Putting it mildly. Here's a thumbs up, for The Ocala Star-Banner. Herald, are you paying attention?
OTHER VOICES
Chamber's ‘Six Pillars' not what you think
By Bruce Seaman
Special to the Star-Banner
Published: Sunday, July 3, 2011
Much of the damaging legislation approved by the Florida Legislature is due to lobbying by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The local "Awake the State" effort joins statewide partners in exposing the Florida Chamber as nothing more than the lobbying arm for Big Business interests with scant interest in local communities or businesses.
Awake the State began as a series of rallies on March 8, the start of the Florida Legislative session, and involved over 10,000 participants at over 30 locations statewide. The work to challenge the "anti-middle class, anti-local community" agenda continues among concerned residents of Marion County.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce claims to be a "grassroots organization" representing local chambers and their small-business members. An agenda in dogged pursuit of teacher merit pay, union gag rules and a public worker pension/payroll tax has nothing to do with helping "Main Street" businesses. It's pure political hack-work to give power and profits to its masters, big multi-state and multi-national corporations.
OTHER VOICES
Chamber's ‘Six Pillars' not what you think
By Bruce Seaman
Special to the Star-Banner
Published: Sunday, July 3, 2011
Much of the damaging legislation approved by the Florida Legislature is due to lobbying by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. The local "Awake the State" effort joins statewide partners in exposing the Florida Chamber as nothing more than the lobbying arm for Big Business interests with scant interest in local communities or businesses.
Awake the State began as a series of rallies on March 8, the start of the Florida Legislative session, and involved over 10,000 participants at over 30 locations statewide. The work to challenge the "anti-middle class, anti-local community" agenda continues among concerned residents of Marion County.
The Florida Chamber of Commerce claims to be a "grassroots organization" representing local chambers and their small-business members. An agenda in dogged pursuit of teacher merit pay, union gag rules and a public worker pension/payroll tax has nothing to do with helping "Main Street" businesses. It's pure political hack-work to give power and profits to its masters, big multi-state and multi-national corporations.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
At the swearing in of Mayor Gimenez. By Geniusofdespair
This event was a photo op for Lobbyist pictures. It was the people lurking in the background I found most interesting, above Jorge Perez. Below: Ron Book and Kris Korge.
The lobbyists/developers even had their own cheering section (as you first walk into the chamber - where they always sit). Of course, regular people were mixed in...like Matt Greer, Joe Arriola and Raul Martinez.
Absentee Ballot Fraud: Pulitzer or Justice? By Geniusofdespair
With a heavy heart, I pulled the absentee ballot 3 part series scheduled for today. Part 2 was written by Takeabreak.
When I started my investigation in December, I held the story and instead I reported what I found to the State's Attorney's office. Yesterday, I called Joe Centorino to get the Close-Out Memo on the investigation into absentee ballot fraud that I initiated. He said it is STILL an on-going investigation.
My dilemma: Do I jeopardize an open investigation by publishing my story?
It is more important for me to not hurt this investigation. Even if they can't nail anyone, I have to give them the chance. It has been going on for 6 months...I hope they can come up with something fast.
In the meantime, we should push County Commissioners and the new Mayor into adding a PENALTY to a law they enacted so the State's Attorney's Office can take action:
The law (abbreviated Section 12-14 of County Code): Absentee Ballots can only be returned by another person, limited to two ballots per election, only one of which may be from a voter who is not the spouse, parent, child, grandparent or sibling of the designee and a form has to be filled out to do this. If the voter is not a member of the designee’s immediate family, the designee must also present a statement signed by a physician on that physician’s stationery that, due to a medical emergency involving the voter or voter’s dependent, the named voter is unable to vote at the polls and is unable to return an absentee ballot in person.
What is happening instead: Campaign workers are routinely picking up absentee ballots from voters. And, who knows what the campaign workers are doing with them before they mail them in (in the Close-Out memo below you get an idea).
This has to change: We need to add a penalty to the law. Please read carefully this Close-Out memo of an investigation focused on the absentee ballot collection during the Diaz-Balart/Raul Martinez campaign. The origination date of this investigation was 11/05/08 and it was closed out 5/20/10. A Raul Martinez campaign worker made the complaint. (A note to the State Attorney: I am not waiting 2 years, get this NEW investigation over already! I will give you a couple of months before I release my blog.)
