Federal Crimes FAQ
Q: What is a federal grand jury “target letter”? Why and when would a target of the federal grand jury receive one? Does this mean that a person who receives such a letter is likely to get indicted?
A: Federal grand juries conduct investigations into possible violations of federal criminal law. They have the power to subpoena witnesses to appear before them to testify and produce information.
The Department of Justice has special policies when the subpoenaed person is either a “target” or a “subject” of the grand jury investigation. A “target” is someone the prosecutor or grand jury has substantial evidence to link to a crime, and who, in the judgment of the prosecutor, is likely to be indicted. A “subject” of a grand jury investigation is someone whose conduct is within the scope of the grand jury’s investigation.
Due to the potential for unfairness and misunderstanding in making a person who is likely to be indicted testify or produce documents before a grand jury, prosecutors must first attempt to get the target to voluntarily appear. If that doesn’t work, the prosecutor must get the approval of the grand jury and the United States Attorney or the responsible Assistant Attorney General in order to issue a subpoena.
In deciding whether to subpoena a target, prosecutors will consider the importance of the testimony or information sought, whether the prosecutor can get the testimony or information from other witnesses, and whether the answers to the questions the prosecutors and grand jurors intend to ask would be privileged.
If the target of a grand jury investigation is subpoenaed, it’s the policy of the Department of Justice to advise the witness of his or her rights, either by attaching an “advice of rights” form to the subpoena or in a letter than accompanies the subpoena. In the case of a witness who’s the target or subject of the investigation, the following advice is provided: “The grand jury is conducting an investigation of possible violations of Federal criminal laws involving: [the general subject matter of inquiry, for example ‘conducting an illegal gambling business in violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 1955’]. You may refuse to answer any question if a truthful answer to the question would tend to incriminate you. Anything that you do say may be used against you by the grand jury or in a subsequent legal proceeding. If you have retained counsel, the grand jury will permit you a reasonable opportunity to step outside the grand jury room to consult with counsel if you so desire.”
Targets are also advised that their conduct is being investigated for possible violation of federal criminal law
Q: Does anyone have to tell you at a grand jury hearing that you’re being indicted? Is it legal to indict a person without their knowledge or representation?
A: There isn’t a requirement that you be advised ahead of time that an indictment is going to be returned against you. Grand jury proceedings are considered secret. In general terms, this means that the authorities aren’t allowed to reveal what happens before a grand jury.
If you’re a “target” (loosely defined as a person against whom the government has evidence of an involvement in a crime for which you may be charged) or a subject of a grand jury investigation, the government may want to question you about your involvement in the crime under investigation. In that case, the United States Attorney’s Manual requires federal prosecutors to advise you in writing of your right to counsel and to use your privilege not to incriminate yourself if you so choose.
If you think you’re the target or subject of a grand jury investigation, you might consider getting a lawyer to open communications with the prosecutor. Sometimes the prosecutor will confirm her intention to indict you, engage in plea negotiations before the indictment, or agree to surrender instead of arrest when the indictment is returned. Other times, the prosecutor will request that the indictment be sealed by the court until your arrest, to reduce the chance you’ll flee to avoid prosecution.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
What A Difference
What a difference a month makes.
April 4, 2009 On Friday, Toole and Height both said no investigators have contacted them personally.
May 12, 2009Wilkes-Barre Area School Board President James Height resigned abruptly and without giving a reason Tuesday afternoon.
What a difference four years make(Gort's post).
Wilkes-Barre Area School Directors Jim Height received the Democratic nomination and is running as a team with with Brian Dunn.
What a difference an FBI probe makes.
Officials predict thousands of jobs, billions in cash for economy $1.6B cargo airport eyed Times Leader: 02-01-2007 By Jerry Lynott
April 4, 2009 On Friday, Toole and Height both said no investigators have contacted them personally.
May 12, 2009Wilkes-Barre Area School Board President James Height resigned abruptly and without giving a reason Tuesday afternoon.
What a difference four years make(Gort's post).
Wilkes-Barre Area School Directors Jim Height received the Democratic nomination and is running as a team with with Brian Dunn.
What a difference an FBI probe makes.
Officials predict thousands of jobs, billions in cash for economy $1.6B cargo airport eyed Times Leader: 02-01-2007 By Jerry Lynott
Here's How The Republicans Can Rise To The Occassion
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under Fast Eddy Rendell is $3 billion in the hole.
Below is a list of donations made to the Luzerne County Democratic Party as well as state and federal Democratic office holders. And the press has the audacity to blame the Republican party for the world's woes.
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 10/31/2005 $500.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 6
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22 Expenditure Details 22
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 4/19/2005 $6,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Go to Top Go to Bottom
23 Expenditure Details 23
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 9/30/2005 $6,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Recipient Date Amount
COMMITTE TO ELECT MARY ANN PETROLL (Mary Ann Petrilla)
BULLEN TWP, PA 12/24/2003 $5,000.00
Description -
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 7
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COM.
WYOMING, PA 18644 9/9/2003 $1,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 4
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33 Expenditure Details 33
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMM
WYOMING, PA 18644-0221 8/22/2003 $2,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 4
Conservatives for Good Government <------------------------------------------------------------------------ Powell In disguise
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 2/8/2007 $5,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2
Contributor Date Amount
Conversatives for Good Government
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/29/2005 $10,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums , PA 18222 6/12/2006 $340.00
Occupation: lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4
Multi-Candidate Committee
Pittsburgh, PA 15259 2/8/2007 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2
Pittsburgh Future PAC
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 3/15/2007 $1,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2
Wonder where they come from
Onto Cigarette Money from the guy who champions health causes
Altria Group, Inc. PAC
Washington, DC 20001 7/25/2006 $340.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4
Contributor Date Amount
Altria Group, Inc.PAC
Washington, DC 20001 1/26/2006 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1
Contributor Date Amount
Altria Group, Inc.PAC
Washington, DC 20001 1/26/2006 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1
Friends of Dave Lupas
Pittston, PA 18640 10/26/2006 $125.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 6
Contributor Date Amount
Friends of Dave Lupas
Pittston, PA 18640 1/10/2006 $125.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1
Bob Powell Campaign Donations
CARNEY, CHRISTOPHER
VIA CARNEY FOR CONGRESS
09/15/2006 1000.00 26930454491
01/18/2007 2100.00 27930554825
POWELL, ROBERT
DRUMS, PA 18222
SELF-EMPLOYED/ATTONEY-AT-LAW
KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
10/16/2006 500.00 26930504848
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTORNEY
KLINK, RONALD P
VIA CITIZENS FOR RON KLINK
06/18/1999 500.00 99020071438
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTY-AT-LAW
KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
01/18/2000 1000.00 20035374539
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
KLINK, RONALD P
VIA CITIZENS FOR RON KLINK
03/08/2000 500.00 20020101072
03/08/2000 500.00 20020101072
06/30/2000 500.00 20020182550
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF EMPLOYED/ATTORNEY
EDWARDS, JOHN
VIA EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
03/31/2003 2000.00 23990753014
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF-EMPLOYED/ATTONEY-AT-LAW
KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
10/26/2002 500.00 22992803736
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
DASCHLE, THOMAS ANDREW
VIA NEW LEADERSHIP FOR AMERICA PAC
08/11/2004 1000.00 24020882189
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
GEPHARDT, RICHARD A
VIA GEPHARDT FOR PRESIDENT INC.
06/30/2003 1000.00 23991413028
POWELL, ROBERT J
HAZLETON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
EDWARDS, JOHN R
VIA EDWARDS FOR SENATE
08/13/2002 1000.00 23020030061
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTORNEY
CASEY, PATRICK RAYMOND
VIA CASEY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
10/26/1998 500.00 98033964986
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
POWELL LAW GROUP
HOEFFEL, JOSEPH M
VIA HOEFFEL FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
06/30/2004 1000.00 24020612151
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
KERRY, JOHN F
VIA JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
05/27/2004 2000.00 24981235798
POWELL, ROBERT J ATTY
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
CASEY, PATRICK RAYMOND
VIA CASEY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
10/13/2000 500.00 20036350484
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (AAJ PAC)
12/21/1999 -10.00 20035340116
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF EMPLOYED/ATTORNEY
EDWARDS, JOHN
VIA JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
02/12/2007 2300.00 27930590513
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ.
