Uninformed commentary - it's all the rage! All the cool kids are doing it, and now the Post-Gazette's Ruth Ann Daily is getting into the act.
There are so many inaccuracies, both on Daily's part and the part of her sources, we hardly know where to begin.
First of all, please point us to the portion of the week-long defense case in which any of the defendants or their lawyers argued anything close to "Sure, these guys broke the law, but only a little bit and hey, everybody's doing it." What the defense has argued is that the prosecution did not prove its case. Witness after witness testified they took their direction from Mike Manzo, Jeff Foreman or Scott Brubaker. All of whom, by the way, have admitted they broke the law and have pleaded guilty to multiple felonies, and testified in exchange for the possibility of reduced sentences.
Which leads us to Tim Potts' ludicrous argument that an acquittal for Veon and company will give lawmakers and staff free rein to campaign on state time and on the state dime. Has Potts forgotten that people have been held accountable? Do their convictions not serve as the deterrent Potts thinks lawmakers so desperately need?
We wish that, instead of trotting out some meaningless "law & order" rhetoric, Daily had actually attempted some journalism and pressed Potts on exactly what he means by "the evidence everyone has seen." We've followed the case closely and have seen an abundance of evidence and testimony that Mike Manzo and Scott Brubaker, with the blessing and cooperation of Bill DeWeese, coordinated and executed a plan to reward campaign volunteerism with bonuses, and that Jeff Foreman directed staff to campaign on state time and seek state reimbursement for their expenses. Three of the four have been held accountable, have pleaded guilty and await sentencing
If Potts is worried about allowing anyone to "get away with" anything, he should be asking Gubernatorial Candidate Tom Corbett why DeWeese has escaped indictment in the scandal.
The idea that anyone would look to the experience of the four current defendants - who, even if they're acquitted, have lost their jobs and reputations, have seen personal relationships destroyed, and likely face years of debt for legal bills - and take that as encouragement to follow the example of Manzo, Brubaker, Foreman and DeWeese defies logic.
48 comments:
Ruth Ann Daily is full of it - She complains about the government and then she wants them to protect her home from "commercial encroachment" because a private company was trying to develop the building next to her house into a banquet facility. She is the one that bought an old commercial building it isn't the government’s responsibility to protect her for being stupid.
In her P.G. Bio, Ruth Ann explains "Dailey lives on Pittsburgh's North Side, where she is turning a 100 year-old shoe polish factory into a home and a mechanic's parking lot into a city garden.
She also was hoping to get WAM money for her local community group.
She is the classic 'it’s all about me' Republican and anything the government does must be because Democrats hate you.
I commend Ruth Ann Daily for being someone to stand up and renovate old building with State Initiative Grants, dubbed by Newspapers Pundits as Walking Around Money, this is what these Grants do, and I am glad someone is using them to improve the community.
At the same time, I condemn Ruth Ann daily on not doing her Homework before writing the article.
Republican John Perzel is not being being investigated for giving out Bonuses, but for misusing the State Computer, NO REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER has been investigated or charged with any Bonuses payouts unlike the democrats, because Corbett will not investigate his Republican Friends.
Ruth Ann Daily should investigate if Corbett's Prosecutors broke Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board ethics and made up bogus charges on laws that were never broken, but that is too hard for for Ruth daily, I guess.
She is becoming frumpy these days and is using a picture from the 1980's on her column, let us be honest, if Ruth Daily wants change, let her give back her Grant Money, as a way to demonstrate her honesty for asking it for it while condemning it.
The article is ridiculous...we are seeing accountability right before our eyes...these people are on trial...what more does anybody want?
Potts says that our legislators
"have got to start producing, and we citizens have to hold them accountable". I guess that is a crime too.
Well, tiny Tim, what did you produce 15 years ago at $80 grand+ for being a "spokesman"? While staffers worked what exactly did you do for your 80 grand?
I do, however, commend you for returning half of your salary because of your beliefs.
Opps, I'm sorry, you kept all of your hard earned money. My apologies.
By the way, did you ever talk "politics" on state time with any news reporters?
If Corbett had the evidence to indict DeWeese on Bonusgate, he would have. The Republican Attorney General running for Governor has spent millions of taxpayer money trying to get the very powerful DeWeese out of office and was sorely disappointed when DeWeese won his last election. Corbett, the former General Counsel of Waste Management, a company with its own legacy of corruption, is using his position to tip the scales of justice in his political favor and advance an anti-union Republican agenda by employing rogue prosecutors whose lack of objectivity is shocking.
The Disciplinary Board and the US Attornys office received complaints about Costanzo and Corbett months ago. It was sent to all 3 US attorneys in Pa and two office of the DB in Phila and Harrisburg. An investigation is under way with regard to their illegal and unethical conduct.
let's hope the DB has better investigators than Corbett's keystone cops.
"If Corbett had the evidence to indict DeWeese on Bonusgate, he would have."
