Anthony Ardis Goes to Jail.

July 12, 2016 at 2:16 P.M. A package of materials pertaining to these matters that includes copies of the essay appearing below with attachments was sent along with certificates of mailing from the U.S. Post Office, Inwood, Manhattan station to the following recipients:

Donna Lieberman
New York Civil Liberties Union
125 Broad Street
New York, N.Y. 10041
(212) 607-3500
Certificate No.: R 2304E105406-02.

The Center For Constitutional Rights
666 Broadway
7th Floor
New York, N.Y. 10012
(212) 614-6464
Certificate No.: R 2304E105406-02.

Human Rights Watch
34, 550 5th Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10118
(212) 290-4700
Certificate No.: R 2304105406-02.

The receipt from the Post Office indicates that 3 separate certificates have been issued under a single number to the above listed recipients according to bill and tracking number: 840-51000050-2-104489-2 by P.O. Clerk: 02. 

A final copy of the essay with definitions that may assist New Jersey's OAE in figuring out what they are supposed to be doing will be sent to that agency in Trenton under separate cover. 

July 7, 2016 at 1:19 P.M. A package containing the essay that appears below together with attachments was sent by overnight mail to:

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York
1 St. Andrew's Place
New York, N.Y. 10007
(212) 637-2200
Tracking Number: EL 466780775 US.

Delivery is take place not later than 12:00 Noon, July 8, 2016.

A second parcel containing the essay that appears below and numerous attachments was sent by certified mail to:

National News Editor
The Washington Post
1301 K Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20071
(202) 334-6000
Tracking Number: 7015 0640 0002 8367 2089.

A number of other packages containing essentially the same materials identified above will be mailed to other intended recipients in the days ahead. 

I will post the relevant information at this site when it is appropriate to do so.

June 17, 2016 at 1:37 P.M. I am in receipt of a letter purporting to come from the office of Charles ("Charlie-the-Horse") Centinaro, Esq., the Director of the Office of Attorney Ethics in Trenton dated June 9, 2016 and stating: 

"This will acknowledge receipt of your letter received in our office on May 23, 2016." 

This communication bears the name and alleged signature of one "William B. Ziff, Esq., Deputy Statewide Coordinator." The initials accompanying the signature on page two of this letter are: "WBZ/jo." 

I will send a copy of this letter as well as of the envelope in which it arrived to the U.S. Attorney's Office. I suspect that John McGill, Esq. is responsible for this communication even if he is no longer at the OAE and that the same person using the name "Fernando Fernandez" and "Sheldon" in the Invicta Watch Company matter is the true "author" of this text.

Having completed my jury service, I believe that I have discovered the reason for my being scheduled on June 15, 2016: Ted Man, "Christie's Records Sought: In Bridge Case, Lawyers For Ex-Allies Compare N.J. Governor  to Nixon; 'Desperate Allegations,'" Greater New York, June 15, 2016, p. 1. (Defense lawyers seek the " ... governor's telephone [which disappeared?] from which he deleted a text message exchange with an aide as the scandal was building in late 2013.") 

The governor's now admitted deletion and his initial denials may constitute lying and obstruction of justice. This pattern of conduct suggests that the governor may have orchestrated the traffic jam and tried to cover his tracks while blaming others. ("Christie's Bridge of Sighs.")

As of June, 2016 no response to any of my communications from U.S. officials has been received by me (or others) despite the increased risk to innocent persons in this city and loss of potentially vital information to federal law enforcement agencies from N.J. persisting in this "wall of silence" approach to what is now an international spectacle of incompetence, corruption, and public danger by a failed jurisdiction in America.

It seems evident that a cover-up aimed at protecting officials only in New Jersey (I hope) and/or a botched investigation is still under way. 

Alleged pay-offs to New Jersey judges, prosecutors, elected officials may also help to explain the non-response to my communications. 

100 recent examples of revolting and heinous corruption and perversion among N.J. lawyers and public figures -- some serving on the legal ethics committee no doubt -- will be attached to this essay that will also be sent to the Office of Attorney Ethics (OAE) in Trenton together with definitions of words that may, someday, be applied to that agency's activities and deficiencies: "hypocrisy," "mendacity," and "ethics" are among those words. 

Additional copies of this essay with attachments will be mailed to The Washington Post, International Human Rights groups, the Center For Constitutional Rights and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

I will be required to present myself for jury duty in Manhattan on June 15, 2016. 

My jury service will make it difficult for me to continue writing during such time as I am required to be at the courthouse. This may have been a reason for arranging this third jury service experience for me. ("Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks" then "New Jersey's Filth, Failures, and Flaws.") 

I will do my best to continue posting and defending the texts at this blog for as long as I am able to access the Internet from some public computer. 

My home computers have been destroyed by "unknown" computer criminals using government computers located in Trenton, New Jersey. I have 45 minutes per day at NYPL computers to write while subjected to harassments and obstructions. The size of letters in this essay may be altered at any time against my wishes.  

Samantha Marcus, "When it Comes to Fiscal Health, New Jersey is Seriously Ill," The Star-Ledger, June 3, 2016, p. 1. (N.J. fiscal ineptitude has made the Garden State 48th out of 50 states in terms of fiscal "health." The 50th worst place out of 50 states in some accounts. In other words, if New Jersey were a patient at a hospital, the patient would be dead thanks to the efforts of its physicians. Corruption, incompetence, nepotism and rampant child abuse have rendered New Jersey "unlivable." Pollution and cancer at unprecedented levels -- perhaps these phenomena are connected -- have made New Jersey even more of a delight for its residents. "New Jersey is America's Legal Toilet" and "New Jersey is Lucky Luciano's Havana.") 

Matt Arco, "Timponi Sworn in [sic.] as Justice Amid High Praise From Christie," The Star-Ledger, June 3, 2016, p. 3. (Seton Hall University Law School hosted the swearing-in ceremony for Walter "Wally" Timponi, Esq. who received a message of congratulations from "Big Nicky" Sacco and a gentleman identified only as "Clemenza" of North Bergen. "North Bergen, New Jersey is the Home of La Cosa Nostra" and "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.") 

Marissa Iati, "Kean's Purchase of $250,000 Table Sparks Backlash," The Star-Ledger, June 3, 2016, p. 11. (Kean University -- in the current climate of fiscal crisis -- purchased a $250,000 conference table. I wonder how much of the cost of this table was coming back to school administrators "under the table" as it were?)

AP, "Starr Quits as Baylor Chancellor: Ex-Prosecutor Will Teach at Law School," The Record, June 2, 2016, p. A-4. (Ken Starr, accused of protecting football players in a sex scandal, is removed as Chancellor of Baylor University and can no longer practice law, but he will be teaching at the law school affiliated with that university. Perhaps Professor Starr will explain the separation of politics from law or legal ethics to students as well as prosecutors' obligation to avoid overzealousness in the interests of justice.)

Joe Malinconico, "Officials Move to Fire Elementary Teacher: She's Accused of Helping Students Cheat," The Record, June 2, 2016, p. L-1. (Michelle Gates is among dozens of N.J. teachers accused of helping students cheat to improve her school's ratings. The culture of corruption in New Jersey is so pervasive that many teachers see nothing wrong with doing whatever you have to do in order to be "successful" professionally. "Everybody does it!" Maria Martinez? "Nice Babies and Bad Psychologists.")

S.P. Sullivan, "Bill Seeks to Oust Mob From Recycling Business," The Star-Ledger, June 1, 2016, p. 7. (Walter Timponi is against any law "unfairly targeting Italian-American organized crime." "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics" and "More Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.")

Adam Clark, "Many Degrees of Celebration," The Star-Ledger, June 1, 2016, p. 1. (Andrew Christie, mysteriously admitted and graduated from Princeton University, will be attending Seton Hall University Law School -- the N.J. Governor's and my shared alma mater -- where the young Mr. Christie can only do better than his dad, Christopher Christie, known affectionately as "Mr. Gentleman C.")

Tom Haydon, "Trio Ran Prostitution Ring With Teen Girls, Authorities Say," The Star-Ledger, June 1, 2016, p. 15. (Diana Lisa Riccioli may have been among those "running" the operation and Bob Menendez was no doubt among the clients of the business. How about "Little Debbie" Poritz? "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes" and "New Jersey Welcomes Child Molesters.")

Mark Mueller, "Priest Charged With Sex Assault of a 15-Year-Old Boy," The Star-Ledger, May 26, 2016, p. 1. (A Bob Menendez supporter and former priest Manuel Gallo Espinoza, 52, fled to his native Ecuador in 2003 after a sexual relationship with a teenager, but he claims that Bob Menendez and Debbie Poritz share his tastes. "New Jersey is the Home of Child Molesters" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?") 

Kibret Marcos, "Ex-PVSC Leader Admits to Misconduct: Had Utility Employees Do Work On Relative's Home," The Record, June 2, 2016, p. L-1. 

"A former supervisor at the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission ADMITTED on Wednesday that he conspired with another supervisor [Paul Bazela] to have employees of the utility do work at his relative's home while on commission time."

