In response to partisan Repubican Attorney General Tom Corbett's comments to the Associated Press' Mark Scolforo last week, the progressive blog "Young Philly Politics" joined the chorus of those questioning Corbett's handling of the bonusgate investigation:
"At some point a prosecutor planning to run for office I think is ethicaly obligated to either hand off the investigation to less potentially politically conflicted hands or delay their larger political ambitions. I think the signs are indicating we are already well past that point."
Voices from both the left, like "Young Philly Politics" and the right like "GrassrootsPA" are commenting on how lopsided and errant Corbett's investigation has been.
How much longer will Corbett keep up his politically calculated charade of an investigation?
47 comments:
Former Senator Fumo set up Non-Profits to hire cronies, extort companies and distribute Commonwealth Funds and he was convicted for it and serving his time in Kentucky today.
Fumo directed his Computer Specialists to destroy evidence on the hard drives, but that failed and a Jury in Philadelphia convicted him on ALL 137 Counts.
Fumo hired his relatives and directed cronies as he misused Non-Profits.
Fumo sent Commonwealth Employees on Commonwealth Time with Commonwealth Compensation to work on out of state Democratic Campaigns.
Yet, Fumo could not accomplish on making the Majority of Senators in Pennsylvania Democrats.
Fumo was too busy bullying, billing, and ballooning his own budget for personal use as a millionaire of arrogance.
This is what threw the Democrats under the Bus.
LaGrotta followed by hiring his relatives for work his staff could do.
Ramley was snared by such illegal practices since they became common under Fumo’s rule, which was a bad example from the start.
Veon allegedly did the same thing following Fumo’s example in the House.
Now they all look for blame towards everyone but the face in the mirror.
Yes, it seems unfair that some have been caught doing things they did on the job for many years, but it was new hires that turned many of them in too, and never wanted to work on state time, state leave, or state comp time.
Now an Indictment is just a charge, and all will have chances to prove otherwise.
Nevertheless, it does not look good, and when we condemn those that admit mistakes but refuses cover up such as Campaign Workers that have turned State Witnesses, well, that is just unbecoming in both character and style, something Fumo lost yesterday.
Democratic Leadership needed reforms and DeWeese brought those reforms after becoming a victim of an attempted cover-up he refused to participate himself.
One would do well to consider all that is coming in the future based on what we have seen in the past. Seriously thinking needs to take place, not gambling finger pointing, and that is the reality we have to determine today.
Young Philly Politics is very Left and has no impact at all on Republican Primary. YPP thinks every Republican should resign and that Free Market exploits the working man, the poor and the vulnerable.
In my opinion, Conservative Reform voter has to be the focus of communication and the Republican primary, particularly, the January 2010 endorsement. If Corbett can be shown vulnerable, he will have difficulty in fund raising and getting support of the Hack Establishment.
I am starting to do some research. I recall that Tom Corbett has been getting significant funding from Republican State Leadership Committee, including gambling money.
I recall, also, that he got money from Louis DeNaples for 2004 campaign.
I don't think Jim Gerlach will get any support from gamblers. They will support the friendly incumbent and Tom Corbett is still AG with investigative and prosecutorial powers.
Corbett's single largest contributor is the Republican State Leadership Committee. We've posted about it before:
http://casablancapa.blogspot.com/2009/04/psstix-nay-on-vestigation-nay.html
And, yes, Corbett took $55,000 from DeNaples in 2004.
The Young Philly Politics attack on Tom Corbett is a far greater sign of Corbett's weakening political position than you suggest by labeling young philly politics "on the left": members of the Young Philly Politics community who expressed themselves in 2008 were overwhelmingly for the re-election of Tom Corbett and against the election of John Morganelli. See http:///www.youngphillypolitics.com/clearly_wrong_why_i_can039t_hold_my_nose_and_vote_morganelli.
Mr. Luigi (Sean Dorn)was the most active voice for Corbett in 2008 in this thread, and in 2009 he is the one attacking Corbett.
The real story: Corbett's support among reform Democrats erodes.
Thanks I did not know that Young Philly was for Tom Corbett. I could not open the link. What was their thinking? If Morganelli had been AG, I think there would a far different kind of investigation.
Corbett needs to get past the Republican primary and that is not a given. He has not uttered a single policy statement nor a word about the Pay Raise or the Budget Impasse or a single substantive issue.
I know some of the downtown Leftists and am surprised. I did not think it was possible they could vote for an Republican. Dmonstrates that once again I don't know everything.
Bob, I am sorry I was unable to produce a working link to the Young Philly Politics community backing of Tom Corbett in 2008.
To find the thread showing overwhelming support for Corbett against Morganelli, go to YoungPhillyPolitics.com, and search in the upper right hard corner of the page for "John Morganelli." The lopsided pro-Corbett debate occurred in November, 2008, when Morganelli was making a race of it but still trailing in the polls.
I enjoy this blog, and the banter that it creates. It is also informative, as long as you can see past the spin.
But having extensively studied the impact of social media, it is incredibly clear that the same one, or perhaps two, people keep posting on behalf of William DeWeese. The language and the points they make never change (which is great if you are a trained media professional, which I suspect this person/persons are) and the phrases they use never vary.