If Corbett hadn't allowed DeWeese to determine what evidence Corbett received, perhaps there'd be more evidence against DeWeese. As it stands, however, the incriminating evidence that did slip through DeWeese's selection process was more than enough to pursue charges. DeWeese was the one who had authority to spend caucus funds. DeWeese told Manzo to go ahead and reward staffers for campaign work. DeWeese was the one who signed the letters that accompanied the bonus checks. DeWeese was the one who responded to a "thank you for the bonus for campaigning" e-mail. DeWeese approved the contract with Eric Buxton. DeWeese and his top staffers directed Buxton's political work. These things are not in dispute.
So which is it? Is DeWeese guilty? Or is Veon innocent?
I do not think there was enough evidence to indict DeWeese on Bonusgate, but that goes for Mike Veon too.
It is clear, Manzo came up with the idea, was not forthcoming in all the details to DeWeese or Veon, and within himself was inexperience in knowing its full complications.
Manzo was playing fast and loose with ethical behavior and this led him to cross the line into illegal activity.
Manzo was paid over $150,000 to be accountable, responsible and to get things done. As Manzo and his wife and close inner circle continued to assume tasks, it was easier to just come up with ways to get the tasks done, and worry about any unethical behavior later.
Each time Manzo got away with doing something unethical without DeWeese, Veon or other leaders such as Sturla, Eachus, or Dermody, lines started to be crossed.
Foreman and the Brubakers joined Manzos' into this practice of taking more State Resources for Private gain and the unethical and some illegal behavior started to look normal.
This happens in any organization where those in charge assigned to accomplish goals, start to behave in ways that upon reflection not only look wrong but are wrong.
This is why Mike Veon is NOT GUILTY of the charges brought by the OAG.
Corbett's OAG complicated these cases by not looking at exculpatory evidence for Mike Veon at the Grand Jury Hearings.
Corbett's Campaign Staffers in their haste to make this an Election Year goal 3 years ago, also crossed the same lines of ethical and illegal behavior.
One can see it, where charges were brought against the Basketball Dinners that were NEVER ILLEGAL, as well as many of the other charges committed by underlings that did much on their own, and once caught, blamed Veon.
This Triangulation of Staffers Crimes for more Dimes in their pockets, along with Corbett's Campaign Staffers Goals for his election, and joined by the pressure on Corbett's Prosecutors misuse of the Grand Jury to achieve these goals, turned into political witch-hunts for campaign goals not taxpayers protections.
At the trial, many practices that were charged as crimes were disproven, and all of the OAG's State Guilty pleas admitted they did crimes on their own for their own benefit, NEVER under the direction of Veon or DeWeese.
The OAG Immunity Witnesses were conned into saying things to avoid the fear of being prosecuted and benefited by keeping their jobs, bonuses, and pensions, so they said whatever they were told to say by the OAG Prosecutors, that later came apart on Cross-Examination.
Now this is not to say there was not sloppy legislative practices, unethical behavior upon hindsight that grew instead of being stopped, but these things were turned into Crimes by a Ambitious Attorney General looking to become Governor, his Campaign Staffers to make it so, and Prosecutors, Guilty Pleaders and Immunity Witnesses to promotes, protect, and personally reduce their participation, in deals they made to protect themselves once caught!
Mike Veon, Brett Cott, Anna Marie Rosepink, and Steve Keefer were brave enough and right to stand up to these kinds of behavior, it does not excuse all of their behavior either, but THEY ARE NOT CRIMINALS AND NEVER WERE CRIMINALS AND SHOULD BE ACQUITTED!
"Anonymous said...The Disciplinary Board and the US Attornys office received complaints about Costanzo and Corbett months ago. It was sent to all 3 US attorneys in Pa and two office of the DB in Phila and Harrisburg. An investigation is under way with regard to their illegal and unethical conduct. March 15, 2010 11:06 PM"
This is the problem with these Boards of review, they never act during when crimes are being committed by Government or Judicial leaders.
For example, the judicial conduct Board was sent many Complaints about how Judges in Luzerne County were trampling on the Rights of Children, to pay for a Private Prison.
They sat and waited and it was used by Senator Joan orie and the Republicans for Judge Joan Orie Melvin campaign strategy to attack Jack Panella, the Democrat.
However, both parties were responsible since both sit on the Judicial Conduct Board.
Furthermore, the Judicial Conduct Board should be held responsible for not acting upon the Complaints as soon as they received them.
It is clear the JCB procedures are too slow and need reformed.
The same thing can be said for the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board right now.
Corbett's AG Prosecutors violated Legal Ethics the day they utter F-Words at Witnesses and within legal proceedings that happen over 3 years ago.
This is a violation of the Disciplinary Rules in ANY Legal PROCEEDING, it should not be tolerated.
Furthermore, not recording the AG interviews or Grand Jury proceeding gave wide permission to violate Constitutional Rights. Any decent law abiding Attorney general wanting to make sure his investigation is beyond questions, does these safeguards for Justice Sake, not an election.
If AG Corbett is truly after justice then he must show he plays within the rules of fairness and his own investigation is free from abuses and has nothing to hide, defend, or explain.
So, once again a Board meant to protect and police its own kind, sits, waits, and does nothing when violations have been occuring just like Kids for Cash!