DRUMS, PA 18222
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
10/06/2006 5000.00 27930756092
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQUIRE
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
CASEY, ROBERT P JR
VIA BOB CASEY FOR PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE
06/30/2005 900.00 26020571636
06/30/2005 2100.00 26020571721
12/31/2005 1000.00 26020623257
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
POWELL LAW GROUP
PENNSYLVANIA SENATE 2000
06/28/2000 2500.00 20020182372
POWELL, ROBERT S MR.
SKILLMAN, NJ 08558
SELF/REAL ESTATE
KERRY VICTORY 2004
05/28/2004 500.00 24961686861
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
POWELL LAW GROUP
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
06/29/2000 2000.00 20020231266
Contributor Date Amount
Powell Law Group
West Hazleton, PA 18201 10/17/2000 $100.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2000 Cycle 5
Contributor Date Amount
Powell Law Group
West Hazleton, PA 18201 6/20/2001 $250.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2001 Cycle 7
Contributor Date Amount
Robert & Debra Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 9/15/2000 $400.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2000 Cycle 5
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums, PA 18222 10/21/2004 $250.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2004 Cycle 6
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 8/4/2004 $750.00
Occupation: Lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2004 Cycle 4
Contributor Date Amount
ROBERT POWELL
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201 5/5/2004 $500.00
Occupation: LAWYER
Employer: POWELL LAW GROUP
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: EACHUS, TODD FRIENDS OF
Report: 2004 Cycle 3
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums , PA 18222 6/12/2006 $340.00
Occupation: lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 5/16/2002 $150.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: FRIENDS OF TODD EACHUS
Report: 2002 Cycle 3
Contributor Date Amount
ROBERT POWELL
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201 3/5/2004 $500.00
Occupation: LAWYER
Employer: POWELL LAW GROUP
HAZLETON
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: EACHUS, TODD FRIENDS OF
Report: 2004 Cycle 2
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums, PA 18222 7/12/2005 $260.00
Occupation: Attorney
Employer: Powell Law Group, P.C.
PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Below is a list of donations made to the Luzerne County Democratic Party as well as state and federal Democratic office holders. And the press has the audacity to blame the Republican party for the world's woes.
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 10/31/2005 $500.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 6
Go to Top Go to Bottom
22 Expenditure Details 22
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 4/19/2005 $6,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Go to Top Go to Bottom
23 Expenditure Details 23
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE
PLYMOUTH, PA 18651 9/30/2005 $6,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CIAVARELLA, MARK JUDGE RETENTION COM
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Recipient Date Amount
COMMITTE TO ELECT MARY ANN PETROLL (Mary Ann Petrilla)
BULLEN TWP, PA 12/24/2003 $5,000.00
Description -
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 7
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COM.
WYOMING, PA 18644 9/9/2003 $1,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 4
Go to Top Go to Bottom
33 Expenditure Details 33
Recipient Date Amount
LUZERNE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMM
WYOMING, PA 18644-0221 8/22/2003 $2,000.00
Description: DONATION
Filer/Payer: CONAHAN, MICHAEL COM TO RETAIN
Report: 2003 Cycle 4
Conservatives for Good Government <------------------------------------------------------------------------ Powell In disguise
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 2/8/2007 $5,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2
Contributor Date Amount
Conversatives for Good Government
Sugarloaf, PA 18249 3/29/2005 $10,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums , PA 18222 6/12/2006 $340.00
Occupation: lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4
Multi-Candidate Committee
Pittsburgh, PA 15259 2/8/2007 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2
Pittsburgh Future PAC
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 3/15/2007 $1,000.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2007 Cycle 2
Wonder where they come from
Onto Cigarette Money from the guy who champions health causes
Altria Group, Inc. PAC
Washington, DC 20001 7/25/2006 $340.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4
Contributor Date Amount
Altria Group, Inc.PAC
Washington, DC 20001 1/26/2006 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1
Contributor Date Amount
Altria Group, Inc.PAC
Washington, DC 20001 1/26/2006 $500.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1
Friends of Dave Lupas
Pittston, PA 18640 10/26/2006 $125.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 6
Contributor Date Amount
Friends of Dave Lupas
Pittston, PA 18640 1/10/2006 $125.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 1
Bob Powell Campaign Donations
CARNEY, CHRISTOPHER
VIA CARNEY FOR CONGRESS
09/15/2006 1000.00 26930454491
01/18/2007 2100.00 27930554825
POWELL, ROBERT
DRUMS, PA 18222
SELF-EMPLOYED/ATTONEY-AT-LAW
KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
10/16/2006 500.00 26930504848
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTORNEY
KLINK, RONALD P
VIA CITIZENS FOR RON KLINK
06/18/1999 500.00 99020071438
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTY-AT-LAW
KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
01/18/2000 1000.00 20035374539
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
KLINK, RONALD P
VIA CITIZENS FOR RON KLINK
03/08/2000 500.00 20020101072
03/08/2000 500.00 20020101072
06/30/2000 500.00 20020182550
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF EMPLOYED/ATTORNEY
EDWARDS, JOHN
VIA EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
03/31/2003 2000.00 23990753014
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF-EMPLOYED/ATTONEY-AT-LAW
KANJORSKI, PAUL E
VIA PENNSYLVANIANS FOR KANJORSKI
10/26/2002 500.00 22992803736
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
DASCHLE, THOMAS ANDREW
VIA NEW LEADERSHIP FOR AMERICA PAC
08/11/2004 1000.00 24020882189
POWELL, ROBERT
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
GEPHARDT, RICHARD A
VIA GEPHARDT FOR PRESIDENT INC.
06/30/2003 1000.00 23991413028
POWELL, ROBERT J
HAZLETON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
EDWARDS, JOHN R
VIA EDWARDS FOR SENATE
08/13/2002 1000.00 23020030061
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
ATTORNEY
CASEY, PATRICK RAYMOND
VIA CASEY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
10/26/1998 500.00 98033964986
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
POWELL LAW GROUP
HOEFFEL, JOSEPH M
VIA HOEFFEL FOR SENATE COMMITTEE
06/30/2004 1000.00 24020612151
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
KERRY, JOHN F
VIA JOHN KERRY FOR PRESIDENT INC
05/27/2004 2000.00 24981235798
POWELL, ROBERT J ATTY
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
THE POWELL LAW GROUP
CASEY, PATRICK RAYMOND
VIA CASEY FOR CONGRESS COMMITTEE
10/13/2000 500.00 20036350484
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (AAJ PAC)
12/21/1999 -10.00 20035340116
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
SELF EMPLOYED/ATTORNEY
EDWARDS, JOHN
VIA JOHN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT
02/12/2007 2300.00 27930590513
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQ.
DRUMS, PA 18222
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
PENNSYLVANIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY
10/06/2006 5000.00 27930756092
POWELL, ROBERT J ESQUIRE
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18202
THE POWELL LAW GROUP/ATTORNEY
CASEY, ROBERT P JR
VIA BOB CASEY FOR PENNSYLVANIA COMMITTEE
06/30/2005 900.00 26020571636
06/30/2005 2100.00 26020571721
12/31/2005 1000.00 26020623257
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
POWELL LAW GROUP
PENNSYLVANIA SENATE 2000
06/28/2000 2500.00 20020182372
POWELL, ROBERT S MR.