No matter what anyone posts, you can expect to see the following:
1. When DeWeese found out about the wrongdoing, he hired an independant investigator.
2. DeWeese refused to be involved in a cover up.
3. Manzo hid everything from him, and admitted it publicly.
4. A reference to a cigar shop, or Manzo's wife.
5. A reference to bringing motorcycles somewhere.
6. An admission that DeWeese did some things wrong, but they never rose to the level of what everyone else did.
7. DeWeese instituted reforms in the state house.
8. A comparison of Veon and Fumo.
And most importantly, a complete and utter refusal to ever address Kevin Sidella and his work for William DeWeese
Now, even after this blog has proved most of those points either wrong or not proven (to paraphrase Arlen Specter), you can still expect the same responses from the same person/persons.
I was told recently that even though he has now been demoted to whip, DeWeese still has 2 press people. It is easy to see what they spend their time doing, since it is obviously not to help pass the state budget.
No, DeWeese and his staff certainly aren't helping to pass the state budget or anything else of significance. DeWeese is pretty much irrelevant around the state capitol when it comes to substantive issues, no matter how much you hear him squawking on the news. He's hunkered down in his bunker, probably scouring the blogs for some mention of his name. Actually, he probably loves this blog since it's the only real attention he's getting lately.
The three most frequent posters I see on this blog are "Bobguzzardi"(clearly a Republican sympathizer),a fellow named "McGruff" (who clearly doesn't like Eachus or Democrats) and "Signor Ferrari" (who is actually one of the blog administrators, and whose least favorite people are DeWeese and Corbett).
I suspect that at least one of them also posts as an "Anonymous," to make it look like his voice is bigger than it is.
How does a posting about Young Philly Politics turn into a debate on the state budget?
Sticking to the point makes this blog more interesting, does it not?
Tom Corbett is my hero!
Here is the only problem I see on the blogs here with Bill DeWeese.
Bill DeWeese had staffers keeping information from him and lying to him, so he started his own investigation to protect the entire caucus. This is what an honest person does when told about wrongdoing and admits mistakes have been made by himself.
The same people that kept information from him and spin the truth here, are those same people that blame him for not covering up their deeds once he uncovered them.
When one attacks Bill DeWeese but ignores and forgets about using Commonwealth money for personal use such as Non-Profits, Cigar Shops, Motorcycles, and Computers Accounts well,,,,,,,DeWeese does not need a Defense.
They do, and to ignore those kinds of actions while trying to defend oneself that everyone did it, well it is not going to fly by any Jury.
The fact is the Defendants have more in common with Convicted Felon Vince Fumo than anybody they say is breaking the laws on Capitol Hill today, yesterday or tomorrow.
Quote of the month:
"We read blogs, we know what's out there, we know people like Brett Cott are on the blogs all day making stuff up, you know." -- Attorney General Tom Corbett, in a recent Associated Press story.
Non-quote of the month, from the same AP story:
Cott declined comment on Corbett's statement, or on whether he has any involvement with an anti-Corbett blog, "CasablancaPA: Exposing the hypocrisy of Tom Corbett.
If you bomb Pearl Harbor, don't complain about Hiroshima.
Wouldn't Bill DeWeese's lack of knowledge of all that was swirling around him make him irrelevant? That is not what I have been led to think. If he had been irrelevant, why was he Minority Leader and then elected Majority Leader? That does not seem irrelevant and would be inconsistent with "cluelessness" that he is promoting.
What is the significance, if any, of the postponement of former Rep. Sean Ramaley's trial?
I an a Conservative Reformer http://crnblog.org and only post with my own name.
Tom Corbett is a danger to the Rule of Law and to the Constitution, in my opinion.
"What is the significance, if any, of the postponement of former Rep. Sean Ramaley's trial?"
According to the Tribune-Review, the reason is "unresolved issues related to documents Ramaley is seeking to prepare his defense."
Ramaley is asking the prosecutors for something they don't want to turn over. Whatever could they have to hide?
These are facts found in the Presentments and willingly given by many subordinate staffers that could not wait to turn in some higher ups on how they were treated during the campaigns.
Augmented by Guilty Pleaded Colleagues, State Witnesses, and Immunity Witnesses.
Now as stated, Indictments are just charges not convictions until a Jury decide them or a Guilty Plea or Nolo Contende Plea is entered.
One cannot run away from charges by pointing fingers at others saying they did it too, when clearly many did not do what the defendants did in items they cannot admit to on any blogs.
Attacks on Corbett are fair game, but as Corbett has said, they cannot be made up, something’s have been made up in the articles on CasablancaPA, especially on other Democrats and they know it.
Now some of these charges could be resolved in my opinion, but when people act like they just want to blame everyone for something they did, it is hard to believe them in asking for the same fairness they do not give to others.
It is going to be a long road, but the truth comes out sooner or later and most of time from people saving themselves.
The time to cut and run is closing and Corbett is clearly unafraid to follow the evidence.
