Tuesday, April 23, 2013

U.S. Attorney the Media Blinders Holds New Yorkers Hostage to Corruption

 _____________________________________________________________________________
US Attorney Challenge to Journalist


 






Bharara to Journalist
Investigate Stop Copying My Press Releases
"Rather than just covering the cases that my office and other offices are already bringing, figure out ways to break new ground and to cover new stories," Bharara said. "Groundbreaking corruption coverage is not just good copy, it's a path to good government." Bharara

In March of 2011 True News Side the Way To Stop Government Corruption in New York Improve Investigative Journalism

The Washington Post Investigation of Watergate forced President Nixon to resign.
True News Reported Over and Over the Importance of Investigative Journalism





. 
True News Wrote in June 2011
Orwellian Journalism To Control Not Inform 
Today's reporters have a value system that allows them to write public relations stories of a mayor trying to avoid blame in what the U.S. Attorney from the Southern District Preet Bharara has called the largest municipal scandal in history and still consider themselves journalists.  This is not the journalism that John Peter Zenger practised in 1735 when he was jailed by the British for publishing newspaper stories that exposed corruption in the kings administration.  As a kid we used to joke about government propaganda published by the Soviet Union news organizations like Provida.  Who knew that in 2011 in New York the culture of journalist would sink so low to limit coverage to the governments line. Thomas Jefferson understood the damage being done to us when he said, "An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will."  No other story points out have far in value journalism has sunk today than coverage of the CityTime scandal.

.
. All the Media Does Is Report What Bharara Says, There Are No Editorials Defending Their Reporting Efforts
Bharara: No Investigative Reporting Equals More Corruption
Preet challenges journos to do investigative reporting (CrainsNY)
The press has a role to play, Mr. Bharara said, noting that he is saddened by recent reports of newspaper closings and staff downsizing. "Rather than just covering the cases that my office and other offices are already bringing, figure out ways to break new ground and to cover new stories," he said. "Groundbreaking corruption coverage is not just good copy, it's a path to good government."

Today's Journalist Lack the Shame Gene
NY's Newspaper Think Their Readers Are Suckers
After Bharara's plea for the need Investigative Journalism the newspaper keep printing public relations press release designed to elect pols to office.  Instead of Asking Quinn About member items corruption under her leadership in the council, the NYP reports on her efforts to stop teen smoking. She is trying to become more like Mike.  Does any journalist believe that Speaker Silver is fighting corruption?  Yet today the Daily News printed NYS Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Warns His Conference About Corruption.

 A U.S. Attorney Tells Journalist Your Not Doing Your Job

Preet: Shine a light on lawmaker rats (NYP)Crusading Manhattan US Attorney Preet Bharara yesterday ripped the “rampant” and “pervasive” public corruption infecting New York, saying “tawdry graft” is enabled by a lack of government transparency. Bharara said, “fundamental reform” is needed to end the “show-me-the-money-culture” that’s prompted the feds’ crackdown on crooked state pols. After citing a new Quinnipiac poll that shows 87 percent of New Yorkers think corruption is a “somewhat serious” or “very serious” problem, Bharara said it was scandalous that someone could buy his way into office, get busted for bribery, use campaign contributions to hire a “fancy” lawyer and go to prison for years — while still pocketing a “generous state pension” for life.* Bharara's diagnosis: NY needs more transparency, investigative reporters(Capital)

Newspapers Have abandoned Their Constitutional Role of Protecting the Public

“Now, does anyone who is not drunk on power or addicted to self-dealing think this is rational?” he asked.* New Yorkers Expect More Arrests of Legislators, Maybe Their Own, Poll Says(NYT) In a Siena College survey, more than half of the participants described themselves as cynical about politics in New York, and nearly that number said most state legislators “cannot be trusted.” * U.S. Attorney Bharara Suggests Albany Anti-Corruption Efforts Are "Weak"(NY1) * No single fix for corruption: U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara(NYDN) * Cuomo picked Manhattan lawyer Daniel Horwitz to chair JCOPE after Westchester County DA Janet DiFiore stepped down to run for re-election. “No single fix will get us far down the road to reform and nothing will really change until people undertake a fundamental reform of a corrupt culture,” Bharara said.
SAIC, bilked the city for about half a billion dollars for a timekeeping software program. Fortunately, as a result of our case against the prime contractor, the city has been made whole,” he said.