Good Lawyers, Judges of High Standing, Law School Professors, and Community Leaders need to stand up now and challenge violations of government misuse of powers.
The time is to stand up now, and publicly challenge the PDB for not moving on the Complaints or at least announce they are launching an investigation!
Any of the Prosecutors can be brought be before the Board in days not weeks, and question about their behavior first, then witnesses to confirm or condemn their behavior, once the Prosecutors went on record.
Anonymous said...
So which is it? Is DeWeese guilty? Or is Veon innocent?
Um...why can't both be true?
RESPONSE IN CAPS:
Anonymous said...So which is it? Is DeWeese guilty? Or is Veon innocent?
RESPONSE:
THE OAG CASE AGAINST VEON WAS PROVEN QUITE FLAWED ON CROSS-EXAMINATION, AND AFTER THEY PRESENTED VEON DEFENSE.
CONSEQUENTLY, IF THE OAG CANNOT PROVE VEON GUILTY, DEWEESE IS NOT GUILTY EITHER.
Um...why can't both be true?
RESPONSE:
SINCE THE OAG DID NOT BRING A CASE AGAINST DEWEESE FOR BONUSGATE, THEN IT CANNOT BE TRUE.
WHAT THE OAG DID IS NOT BRING A CASE AGAINST DEWEESE FOR BONUSGATE AND WENT AFTER VEON.
OAG THEN BROUGHT A CASE AGAINST DEWEESE ON CHARGES SIMILIAR TO RAMALEY BUT ADDED CONSPIRACY.
OAG THEN BROUGHT CHARGES AGAINST PERZEL BUT FOR COMPUTER MISUE NOT BONUSGATE.
THEY HAVE REPORTED THE OAG IS READY TO INDICT TODD EACHUS, BUT SO FAR NO CHARGES?
OAG HAS NOT BROUGHT CHARGES AGAINST SENATORS JUBELRIER, BRIGHTBILL, LAVALLE AND HIRED JUBELRIERS STAFFER THAT GOT THE HIGHEST BONUSES?
TEH OAG HAS NOT BROUGHT ANY CHARGES AGAINST THE LARGE LAW FIRMS SUCH AS DILWORTH PAXSON BENEFITS FROM CONVICTED FEON VINCE FUMO?
OR
REED SMITH FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN NADER PETITIONS REMOVALS WITH FRANK DERMODY WIFE ON THE PAYROLL?
SO HARD TO FIGURE IT OUT, WHEN POLITICS AND POWER PLAY AROUND WITH THE MISUSE OF LAWS, ETHICS, TAXPAYERS FUNDS.
TAKE A GUESS?
THIS IS WHY THIS JURY SHOULD ACQUIT TO STOP OAG ABUSES!
March 16, 2010 1:08 PM
Hey Tim, did you ever see a church that didn't take up a collection. (sometimes two or three per service). What about the media? They copyright and market. It's all about the bottom line masqueraded in righteousness. And when they see through the sham, they masquerade themselves and become non-partisan. They didn't get their jobs through patronage they were hired for their qualifications. Back to reality.
We need to return to the old ways of politics. Where are the Bill Greens, Dave Lawrences, and George Blooms. They knew how to produce and deliver for the people. They planned, and then took their programs to the people. Politicsa was honorable and a vehicle that served the government.
With the media intervening and all this so called "transparency" the political machine has been destroyed and now instead of street money and a direct line to the division (precincts) the TV and newspapers are extorting money through ads and giving us false polls and uncredible insight, not to mention scandals blown way out of proportion. We should return to "TO THE VICTOR, BELONGS THE SPOILS" After all, isn't that what Tom C orbett has done on another level? He has aggressively commandeered his public office and used it to pay for his campaign at the expense of the taxpayer?
What price "SALVATION"??
I am ceratin that the People would much rather be reprfesented by committee people on the local level, whom they know and have access to than the media and their $$$$money-making ad campaigns and false perceptions of "Bureacracy/Democracy"
Why is it either/or DeWeese/Veon.
When it is so evident that the GUILTY CULPRIT IS TOM CORBETT...He is the Public Official that is GUILTY of CAMPAIGNING ON THE TAXPAYER'S TIME and DIME...
Why is it that DeWeese and Veon are always the bad guys?
Why do you refuse to see the truth?
THE REAL CULRIT in this is TOM CORBETT.
TOM CORBETT is GUILTY of CAMPAIGNING ON THE TAXPAYER'S TIME and DIME...
FOCUS ON THE REAL GUILTY PARTY. TOM CORBETT should be on trial for malfeasance and bilking the public.
Why is the MEDIA such a sacred cow? Their biased coverage in politics and sensationalism smacks of distortion and earns them profits on the bottom line. Why do we refuse to realize how the fourth estate sells itself for profits. And why are our political parties willing to let them get away with it?
Remember, even the man that preaches the Word, passes the hat.
Why do we accept their lies?
Bring back grass roots politics and service to the people. Go Team Veon. Throw out the hypocrits.
Anonymous said...