"Bobguzzardi said...Wouldn't Bill DeWeese's lack of knowledge of all that was swirling around him make him irrelevant? That is not what I have been led to think. If he had been irrelevant, why was he Minority Leader and then elected Majority Leader? That does not seem irrelevant and would be inconsistent with "cluelessness" that he is promoting. What is the significance, if any, of the postponement of former Rep. Sean Ramaley's trial? I an a Conservative Reformer http://crnblog.org and only post with my own name. Tom Corbett is a danger to the Rule of Law and to the Constitution, in my opinion. September 2, 2009 2:53 PM
When Newt Gingrich was Speaker of the House, he was traveling around the nation promoting the Republican Agenda.
As Tom Delay was raising funds and electing Republicans with Campaign Contributions and Strategy
Later Tom Delay has been held accountable on things he knew but Gingrich was never told.
Benedict Arnold was taking money to spy on Washington to support his English High Spending Girlfriend. No one blamed Washington for not knowing?
You can read the emails, see DeWeese was NOT a HDC Chair of the Campaigns, and Manzo was NOT truthful to DeWeese about many things. DeWeese has his complete schedule showing where he was at within the Commonwealth working with other legislators on the Democratic Agenda and special needs within all Districts.
Not taking Motorcycles to Idaho, using Non-Profits to distribute funds, hiding budgets on secret leases and computer networks with his forged signature.
You know DeWeese hired Investigators and directed all HDC employees to cooperate with all and any investigations, after Manzo revealed he let DeWeese down publicly, I might add. He refused any cover up and did not back down on saying he made mistakes too, but he was used too.
Now I wonder, if someone stole your credit card and used it to buy online Child Porn, would you say, you did not know or do it?
I hope you would and if others that did it, say no you wanted it, how do you defend yourself??????
People that you trust to do their jobs and later admit to you and in Guilty Pleas, they did not tell you the whole truth can make you look foolish and maybe you made a mistake in hiring them, but that is not a crime.
Save for that does not make you a criminal especially when you hire someone to find out what happen and when you admit your mistakes in not knowing everything all the time, just like George Washington trusting Benedict Arnold....well good to see you are very perfect with insights and judgments but are you in your own reality?
Now Bill DeWeese will be the first to tell you he is by no means a George Washington, but he is no Benedict Arnold either, as other try to portray him for their own troubles and much that was kept from him.
I want fairness for all that post here, have been indicted, and feel abandon and alone, and that includes everybody in Harrisburg, caught up in ethical violations more than criminal.
If you want fairness than be fair!
Only the most obsequious sycophant (or maybe a chatterbot) would suggest that Corbett has followed the evidence where Bill DeWeese is concerned.
He probably has his reasons, though.
"Anonymous said.......No matter what anyone posts, you can expect to see the following:
1. When DeWeese found out about the wrongdoing, he hired an independant investigator.
2. DeWeese refused to be involved in a cover up.
3. Manzo hid everything from him, and admitted it publicly.
4. A reference to a cigar shop, or Manzo's wife.
5. A reference to bringing motorcycles somewhere.
6. An admission that DeWeese did some things wrong, but they never rose to the level of what everyone else did.
7. DeWeese instituted reforms in the state house.
8. A comparison of Veon and Fumo.
And most importantly, a complete and utter refusal to ever address Kevin Sidella and his work for William DeWeese. Now, even after this blog has proved most of those points either wrong or not proven (to paraphrase Arlen Specter), you can still expect the same responses from the same person/persons. September 1, 2009 10:53 PM"
You have never proved anything to the contrary and you misquoted Grand Jury Testimony to meet your own conclusions.
DeWeese has admitted to mistakes publicly and he stands before his electorate every two years in asking them to understand he is not perfect.
DeWeese has cooperated with the AG for the good of the HDC and it is the right thing to do, for protecting the Caucus members from unfair attacks.
DeWeese admitted he was wrong to support pay raises, bonuses, and admitted he did not know all of what Veon and HDC Chairs were doing and said so in his Campaign Speeches.
DeWeese is on tape on his last two victory speeches admitting to his District Voters he made mistakes, but will put in Reforms.
DeWeese did put in New Reforms as Majority Leader months after his re-election in 2005. DeWeese did not set up Non-Profits to distribute millions of dollars like those that Fumo was convicted for and Veon did now under indictment, which is a fact too.
Read the Presentments about how two state employees on state time had to alleged take Motorcycles out west for Veon and his Wife? Did any legislator do that too?
Did DeWeese do that and more importantly did DeWeese try hiding it from his fellow Legislators? Therefore, try and spin made up information, but do not be upset when it is counter with facts that are proven.
Veon had DeWeese hire Manzo and Manzo did admit he kept many things from DeWeese!
Now Go In Peace And Spin No More!
Bill DeWeese did not kidnap the Lindbergh baby!
Bill DeWeese did not assassinate John F. Kennedy!
Bill DeWeese did not bomb the World Trade Center!
Let's talk about what he did do: he approved bonuses for campaigning.
He used a taxpayer-funded contractor to conduct his re-election campaign.
He based legislative personnel decisions on employees' campaign work.
He directed his legislative staff to work on his campaign.
Other people are facing felony charges for this kind of activity. Why isn't DeWeese?
Anonymous at 4:02 pm wrote (along with lots of other nonsense):
"Benedict Arnold was taking money to spy on Washington to support his English High Spending Girlfriend. No one blamed Washington for not knowing?"
To that I say: I knew George Washington, George Washington was a friend of mine, and you Mr. DeWeese are no George Washington!
