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posted by FODU @ 5/31/2006 12:13:00 AM
109 comments
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109 Comments:
See article in Charlotte Observer calling for a special prosecutor.
http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/opinion/15161531.htm
They need more than a special prosectuor. They need a federal investigation into civil rights violations of the rights of the players;
an FBI investigation into the entire justice system in Durham;
and
another federal investigation into the corruption that exists in Durham in general.
This case is like shining a light in a dark corner; we would never have known all the dirt that was there if
this had never happened.
Amen to the above.
I am pleased to read that the Charlotte Observer has joined the chorus for a special prosecutor. I am pleased, as well, at their sarcastic treatment of Mr. Nifong's behavior. The Raleigh News & Observer has demonstrated that it is little more than a tabloid; chasing the sensational headline with little effort expended on reporting.
Does anyone have any input on what the Governor of NC might be thinkng about this case and the big mistake he made in not investigating why an ADA of 27 years was doing traffic court?
He had to have some reason for appointing Nifong over everyone else more qualified--either to help the party or to help himself.
Now he's probably just embarassed and eager for this case to go away before Nifong brings that appointment and the reasons behind it more unwanted attention.
This is an appeal to readers here who are residents of Durham County and who are outraged (as I am) at the behavior of Mike Nifong as Durham’s District Attorney. The events of last week turned November’s election from an uncontested election for Nifong into a recall election for Mr. Nifong.
Lewis Cheek, and our own signatures on the petitions which got his name on the ballot, have given us an opportunity to vote for Cheek and Elect Anybody But Nifong. The Cheek campaign committee and doubtless many others in the county are looking to see how the public reacts to the two press conferences last week.
I ask that you join me as Durham residents to seize the day to better our justice system by writing letters to the editors of the HeraldSun and the News & Observer, giving all the good reasons why you are voting for Lewis Cheek to elect Anybody But Nifong. Be sure to identify yourself as a Durham resident. If you would like help composing your letter, please email letgovernordecide@yahoo.com
HeraldSun:
Letters are limited to 250 words. You can email or use the form provided at the link below. If you email, be sure to visit the website listed to see what information the H/S requires in an email submission.
email: letters@heraldsun.com
You can also use the H/S form at: http://www.heraldsun.com/tools/letterstoed...dLetter=letters
News & Observer:
Letters are limited to 200 words. A form is provided at:
http://www.newsobserver.com/484/story/433256.html
Mr. Nifong has asked for a Durham solution. Please help get this campaign off the ground to ensure a solution that is good for Durham.
Stay tuned for updates, and thanks to all of you for considering my request.
jmoo
Isn't Governor Easley's wife a law professor at NCCU? Is Brodhead's wife a lawyer ,too?
yes and yes.
Sorry, just realized my link to the HeraldSun opinion form didn't copy correctly... here's a good link:
http://www.heraldsun.com/tools/letterstoed/letterform.cfm?sendLetter=letters
This is getting ugly fast.
Semen from Dave Evans and one of his other housemates was found in their own house
Shocking!
Wanna guess who leaked this tidbit to the Durham-Sun?
I'd put my money on Durham's #1 sex addict and porndog Assistant District Attorney Destine Couch.
Or maybe Nifong himself...
Semen from Dave Evans and one of his other housemates was found in their own house
So why wasn't the other housemate charged? Why were two people whose semen was not found, charged?
Why wasn't semen from anybody but the AV's boyfriend found in her?
Oh, I forgot; this is Durham, and Mike Nifong is the DA. (That exlains everything. . .)
This isn't exactly new information :
From April 11, 2006
http://www.newsobserver.com/1185/story/427550.html
They also found no DNA on the woman's clothing or belongings, players' attorneys said. The tests found DNA matches to two players, from a towel outside the bathroom and on another object, Cheshire said.
One sample was from a player's semen and another was a different type of DNA, Cheshire said. He said that was to be expected in a bathroom shared by the three men who lived in the house.
Herald Sun must be desperate to find some good news for Nifong, so they are writing about “yesterday’s insignificant news” without even mentioning that this was revealed, discussed and done with a long time as reported by their competitor N&E (see comment above). Shame on Herald Sun for trying to do Nifong's dirty business for him. This is a new law for the Durham paper, but hey, this is Durham.
I agree with 8:33A, which is why I posted it.
This was a planted story by the DA's office, for sure.
And shows clearly how much the local press are Nifong's lapdogs, which was clearly on display at the news conference.
And shows clearly how much the local press are Nifong's lapdogs, which was clearly on display at the news conference.
Couldn't be that they're feeling intimidated, could it?
(from a letter of Nov. 18, 2004 to then DA Hardin)
On behalf of the American Society of Newspapers Editors, I am writing to protest the recent arrest of Raleigh News & Observer reporter Demorris Lee.
As you know, Mr. Lee was charged with making harassing telephone calls after leaving two voice messages on the home answering machine of an individual from whom he sought comment for a news story.
If the facts in this case are as we understand them, it is Mr. Lee who is being subjected to harassment by legal authorities as a result of doing his job as a reporter. Surely it cannot be illegal for a journalist to make a good faith effort to seek fair comment for a news story.
We also find the timing of Mr. Lee's arrest curious. . .
. . . Based on the facts as we know them, it is an affront to the First Amendment and constitutes an unwarranted attack on a reporter who was seeking to interview an individual to ensure accuracy and fairness.
We insist that these charges be dropped immediately.
Sincerely,
Karla Garrett Harshaw
ASNE President
Editor, Springfield (Ohio) News-Sun
cc: Chief Steven W. Chalmers
Judge Orlando F. Hudson, Jr.
This thing just keeps getting beter and better. What type of a place is this Durham? i sthere any end to what goes wrong there? Or, perhaos, I should ask is there anything that goes right there? My sympathy is with the good, honest, and hard working people of Durham who suffer as a result if all these irregularities there. let us hope, that one day all this will get cleared away, and Durham will become another regular average American town.
one of the ways you combat abusive DA and rogues cops is to have a vigilant press.
That doesn't happen in Durham where the local newspaper Editor Bob Ashley is a Nifong apologist, willing to excuse any abuse to protect the DA.
In Durham, it's all about image. Justice and fair process, be damned.
I had a little fun responding to Barry Saunders article in the N&O today. "Was Durham left at the altar by Cheek? "
http://www.newsobserver.com/1101/story/466429.html
Durham, I'm here for you. Is what Barry Saunders said today true? Did Cheek leave you at the altar , friend? Don't despair. And DON"T do what I think you might...don't go back to that abusive double dealing old boyfriend, Nifong.