You can see, by reading the memo, that the State Attorney's Office hands were tied in prosecuting the wrongdoing they found because of the lack of a penalty. For other charges they lacked enough evidence however there was tampering found with the votes. The woman mentioned in the investigation, Sasha Tirador, also did the absentee ballots for Hialeah Julio Robaina.
I am sorry I couldn't print my story today, I am totally bummed out, but if you have any information on absentee voting fraud practices please email me TODAY at geniusofdespair@yahoo.com because this just has to stop! Also, let's get a penalty to go with Miami Dade County Code, Section 12-14. Email your County Commissioner and ask him or her to put it on the Agenda. If there had been a penalty maybe there would be two people in jail right now (subjects of this Close-Out Memo).
When I started my investigation in December, I held the story and instead I reported what I found to the State's Attorney's office. Yesterday, I called Joe Centorino to get the Close-Out Memo on the investigation into absentee ballot fraud that I initiated. He said it is STILL an on-going investigation.
My dilemma: Do I jeopardize an open investigation by publishing my story?
It is more important for me to not hurt this investigation. Even if they can't nail anyone, I have to give them the chance. It has been going on for 6 months...I hope they can come up with something fast.
In the meantime, we should push County Commissioners and the new Mayor into adding a PENALTY to a law they enacted so the State's Attorney's Office can take action:
The law (abbreviated Section 12-14 of County Code): Absentee Ballots can only be returned by another person, limited to two ballots per election, only one of which may be from a voter who is not the spouse, parent, child, grandparent or sibling of the designee and a form has to be filled out to do this. If the voter is not a member of the designee’s immediate family, the designee must also present a statement signed by a physician on that physician’s stationery that, due to a medical emergency involving the voter or voter’s dependent, the named voter is unable to vote at the polls and is unable to return an absentee ballot in person.
What is happening instead: Campaign workers are routinely picking up absentee ballots from voters. And, who knows what the campaign workers are doing with them before they mail them in (in the Close-Out memo below you get an idea).
This has to change: We need to add a penalty to the law. Please read carefully this Close-Out memo of an investigation focused on the absentee ballot collection during the Diaz-Balart/Raul Martinez campaign. The origination date of this investigation was 11/05/08 and it was closed out 5/20/10. A Raul Martinez campaign worker made the complaint. (A note to the State Attorney: I am not waiting 2 years, get this NEW investigation over already! I will give you a couple of months before I release my blog.)
You can see, by reading the memo, that the State Attorney's Office hands were tied in prosecuting the wrongdoing they found because of the lack of a penalty. For other charges they lacked enough evidence however there was tampering found with the votes. The woman mentioned in the investigation, Sasha Tirador, also did the absentee ballots for Hialeah Julio Robaina.
I am sorry I couldn't print my story today, I am totally bummed out, but if you have any information on absentee voting fraud practices please email me TODAY at geniusofdespair@yahoo.com because this just has to stop! Also, let's get a penalty to go with Miami Dade County Code, Section 12-14. Email your County Commissioner and ask him or her to put it on the Agenda. If there had been a penalty maybe there would be two people in jail right now (subjects of this Close-Out Memo).
Memo to Southern Christians: so you're really concerned about the rights of the unborn? by gimleteye
The conservative right deploys right-to-life as its battle cry, but when it comes to rallying against environmental pollution that is arguably a greater threat to fetuses than abortion, the right is silent. With only a few exceptions, there is nary a whisper from the pulpits about organizing to protect the unborn by supporting tougher anti-pollution laws. Mercury exposure, for example, is known to cause deformities and developmental disorders. In Florida, mercury is as ubiquitous as fertilizer thrown on sugar fields by billionaire farmers, flowing downstream to God knows where.
Southern Christians (I'm singling out Southern Christians, because this writer is from Florida) ought to recognize that the rights of fetuses are as threatened by pollution as abortion. So why isn't the conservative right deploying their message machinery to educate Southern Christians about these underlying threats to the unborn?
