Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Fwd: Project Report from Julian Heicklen, 12–11–11
From: Julian P Heicklen <jph13@psu.edu>
Date: Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 4:08 PM
- Jury nullification is legal, but that jurors are not to be informed of this.
- It is permissible to distribute my literature in a public forum.
- The plaza in front of the courthouse is not a public forum.
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP (c.k.a. Stroock) is an American law firm based in New York City with approximately 350 lawyers in three offices, the other two being in Miami and Los Angeles. Stroock, founded in 1876, maintained an office in Boston from 1996 to 2000 and briefly maintained an office in Budapest as well.
Stroock was named "Law Firm of the Year" by Securitization News in 2005.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stroock_%26_Stroock_%26_Lavan
Joel Cohen, a lawyer at Strroock & Stroock and Katherine A. Helm have written an article about jury nullification
(http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202535168513&slreturn=1)
much of which attacks me as a person. Of more concern is their ignorance of the law. They state that: "It is a doctrine that encourages jurors to decide cases irrespective of the law given to jurors during trial." Actually jury nullification does not encourage jurors to decide cases irrespective of the law unless justice is not being served.
They also state "Runaway jury verdicts would amount to little more than a random 12-person vote, where each person could vote their conscience, their pocketbook, a flip of their coin, or what have you." This is a deliberate falsehood. Jury nullification only requires that the issue of justice be predominant. They do not seem to be equally concerned that a judge, prosecuting attorney, the President, or a police officer can dismiss for any reason whatsoever.
They further write: "But, for the U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuting him, on a misdemeanor charge, for violating Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 1504 ("Influencing Juror By Writing"), Heicklen was intentionally, and very directly, seeking to impede the legal process by stopping jurors in their tracks." This statement is incorrect for two reasons:
1) The statement in the code says: "influencing juror by writing or sending to him." I do not send stuff to jurors.
2) I do not stop jurors in their tracks. I do not even know who jurors are. I only distribute literature to people that approach me.
They go on to state: "The truth is: That's not the law. Our justice system is based on jurors following the law as instructed by judges. As the 2nd Circuit made exquisitely clear in U.S. v. Thomas, 116 F.3d 606, 614 (2d Cir. 1997):" Actually the Constitutions of both New York and New Jersey require the jury to judge the law as well as the fact. Several U. S. Supreme Court decisions and opinions have upheld this view.
This article is interesting for several reasons. Much of it attacks me as a person, which is irrelevant. The authors are completely ignorant of the Constitutional requirements for the Jury. They incompletely quote a statement in a statute to alter its meaning. They are willing to permit me to discuss my ideas where no jurors are present, in what are often called free speech zones. That is a euphemism which means where no-one interested in the information will be present.
The article was written by a lawyer in the "Law Firm of the Year," a law firm with 350 lawyers and branches in several U. S. cities, presumably with the sanction of that firm. Is this the best that the legal profession can provide?
The Free Dictionary defines judiciary as "A system of courts of law for the administration of justice." Most lawyers and all judges consider the purpose of a judicial system is to uphold the law, when its real purpose is to deliver justice. Law is only the means to that end, not the end in itself.
Michael Allison
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
Fw: Email Congress Today to Put Limits on Federal Bureaucrats
The REINS Act (HR10/S299) is up for debate in the House today and in the Senate next week. Sponsored by Representative Geoff Davis (R-KY) and Senator Rand Paul (RLC-KY), this act will require federal agencies to submit any regulation which would have an annual impact of $100 million or more for a vote of approval by Congress.
The REINS Act would have a big impact in limiting the power of Federal bureaucracies like the EPA and Department of Energy by stopping them from using rules and regulations which have not been passed by Congress to interfere with commerce and impose huge costs and economic burdens on states and businesses.
While we believe that the threshold of harm set in the act is probably too high, this is a good start towards limiting the power of the Federal bureaucracy and stimulating job growth and the economy at no cost and a likely substantial benefit to taxpayers.
Please take a moment today to email your Representative and Senators today and urge them to vote in support of the REINS Act. You can email them with the convenient form
Keep fighting for liberty!
Dave Nalle
Chairman, Republican Liberty Caucus
P.S.: You can also watch today's debate of this act on C-SPAN starting at 1:30pm or online at C-SPAN.
P.P.S: If you're as concerned as I am about the direction our country is going and want to change our government by electing Republicans who value liberty and won't sell out our rights in the name of security, please take this opportunity to donate to the RLC or at least renew your membership.
