Thursday, April 30, 2009
Washington Senator Pam Roach and Former Georgia Senator Nancy Schaefer: “CPS is Corrupt”
http://spotlight.getyourjusticelive.com/2009/04/29/washington-senator-pam-roach-and-former-senator-nancy-schaefer-cps-is-corrupt/
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thank you Bekki
4/24/2009 12:10:00 AM Email this article • Print this article
For the children
ANNETTE MANWELL
Globe Staff Writer
IRONWOOD -- A Gogebic Community College psychology major is planning more than just a presentation for her final class project.
In memory of a murdered child and missing, abducted and murdered children everywhere, she and her psychology class will release balloons at GCC Monday.
Bekki Sowerby, a life-long Ironwood resident, has taken a keen interest in abnormal psychology. From that stemmed a voracious interest in the Caylee Anthony case from Florida. Caylee was murdered at the age of 2. Her mother, Casey Anthony, has been charged with the murder. The case received a vast amount of media attention.
Sowerby was interested in the Anthony case on two fronts -- she is an activist for missing, abducted and murdered children and is interested, psychologically, in why the murderer committed the act.
"I want to know why people do the things they do," Sowerby said.
For her final class project Sowerby will present the Anthony case to her class, first how the abduction and murder was portrayed in the media, and then she will present evidence and testimonies. Sowerby will give three possible diagnoses of Casey Anthony for discussion.
Sowerby has talked to Cindy Anthony, Caylee's grandmother, to gain insight on the case. They've become Internet friends, Sowerby said. The balloon release will be videotaped for Cindy Anthony.
Following her presentation, the class will release pink balloons, Caylee's favorite color, near the sculpture behind the liberal arts center at GCC at 11:45 a.m. Sowerby ordered balloons from Balloons Over the U.P. She and her classmates will either write messages to Caylee or a pledge to their own child on the balloons.
In addition to the balloon release, Sowerby hosts an online talk show called "Justice for Children" Fridays at 8 p.m. Through the talk show and balloon release she hopes to spread awareness about missing, abducted and murdered children.
"We have a false sense of security in this area because it doesn't happen that much here," Sowerby said. "We don't have a high number of missing kids and abductions but people need to realize this is happening and it can happen here."
Sowerby isn't involved in just one cause. Though the talk show started as a forum to help children in need, it has taken on a life of its own.
"We just try to talk about issues with children," Sowerby said.
The show is controversial and some people don't like the discussions, she said. Sowerby has had people post negative comments on Web about her show because of the topics.
"It's weird to see people try to hinder someone who is trying to help people," Sowerby said.
Through the talk show, Sowerby met Charles, a man in Washtenaw County who has been fighting to get his children out of what he claims is an abusive home with his ex-wife.
Charles has hit a brick wall in the court system and has not been able to see his children since last fall, Sowerby said. She has contacted the governor, senators and state representatives to assist Charles in his fight.
"It's not just in Michigan, it's all over the place," Sowerby said.
Finding justice for children is her passion, she said. Sowerby hopes that other people will take an interest in children's issues and become more involved, even if it just means pledging to become a better parent.
Everyone is welcome to join in the balloon release, Sowerby said. A limited number of balloons were ordered. Those wishing to participate should bring a balloon to release.
http://www.yourdailyglobe.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=35273
For the children
ANNETTE MANWELL
Globe Staff Writer
IRONWOOD -- A Gogebic Community College psychology major is planning more than just a presentation for her final class project.
In memory of a murdered child and missing, abducted and murdered children everywhere, she and her psychology class will release balloons at GCC Monday.
Bekki Sowerby, a life-long Ironwood resident, has taken a keen interest in abnormal psychology. From that stemmed a voracious interest in the Caylee Anthony case from Florida. Caylee was murdered at the age of 2. Her mother, Casey Anthony, has been charged with the murder. The case received a vast amount of media attention.
Sowerby was interested in the Anthony case on two fronts -- she is an activist for missing, abducted and murdered children and is interested, psychologically, in why the murderer committed the act.