Now comes "news": environmental factors play a greater role in autism rates than previously disclosed by science. Googling "rights of the unborn" turns up 11.3 million references on the web, in .15 seconds. Google "rights of the unborn and environment", and there are about 34 results in .1 seconds.
The rapid rise in autism spectrum disorders has been widely reported in the press. What is less remarked is that the percentage of children born with development disorders -- some of which may be attributable to toxins in the environment-- is higher per thousand than the incidence of abortion in the general population. According to the CDC, between 1997 and 2008, the number of children with a disability rose from 8.2 million to roughly 10 million, or more than 15% of all kids between the ages of 3 and 17. A more recent study indicates that 2 to 3 percent of American children suffer within the range of autism spectrum disorder. A 2008 report by the non-profit Guttmacher Institute notes that in the U.S. the abortion rate peaked in 1980 at 2.9 percent (per 1000 women) and declined to 2 percent by 2004.
Is it poverty of imagination that keeps Christians from being the nation's conscience on the environment or is something more sinister at work? That, for example, polluting corporations and their executives like the Koch brothers have invested millions to co-opt the conservative right?
These doubts about conservatives tie back to the refusal of the Republican Congress to unite behind efforts to stop environmental pollution from harming the fetus. Instead the GOP is holding agreement with President Obama on raising the debt ceiling hostage until the EPA is gutted. Instead of protecting the unborn, Republicans want to guarantee the rights of polluters. In Florida, a new day for conservatives could start by organizing churches and congregations to lobby Republican legislators in Florida and Governor Rick Scott so that fetuses are protected from a threat greater than abortionists: environmental polluters. Start, for example, with new laws to ensure that mercury contamination is stopped, even when it originates in the sugar fields of wealthy campaign contributors, harming fetuses and killing the Everglades.
Southern Christians cannot claim to be motivated by the rights of the unborn until they put environmental protection front and center.
Southern Christians (I'm singling out Southern Christians, because this writer is from Florida) ought to recognize that the rights of fetuses are as threatened by pollution as abortion. So why isn't the conservative right deploying their message machinery to educate Southern Christians about these underlying threats to the unborn?
Now comes "news": environmental factors play a greater role in autism rates than previously disclosed by science. Googling "rights of the unborn" turns up 11.3 million references on the web, in .15 seconds. Google "rights of the unborn and environment", and there are about 34 results in .1 seconds.
The rapid rise in autism spectrum disorders has been widely reported in the press. What is less remarked is that the percentage of children born with development disorders -- some of which may be attributable to toxins in the environment-- is higher per thousand than the incidence of abortion in the general population. According to the CDC, between 1997 and 2008, the number of children with a disability rose from 8.2 million to roughly 10 million, or more than 15% of all kids between the ages of 3 and 17. A more recent study indicates that 2 to 3 percent of American children suffer within the range of autism spectrum disorder. A 2008 report by the non-profit Guttmacher Institute notes that in the U.S. the abortion rate peaked in 1980 at 2.9 percent (per 1000 women) and declined to 2 percent by 2004.
Is it poverty of imagination that keeps Christians from being the nation's conscience on the environment or is something more sinister at work? That, for example, polluting corporations and their executives like the Koch brothers have invested millions to co-opt the conservative right?
These doubts about conservatives tie back to the refusal of the Republican Congress to unite behind efforts to stop environmental pollution from harming the fetus. Instead the GOP is holding agreement with President Obama on raising the debt ceiling hostage until the EPA is gutted. Instead of protecting the unborn, Republicans want to guarantee the rights of polluters. In Florida, a new day for conservatives could start by organizing churches and congregations to lobby Republican legislators in Florida and Governor Rick Scott so that fetuses are protected from a threat greater than abortionists: environmental polluters. Start, for example, with new laws to ensure that mercury contamination is stopped, even when it originates in the sugar fields of wealthy campaign contributors, harming fetuses and killing the Everglades.
Southern Christians cannot claim to be motivated by the rights of the unborn until they put environmental protection front and center.