Look, vote ABN in November and our friend Easley will set you up with someone new. Yeah, I know he fixed you up with Mikey in the first place...but back then, who knew? Traffic court didn't showcase the Mikey who cuts corners, obfuscates and insinuates, indicts before the evidence, and serves himself first. Easley thought he was a nice guy and would treat you well. As a friend I have to tell you this, he's played you for a fool for all to see!
You need to move on, Durham. Find someone, anyone new. Someone who really cares about your whole extended family, who believes in fairness and justice and truth.... for fry cooks, hooligans and homeboys, the WHOLE hometown crowd. Someone who won't make trouble in our family just to promote himself. You cannot bring this little troublemaker home to Mother again Let's be a family like we were before!
Barry seems to think rich kids with lawyers are an abomination before Lady Justice, but I don't think you do. This Duke case is just one case, but it showed us a side of Nifong..a scary side..that YOU , dear Durham,would have to live with long after that case is over. Okay, honey, I'll say it. The man is verbally abusive. Sure the local judges think it's cute, but those snarky personal insults at other lawyers in court are neither attractive nor judicious. They're jerky. A little man with a little power (and a series of strangely indulgent judges.) At his press conference last week, he ONCE AGAIN ...had to twist the truth about his meeting with Cheek. Make it sound like something Cheek and the others say it was NOT. Why ?....just to get YOU back...in a weak moment? And he just happens to omit they met on March 3...ten days before the Larosse fiasco began. Mikey, Mikey, Mikey...there you go again...
And, Durham, who could forget, after the primary, in his moment of victory,...... he STILL lacked the self control or good grace to refrain from a nasty comment to Freda. There's more.... A local businessman is STILL waiting for compensation from the "Embezzler Kim "years later ..and Nifong is letting him wait. The cook at Blinco's "bald headed abuser" seems...oddly ....not to be charged? These are not rich DUKE kids with big lawyers, Durham, They're part of YOUR family..the family of Durham. Your old boyfriend Nifong , will also kick the little guys to the curb. Don't doubt it for a minute!
Durham,it's time to move on. You can do much ,much better. You need someone YOU can trust. A good man. An honest man. A decent man. Anybody But Nifong.
ABN is waiting for you at the Ballot box. A vote for Cheek will bring you the stability ,the strength of an honest man you lack now. Your family can heal its wounds and work together. The slate will be clean. New love songs can be sung. Ditch the "Fong."..demand the Prince.
ANYBODY BUT NIFONG!
The evidence mounts that Nifong is a malicious and paranoid jerk who has no business holding a public office
Now Mikey's going after the cats and dogs
Irving Joyner, an N.C. Central law professor, is monitoring the case as requested by the state chapter of the NAACP.
"It was important that arrests were made and more that it was explained why (additional) arrests weren't made," said Joyner, who teaches criminal law, civil rights and race and the law. The police report described the alleged victim as saying she was raped by three men.
"I don't think people were necessarily pushing for arrests but were pushing for some show that there is concern."
Joyner was in touch with state NAACP leaders. "My assessment," he said, "was that things are moving forward. We're now on track. And we'll just have to wait and see what happens next."
That's what motivates racists like Joyner
Joyner surely had "concern" that the a drug-addicted false accuser with no credibility is turned into an icon.
Joyner surely had concern that a politically motivated DA use race baiting and public shaming as an election tactic.
Joyner surely had "concern" that for his own vanity and publicity he helps rip apart a whole community.
Joyner has no concern that 3 young students are being railroaded.
Joyner is a pathetic and deeply corrupt person.
The whole state of NC is crooked!
Decker pleads guilty in Black probe
Former Representative Michael Decker, center, arrives at the Federal Courthouse in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2006.
Staff Photo by Travis Long
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From Staff Reports
Former Representative Michael Decker admitted in federal court today receiving $50,000 and a legislative job for his son in exchange for supporting Jim Black for a third term as House speaker in 2003.
The former Forsyth County lawmaker, who switched parties from Republican to Democrat, pleaded guilty to a single of charge of conspiracy to extort, commit mail fraud and launder money.
He is to be sentenced Nov. 1. He could get five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The plea agreement read in court today said that Decker met with a Democratic House member to discuss the political deal, but the papers did not name that person. Later, Decker received an envelope containing $38,000 in checks and $12,000 in cash, court documents said. An unnamed Democratic House member delivered the money, whose source was unclear. A prosecutor said that much of the money went into Decker's campaign account.
Decker's support created a 60-60 split in the House, allowing Black to remain as co-speaker. Black, a Mecklenburg County Democrat, in 2003 entered into a power-sharing agreement with Republican Rep. Richard Morgan.
Although Black was not named, he has testified in a Board of Elections hearing that he raised campaign money for Decker after Decker agreed to support him.
Decker reported spending campaign funds on a car and a trip to Florida to pick up the car. He pocketed a $4,000 contribution from Black, and State Board of Elections hearings found that Decker cashed $3,400 in contributions from Black's fellow optometrists that he did not disclose.
All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.
Another sex assault today on the Duke campus
(If Nifong isn't too busy...)
http://www.wral.com/news/9609150/detail.html
A Duke University student told campus police that she was sexually assaulted Monday night in a laundry building on Central Campus. . . The man is described as black with a light to medium complexion, measuring 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall. He is in his late teens to mid-20s with chin-length brown hair, possibly in braids and parted down the middle...
If you have any information about the case, you are asked to contact Duke police at 919-684-2444 or CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.
Following up on the 12:33pm poster's comments above:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
At least five of the following are necessary for a diagnosis:
*has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
*is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
*believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by other special or high-status people (or institutions, eg: Harvard and other Ivy League institutions)
*requires excessive admiration
*has a strong sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
*takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
*lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
*is often envious or believes others are envious of him or her
*has arrogant affect, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Um...I count 8 so far...
RE: Pleasureryde
Wow. Is that really her? The photo of her on the steps doesn't show her as big on top as the photos on that website. Guys at the party would be able to tell, since her face is not hidden on the site.
I have my doubts but if this is true it makes me wonder about Jesse's offer to pay for her education so she didn't have to work that way.
Above Jesse Jackson puts his nose in everything racial. I think he just set a bad example for every female who didn't like the sex they got that night. And Jesse will be right there with his check book as long as she files charges of rape true of not. By the way I am a Rape victim, and I don't need or want his help.
re the N&O Pet Control article;
"Since it is apparent that many of you do not have confidence in me, I intend to reassess the position of my office with respect to representation on the board and to inform you of my decision about whether we will continue to participate within the next two weeks," Nifong wrote."