SKILLMAN, NJ 08558
SELF/REAL ESTATE
KERRY VICTORY 2004
05/28/2004 500.00 24961686861
POWELL, ROBERT J
WEST HAZELTON, PA 18201
POWELL LAW GROUP
DEMOCRATIC SENATORIAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
06/29/2000 2000.00 20020231266
Contributor Date Amount
Powell Law Group
West Hazleton, PA 18201 10/17/2000 $100.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2000 Cycle 5
Contributor Date Amount
Powell Law Group
West Hazleton, PA 18201 6/20/2001 $250.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2001 Cycle 7
Contributor Date Amount
Robert & Debra Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 9/15/2000 $400.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2000 Cycle 5
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums, PA 18222 10/21/2004 $250.00
Occupation: -
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2004 Cycle 6
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 8/4/2004 $750.00
Occupation: Lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2004 Cycle 4
Contributor Date Amount
ROBERT POWELL
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201 5/5/2004 $500.00
Occupation: LAWYER
Employer: POWELL LAW GROUP
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: EACHUS, TODD FRIENDS OF
Report: 2004 Cycle 3
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums , PA 18222 6/12/2006 $340.00
Occupation: lawyer
Employer: PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2006 Cycle 4
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
West Hazleton, PA 18201 5/16/2002 $150.00
Occupation: -
Employer: -
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: FRIENDS OF TODD EACHUS
Report: 2002 Cycle 3
Contributor Date Amount
ROBERT POWELL
WEST HAZLETON, PA 18201 3/5/2004 $500.00
Occupation: LAWYER
Employer: POWELL LAW GROUP
HAZLETON
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: EACHUS, TODD FRIENDS OF
Report: 2004 Cycle 2
Contributor Date Amount
Robert Powell
Drums, PA 18222 7/12/2005 $260.00
Occupation: Attorney
Employer: Powell Law Group, P.C.
PA
Description: Monetary Contribution-
Recipient: Friends of Todd Eachus
Report: 2005 Cycle 5
Obama Wants U.S. Incaceration For Terrorist
This news item from ABCnews.com says it all.
With President Barack Obama showing the way, some Senate Democrats are signaling a willingness to permit transferring terrorism suspects from Guantanamo Bay to prisons in the United States despite a high-profile vote to the contrary.
With President Barack Obama showing the way, some Senate Democrats are signaling a willingness to permit transferring terrorism suspects from Guantanamo Bay to prisons in the United States despite a high-profile vote to the contrary.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Questions For Luzerne County's Election Chief
Staff writers for the Standard Speaker reported that Director of Elections Leonard Piazza feels that bilingual ballots will be needed in Hazleton after the 2010 election.
The growing Hispanic population, especially in Hazleton, will likely force the county to generate bilingual ballots after the 2010 census is done, Piazza said. If the U.S. Census shows that at least 4 percent of the voting-age population in a polling precinct is not proficient in English, then bilingual ballots for the entire municipality are required, Piazza said.
Piazza predicts a few precincts in Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre and Pittston Township will reach the qualifying percentage. But even if it’s one precinct only, all voting machines in the county will be equipped with the Spanish ballot; Piazza said the county can’t buy the Spanish ballot software for just one area.
The next part of the article is extremely interesting.
Piazza disclosed the county election bureau is starting an outreach program for Spanish-speaking voters Sunday with a meeting in Hazleton.
The meeting is tentatively set for 2 to 4 p.m. at Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area, Suite 112, 100 W. Broad St., Piazza said. He said he will discuss issues involving Tuesday’s election, as well as future issues, that concern Hispanic voters.
“We want to gather input from the Latino community,” Piazza said. “What the election bureau is doing right — and what it might be doing wrong.”
On Tuesday, every polling place in Hazleton will have a person to assist voters in Spanish, Piazza said. These designated “watchers” will have credentials to help assist voters with limited English skills and are prohibited from telling voters whom to support when voting, Piazza said.
Ignatio Beato announced his candidacy for one of three seats up for election on Hazleton's City Council. According to his announcement Beato is co-founder and vice president of the Concerned Parents of Hazleton.
Mr. Piazza, how can you allow poll watchers from a particular group tied to a candidate act as translators? What disadvantage will exist for the other candidates if the group tells people requiring language assistance how to vote? Why was one candidate invited to this meeting and not all the candidates?
Last election many infractions were observed in Hazleton. Assistance for the Hispanic community was being provided at the polls without requiring persons making the request to fill out a voter assistance declaration. In addition it was observed that as many as five people were helping a single voter. It is alleged that bilingual poll watchers were telling Hispanics how to vote. Provisional ballots were not employed when persons could not produce the proper ID.
Interpreters were approaching people inside the polling place to offer "unsolicited" assistance without the voter making a proper request to the Judge of Elections.
From the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania: No person is allowed to receive assistance in voting unless his/her registration record indicates the need for assistance or the voter completes and signs a declaration of the need for assistance at the polling place prior to entering the voting machine booth.
According to the Chester County Democrats All watchers in the polling place must remain outside the enclosed space. (enclosed space รข€“ 6 feet from voting machines, ballot box, and election officials work area).
Read this document from the Pennsylvania Voters Coalition. At the top of page 7 it indicates an example of the need for better training of poll watchers. Partisan poll watchers were allowed to be too near the voting machines.
Mr. Piazza are there different rules for Luzerne County?
A concerned citizen has approached me with the following information. Elaine Curry, Hazleton Area School Board member and activist with Concerned Parents, allegedly approached a candidate to put the person's name on her slate cards for candidates she supports. It is alleged that she promised 800 to 1000 votes as an inducement for the prospective candidate. It is claimed that she would accomplish that feat by having poll watchers act as interpreters inside the poll.
Mr. Piazza, Ignatio Beato, candidate, is vice president of Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area. You issued watcher certificates to this group who will now be inside the polling place. The article states you claim these "watchers" are prohibited from telling voters how to vote. Do you honestly feel that the average voter believes that those watchers will not use the opportunity to push Curry's slate?
Judges of election are not proficient in Spanish to detect any wrongdoing by errant watchers. What steps are you going to take to ensure the integrity of the vote so candidates are not at a disadvantage? With all the problems in Luzerne County do we need one more slap against our reputation?
The growing Hispanic population, especially in Hazleton, will likely force the county to generate bilingual ballots after the 2010 census is done, Piazza said. If the U.S. Census shows that at least 4 percent of the voting-age population in a polling precinct is not proficient in English, then bilingual ballots for the entire municipality are required, Piazza said.
Piazza predicts a few precincts in Hazleton, Wilkes-Barre and Pittston Township will reach the qualifying percentage. But even if it’s one precinct only, all voting machines in the county will be equipped with the Spanish ballot; Piazza said the county can’t buy the Spanish ballot software for just one area.
The next part of the article is extremely interesting.
Piazza disclosed the county election bureau is starting an outreach program for Spanish-speaking voters Sunday with a meeting in Hazleton.
The meeting is tentatively set for 2 to 4 p.m. at Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area, Suite 112, 100 W. Broad St., Piazza said. He said he will discuss issues involving Tuesday’s election, as well as future issues, that concern Hispanic voters.
“We want to gather input from the Latino community,” Piazza said. “What the election bureau is doing right — and what it might be doing wrong.”
On Tuesday, every polling place in Hazleton will have a person to assist voters in Spanish, Piazza said. These designated “watchers” will have credentials to help assist voters with limited English skills and are prohibited from telling voters whom to support when voting, Piazza said.
Ignatio Beato announced his candidacy for one of three seats up for election on Hazleton's City Council. According to his announcement Beato is co-founder and vice president of the Concerned Parents of Hazleton.
Mr. Piazza, how can you allow poll watchers from a particular group tied to a candidate act as translators? What disadvantage will exist for the other candidates if the group tells people requiring language assistance how to vote? Why was one candidate invited to this meeting and not all the candidates?
Last election many infractions were observed in Hazleton. Assistance for the Hispanic community was being provided at the polls without requiring persons making the request to fill out a voter assistance declaration. In addition it was observed that as many as five people were helping a single voter. It is alleged that bilingual poll watchers were telling Hispanics how to vote. Provisional ballots were not employed when persons could not produce the proper ID.