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Ralph Nader is Tired of Running for President by Chris Hedges
Published on Monday, July 4, 2011
Ralph Nader Is Tired of Running for President
by Chris Hedges
The most important moral and intellectual voices within a disintegrating society are slowly discredited when their nonviolent protests and calls for justice cannot alter intransigent and corrupt systems of power. The repeated acts of peaceful civil disobedience, efforts at electoral and political reform and the fight to protect the rule of law are dismissed as useless by an embittered, dispossessed and betrayed public. The demagogues and hatemongers, the purveyors of violence, easily seduce enraged and bewildered masses in the final stages of collapse with false promises of vengeance, new glory and moral renewal. And in the spiral downward the good among us are reviled as naive and ineffectual fools.
Ralph Nader Is Tired of Running for President
by Chris Hedges
The most important moral and intellectual voices within a disintegrating society are slowly discredited when their nonviolent protests and calls for justice cannot alter intransigent and corrupt systems of power. The repeated acts of peaceful civil disobedience, efforts at electoral and political reform and the fight to protect the rule of law are dismissed as useless by an embittered, dispossessed and betrayed public. The demagogues and hatemongers, the purveyors of violence, easily seduce enraged and bewildered masses in the final stages of collapse with false promises of vengeance, new glory and moral renewal. And in the spiral downward the good among us are reviled as naive and ineffectual fools.
Mayor Gimenez: Here is How to Balance the Budget. By Geniusofdespair
Now of course we have more room on Pepe Diaz so we could expect more revenue from him. When I first proposed the idea a reader said:
"They could even be paid a bonus every time the TV cameras panned to them. If they talk too much and meetings run overtime they could get another bonus. Brilliant."
Just think of what the ramblin' man Javier Souto could bring in under those conditions! I think we could also charge more for prime space like a chin or cheek. We could even fit more ads on the back of their hands, if we have them rest their chin on their hands. What do you think readers?
Miami in Time Magazine ... by gimleteye
Time Magazine tees off on Miami again with writer Tim Padgett covering the same ground as EOM: "The 'Major City' That Isn't". In the race to the bottom, we are winning. Padgett calls the Miami-Dade county commission "clueless and cavalier". We call it "the unreformable majority".
He notes Miami has never found a way "to turn its robust trade and banking sectors... into equally vigorous job-creation engines." That's because Miami is a pass-through economy. The billionaire owner of the Miami Heat isn't even a U.S. citizen.
Padgett writes: "Miami still seems less a city than a collecton of antagonistic ethnic enclaves separated by sprawl (public transportation remains virtually non-existent) and a lack of common purpose." What we also focus on, here, is how sprawl as an engine of growth enforced the utterly dysfunctional political order that conferred great wealth to the builders, developers, and bankers until the whole mess collapsed in 2007.
Today there is a common purpose in Miami: take as much, as fast as you can: perfectly illustrated by city managers walking out the door with six figure severance packages they awarded themselves. All that is missing, are the baskets loaded with loot on the top of their heads. Still, the question arises, are we so much different, even in terms of wage inequality?
Last week, the New York Times reported that in 2010 media pay for top executives at 200 big companies was $10.8 million; a 23 percent gain from 2009. Blown out, the Padgett story could well be, "The United States, 'The Superpower' that That Isn't".
Padgett is perplexed that only 16 percent of eligible voters turned out last week for the county mayoral election. That is the odd corollary to the snatch-and-grab economy: no one seems to know what to do about it. Certainly, voting in elections does not seem to make a difference.
There are fundamental differences in this economy than anything we experienced in our lifetimes. Instead of protecting the public commons (something, Miami has been terrible at doing as a matter of historical record), it is every man for himself. That is a formula that fits perfectly well for business interests and those fortunate enough to be at the top of the pyramid. With municipal deficits soaring, there is no Plan B. The doors to the granary are flung open by the thieves. That roaring sound is the safety net ripping. Environmental protections thrown out the window.
The heat is rising.
He notes Miami has never found a way "to turn its robust trade and banking sectors... into equally vigorous job-creation engines." That's because Miami is a pass-through economy. The billionaire owner of the Miami Heat isn't even a U.S. citizen.
Padgett writes: "Miami still seems less a city than a collecton of antagonistic ethnic enclaves separated by sprawl (public transportation remains virtually non-existent) and a lack of common purpose." What we also focus on, here, is how sprawl as an engine of growth enforced the utterly dysfunctional political order that conferred great wealth to the builders, developers, and bankers until the whole mess collapsed in 2007.