I'm telling you, Nifong still lives with his mother - this putz doesn't have the temperent for his position - I feel bad for the folks of Durham
Nifong needs medical help. Can he really be serious about no longer wanting to care about puppies and kittens because some of his co-board members disagree with the way he has destroyed the Durham legal system? This guy is dangerous.
ABN!
More to the animal control meltdown than what is reported publicly
Turns out racist cop Mark Gottlieb was caught picking puppies up by their ears and Nifong refused to prosecute him.
When he was called on it at the pound yesterday, Nifong launched into obscenity-filled barking and clawed a few of his fellow board members
Can anyone get the Governor's take on Nifong or is he (The Governor) too ashamed to talk about his (The Governor's) stupidity in annointing Nifong King of Durham?
Here is the link to an excellent article by Robert KC Johnson. This is a must read.
The Brodhead Files
Duke lacrosse: A fake Herald Sun story?
The above linked JinC post is first-rate.
It is past time for an examination of the reasons for the cover that carpetbagger Bob Ashley has been providing for Liefong
In my dealings with Ashley, I have found him to dishonest and smug.
There is definitely something wrong with that guy.
Rather interesting...
In Raleigh, drunken, racist cop (and Nifong star witness) Mark Gottlieb taunts a black man, calls him a N* and orders one of his men to attack the guy and gets a free pass.
Back on the street, so he can attack more people, run more illegal lineups and intimidate more witnesses.
Whereas in Carey, 3 16-year olds, none of whom are involved in law enforcement or the Duke lacrosse case, get arrested for nearly the same thing
"ethnic intimidation"
Except the Durham thug cop were also drunk driving and did 6-against-1 against their black victim
Durham justice.
Another recent example of racism and corruption by the black Durham politicians
Durham _needs_ a black general manager_
'(Mayor Bill) Bell said he's "not aware of any pressure to hire someone black" to run DATA.'
No, there was no _pressure_ to hire blacks and fire anyone else in the job, it was just the usual mode of Durham city business.
Racists like City Councilwoman Cora Cole-McFadden and Manager Patrick Baker are the rule not the exception in Durham politics.
More lawsuits coming for this corrupt city
Nifong apologist John Stevenson at the Durham-Sun
does his daily dose of DA damage control to excuse Nifong's psychosis.
No, of course, Mikey didn't threaten the board
I think we can all agree that liestoppers has the diagnosis of Nifong spot on.
With all the frivolity about Nifong's actions in the Animal Control fiasco, I missed the real story.
How did he know that his fellow board members had signed the Cheek petition?
Well...Nifong is in possession of, and is pouring over the list of names.
Looking for enemies.
This paranoid, malcious DA is apparently assembling an enemies list that he will use to pursue witchhunts and false prosecutions for the next 4 years.
A enemies list that contains the names of 10,000 of his townspeople.
This is a serious violation of ethics, decency and likely the law is well.
This obvious fact was omitted from the N&O story.
Not funny at all.
If Nifong doesn't go to prison before this is all over, nobody is safe from this nutjob.
Durham residents interested in participating in a campaign for ABN (Anybody But Nifong). Please email letgovernordecide@yahoo.com. Let us know your thoughts!
Martin Luther King quotes :
In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
A right delayed is a right denied.
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
The animal control board situation is really just a sideline interest story but I had to go look for the original N&O story which is linked here:
http://www.newsobserver.com/1185/story/466495.html
Maybe he was pouring over the Cheek petition himself, but more likely it was somebody on his campaign committee who then brought the board members to his attention. I don't find that unusual or upsetting.
What I found a little amusing was his snap reaction by email to say he was upset by the board members' signature to the Cheek campaign to the extent of thinking no one in his office would participate. He had to back off that right away, of course.
In reality, the chief DA shouldn't bother serving on the board, he SHOULD assign it to someone in his office dealing with those cases.
But instead of quietly reassigning someone or just saying it would be more appropriate for an assistant DA to do it, he blasts them and says maybe his office wouldn't participate at all. Touchy, touchy.
He must really be bothered by the Cheek thing and the ABN campaign. Maybe it will succeed after all.
I disagree with the interpretation above, the one thing we have learned is that Nifong spends nearly _all_ of his time feeling defensive and betrayed.
We have seen his reaction to the defense lawyers and now to the Animal Control board.
He was _definitely_ pouring over the names on the Cheek petition himself
(I am surprised a bit that this list is publicly available).
And Nifong likely plans on extracting revenge, as he can get it, against each signer.
Which is scary since he is the law in Durham. Each of the signers should be very worried.
Nifong is Nixonian in the extreme.
Can someone post a link to the "Duke 88" letter? I have the list of the 88 but not the letter itself (I can't seem to find it). My son is a sophomore at Duke and has not read the letter yet. Thanks!
Can someone post a link to the "Duke 88" letter?
For the "Duke 88",
go to http://www.duke.edu/web/africanameric/
the click on "view flyer" at the top,
which will bring up a PDF of the flyer; and click on
"Read List of Supporters" to see
those who signed.
Michael Gaynor has a new commentary urging Collin Finnerty to speak out if the "gag" order is lifted:
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/gaynor/060803
I think Michael Gaynor should leave Collin Finnerty alone.
Collin is young and most likely very nervous.
Demanding for Collin to speak is ridiculous, in my opinion.
Worth quoting from the Gaynor article :
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/gaynor/060803
Why people might find out how anti-racist the Finnerty family really is. They might learn about all those family charitable contributions that primarily benefit blacks. Worse, they might not only appreciate that the "hired priest" libel is shameless Catholic bashing (that priest being a friend of your father since childhood and someone you've known all your life), but that the priest was called to build a hospital in AFRICA and lots of the money for that noble purpose came from the Finnerty family. It would be very hard to have Durham's blacks hate you if they saw you and learned how you were raised and what you and your family believe. Why, it would be impossible to brainwash the bulk of Durham's blacks under those circumstances.
I totally disagree with above assertion. The Durham blacks could not care less about how the Finnerty money was used, and what good deeds the family might have done. For this group of people, and I do not want to generalize it -- just this group of people -- all they care is that the Finnerty family has money and they don't. That is their crime.