Interpreters were approaching people inside the polling place to offer "unsolicited" assistance without the voter making a proper request to the Judge of Elections.
From the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania: No person is allowed to receive assistance in voting unless his/her registration record indicates the need for assistance or the voter completes and signs a declaration of the need for assistance at the polling place prior to entering the voting machine booth.
According to the Chester County Democrats All watchers in the polling place must remain outside the enclosed space. (enclosed space รข€“ 6 feet from voting machines, ballot box, and election officials work area).
Read this document from the Pennsylvania Voters Coalition. At the top of page 7 it indicates an example of the need for better training of poll watchers. Partisan poll watchers were allowed to be too near the voting machines.
Mr. Piazza are there different rules for Luzerne County?
A concerned citizen has approached me with the following information. Elaine Curry, Hazleton Area School Board member and activist with Concerned Parents, allegedly approached a candidate to put the person's name on her slate cards for candidates she supports. It is alleged that she promised 800 to 1000 votes as an inducement for the prospective candidate. It is claimed that she would accomplish that feat by having poll watchers act as interpreters inside the poll.
Mr. Piazza, Ignatio Beato, candidate, is vice president of Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area. You issued watcher certificates to this group who will now be inside the polling place. The article states you claim these "watchers" are prohibited from telling voters how to vote. Do you honestly feel that the average voter believes that those watchers will not use the opportunity to push Curry's slate?
Judges of election are not proficient in Spanish to detect any wrongdoing by errant watchers. What steps are you going to take to ensure the integrity of the vote so candidates are not at a disadvantage? With all the problems in Luzerne County do we need one more slap against our reputation?
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Broken Promises By Rendell And The Democrats
Rep. Todd Eachus from the 116th district likes when people tout him as the "PACE GUY".
The Pennsylvania Report claims Todd is the lawmaker who successfully led the charge for historic expansions of the state’s senior citizen prescription drug programs.
Let's look at the record. On July 7, 2006 Fast Eddy Rendell announced the new PACE Plus program which combined the popular PACE/PACENET program with federal Medicare Part D plans. His press release stated PACE/PACENET provides low-cost prescription coverage to nearly 317,000 older Pennsylvanians.
The Department of Aging issued its own release in February of that year where it stated that the legislation would raise the number of PACE/PACENET recipients to 430,000 from that present level of 317,000.
According to Caregiver magazine the PACE program still only serves 317,000 people. Broken promises by politicians who claim fame but have no game. Both are touting a new health insurance initiative for Pennsylvania. How about following through on your original promise first?
The Pennsylvania Report claims Todd is the lawmaker who successfully led the charge for historic expansions of the state’s senior citizen prescription drug programs.
Let's look at the record. On July 7, 2006 Fast Eddy Rendell announced the new PACE Plus program which combined the popular PACE/PACENET program with federal Medicare Part D plans. His press release stated PACE/PACENET provides low-cost prescription coverage to nearly 317,000 older Pennsylvanians.
The Department of Aging issued its own release in February of that year where it stated that the legislation would raise the number of PACE/PACENET recipients to 430,000 from that present level of 317,000.
According to Caregiver magazine the PACE program still only serves 317,000 people. Broken promises by politicians who claim fame but have no game. Both are touting a new health insurance initiative for Pennsylvania. How about following through on your original promise first?
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Can We Really Afford Universal Healthcare?
Before I answer that question someone has to define the exact meaning of universal healthcare. In an attempt to open some eyes I want to post something from the Wall Street Journal. Are Amercians prepared to give more and more of their earnings to the federal government to subsidize its growing appetite for cash?
When Medicare was created in 1965, benefits were relatively limited and retirees paid a substantial percentage of the costs of their own care. But the clout of retirees has always led to expanding benefits for seniors while raising taxes on younger workers.
In 1965, Congressional actuaries expected Medicare to cost $3.1 billion by 1970. In 1969, that estimate was revised to $5 billion, and it actually came in at $6.8 billion. That same year, the Senate Finance Committee declared a Medicare cost emergency. In 1979, Jimmy Carter proposed limiting benefits, only to have the bill killed by fellow Democrats. Things have gotten worse since, and Medicare today costs $455 billion and rising.
Medicaid was intended as a last resort for the poor but now covers one-third of all long-term care expenses in the U.S. -- that is, it has become a middle-class subsidy for aging parents of the Baby Boomers. Its annual bill is $227 billion, and so far this fiscal year is rising by 17%.
The ironic thing with those figures. They almost add up to the bailout given to the financial institutions.
One of the biggest government expansion programs came under George Bush-Medicare Part D. What is America really prepared to afford? Correct me if I am wrong. Aren't those Iraq war costs that Obama campaigned against still occurring while George Bush is back in Texas?
When Medicare was created in 1965, benefits were relatively limited and retirees paid a substantial percentage of the costs of their own care. But the clout of retirees has always led to expanding benefits for seniors while raising taxes on younger workers.
In 1965, Congressional actuaries expected Medicare to cost $3.1 billion by 1970. In 1969, that estimate was revised to $5 billion, and it actually came in at $6.8 billion. That same year, the Senate Finance Committee declared a Medicare cost emergency. In 1979, Jimmy Carter proposed limiting benefits, only to have the bill killed by fellow Democrats. Things have gotten worse since, and Medicare today costs $455 billion and rising.
Medicaid was intended as a last resort for the poor but now covers one-third of all long-term care expenses in the U.S. -- that is, it has become a middle-class subsidy for aging parents of the Baby Boomers. Its annual bill is $227 billion, and so far this fiscal year is rising by 17%.
The ironic thing with those figures. They almost add up to the bailout given to the financial institutions.
One of the biggest government expansion programs came under George Bush-Medicare Part D. What is America really prepared to afford? Correct me if I am wrong. Aren't those Iraq war costs that Obama campaigned against still occurring while George Bush is back in Texas?
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tina Garley and Robert Powell- Powell Law Group
Tina Gartley is a candidate for judge in Luzerne County. Her slogan is "The Change We Need- The Justice We Deserve." On her website she mentions that she is married to Scott Gartley. Welll....
Let's go over to Robert Powell's website to take a look. A press release talks about a rumored $10 million dollar settlement for a crash on the Airport Beltway in Hazle Township.
Settlement negotiations began immediately following a hearing Tuesday before Luzerne County Judge Peter Paul Olszewski, who imposed sanctions against GM for discovery violations related to trial of a civil lawsuit.
Olszewski ordered GM to pay expenses of $20,000 to Powell plus $500 for preparation of a motion for sanctions.
The judge also fined GM $100 a day from Aug. 5 to Oct. 4 for missing a court-imposed deadline to turn over engineering change reports related to design of the fuel system of the Blazer.
Attorney Bob Powell said he agreed after the hearing to give GM lawyers 48 hours to obtain corporate approval of the settlement "or we would pull any offer off the table."
Powell said the lawyers called at 4 p.m. Thursday and stated "GM was prepared to meet all of our demands. They insisted on two more caveats. One was confidentiality."
Powell said he called his clients around 6 p.m. and obtained their approval.
Confidentiality??
The battle over GM documents resulted in Olszewski appointing local attorney Scott Gartley to determine which ones were protected by attorney-client privilege.
The judge approved the payment of a $26,925 fee to Gartley and apportioned $22,886.25 to GM and $4,038.75 to the plaintiffs.
The question I have for Tina Gartley is this? How close were you or your husband with Robert Powell? Have you or any member of your family ever been a guest at the Florida condominium connected to judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan?
Let's go over to Robert Powell's website to take a look. A press release talks about a rumored $10 million dollar settlement for a crash on the Airport Beltway in Hazle Township.
Settlement negotiations began immediately following a hearing Tuesday before Luzerne County Judge Peter Paul Olszewski, who imposed sanctions against GM for discovery violations related to trial of a civil lawsuit.