Today there is a common purpose in Miami: take as much, as fast as you can: perfectly illustrated by city managers walking out the door with six figure severance packages they awarded themselves. All that is missing, are the baskets loaded with loot on the top of their heads. Still, the question arises, are we so much different, even in terms of wage inequality?
Last week, the New York Times reported that in 2010 media pay for top executives at 200 big companies was $10.8 million; a 23 percent gain from 2009. Blown out, the Padgett story could well be, "The United States, 'The Superpower' that That Isn't".
Padgett is perplexed that only 16 percent of eligible voters turned out last week for the county mayoral election. That is the odd corollary to the snatch-and-grab economy: no one seems to know what to do about it. Certainly, voting in elections does not seem to make a difference.
There are fundamental differences in this economy than anything we experienced in our lifetimes. Instead of protecting the public commons (something, Miami has been terrible at doing as a matter of historical record), it is every man for himself. That is a formula that fits perfectly well for business interests and those fortunate enough to be at the top of the pyramid. With municipal deficits soaring, there is no Plan B. The doors to the granary are flung open by the thieves. That roaring sound is the safety net ripping. Environmental protections thrown out the window.
The heat is rising.
Monday, July 04, 2011
Are Downtown Miami Ads Reproducing at An Alarming Rate? By Geniusofdespair
Here are other buidings draped in ads I saw from I95 yesterday (should we boycott these products?):
Here is Some Money to Add to General Funds. By Geniusofdespair
If it says carry-over funds...it means there is too much there -- in total they had $17,407 million in Carryover of which $3.976 million went to Commissioner's offices according to Miami Today.
Maybe we don't have money to distribute to charities right now. $175,000 to support the Children's Museum? $106,000 to add a position to the Human Rights and Fair Employment Practices staff? Come on! Rebeca Sosa is saving her share "for a rainy day." Rebeca it is raining on us all out here in the County! Our salaries are going down and our expenses are going up (my homeowner's insurance just went up 20%). Sally Heyman is sitting on close to a million dollars. What is with that? Give over ALL that money folks. With a budget hole the size of Hialeah this money belongs plunked in it. We all have to sacrifice.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Can Annette Taddeo Trounce David Rivera? by Geniusofdespair
Anyone breathing, or not, would be better than David Rivera. I wonder if Luther Campbell would move into the district? I will say it here: Julio Robaina would even be better than David Rivera.
A vote of confidence for Cy Vance, Manhattan DA ... by gimleteye
A well-known politician from a foreign country-- and one of the world's top economic officials-- is boarding an international flight leaving New York City when a hotel maid calls the NY City Police and claims he raped her. What does a prosecutor do?
That is the question Manhattan DA Cy Vance faced in the case of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, at the time the head of the International Monetary Fund and purported to be a legitimate challenger for the office of president of France. The District Attorney made a quick decision and police hauled Strauss-Kahn off the flight and to jail. There was evidence that sex had occurred. As days passed, the woman's story seemed solid, and with respect to Strauss' conduct, stories quickly surfaced of his womanizing. The DA's office then did what it must: investigate the facts.
From the first, the story was sensational and especially in France, where indignation of a top presidential candidate being held to a perp walk quickly gave way to a national debate about sexual mores in a country famous for a je ne sais croix. So far, so good: the law holds equally for all people, no matter their wealth or status.
While the alleged perpetrator is jailed the released under house arrest because he is a flight risk, prosecutors beginning to uncover information about the woman; statements don't match up, her background and associations raise questions (the same could be said, of the IMF's regular course of business) but importantly, in several instances of personal conduct in the past, she lied to officials. Worse, in at least one circumstance a lie of hers involved a false allegation of rape.
Last week, the Manhattan DA released DSK, as he is now known throughout the world, on bail and personal recognizance. The world press, led by the New York Times, has taken up the story as a front page, top of the fold story and turned its focus to the performance of Mr. Vance.
But where is Mr. Vance to blame, whether the case falls apart or not?
As the New York Times notes today, the Manhattan DA presides over roughly 100,000 cases per year. It is a staggering volume involving thousands of attorneys. It is hard to see how the Manhattan DA could have acted differently, preserving respect of the office and the law. Somehow changing this story, now, to an inquisition of the Manhattan DA misses the point.