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Fw: Policy Brief: Millage Hike Will Tax Property Owners and Patience
Policy Brief (Volume 11, Number 63) | ||||
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Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Fw: Summit Against Racism-Save the Date
14th Annual Summit Against Racism - Saturday, January 21, 2012
8:30am-3pm, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S. Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Summit will offer inspiring speakers spanning different generations, skill building techniques for our justice movements, strengthening the programs of the Black and White Reunion such as the Jonny Gammage Scholarship, plus supporting other anti-racism work in our region.
Registration: Adults: $25.00, including breakfast and lunch; $10.00 for under 18 and limited income.
1. Current Workshops being discussed:
a.
The meaning of the "Occupy Movement"? The focus will be the Occupy Movement's relationship to racism. http://www.occupypittsburgh.org/
b. "The Image of Women"
c. "Implementing the Coalition Against Violence Strategies for Change" -
d. "Four New Policies for Police Reform have been passed in Pittsburgh – How do we Assure Success?" "What does justice for Jonny Gammage and Jordan Miles look like?"
e. City League/WPIAL – A Case for Integrating Athletics in Western Pennsylvania.
f. Showing the Nate Smith "What Does Trouble Mean" movie again for those who have not seen it in a separate room. Continuing the struggle for more minority labor participation on government funded construction sites in Western Pennsylvania. The discussion of reactions to the film and the relevance of it today could follow the showing of the film. http://www.natesmithmovie.com/
Other possible Workshops: "The Prison Industrial Complex" & "Land Tenure & Race"
Next meeting: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 6 pm, East Liberty Presbyterian Church
The Black and White Reunion is looking for volunteers to help out with this event. Please contact blackandwhite_reunion(at)yahoo.com orTim Stevens, 412-758-7898, Bob Maddock, 412-322-9275
Monday, November 28, 2011
Cyber Monday (and beyond) Buying Guide
Thinking of doing some holiday shopping? We hope that when purchasing for loved ones and friends, you'll consider avoiding companies and products designed to restrict freedom, and instead support companies and organizations that defend (or at least respect) freedom.
Before you click the links in any of the "Cyber Monday" mails you've been inundated with today, please see our 2011 Holiday Buying guide for the best and worst gifts this season.
We will be updating our guide throughout the holiday season, so come back every now and then to see new tips and suggestions.
You can help us update our holiday buying guide by emailing suggestions to info@defectivebydesign.org.
Happy Holidays,
Josh, Matt, John, and Richard
P.S. You can still see last year's guide for additional helpful information at www.defectivebydesign.org/nobuyguide.
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Fw: Stop Indefinite Military Detention of US Citizens
Act Now to Stop Another Attack on Your Rights
Don't Give the Military the Power to Detain US Citizens Indefnitely
They're at it again. The Senate is about to pass a bill which will take away more of our most fundamental, constitutionally guaranteed rights in the name of the ever expanding security state. We think it's time to tell them "NO" and take action to protect those rights.
If the new Defense Authorization bill passes it will actually authorize the military will to arrest US Citizens within the United States and hold them indefinitely without charge or trial in military prisons or try them before military courts without the protections guaranteed in the Bill of Rights.
Within a couple of days the U.S. Senate will vote on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 (NDAA) which was written and passed through committee in secret. It includes two sections which would change laws on military detention to authorize the military to imprison almost anyone without due process of law or any respect for their civil liberties, including Americans in foreign countries and those living in the United States. Those detained by the military under this law could be held indefinitely without charge or trial and they could end up in military courts instead of civilian courts.
The NDAA is almost certain to pass with strong bipartisan support. We don't have the votes to stop it, though some RLC endorsees like Sen. Rand Paul oppose many sections of the bill. It is likely that it will hit the Senate floor in the next few days with the backing of powerful Republicans like John McCain, who authored this unconstitutional expansion of military authority, who will be pushing to pass it without revision.
You may think that this sort of insane legislation which totally undermines our Constitutionally protected rights can't be real. You may find it hard to believe that most Republicans are supporting it. You may not think this could happen in your America. Yet this outrage is entirely real. I urge you to read the contents of S.1867 (PDF), particularly sections 1031 and 1032, and see for yourself.
While the RLC also objects to other aspects of this bill, we probably can't stop the entire bill from passing, but there is at least a way to oppose these particularly horrendous provisions and get them removed from the bill. Senator Mark Udall has offered an amendment (#1107) which would strike sections 1031 and 1032 and protect our rights.