So, I would say talking about Finnerty money does not take us anywhere. If anything, these assertions make “that group of people” even angrier and more hungry for that money. I really think we should shut up and not talk about such nonsense. The issue here is not what the Finnerty family has done or not done. The issue is: did Collin rape the accuser or not. All the rest is insignificant. These arguments, no matter how well meaning, only hurt these people and do not help in any way. Take if from me, a most ardent supporter and a friend of the three indicted young kids.
I agree with the above. In my experience, most black people regard attempts by whites to show their good works and good faith as further proof of white racism. I know I would.
At the far extreme, racists like NCCU law professor Irving Joyner and Cash Michaels see skin color and nothing else.
They are professional race men and could/would never abandon their support of this false accuser.
No, any resolution of this case will do nothing to improve race relations- in fact, it has only served to marginalize the blacks of Durham even further.
The resolution of this case will only come when Nifong and the rogue Durham cops like Mark Gottlieb who pressed this fraud are disgraced and their sorry careers ruined.
Nothing else will stop a monster like Nifong.
ABN
BTW, the "gag order" only applies to attorneys and other court professionals.
Finnerty could say anything he want. not that I think he should
So could Ms Mangum (of Wikipedia fame), not that I think she will.
all they care is that the Finnerty family has money and they don't
I think the black community hates being used; being misled, and being lied to by whites, in order to be manipulated.
Nifong gets three strikes there,
and as soon as everybody sees it,
he's "out".
No. I do not think the gag order just applies to lawyers.
the is an absolute first amendment right for any citizen to speak, unless covered by a court order or some other contract in which they wilingly entered into
There is no such things as a gag order of litigants, unless they agree to it.
Not even in Nifongia
Most people do not follow the case closely enough or astutely enough to realize that the DA has no case. What people remember is that three rich Duke kids were accused of raping a poor black stripper at a wild party, the coach was fired for it, and the lacrosse team was suspended for it.
If the kids get off, folks ( white and black) will say it is because their daddys had money. This is a Reign of Terror.
Collin should not speak. It will do him no good. What furthers his cause is for more stuff to come out on the accuser's criminality. Maybe some pressure can be put on the escort service that hires crooks and sends them off to parties where they blackmail clients. Nyfong is a crook. Most likely, all associated with him are crooks too. And, I guess lots of non-crooks in Durham are afraid of him and his cohorts.
To the 10:31 poster.
You obviously haven't read motion to reconsider and modify by the defense.
I have read it, and I suggest you reread it.
Motion
It concerns a lawyer's rights to speak on behalf of their clients.
In that motion, they are actually claiming that the 1st amendment (and other sources) support the right of the _attorney_ to speak publicly,
The NC law (and thus the judge's order) has nothing to say about a defendant's right to speak on his/her own behalf.
Oh really? Then why did defendants requested the court to modify its order to limit its purview to the lawyers involved in the prosecution and defense of the case and remove from its purview all potential non-lawyer witnesses, including members of the 2006 Duke University Lacrosse Team?
Jason Trumpbour's comment on the front page is spot on. This really smells of a Nifong leak.
My question--whose job is it to enforce the gag order? The DA? Would seem like a blatant confict there.
The sooner the state of NC steps in to fix this case, the better for all concerned. Bizarre, unadmissable criminal identification procedures, failure of the DA to listen to exculpatory evidence, an assistant DA moonlighting as a porno star, and now an ignored gag order? Durham's reputation, in the eyes of the nation, is circling the drain.
The defendants should not be gagged,of course, but the July 17, 2006 order was NOT limited to lawyers (even though the media
missed or ignored the breathtaking scope of the order and defense lawyers chose to try to fix it without fanfare).
The order explicitly applies to "non-lawyer witnesses" too. That would include the members of the 2006 Duke University Men's Lacrosse Team, including the defendants.
I'd hold it unconstitutional.
I'd also describe it as improperly intimidating.
The order states: "Counsel for the State of North Carolina and counsel for the defendants, the employees and agents of the State, the employees and agents of counsel for the defendants, and any witnesses for the State or the defendants, are hereby restrained and enjoined from communicating with the news media concerning the above-entitled criminal action except as specifically permitted by the provisions of Rule 3.6 of the North Carolina Revised Rules of Professional Conduct."
NOT just lawyers.
The defense motion to modify stated at page 12 that Mr. Nifong's "selective public comments" "led to tremendously negative publicity about the Defendants in this case and all of their teammmates on the 2006 Duke University Men's Lacrosse Team" that "tainted all of these young men with a presumption of guilt that continues to this day" and therefore "respectfully request[ed] that this Court modify the Court's order of July 17, 2006, by removing those young men and any other non-lawyer potential 'witnesses' from its purview.
Disagree with me about whether Collin Finnerty should speak or stand mute, if you fear Collin cannot proclaim his innocence without hurting his case (obviously I don't believe that).
But please read the order and the motion and appreciate both (1)
the scope of the order and its sinister effect (and the implications to be deduced therefrom)and (2) the defense attempt to ungag which deserves full support.
The order is clearly unconstitutional, I agree.
But it does not say that the defendants are bound by his gag order.
Finnerty would be free to speak.
Titus has already shown himself to be a lazy, sloppy and unethical jurist. My guess is if anyone wants to push it, his rulings will be repeatedly overturned on appeal.
From Wikipedia:
"A gag order (or 'suppression order') is an order, sometimes a legal order by a court or government, other times a private order by an employer or other institution, restricting information or comment from being made public.
"Gag orders are often used against participants involved in a lawsuit or criminal trial. They are also a tool to prevent media from publishing unwanted information on a particular topic."
THE JULY 17,2006 ORDER APPLIES TO WITNESSES AS WELL AS LAWYERS AND PARTIES.
IT RESTRICTS COMMENT BY PARTIES IF THEY HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THEY MAY BE WITNESSES, WHETHER ON THEIR OWN BEHALF OR ON BEHALF OF A CO-DEFENDANT.
NIFONG SAYS ALL THE DUKE MEN'S LACROSSE PLAYERS ARE POTYENTIAL WITNESSES, SO THEY SPEAK TO THE MEDIA AT THEIR PERIL IF THEY WILL BE WITHIN THE REACH OF NIFONG OR JUDGE TITUS. IF ANY OF THEM KNOWS HE NEVER WILL BE A WITNESS, THEN HE'S NOT COVERED BY THE ORDER, BUT IF HE THINKS HE MAY BE ONE, HE'S WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE ORDER AND NEEDS TO BE READY, WILLING AND ABLE TO LITIGATE IF HE DARES TO COMMUNICATE WITH MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE AND IS WITHIN REACH. THAT'S INTIMIDATING.