Why is the MEDIA such a sacred cow? Their biased coverage in politics and sensationalism smacks of distortion and earns them profits on the bottom line. Why do we refuse to realize how the fourth estate sells itself for profits. And why are our political parties willing to let them get away with it?
Remember, even the man that preaches the Word, passes the hat.
Why do we accept their lies?
March 16, 2010 2:55 PM
They are and always been Prove Corporations for private gain of power and influence.
The Print Media is having a tough time selling papers now and no longer has the great Reporters that know how to investigate anything.
The TV Media does 2 to 3 minute stories at best, seldom uncover anything these days.
The Radio Media only works if you seek audience for propaganda look at Rush Limbaugh.
The only way today to uncover true stories to protect the citizens is set up your own blog, and let the truth spread by word of mouth.
Wall street money maker own the media and have quieted down any investigations except those they want to pursue for their own interests.
I mean, Michael Moore, PBS Frontline and CBS 60 Minutes have pinpointed excatly who caused the Economic Crisis and how they benefited by doing it, bonuse taking, and being given Trilluions to fiox it since they created it, yet NO ONE IS LISTENING?
and when did the mothers protest against the war in Viet Nam? When their sons were already drafted or on the front lines.
Do you actually think you can infuriate the average arm-chair activists enough to make Archi Bun ker get out of his arm-chair and into Activism?
Wake up and smell the coffee, you tea baggers.
And remember the words paraphrased from Profiles in Courage: Bad things happen when good men refuse to act.
The bitter truth is, we have allowed our institutions to erode by having the attitude of Let George Do It.
When we do wake up it will be too late.
Sober up friends: Deweese and Veon (& Perzel, Juby, etc.) are Head Midnight Payjackers. That insult alone qualifies them for a personal cage. Justice takes time.
And don't waste time getting all hung up being small picture on whether the prosecutor's office is more corrupt than the defendants. They are both corrupt, of course. A result of having the mathematically smallest number of politcal parties possible without one-party rule. Think monopoly and the expensive mediocraty that comes with it.
We'll see... But long jury delibs aren't good for acquittals. Sneaky Payjacker Veon, a freeloader clown!
Ever consider an oligarchy?
Of course, momopolies are more expensive, but then they just build the taxes in as expenses and pass them on to the lowest level of providers without exemptions and wave the flag higher (die hoch fahne)
After the acquittal I hope they continue Team Casa and build it into a continued tool to educate the public. I do honestly believe that there is hope for the individual taxpayer and voter, even though some of the groups leading the charge have shjown their true colors by their lack of mobilization and activism.
In 1959, adressing the UN, Nikita S. Khrushchev said of the US,: "
You will bury yourselves among yourselves."
The Media reported him as saying:"We will bury you."
"The talent of success is nothing more than doing what you can do well and doing well whatever you do without thought of fame."
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Based on the questions I am reading in the Papers, I think the Jury has concluded that Mike Veon is Guilty of least some Counts out of 139 Counts.
At the same time, the Jurors are having difficulty with the Conspiracy and Conflicts Charges that may or may not include the three other Defendants.
This is what happens the OAG Beaver County Piroli Trial and the Jury found the Defendants Guilty of Conflict and Conspiracy but no Theft charges, it was a tragic verdict, and I hope it is overturned on Appeal.
I am sorry, but it seems the Jury is falling for that old expression, Mike Veon must have done something wrong with 139 Counts against him, even though Defense did a a very job showing some charges should not have been brought at all because they were not illegal.
Reasonable Doubt was proven clear within every Witness on Cross, but it seems the aggregate of the charges are just too large to overcome, even if misunderstood.
Boy, I hope I am wrong, this is not right, and just outright wrong, with all due respect to the Jurors that did a great job for 6 weeks, taking notes, and listening and doing their citizenry duties.
Hope they change their minds and look at all the charges and rebuttals by the Defense Team. I think the Judge saying they should Common Sense for conclusions was outright wrong, it is Beyond A Reasonable Doubt, not Common Sense!
We Shall See!
Anonymous said...
In 1959, adressing the UN, Nikita S. Khrushchev said of the US,: "
You will bury yourselves among yourselves."
The Media reported him as saying:"We will bury you."
March 16, 2010 11:32 PM
What the heck does that have to do with this case here?
Try to say focus on what is important, not you "Che" Promotions for Communists for Jesus.
For goodness sake, what Nikita S. Khrushchev said, has no relation here, is that clear Dear, not here Dear!
Now go and sin no more, and remember caSINo has the saem name within it as corBETt!
There should be at least 1 to 3 Jurors that can see through the AG Office Case and at least not agree with how the AG Office conducted this case.
A Hung Jury is appropriate here, over a Guilty Verdict, in my opinion.
I hope no Jurors will allow other jurors to boss them around, demand they go along, and try to abuse them into verdicts.
The Verdict Process is very tough on any person; after all, there are people's lives and freedom at stake.
It takes brave people to stand up and say, no matter how much other Jurors plan to scold other Jurors, or attack other Jurors, the simple fact remains that the AG office has to PROVE THEIR CASE BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT, and nothing less.