Mr. Ardis has been linked to N.J. organized crime families and claims to know Walter Timponi. ("Another Mafia Arrest in New Jersey and Anne Milgram is Clueless" and "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")

The events surrounding this latest New Jersey corruption scandal -- only one of many corruption and child-prostitution investigations leading to arrests in New Jersey -- serve to underscore the deep-rooted problems with New Jersey's police, prosecutors, courts and government agencies. ("Is Union City, New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?" and "New Jersey's Political and Supreme Court Whores.")

"Ardis pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree conspiracy to commit official misconduct. [A good deal.] In return, he accepted a probationary term with a maximum of one year in jail [emphasis added] when he is sentenced July 15."   

Mr. Ardis will avoid state prison. If he does time at Passaic County's jail he can expect to enjoy the finest cuisine, allegedly, in any of the state's packed County Jails.

It has been reported in the media that of 7 PVSC former commissioners, 5 have been removed due to ethics scandals or indictments for corruption. This is not bad for New Jersey. ("New Jersey is America's Legal Toilet.") 

Paul Bazela was previously tried together with Mr. Ardis and convicted. After an apeal that resulted in a mandated separation during a new trial, both men have been re-convicted, but Mr. Ardis (because of his "new bite of the apple") will escape the more dire consequences of a criminal conviction for a felony with a plea deal. ("Joe Ferreiro Indicted Again" and "Joe Ferreiro Goes to Prison.")  

There may be a lesson here for Bob Menendez to say nothing of his "good friend" Dr. Melgen. 

The two gentlemen who enjoy holidays in the Dominican Republic will bring their "Twiddle Dee, Twiddle Dum" act to a federal court near you later this year. ("Menendez Charged With Selling His Office" and "Menendez's Croney's Office Raided.")

There will be no severance for Bob and his "bosom pal" Dr. Melgen. ("Bribery in Union City, New Jersey" and "Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez.")

"Bazela pleaded guilty in March to a theft count in a separate indictment charging him with similar allegations that he used commission employees to do personal work. He faces up to 3 years in prison when he is sentenced next month."

I wonder whether these guys know Mayor Joey Torres?

"Another sewerage official Kevin Keogh of Roseland, pleaded guilty in June, 2012 to conspiracy and official misconduct admitting that he, too, used commission employees for personal work."

New federal investigations of other state officials have been initiated (many seem to be close to Bob Menendez), along with another state-wide child-prostitution and -porn organization together with additional allegations of mafia pressure on New Jersey's judiciary.

"A fourth former supervisor Charles Mazza of Totowa, pleaded guilty in May 2012 to similar charges and is awaiting sentencing."

Sources:

"Panama Papers Point to Tax Evasion," (Editorial) The New York Times, June 7, 2016, p. A20. (" ... Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm, had helped 14,000 clients worldwide create offshore accounts to conceal assets or dodge taxes. On Monday, a report by The Times [sic.] found that there were at least 2,400 clients based in the United States over the past decade." Is Bob Menendez one of the clients of this law firm whether personally or through third parties and/or corporate entities? Dr. Melgen? What services, if any, were performed by this firm for Mr. Menendez? Have separate accounts and safety deposit boxes been created under corporate or "other" names for assets traceable to the senator by these lawyers? "Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks.")

Laura Herzog, "Drivers in New Jersey You Paid $405,611,718 in Traffic Tickets Last Year. How is that money divided up?," The Star-Ledger, May 17, 2016, p. 1. ($7.8 MILLION allegedly assigned to the "automated traffic system fund" cannot be "properly accounted for" and substantial amounts seem to be "missing." Evidently, there are continuing allegations of theft from municipal court funds in several parts of New Jersey, especially from Hudson and Union as well as Bergen Counties. I wonder whether any of these "missing" funds can be traced to accounts created by Mossack, Fonseca, Esqs.? "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State" and "Is Menendez For Sale?")  

Salvador Rizzo, "Affordable Housing Returns to Court: Justices Skeptical of Towns Seeking to Reduce Quotas," The Record, June 7, 2016, p. A-1. (Courts are still dealing with the absurdities of Mt. Laurel and its progeny. Housing for moderate to low income families is not something that can be regulated from the bench in the absence of market and other economic factors being considered by judges who are simply ignorant concerning the relevant industries. "New Jersey Supreme Court's Implosion" and "Christie Rails Against New Jersey's Corrupt Judges.") 

Paul Berger, "New Plea to Keep Names Private: U.S. Attorney Says the Public Has No Right to Co-Conspirator List," The Record, June 7, 2016, p. A-1. (The public in New Jersey is paying $800,000 to $1,000,000 for the legal fees of persons and not being told who these persons are, or what the people are paying for, in violation of legal ethics standards. New Jersey's people certainly do have a right to know who they are being asked to protect and why they should care about these so-called "stumble bums.") 

"Children in Poverty: N.J. Levels Still Higher Than 2010," (Editorial) The Record, June 7, 2016, p. A-8. (New Jersey residents are suffering because of the corruption and resulting THEFT of resources as well as the incompetence in public administration in Trenton. No one seems to care. There is no response to inquiries by citizens' groups and interested citizens. Is this "ethical" government, Mr. Christie?) 

Richard Cowen, "Shelter Gets Access to County List of Referrals: Agency For Battered Women Filed Lawsuit," The Record, June 7, 2016, p. L-1. (Passaic County is charged with depriving charities seeking to protect women in crises of resources in the aftermath of numerous corruption scandals indicating massive waste and/or theft of resources. Joey Torres will still have public employees mowing his lawn, but women's lives may be endangered because they will be deprived of safety and assistance in moments of crisis.)

Peter J. Sampson, "Executive Stole Funds Meant For Needy Kids: Bought Maserati, Mink Coat With $250,000," The Record, June 8, 2016, p. A-3. (In typical N.J. fashion $250,000 was stolen from needy children by Robert E. Mays, Esq., 38, of Jersey City. Is this New Jersey's "ethics," Mr. Rabner? "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?") 

Joe Malinconico, "School Board Rejects Politically Tied Broker: Paterson Trustees Skeptical of No-Bid Contract," The Record, June 8, 2016, p. L-1. (The Paterson School Board voted down a $200,000 no-bid "consulting contract" for a connected firm which will certainly get its contract when it agrees to share more of the fee under the table with local politicians. Mayor Torres is "for" the contract.) 

Kibret Marcos, "Trial Delayed for Ex-Housing Head," The Record, June 8, 2016, p. L-2. (Yet another N.J. official, Darien Allen, is charged with drug and weapons offenses which may have involved use of public housing facilities to store and transport illegal goods and/or weapons. Theft allegations remain uncorroborated.)

Joe Malinconico, "Safety Official Cleared of Criminality in Traffic Stop," The Record, May 17, 2016, p. L-1. ("Ralphie Boy" Rivera is almost off-the-hook for helping a "buddy" during a traffic stop for a small fee perhaps. Is Bob Menendez looking out for you, Ralphie Boy?)  

S.P. Sullivan, "Jury Declines to Indict Trooper Who Shot at Teens as They Fled," The Star-Ledger, June 9, 2016, p. 1. (Grand jury decides that a state trooper can shoot fleeing teenagers if they are African-Americans. It's the Jersey way.)

Claude Brodesser-Akner, "Whitman Rips Christie's Defense of Trump," The Star-Ledger, June 9, 2016, p. 11. (Christie's grovelling and servile defense of Donald J. Trump humiliates New Jersey as well as the state's governor. As Mr. Christie once said: "Donald Trump is totally unqualified for the presidency.")

Tim Darragh, "Doctor Sentenced For Taking Bribes," The Star-Ledger, June 9, 2016, p. 14. (Bret Ostrager, along with more than two dozen more of his colleagues, "accepted bribes from Biodiognostic [sic.] Laboratories in Parsippany, New Jersey," in order to send his patients' bloodwork to that facility. Lawyers and politicians may also have been paid-off by the same laboratory to scam insurance companies.)

Adam Clark & Kelly Heyboer, "N.J. Colleges Reported 84 Rapes in 2014," The Star-Ledger, June 9, 2016, p. 17. (In addition to child abuse records, N.J. is leading the way in rapes among high school and college students. Debbie? Bob? Diana Lisa Riccioli? Alina Fallat? This sounds like your cup of tea. "Marilyn Straus Was Right!" and "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes.")

Jeff Goldman, "Suit Over Racial Slurs is Settled for $37,500," The Star-Ledger, June 9, 2016, p. 20. (Police officers using racial epithets is nothing new in New Jersey. Much the same sort of hate has been heard from judges and prosecutors: "Driving While Black in New Jersey" and "Albert Florence and New Jersey's Racism.")

Kibret Marcos, "Ex-Teacher Faces 5-Year Term: Admits to Sexual Acts With Students at Middlesex Regional Boys," The Record, June 9, 2016, p. L-1. (Linda Hardan, alleged friend of Diana Lisa Riccioli and reputedly a "lesbian," pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a number of boys. Evidently, many lesbians believe that rapes of men and young boys are permissible for women. "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!")