....on the other hand, a Benedict Arnold, taking money, spying on others, and taking care of a high spending girlfriend? Now that's the DeWeese we all know!
And I write comment in all fairness of course.
"What is the significance, if any, of the postponement of former Rep. Sean Ramaley's trial?"
Signor Ferrari is right. Just take a look at the transcript of court motions in July and the Court order postponing Ramaley's trial. The OAG has based their entire case on emails that they have obtained from the harddrives of the Democratic Caucus. The defendants have requested access to those harddrives so that they have the opportunity to look for evidence that is favorable to them. The AOG, however, refuses to give them access to the harddrives quoting that they are "subject to an ongoing secretive grand jury investigation!!!"
Here's the question: If the OAG contols the initiation of the Grand Jury Investigation and controls the conclusion of the Grand Jury investigation, can they continue this "ongoing investigation" until after the defendants have gone to trial - thereby violating their constitutional rights to a fair trial. They have really given a new name to the criminal justice system. As a citizen of PA it is appalling to see the justice system turned into an avenue of political gain and violations of our constitutional rights. Is this really what we want in a future Governor?
Furthermore, if the case is as strong as Corbett keeps saying, why is his office so afraid to give defense attorneys access to the harddrives. My guess is the physical evidence hurts their case and they are trying to hide it!
"What is the significance, if any, of the postponement of former Rep. Sean Ramaley's trial?"
Signor Ferrari is right. Just take a look at the transcript of court motions in July and the Court order postponing Ramaley's trial. The OAG has based their entire case on emails that they have obtained from the harddrives of the Democratic Caucus. The defendants have requested access to those harddrives so that they have the opportunity to look for evidence that is favorable to them. The AOG, however, refuses to give them access to the harddrives quoting that they are "subject to an ongoing secretive grand jury investigation!!!"
Here's the question: If the OAG contols the initiation of the Grand Jury Investigation and controls the conclusion of the Grand Jury investigation, can they continue this "ongoing investigation" until after the defendants have gone to trial - thereby violating their constitutional rights to a fair trial. They have really given a new name to the criminal justice system. As a citizen of PA it is appalling to see the justice system turned into an avenue of political gain and violations of our constitutional rights. Is this really what we want in a future Governor?
Furthermore, if the case is as strong as Corbett keeps saying, why is his office so afraid to give defense attorneys access to the harddrives. My guess is the physical evidence hurts their case and they are trying to hide it!
"Anonymous said...Anonymous at 4:02 pm wrote (along with lots of other nonsense):"Benedict Arnold was taking money to spy on Washington to support his English High Spending Girlfriend. No one blamed Washington for not knowing?" To that I say: I knew George Washington, George Washington was a friend of mine, and you Mr. DeWeese are no George Washington!....on the other hand, a Benedict Arnold, taking money, spying on others, and taking care of a high spending girlfriend? Now that's the DeWeese we all know!
And I write comment in all fairness of course. September 2, 2009 5:40 PM"
You cannot respond properly so you do what you think is cute, so be it.
It is not a defense in any event and if that is the best you can do, well, your own words will do you in, with all fairness of course.
It only goes to prove you approve of made up information here. This is fine too because it supports Corbett's comments.
"Signor Ferrari said...Bill DeWeese did not kidnap the Lindbergh baby! Bill DeWeese did not assassinate John F. Kennedy! Bill DeWeese did not bomb the World Trade Center! Let's talk about what he did do: he approved bonuses for campaigning. He used a taxpayer-funded contractor to conduct his re-election campaign. He based legislative personnel decisions on employees' campaign work. He directed his legislative staff to work on his campaign. Other people are facing felony charges for this kind of activity. Why isn't DeWeese? September 2, 2009 5:03 PM"
Only one big problem with all your accusations, Veon Filings produced records of emails blaming Todd Eachus doing these activities.
Then Veon blamed Rep George's people, then Veon blamed Rep. Preston, the Veon blamed Rep. Santoni's people, then Veon blamed Rep. Frankel's people, then Veon blamed Stetler....on and on, but now you blame DeWeese too.
Nice try, who will be next?
In a strange way, are you admitting you did break laws and knew you did break the laws with intent?
"Signor Ferrari said...
Only the most obsequious sycophant (or maybe a chatterbot) would suggest that Corbett has followed the evidence where Bill DeWeese is concerned.He probably has his reasons, though. September 2, 2009 4:03 PM"
Lets review your words not mine....you used the word "Sycophant”.
Now is that another admission about what you are doing with CasablancaPa?
After all, a "Sycophant", is a Greek word that suggests someone who brings all kinds of charges and proves none, according to a client of Demosthenes. Now is this what you people have been doing all along?
In a modern context a "Sycophant" is a servile person who, acting in his or her own self-interest, attempts to win favor by flattering one or more influential persons, or by saying lies against a fellow citizen for gaining a kind of profit.
These actions are executed at the cost of his or her own personal pride, principles, and peer respect. Such a manner is called "Obsequiousness".
Since you know all about these terms, are they your attempt to continue to make up and distort information for your gain?
Alternatively, are you just upset you cannot respond to the charges in the Presentments, so you attack others under the name you accuse all of us?