If Jurors have doubts, they must be respected. Many took copious notes and came away knowing they heard, saw, and know State Witnesses lied, were paid, protected their Pensions, and never gave back any bonuses, all for created testimony by the OAG, that as destroyed on Cross-Examination.
I mean if crimes were committed by passing out bonuses, then why the OAG not recovered those Bonuses from Immunity State Witnesses and Guilty Pleaded State Witnesses. Why did the AG Corbett not recover the Bonuses he said were illegal?
It makes no sense at all under all the laws Corbett claims were broken and while he is protecting Tax Dollars?
When I read Jurors are crying and attacking other Jurors, I am reminded this is what happen in the Attorney General conducted Interviews that made many Immunity Witnesses lie and protect themselves from abuse.
Even worse, the AG Prosecutors at the Grand Jury did the same thing; they intimidated, bullied, and used F-Words on anyone that did not go along with telling how the AG Office wanted the allegations told.
I hope brave people understand that when the Office of the Attorney General chooses whom they will go after even knowing ethical violations occurred more than any Criminal Intent to do crimes, and many just said what was needed to save themselves, BUT $ PEOPLE STOOD UP AND SAID, "NO" I DID NOT, AND I NEVER INTENDED TO COMMIT ANY CRIMES AS ALLEGED BY CORBETT CAMPAIGN STAFFERS FOR HIS GOVERNOR’S CAMPAIGN.
It is clear the OAG handed 139 Counts on Mike Veon, when knowing full well, as proven by the Defense, these were not crimes, maybe sloppy practices but not intended crimes as the OAG tried to portray.
If these were Crimes, then the entire Legislature and Senate should be charged, and we know that Corbett and his 800 employees never got around to doing a full investigation on his senate friends.
I do not envy what the Jurors have to do, but I am proud of them, and when you hear some are crying, you know they are emotional and are trying to do the right thing and come to the right Verdict.
I hope and pray all Jurors will stand tall; follow your Mind and Hearts within you! Fear not anyone trying to change you, be yourself, do what you feel and know is right!
Very few peopel know that a Grand Jury can indict on anything at anytime, and often this system is abised by ambitious Prosecutors wanting to win, not seek true justice.
I hope the jurors see through the BS of the defense. 41 people are telling the exact same lie and cannot be trusted?
Or 4 people did the deeds they are accused of, and that a PILE of email evidence and testimony supports?
Simple choice, really.
Are you under the impression that 41 people testified that the four defendants committed illegal acts or directed the witnesses to commit illegal acts? On the contrary, the vast majority testified - and the email evidence confirms - that they took their direction from Mike Manzo or Jeff Foreman. So the jury really only has to decide whether admitted liars Mike Manzo and Jeff Foreman could be lying.
See, this has been the problem with the media coverage of the trial. The enormous holes and weaknesses in the prosecution's case have been completely glossed over. The public really has no idea what the witnesses actually said, or what the email documents show. The Twitter feed has been much more informative than te "mainstream" media and followers probably have a clearer understanding why acquittals are a possibility.
Besides, if this were such a slam-dunk case it would not be taking the jury this long.
The jury doesn't seem to think it's such a "simple choice."
Bob Caton testified Veon gave him direct orders to do political work. Melissa Lewis testified Veon knew what was going on. Bliss testified Veon gave him directions. Steiner Blaner, LaVelle, Bliss, Webb, Martz, and others all testified they took direction from Cott. And there were plenty of e mails implicating Veon and Cott. You were at the trial. The case against Veon and Cott does not rely on any 10 witnesses, and includes e mail documents.
No question about it, Mike Manzo and Jeff Foreman had the most to gain, and did gain more than any Lawmaker.
They were making the most money, using staffers as personal prostitutes on the state dime in the case of Manzo, and Foreman was using his position to expand his Law Practice instead of just becoming a Private Lawyer.
Foreman was not satisfied with making over $100,000 from the State; he made more in Private Practice and still kept his State job.
Manzo was making $150,000 but once engaged he made sure his gave his wife a $40,000 raise in one year driving her money up to $89,000.
Then all of sudden they were caught, tried to lie to the AG first, then his wife, then to Veon, then to DeWeese.
DeWeese did not who was telling the lies so he brought in a Republican Inspector General, DeWeese refused to destroy evidence, and told everyone to cooperate, at the end, Manzo admitted in front of several witnesses he let DeWeese down, and lied, and feathered his own pockets, and beds.
DeWeese refused to cover up anything and did nothing but cooperate, but because he was unpopular over the Pay raise Proposal, Corbett brought charges anyway over the protests of his Prosecutors, and for his advice from Corbett Campaign Staffers.
During this entire episode, Manzo testified he never was ordered by Manzo to create a Bonus System and pass out Bonuses for Campaigning. Veon Defense proved many of the other charges were not illegal, just brought to make him look bad and get a conviction for Corbett Campaigns because Mike Veon was unpopular over the Pay Raise Proposals. But the Voters cast him out and the OAG still brought charges.
None of these facts is in dispute and was brought out at trial.