Olszewski ordered GM to pay expenses of $20,000 to Powell plus $500 for preparation of a motion for sanctions.
The judge also fined GM $100 a day from Aug. 5 to Oct. 4 for missing a court-imposed deadline to turn over engineering change reports related to design of the fuel system of the Blazer.
Attorney Bob Powell said he agreed after the hearing to give GM lawyers 48 hours to obtain corporate approval of the settlement "or we would pull any offer off the table."
Powell said the lawyers called at 4 p.m. Thursday and stated "GM was prepared to meet all of our demands. They insisted on two more caveats. One was confidentiality."
Powell said he called his clients around 6 p.m. and obtained their approval.
Confidentiality??
The battle over GM documents resulted in Olszewski appointing local attorney Scott Gartley to determine which ones were protected by attorney-client privilege.
The judge approved the payment of a $26,925 fee to Gartley and apportioned $22,886.25 to GM and $4,038.75 to the plaintiffs.
The question I have for Tina Gartley is this? How close were you or your husband with Robert Powell? Have you or any member of your family ever been a guest at the Florida condominium connected to judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan?
Rendell, Democrats, And Your Money-A Turtle's PACE
It is March 12, 1881. The New York Times ran this article titled "NEW PENNSYLVANIA LAWS; SLOW PROGRESS IN DISPOSING OF IMPORTANT MEASURES.
Eric Heyl over at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review talks about the tortoise's pace our legislators are employing to solve Pennsylvania's budget woes. He pokes fun at the fact that they were able to come to a consensus on naming a state reptile but have not tackled Rendell's $3 billion deficit.
If the Senate approves the measure, Gov. Ed Rendell likely will sign legislation putting the eastern box turtle up there with the white-tailed deer (state animal), Great Dane (state dog), brook trout (state fish) and the ruffed grouse (state bird).
No one should be surprised that lawmakers devoted time to finally settle on a state reptile. If a decision is required on an utterly irrelevant matter, they have no trouble sticking their heads out.
But as evidenced by the budget crisis, when it comes to tacking tough issues, they have a disturbing habit of retreating into their shells.
Correct me if I am wrong. I believe Rendell has yet to sign anything into law passed by both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature. Of course we are talking about the same Ed Rendell who welcomed that fresh face into the Democratic party, Arlen Specter.
It amazes me how the media attacked George Bush over increased government spending, but as Eric points out, Rendell gets a free pass with every new tax. It is also amazing that in 128 years things haven't changed in Pennsylvania.
Eric Heyl over at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review talks about the tortoise's pace our legislators are employing to solve Pennsylvania's budget woes. He pokes fun at the fact that they were able to come to a consensus on naming a state reptile but have not tackled Rendell's $3 billion deficit.
If the Senate approves the measure, Gov. Ed Rendell likely will sign legislation putting the eastern box turtle up there with the white-tailed deer (state animal), Great Dane (state dog), brook trout (state fish) and the ruffed grouse (state bird).
No one should be surprised that lawmakers devoted time to finally settle on a state reptile. If a decision is required on an utterly irrelevant matter, they have no trouble sticking their heads out.
But as evidenced by the budget crisis, when it comes to tacking tough issues, they have a disturbing habit of retreating into their shells.
Correct me if I am wrong. I believe Rendell has yet to sign anything into law passed by both chambers of the Pennsylvania legislature. Of course we are talking about the same Ed Rendell who welcomed that fresh face into the Democratic party, Arlen Specter.
It amazes me how the media attacked George Bush over increased government spending, but as Eric points out, Rendell gets a free pass with every new tax. It is also amazing that in 128 years things haven't changed in Pennsylvania.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Rep. Wright not Reverend Wright
Taking a look into the Bonusgate investigation has led me to a door that should be kept open. It is an affidavit authored by Lisa Deon who worked for former Representative Matthew Wright, a Republicacn for the 142nd District. (Yes, I do single out Republicans who don't represent the party in a positive light.) It is a hot potato of information alleging some pretty serious charges over taxpayer dollar use for campaigning purposes. Captain Renault wrote about this affidavit in January of this year.
Let's not lose sight of Captain Renault. Captain Renault is a corrupt official who freely admits he has no convictions. There is speculation that Mike Veon is behind the infamous Captain Renault blogger. I wonder if Mike will have to relinquish that title at some point.
Let's not lose sight of Captain Renault. Captain Renault is a corrupt official who freely admits he has no convictions. There is speculation that Mike Veon is behind the infamous Captain Renault blogger. I wonder if Mike will have to relinquish that title at some point.
Hazleton Area School Board Candidates
The Times Leader is featuring an article in today's paper about eight the candidates vying for the four seats up for grabs on the Hazleton Area School Board.
I am very familiar with two of the candidates seeking those seats, Rocco Formica and Clarence John.
Rocco Formica:
Formica says providing children with the best possible educational experience will be his top goal if he is elected.
Formica, an adjunct faculty member in science at Luzerne County Community College, said the community needs to invest in the education of children.
“It is our responsibility to spend education dollars efficiently and effectively,” said Formica, a Hazleton native who has been employed in the field of education for nearly 40 years.
Formica, who graduated with Bachelor of Science and master of education degrees at Penn State University, said he is qualified to take on the challenges as school director. Formica is a retired high school science teacher.
“For me, there was no better feeling than helping our children learn and go on to be successful in their adult lives,” said Formica, who educated nearly 4,500 students.
Formica said some of his ideas include:
Investing wisely in remediation for students in reading, writing and arithmetic
Providing awareness of the Hazleton Area Career Center for students in elementary and intermediate levels
Continuing to support and expand the Advanced Placement curriculum
In addition to academic excellence, Formica said he has two other goals if he were to hold the position as school director. Those goals are fiscal responsibility and fairness in hiring, he said.
Formica said his 25 years of serving as secondary science department chairman served him well in “scrutinizing district spending.”
Formica said negotiating fair employment contracts that ensure the hiring of well-qualified faculty is paramount.
Wages and benefits earned by school employees should reflect today’s economy, he said.
“I am well aware that maintaining the proper balance between providing our children with a first class education and keeping the lid on spending is extremely delicate,” Formica said. “However, this is a tight rope in which I am fully committed to walk.”
Clarence John is principal of the Hazleton Area Career Center. He has spent 40+ years in education. Clarence is a proponent of eradicating "unacceptable behavior"by students. In April he asked the school board to hire a state police officer with the funding from the COPS grant program. The sheer size of the campus where the 9th Grade Center and the high school are located provide logistical problems for the security department. The district has twice hired school cops but both resigned that position.
Both candidates would make excellent choices for the board. There has been too much bickering among the board members for a long time. It is a fact that any majority of the Hazleton Area School Board has not survived an election in over 20 years.
I am very familiar with two of the candidates seeking those seats, Rocco Formica and Clarence John.
Rocco Formica:
Formica says providing children with the best possible educational experience will be his top goal if he is elected.
Formica, an adjunct faculty member in science at Luzerne County Community College, said the community needs to invest in the education of children.
“It is our responsibility to spend education dollars efficiently and effectively,” said Formica, a Hazleton native who has been employed in the field of education for nearly 40 years.
Formica, who graduated with Bachelor of Science and master of education degrees at Penn State University, said he is qualified to take on the challenges as school director. Formica is a retired high school science teacher.
“For me, there was no better feeling than helping our children learn and go on to be successful in their adult lives,” said Formica, who educated nearly 4,500 students.
Formica said some of his ideas include:
Investing wisely in remediation for students in reading, writing and arithmetic
Providing awareness of the Hazleton Area Career Center for students in elementary and intermediate levels
Continuing to support and expand the Advanced Placement curriculum
In addition to academic excellence, Formica said he has two other goals if he were to hold the position as school director. Those goals are fiscal responsibility and fairness in hiring, he said.
Formica said his 25 years of serving as secondary science department chairman served him well in “scrutinizing district spending.”
Formica said negotiating fair employment contracts that ensure the hiring of well-qualified faculty is paramount.