Jeff Green, "Clifton Council Approves Flying Rainbow Flag for LGBT Pride," The Record, June 9, 2016, p. L-1. (Clifton, New Jersey, hometown of the Ricciolis, "celebrates" gay and lesbian lifestyles. "Diana's Friend Goes to Prison" and "New Jersey Lesbian Sends Nude Photos to Minor.")

Matt Arco, "Half of Jersey Now Dislikes EVERYTHING About Christie: New Poll Has His Approval Rating Plummeting to an All-Time Low," The Star-Ledger, May 25, 2016, p. 25. (Mr. Christie has turned out to be a greater disaster than Jim McGreevey.)

Jim Norman, "Man Accused of Running Drug Mill: Paterson Bust Netted Heroin Worth $25,000, Cops Say," The Record, June 9, 2016, p. L-2. (Allegations that cops and local prosecutors were on the payroll of this organization cannot be confirmed at this time.)

Sue Epstein, "Judge Asks Jurors For Silence On Deliberations," The Star-Ledger, May 17, 2016, p. 4. (Jurors continue to deliberate over the murder accusations against alleged lesbian child-killer Michelle Lodzinski. Protesters complain that holding a lesbian accountable for murder diminishes LGBT rights. Estela De La Cruz may agree on this issue: "New Jersey Lesbian Professor Rapes a Disabled Man.") 

Charlie Savage, "In Declassified Transcripts, Details of C.I.A. Torture," The New York Times, June 16, 2016, p. A6. (A continuing release or horrifying information about the C.I.A.'s own records of torture as a failed policy -- including denials of sanitary facilities to victims! -- indicates the level of malice and cover-ups pertaining to these matters. "C.I.A. Lies and Torture.")

Steve Strunsky, "Judge to Issue Ruling on Fraud Allegations Against Mayor," The Star-Ledger, June 14, 2016, p. 3. (West New York Mayor Felix Roque is accused of fraud and lying while claiming the protection of his self-styled "C.I.A. friends." A Superior Court Judge will determine whether to dismiss the charges against Mr. Roque because he is a good friend of Senator Menendez. Still snorting cocaine, Felix? "New Jersey's Filth, Failures, and Flaws.") 

Jessica Reno, "School Security Guard Denies Sexual Assault of Prep-School Student," The Star-Ledger, June 14, 2016, p. 9. (Lewis Manco, 43, possible Bob Menendez supporter, is charged with second degree sexual assault and third degree endangering the welfare of a student at Elizabeth ELEMENTARY school. The victim, allegedly, is 11 years-old. "New Jersey's Child Abuse Epidemic.") 

Tim Darragh, "Ex-Guard Gets 25 Years for Jail Rape, Cover-Up," The Star-Ledger, June 14, 2016, p. 10. (Judge Esther Salas sentenced Sean Shaw, 42, who raped a female inmate and participated in a cover-up, to 25 years in federal prison. New Jersey authorities failed to take appropriate or any action. "What did you know, Mr. Rabner, and when did you know it?") 

Ben Horowitz, "Ex-Chief Settles Harassment Suit for $65,000," The Star-Ledger, June 14, 2016, p. 18. (Steven Crawford settled his sexual harassment suit against Medham Township for $65,000. Many other such suits are pending in New Jersey Courts against police, prosecutors, and other Garden State officials. "New Jersey is the Home of Child Molesters.")

Peter J. Sampson, "25-Year Term for Sex Assault of Jailed Woman: Guard was alone during blizzard," The Record, June 14, 2016, p. L-1. (A request was made by attorneys that there be no prison sentence because the defendant was a good person and a "Republican" no doubt. What did they do to you, Marilyn Straus? "Marilyn Straus Was Right" and "Diana's Friend Goes to Prison.")

Lindy Washburn, "Doctor in Sex Case Suspends Practice: State Says He Groped Patients, Staffers," The Record, June 14, 2016, p. L-1. (A suburban doctor turned his patients and staff into victims of sexual assault. Debbie Poritz and Bob Menendez may have done worse with no consequences for them: "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes" and "Deborah T. Poritz and Conduct Unbecoming to the Judiciary in New Jersey.")

Robert E. Kessler, "DA Spota Under Federal Probe: District Attorney, Key Deputy Investigated in Cover-Up of Burke Assault Case," Newsday, June 11, 2016, p. A2. (DA Thomas Spota and one of his deputies may have participated in the assault of a man and then a cover-up -- LYING? -- of the incident. This is one of seven such matters under investigation. Yet another GOP powerhouse may have participated in a criminal conspiracy. Is Mr. Spota a friend of Ray Kelly? "Albert Florence and New Jersey's Racism.")

S.P. Sullivan, "Tainted Fill Linked to Mob[,] State Says: Investigators Contend Contaminated Waste Was Used to Replenish Beach," The Star-Ledger, May 26, 2016, p. 1. (Contaminated land-fill, including possible medical waste, has been used to fill New Jersey's splendid beaches. Enjoy your Jersey vacation! Did Walter -- "Wally" -- Timponi say it was O.K.? "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.") 

Jonathan D. Salant, "Menendez Calls Trump 'An Unmitigated Disaster,'" The Star-Ledger, May 26, 2016, p. 9. (Menendez is facing an imminent second indictment, but he is worried about Donald Trump while implying that he is a "close collaborator" of Hillary Clinton's campaign. Changing the subject, Bob? "Menendez Charged With Selling His Office.") 

Anthony G. Alterino, "46 Arrested, $2 MILLION Seized in Three-State Gambling Syndicate," The Star-Ledger, May 26, 2016, p. 18. (46 people arrested in three states in connection with a Jersey-based gambling syndicate whose members claim to know Walter "Wally" Timponi. Robert "Elvis" D'Alessio, 62, of Little Falls operated an illegal enterprise around Bergen [and Hudson Counties.]" Investigators are seeking to piece together the contributions and other payments made by gentlemen associated with this "enterprise" to local officials as well as prosecutors and judges in New Jersey. "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics" and "Does Senator Menendez have mafia friends?" then "Illegal Payments to Bob Menendez.")

Ted Sherman, "ELEC Looks to Review Case Against Di Vincenzo," The Star-Ledger, June 2, 2016, p. 1. (The N.J. Election Law Enforcement Commission was forced to abandon a probe of alleged "mob-connected" Walter Timponi pal Joey Di Vincenzo, Esq. The once powerful Essex County Democrat seems to have "misused" -- this is like stealing? -- campaign funds. The OAE does not care about these alleged thefts from what is tantamount to a trust fund because "JoeyD" is connected and knows "Charlie-the-Horse." The OAE is worried about stopping me from writing by sending me moronic letters in 2016 in order to cover-up their own unethical conduct and crimes. "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")

S.P. Sullivan, "Ex-Officer of Sewerage Commission Admits to Official Misconduct," The Star-Ledger, June 2, 2016, p. 11. (Anthony Ardis still wants to attend the Timponi family gathering for the holidays. "More Mafia Arrests in New Jersey and Anne Milgram is Clueless.")

John C. Ensslin, "Tainted-Soil Probe Eyes 'Dirt Brokers': State Panel Alleges Illegal Dumping," The Record, May 26, 2016, p. A-4. (Frank Gillete is invoking his Fifth Amendment right to silence as he calls in favors in Trenton. In the words of Gilberto Garcia: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Meanwhile New Jersey's residents can luxuriate on beaches saturated with medical waste and carcinogens.) 

"Smart Gun Laws: Legislators Should Block Christie's Plan," (Editorial) The Record, May 2, 2016, p. A-9. (After the events in Orlando, Florida Mr. Christie's suggestion that more guns will make us safer seems absurd. "Is Christopher Christie 'Mentally Deranged' and a 'Liar'?")

Christopher Maag, "GWB Figures Must be ID'd: Prosecutors Ordered to Name Unindicted Co-Conspirators," The Record, May 11, 2016, p. A-1. (This has still not happened. Name the "behind-the-back" brigade, Mr. Rabner. "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "New Jersey's Filth, Failures, and Flaws.")

Stephen K. Medved, "U.S. Political System is Flawed, but Not Corrupt," The Record, May 11, 2016, p. A-9. (You decide based on what you have seen at these blogs whether the system is "corrupt." "So Black and So Blue in Prison" and "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")

Ted Sherman, "Judge Orders Release of Names: 'Public's Right of Access' Outweighs Privacy Issues," The Star-Ledger, May 11, 2016, p. 1. (It has not happened yet because, as usual, when necessary to protect the right people, the laws of New Jersey become toilet paper to be discarded after use. "New Jersey's Political and Judicial Whores" and "New Jersey's Feces-Covered Supreme Court.")