Give me a break, it is good the jurors are fighting to do what is right, not what others expect.
Signor Ferrari said...Are you under the impression that 41 people testified that the four defendants committed illegal acts or directed the witnesses to commit illegal acts? On the contrary, the vast majority testified - and the email evidence confirms - that they took their direction from Mike Manzo or Jeff Foreman. So the jury really only has to decide whether admitted liars Mike Manzo and Jeff Foreman could be lying. March 18, 2010 10:52 AM
NO QUESTION, VEON, COTT, ROSEPINK, AND KEEFER'S LAWYERS PROVE THAT BEYOND A REASONABLE DOES EXISTS, AT THE TRIAL ON CROSS-EXAMINATION.
Once again, if the Bonuses were illegal use of Taxpayers’ money, then Corbett is guilty too, because he let everyone keep them, especially his State Immunity Witnesses and Guilty Pleaders!
Yet, it is Manzo and Foreman that created the Bonus System that the OAG blamed only on Veon, and even Manzo and Foreman said, Veon never ordered it.
Veon thought as all lawmakers were told, it was to reward hard work for years of service, not campaigning on state time.
WHAT CORBETT WOULD NOT DO TO PROVE HIS INVESTIGATIONS WERE FAIR, UNBIASED, NON-POLITICAL, AND BEYOND CORBETT'S CAMPAIGN GOALS, LOOKS LIKE A HIGHER COURT RULED, DISTRICT ATTORNEY IS ORDERED TO INVESTIGATE CORBETT'S REPUBLICAN FRIENDS IN THE SENATE AND JUDGES THAT ARE UNDER ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF CAMPAIGNING ON STATE TIME.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA DID DO HIS INVESTIGATION RELYING ON STATE PAID AND PROTECTED WITNESSES AND CONVICTED FELONS LOOKING TO SAY ANYTHING TO SAVE THEIR JOBS, BONUS MONEY, AND PENSION OR REDUCED SENTENCES.
NOTE, DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA DID HIS INVESTIGATION UNDER THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT WAY:
1. RESPONDED TO INVESTIGATE BY AN INTERN COMPLAINT WITH NO PENSION, SALARY, OR BONUS TO PROTECT OR LIE ABOUT AND NOT GUIDED BY ANYONE IN THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFICE.
2. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA USED TO AUGMENT HIS INVESTIGATION BY VIDEO SURVEILLANCE OF JOAN ORIE AND OTHERS SENATORS.
3. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA DEPUTY PROSECUTORS ARE NOT USING THE F-WORDS OR ABUSING WITNESSES BEFORE THE GRAND JURY, HE IS NOT AFRAID AND ACTUALLY RECORDING ALL THE GRAND JURY TESTIMONY UNLIKE POLITICAL AMBITIOUS CORBETT CAMPAIGN STAFFERS REFUSED TO LET OAG PROSECUTORS DO THE RECORDINGS.
4. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA IS USING HARD COMPUTER DISC DRIVES AS EVIDENCE THAT ARE AUTHENTICATED BY THE COMPUTER DATA, NOT BY STATE PAID WITNESSES OR GUILTY PLEADER LIRAS WITH MUCH TO GAIN TO LIE FOR THEIR BENEFITS. THE COMPUTER DATA DOES NOT LIE, IT LEADS TO WHAT HAPPENS, NOT LIKE THE UNAUTHENTICATED EMAILS USED BY CORBETT'S OAG.
5. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA IS NOT RUNNING FOR HIGHER OFFICE UNLIKE CORBETT RUNNING FOR GOVERNOR.
6. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA HAS NOTHING TO GAIN FROM THIS INVESTIGATION AND DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY, SO JUSTICE IS DONE OR THE CASE DISMISSED.
7. DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA WITH A STAFF OF JUST OVER 100 IS DOING MORE TO INVESTIGATE THE SENATE LAWMAKERS IN 5 MONTHS THAN WHAT IT HAS TAKEN CORBETT'S 800 OAG EMPLOYEES DID IN OVER 4 YEARS.
8. CORBETT CANNOT EVEN CONDUCT A PROPER AN INVESTIGATION LET ALONE SHOW HE CAN DO SO IN AN EFFICIENT MANNER WITH OVER 800 EMPLOYEES, AND HE CLAIMS HE IS PROTECTING TAXPAYERS MONEY?
9. CORBETT ACTUALLY HAS MISUSED TAXPAYERS MONIES MORE THAN WHAT HE IS ALLEGING VEON MISUSED. CORBETT’S INVESTIGATION AND TRIAL OF RAMALEY WAS FOUND FLAWED IN JUST 2 HOURS BY A JURY OF COMMONWEALTH JUROR CITIZENS AND DISMISSED ALL COUNTS AGAINST RAMALEY WITH A NOT GUILTY VERDICT.
10. CORBETT HAS WASTED MORE TAX DOLLARS ON THESE BOGUS INVESTIGATIONS WITHOUT BRINGING IN TAX DOLLAR RECOVERY OF THE BONUSES HE SAYS IS ILLEGAL?