Mr. Vance and the office of the Manhattan DA did exactly the right thing, twice: first in arresting DSK and, once information emerged that badly compromised the case, releasing him. However this case turns out, Mr. Vance earns respect from a jaded public that wonders, if the law applies according to what one can afford. From Mr. Vance, there is a clear answer. The law is not a matter of status, wealth or prestige: the law applies equally.
That is the question Manhattan DA Cy Vance faced in the case of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, at the time the head of the International Monetary Fund and purported to be a legitimate challenger for the office of president of France. The District Attorney made a quick decision and police hauled Strauss-Kahn off the flight and to jail. There was evidence that sex had occurred. As days passed, the woman's story seemed solid, and with respect to Strauss' conduct, stories quickly surfaced of his womanizing. The DA's office then did what it must: investigate the facts.
From the first, the story was sensational and especially in France, where indignation of a top presidential candidate being held to a perp walk quickly gave way to a national debate about sexual mores in a country famous for a je ne sais croix. So far, so good: the law holds equally for all people, no matter their wealth or status.
While the alleged perpetrator is jailed the released under house arrest because he is a flight risk, prosecutors beginning to uncover information about the woman; statements don't match up, her background and associations raise questions (the same could be said, of the IMF's regular course of business) but importantly, in several instances of personal conduct in the past, she lied to officials. Worse, in at least one circumstance a lie of hers involved a false allegation of rape.
Last week, the Manhattan DA released DSK, as he is now known throughout the world, on bail and personal recognizance. The world press, led by the New York Times, has taken up the story as a front page, top of the fold story and turned its focus to the performance of Mr. Vance.
But where is Mr. Vance to blame, whether the case falls apart or not?
As the New York Times notes today, the Manhattan DA presides over roughly 100,000 cases per year. It is a staggering volume involving thousands of attorneys. It is hard to see how the Manhattan DA could have acted differently, preserving respect of the office and the law. Somehow changing this story, now, to an inquisition of the Manhattan DA misses the point.
Mr. Vance and the office of the Manhattan DA did exactly the right thing, twice: first in arresting DSK and, once information emerged that badly compromised the case, releasing him. However this case turns out, Mr. Vance earns respect from a jaded public that wonders, if the law applies according to what one can afford. From Mr. Vance, there is a clear answer. The law is not a matter of status, wealth or prestige: the law applies equally.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
I don't have to insult PBA's John Rivera. By Geniusofdespair
Looks like Random Pixels did it for me, dubbing John Rivera an "Asshole." For those with short memories, the PBA boss attacked Gimenez continuously during the campaign and he apparently is still going. Someone should put a sock in this guys mouth.
Also watch this hysterical video -- also on Random Pixels -- of State Rep. Daphne Campbell (under investigation for Medicaid fraud) trying to escape from Miami Herald reporter Marc Caputo.
Also watch this hysterical video -- also on Random Pixels -- of State Rep. Daphne Campbell (under investigation for Medicaid fraud) trying to escape from Miami Herald reporter Marc Caputo.
The NRA is wasting American capital ... by gimleteye
I'm not opposed to gun ownership but the NRA is a fetish organization. The NRA has imposed its obsession on American politics for as long as I can remember. Its agenda is absolutist like the pro-life movement. The NRA will not be satisfied until every American is welded to its certainty.
Like most obsessions, there is a perversity at the core of the NRA agenda. It insists, gun ownership is about freedom and liberty, but its compulsive orthodoxy is not about freedom, it is about control.
Here is the latest example from the recent session (the worst in modern history) of the Florida legislature and Representative Don Gaetz: an alert from the Florida League of Cities about a new law of state pre-emption of local rules about guns: that "under HB 45, an elected city official passing or a city employee enforcing an ordinance prohibiting guns in parks, discharging guns within city limits, or otherwise restricting guns could be personally liable and the government could also be liable." Yes, you read that right.
If every American owned a gun, and fired their guns at once at will on the street or in parks, the NRA would still find ways to herd American politics along their agenda of control and orthodoxy. A new enemy would be invented, if it didn't already exist. A new threat is always available without illumination how the NRA itself has wrapped up American culture and politics in its perverse form of stagecraft.