"'Triple-Dipper' Not Fit for State Parole Board," (Editorial) The Star-Ledger, May 11, 2016, p. 16. ("For nearly a year, Gov. Chris Christie has been trying to place a partisan pal [Walter Timponi?] on the state Parole Board, which is where you air drop allies who could use a six-figure patronage job for six years." Ocean County Freeholder Jack Kelly is already pulling down 3 public salaries -- and, potentially, 5 pensions someday -- and this is before the salary as Parole Board Chairman kicks-in. Mr. Kelly is involved in a controversy for fabricating a bogus $115,000 job for a relative already receiving a state police pension. These are the same Republicans, Christie and Kelly, who complain of "Welfare Queens" and point to African-American welfare beneficiaries. Actually, most persons who receive welfare benefits in this country are NOT African-American. Very few poor people are being paid three or four salaries for no-show public jobs even after their deaths in some cases. Most African-Americans I know will be happy to accept $115,000 per year and you can keep welfare payments. Is this the Christie miracle in New Jersey? "New Jersey is the Home of the Living Dead" and "Is Union City New Jersey Meyer Lansky's Whore House?") 

"Christie is Just Not Interested in Governing," (Editorial) The Star-Ledger, May 12, 2016, p. 20. (Resign, Mr. Christie.)

Jennifer C. Kerr, "Racial Divide in Schools Persists: 62 Years After Brown v. Board, Problem Deepens," The Record, May 18, 2016, p. A-1. (Racism wins, as usual, in U.S. politics and law. For some reason, the problem seems especially persistent in New Jersey. "Driving While Black in New Jersey.")

Salvador Rizzo, "Budget Office Warns State May Fall $1.1 BILLION Short," The Record, May 18, 2016, p. A-6. (In addition to the shortfall of $1 BILLION -- the number of the shortfall has continued to grow over the past month -- it is anticipated that many millions will be stolen or wasted from the remaining public funds that are available to meet the state's needs. "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce" and "Cement is Gold.")

Peter J. Sampson, "N.Y. Man, 43, Guilty of Making Child Porn: Convicted of Having Sex With a Minor," The Record, May 18, 2016, p. L-3. (Clifford W. Wares, 43, of Warwick manufactured child porn for national distribution by way of the Internet, allegedly, in New Jersey. Mr. Wares traveled to Passaic County on a regular basis for sex with teens. Remarkably, child-prostitution and -porn remains a thriving industry in the Garden State that continues to receive "protection" from corrupt officials: "Judges Protect Child Molesters in Bayone, New Jersey" and "New Jersey Superior Court Judge is a Child Molester.")

Colin Moynahan, "2 D.E.A. Workers Convicted Over Ownership of New Jersey Strip Club," The New York Times, June 10, 2016, p. A24. (Bergen County officials may have partnered with Glen Clover and David Polos, D.E.A. agents and "associates" in a mob-connected or "mafia-owned" strip club that is now under investigation. Evidently, more than dancing may have been taking place at this establishment and related other premises that served the local police community and legal world. "Protecting Sex Workers.")

Sue Epstein & Ted Sherman, "'Timmy Got Justice': 25 Years After Boy's Death Michelle Lodzinski is Found Guilty of Killing Her Son," The Star-Ledger, May 19, 2016, p. 1. (Alleged lesbian "child-killer" Ms. Lodzinski, now 48, is finally convicted of murder. Will she be incarcerated despite being a lesbian? "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!" and "Diana's Friend Goes to Prison.") 

Samantha Marcus, "Forecast: $1 BILLION Gap in 2016-17 Budget. Reaction: Ho-Hum," The Star-Ledger, May 19, 2016, p. 1. (The so-called "gap" has allegedly grown by June 20, 2016 to an estimated or possible $1.5 BILLION. Again, this is to say nothing of the EXPECTED theft and waste of existing funds. "Senator Bob Loves Xanadu!")

Brent Johnson, "Still No Tax Returns, But Trump Says He's Worth Over $10 Billion," The Star-Ledger, May 18, 2016, p. 3. (It is absurd that Trump has failed or refused to disclose his financial entanglements or personal returns concealing any possible conflicts of interest in seeking higher office. Why is the media, mostly, silent on this issue and so many others?)

Salvador Rizzo, "Fueling the State's $1.1 Billion Shortfall: Christie Considers Charity Care Cuts, Delay in Tax Cuts," The Record, May 19, 2016, p. A-1. (The poor will suffer most because of the governing budget shortfall; the rich will wait a bit longer for their perks and tax cuts.)

Dustin Racioppi, "Latest Christie Travel Bill Comes in at $170,000: Jan. to March Tab Reflects 2016 Bid," The Record, May 19, 2016, p. A-6. (With New Jersey's budget in crisis, Mr. Christie is stiffing the state's taxpayers with his frequent flier tab along with all the perks. This may include trips to Florida to see the Mets train for the season. "Christie Gives a Donor $1 Million of New Jersey Money.")

Kibret Marcos, "Justices Sanction Passaic Judge: Reprimand Him for Improper Remarks," The Record, May 19, 2016, p. L-1. (Superior Court Judge Joseph Portelli called New Jersey legal proceedings "long and boring." He should have pointed out that they are also often "fixed." It is time to stop lying and covering-up the facts in New Jersey as regards my matters. "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!" and "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?") 

Ted Sherman, "Lawyer: Stop the Clock On GWB List -- Filing Seeks to Protect Names of Unindicted," The Star-Ledger, May 16, 2016, p. 1. (Attorneys insisted that "within a month" the difficulties could be sorted out and all appropriate names disclosed. This has yet to happen. Louis Brandeis: "Secrecy is the enemy of freedom.")

Kelly Heyboer, "'Ignorance is Not a Virtue,'" The Star-Ledger, May 16, 2016, p. 1. (President Obama directed comments at Mr. Trump's simplistic and, often, racist positions. To quote Mr. Christie: Mr. Trump's "stream of consciousness" rants do not "qualify him to be president of the United States." This obvious truth has been confirmed by Mr. Trump's tirade against Hillary Clinton earlier today June 22, 2016.)

Dave Hutchinson, "Sommerville: N.J. Woman Found Guilty in $15,000 Theft From Home Depot," The Star-Ledger, May 16, 2016, p. 5. (Taking a page from the book of New Jersey politicians, Rodica Grecea, 56, was convicted Thursday of pocketing a total of $15,000 from Home Depot. This is a trivial amount in terms of what is stolen from New Jersey's residents every day by the state's elected officials and others. What kind of example are they setting for the state's residents? "Law and Ethics in the Soprano State.")

"Sinking in the Polls, Christie Should Do Us a Favor and Resign," (Editorial) The Star-Ledger, May 25, 2016, p. 16. (Christie has become yet another humiliation for New Jersey. Please resign, Mr. Christie.)

Vicky Hyman, "Judge Rules Against Teresa Giudice," The Star-Ledger, May 25, 2016, p. 2. (Another "Teresa" or "Terri" will finally be meeting me in a federal courtroom. A New Jersey judge will reopen the bankruptcy proceedings that landed Teresa Giudice in jail for criminal fraud. Has the OAE committed frauds against me and others?)

Larry Higgs, "P.A. Expects to Include Cash for Big Projects in Revised Capital Plan," The Star-Ledger, May 25, 2016, p. 3. (In the post-David Samson, Esq. era, mysteriously, theft and missing funds at the P.A. seem to have declined as appropriations for facility improvements have finally become possible.)

Steven Strunsky & Brian Donohue, "Two States of Mind: The Cultural Separations of North and South Jersey," The Star-Ledger, June 20, 2016, p. 1. (There are really two states: North and South Jersey. Amazingly, there is far more corruption in the richer North Jersey section of the state. This is hurting residents living south of Trenton.)

Christopher Maag, "'We've dug a huge hole.' Experts Say State's $2 BILLION Plan For Transit Funds Falls Short," The Record, June 20, 2016, p. A-1. ($2 billion is a pittance in terms of the damage that must be repaired in the state's roads, partly because of long neglect, but most observers doubt that there are $2 billion to spend on infrastructure in New Jersey. It is expected that millions will disappear or be misspent from this fund whatever the real amount may be.)

"Blocking Christie: Legislators Won't Loosen Gun Laws," (Editorial) The Record, June 20, 2016, p. A-9. (Mr. Christie's absurd suggestions opposing needed regulations on firearms in the aftermath of the Orlando shootings are shocking to New Jersey residents. Ethics?) 

Paul Berger, "List of GWB Names Blocked AGAIN: Appeals Judge Sets Hearing on IDs of Alleged Co-Conspirators for June," The Record, May 18, 2016, p. L-1. (As of June 22, 2016 no names have been released, but the people of New Jersey are still paying legal fees for these "unidentified co-conspirators." Further postponements are expected. Time to tell the truth, Mr. Rabner.) 

Kibret Marcos, "Professor Prevails in Bias Suit: Jury Awards Her $1.2 Million, With More Possible," The Record, May 19, 2016, p. L-1. (Althea Hylton-Lindsay, Professor at William Paterson College, prevailed in her law suit alleging removal from her position because of race and religion establishing a precedent for New Jersey's now confirmed bias against persons of color in reported case law.) 