Please urge your Senators to protect our rights and the Constitution and oppose sections 1031 and 1032 of the Defense Authorization bill by voting for the Udall Amendment.
You can do this by using the email form on our website.
If you're as concerned as I am about the direction our country is going and want to change our government by electing Republicans who value liberty and won't sell out our rights in the name of security, please take this opportunity to donate to the RLC or at least renew your membership.
Thank you for standing up for liberty.
Dave Nalle
Chairman, Republican Liberty Caucus
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Friday, November 25, 2011
Fw: What Cuts?
Dear Liberty Activist, If you missed Tuesday night’s debate on CNN, there’s something you need to know. All seven of my opponents stood up on stage and applauded Big Government - asked for more of it, in fact. So your choice is clear. With just over five weeks left until voters begin going to the polls, if you want a President who will FIGHT for less government and lower spending, then I must ask for your support right away. You see, Newt Gingrich – who previously warned of the dangers of the Patriot Act - now wants it expanded. He wants amnesty, too – to keep American citizens footing the bill for government services for illegal immigrants. The others were falling all over themselves to launch more undeclared TRILLION-dollar wars on Iran, or perhaps Pakistan, or maybe even Syria. Of course, they all want more military spending, even though we’re already spending almost one TRILLION dollars per year – an amount nearly equal to what the entire rest of the world spends! But that certainly hasn’t stopped the chicken-little stories from my opponents about supposed “defense cuts”! Even Mitt Romney tried to pull the wool over our eyes. I set him straight. NOTHING is being cut in Washington. PERIOD. Believe me, I’ve tried! All Congress is arguing about is how much to increase spending. But when hundreds of billions of dollars just aren’t “enough” for my opponents’ favorite agencies, their answer is to howl in pain. Liberty Activist, isn’t this the game the liberals play? I guess we’ve learned to expect as much over the years from them. But isn’t it downright disgusting when Republican candidates for President stoop to that level? After all, we’re over $15 TRILLION in debt. When are my opponents going to get serious? Unfortunately, that’s exactly what’s lacking in these debates so far – seriousness. And that’s why the establishment of BOTH parties is so scared of me. You see, they know I am serious about balancing the budget in three years. They know I will cut ONE TRILLION in spending my first year. And they know NONE of their sacred cows are safe. If we don’t need it or can’t afford it, it doesn’t matter what department of government we’re talking about. Sure, the establishment will scream and holler that we need MORE money to keep our country safe. But the simple fact is, if we had a constitutional foreign policy – and if we stopped nation-building and policing the world - our nation would be much safer and spend much LESS money at the same time. Our troops understand that fact. That’s why I’ve received more money from members of the military than all of my Republican opponents COMBINED. But sadly, my establishment opponents just don’t seem to get it. They want more spending, more government, and more debt. You and I both know we can’t afford politics as usual any longer. You and I both know maintaining the big spending, Big Government status quo will only lead to our nation’s ruin. But I’m the ONE candidate who is serious about fixing our problems. I’m the ONE candidate who will change our foreign policy to strengthen our national defense while ending these wars. I’m the ONE candidate who will fight to end welfare to illegal immigrants AND secure our border. And I’m the ONE candidate who will take power BACK from government, not scream to give more to it. But I must be able to count on your generous financial support if I’m going to win the Republican nomination. My campaign is in crunch time right now. As I mentioned, it’s just over five weeks until voters start going to the caucuses and polls to begin selecting the next Republican nominee for President. In these final weeks, my campaign is launching an all-out voter contact blitz with TV ads, direct mail, and boots on the ground in both Iowa and New Hampshire. With polls showing me statistically tied for first in Iowa and clearly in second in New Hampshire, you and I must make our big push right now. So please make your most generous contribution TODAY to my campaign. Whatever you can give, I’ll put to IMMEDIATE use getting my message of liberty to the voters. We’re so close. I believe the time is right, and you and I have the message to win. So please make your most generous contribution TODAY! Together, we can Restore America Now! For Liberty, Ron Paul P.S. Every one of my opponents during Tuesday night’s debate was demanding more government. Some are even falsely claiming military spending is being cut! But the only thing being debated in Washington, D.C. right now is how fast spending will increase! I’m the only candidate in this race who is serious about cutting spending. And if we don’t need it or can’t afford it, it doesn’t matter what department it’s in. But with just over five weeks left until voters begin going to the polls, I must be able to count on your financial support if I’m going to win the Republican nomination for President. So please contribute whatever you are able TODAY! |
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Fw: How Will We Answer Them?