DON'T KID YOURSELF: iT IS A GAG ORDER, A SLY, SUBTLE, SINISTER ONE.
If the defendants want to be defense witnesses, they are not to speak to the media about the case, because they risk being excluded as witnesses or held in contempt of court.
If the Judge had been less subtle in his intimidation, perhaps the scope of the order would have been appreciated immediately.
Fully understanding it requires actually reading it. It also helps to know that a defendant in a rape case may need to testify. (Ask William Kennedy Smith about it.)
O.K. I had all night to think about this, since I had no power so no computer. Maybe the reason Nifong wont let go of this case is because he is just like the gov. of my state of Massachusetts. Mr. Romney I think that is how he spells it? He is never here to run the state. Now that we are having problems with the big dig again!!! we can't get rid of him. He want to run for the white house "right". Here is how Nifong is about the same to me: Nifong needs to make a name for himself so what is better then a rape "that never happened but in her dreams", and dragging it out for as long as possible so he can get his f.u.g.l.y. face in front of all the cameras, new crews and reporters. Maybe he wants to be attorney general of N.C. next election that is, or Govenor, way not try for the white house in 2012 there you go Nifong.
I understand Michael Gaynor's frustration at having to wait for Collin's story to be told in full. Of course he's innocent. However, Gaynor answers his own question as to why Collin has refrained from telling it thus far. First, he points out the list of corrupt officials who have, as he suggests, pandered to the black electorate in order to get elected, second he points out that the defendants are wealthy white out-of-towners, and third, he points out the DA's attempt (permissible under the law) to undermine Reade's alibi evidence (initially inadvertently leaked by a lawyer not representing Reade and then of necessity defended by his own attorneys, who, given Nifong's behavior, would clearly have preferred that it not be made public at the time) and to intimidate one of his chief witnesses (illegal, but done anyway).
Finally, he points out the clear differences between Dave's position relative to Collin's on the issue of speaking out before the press at the time he did. Collin had the DC charge pending and now has the fact of that preposterous conviction to deal with. The less said by him, the better for his lawyers to work around whatever attempts Nifong et al. may have up their sleeves to use it against him.
In addition to the fact that Gaynor has correctly interpreted the substance of the unconstitutional gag order issued by "judge" Titus, he correctly notes that anything a defendant says can and will be used against him. It's what prosecutors live for -- prior inconsistent statements by defendants that can be used to undermine any statement they make while under oath in court, however trivial or irrelevant.
Dave Evans's statement to the press was the stuff of Hollywood legend -- as Bernie Grimm characterized it -- "I'd put this guy on the witness stand every day of the week and twice on Sunday." It's also exceedingly rare for anyone, particularly a young person under such tremendous strain, to be able to deliver such a statement without appearing terribly nervous or without making some misstatement, however slight, that will afford the Persecutor in this case an opportunity to weaken his testimony in court.
All of this without the spectre of having _after the fact_ to fight contempt charges for violating a gag order, however improper such an order might be. Who needs the extra pressure and adverse publicity with everything else they already have on their plate?
Collin and his family are doing the right thing -- it would be a no-win situation for them to give Nifong an advance look at his defense. It would only give that unscrupulous DA more time to try to undermine it or to intimidate his witnesses. After all, in the typical jurisdiction, an ethical prosecutor would have sat down with them at the outset, seen the evidence as compelling and never sought these ridiculous indictments. Given the facts of life in Durham, they have no choice but to keep their evidence close to the vest and not let Nifong and his cronies try to destroy it. His lawyers know what they're dealing with in this nut case and have advised their client correctly.
Look at how Nifong has responded to Joe Cheshire, Kerry Sutton, and Kirk Osborn et al. in the past for speaking out on their clients' behalf to try to correct the record of his lies and misstatements of fact. They've now got the same bullseye on their chest as does Susannah Meadows, Dan Abrams, Susan Filan ("I've got two words for you -- Rodeo Cowboy"), Freda Black, Lewis Cheek, and now even the Animal Control board members, for God's sake! They're better off flying under the Captain Queeg/Nifong radar for as long as possible.
The real story of the Finnerty family, their faith and tremendous good works can best be told at this point by loyal and caring friends and supporters beyond the reach of any gag order. Even there, I'd be careful about who does the talking -- I wouldn't want to have any of these good folks subjected to an attempt to eliminate them as potential character witnesses, which Nifong would absolutely try to do if he could.
Above I agree with you but, Nifong and ALL the JUDGES in that area are in it to get these three just because they are from out of town. I just had a thought: why did it take the victim "right" so long to I.D. her attackers. I had NO PROBLEM going down and pointing them out the very next day and I was beaten in the face. Maybe she found someone that knows how to run a backround check on people, and she found out who on that team might have money. But truth be told if she sues in civil court all she will be able to collect is there college debt, because they are all over 18 now. Nifong to me is to f---n' smug just. Look at how he just sat and smiled for the cameras,at the last court hearing, because he knew that judge TITUS wasn't going to listen to them or give the defense crap!!! Everyone says defense lawyers are slim: just look at what Michael Nifong is dong to that side of the court system. His very own sister should be ashamed of him.
What I always thought was so bizarre was that she was so certain when she named the players Matt, Adam Brett etc. There was no hesitation there ...also it wasn't just 3 names picked out of a hat --that was the name of 3 guys there so it looked like she might have gottn a list of their names beforehand. I have always been convinced that she was told to change her story and to go after 3 new people b/c they were more vulnerable - nfong could sully them more -- Collin b/c he was vulnerable about the dc case and to go after the 2 others who nfong had noise violations etc. She also she did go after the 3 richest ...what i don't understand is why hasn there been more made of this - this isn't rape confusion (as some tv announcers have tried to claim) like say she thinks a matt was named a mark ...there were 3 very distinct names and 3 very distinct additional names - you cn't confuse collin with a brett or reade with a matt ? how did she learn the names of the 3 initial - she was dancing at a party -- did they introduce themselves to her- has she been questioned aobut this discrepancy (bizarre as it is)
above, I'll tell you this : I bet when she and ms roberts left the party she the victim gave herself a drug and that is why Nifong is probably hiding or destroyed to TOX. Report., Up here the hookers drug themselves all the time just to try and extort money from there DATES. And why when she left the party as the photos show, she had a big o' smile on her face. And she even went back to try to score if you know what I mean, and when she got turned away she got mad and wanted to get even the only way she knows cry RAPE. She did it before and if I read somewhere she even tried to have her exhusband charged with attempted murder.