All you have to do is respond to the charges in the Presentments about yourselves, not make things up on others in an attempt to gain sympathy and attention.
I am with you, it is easy to make a case that the alleged charges are more violations in ethics than crimes. If everybody sticks together and shows how it all went down, you really have nothing to worry about, these matters can be solved.
This is a big mess for many people and can be resolved together with all people, no need for name-calling. We can defend you what is on the record as I have done a number of times.
Yes, 3 years have been too long, but stay together as Democrats and stay together as Defendants; these alleged charges without intent to break laws can be corrected by proper ethical reimbursements not criminal sentences.
"Anonymous said...8. A comparison of Veon and Fumo. September 2, 2009 5:02 PM"
In all fairness, Veon did set up a No-Profit such as Fumo and a few other lawmakers. However, there is no question if you look at all of the evidence that Veon by no means used it as Fumo was abusing his own Non-Profit.
Mike Veon has paid the price of his public errors when he stood alone in voting against removing the Pay Raise. Mike did such a thing on his character and it was rejected by his own voters that ousted him. Mike moved out of Beaver County and he did not deserve such public ridicule with a Perp Walk.
It is clear; Mike did not go to the extent Fumo did over years of practices that a Jury found to be violations of the law on a grand scale by Fumo. Fumo has an Appeal in too, it should be noted.
In my humble opinion, Veon's might have broken more ethical practices that the state can be reimbursed, as well as others, more than any deep dark alleged crimes with gray lines hard to follow when in office.
The few areas where there may be alleged criminal charges can be resolved easily as well among Prosecutors and Lawyers.
I respect Mike Veon and his courage to stand by his principles and it did cost him his office, home, and pride, so he has been punished.
However, if Mike feels he has been a victim and it is unfair, well, some of his supporters should not try to make victims of other Lawmakers either. This is why I defend people here, but I prefer to do it, based on what we can resolve with reasonable thinking and understanding not all-encompassing finger pointing.
If you think lawmakers have been "victimized" by the publicization of e-mails, the one to blame is Bill DeWeese, who turned them over to Corbett.
"Anonymous said..."What is the significance, if any, of the postponement of former Rep. Sean Ramaley's trial?" Signor Ferrari is right. Just take a look at the transcript of court motions in July and the Court order postponing Ramaley's trial. The OAG has based their entire case on emails that they have obtained from the harddrives of the Democratic Caucus. The defendants have requested access to those harddrives so that they have the opportunity to look for evidence that is favorable to them. The AOG, however, refuses to give them access to the harddrives quoting that they are "subject to an ongoing secretive grand jury investigation!!!" Here's the question: If the OAG contols the initiation of the Grand Jury Investigation and controls the conclusion of the Grand Jury investigation, can they continue this "ongoing investigation" until after the defendants have gone to trial - thereby violating their constitutional rights to a fair trial. They have really given a new name to the criminal justice system. As a citizen of PA it is appalling to see the justice system turned into an avenue of political gain and violations of our constitutional rights. Is this really what we want in a future Governor? Furthermore, if the case is as strong as Corbett keeps saying, why is his office so afraid to give defense attorneys access to the harddrives. My guess is the physical evidence hurts their case and they are trying to hide it! September 2, 2009 7:52 PM"
Now you are thinking are you not? I have been advocating this way since I posted here. It is the most fair way to attack the accusations, alleged wrongdoing, and indictments contents.
There is no question the Defendants have very good cases on Appeal should they be convicted on such evidence that should not be allowed in Court.
Yet, they put out more evidence and allege all others were doing the same crimes too, and then somehow think this will save them?
Stick together men, stay together women, join a united front for fairness, not because you think they may deserve such punishment, but because we all can held accountable for something we never thought was wrong.
Juries and Judges are made of people and people can see through things that seem unfair.
I will defend others as I see fit, but I prefer to join others to correct some wrongs to help another that may be a victim of bad laws more than bad behavior.
"Signor Ferrari said...If you think lawmakers have been "victimized" by the publicization of e-mails, the one to blame is Bill DeWeese, who turned them over to Corbett. September 2, 2009 9:36 PM"
Nope, in all honesty I cannot agree with you and I do not say it to be mean to you, but to be fair to all.
One cannot ask to become a victim of your own emails that you wrote, and you now try to say should never have been revealed or should have been covered up or should have been destroyed.
Fumo tried that, and it did not work, it will not work for anyone either.
At the same time, DeWeese did not know everything that was going on and you know that too. Yet you want to persecute him for things he did not do, is that truly fair?
This is why you cannot have it both ways. Especially when you refuse to even acknowledge any wrongdoing or ethical breaches, or even mistakes you did not know were crimes.
All you want to do is blame someone else and take no accountability and that is patently unfair.
DeWeese sought out what happen and had to take action and rejected any cover up. His honest actions were to protect the HDC.
When Republicans become indicted all of us can work together to find a proper solution to a mess not made by DeWeese but by just sloppy practices that needed reformed.
As I read in another post, when you point a finger at someone else, you will have three pointed back at you.
The more you attack DeWeese, Eachus, George, Santana, Preston, Frankle, Stetler etc. all you do is undercut the Defendants.
Do you really believe that the AG would never have recovered any emails without DeWeese????