Dear Liberty Activist, After last night's debate, The Drudge Report ran with the headline "Paul's Time to Rise?" Frankly, the answer to that question is up to us. I hope Dr. Paul can count on you to make your most generous contribution toward our efforts right away. Since Ron Paul announced he was running, this campaign has been working hard to put the Champion of the Constitution in the White House. Thanks to your support, we've bypassed the media blackout by sending millions of pieces of direct mail, making thousands of phone calls, running top-notch ads, installing seasoned professionals in key primary and caucus states, and doing everything else we can to take Dr. Paul's message directly to the American people. Now, the moment we have been building toward is here. Recent polls have revealed Ron Paul to be in a statistical tie for first place in Iowa and solidly in second place in New Hampshire. Every day, our campaign is adding more supporters, as staff and volunteers reach out to their family, friends, and neighbors about Ron Paul’s unmatched record of consistent conservative leadership. Last night's debate once again showcased why so many Americans are sending Ron Paul to the front of the race. It's clear he is the only candidate who understands the true nature of the threats facing America and recognizes how deeply our debt crisis threatens our national security, our economic future, and the kind of country we will leave to our kids and grandkids. It's also clear that Ron Paul is the only candidate with the proven track record of addressing these challenges with the solutions found in freedom. As the other candidates voiced their support for more out-of-control spending on nation-building boondoggles and attacking our civil liberties through the misnamed "Patriot" Act, Ron Paul stood for a common-sense national defense that will leave our country strong, secure, and respected. With the establishment on their side, you can be sure the other candidates will continue to spread their views far and wide. But how strongly our campaign can respond to their attacks and continue to contact millions of Americans with the truth about Dr. Paul's message depends on you. Please make your most generous contribution right away. What we have accomplished so far has rocked the political establishment. They thought for sure that their blackout would leave us discouraged and out of the running. Instead, it's only further fueled our determination to win. Undecided voters and those previously supporting other candidates are now taking a deeper look at Ron Paul, and it's critical we have every resource necessary to reach as many of them as possible. We know Ron Paul is the only one with a serious plan to cut spending by $1 TRILLION in the first year of his presidency and deliver a fully balanced budget by year three. We know Ron Paul is the only one who understands how the Federal Reserve has destroyed our economy and who will put a stop to its outrageous, secretive actions. We know Ron Paul is the one who enjoys the most support from active duty servicemen and women – more, in fact, than all of his opponents combined! We know Ron Paul is the man this country needs to return to prosperity. But now many are wondering if this is his time. If voters are finally ready for the message of freedom. And if we can rise to the challenge and do what it takes to put Ron Paul in the White House. How history will record that we answered those questions depends on the actions we're willing to take today. Please, click here to contribute whatever you are able to the Ron Paul campaign. Every dollar – whether $1,000, $100, or $10 – will go toward finishing this race in victory! I hope Ron Paul can count on you today. For Liberty, John Tate Campaign Manager P.S. Ron Paul is on the rise, and now undecided voters and those who previously supported other candidates are taking a deeper look at our campaign. Many are asking if this movement can rise to the challenge and seize on our momentum. How history will record we answered them depends on the actions we're willing to take today. Please, click here to donate whatever you are able so we can continue to reach millions of Americans with Ron Paul's message of freedom and WIN this race! |
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Fwd: True Patriots
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: John Tate
Date: Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Dear Liberty Activist,
I could hardly believe what I was hearing.
It all started with Newt Gingrich's flip-flop on the so-called "Patriot" Act.
In the past, Newt Gingrich has admitted just how dangerous this bill is – but during tonight's debate, Speaker Gingrich took it as an opportunity to go on the attack.
Liberty Activist, these attacks are going to keep coming.
There's no way around it.
That's why I'm hoping I can count on your most generous contribution IMMEDIATELY.
The truth is, our country is over $15 TRILLION in debt - but EVERY Republican candidate but one during tonight's debate was champing at the bit to launch another trillion-dollar war . . .
On Iran perhaps. Or maybe Pakistan. Or even Syria.
Will their "war at any cost" madness ever end?
But perhaps the most maddening thing is the constant attacks on Ron Paul by his establishment opponents. Why?