Since Steve Monks wants to run, I think we should support him.
It is clear that Nifong and the corrupt Durham establishment (and their lackeys like Bob Ashley) are trying to draw a cone of silence down on this case.
Monks is pretty good at getting publicity. And yesterday said the most sensible thing about the case any has said in a long time.
I say donate to his campaign.
she also doesn't seem like the type who if she was truly raped wouldn't put up a big fight - it doesn't apepar that she would be intimidated not to fight back - so where are all the scratch marks hair pulling etc.. also if she was raped why would she scream (confirmed by neighbors) as they sped off the 3 had "white limp d++ks..." a real rape victim wouldn't say that about a rapist or a man who had just raped her....
Above I am a rape victim: and I will tell you and anyone else who cares to listen, if I ever had the the chance to meet this so called victim I could tear her story apart in a heart beat. Because the one thing you never have to do is to try in convince another rape victim that you have been raped. It would show in just the way you talk and way you act in some ways. Her cousin Jackie said in an interview with Fox News is, she is studying to be a lawyer. I think that maybe, just maybe she is putting her education to use now and seeing if it will work for her this time now that she knows how to work the system. And as for Mr. Nifong I could beat him for his job if i lived in N.C. wheelchair and all.
The re-entrance of Mr. Monk in the race complicates the political situation.
The "Antibody but Nifong" group proposes voting for Cheek and then letting the governor appoint someone besides Nifong. The problem with that approach is that the governor could re-appoint Nifong anyway, and if he doesn't, the voters don't know what they will be getting.
The problem with Monks' campaign is that it is almost impossible for write-in candidates to win an election. Also, Monk is a Republican-- a minority party there.
Further, the current situation splits the anti-Nifong vote and may allow Nifong to win.
I am not from Durham and would appreciate some comments from local people about the political situation now,
I am pretty sure the governor would not re-appoint Nifong again if the voters voted him out by voting for Cheek.
The real problem with Monk entering the race is a possible distribution of votes as between him and Cheeks which is not what you want. What the ABN Campaign should be about is getting as many votes as possible for Cheeks.
I sincerely believe that the Governor is so upset about his terrible decision to appoint Nifong in the first place that Nifong would be about 52nd on a short list for potential appointees.
I noticed that at the last hearing for this case judge Titus signed a gag order. Well I think we have a problem with that. Now that the defense can't defend their clients because of the half ass twisted backwards laws. We have a Judge and a distrist attorney that is basically is telling the defense what they can have a discovery, because what may have no discovery value to the state of North Carolina may hold a wealth of discovery for the defense. And as for Nifog not knowing the addresses and names of the D.S.S. that is BULL CRAP any good D.A. would have it in a rolodex and the addresses for every rape crisis center in his disttric. I'm telling you that all the judges and Nifong will do everything in their power to send these young men to prison for the next 15 - 25 years. And if people look I'll bet that Jesse Jackson, NAACP, ACLU, and the Black Panthers are going to be paying for all of the states witness. Even the so called EXPERTS.
I think NC has a very serious problem--
State's innocence commission is a first
Panel created after high profile convictions were overturned
Thursday, August 3, 2006; Posted: 1:29 p.m. EDT (17:29 GMT)
Gov. Mike Easley signed a law creating the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission.
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Manage Alerts | What Is This? RALEIGH, North Carolina (AP) -- Inmates in North Carolina who claim they were wrongly convicted got a new avenue of appeal Thursday as Gov. Mike Easley signed a law creating a state innocence commission described as the first of its kind in the nation.
The commission, modeled after one in the United Kingdom, was created after several high-profile convictions were overturned in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission will review innocence claims from people who can present new evidence that hasn't been considered in court.
The eight-member commission will begin accepting claims in November. If five or more commission members agree there is enough evidence of potential innocence, the case would be sent to a panel of three Superior Court judges. Overturning a conviction would require a unanimous decision by the three judges.
Easley, a former prosecutor and attorney general, said North Carolina residents should be proud of the commission.
"Its creation gives our criminal justice system yet another safeguard by helping ensure that the people in our prisons in fact, belong there," Easley said in a statement after signing the bill without a public ceremony.
Among the high-profile cases of wrongful conviction was that of Darryl Hunt, who served 18 years in prison for the 1984 murder of a Winston-Salem newspaper employee before he was exonerated in 2003 by DNA evidence. Easley later pardoned him.
In 2004, Alan Gell, a onetime death row inmate, was retried and acquitted in a 1995 killing after it was revealed prosecutors withheld key evidence.
While other states have created panels to improve legal procedures to reduce the likelihood of wrongful conviction, North Carolina's commission will consider individual cases.
"It is the first of its kind in the nation," said Eric Ferrero with the Innocence Project, a New York-based legal clinic that handles cases where DNA testing can lead to overturning a conviction.
Convicts who pleaded guilty in their original cases will not be eligible to submit their claims for two years. After that time, the eight-member commission would have to agree unanimously to send the case to the judges' panel.
The North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys had objected to that provision because people who pleaded guilty in court can now proclaim their innocence. Garry Frank, the group's president, said it was "kind of making a mockery of the system."
Copyright 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Re: The above post. Garry Frank thinks this new provision is "making a mockery of the system". What does he think about Nifongism?
It is a stunning indictment of North Carolina's justice system that this was necessary.
Not something to proud of. It is pathetic that thugs like Nifong apparently need to be stopped after the fact by an innocence commission.
Re the 11:02 am post:
"[W]hy did it take the victim "right" so long to I.D. her attackers. I had NO PROBLEM going down and pointing them out the very next day and I was beaten in the face. Maybe she found someone that knows how to run a backround check on people, and she found out who on that team might have money."
First, I'm terribly sorry for your dreadful experience. Second, I think that one of the reasons defense attorneys have been trying to gain access to her computer is precisely to see whether she took the 8-day interim between her false allegation and the first flawed stab at a photo ID to research the team online and figure out who the deep pockets were. It's no coincidence that the players from the 3 wealthiest families were the ones she picked out. Anyone who doesn't believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you. Furthermore, any ethical DA would have seen through that transparent attempt to extort money from innocent individuals in a heartbeat.
I am an old man and have had and loved many puppies and kittens at the same time. (14 total combinations at one time). All were fed and bathed and held as much as they wanted to be. What (other than a human baby) is more beautiful and lovable than a puppy or kitten?