William K. Rashbaum & Joseph Goldstein, "3 New York Commanders Arrested on Corruption Charges," The New York Times, June 21, 2016, p. A1. (A Mr. Reichberg, 42, of Borough Park, Brooklyn is charged with corrupting N.Y. police officers and bribery of public officials. The double standards revealed in this scandal are not surprising to many city residents. I wonder if there is a connection to New Jersey's "JONAH" group and America's rabbi? "Terry Tuchin" a.k.a. "David"? "Terry Tuchin, Diana Lisa Riccioli, and New Jersey's Agency of Torture.")

Larry Higgs, "Expect: Gas Under $2 to Stay Until July 4th," The Star-Ledger, June 21, 2016, p. 2. (N.J. may finally raise gas taxes out of desperation due to financial crises resulting from corruption and incompetence. This is the "Christie miracle.")

Matt Arco, "Christie Creates Post to Oversee Cybersecurity," The Star-Ledger, June 21, 2016, p. 13. (The very same government engaging in computer crime against me -- and others -- will create a so-called "cybersecurity" czar. Good luck.)

Samantha Marcus, "Pension Plan Derided as 'Economic Armageddon,'" The Star-Ledger, June 21, 2016, p. 13. (Plans are allegedly being formulated to close the $5 BILLION gap that is now admitted to exist in the pension accounts by no later than 2021 without explaining the cause of the gap nor being specific about how the numbers will add up to the necessary sum when New Jersey's entire budget is running a deficit. I suspect that the "gap" is larger than $5 billion.)

"Heroin in School: Former Teacher Gets Probation, Not Jail," (Editorial) The Record, June 21, 2016, p. A-8. (Not content with the presence of child-porn and sexual abuse of so many children in multiple New Jersey schools, an effort is being made -- often by teachers and other school employees -- to spread heroin and other drugs throughout the system. Ryan Fogerty brought 125 bags of heroin into Cliffside Park High School. However, because he is "connected" to local political bosses, Mr. Fogerty will not spend a single day in jail. What else is new? "So Black and So Blue in Prison.")

Allison Pries, "Heroin-Death Shocker: 'Extremely Exculpatory' Evidence Gets the Worst Charges Tossed," The Record, June 21, 2016, p. L-1. (A Mr. Easton of Paterson faces drug-induced death charges for the demise of Brendon Cole, 22, of Allendale to whom Mr. Easton sold drugs. In addition to these drug-induced death charges or homicide, that may have been dismissed, the remaining possession and distribution charges as well as other charges for the African-American defendant could result in well over 10 years in prison if he is convicted. None of this defendant's so-called "victims" are children. We see the integrity and ethics of New Jersey's legal system in matters involving poor, African-American defendants as opposed to white and politically-connected or more affluent defendants. "Albert Florence and New Jersey's Racism.")  

Peter J. Sampson, "Man Gets 5 Years For Child Porn Collection: Had Photos of Kids at Play in West Milford," The Record, June 21, 2016, p. L-1. (District Judge Esther Salas, alleged lesbian, sentenced Thomas Bachalis, 32, to 5 years in prison below the federal guidelines requirement of 8 to 10 years for his manufacturing, possession, and distribution -- nationwide -- of child porn. Perhaps Bob Menendez and "Little Debbie" Poritz offered character references for Mr. Bachalis? "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes" and "American Psychologists' and Psychology's Acceptance of Torture.") 

Jeff Green, "Former St. Mary's Pastor Accused of Child Sexual Abuse," The Record, June 21, 2016, p. L-3. (Rev. Kevin Downey is charged with new allegations of abuse of a 15-year-old boy. Until now, Mr. Downey seems to have been "protected" in New Jersey. "New Jersey Welcomes Child Molesters" and "New Jersey is the Home of Child Molesters.")

Matt Rourke, "Congressman Convicted  On Racketeering Charges," The Star-Ledger, June 22, 2016, p. 4. (No doubt Bob Menendez offered support and solidarity to the South Jersey powerhouse and Congressperson from Philadelphia, Rep. Chaka Fattah (D), who engaged in a number of corrupt dealings to help himself and his family financially. "Is Menendez For Sale?" and "Menendez Charged With Selling His Office.")

Mary Anne Spoto, "Man Gets 10 Years for Sexual Assault," The Star-Ledger, June 22, 2016, p. 18. (Frederic Whitehead, 45, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual assault of a very young woman. The victim was 6-years-old when the attacks began and they went unpunished for a number of years. "That's the Jersey way," Mr. Whitehead said and added: "some women like it.")

Sallie Graziano, "87-Year-Old Man Gets Probation for Lewdness," The Star-Ledger, June 22, 2016, p. 18. (In a display of commendable optimism, an 87-year-old Lebanon Township man Meroscow Dudiak -- allegedly a Polish-Jewish American and, no doubt, a former member of the bar in New Jersey -- exposed himself to a young woman and was finally sentenced to 2 years probation. "An Open Letter to My Torturers in New Jersey, Terry Tuchin and Diana Lisa Riccioli" and "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" then "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.")  

"Gov. Christie's Toxic School Plan," (Editorial) The New York Times, Sunday Opinion, June 26, 2016, p. 10. ("This toxic plan does nothing less than pit rich against poor, black against white and city dwellers against suburbanites, and it could well poison state politics for years to come, even if Democrats succeed in fending it off." I concur.)

Dustin Racioppi, "Christie to Name 3 For Superior Court; Filing first step in nomination process," The Record, May 20, 2016, p. A-4. (The same Chris Christie whose divisive, racist, often heartless policies are further damaging New Jersey, will appoint judges reflecting his hateful views to potential life-tenure on the bench. Democrats in Trenton will not "stage" a refusal to vote on Christie's appointments as Republicans in Washington, D.C. have chosen to do with Mr. Obama's current appointee to the Supreme Court. Mr. Christie approves of this tactic when used by his fellow Republicans even as he is outraged at the thought of Democrats in Trenton doing the same in response to his appointees. No hypocrisy?)

Kibret Marcos, "$1 Million More for WPU Professor in Bias Case: Jury Award Follows $1.2 Million for Damages," The Record, May 20, 2016, p. L-1. ($1 million more for punitive damages added to $1.2 million in compensation for racial and religious discrimination against Professor Althea Hylton-Lindsay. The damages awarded will be appealed by the defendant, New Jersey, and they will be reduced by appellate courts. Nevertheless, the good professor will no longer have to teach for a living.) 

S.P. Sullivan, "Porrino, Ex-Chief Counsel, Sworn in [sic.] as Acting A.G.," The Star-Ledger, June 27, 2016, p. 7. ("Wally" Timponi and "Charlie-the-Horse" Centenaro described N.J.'s acting A.G. as a good "capo regime." Mr. Porrino insisted that these two gentlemen "take the canolis." Mr. Porrino has been asked to look into my matter, but he explained that he "can't do nothing." "Mafia Influence in New Jersey Courts and Politics.") 

Dustin Racioppi, "Big Suit in School Aid?: Christie Proposes Equal Funding Statewide," The Record, June 22, 2016, p. A-1. (Mr. Christie's proposal will hurt poor people in an effort to circumvent New Jersey's constitutional guarantee of an equal and adequate education for every resident of the state.)

Kibret Marcos, "Woman Says Priest 'Kissed' Her Daughter: Testifies He Went Too Far With the Child," The Record, June 22, 2016, p. L-1. (Bob Menendez supporter Rev. Jose Lopez was "excessively fond" of -- or "fondling" -- a 14-year-old parishioner. I am sure this is O.K. with Senator Bob. "14-Year-Old Girl Goes for $500 in Union City, New Jersey" and "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes." This is also fine with the OAE which has yet to take action against Mr. Menendez for his admitted relations with adult prostitutes? Nor for the senator's receipt of illegal payments?)

Kibret Marcos, "Lab Tech Linked to 11 Other Drug Tests: Prosecutor Alerting Defense Attorneys," The Record, June 22, 2016, p. L-1. (Cops and prosecutors FABRICATING false drug reports, lying and covering-up for one another -- without ethics charges for the attorneys involved because they are prosecutors -- is nothing new. How many others have been injured by John McGill, Esq., "David," and/or the hypnosis-torture brigade in New Jersey is anyone's guess because the cover-up and lying is still taking place in New Jersey. Is this the "example" of professionalism set by New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics? Are these loathsome sleazebag lawyers presuming to judge my character and ethics? Is Anne Rodgers still a lawyer in New Jersey? "Have you no shame, Mr. Rabner?" then "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.") 

"Christie's Ban On Refugees is Empty Swagger," (Editorial) The Star-Ledger, May 20, 2016, p. 14. (The schoolyard bully approach to politics wears thin. Immigration policy is set by the federal government. Machismo and thuggish tactics are not the way to govern anywhere in 2016.)