READ AND BELIEVE IN MIRACLES OF JUSTICE AND DOING THINGS TE RIGHT WAY FOR JUSTICE NOT CAMPAIGNS:
Court Won't Stop Zappala's Investigation Of Orie:
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Associated Press
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has refused to stop Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala's investigation of state Sen. Jane Orie's alleged campaign activities on behalf of her sister, Supreme Court Justice Joan Orie Melvin.
Mr. Zappala, a Democrat, announced in January that he was investigating claims by a former intern for the Republican state senator.
The intern says Ms. Orie's staff performed campaign work on state time to benefit Justice Melvin.
Ms. Orie has denied the allegations and her attorney, along with Senate Republicans, filed motions seeking a court order to end the investigation.
Justice Melvin did not participate the court's decisions to deny both motions on Wednesday.
No charges have been filed against Ms. Orie, the Senate's majority whip, but evidence is before the Grand Jury.
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10077/1043854-100.stm#ixzz0iYtQogWv
Birdies flying high over Dormont have heard rumors.
Senator Ward will have some explaining to do sooner not later.
Hope she did not destroy any evidence within her State Computers.
Could get ugly before it gets good again!
Hard to beat Video Evidence, Recorded Witnesses at Grand Juries, and traceable Computer Data on State Time, but one can never beat evidence removed during an investigation, even if it comes from Facebook!
Where is the OAG, PASC, and JCB, where is the PADB Pennsylvania Disciplinary Boards too!
The Attorney General, Prosecutors, Attorneys, Senator Jane Orie as an Attorney, and Judges cannot behave as if the “Appearance of Impropriety” does not exists, and must be held responsible when they violate this ethical standard or at least suspended and investigated.
I mean who is watching the WATCHDOGS, DeNaples Bank and Casino Buddies and Monies?
It is Wall Street Bank Bonus Babies all over again, they lost millions of people’s wealth, ruined the economy, and was paid billions while destroying the Banking System and then given Billions by the Government taxpayers and paid even bigger bonuses for doing what they caused in the first place.
Question A: Where was SEC (Security exchange Commission) afraid to do anything!
Question B: Where was Barney Frank and Chris Dodd lunching with Biden’s and Reid sons and daughters that were banking lobbyists!
Question C: Where was the Bond and Securities Advisers and regulators, part of the deal to make sure these Subprime Loans went through and sold even while unsecure.
Where is the honesty that made America when our Elite Corporate, Judicial, Law Enforcement, Overview Ethical Boards, and Professional License Boards, are just not doing their jobs but are part of each scandal, then go after competitors and politicians like Mike Veon and Bill DeWeese that opposed them for years?
Where is the Judicial Conduct Board again?
Supreme court Justice Joan Orie Melvin, should be suspended until District Attorney Zappala investigation is concluded, since Judges have to above "The Appearance of Impropriety", AT ALL TIMES!
The JCB blew the Kids for Cash violations of Children rights, but are letting Justice Joan Orie Melvin, still be on the Court while part of an investigation?
This is what upsets many citizens and why they hate government, Corbett's Office of Attorney General, The Judicial conduct board, and Supreme Court will not enforce laws and ethics against their own, but do so as they target others.
Yet, they want all others to respect Justice?????
It is shame and sham.
Anonymous said...41 people are telling the exact same lie and cannot be trusted? Or 4 people did the deeds they are accused of, and that a PILE of email evidence and testimony supports? Simple choice, really. March 18, 2010 10:44 AM
WELL, IF AG CORBETT 800 OAG PROSECUTORS AND INVESTIGATORS ONLY FOUND 41 WITNESSES AGAINST JUST 4 PEOPLE THEY SAID RAN THIS ENTIRE CRIMINAL OPERATION OVER 4 YEARS OF INVESTIGATING IT.
WHY HAVE THEY NOT FOUND THE SAME NUMBERS OF WITNESSES AGAINST REPUBLICAN SENATORS AND REPUBLICAN JUDICIAL CANDIDATES THAT NOW ARE JUDGES?
IS THAT A FAIR AND EVEN INVESTIGATION?
DO YOU EXPECT THE PUBLIC TO BELIEVE ONLY 4 PEOPLE DID THESE CRIMES AND NO ONE IN THE REPUBLICAN SENATE THAT WERE PAID HIGHER BONUSES AND NOW WORK FOR REPUBLICAN CORBETT OAG AS A CAMPAIGN STAFFER?
All 41 of those people kept their so-called Illegal Bonuses by way of courtesy of AG Tom Corbett's running for Governor Campaign.
All 41 of those Immunity Witnesses all were being paid by the State to testify and are keeping their jobs and pension, as arranged by the AG Corbett for their testimony! The only exceptions are the Convicted Felons that testified to reduce Prison Time or go on Probation.
All 41 Immunity Witnesses and Convicted Felons were caught in lies on Cross-examination CRE, and could not remember things when question with exculpatory evidence, and said things they never said at the grand Juries and thus caught in their own lies or made up evidence.
All 41 Immunity Witnesses and Convicted Felons, admitted to lying before the OAG, under oath, and on topics, they did not know about such as the Basketball dinners being perfectly legal.