I am sure that these Godlike little animals would have reason to be joyful in the belief that a person like Nifong would no longer be in charge of their lives when he resigns from their protective organization.
Two above, I am glad you agree with me if they don't find anything on her computer, why don't they try the Durham police department a.k.a. the cops. Neither of the dancers are strangers to the durham city police department from what I hear. Maybe she the victim offered a very long and private lap dance, of a free show, for the help. And would you not find it strange that here it is five months later and the lead Invesigator has not done his report aa of last week. Before he and his partner, along with other cops were involved in a racist act outside a club they go to alot. The D.A. Nifong refused to press charges on him. It looks real bad for Nifong to have two of his witnesses, involved in a racial fight. If I was the defense I would call that cook to the stand and give the cops and Nifong a very bitter pill to swollow.
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Can't private detectives be hired to stake out certain cops and other unsavory characters connected to this charade? There might be "dangerous liasons" exposed with a little worn shoeleather. How is Miss M making a living now? Or Kim?
I don't think this will ever go to trial. Miss M will feign some excuse when the time comes. Nyfong wants to put off the trial date as long as possible. Maybe he is hoping something will happen to Miss M. He doesn't want to lose face. Given the line of work she is in and her drug abuse, that is a reality. Then, the boys. names and Duke 's will be permanently smeared as there was no trial to show the farce.
Not that the boys want a trial! How fair would that be? However, if there is one,it would be good if it were televised so that the nation could see the evidence, like the OJ trial. Anyone following that trial saw justice botched.
For those who haven't read Ruth's blog entry today, it is very funny.
Nifong's world is shrinking
She is becoming one of the most reliable allies in the media, and echoes my (serious) concerns that Nifong is now building an enemies list based on the Cheek petition.
Above I would love court T.V. to show the trial if there is one live. Now the only way for Nifong to save face is to admit that he can not go forward because of lack of evidence. But being a rape victim and understanding the system as well as I do, I will bet that because the lead detective and his partner, got cought using the (N) word while kicking the crap out of a black gentle men, Nifong has a large problem with his witnesses a.k.a. the Cops, he refused to file charges. I wonder why. Maybe he Nifong needs them to go and plant evidence where there was none. Bad for Nifong
Way to go Durham reporters!!
The city council has been holding private dinner meetings for over a decade and this is first you report of it.
The Mayor and City Manager have flagrantly violated the NC open meeting law.
Durham corruption.
Where Patrick Baker and Bill Bell hatched their plan to interfere in the police investigation
annoymous abvoe: I agree I lived in the state of Massachusetts all of my life. That is why I moved, they violated the very same laws for many years and never got caught until last year. That is why there will be no justice for the "Duke Boys". With all the corrurtion in N.C. I am surprised that anyone, who maybe from one of the colleges out there,needing to defend her or himself if they can ever get a fair trial with the D.A. and the Judges holding hands and holding the keys to the get out jail free card.
Can anyone help me? I would like to know if someone out there can find me the e-mail address for Mr.Nifong. I rather send him the e-mail-then waste a postage stamp.
can someone find me Nifong's e-mail address.
michael.b.nifong@nccourts.org
He reads this blog too so you can post your comments here if you want.
That's how he keeps up with all the racist cops, corrupt Durham city managers and sex-addicted porn dog ADAs in his own office.
Since Nifong is now spending all his time reading the Cheek petition and plotting revenge against his enemies.
Does anyone have any information on the status of the case being considered "Exceptional" as we heard last week? Thanks!
above at 12:39 thanks for the address I think I will e-mail him personally because I can't leave that kind of message on this web sit
I highly recommend the discussion of the coverage of the recent "non-news" about the DNA results:
www.liestopppers.blogspot.com
An interesting point is made: the DNA from the bathroom floor specimen was from Matt Zash, who lived there, NOT from Collin, Reade, or Dave. If a brutal gang-rape had happened, one would have expected DNA from the "perpetrators." This is more evidence that there was no rape in that bathroom.
This is more evidence that there was no rape in that bathroom.
In fact the absence of such DNA inside the victim would immediately exhonerate a defendant from any charge of rape, in any jurisdiction in the country, except apparently in Durham.
Such exhonerations (through DNA evidence) occur with great frequency.
There is simply no evidence, aside from an accusation (from a woman who has a history of making this type of accusation) that any such rape ever occured.
That this prosecution is still continuing is an indictment of the criminal justice system in Durham; and proof of the need for federal intervention to protect the civil rights of the accused.
I was reading an artical I printed out that was talking about the Duke Men's Lacrosse Team and Nifong and why, Nifong would still be holding on to this case. Well here is are my thoughts point by point.
1. there are about 48 players on the team. Nifong has 15 -16 of them in some kind diversion program.
2.When this all started Nifong threatened to reinstate the original charges if the players did not talk to him.
3.He still went ahead and went to a grand jury before ever completing the investigation.
4.We all no you can indite a ham sandwitch I can indite Jimmy Hoffa just for being got for 30 plus years.
5.Nifong only went to the grand jury with only what he wanted them to hear and see. So they indited collin and reade.
6. By this time the victim already gave more versions of that night than Nifong gave interviews.
7.So called witness Kim Roberts has changed her story to fit what the D.A. wants her to say or is she trying to just get out of a pabation violation.
8.collin gets charges reinstated in D.C. fight 05' just because he got arrested in N.C. the judge did not want to wait and see the outcome of this case first.
9. Collin found guilty in D.C. fight.
10. Gag order issued by Judge Titus. Nifong loses fight to get the key cards for the team. was it me or did nifong say he had a lung infection. He souned fine to me when he started talking.
11.Nifong gives interview while gag order in effect??? It appears the gag order doesn't apply to Nifong.
12.On May 11 a warrant served on the cab driver and alibi witness for Reade the warrant 2 1/2years old. They knew right where the cab driver was.
13.Reade has alibi witness and photos!!!
14.Look at of the activist Jesse Jackson coming to the aid of the victim. Wont he look stupid if this all turns out to be a lie on behalf of the so called victim.
15. the New Black Panther Party tries to march on campus of Duke just to stir-up the tension a little more. All they are, are group of ex-cons with a violent criminal history.
16.Why have we not seen the Rev.Al Sharpton, I'll tell you why, because in an interview he gave he even said he did not believe the victim and wanted no part of this.
17. David turns himself in after be indited the same way as Reade and Collin.
18.Defense is literally being told how to run there defense by the judge and D.A. N.C. have backwards and twisted laws.