Alan Feuer, "Judge Calls For End to 'Madness of Mass Incarceration,'" The New York Times, June 24, 2016, p. A22. (Federal District Judge Raymond J. Dearie, unusually for any judge, told the truth about the failure of mass incarceration. The judge spoke of wishing to "scream out in frustration, sadness and anger." I know the feeling your Honor. Failure to prevent this evil makes the judiciary complicit in its illegality and inhumane as well as unconstitutional monstrosity. Millions of lives are being destroyed by mass incarceration. Silence is guilt, New Jersey. "So Black and So Blue in Prison" and "Foucault, Rose, Davis and Meaning(s) of Prison.")

Patrick McGeehan, "New Jersey Senate Passes $15 Minimum Wage; Braces For Veto," The New York Times, June 24, 2016, p. A22. (Mr. Christie will veto the wage increase for the poor even as Christie submits new bills to the taxpayers for his travels and expenses.) 

Hiroko Tabuchi & Jack Ewing, "VW Will Pay $14.7 Billion in Diesel Case," The New York Times, June 28, 2016, p. A1. (VW's executives will not be arrested or have to go to prison for the diesel fraud, nor will lawyers face ethics consequences for assisting in the cover-up for years and being aware of the fraud as well as the dangers this posed to the public. VW will pay $14.5 BILLION in fines, through the corporation, suggesting that stockholders and customers will share this burden. "So Black and So Blue in Prison" and "Justice For Mumia Abu-Jamal.")

Eric Lipton & Benjamin Weiser, "Decision Complicates Corruption Cases Against Officials From New York to Illinois," The New York Times, June 28, 2016, p. 14. (The U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision overturning the conviction of former Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia will be used by other officials -- including Mr. Silver and Mr. Skelos as well as Joe Ferreiro and Bob Menendez -- who are unlikely to benefit from the result. In the words of New York's U.S. Attorney echoed by members of the federal courts: " ... the official actions that led to the convictions of Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos" -- and that apply to Bob Menendez and Joe Ferreiro as well -- "fall squarely within the definition set forth by the Supreme Court today.")

Herb Jackson, "Justices Put Rein on Corruption Probes: Impact on Menendez or Ferreiro Cases Unclear," The Record, June 28, 2016, p. A-1. (I doubt the decision will help Senator Menendez because the U.S. Attorney and Attorney General have evidence that the "senator made a decision or took an action to benefit the briber, or tried to influence someone with the power to act in a matter ..." [emphasis added!] which is the Supreme Court's new test for criminal corruption by a public official. This is a matter to be decided by a jury that will be likely to convict in the Menendez case. Conviction is especially likely if there is a SECOND indictment against Mr. Menendez: "Menendez Charged With Selling His Office" and "Menendez and Samson Face New Troubles.")  

Peter J. Sampson, "Online Pedophile Sentenced to Life: 'Parent's Worst Nightmare' Victimized 2 W. Milford Girls," The Record, June 28, 2016, p. L-1. (Clifford W. Wares, 43, lunged after one of his victims and spat blood at her. This was after the victim's impact statement that had devastating effect. These are highly "unethical" actions by Mr. Wares. New Jersey remains the primary child abuse jurisdiction in America. "Another Child-Abuse Scandal in New Jersey.") 

Kibret Marcos, "Man Accused of Sex Assaults on Girl in Paterson: Could Face 20 Years in Prison," The Record, June 28, 2016, p. L-3. (Bob Menendez supporter Francisco Morales, 49, repeatedly sexually molested a girl between the ages of 9 and 13, according to Passaic County prosecutors. "Boys will be boys," Senator Menendez may remind us. "Menendez Consorts With Underage Prostitutes" and "Senator Bob, the Babe, and the Big Bucks.")

Tim Darragh, "Sex Offender Spits Blood at Victim, Receives Life Term," The Star-Ledger, June 28, 2016, p. 1. (U.S. District Judge Esther Salas imposed a life-sentence upon Clifford Wares who seemed unrepentant about the rapes and other monstrous crimes that are "demeaning to women" for which he is responsible. "New Jersey Lesbian Rapes a Disabled Man" then "Diana's Friend Goes to Prison" and "Marilyn Straus Was Right!") 

Ben Horowitz, "Teacher Fired After Allegations of Touching Disabled Students: Behavior 'Didn't Rise to Criminal Level' Morris County Prosecutor Ruled," The Star-Ledger, June 28, 2016, p. 3. (James Dunely, 63, of Denville "inappropriately touched" two 13-year-old girls. "New Jersey is America's Child Porn Capitol.") 

Jeff Goldman, "Dumont: Officer gets $275,000 in Suit Over Promotion," The Star-Ledger, June 28, 2016, p. 16. (Sgt. Joseph Rizza was passed over for promotion for political reasons due to his union activities. He was awarded $275,000 and, I hope, his well-deserved promotion. Police officers are not the private servants of political bosses and are not supposed to "please" local officials they may have to arrest someday. Their job is to enforce the law and protect the public to the best of their ability. "New Jersey Lawyers' Ethics Farce" and "New Jersey's Politically-Connected Lawyers On the Tit.")

Caitlin Mata, "Jersey City: Police Arrest Man Following Shooting of 20 Year-Old," The Star-Ledger, June 28, 2016, p. 6. (A 20-year-old man was SHOT IN THE BACK. Senator Menendez's preferred method is to strike at adversaries whose backs are turned to him. I hope and expect that we will all be face-to-face soon in a federal courtroom, Mr. Menendez. "New Jersey's Office of Attorney Ethics" and "Wedding Bells Ring For Menendez" then "New Jersey's 'Ethical' Legal System.") 

"Audit Port Authority Pension Scams," (Editorial) The Star-Ledger, June 28, 2016, p. 7. (I wonder if these pension scams and theft of overtime funds include architects and legal professionals at the Port Authority abusing the system for personal gain? "Herbert Klitzner, Esq.'s Greed and New Jersey's Hypocrisy.")  

Tim Darragh, "GWB Scandal -- Feds: We Never Got Text Messages Between Christie and His Aide," The Star-Ledger, June 29, 2016, p. 1. ("Federal prosecutors say in a new brief that they never received text messages exchanged between Gov. Chris Christie and an aide during a crucial period before the government began a criminal investigation into the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge." Obstruction of justice, Mr. Christie?)

Jonathan D. Salant, "Corruption Ruling May Benefit Menendez," The Star-Ledger, June 29, 2016, p. 3. (I doubt it: "Menendez's case is different because he took more specific actions than McDonnell, Sloan said. 'He was exercising influence, even under the new McDonnell standard: issue the visa, change the Medicaid [sic.] reimbursement thing." [emphasis added] This may provide additional reasons to prosecute Mr. Menendez. The Justice Department would establish by such a successful prosecution of a sitting senator the parameters of the new corruption law.) 

S.P. Sullivan, "Special Judge to Sort Out Tricky Drug Convictions: An Abundance of Legal Questions Raised Over Alleged Fabricating by Lab Technician," The Star-Ledger, June 29, 2016, p. 13. (Similar to the predicament created by my situation New Jersey now has to figure out how to keep potentially innocent persons behind bars in order to avoid admitting the lies and cover-ups in which New Jersey prosecutors have been complicit even as they were protected by "friendly" judges. Keep lying? Or fess up? So far, like the OAE, they have chosen to continue lying. "No More Cover-Ups and Lies, Chief Justice Rabner!") 

Sallie Graziano, "Official Got $20,000 in Benefits For Working Five Hours Weekly," The Star-Ledger, June 29, 2016, p. 16. (It's not the salaries for no-show part-time jobs, it is the pensions and other benefits that come with these bogus jobs that are the real scams. Pete Kinsella, a member of the Raritan Township Committee, is receiving benefits 10 times greater than his part-time salary. He will probably be entitled to yet another full pension as a result of this nonsense job.)

John C. Ensslin, "Legislature Pushes Tighter Gun Control: Counters Christie's Measures," The Record, June 29, 2016, p. A-4. (Further humiliation in Trenton for Governor Christie and his "pro-gun" stance after Orlando's massacre.)

Kibret Marcos, "Ex-Priest Guilty of Luring Girl: Convicted of Sex Charges Involving 14-Year-Old," The Record, June 29, 2016, p. L-1. ("Jose Lopez, 37, showed no emotion as a jury in state Superior Court in Paterson found him guilty of luring, child endangerment and criminal sexual contact." Bob Menendez engaged in identical conduct during his fateful vacation in the Dominican Republic, but he has not faced charges of any kind for "using" very young prostitutes. Estela De La Cruz has yet to reveal the name she used with Marilyn Straus and other young women in "sexual encounters." "Trenton's Nasty Lesbian Love-Fest!") 

Joe Malinconico, "Officer in 9-Year Legal Case Retires: Sex Allegation Against Him Cost City $1.9 MILLION," The Record, June 29, 2016, p. L-1. (Manuel Avila, allegedly, forced a woman in custody into a sexual act leading to litigation against Paterson. He was acquitted of criminal charges because of a lack of proof, but was suspended with pay for a total of 9 years collecting $900,000. He will now receive an additional $85,000 and his pension as well as other benefits. The victim will receive nothing except psychological and physical damage for life. "That's Jersey for ya!")