Like most obsessions, there is a perversity at the core of the NRA agenda. It insists, gun ownership is about freedom and liberty, but its compulsive orthodoxy is not about freedom, it is about control.
If every American owned a gun, and fired their guns at once at will on the street or in parks, the NRA would still find ways to herd American politics along their agenda of control and orthodoxy. A new enemy would be invented, if it didn't already exist. A new threat is always available without illumination how the NRA itself has wrapped up American culture and politics in its perverse form of stagecraft.
Blitz Chess in Washington Square Park. By Geniusofdespair
Last summer my nephew played this guy Sean(?). I gave him $10 for giving the kid some pointers as he played. I love watching these speed chess games when I go to New York and always try to stop there. Some of the chess players are homeless and live in the park. Washington Square Park chess was featured in the movie Searching for Bobby Fischer, one of my favorite movies, based on the life of National Chess Master Joshua Waitzkin. He got interested in chess at 6 when he saw the speed chess being played in the park.
Friday, July 01, 2011
July 6th: A 3-Part Post on Absentee Ballot Fraud. By Geniusofdespair
Make sure you check back next Wednesday for this report on Absentee Ballot Fraud.
Polling, Press, and the Miami-Dade Mayor's Race ... by gimleteye
The GOP kingmakers who supported Julio Robaina have some thinking to do. First of all, one of the tactics has been to run down The Miami Herald. It happens in the Spanish-language, bought-and-paid for media. It happens through officials, like former county commissioner VNS whose harangues against and refusal to speak to the Herald has carried over to fellow commissioners. But Herald coverage does matter and does have influence.
Then there is the matter of polling. Some readers and anonymous posters have run down Bendixen and Amandi's poll results, published in the Herald before the election showing Gimenez (surprisingly) leading Robaina by 10 points. Robaina supporters are crying foul but their own, and Giminez' too, tracked Bendixen Amandi. At the end, Gimenez only won by three points. Apparently it took the GOP kingmakers right to the very end to believe their candidate was in trouble. In the last days of the campaign, they poured hundreds of thousands into precincts where they believed they could make the difference. Hialeah and Hialeah Gardens voted for Robaina by 77 and 68 percent majorities.
What is more interesting, though, is what happened in Sweetwater, unincorporated Dade and West Dade, where Gimenez support might have been nicked by the local county commissioners; Pepe Diaz and Joe Martinez. In those districts, voting results were in favor of Gimenez by 55, 54, and 51 percent. Clearly, voters --- albeit in small numbers-- paid attention to news about the candidates.
Anyone can read the tea leaves, however they want, but they cannot conclude that pollsters "pushed" voters. Bendixen Amandi were right. The Herald was right on its endorsement (as was, Eyeonmiami).
Here are a few more tea leaves: 1) voters will not let a Rick Scott stunt go unpunished next time for refusing to speak to newspaper editorial boards. Picking up where Sarah Palin left off, Scott refused to speak to the editorial boards. By 2012, the bluster and fury of the Tea Party / independents will have run its course on its antagonism to the press. It is too late to reverse Scott as governor, but his was a one-time event. 2) a moderate candidate could win the office of county mayor in Miami-Dade. It is not clear that a non-Hispanic, like former county commissioner Katy Sorenson, could win. But assuming a moderate like Sorenson could raise enough cash and survive a primary to a run-off: he or she would be a shoe-in. I don't have to poll-test this observation: the sound of GOP kingmakers gnashing their teeth is loud, even here. 3) Gimenez has an opportunity. But he needs to surround himself with higher caliber people and listen, and by listening, push the edge of his political envelope.
Can Gimenez evolve as a leader, or, will he accept the honors of office like borrowed furniture until it is time to move on to some other honoraria? What are the odds, of Carlos Gimenez becoming a leader with endurance, compassion, and a willingness to box out the monied interests that pushed for Julio Robaina? We will find out, soon enough.