19 The description of the men the "victim" gave does not match the three defendats.
20. All the Lacrosses players go and sign on the dotted line for DNA samples. Only a guilty person would refuse the test. This is in no way in any order.
SORRY IF I FORGOT ANYTHING
the lunatic Cash Michaels strikes again. His usual agitprop with a couple of very interesting tidbits thrown in.
Can't be much of a gag order if both Kammie Michaels and the attorney are talking to
Show-me-the-money Cash Michaels
Any doubt that Officer Clayton is a moron is now dispelled with the evidence that he actually takes Cash Michaels seriously
Any cop that stupid will believe CGM's lies every day of the week
My read on the Michaels piece is that even he is beginning to doubt the rape allegation. He reports on the destruction of Jakki's credibility on the $ offer rumor and then points out the discrepancy on Himan's and Nifong's statments on the hospital exam (that they could not have seen the nurse's report when they said they did).
I hadn't read Ruth Sheehan's blog in awhile (the N&O columnist who turned around in her analysis and now appears to see the case for what it is).
She posted the liestoppers satire of the "What does injustice sound like?" which was funny and sad at the same time. http://www.newsobserver.com/content/blogs/story_graphics/20060803_nifongposter.pdf
Ruth referred to Nifong as perhaps delusional in his press conference on his campaign, and someone posted a comment unintentionally hilarious:
"While watching Mr Nifong shadow box with this invisible opponent, Anybody But Nifong, the word paranoid came to mind. All in all, I suspect it's nothing that some extra medication and a warm glass of milf couldn't cure."
I don't think even a milf would cure this guy.
I have it personally from Cash that he didn't believe the allegations from the beginning
Which makes his creation of the false accuser's web shrine even funnier.
Please, CGM, call your cousin Jack/Jakki. She needs some pointers on how to lie more effectively
like my twenty points I could have done a lot more. I think Nifong, has a creidibility problem with every last one of his witness's. Even the EXPERTS are going to be guilty by association. The only way Nifong can save face now is to walk in to court this month and tell the judge he can't continue due to the problem with the lead investigator on the case, or force the so called "victim" to recant.
this the first time in history that I can recall not seeng the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton together. Mayby above has a point that Sharpton does't believe her and doesn't want a part of this lie like the girl from N.Y. (T.B.) and I think we all remember how that turned out.
The smartest legal strategy of all goes to Collin's attorney. By keeping Finnerty's whereabouts that night to himself, he never gave Nifong the timeline. You see, Mr. Nifong was counting on the defense to provide him the timeline for the bogus rape. Nifong is still looking for the timeline, just as he continues to search for the elusive lacrosse witnesses.
Nice to know they found DNA belonging to Dave Evans and Matt Zash in the house where they lived. I was wondering, did the investigators also find the accused victim's DNA where she resided, too? Just wondering....
Word is that Gov. Easley has his eyes set on a senate seat. If that is the case, do you really think he would be dumb enough to appoint Nifong again? He is probably banging his head against the wall right now. Ouch!
Word is that Gov. Easley has his eyes set on a senate seat.
If Easley wants that Senate seat, he should get his AG down to Durham and let him take this case out of the hands of Nifong.
That will prove that he is effective, and impartial, and committed to justice.
He is a former DA himself, and ought to know just how far off the track Nifong has gotten.
If he doesn't get involved, and tries to pass by on the other side of the road, then he'll be seen as just an opportunist, and one not worthy of a Senate seat in any case.
(A lot of people have long memories, and they are going to remember exactly just who did what and who didn't, when this case is over.)
above the Gov., A.G. , Nifong and the cops don't want to give this young guy's a fair trail. I just read that the "victim hired a lawyer". Well I didn't want to say this at all but now knowing that fact here it goes. If she wins a civil suit, she can wait to collect just like the families from the O.J. trial are still waiting and it has been 10 years and he didn't go to jail. Both are no longer here. I got Nifong's E-Mail Address and I'm thinking of sending him exactly what I am thinking as a REAL RAPE SURVIVOR!! This case needs to be dropped now and if people like me keep the pressure on him it might just help. Can't hurt to try.
In my experience, DAs and former DAs are a closed fraternity that will never permit self-reflection on the flaws in the process
(you see that in the THs and in Nancy Grace who are utterly incapable of understanding how the very process of the adversarial American justice system and the rabid victim lobby _always_ will result in numerous false prosecutions)
DAs and long-term prosecutors have a unique personality (that we are seeing in Nifong in full flower) that allows them to repeatedly commit unethical acts and prosecute people that are probably innocent without it bothering their consciences one whit.
Most long-term DAs have railroaded a number of people in their careers, but if you talk with them are utterly incapable of admitting it (even when DNA proves they prosecuted innocent people)
With Nifong, you are seeing the far end of that moral bankruptcy and self-righteousness that all DAs share. The far end that merges with sociopathic behavior.
Long-terms DAs quintessential good Germans; feeling morally entitled to do whatever they want.
As a result, I can honestly say that I have never met a long-term DA who was honest and straightforward. All are serial liars and hedgers.
Good luck, getting anything out of Easley.
just returning from vacation...
what was the followup for racist Durham cop Mark Gottlieb calling a line cook a n@#$, for drunk driving and for ordering the cook to be attacked by his men?
Did Gottlieb get suspended?
Has anyone located Chief Chalmers yet?
Could he be the decomposing Durham guy they found today?
what was the followup for racist Durham cop Mark Gottlieb calling a line cook a n@#$, for drunk driving and for ordering the cook to be attacked by his men?
So far, nothing. But we can all rest easy at night knowing that Georgetown is safe from Collin Finnerty. . .
Has anyone located Chief Chalmers yet?
There's going to be an episode of "Unexplained Mysteries" devoted to the disappearance of Chief Chalmers. (One theory is that he is now acting as Elvis' bodyguard; another is that he has gone, like Diogenes, in search of an honest man--and he knows he won't find one in Durham. . .)
Good news that Chalmers has left the building.
I guess that foul odor out back must be something else.
Durham justice, mebbe?
The rapid and just resolution of this DUI case in Chapel Hill/Orange County puts Durham (in)justice to shame.
Let us state the facts, honestly:
DA Mike Nifong is a malicious and deeply dishonest person who is deliberately dragging his feet on a case that never should have been brought at all.
The Durham police department is corrupt, unprofessional and filled with racist thugs like Mark Gottlieb.
The Durham city government is filled with corrupt hacks like Manger Patrick Baker and Mayor Bill Bell, who stuff their faces at taxpayer's expense while their city declines.
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