The AG had so much evidence given by many witnesses such as Staffers, Campaign Consultants, Party Volunteers, as well as Steve Webb, Eric Webb, Mike Manzo, etc. Bill DeWeese did the right thing at the right time.
Throw in GPS Tracking on State Issued Blackberries and you have a world of questions that contradict previous answers to Investigators. It is a crime to lie to an Investigator.
Fumo tried to destroy his emails, it did not work. Fumo was convicted on Testimony from others on his staff that would not lie to Investigators, more than emails.
In fact, it was Fumo' attempts to destroy the Emails that caught him even more before a Jury and more counts.
Fumo' Best Friend Attorney Richard Sprague had to actually testify against Fumo, not the emails.
No one was doing what Fumo was doing to that degree in any Presentment I read, so one can challenge the AG Charges.
It will never work, so quit blaming others for ethical violations we all can explain to a fair Jury and Judge.
Quit blaming DeWeese, in fact the emails also show many did not think they were breaking any laws, and that is a benefit of all Defendants with nothing to hide.
Can you see my points?
If you think DeWeese did the right thing, then how can you complain that other lawmakers were "victimized?"
"Signor Ferrari said...If you think DeWeese did the right thing, then how can you complain that other lawmakers were "victimized?"
September 2, 2009 10:34 PM"
I am not complaining that ONLY other lawmakers were victimized, I am complaining many of the staffers, state witnesses, immunity wittiness, AND THE DEFENDANTS ARE BEING VICTIMIZED as well as the Commonwealth and its people.
In my heart, I know in all your hearts many did not realize they were breaking laws that were crimes. I know some rushed to judgment and pleaded guilty because they felt guilty. Or some young staffers thought the whole place was full of corruption and decided to be judge, jury and informants to their bosses and some out of jealousy some of out spite. And some deeds were outright wrong but can be admitted to and resolved with mea culpa and restitutions. Damn we all make mistakes of judgment, arrogance and ignorance. The big fact is the people of Pennsylvania understand Government Jobs do involve politics, but want it fairly conducted and we lost scope of that Public trust.
The practices were going on too long and each time a gray line was starting to cover black and white lines. You know this to be true and the AG knows it too, and it happens in all elected offices not just in the four caucuses.
Yet, the AG has no choice but to do his duty, he can go to jail, or be surcharged, or be indicted if he does the wrong thing by not investigating what has been reported in the media, from the Fumo convictions, informers, sources, witnesses, guilty pleas, and NOT JUST EMAILS HE WOULD HAVE BY SUBPOENAS ANYWAY.
Trust me, if Democrats and Republicans and all Lawyers representing everyone, come together, outline stages of poor ethical practices, provide Reforms to stop them, set up a reasonable repayment system, and admit some mistakes that may have broken some laws but can be properly pleaded.
We can remove the Burden on Corbett's Duty as AG, and have him publicly agreed that together we did find a better way to protect the taxpayers, and save costly trials.
At the same time we can remove the Burden of Anyone defending themselves, seek out AG approval for justice with the understanding why some laws were broken without intent and properly close down the Investigations by finding better ways to seek justice with reforms.
It may mean no Defendant can be rehired at the HDC or RHC or in Government, but why NOT have the HDC & RHC Raise Private Funds and hire them at what they are good at, electing good people to office.
It may mean some payment for Attorney Fees, Expunged Records later after justice agreements are met of Summary Offense pleaded too, and even Pardons later, but this will sure beat any Appeal Process.
These are just a few things I am raising, trust me, attorneys can be more creative on suggestions that meet Prosecutors approvals, as well as a Bi-Partisan Blue Ribbon Investigative Panel that the AG Office cannot stop. The panel can be empowered by the Supreme Court to investigate how to find out what went wrong and how to make sure it never happens again, and change some laws that are outright wrong by making Campaign Workers into Criminals if they volunteer.
Most importantly, the AG is credited in doing his job, protecting the Commonwealth, and the people of Pennsylvania benefit far better with these costly investigations trials resolved.
Elected Officials will still be answerable to the People on Election Days in 2010 Spring and Autumn and all revelations about ethical breaches will be judged on how they handled them. In this way, the people of Pennsylvania truly decide the fate of our lawmakers.
Most advantageous, we all go back to being normal in Harrisburg with better attitudes, and seek out better ways to do our jobs, and overcome the economic crisis that may overtake for years to come if we do not compromise now.
"I am not Benedict Arnold." may not be the best defense.
"Like George Washington, I..." may not have the intended effect.
If the attorney general issues you a subpoeana asking for certain things, you comply with it. To do otherwise is ILLEGAL.
You seem to be ignoring this basic fact. If Tom Corbett issued subpoenas to House Republicans and it came out that they ignored them or destroyed evidence, you'd be all over them.
Stop looking for a scapegoat and prepare to take your well-deserved medicine.
"If the attorney general issues you a subpoeana asking for certain things, you comply with it. To do otherwise is ILLEGAL."
So, what you are saying is, it was illegal for Bill DeWeese to withhold the e-mails showing himself, Tom Andrews and Kevin Sidella using a state-paid contractor for political work? It was illegal for Bill DeWeese to withhold the cache of e-mails later discovered in his chief counsel's former office which "discuss political operations apparently from inside Mr. DeWeese's office" and "suggest widespread campaign activity inside Mr. DeWeese's Harrisburg and district offices during state work hours?"