Wages and benefits earned by school employees should reflect today’s economy, he said.
“I am well aware that maintaining the proper balance between providing our children with a first class education and keeping the lid on spending is extremely delicate,” Formica said. “However, this is a tight rope in which I am fully committed to walk.”
Clarence John is principal of the Hazleton Area Career Center. He has spent 40+ years in education. Clarence is a proponent of eradicating "unacceptable behavior"by students. In April he asked the school board to hire a state police officer with the funding from the COPS grant program. The sheer size of the campus where the 9th Grade Center and the high school are located provide logistical problems for the security department. The district has twice hired school cops but both resigned that position.
Both candidates would make excellent choices for the board. There has been too much bickering among the board members for a long time. It is a fact that any majority of the Hazleton Area School Board has not survived an election in over 20 years.
Obama's Best Promise To America
"I believe my next hundred days will be so successful that I will be able to complete them in 72 days," he said to a roar of laughter. "And on my 73rd day, I will rest."
Hope he sticks to it. We could use a rest from the political rhetoric coming out of the best ventriloquist party and their puppet. If he continues say goodbye to freedom and hello to government governing every aspect of your life.
Hope he sticks to it. We could use a rest from the political rhetoric coming out of the best ventriloquist party and their puppet. If he continues say goodbye to freedom and hello to government governing every aspect of your life.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Update on Bonusgate
Approximately 27 months ago AG Tom Corbett started looking into allegations that Pennsylvania taxpayer money was being used to finance campaign work. In July of last year he announced the first indictments against Democratic operatives allegedly involved in fleecing the taxpayers out of their hard earned cash used to reimburse state workers for performing campaign work. The work allegedly occurred in 2005 and 2006.
On March 30, 2009 Angela Couloumbis and Mario F. Cattabiani of the Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau wrote a piece titled "Will Corbett Charge Republicans in Bonusgate?" They questioned whether Corbett would ever charge members of his own party. Anyone with common sense knows that Corbett is going after and will be charging members of the Republican party;
Corbett must mobilize the resources and manpower available in his office to review the voluminous emails in search of credible evidence that will result in successful convictions. He knows that and so do the investigators and attorneys that work for him.
Within his office there are two divisions that are dividing the work necessary to bring information to the attorneys for review. Normally these divisions are territorial about their domains so it is creating a less than congruent team. However, their boss has one focus, Bonusgate.
My information is that by September charges are likely to be filed against
Republicans involved in bonuses for campaign work. Names have been thrown out there but for now lets talk about the facts. While Republicans will be the focus it is not the end for the Democrats either.
Pennsylvania's governing principles lead to the corruption involved in Bonusgate. It is winner take all for committee posts and WAM(WALK AROUND MONEY) money available to influence constiuents into believing your legislator has influence. Legislators return from their communities to "announce" they brought home the bacon and money from Harrisburg that will end up in their communities. Think about the reverse. If they didn't fund projects within the Commonwealth what would they do with all the money extracted from taxpayers and businesses?
We buy into believing that a Representative or Senator is powerful and influential. We should be selling not buying. We should sell them on the fact that there are too many of them in Harrisburg. It only takes one doctor to wait on a community of patients. It doesn't take 253 legislators to take care of Pennsylvania's business.
Bonusgate is about control, plain and simple. He who controls, controls everything in Pennsylvania. It is not about us, it is about them. As long as we, as taxpayers, allow that system to remain we will see much more of those "Bonusgates."
For now, know that employees of the AG are working overtime to develop cases against those individuals who sought greed and power over faith and justice. Corbett has set this probe as his top priority. Unfortunately this lesson has not deterred those who still hold office from continuing the practices that got Corbett's attention in the first place. The cultural thinking in Harrisburg is a cesspool that spawns corrupt ideology.
On March 30, 2009 Angela Couloumbis and Mario F. Cattabiani of the Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau wrote a piece titled "Will Corbett Charge Republicans in Bonusgate?" They questioned whether Corbett would ever charge members of his own party. Anyone with common sense knows that Corbett is going after and will be charging members of the Republican party;
Corbett must mobilize the resources and manpower available in his office to review the voluminous emails in search of credible evidence that will result in successful convictions. He knows that and so do the investigators and attorneys that work for him.
Within his office there are two divisions that are dividing the work necessary to bring information to the attorneys for review. Normally these divisions are territorial about their domains so it is creating a less than congruent team. However, their boss has one focus, Bonusgate.
My information is that by September charges are likely to be filed against
Republicans involved in bonuses for campaign work. Names have been thrown out there but for now lets talk about the facts. While Republicans will be the focus it is not the end for the Democrats either.
Pennsylvania's governing principles lead to the corruption involved in Bonusgate. It is winner take all for committee posts and WAM(WALK AROUND MONEY) money available to influence constiuents into believing your legislator has influence. Legislators return from their communities to "announce" they brought home the bacon and money from Harrisburg that will end up in their communities. Think about the reverse. If they didn't fund projects within the Commonwealth what would they do with all the money extracted from taxpayers and businesses?
We buy into believing that a Representative or Senator is powerful and influential. We should be selling not buying. We should sell them on the fact that there are too many of them in Harrisburg. It only takes one doctor to wait on a community of patients. It doesn't take 253 legislators to take care of Pennsylvania's business.
Bonusgate is about control, plain and simple. He who controls, controls everything in Pennsylvania. It is not about us, it is about them. As long as we, as taxpayers, allow that system to remain we will see much more of those "Bonusgates."
For now, know that employees of the AG are working overtime to develop cases against those individuals who sought greed and power over faith and justice. Corbett has set this probe as his top priority. Unfortunately this lesson has not deterred those who still hold office from continuing the practices that got Corbett's attention in the first place. The cultural thinking in Harrisburg is a cesspool that spawns corrupt ideology.
Friday, May 8, 2009
7 ACORN Workers Charged With Voter Form Fraud
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D981H0JG3&show_article=1">Breitbart.com is carrying an article by Joe Mandak of the Associated Press reporting that 7 ACORN workers have been charged with voter form fraud in western Pennsylvania.
It is interesting to note that Paul Kanjorski has admitted the night before his re-election his polls had him down by almost 10 points. Lou Barletta's polls told him he was leading the night before the election. Wonder if there is a connection. Lacakwanna County results don't add up to the polling results. Some say inaccurate polling. Others say you know what goes on in Lackawanna County.
It is interesting to note that Paul Kanjorski has admitted the night before his re-election his polls had him down by almost 10 points. Lou Barletta's polls told him he was leading the night before the election. Wonder if there is a connection. Lacakwanna County results don't add up to the polling results. Some say inaccurate polling. Others say you know what goes on in Lackawanna County.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Luzerne County Debit Card Scandal
Back in December Terry Moran-Besecker reported in the Times Leader that the Secret Service completed its intial investigation into the Luzerne County Debit Card probe. The I-Team is reporting it has information that no charges will be filed in that case. While the government acknowledges mismanagement on this issue it appears the actions do not give rise to criminal charges.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Kosik-Whitaker stated back then that the investigative report would more than likely not be released if no charges are filed.
This ending belies the importance of your vote at election time. Put the right people in and you won't have this type of misuse happening under their noses. Poor judgment by the electorate is just as bad as poor judgement by the elected.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara Kosik-Whitaker stated back then that the investigative report would more than likely not be released if no charges are filed.
This ending belies the importance of your vote at election time. Put the right people in and you won't have this type of misuse happening under their noses. Poor judgment by the electorate is just as bad as poor judgement by the elected.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Obama- Explain This Professor's View
A Professor's View of Obama
HISTORY ALWAYS REPEATS ITSELF.
SOMETHING OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS IS HAPPENING
By XXX XXXX
Professor of History, Midwest College
I am a student of history. Professionally. I have written 15 books in six languages, and have studied it all my life. I think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes these exist, but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into sharper focus.
Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it because I know how it feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people react to it. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about ten - fifteen years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people we know they can never pay back. Why?
We learn that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has 'loaned' two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom, or why, or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700B we all argued about so strenuously just this past September. Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of 'we the people', who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.
A very scary read.
HISTORY ALWAYS REPEATS ITSELF.
SOMETHING OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS IS HAPPENING
By XXX XXXX
Professor of History, Midwest College
I am a student of history. Professionally. I have written 15 books in six languages, and have studied it all my life. I think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes these exist, but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into sharper focus.
Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it because I know how it feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people react to it. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about ten - fifteen years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people we know they can never pay back. Why?
We learn that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has 'loaned' two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom, or why, or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700B we all argued about so strenuously just this past September. Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of 'we the people', who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.
A very scary read.
Open Response To The Standard Speaker Editorial Department
Editors- Who Is In Charge Of These Editorials? I want to comment on this editorial that appeared in today's paper. It is titled "Move would help shift away from taxing property."
Folks, you can read it for yourselves. The question I have centers on the premise for the article. If you want to replace one tax for the other, why aren't you asking the legislature to reduce its size so that no matter what tax it won't be such a burden on the taxpayers? Pensions, healthcare premiums, car payments, per diem, office space rentals, light, heat, office staff...ohhh I could go on and on. Get them off our backs first before asking us to pay a tax...Sheeezzze... Any lightbulbs needed down there????
Rendell's proposal doesn't make sense when he refuses to address the problems inherent with our government in Harrisburg. Before he asks for more money from us why doesn't he reduce the money he needs, again, from us???
Folks, you can read it for yourselves. The question I have centers on the premise for the article. If you want to replace one tax for the other, why aren't you asking the legislature to reduce its size so that no matter what tax it won't be such a burden on the taxpayers? Pensions, healthcare premiums, car payments, per diem, office space rentals, light, heat, office staff...ohhh I could go on and on. Get them off our backs first before asking us to pay a tax...Sheeezzze... Any lightbulbs needed down there????
Rendell's proposal doesn't make sense when he refuses to address the problems inherent with our government in Harrisburg. Before he asks for more money from us why doesn't he reduce the money he needs, again, from us???
Southern Luzerne Political Action Committee- Meet The Candidates
The Southern Luzerne PAC will hold a Meet The Candidates For Hazleton City Council night on Monday, May 11, 2009 from 5:30-7:30P.M. at the Elk's Lodge in Hazleton. The Lodge is located at 635 E. Broad St. Food and Refreshments will be served. Come out to meet and greet Lenny Brenner, Karen Cabell, and Jim Perry.
Tickets are on sale for $20.00. This event is the kick-off for the SLPAC that will be hosting several events during this electoral season.
Tickets are on sale for $20.00. This event is the kick-off for the SLPAC that will be hosting several events during this electoral season.
Rendell Vs. Ridge- Mano A Mano
Newsweek makes an interesting case that Rendell really wants Specter's seat. What if the Dems figured out if they courted Arlen to switch in the end Rendell could run for his seat? Arlen,,,not as sharp as you used to be. Did you ever take notice how the Dems court the Hispanic community but aren't pushing them for Senate?????
Then there's Rendell, whose personal ties to Specter are extensive, but who also has a political stake in seeing him hold his seat in Pennsylvania. Rendell once worked for Specter and regards him as something of a mentor; they're friends. For Rendell, a gregarious, ambitious politician, a Senate seat would cap his career as a former mayor and popular two-term governor. Those who know Rendell say he really wants the seat that Specter holds
Whatever Rendell did to get Specter to this point, their political futures are now inextricably bound together. And if there's any politician you want on your side in a knife fight, it's Rendell. He is the closest thing to a ward boss in Pennsylvania. He can clear the field for Specter, gin up the enthusiastic support and help raise the kind of money Specter will need. And then, in due time, it will be Rendell's turn.
Eleanor Clift..there is that little matter of a $3 billion dollar deficit Ed created...Ohh that's right it is probably George Bush's fault...Pendejos.
Then there's Rendell, whose personal ties to Specter are extensive, but who also has a political stake in seeing him hold his seat in Pennsylvania. Rendell once worked for Specter and regards him as something of a mentor; they're friends. For Rendell, a gregarious, ambitious politician, a Senate seat would cap his career as a former mayor and popular two-term governor. Those who know Rendell say he really wants the seat that Specter holds
Whatever Rendell did to get Specter to this point, their political futures are now inextricably bound together. And if there's any politician you want on your side in a knife fight, it's Rendell. He is the closest thing to a ward boss in Pennsylvania. He can clear the field for Specter, gin up the enthusiastic support and help raise the kind of money Specter will need. And then, in due time, it will be Rendell's turn.
Eleanor Clift..there is that little matter of a $3 billion dollar deficit Ed created...Ohh that's right it is probably George Bush's fault...Pendejos.
Stress Tests or Keep Us Out Of A Mess Mandate?
Report: Bank Of America Needs $33.9 Billion
At Least 3 Banks Pass Stress Tests
The stress tests were designed to see how the large banks and finance companies would fare if the economy worsens. Analysts expect about half the companies will be asked to raise capital.
The truth of the matter is that the government is earning interest off of the money lent to these institutions and they don't want to stop. At what point will the banks tell them they don't want to be unwilling participants in a "spread the wealth" scheme?
At Least 3 Banks Pass Stress Tests
The stress tests were designed to see how the large banks and finance companies would fare if the economy worsens. Analysts expect about half the companies will be asked to raise capital.
The truth of the matter is that the government is earning interest off of the money lent to these institutions and they don't want to stop. At what point will the banks tell them they don't want to be unwilling participants in a "spread the wealth" scheme?
Obama- WE NEED CHANGE- Enter Arlen Specter
On the heals of my last post Rep. Joseph Sestak is making it known to ABC news that he is not happy with Arlen Specter jumping to the front of the food line.
"I really was taken [aback] by the Democratic political Washington establishment saying, here's your candidate, Pennsylvania," he added. "I thought, when I came here, and when President Obama came here, we weren't for an establishment -- we're for change."
Sestak, of course, was talking about his possibility to seek the Democratic nomination for Senate next year. Since it takes a pile of money to run any viable candidate would have to make a choice soon.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday reiterated the president's support for Specter, even if Sestak or others challenge him in a primary.
"I think the president was pretty clear on this. Senator Specter has his full support and he'll do what -- what's necessary to see him re-elected," Gibbs said.
Now there's a real bull crap statement. I keep telling people you can buy an Obama on QVC. Its a package that is readily available. He tells a good story but none of it is close to reality.
Take a look at this opinion piece in the Philadephia Inquirer. It is right on the money about Specter, George Bush, and the crap the Democrats have been pushing about the Republican party.
The GOP establishment didn't push Specter aside; the voters did. In the weeks leading up to Specter's defection, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, heartily endorsed him. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's PAC gave $10,000 to Specter's campaign.
The "big tent" approach has not always served Republicans well. South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint's comment about preferring 30 senators who believe in conservative principles to 60 who don't has gotten a lot attention. Sophisticates chortle about his naivetรฉ.
But how well have nontraditional Republicans worked out for the party lately? There have been some successes, such as Rudy Giuliani. But there have also been failures.
For instance, Tom McClintock had the audacity to challenge the "moderate" Arnold Schwarzenegger for California's governorship in 2003. McClintock was an actual conservative with 20 years of political experience. But the GOP establishment threw its full force behind Schwarzenegger for the same reasons it supported Specter.
And how has that worked out? The California Republican Party - not to mention the state itself - is in far worse shape than it was in 2003. Take that and apply it to George W. Bush. If, in 2004, Republicans had jumped off the bus and Bush had been defeated by John Kerry, do you think the GOP would be in worse shape today? Neither do I.
I am sick and tired of hearing Kevin and Nancy on WILK in the morning talk about the Republicans. How is Pennsylvania fairing out with Rendell as governor? Answer- $2.6 billion deficit on its way to $3 billion overnight. How did Luzerne County fair out under Democratic Judges and Commissioners? Answer- 2 down and one to go.