When the Office of Attorney General makes you lie to win a case, and win an election, while not investigating everyone after 4 years, with over 800 OAG Employees, well....this is what happens....a huge abuse of power and waste of tax dollars all for Corbett's Governor Campaign to upset the voters to vote for him!!!!
YOU KNOW IF CORBETT AND HIS 800 OAG PROSECUTORS, INVESTIGATORS, AND STAFFERS HAD COMPLETED ALL THEIR INVESTIGATIONS OF THE HOUSE AND REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVES AND STAFFERS, AND ALL REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC SENATORS BY 2009 AFTER 4 YEARS, AND ALL JUDICIAL CANDIDATES WHEN A COMPLAINT WAS FILED IN OCTOBER 2009, THEN THESE INVESTIGATIONS WOULD BE BEYOND APPROACHED.
NEVERTHELESS, THAT DID NOT HAPPEN!
ALL SHOULD ASK WHY AND THEN YOU KNOW WHY JURORS MUST ACQUIT!
THIS WAS NEVER AN EVEN HANDED, HONEST COMPETENT INVESTIGATION TO RECOVER AND PROTECT TAX DOLLARS, IT WAS DESIGNED AND TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH REPUBLICAN TAKE OVER OF THE HOUSE, HIGH COURTS, AND GOVERNORSHIP WHILE KEEPING THE REPUBLICAN SENATE.
ALL WHILE SACRIFICING REPUBLICAN JOHN PERZEL WHO REFUSED TO SUPPORT CORBETT FOR GOVERNOR!
YOU KNOW THAT IS TRUE WHEN IT TAKES AG CORBETT 4 YEARS TO INVESTIGATE DEMOCRATS AND NOT ONE DAY FOR REPUBLICAN SENATORS WHO ARE CORBETT’S FRIENDS AND POLITICAL ALLIES!
USE YOUR COMMON CENTS TO UNDERSTAND WHO IS SPENDING YOUR TAX DOLLARS FOR HIS OWN CAMPAIGN ON STATE TIME WITH SHAM INVESTIGATIONS LIKE THIS ONE!
DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA DID "NOT" DO HIS INVESTIGATION RELYING ON STATE PAID AND PROTECTED WITNESSES AND CONVICTED FELONS LOOKING TO SAY ANYTHING TO SAVE THEIR JOBS, BONUS MONEY, AND PENSION OR REDUCED SENTENCES.
Sorry, I forget the word "Not", just like some OAG Immunity and Convicted Felons Witnesses forgot their testimony at the Runaway OAG Witch-Hunt Grand Jury Abuse Hearings they were afraid to record because of the AG Prosecutors UNETHICAL behavior!
I have to agree with you.
When Corbett does not investigate all 4 Caucuses, it does make his charges be political.
This is the fatal mistake as far as justice is concern, but it makes for good elections by holding any politicians responsible no matter how unfair.
This is why the Jury will Acquit, Corbett had plenty of time to investigate and prosecute all 4 Caucuses.
It is shame he mishandles these investigations for political gain, if Corbett was fair he would have investigated them all and have all the Bonuses returned to the Treasury!
It is not a matter of just Veon or DeWeese, but also Eachus, Smith, Brightbill, Lavalle, and Jubelrier!
When only 1 to 2 are prosecuted intsead of all investiagted and it takes 3 long years, you know something is wrong.
This investigation started not later than January, 2007, though the BIG investigation apparently started at least several months earlier. We're now in month 27, and no real appearance of any meaningful investigation in PA State Senate, though they had very large bonuses and incredible evidence of political activities.
O J Simpson case, from the date of the murder through investigation, one of the longest trial's in the history of the United States and verdict was less than 16 months.
Anonymous said...
This investigation started not later than January, 2007, though the BIG investigation apparently started at least several months earlier. We're now in month 27, and no real appearance of any meaningful investigation in PA State Senate, though they had very large bonuses and incredible evidence of political activities.
O J Simpson case, from the date of the murder through investigation, one of the longest trial's in the history of the United States and verdict was less than 16 months.
March 19, 2010 4:52 PM
Proof you just gave this particular Trial was politically times for Corbett's Campaign.
Even worse no damage to come out on Republicans in teh Senate in 2010.
Even worse, once Corbett is Governor, the Republican Investigations will be long ghone, citing, too long statue of limitations, and much evidence expiered!
AND NOT ONE PEEP FROM MEDIA OR NEWSPAPERS!
In 2008 DA John Morganelle, Corbett's opponent, stated all the time that all 4 caucuses should have been investigated simultaneously. He said that Corbett gave the Republicans time to get rid of evidence and would NEVER be prosecuted for bonuses. He was right. Corbett admitted when he arrested Prezel that the House R's obstructed justice as to bonuses. Corbett charged Prezel with issues unrelated to bonuses. There is no evidence to pursue against the senate r's and House R's as to bonuses bc Corbett mishandled the investigation as Morganelle said-- but in 2008 the press was so in love with Corbett that Morganelles word fell on deaf ears.
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