"I want to know why people do the things they do," Sowerby said.
For her final class project Sowerby will present the Anthony case to her class, first how the abduction and murder was portrayed in the media, and then she will present evidence and testimonies. Sowerby will give three possible diagnoses of Casey Anthony for discussion.
Sowerby has talked to Cindy Anthony, Caylee's grandmother, to gain insight on the case. They've become Internet friends, Sowerby said. The balloon release will be videotaped for Cindy Anthony.
Following her presentation, the class will release pink balloons, Caylee's favorite color, near the sculpture behind the liberal arts center at GCC at 11:45 a.m. Sowerby ordered balloons from Balloons Over the U.P. She and her classmates will either write messages to Caylee or a pledge to their own child on the balloons.
In addition to the balloon release, Sowerby hosts an online talk show called "Justice for Children" Fridays at 8 p.m. Through the talk show and balloon release she hopes to spread awareness about missing, abducted and murdered children.
"We have a false sense of security in this area because it doesn't happen that much here," Sowerby said. "We don't have a high number of missing kids and abductions but people need to realize this is happening and it can happen here."
Sowerby isn't involved in just one cause. Though the talk show started as a forum to help children in need, it has taken on a life of its own.
"We just try to talk about issues with children," Sowerby said.
The show is controversial and some people don't like the discussions, she said. Sowerby has had people post negative comments on Web about her show because of the topics.
"It's weird to see people try to hinder someone who is trying to help people," Sowerby said.
Through the talk show, Sowerby met Charles, a man in Washtenaw County who has been fighting to get his children out of what he claims is an abusive home with his ex-wife.
Charles has hit a brick wall in the court system and has not been able to see his children since last fall, Sowerby said. She has contacted the governor, senators and state representatives to assist Charles in his fight.
"It's not just in Michigan, it's all over the place," Sowerby said.
Finding justice for children is her passion, she said. Sowerby hopes that other people will take an interest in children's issues and become more involved, even if it just means pledging to become a better parent.
Everyone is welcome to join in the balloon release, Sowerby said. A limited number of balloons were ordered. Those wishing to participate should bring a balloon to release.
http://www.yourdailyglobe.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=35273
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Judge Gets $10,000 Bribe -
Judge's injustice is righted—23 years later
http://www.chicagot ribune.com/ news/local/ chi-fields- 09-apr09, 0,7988426. story
A bribe-taking judge sentenced Nathson Fields to die in 1986. In 2009: 'Not guilty'
By Matthew Walberg | Tribune reporter
April 9, 2009
The courtroom was silent Wednesday when Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan acquitted Nathson Fields of murder, a quiet final act for an infamous murder case involving judicial corruption unprecedented even for Chicago's sordid history of graft and greed.
Years ago, a trial judge had taken a $10,000 bribe to fix this very case for Fields, a convicted killer and former El Rukn gang leader.
Wednesday, when Gaughan swiftly acquitted him of the gang hit, the 55-year-old Fields slowly walked over to his family, hugging his brother, Nathaniel, whose tears streamed down his cheeks.
"I love you so much," Nathaniel Fields said as he clasped his brother in a bear hug. "Damn!"
The result was starkly different from 1986 when Fields first went on trial for the double murder.
Judge Thomas J. Maloney, a tough former boxer with a reputation as a law-and-order advocate during 13 years in Criminal Court, pocketed a $10,000 bribe to acquit Fields and a co-defendant. But during the trial, Maloney sensed authorities were onto the fix and handed the bribe money back to a corrupt lawyer at a side door to his courtroom, federal prosecutors contended. The judge then convicted Fields and co-defendant Earl Hawkins of both murders and sentenced them to death.
Maloney was convicted and served more than a dozen years in prison for fixing three murder trials in all, but he died at 83 last October a few months after his release from prison, still defiant in his claims of innocence.