The Democrats are driving that holier than though message but there are people watching and waiting.
"I really was taken [aback] by the Democratic political Washington establishment saying, here's your candidate, Pennsylvania," he added. "I thought, when I came here, and when President Obama came here, we weren't for an establishment -- we're for change."
Sestak, of course, was talking about his possibility to seek the Democratic nomination for Senate next year. Since it takes a pile of money to run any viable candidate would have to make a choice soon.
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Tuesday reiterated the president's support for Specter, even if Sestak or others challenge him in a primary.
"I think the president was pretty clear on this. Senator Specter has his full support and he'll do what -- what's necessary to see him re-elected," Gibbs said.
Now there's a real bull crap statement. I keep telling people you can buy an Obama on QVC. Its a package that is readily available. He tells a good story but none of it is close to reality.
Take a look at this opinion piece in the Philadephia Inquirer. It is right on the money about Specter, George Bush, and the crap the Democrats have been pushing about the Republican party.
The GOP establishment didn't push Specter aside; the voters did. In the weeks leading up to Specter's defection, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, heartily endorsed him. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's PAC gave $10,000 to Specter's campaign.
The "big tent" approach has not always served Republicans well. South Carolina Sen. Jim DeMint's comment about preferring 30 senators who believe in conservative principles to 60 who don't has gotten a lot attention. Sophisticates chortle about his naivetรฉ.
But how well have nontraditional Republicans worked out for the party lately? There have been some successes, such as Rudy Giuliani. But there have also been failures.
For instance, Tom McClintock had the audacity to challenge the "moderate" Arnold Schwarzenegger for California's governorship in 2003. McClintock was an actual conservative with 20 years of political experience. But the GOP establishment threw its full force behind Schwarzenegger for the same reasons it supported Specter.
And how has that worked out? The California Republican Party - not to mention the state itself - is in far worse shape than it was in 2003. Take that and apply it to George W. Bush. If, in 2004, Republicans had jumped off the bus and Bush had been defeated by John Kerry, do you think the GOP would be in worse shape today? Neither do I.
I am sick and tired of hearing Kevin and Nancy on WILK in the morning talk about the Republicans. How is Pennsylvania fairing out with Rendell as governor? Answer- $2.6 billion deficit on its way to $3 billion overnight. How did Luzerne County fair out under Democratic Judges and Commissioners? Answer- 2 down and one to go.
The Democrats are driving that holier than though message but there are people watching and waiting.
Monday, May 4, 2009
If Republicans Reach The Ridge Will Arlen Become A Spectator?
ABC News' David Chalian reports that Arlen Specter made a wise choice by switching to the Democratic Party according to a Quinnipiac University poll.
Newly-minted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter would whip old Republican rival Pat Toomey 53 - 33 percent if the 2010 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race were held today, but if popular former Gov. Tom Ridge becomes the Republican candidate, he trails Specter by just 46 - 43 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Independent voters, who back Sen. Specter over Toomey 45 - 36 percent, switch to Ridge 47 - 37 percent if he becomes a candidate. The former Republican Governor also gets 14 percent of the Democratic vote, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.
"A former Republican Senator running as a Democrat against a popular former Republican governor seeking to make a political comeback would be a battle royal in Pennsylvania," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"Gov. Tom Ridge is probably the only political figure in Pennsylvania who could give Sen. Arlen Specter a run for his money. But even if he gets a strong challenge from a Republican, Specter is still better off for having changed parties because he seemed headed to certain defeat had he stayed a Republican and faced Toomey in a primary.
Newly-minted Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter would whip old Republican rival Pat Toomey 53 - 33 percent if the 2010 Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race were held today, but if popular former Gov. Tom Ridge becomes the Republican candidate, he trails Specter by just 46 - 43 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
Independent voters, who back Sen. Specter over Toomey 45 - 36 percent, switch to Ridge 47 - 37 percent if he becomes a candidate. The former Republican Governor also gets 14 percent of the Democratic vote, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.
"A former Republican Senator running as a Democrat against a popular former Republican governor seeking to make a political comeback would be a battle royal in Pennsylvania," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
"Gov. Tom Ridge is probably the only political figure in Pennsylvania who could give Sen. Arlen Specter a run for his money. But even if he gets a strong challenge from a Republican, Specter is still better off for having changed parties because he seemed headed to certain defeat had he stayed a Republican and faced Toomey in a primary.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Sophistry
I was listening to talk radio two evenings ago. Michael Smerconish labeled Barack Obama as a sophist. Here is the meaning.
In modern usage, sophism, sophist, and sophistry are derogatory terms, due the influence of many philosophers in the past (sophism and platonism were enemy schools).
A sophism is taken as a specious argument used for deceiving someone. It might be crafted to seem logical while actually being wrong, or it might use difficult words and complicated sentences to intimidate the audience into agreeing, or it might appeal to the audience's prejudices and emotions rather than logic, i.e. raising doubts towards the one asserting, rather than his assertion. The goal of a sophism is often to make the audience believe the writer or speaker to be smarter than he or she actually is, e.g., accusing another of sophistry for using persuasion techniques. An argument Ad Hominem is an example of Sophistry.
A sophist is a user of sophisms, i.e., an insincere person trying to confuse or deceive people. A sophist tries to persuade the audience while paying little attention to whether his argument is logical and factual.
Sophistry means making heavy use of sophisms. The word may be applied to a particular text or speech riddled with sophisms.
In modern usage, sophism, sophist, and sophistry are derogatory terms, due the influence of many philosophers in the past (sophism and platonism were enemy schools).
A sophism is taken as a specious argument used for deceiving someone. It might be crafted to seem logical while actually being wrong, or it might use difficult words and complicated sentences to intimidate the audience into agreeing, or it might appeal to the audience's prejudices and emotions rather than logic, i.e. raising doubts towards the one asserting, rather than his assertion. The goal of a sophism is often to make the audience believe the writer or speaker to be smarter than he or she actually is, e.g., accusing another of sophistry for using persuasion techniques. An argument Ad Hominem is an example of Sophistry.
A sophist is a user of sophisms, i.e., an insincere person trying to confuse or deceive people. A sophist tries to persuade the audience while paying little attention to whether his argument is logical and factual.
Sophistry means making heavy use of sophisms. The word may be applied to a particular text or speech riddled with sophisms.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Has The FBI Visited Hazleton?
I_Team member Joe Holden at WBRE reported that a court case involving the Hazleton Area School District in a real estate deal was turned over to the FBI for review. The case was heard before former Judge Mark Ciavarella.
Did Hazleton area overpay for land? Some board members said they were hosed after the case came before ex-judge Mark Ciavarella.
The sale of this track and field complex is still stirring controversy, three years after it was settled in Ciavarella's courtroom.
Some school board members were bowled over by the judge's decision. Now their concerns have been turned over to federal authorities. Bob Childs of the Hazleton Area School Board said, “We've contacted the line out there, the telephone line, that says if you want a case reviewed, we say yeah this is one we want to have reviewed. That was a nuts verdict.”
According to my sources the FBI already visited the District Administration building concerning this case. But those same sources tell me they are coming back for more. The Damatos are not commenting. Stay tuned.
Did Hazleton area overpay for land? Some board members said they were hosed after the case came before ex-judge Mark Ciavarella.
The sale of this track and field complex is still stirring controversy, three years after it was settled in Ciavarella's courtroom.
Some school board members were bowled over by the judge's decision. Now their concerns have been turned over to federal authorities. Bob Childs of the Hazleton Area School Board said, “We've contacted the line out there, the telephone line, that says if you want a case reviewed, we say yeah this is one we want to have reviewed. That was a nuts verdict.”
According to my sources the FBI already visited the District Administration building concerning this case. But those same sources tell me they are coming back for more. The Damatos are not commenting. Stay tuned.
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