 Silver: What Corruption
US Attorney Preet Bharara’s warning to corrupt politicians: “We are redoubling our efforts and will seek to be even more aggressive than in the past.”
“When every state or local official is able to lawfully moonlight as a lawyer or accountant or consultant and may lawfully withhold deep details of that work, prosecutors face substantial challenges,” he noted. Silver, who has long resisted calls to provide details about his work for a leading personal-injury law firm, also insisted that the vast majority of state lawmakers are honest.* Cuomo Takes A Manichean View(YNN)

 

A proposal announced by New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn would raise the age to legally buy cigarettes in the city from 18 to 21
Quinn bill to hike cigarette age to 21(NYP) * City Plan Sets 21 as Legal Age to Buy Tobacco(NYT) * City to Raise Age Limit On Tobacco Sales(NYT) * Quinn Pushes To Raise Age Limit For Purchasing Tobacco To 21(NY1)



 _____________________________________________________________________________
Liu Trial and Smith Plea

Agent Regrets Abrupt End to Liu Inquiry(NYT)
An agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, testifying in the trial of former campaign associates of John C. Liu, said, “The undercover operation could have gone on further.”* Video Shows Liu With Agent Who Posed as Supporter(WSJ) A secretly recorded video played at the federal trial against two former associates of New York City Comptroller John Liu shows Liu meeting with an undercover agent posing as a businessman seeking political influence for hosting a fundraiser. NYC Comptroller John Liu thanked an undercover agent posing as a businessman seeking political influence for hosting a fundraiser now at the center of the campaign-finance fraud trial involving two Liu associates, according to a secretly recorded video played in court Monday.  The federal agent who was posing as that businessman said his superiors had prematurely ended the undercover operation, even though he felt there were indications that campaign officials were involved in irregularities. Today at Liu treasurer trial reminded me of the casual power of the feds to terrify ordinary people.* Would-Be Liu Donor Testifies That Defendant Said She Would Repay(NYT)

35m
Hou's ex-bf was visited by FBI >6x + threatened w prosecution to testify -- that she didn't actually accept the contrib from him.Only attempt to get $ by Jenny Hou was from her ex(hs)boyfriend, and she didn't get it.Today at Liu treasurer trial reminded me of the casual power of the feds to terrify ordinary people.

Smith Says He Is Not Guilty
Sen. Malcolm Smith, Others Plead Not Guilty To Corruption Charges.(WCBS)
Smith, Five Others Plead Not Guilty In Election Rigging Scheme: Queens State Senator Malcolm Smith, City...
* Skelos: Public Financing Wouldn’t Stop Those ‘Crooks And Idiots’(YNN) * Smith, Halloran and four others arraigned on corruption charges(NYP)


 _____________________________________________________________________________
Corruption Justice

When Your Connected to Power You Get Special Treatment
BREAKING NEWS: Hank Morris Wins Parole
Alan Hevesi's son, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, on Hank Morris winning parole: "I hope this is the last we hear of Hank Morris."* Hank Morris To Be Released June 3(YNN)
* Ex-Hevesi staffer convicted in pay-to-play pension scam granted parole(NYP)
* Former Political Strategist Hank Morris To Leave Prison By June(NY1)
Parole Granted for Consultant in Corruption Case(NYT)
 

 _____________________________________________________________________________
More Political Corruption


Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel is suing House Speaker John Boehner and six other lawmakers in an attempt to reverse his 2010 censure, alleging that the Ethics Committee leaders knowingly deceived House members about his ethics probe, the Post reports * Rep. Charlie Rangel is suing House Speaker John Boehner and six other lawmakers to overturn his censure on ethics charges, arguing that members of the House Ethics Committee withheld evidence that could’ve cleared his name. In a complaint filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Washington, the New York Democrat alleges “numerous, flagrant, knowing and intentional violations” of his due process rights.* Rep. Rangel Files Suit Over 2010 Censure Probe (NY1) * Rangel Sues to Overturn 2010 House Censure(NYT)

ICYMI: The Daily News calls on NOT to call a special election to replace Bx Assemblyman Nelson Castro.