His 1993 guilty verdict grew out of a federal sting code-named Operation Greylord that led to the conviction of 15 corrupt judges, but Maloney's crimes were unprecedented. He is the only Cook County judge ever convicted of rigging murder cases.
After Maloney's conviction, Fields was granted a new trial in 1998, but he remained incarcerated until another former Death Row inmate, Aaron Patterson, bailed him out in 2003. Fields spent nearly two decades behind bars, including more than 11 years on Death Row.
In recent years, the case against Fields has languished in the courts. His retrial came more than a decade after his first conviction was overturned because of Maloney's corruption.
Prosecutors wanted to put on testimony of Fields' alleged involvement in Maloney's bribery, but Gaughan blocked that evidence, prompting a lengthy, unsuccessful appeal by prosecutors.
In another key development, Hawkins flipped on his former El Rukn cohort, agreeing to testify against Fields in exchange for a plea to a lesser crime.
The two murder victims—Jerome "Fuddy" Smith and Talman Hickman, both reputed members of the Black Gangster Disciples' Goon Squad—were gunned down in 1984 outside a public housing development in the 700 block of East 39th Street.
Fields had already finished serving about a dozen years in prison for an unrelated murder conviction when the double slaying occurred.
The bench trial before Gaughan began a quarter century later—this February—and was held off-and-on since then with lengthy breaks. After listening to closing arguments Wednesday, the judge immediately issued his verdict from the bench.
He said he found Hawkins, the state's key witness, unbelievable.
During the trial, Fields' attorneys hammered at Hawkins for once admitting he would say anything to get off Death Row. But Gaughan didn't hold that against Hawkins, saying that only "Mother Teresa and a few other people would say they wouldn't lie to get off of Death Row."
More important to Gaughan was Hawkins' admission to his involvement in the murders of 15 to 20 people during his days as a general in the powerful El Rukn street gang.
"If someone has such disregard for human life, what regard will he have for his oath?" Gaughan said. "I find him incredible."
Prosecutors declined to comment after the verdict, but Fields talked about his future plans. He said he hopes to start a construction company with Patterson, despite the fact that Patterson is serving a 30-year sentence in federal prison for gun and drug convictions.
"I feel like my prayers have been answered," Fields said. "It's been 24 years of this ordeal for my family and my friends, and now with it coming to an end, it's like a dream come true."
Fields said he may go on a vacation. "Somewhere on the West Coast," he said. "I've never seen an ocean, never seen any mountains. I'm kind of behind on that kind of stuff."
mwalberg@tribune. com
Sent by:
www.jail4judges. org
P.O. Box 207
North Hollywood, CA. 91603
http://www.chicagot ribune.com/ news/local/ chi-fields- 09-apr09, 0,7988426. story
A bribe-taking judge sentenced Nathson Fields to die in 1986. In 2009: 'Not guilty'
By Matthew Walberg | Tribune reporter
April 9, 2009
The courtroom was silent Wednesday when Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan acquitted Nathson Fields of murder, a quiet final act for an infamous murder case involving judicial corruption unprecedented even for Chicago's sordid history of graft and greed.
Years ago, a trial judge had taken a $10,000 bribe to fix this very case for Fields, a convicted killer and former El Rukn gang leader.
Wednesday, when Gaughan swiftly acquitted him of the gang hit, the 55-year-old Fields slowly walked over to his family, hugging his brother, Nathaniel, whose tears streamed down his cheeks.
"I love you so much," Nathaniel Fields said as he clasped his brother in a bear hug. "Damn!"
The result was starkly different from 1986 when Fields first went on trial for the double murder.
Judge Thomas J. Maloney, a tough former boxer with a reputation as a law-and-order advocate during 13 years in Criminal Court, pocketed a $10,000 bribe to acquit Fields and a co-defendant. But during the trial, Maloney sensed authorities were onto the fix and handed the bribe money back to a corrupt lawyer at a side door to his courtroom, federal prosecutors contended. The judge then convicted Fields and co-defendant Earl Hawkins of both murders and sentenced them to death.