Wonder what else he withheld from the prosecutors?
Wondering what was withheld without explaining why you or others allegedly broke laws does not prove your innocence.
Put up all the Grand Jury Testimony not snips and slips that only Veon did.
It is ironic you claim DeWeese did not give over all the evidence, but at the ssame time you will not put up all the evidence either.
Nor explain away your actions they accused you of in any way.
Just because you will not come clean why blame DeWeese when he did come clean and turning it over to OAG.
"Anonymous said...No, DeWeese and his staff certainly aren't helping to pass the state budget or anything else of significance. DeWeese is pretty much irrelevant around the state capitol when it comes to substantive issues, no matter how much you hear him squawking on the news. He's hunkered down in his bunker, probably scouring the blogs for some mention of his name. Actually, he probably loves this blog since it's the only real attention he's getting lately.
September 2, 2009 7:29 AM"
GREAT YOU JUST MADE THE CASE THAT DEWEESE WAS NOT IN CAMPAIGN VIOLATION CIRCLE AND WHY HE IS NOT INDICTED.
AND IT IS TOO LATE TO TAKE BACK YOUR OWN WORDS NOW.
JOLLY GOOD SHOW!
"Anonymous said...
The three most frequent posters I see on this blog are "Bobguzzardi"(clearly a Republican sympathizer),a fellow named "McGruff" (who clearly doesn't like Eachus or Democrats) and "Signor Ferrari" (who is actually one of the blog administrators, and whose least favorite people are DeWeese and Corbett).I suspect that at least one of them also posts as an "Anonymous," to make it look like his voice is bigger than it is. September 2, 2009 8:06 AM"
You forgot Corbett' OAG is monitoring all posts, so who is the Fifth Columnist?
Refuse Time, Lets Separate The Trash With the Truth in CAPS:
Signor Ferrari said...
Bill DeWeese did not kidnap the Lindbergh baby!
TRUE, HE DID NOT NOT.
Bill DeWeese did not assassinate John F. Kennedy!
TRUE, HE DID NOT.
Bill DeWeese did not bomb the World Trade Center!
TRUE, HE DID NOT.
Let's talk about what he did do: he approved bonuses for campaigning.
He used a taxpayer-funded contractor to conduct his re-election campaign.
UNTRUE, DEWEESE WAS THE ONLY EXCEPTION OF USING HIS PHONE RESOURCES ON STATE EQUIPMENT ON STATE TIME. ACTUALLY, EACHUS AND VEON RAN THE RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGNS AS SEEN IN GRAND JURY TESTIMONY.
He based legislative personnel decisions on employees' campaign work.
UNTRUE, MIKE MANZO TOLD DEWEESE STAFFERS DESERVED BONUSES BY WORKING LATE AND OFF OF STATE TIME AND NEVER MENTIONED TO HIM THEY WERE WORKING ON STATE TIME FOR THE BONUSES. KAT MANUCCI TTESTIMONY CONFIRMED IT IN OAG GRJ.
He directed his legislative staff to work on his campaign.
DEWEESE ADMITS HE MADE MISTAKES BUT NOT THE LEVEL OTHERS WERE DOING BEHIND HIS BACK. DEWEESE ASKED ALL EMPLOYEES OF HDC TO COOPERATE WITH ALL INVESTIGATIONS. DEWEESE INVESTIGATED WHAT HAPPEN AND TOOK ACTION BY FIRING THOSE RESPONSIBLE.
Other people are facing felony charges for this kind of activity. Why isn't DeWeese?
DWEESE NEVER FORGED ANYONE NAME, DEWEESE NEVER LIED TO INVESTIGATORS, DEWEESE NEVER USED STATE MONEY FOR PERSONAL EXPENSES, DEWEESE NEVER SET UP A NON-PROFIT TO DISTRIBUTE STATE FUNDS, DEWEESE NEVER ENTER INTO A SECRET LEASE, DEWEESE NEVER SET UP A HIDDEN CTS SYSTEM CHANGED FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES, DEWEESE WAS LIED TO BY OTHERS AND HE FIRED THEM WHEN HE FOUND OUT, AND THEY ADMITTED THEY LET HIM DOWN PUBLICLY, UNLIKE CASBLANCAPA DEWEESE BELIEVED IN REVEALING THE TRUTH, AND DEWEESE REFUSED ANY COVER UP.
September 2, 2009 5:03 PM"
HONEST PEOPLE DO HONEST THINGS WHEN THEY FIND OUT THEY WERE DEALT WITH BY DISHONESTY.
SOMETHING CASABLANCAPA STILL HAS NOT EARNED TO WRITE ABOUT.
"Signor Ferrari said... If you think lawmakers have been "victimized" by the publicization of e-mails, the one to blame is Bill DeWeese, who turned them over to Corbett.
September 2, 2009 9:36 PM"
I get confused here, first you tell us Deweese did not turn over all the emails, then you tell us he did turn them over to Corbett.
You only blame Deweese for your bad behavior and then never talk about your own behavior?