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Campaign 2013

 When Politicians Ki$$
When politicians kiss(NYP) When politicians exchange kisses, it’s best to watch their hands — there’s usually money being exchanged, too. So it was last week when Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz endorsed Christine Quinn for mayor with a peck on the cheek. As Crain’s New York reported, since 2011 Quinn has steered $450,000 in City Council slush funds to Marty’s Seaside Summer Concert Series, another $400,000 to his Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series and $175,000 to his group Best of Brooklyn.* Rivals Challenge Quinn on Term-Limit Stance That Helped Bloomberg(NYT)



You Can Bet Quinn Will Be Singing With the Village People At This Summers Markowitz Coney Island Concert
The concerts have helped keep Markowitz in office for decades. Marty puts on a party and soaks up the credit for his free summer concerts, giving him real political capital in Brooklyn. Now the setup is helping steer Quinn into Gracie Mansion.

Catsimatidis Wants to Be the Big Apples First Toxic Mayor
At Mayoral Forum, a Focus on the Environment
John A. Catsimatidis was unusually defiant, but his eight opponents at the event seemed more in tune to the sensibilities of the audience, many of them environmental activists.* At a forum at Cooper Union, the New York City mayoral candidates squared off on environmental issues, with Quinn the only candidate to endorse closing the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, the New York Daily News writes: 


Anthony Weiner can’t resist Twitter, but he should(NYDN Ed)

Live by the tweet, die by the tweet, comeback by the tweet?* Anthony Weiner back on Twitter after disgrace(WABC) *
Headline of the Day: “Anthony Weiner Rejoins Twitter in Second-Worst Way Possible.”Michael Wolff believes “only” ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner can succeed Bloomberg as mayor.

At a public finance conference, Republican New York City mayoral candidate Joe Lhota said he would make fighting crime a top priority if he were elected mayor, crediting NYPD policies such as stop-and-frisk for helping drive down murder and overall crime, the Post writes: * There was a sustainability-focused mayoral forum last night, where businessman John Catsimatidis stood out and all three Republican contenders criticized the national party: Weiner is back to sparring with reporters – respectfully.

It is Good to Be the Pol King
Fewer Headaches When Politicians Are Looking to Rent(NYT)
For many New York political figures, the frenzied process of finding a rental apartment is considerably smoothed by who you know, and by who knows you. * While The New York Times took a glance at Mr. Weiner’s apartment, which is apparently valued at $13,000 a month and owned by a landlord close to former President Bill Clinton. “The Weiner family and their landlord say the arrangement is nothing special,” the report reads, noting, “They declined to provide proof of their rent, like a lease or canceled check.

Mayoral candidates on a soccer stadium in Queens(Capital)

Councilman Dan Halloran already has his first Republican opponent in the form of former Council contender Dennis Saffran, who narrowly lost to Tony Avella in 2001. Mr. Saffran said he’s running to restore “the tradition of integrity and honesty in government” and name-checked former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who shares a name with a potential GOP rival.

And another mayoral hopeful, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, unveiled a “Transparency Report Card” for city agencies this morning. “The City is inviting waste and corruption by blocking information that belongs to the public,” Mr. de Blasio said in a statement. “That’s the last thing New York City can afford right now. We have to start holding government accountable when it refuses to turn over public records to citizens and taxpayers.”

Anthony Weiner's Peculiar Press Strategy (Barkan) *
What It’s Like to E-mail With Anthony Weiner These Days(NY Mag)
Dem mayoral candidate Bill Thompson raked in big bucks last year(NYP)
Rivals Challenge Quinn on Term-Limit Stance That Helped Bloomberg(NYT)
Vito Lopez protege Stephen Levin slammed for staying mum on investigation by longshot challenger (NYDN)
NYC mayoral candidate blows off Councilman 's criticism. Calls him a "26 year old kid."  