Maloney was convicted and served more than a dozen years in prison for fixing three murder trials in all, but he died at 83 last October a few months after his release from prison, still defiant in his claims of innocence.
His 1993 guilty verdict grew out of a federal sting code-named Operation Greylord that led to the conviction of 15 corrupt judges, but Maloney's crimes were unprecedented. He is the only Cook County judge ever convicted of rigging murder cases.
After Maloney's conviction, Fields was granted a new trial in 1998, but he remained incarcerated until another former Death Row inmate, Aaron Patterson, bailed him out in 2003. Fields spent nearly two decades behind bars, including more than 11 years on Death Row.
In recent years, the case against Fields has languished in the courts. His retrial came more than a decade after his first conviction was overturned because of Maloney's corruption.
Prosecutors wanted to put on testimony of Fields' alleged involvement in Maloney's bribery, but Gaughan blocked that evidence, prompting a lengthy, unsuccessful appeal by prosecutors.
In another key development, Hawkins flipped on his former El Rukn cohort, agreeing to testify against Fields in exchange for a plea to a lesser crime.
The two murder victims—Jerome "Fuddy" Smith and Talman Hickman, both reputed members of the Black Gangster Disciples' Goon Squad—were gunned down in 1984 outside a public housing development in the 700 block of East 39th Street.
Fields had already finished serving about a dozen years in prison for an unrelated murder conviction when the double slaying occurred.
The bench trial before Gaughan began a quarter century later—this February—and was held off-and-on since then with lengthy breaks. After listening to closing arguments Wednesday, the judge immediately issued his verdict from the bench.
He said he found Hawkins, the state's key witness, unbelievable.
During the trial, Fields' attorneys hammered at Hawkins for once admitting he would say anything to get off Death Row. But Gaughan didn't hold that against Hawkins, saying that only "Mother Teresa and a few other people would say they wouldn't lie to get off of Death Row."
More important to Gaughan was Hawkins' admission to his involvement in the murders of 15 to 20 people during his days as a general in the powerful El Rukn street gang.
"If someone has such disregard for human life, what regard will he have for his oath?" Gaughan said. "I find him incredible."
Prosecutors declined to comment after the verdict, but Fields talked about his future plans. He said he hopes to start a construction company with Patterson, despite the fact that Patterson is serving a 30-year sentence in federal prison for gun and drug convictions.
"I feel like my prayers have been answered," Fields said. "It's been 24 years of this ordeal for my family and my friends, and now with it coming to an end, it's like a dream come true."
Fields said he may go on a vacation. "Somewhere on the West Coast," he said. "I've never seen an ocean, never seen any mountains. I'm kind of behind on that kind of stuff."
mwalberg@tribune. com
Sent by:
www.jail4judges. org
P.O. Box 207
North Hollywood, CA. 91603
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=h5Yt-OzyD3g
If you haven't seen this video! it is a must see!
SHE SPEAKS THE TRUTH!
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=h5Yt-OzyD3g
Contact your government, and make sure they hear this video!
SHE SPEAKS THE TRUTH!
http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=h5Yt-OzyD3g
Contact your government, and make sure they hear this video!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Missing my children
I wish someone could find away to get my children back. Judge Nancy C. Francis gave my children to a criminal. I'm not giving up on my children, they deserve to live a normal life. Judge Francis, you should step down from the bench and stop the corruption.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Letter to the Editor
April 9, 2009
In response to taxing the middle class some more... It seems that the middle class has been on the defense for the last 5 years. Now we have State Representative Alma (Wheeler) Smith trying to trim the middle even thinner now. Auto plants closing through the state. Small and large entities have been disappearing through out the state, yet Ms. Smith say, "The proposal would cost a household earning $50,000 a year more than $500 in additional annual income taxes before deductions." Why didn't Ms. Smith try to stop the retirement packages for state representative during June of 1997 like what happen to any other state workers who hired in after this date? Ask Ms. Smith what type of medical package her and her family gets when she retires. Yet teachers, civil service workers, auto workers, nurses and etc. will take a loss if this happens. Alma’s sister likes to ignore the law; maybe Alma has joined the bandwagon to destroy families in Michigan because no one is trying to challenge them? Do they think the public is dumb enough to support their ill will plans of actions? We are the taxpayers who voted them in but they do not have to worry about a retirement like the rest of the State of Michigan Workers, now they really show what how they feel about honest hard working Michigan Families. Do these two sisters know what can happen if the middle class collapses? Or maybe they do not care because they have already padded their pockets? Where is the money going now which the State of Michigan was giving aid to the colleges? Maybe it is time for the both of them to step down?