*** For fighting for the pro-AMERICAN, pro-troop, pro-taxpayer foreign policy advocated by the Founding Fathers;
*** For speaking out against policing the world and nation-building;
*** For admitting the so-called "Patriot" Act is unpatriotic;
*** For DEMANDING our federal government follow the Constitution by getting proper congressional authorization before going to war;
*** For saying that if we must go to war, we should go with all the necessary tools for victory, win it, and COME HOME;
*** For daring to state that the federal government's targeting and killing of United States citizens without trial is ILLEGAL.
To most Americans, this is all common sense.
To our troops, it's the message they've been longing to hear.
Why else would Ron Paul have received more contributions than President Obama and all other Republican candidates for President COMBINED?
But to Ron Paul's establishment opponents, it's an opportunity to discredit the one candidate who advocates a strong national defense and a constitutional foreign policy.
And the truth is, I expect the attacks to come like never before.
Just consider the polls we've seen over the past several days.
Ron Paul is now clearly in second place in New Hampshire, and he is statistically tied for the lead in Iowa.
On the Sunday morning shows, much of the talk was about how Ron Paul was a real threat to win Iowa – and how he has now moved into the top tier.
The truth is, Ron Paul has been in the top tier for months - but it's just now that the establishment is realizing it.
That's why I expect Ron Paul to be attacked like never before in the coming weeks.
It's up to you and me to make sure we have the funds necessary to FIGHT BACK.
So can I count on you for your most generous contribution IMMEDIATELY?
Whether it's $100, $50, $25, or even $5, every single dollar will help our campaign recruit more volunteers, reach millions of more voters, and ensure the success of our get-out-the-vote strategy on Election Day.
I know the campaign has asked a lot of you already this year.
And I know these are tough times for every American.
I also know that every dollar folks like you have given to this campaign thus far has been in the hopes that you and I would reach this moment.
But you and I both know the attacks are going to keep on coming just like they came tonight.
We MUST be prepared and ready to seize victory no matter what.
So please, make your most generous contribution TODAY!
Victory is within reach.
For Liberty,
John Tate
Campaign Manager
P.S. Once again, tonight's debate showcased that Ron Paul is the only Republican candidate advocating a strong national defense and a constitutional foreign policy.
But now that polls show Ron Paul statistically tied for first in Iowa and clearly in second in New Hampshire, the SMEARS are only going to keep coming.
So can I count on you for your most generous contribution IMMEDIATELY?
Whatever you can do will make a tremendous difference and help ensure we can get Dr. Paul's message to millions of more Americans as we march toward victory!
Http://www.ronpaul2012.com
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Sunday, November 20, 2011
Fwd: Benched for being a girl
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Shelby Knox, Change.org
Tell North Carolina schools: Let girls like Mina Johnson play football.
Mina Johnson is the first girl to play football for Southampton Academy in Virginia -- and she's a starter who racked up four sacks in a single game earlier this year.
But despite her talent, Mina was forced to sit out two games this football season because of a backwards rule: She wasn't allowed to play because she's a girl.
Football teams two rival schools threatened to forfeit their games against Southampton's Raiders if Mina played. Both teams are part of the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association, a conference that doesn't allow girls to play on boy's teams -- even if no equivalent team exists for girls.
Adrienne Smith and her teammates on the U.S. National Tackle Football team were appalled when they heard Mina's story. That's why they started a petition on Change.org demanding the conference change its policy to comply with Title IX and allow any capable girl to play football. Click here to sign their petition.
While boys still outnumber girls in high school sports, Title IX has helped level the playing field dramatically over the past 40 years. Researchers studying the regulation's impact have shown that girls who participate in sports are more active, do better in school, and go to college in higher numbers than girls who don't play sports. It's hard to imagine any school or conference would want to roll back that progress.
If enough people join Adrienne's campaign protesting the unfair treatment Mina received, the conference will have to change its policy -- allowing Mina to play against its teams next year, and making sports more accessible for girls across North Carolina.
According to her coach, Mina is "an example for the team of how to hustle and work hard." It's time for the North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association to support female student athletes like Mina, and let them play. Sign Adrienne's petition to keep the pressure on the conference:
http://www.change.org/petitions/north-carolina-independent-schools-athletic-association-honor-title-ix-and-allow-mina-johnson-to-play-football-at-her-school
Thanks for being a change-maker,
- Shelby and the Change.org team
P.S. People are taking action on important issues using Change.org everyday.
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