 _____________________________________________________________________________
Cuomo Brainwashing Us

Cuomo sells New York, and himself (NYDN)

Ads designed to tout the state’s business climate stretch the truth and boost the governor. The Daily News’ Bill Hammond argues that the state’s latest advertisement campaign meant to spark business investment stretches the truth and boosts Gov. Cuomo. Officials could not immediately say how much of the state’s $50 million annual marketing budget is being spent on TV ads that stretch the truth about New York being a nirvana for business. But roughly half are airing on stations within the state’s borders.* According to , Cuomo is "concerned that we're going to have a scenario like we have in ."

Morning Joe Says Texas Not NY is Open for Business, DN Hammond the State's Business Commercials are Pinocchio
's piece, worth noting Cuomo never expected his Dicker honeymoon to last. Only a question of when.

15m
Today's column: Cuomo's nose must grow longer every time the state's latest commercial hits the airwaves. * Yesterday’s Siena poll found that by a 52 percent to 42 percent margin, upstate voters “prefer someone else” to the Democratic governor in 2014, when he will seek re-election.New York vs. Texas On Morning Joe(YNN)“Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough isn’t buying it, either. Consider this exchange between the former congressman and one of the show’s frequent commentators, Steve Rattner, which took place earlier today. (Rattner was on with Texas Monthly editor Erica Grieder, who just wrote a book on the Lone State State’s booming economy).
 _____________________________________________________________________________
Education

The teacher-rating charade(NYP) Gov. Cuomo likes to boast that “99 percent” of state school districts struck teacher-evaluation deals with their unions, attributing it to funding he offered if they did. A report yesterday suggests a different reason: The deals are shams. * Gift to Help Cornell Tech School Offer an Innovative Program(NYT) The donation, from the founder of Qualcomm and his wife, will help the applied sciences school on Roosevelt Island offer an unusual program with an Israeli university. * Earning an 'A': Brooklyn Latin tops in U.S. News & World (NYDN) 

Cheat is on at Queens HS(NYP)*  New York’s high school students could soon face a new challenge before they earn their diplomas: a 1,250-word research paper.* Cooper Union Ends Free Tuition: Freshmen arriving in fall 2014 will pay half-price of around $20,000.
* Cooper Union to Start Charging Tuition in Fall 2014(DNAINFO)

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Government Waste

Day Centers Sprout Up, Luring Fit Elders and Costing Medicaid(NYT)
In New York, the institutions, intended to save the state money, have undergone a vast expansion and are serving many older people who are not impaired.
Where are NYC’s adult day care centers located?”(NY World)
Approximately one-third of the adult day care centers have opened within the last two years.
The House Oversight Committee and Government Reform Committee has made a new request for documents from the inspector general for the state’s Medicaid program.

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Unemployment/NYC's Economy

Credit History Discrimination NYT EDITORIAL BOARDEmployers have created a disadvantaged class by making hiring decisions based on credit reports. New York City can fix that.
Civil Service: Unions not rushing to bargaining table4 hrs ago

The Times’ Michael Powell examines a no-bid contract to analyze security at the Hunts Point Produce Market given by the New York City Business Integrity Commission to a company whose head has had multiple arrests:

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Health Care
Bloomberg Credits Britain for Inspiring Him to Raise Smoking Age(NYO)
* Smoking? Combat? Wait Till 21, Young Recruits Say (NYT)
 _____________________________________________________________________________
Fracking
A consultant hired by the state to assess the impacts of shale-gas drilling is a member of one of New York’s largest gas-industry groups.  New York can cut the cost of its Brownfield Cleanup Program while at the same time making it more effective at cleaning up and reusing polluted properties, according to state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
Cuomo made no mention of fracking on Earth Day.

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Delivery Bikes

New commercial bike laws in effect(Fox 5)

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Terrorism


Canadian Police Thwart Al-Qaida Linked Plot Against Passenger Trains(NY1)

Bloomberg, Kelly Applaud Counter-Terror Surveillance Of Lower Manhattan (NY1)

NOTHER TERROR PLOT THWARTED: Canada & U.S. foil alleged Qaeda scheme to derail NY-Toronto passenger train, cuff 2(NYDN)
Lingering Questions About the Boston Bombers Manhunt(NY Mag)
A Bald, Red-Bearded Exorcist Named Misha May Have Radicalized Tamerlan Tsarnaev(NY Mag)

NYC Fight Against Terrorism
Dzhokhar could get death penalty; chilling new blast details emerge(NYP)
Boston bombing suspect cited extremist Islamic beliefs as a motive




"Tamerlan Tsarnaev delved deeply into religion in recent years at the urging of his mother, who feared he was slipping into a life of marijuana, girls and alcohol."