Charles Wright
PO Box 970725
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-717-4442
In response to taxing the middle class some more... It seems that the middle class has been on the defense for the last 5 years. Now we have State Representative Alma (Wheeler) Smith trying to trim the middle even thinner now. Auto plants closing through the state. Small and large entities have been disappearing through out the state, yet Ms. Smith say, "The proposal would cost a household earning $50,000 a year more than $500 in additional annual income taxes before deductions." Why didn't Ms. Smith try to stop the retirement packages for state representative during June of 1997 like what happen to any other state workers who hired in after this date? Ask Ms. Smith what type of medical package her and her family gets when she retires. Yet teachers, civil service workers, auto workers, nurses and etc. will take a loss if this happens. Alma’s sister likes to ignore the law; maybe Alma has joined the bandwagon to destroy families in Michigan because no one is trying to challenge them? Do they think the public is dumb enough to support their ill will plans of actions? We are the taxpayers who voted them in but they do not have to worry about a retirement like the rest of the State of Michigan Workers, now they really show what how they feel about honest hard working Michigan Families. Do these two sisters know what can happen if the middle class collapses? Or maybe they do not care because they have already padded their pockets? Where is the money going now which the State of Michigan was giving aid to the colleges? Maybe it is time for the both of them to step down?
Charles Wright
PO Box 970725
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734-717-4442
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy"
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr.
SB 179
Good Morning
Coming live from Big Grandpaws Rocking Chair Ranch. As a activist inspired by a higher power than money. I offer a plethria of information and knowledge. I want to say that you people truly have the spirit and I offer my support 1,000 % on a array of issues and topics. I am hear today to bring light to the issue of what I deem no more than "Human Abortions"
Tha attack on the family is so well illistrated in the following information.
This was agenda item#3 at the San Brenardino County Board od Supervisors meeting today.
Ratify the action by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors signing a letter of support for SB 179 introduced by Senator George Runner (R-Lancaster) , which would streamline the appeal process for termination of parental rights in child welfare services cases.
REPORT/RECOMMENDATI ON TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
AND RECORD OF ACTION
April 7, 2009
FROM: LANCE LARSON, Director of Legislative Affairs
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: SUPPORT SB 179; JUVENILE LAW: REFEREES
RECOMMENDATION( S)
Ratify the action by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors signing a letter of support for SB
179 introduced by Senator George Runner (R-Lancaster) , which would streamline the appeal
process for termination of parental rights in child welfare services cases.
(Affected Districts: All)
(Presenter: Lance Larson, Director, 387-4821)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Under existing law, counties are required to intervene with families of children who may be
endangered due to abuse or neglect. In cases where the court has determined that it is in the
best interests to return the child to the parents, an alternative form of permanence is issued.
When the court has identified adoption as the most suitable alternative, the court issues a
termination of parental rights (TPR).
Currently, when a TPR order is issued, an appeal period of 60 days is provided to birth parents.
The order cannot be personally served but is required to be mailed with the appeal period upon
receipt of the TPR.. SB 179 would make modifications to the appeal process by streamlining the
adoption procedure in order to reduce stress for families and improve permanency outcomes for
children. SB 179 delicately balances parental rights and minimizes the delay of the adoption
process.
If enacted, SB 179 will reduce the time period for the birth parents to appeal from 60 to 30 days.