Peter J. Sampson, "Date Set For Fraud Trial of Lawyer: Englewood Cliffs Woman Accused of Bilking Firms," The Record, June 29, 2016, p. L-3. (Kalia Ravelo, alleged lesbian, is charged with using fictitious companies to defraud two Manhattan law firms -- where she was a partner -- out of $7.8 million. The OAE seems less concerned about this person than about trying to harm me. Diana Lisa Riccioli, "Little Debbie" Poritz, Estela De La Cruz and other "notables" -- like Kim Guardagno -- offered character references for Ms. Ravelo. "Corrupt Law Firms, Senator Bob, and New Jersey Ethics.") 

Jim Norman, "7 Alleged GWB Toll Evaders Arrested: Drivers, Employees Owe $207,000, PA Says," The Record, June 29, 2016, p. L-3. (All of these persons are on the N.J. side of the bridge. Some violators may be affiliated with Garden State officials. Efforts were made to reach Mr. Christie for a comment, but the N.J. governor seems to have "lost his phone.")   

The Return of Metaphysics.

Saturday, June 11, 2016 a day-long seminar devoted to "The Philosophy of Iris Murdoch" will be held at Oxford University, Seminar Room East, Mansfield College, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TF. 

http://philevents.org/event/show22054 

Primary Sources:

Robert H. Franks, "Why Luck Matters in Art, Careers[,] and Public Policy," The New York Times, Sunday Business, May 22, 2016, p. 4.

Andrew Pollack, "Private Talks Are Conducted About a Synthetic Genome," The New York Times, May 14, 2016, p. A11.

James Gleick, "The Inheritance," The New York Times Book Review, May 15, 2016, p. 1. (Reviewing Siddharta Mukerjee, The Gene: An Intimate History Scribner's, 2016.)

A.O. Scott, "A Rallying Cry for Intelligent Species," The New York Times, May 25, 2016, p. C1.

Unique Achievement:

Stephen Cave, "There is No Such Thing as Free Will: But we may be better off believing in it anyway," The Atlantic, June, 2016, p. 68. (If we can choose whether or not to believe in free will then there is, in fact, free will. Hence, this author argues the exact opposite of what he/she believes to be the case in this essay. The person writing this essay is also, occasionally, "Manohla Dargis" and "Jennifer Shuessler." This person -- or persons -- is certainly not a philosopher. "Are we free to believe in free will?" and "Stephen Hawking's Free Will is Determined.")

Secondary Sources:

Bruce Aune, Metaphysics: The Elements (London & Minn.: U. Minn. Press, 1985).

Simon Blackburn, ed., The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (Oxford: Oxford U. Press, 1994).

Errol E. Harris, The Reality of Time (New York: SUNY, 1988).

A.W. Moore, The Evolution of Modern Metaphysics (Cambridge: Cambridge U. Press, 2012). 

Walter Pater, "The Renaissance," in Harold Bloom, ed., Selected Writings of Walter Pater (New York: Signet, 1974).

America's urgent need for philosophical discussion of controversial issues seems to be illustrated in any number of recent articles and reports appearing in popular media. 

Paradoxically, this curiosity is often best revealed by the sort of "journalists" who are most contemptuous of philosophy and humanistic scholarship even as they admire science and technology as means of achieving ever-greater social-meliorism and efficiency. 

We all want those things -- especially efficiency -- but few of us seem to believe that we need or should be interested in philosophy and the arts.

What pop-journalists actually prove -- usually unconsciously -- is the vital importance of philosophical awareness in areas where science is most helpless to illuminate our intellectual lives and/or to assist in efforts to make things better (meaning more just as well as comprehensible) for everyone. ("Is truth dead?")

The newspaper articles listed above are far from impressive descriptions of developments in society or advances in fields of learning, but they are paradigmatic examples of the confusions that may -- and often do -- result from philosophical illiteracy and errors concerning history and other areas of the humanities. ("Robert Brandom's 'Reason in Philosophy.'") 

I find it particularly fascinating that metaphysics is lurking under the surface of many discussions ostensibly concerned with the miracles brought to us by science and the technologies to which science is likely to lead in the future. 

It is ludicrous to suggest, for example, that human beings may be created "synthetically" in the laboratory because human DNA may be "recombined" using "bio-chemical" technologies currently being developed by biologists:

"The prospect is spurring both intrigue and concern in the life sciences community because it might [sic.] be possible, such as through cloning, to use a synthetic genome to create human beings without biological parents." (NYT, 5-14-16, p. A11.) 

This statement is scientifically absurd. It is also reflective of philosophical perplexities and needs that are unrecognized or that seem to be a matter of embarrassment for the author(s).

Any human being is the result of millions of years of evolution of life on our planet. Hence, any human DNA sample points to this lineage -- or inheritance -- that stretches back not only 1,750,000 years ago (at least) to the appearance of our semi-human ancestors, but even earlier to the first creatures emerging from the oceans on to the land. 

No human DNA can be created ex nihilo in a laboratory without donors supplying the "base" material from which new possibilities for the development or continuing evolution of human life must emerge. 

Efforts by the very experts quoted in this article to explain this point in order to avoid all hysteria and hype were ignored by the author(s):

"George Church, a professor of genetics at Harvard Medical School and an organizer of the proposed project, said there had been a misunderstanding. The project was not aimed at creating people, just cells, and would not be restricted to human genomes, he said. Rather it would aim to improve the ability to synthesize DNA in general, which could be supplied to various animals, plants and microbes." (NYT, 5-14-16, p. A11.) 

Intercourse between a man and woman taking place in a laboratory need not occur for any DNA "product" created in the same laboratory to be the result of, among other things, donations of DNA materials from male and female human beings serving as biological parents. 

Think about the difference in attitude that is necessary to refer to a human embryo (or even human genetic material) as a "product." Aside from the commercial implications in a society with a historical experience of slavery there is the unavoidable dehumanization resulting merely from this nearly obscene terminology that passes without comment in contemporary discussions of these "issues." Incidentally, this point has nothing to do with whether one is pro-choice. ("Dehumanization" and "'Westworld': A Review of the T.V. Series.")   

Such human genetic "materials" may be recombined in ways that encourage the development of some characteristics as opposed to others in the resulting organism, theoretically, depending on uncertainties (such as environmental factors) for any human embryo carried to term by a surrogate, for example, then subjected to an incalculable range of additional external stimuli that may (or may not) lead to genuine "enhancement" or development of the projected or desired qualities. 

There is no need at this time to fret about a race of artificially created super-Einsteins. ("David Stove and the Intellectual Capacity of Women.")

Underlying the discussion alluded to above, however, is a much more interesting set of issues only dimly recognized by the author(s) of this essay: 

What is life? What is a human being? What is a person? And what is identity? In what ways do new reproductive and genetic technologies "threaten" or "undermine" or "create tensions" for traditional understandings of these crucial concepts in our ethical and cultural lives?  

These are metaphysical and ethical questions to which science provides (and can provide) no answers because these are "open-ended" questions (Karl Popper) rather than inquiries yielding potentially determinate or "closed" empirical solutions. (See "Blade Runner -- 2049.")

An "open-ended" inquiry need not have a determinate or single factual solution while retaining the possibilities of objectivity in any answers offered by those pursuing such inquiries; a "closed-inquiry" is a study with at least a potential factual resolution. 

As Bertrand Russell remarked philosophy is more difficult than science because in science there is at least the hope of getting things right whereas in philosophy the answers and questions can never be resolved definitively even if there are always better as opposed to worse answers. 

More absurd, perhaps, is the assertion by the Times reviewer of a documentary focusing on the lawyer representing "Tommy the Chimp" that apes have a moral status comparable to humans because they:

" -- feel pain, understand their surroundings [allegedly] and, as he puts it, possess a 'theory of mind.' ..." (NYT, 5-25-16, p. C1.)

This statement strikes me as laughable and ridiculous. The "theory of mind" assertion is attributed to Steven Wise and not challenged or seen as ludicrous by the author(s) of this article. 

"Theories of mind" are abstract formulations (or general explanations and accounts) of phenomena usually requiring representation in symbolic form, that is, language, as well as the capacity for higher consciousness and thought. No ape can define the word "mind" let alone develop an abstract "theory of mind." ("Ape and Essence" and "Primates and Personhood" then "The Naked Ape.") 

Scientific helplessness on these issues is the result of what science and scientific method are by definition as compared with metaphysical speculation. More on that later.

Yet another confusion concerns both the role of luck in our moral and aesthetic lives focusing on the nature of art as distinct from the aesthetic experience of recipients of works of art. ("'Inception': A Movie Review" and "Bernard Williams and Identity.") 