Boston bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev eyed in 2011 murders(NYP) * Boston Marathon bomber’s widow dodges feds(NYP) * Boston to feds: KILL THE MONSTER! Grieving city demands death penalty for bomber Dzhokar Tsarnaev and say he 'doesn’t deserve to live'(NYT) *  The arrest of the suspected bomber in the Boston Marathon attacks prompted state Sen. Greg Ball to suggest torturing domestic terrorists, a view that he re-affirmed in a television interview on the Fox News Channel, the Times-Union reports: *Tamerlan Tsarnaev Was Influenced By Mysterious Muslim Radical(Huff Post)


Tears for tragic Krystle(NYP)





 _____________________________________________________________________________
Sandy

Months After Sandy, Lights Still Out at Manhattan Park(WSJ)
Just as the sky started changing colors on one of the first warm evenings of spring, a parks enforcement patrol officer drove through Hudson River Park, ordering visitors to leave.* Six Months After Sandy: Rockaways Commute Taking Its Toll, Residents Say(NY1)


 _____________________________________________________________________________
NYC Vet Backlog

12,000+ NY veterans are on massive backlog for disability benefits. listens, even if it can't help.

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Taxis

NYC residents will soon be able to hail taxis using apps on their smartphones, thanks to a New York State Supreme Court judge’s ruling that was handed down today. 
Judge OKs NYC plan for "e-hailing" yellow cabs (NYT)

 _____________________________________________________________________________
MTA

Smith-Ninth Street subway station to reopen Friday(NYDN)
* Brooklyn subway stop reopening(Fox 5)
Select Bus Service route comes to Webster Ave in Bronx(NYDN)

 _____________________________________________________________________________
Hate At Brooklyn College
 _____________________________________________________________________________
Media

LOLOLOL. RT Must flee TV: CNN to relaunch 'Crossfire' with Newt Gingrich, Stephanie Cutter?






‘This Is CNN?’ Stewart Destroys His Favorite Target After A Chaotic End To A Terrible Week In Boston
‘It’s Over For Them’: Don Imus Blasts CNN’s Boston Coverage, Goes After New President Jeff Zucker





 Hack Attack
AP Twitter account hacked with fake White House tweet(NYP)

NY Times Videos
New York Times videos are now free, i.e. outside the rest of the website's metering system. It's a long term thing, they say.

Newspaper reporters have the worst job in America (Huff Post)
 _____________________________________________________________________________
Washington