Then there is the matter of polling. Some readers and anonymous posters have run down Bendixen and Amandi's poll results, published in the Herald before the election showing Gimenez (surprisingly) leading Robaina by 10 points. Robaina supporters are crying foul but their own, and Giminez' too, tracked Bendixen Amandi. At the end, Gimenez only won by three points. Apparently it took the GOP kingmakers right to the very end to believe their candidate was in trouble. In the last days of the campaign, they poured hundreds of thousands into precincts where they believed they could make the difference. Hialeah and Hialeah Gardens voted for Robaina by 77 and 68 percent majorities.
What is more interesting, though, is what happened in Sweetwater, unincorporated Dade and West Dade, where Gimenez support might have been nicked by the local county commissioners; Pepe Diaz and Joe Martinez. In those districts, voting results were in favor of Gimenez by 55, 54, and 51 percent. Clearly, voters --- albeit in small numbers-- paid attention to news about the candidates.
Anyone can read the tea leaves, however they want, but they cannot conclude that pollsters "pushed" voters. Bendixen Amandi were right. The Herald was right on its endorsement (as was, Eyeonmiami).
Here are a few more tea leaves: 1) voters will not let a Rick Scott stunt go unpunished next time for refusing to speak to newspaper editorial boards. Picking up where Sarah Palin left off, Scott refused to speak to the editorial boards. By 2012, the bluster and fury of the Tea Party / independents will have run its course on its antagonism to the press. It is too late to reverse Scott as governor, but his was a one-time event. 2) a moderate candidate could win the office of county mayor in Miami-Dade. It is not clear that a non-Hispanic, like former county commissioner Katy Sorenson, could win. But assuming a moderate like Sorenson could raise enough cash and survive a primary to a run-off: he or she would be a shoe-in. I don't have to poll-test this observation: the sound of GOP kingmakers gnashing their teeth is loud, even here. 3) Gimenez has an opportunity. But he needs to surround himself with higher caliber people and listen, and by listening, push the edge of his political envelope.
Can Gimenez evolve as a leader, or, will he accept the honors of office like borrowed furniture until it is time to move on to some other honoraria? What are the odds, of Carlos Gimenez becoming a leader with endurance, compassion, and a willingness to box out the monied interests that pushed for Julio Robaina? We will find out, soon enough.
Commissioner Xavier Suarez. By Geniusofdespair
I was an avid windsurfer and Virginia Key, one of the best windsurfing venues in the country, was closed in 1995(?), because of budget cuts they said. Windsurfing was popular back then but the City of Miami wouldn't budge on opening the beach. We believed they closed it to get the "Eco" Campground open that City of Miami Commissioner J.L. Plummer was pushing. Mayor Stephen P. Clark and J.L. (hated them both) were dismissive of our group.
Xavier Suarez got elected City Mayor in 1997 and he took the South Florida South Sailing Association (SFBSA) up on our invitation and came to the yearly party put on by the group for about 15 minutes. Adam Locke, our president, who had that year been elected National U.S. Sportsman of the Year for his Virgina Key Activism, said at the time of Mayor Suarez's visit in November 1997:
The new Mayor of the City of Miami Xavier Suarez comes to our Reggae Beach Bash and vows to re-open Virginia Key Beach. He also declared Virginia Key to be saved for our children. What a year!We all loved Mayor Suarez after he extended that olive branch during his visit and were totally bummed when he got swept up in Humberto Hernandez's absentee ballot scandal. Windsurfers still look back at Xavier Suarez with fond memories. We were treated like shit by everyone else in the City of Miami (except the Waterfront Board). I can't believe that was about 15
I have to believe that County Commissioner Xavier Suarez is going to be a positive force because he does listen and he is a brilliant man. He did give us a good vote at the County Commission on June 23rd, a mining application by landowner Santa Fe Haciendas, LLC (Masoud Shojaee of Shoma Homes) and operator Cemex Construction, LLC. Because it was a tie there will be a re-vote when Audrey Edmonson will be in attendance.
Maybe that vote is a harbinger of good things to come out of District 7. I am convinced that Xavier Suarez is a caring guy, he was the only one who treated us windsurfers with respect.
And, don't believe the rumors about him hiring Terry Murphy. He is too smart! Hopefully he is also smart enough not to vote to give money towards upgrades for the Dolphin Stadium as he said he would at a debate. All politicians hear this: Step away from funding stadiums! That move will take you down a black hole of unpopularity. Just ask former Mayor Alvarez.
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