"Anonymous said... Tom Corbett is my hero! September 2, 2009 8:19 AM"
I once ate a Hero Sandwich and retained a Lawyer right it was digested!
"Signor Ferrari said... If you think lawmakers have been "victimized" by the publicization of e-mails, the one to blame is Bill DeWeese, who turned them over to Corbett. September 2, 2009 9:36 PM"
FUMO TRIED TO DESTROYED HIS EMAILS, IT DID NOT WORK.
ARE YOU SUGGESTING DEWEESE SHOULD HAVE TRIED TO COVER UP CRIMES LIKE FUMO TRIED TO DO?
first you tell us Deweese did not turn over all the emails, then you tell us he did turn them over to Corbett.
As we are sure you realize, DeWeese turned over to Corbett only a few e-mails involving himself, but plenty that involved other legislators and staff. What he failed to turn over were highly suspicious e-mails that later were discovered through other sources - such as Eric Buxton's computer and the box found in the former office of DeWeese's chief counsel.
ARE YOU SUGGESTING DEWEESE SHOULD HAVE TRIED TO COVER UP CRIMES LIKE FUMO TRIED TO DO?
No, indeed. We are suggesting that he did.
Remember Pearl Harbor....
Remember the Maine....
Thus Hiroshima.....When the Commander in Chief was told that there were Americans in the sector that was to be bombed ...it was ignored... but he is a venerated President esteemed in history, but still our sons blood haunts him.
At the burning of the Hoover villages in D>C> on the Bonus March, another future President marched as an aide to camp and led the charge on unemployed WWI veterans who were marching on Washington to get the bonus that theyt so rightfully deserved. A future President and another wannabe President gladly fired on and burned blocks of the city, leaving the defenders of our nation to suffer and die.
Now with those facts presented before do you really think that a wannabe governor, posing as a persecutor, excuse me prosecutor is really worried if a few Democrats fall by the wayside.
Hiroshima, wAS NOT ALL THAT NECESSARY FOR THE FALL OF jAPAN. bUT IT, LIKE THE mAYAGUEZ INCIDENT, SERVED AS A DISPLAY OF POWER IN A MOMENT WHEN IT WAS NEEDED TO PROVE THAT AMERICA WAS POWERFUL AND COULD EXPLODE ITS POWER AT WILL.
tHUS THE STAGE HAS BEEN SET IN HARRISBURG AND THE ACTS WILL GO ON.
mERANWHILE, REFUGEES IN CASABLANCA WAIT...AND WAIT...AND WAIT.
AND HOPE...AND HOPE...AND HOPE...
MY FRIENDS.
AND WHERE IS VICTOR LASZLO WHEN WE NEED HIM?
WE DIDN'T PAY ATTENTION IN CIVICS CLASS - PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY - OR DID WE JUST NOT HEAR IT RIGHT.
GEORGE WASHINGTON THE FATHER OF OUR COUNTRY AND ESTEEMED VENERABLE
COMMANDER OF THE REVOLUTION AND SLAVE OWNER TO ESTABLISH THE REPUBLIC HAD TO FIGHT NOT ONLY THE BRITISH BUT ALSO SOME OF HIS ESTEEMED COLLEAGUES.
EVERY STEP OF THE WAY IN ORDER TO JUST GET MERE RATIONS AND BASIC SUPPLIES FOR HIS ARMY AT VALLEY FORGE. AT EVERY TURN IN THE ROAD HE WAS CONSTANTLY UNDERMINED BY NONE OTHER THAN THOMAS MIFFLIN.
MIFFLIN, LATER A GOVERNOR AND SOME OF HIS COHORTS HELD BACK SUPPLIES OR HELD THE SUPPLIES HOSTAGE UNTIL THEY COULD PROFIT FROM THEM WHILE THE NOBLE WASHINGTON PRAYED AND COUNSELED OUR TROOPS AT VALLEY FORGE, RISKING HIS VERY LIFE AND FORTUNE TO LEAD THE REVOLUTION AND FIGHT FOR LIBERTY.
IS IT NO WONDER THAT CORRUPTION IS NOT NEW TO PENNSYLVANIA. IT WAS PRESENT AND FLOURISHING AT THE TIME OF THE BIRTH OF LIBERTY IN PENNSYLVANIA.
THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SCOUNDRELS IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THEY DO NOT CEASE TO EXIST NOW.
BENEDICT ARNOLD ACTUALLY WAS SOLD OUT BY SOME OF THESE SCOUNDRELS AND WASAHINGTON WAS FORCED TO CONTANTLY KEEP HIS EYES MANY OF HIS COUNTERPARTS WHO WERE SELLING HIM OUT AND WORKING FOR HIS DEMISE.
RESEARCH YUOUR PENNSYLVANIA HISTORY AND YOU WILL SEE THAT THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN INFIGHTING, UNDERTCUTTING, AND CHICANERY.
LET US TAKE THIS TIME TO PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES THAT THEY MIGHT DO THAT WHICH IS RIGHT AND NOT PUT PERSONAL GAIN AHEAD OF PRINCIPLE.
LET US RETURN OUR REPUBLICAN PARTY TO ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE OF HONOR AND DECENCY IN OUR COMMONWEALTH.
PRAY, PENNSYLVANIA, PRAY!!!
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