 Boston Terror Comments Spark Heated Exchange At Immigration Hearing(NY1)
Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns recruited dozens of the nation’s best cartoonists for a short film, which encourages citizens and lawmakers to take action to end gun violence in the U.S.
Bush's Approval Rating jumped 19 points among Republicans since 2008; 19 among independents; 17 among Democrats - ABC Poll
Sen. Baucus not seeking a seventh term -
How Tamerlan Tsarnaev Might Have Been Stopped - Michael Hirsh, NJ
What the Fanatics Learned From Boston - Ralph Peters, New York Post
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev Has Rights - Erwin Chemerinsky, Los Angeles Times
WH Renews Terror Debate w/Civilian Charges - Alexis Simendinger, RCP
Rubio Is Trying, But His Plan Is Unworkable - Erick Erickson, RedState
Gun Control As a Wedge Issue in 2016 - Nate Cohn, The New Republic
In Gun Loss, Questions About Obama's Effectiveness - Shear & Baker, NYT
The Gosnell Case: Could It Happen Again? - Dennis Byrne, Chicago Tribune
Climate Change: Lost in the Flood - Coral Davenport, National Journal
The Fractured Left - Robert Nelson, Weekly Standard
Bush Back in Spotlight, His Approval Rating Is Up - Dan Balz, Wash Post
A Winning Message on Budget Reform - Heath & Schaeffer, RealClearPolitics
Tales From a Happy Life Without Kids - Jen Kirkman, The Atlantic
Genes and Racism - Thomas Sowell, Investor's Business Daily
Mass. Senate Race Picks Up After Bombing - Scott Conroy, RealClearPolitics
A Senate Friendship Born of Tragedy - Albert Hunt, Bloomberg
Did the Brothers Tsarnaev Fail? - Pat Buchanan, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's Rights, and the Public's - Bloomberg
Rick Perry and the Illinois Jobs Crisis - Chicago Tribune
Immigration reform could be bonanza for Democrats (Politico)
A Curriculum Crunch for California Schools - Los Angeles Times
Why Is White House Playing Games With Air Traffic Controllers? - WSJ
APNewsBreak: Ricin suspect released from jail
Breaking: Charges in ricin case against Paul Kevin Curtis dismissed (WSJ)
Obama Has a Narrow Window in 2nd-Term - Chris Cillizza, Washington Post
Bush Found Inclusiveness Was Good Politics - Ken Mehlman, USA Today
Did Tsarnaev Have to Be Mirandized? - Adam Goodman, The Atlantic
Of Course Tsarnaev Is Not an Enemy Combatant - Emily Bazelon, Slate
On Islam, Evil, Liberals, and Happiness - Dennis Prager, Townhall
Dems Slightly Favored to Hold Baucus' Seat - Sean Trende, RealClearPolitics
Please, Do Tread on Me - Michael Grunwald, Time
Public Support for Gun Control Ebbs - Susan Page, USA Today
The Immigration Trap - Ben Domenech, The Transom
Go Ahead, Admit It: George W. Bush Is a Good Man - Ron Fournier, NJ
Of Presidents and Duty - Charles Murray, AEI Ideas 



 _____________________________________________________________________________
Wall Street

MF Global's trustee sues former CEO Corzine(NYP)

Stocks tumbled briefly after hackers hijacked the main Twitter feed of the AP and sent out a false tweet about a terror attack at the White House.
 _____________________________________________________________________________
Law and Order


In Stop-and-Frisk Trial, Reliance on Memory Hinders Efforts to Get to Truth(NYT)
While people stopped and frisked by the police often have vivid recollections of the encounters even years later, the police often do not. An emerging theme in the federal stop-and-frisk trial is that while those that are stopped and frisked remember the ordeal for years to come, the officers who make the stops have a hard time recalling specific encounters.

The 68-year-old head of New York’s correctional system, Brian Fischer, who has presided over its operations and closings of a dozen prisons and camps over the past six years, plans to retire at the end of April. 

NYU student busted for building air rifles in school housing, then selling weapons online(NYP)




Taxi-jack rampage: Wild cop chase after petrified passenger flees(NYP)
Graffiti bust for art star (NYP)  A well-known graffiti artist was busted tagging a wall in Bushwick — and he says star-struck cops Googled him while he was in a holding cell. * Texas Man Carjacks Cab in Manhattan and Leads Police on Chase to New Jersey(NYT)
* A Suspected 'Taxijacking' Ends in N.J.(WSJ) * Accused taxi hijacker flees Manhattan, arrested in New (NYDN)
Bronx barbershop burglar caught on camera(WABC)
As Murder Rate Falls, Suicides Outnumber Homicides (NYT)
Graffiti bust for art star5(NYP)

 Police Release Sketch Of Dead Woman Found In Burnt Suitcase(NY1)



Off-duty cop busted on drunk-driving rap(NYDN)

Man charged with stashing gun under New York City hotel(WABC)
My school hell: Horace Mann abuse victim speaks out(NYP)
* Victims Call on Horace Mann for Inquiry(NYT)
NC man arrested in hotel gun incident(Fox 5)
Skeleton found in Bed-Stuy building(NYDN)
Police Seek Help ID'ing Woman in Suitcase Remains Case(NBC)
Pension win for cop in 2007 killing(NYDN)
‘Polo’ bribe scheme bared(NYP)