According to an article in a recent Sunday's newspaper: "The Mona Lisa would most likely be just another old painting if not for its highly publicized theft in 1911." (NYT, 5-22-16, p. 6.)

The absurdity in this instance is not only about a lack of taste on the part of the author(s) of the article, but also results from ignorance of the history of art and other kinds of ignorance also. ("Arthur Schopenhauer's Metaphysics of Art.") 

Vasari was among the first to recognize the unique greatness of this astonishing work by Leonardo da Vinci within the painter's lifetime. 

The European aristocracy was aware, immediately, of the "most famous" portrait in the Renaissance world that was sought by many collectors and only fell into the hands of Francis I of France at the death of Leonardo. 

"Mona Lisa" was whispered about in many European courts from its creation by the most mysterious and celebrated genius in an age of genius whose every work was immediately valuable and collectible as well as expensive. 

Historians of art from the seventeenth century until today have referred to La Gioconda (or Mona Lisa) as the greatest portrait painted in oil on canvas (Kenneth Clark) as demonstrated, for example, by Walter Pater and Henry James writing well before the 1911 theft:  

"La Gioconda is, in the truest sense, Leonardo's masterpiece, the revealing instance of his mode of thought and work. ... no crude symbolism disturbs the effect of its subdued and graceful mystery. We all know the face and hands of the figure, set in its marble chair, in that cirque of fantastic rocks, as in some faint light under the sea. Perhaps of all ancient pictures time has chilled it least. As often happens with works in which invention seems to reach its limit, there is an element in it given to, not invented by, the master." 

Walter Pater, "The Renaissance," in Harold Bloom, ed., Selected Writings of Walter Pater (New York: Signet, 1974), pp. 45-46. (1st Ed., 1869.)

Motivating this bizarre rejection of the notion of unique objective merits to the Mona Lisa is profound confusion about the issue of "What constitutes a work of art?" ("Is Humanism Still Possible?") 

It occurs to me in reading this article that the author(s) may not be all that clear about what he, she, or "they" are referring to when they speak of the Mona Lisa: Do they refer to the painting in the Louvre? Or do they actually refer to the icon in Western civilization that is immediately recognizable to almost everyone, including the millions of individuals who have never visited Paris to see the work in person? Is the focus of the Times article a specific painting which the author(s) of the essay may also never have seen? Or is it all that this image "represents" or symbolizes in cultural theory and history? Is it the idea of genius and classical as well as Renaissance notions of beauty, or alleged Western "elitism," that is to be discredited by dismissals of the work's fame as due to luck? Does all human achievement diminish when luck is taken into consideration? Can the same criticism be made of scientific discoveries? (Compare "Dialectics, Entanglement, and Special Relativity" with "A Night at the Opera" and "Shakespeare's Black Prince.") 

There is a puzzling hostility to the very notion of "genius" and/or to achievements of unique brilliance by any artist (or thinker) in our nihilistic and skeptical age. Many people appear frightened and resentful of what is exceptional or powerful in the arts (or scholarship) and even in the sciences. ("'The Da Vinci Code': a Movie Review" then "Nihilists in Disneyworld" and "'Irrational Man': A Movie Review.") 

These are important questions that are not -- and cannot be -- primarily scientific. ("Has Science Made Philosophy Obsolete?")

We need to ask these questions and to struggle to answer them for ourselves, individually and collectively, but we seem less qualified or capable of doing so today than we were in the past, partly (I believe) because of a knee-jerk scientism in American culture combined with dismissals of philosophy and the humanities together with a drastic reduction in the articulateness and general fund of knowledge of a generation of non-readers busily "twittering" or "tweeting" their friends about the adventures of Rachel Maddow or the Kardashians and expressing their hatred for Donald J. Trump. 

According to Simon Blackburn, ed., The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994), pp. 240-241 metaphysics is ... 

" ... a term that is now applied to any inquiry that raises questions about reality that lie beyond or behind those capable of being tackled by the methods of science." 

Much is made of the hostility to metaphysics that, partly, results from twentieth century logical positivism and related movements or other forms of scientism that have now been discredited. 

Ironically, it is often the very people who are most passionate in their metaphysical curiosity raising ultimate ontological questions who seek to fit any answers discovered into exclusively empirical disciplines or notions of reality. 

Calling your philosophical opinions "science" will not insulate them from criticism: 

"A useful distinction is drawn by [P.F.] Strawson, between descriptive metaphysics, which concerns itself with describing the basic framework of concepts with which thought is (perhaps at a time) conducted, as opposed to revisionary metaphysics, which aims for a criticism and revision of some hapless way of thought." (Oxford Dictionary, pp. 240-241, emphasis added.)

Some of the errors discussed in this essay are examples of the misuse of basic logical and ontological categories such as "identity," "substance," "essence," or "value." Other errors are simply the result of unforgivable historical and logical as well as cultural ignorance. The misuse of the rhetoric of science may be seen as a "hapless way of thought." ("Is Western Philosophy Racist?" and "Behaviorism is Evil.") 

Among the errors widely shared in American popular culture today is bafflement about the scope of scientific method and limitations resulting from the use of empirical methods regardless of the subject-matter of study. 

The human need for "meaning" cannot be met by exclusively scientific efforts to define reality. I am not suggesting that this basic human need for meaning is unreal or unimportant. ("Drawing Room Comedy: A Philosophical Essay in the Form of a Film Script" and "The Wanderer and His Shadow.") 

To limit efforts to obtain knowledge to procuring ever-greater collections of facts is to avoid the responsibility to interpret the facts in order to decide what possible explanations or meanings may be attached to factual knowledge. In other words, we need to understand facts in relation to the general aims of human life and science. ("John Finnis and Ethical Cognitivism.")

More than science is needed to discover (or create) the meanings that are necessary for human flourishing. Furthermore, all attempts to limit knowledge to what science yields also requires or depends upon metaphysical and other philosophical assumptions or decisions concerning meanings that are simply taken for granted by scientists: 

"Self-awareness and reflection go hand-in-hand with an insistent demand for self-knowledge, for understanding of ourselves and our place in the world; and the demand carries with it the inevitable need to unify and systematize our experience of the world and of ourselves."

Errol E. Harries explains and elaborates upon the recent "return of metaphysics" in which hermeneutics plays a crucial role:

"As Kant unerringly taught us, the center and source of this systematization or (as he calls it) 'synthesis,' is the undeniable and inescapable unity of the apperceptive subject, always aware of itself as 'I' and of its objects as 'mine.' Accordingly, the experience of each one of us, necessarily related as it is to a single subject, is a unified experience of interrelated and interconnected elements constituting an organized whole. The demand, in consequence, is to grasp -- to conceive (begreifin) -- all of it as a whole, to understand each of its elements and phases as exemplifying the principle of order which unifies the whole. This is what we mean (or should mean) by explanation; and it is in response to this demand that we seek to systematize our experience in the sciences and in philosophy, so as to see it, in the final outcome, as a single systematic unity. That is the task of metaphysics." 

The Reality of Time (New York: SUNY, 1988), p. 11. 

Scientists focus on "closed inquiries" that yield "facts" apart from all values or meanings that we may subsequently "impose" on reality.

This method assumes that meanings and values are not features of reality. 

Additional assumptions are made by scientists concerning the contents and scope of "reality" (meaning the observable empirical world) as opposed to human social reality. 

These "scientistic" assumptions have been subjected to powerful criticisms for more than a century to the effect that: 1) "facts" are themselves human conceptual judgments or "creations" resulting from a complete metaphysics and value-system inherent in the scientific enterprise; but 2) science is entirely inadequate to satisfy ALL human cognitive concerns, including philosophical concerns that necessitate more "open ended" forms of inquiry where the so-called "facts" are subjected to any number of interpretations depending on the meaning and understanding sought (or to be created) by inquirers.

The concept of a "person" is fundamental to our social reality, for example, and it is under threat from misunderstandings of scientific findings that have nothing to do with the moral idea of the person.

Much the same is true of many other philosophical and jurisprudential doctrines and/or concepts placed under great stress at the moment. The new understanding of metaphysics undermines:

" ... the positivistic denunciation that because of its lack of empirical evidence [metaphysics] can have no factual meaning. In any case, the recent rediscovery (becoming, at long last, generally recognized) that empirical evidence is always theory-laden has undermined empiricism so fatally that the accusation itself has lost all its plausibility. [emphasis added] Likewise, the outworn slander that metaphysics is mere elaboration without practical significance loses all force in an age when science and technology have permeated our entire way of life, frequently to its detriment, so that the examination of the presuppositions of science can scarcely fail to have practical relevance." (Harris, p. 17.) 

A focus on science exclusively can result in overlooking crucial "realities" that should be examined and understood but that are not amenable to comprehension within the scientific method. 

This tendency to "overlook" what is taken for granted is especially likely when focusing on human subjectivity and the products of that subjectivity, such as artistic works and ethical or legal systems, where empathy and historical understanding as well as cultivation of taste and moral sensitivity may be far more helpful than the methods of the laboratory.