SB 179 would also give the court the discretion to serve the termination order to the parent or
guardian who is present at the termination of rights hearing, and provide an explanation of the
right to appeal, as opposed to mailing a copy of the order. In the event the court clerk indivertibly
delays or fails to mail the order, the timeline for the birth parents to file the notice of appeal is
extended or never begins. Lastly, SB 179 allows any TPR after 180 days to automatically finalize,
avoiding indefinite appeal timeframes, therefore reducing anxiety among prospective adoptive
parents.
Support for this item was needed in short order as SB 179 was scheduled for a hearing in
committee the week of March 30, 2009.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SUPPORT SB 179; JUVENILE LAW; REFEREES
APRIL 7, 2009
PAGE 2 OF 2
3
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None at this time.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Jean-Rene Basle, Chief Assistant County
Counsel, 387-5477) on March 25, 2009 and the County Administrative Office (Kelly Welty,
Administrative Analyst, 387-5426) on March 25, 2009.
ET Snell
Clown Community Activist
www.recallscaliforn ia.com
Coming live from Big Grandpaws Rocking Chair Ranch. As a activist inspired by a higher power than money. I offer a plethria of information and knowledge. I want to say that you people truly have the spirit and I offer my support 1,000 % on a array of issues and topics. I am hear today to bring light to the issue of what I deem no more than "Human Abortions"
Tha attack on the family is so well illistrated in the following information.
This was agenda item#3 at the San Brenardino County Board od Supervisors meeting today.
Ratify the action by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors signing a letter of support for SB 179 introduced by Senator George Runner (R-Lancaster) , which would streamline the appeal process for termination of parental rights in child welfare services cases.
REPORT/RECOMMENDATI ON TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
AND RECORD OF ACTION
April 7, 2009
FROM: LANCE LARSON, Director of Legislative Affairs
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: SUPPORT SB 179; JUVENILE LAW: REFEREES
RECOMMENDATION( S)
Ratify the action by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors signing a letter of support for SB
179 introduced by Senator George Runner (R-Lancaster) , which would streamline the appeal
process for termination of parental rights in child welfare services cases.
(Affected Districts: All)
(Presenter: Lance Larson, Director, 387-4821)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Under existing law, counties are required to intervene with families of children who may be
endangered due to abuse or neglect. In cases where the court has determined that it is in the
best interests to return the child to the parents, an alternative form of permanence is issued.
When the court has identified adoption as the most suitable alternative, the court issues a
termination of parental rights (TPR).
Currently, when a TPR order is issued, an appeal period of 60 days is provided to birth parents.
The order cannot be personally served but is required to be mailed with the appeal period upon
receipt of the TPR.. SB 179 would make modifications to the appeal process by streamlining the
adoption procedure in order to reduce stress for families and improve permanency outcomes for
children. SB 179 delicately balances parental rights and minimizes the delay of the adoption
process.
If enacted, SB 179 will reduce the time period for the birth parents to appeal from 60 to 30 days.
SB 179 would also give the court the discretion to serve the termination order to the parent or
guardian who is present at the termination of rights hearing, and provide an explanation of the
right to appeal, as opposed to mailing a copy of the order. In the event the court clerk indivertibly
delays or fails to mail the order, the timeline for the birth parents to file the notice of appeal is
extended or never begins. Lastly, SB 179 allows any TPR after 180 days to automatically finalize,
avoiding indefinite appeal timeframes, therefore reducing anxiety among prospective adoptive
parents.
Support for this item was needed in short order as SB 179 was scheduled for a hearing in
committee the week of March 30, 2009.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
SUPPORT SB 179; JUVENILE LAW; REFEREES
APRIL 7, 2009
PAGE 2 OF 2
3
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None at this time.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Jean-Rene Basle, Chief Assistant County
Counsel, 387-5477) on March 25, 2009 and the County Administrative Office (Kelly Welty,
Administrative Analyst, 387-5426) on March 25, 2009.
ET Snell
Clown Community Activist
www.recallscaliforn ia.com
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