Sutherland Springs, Texas Mass Shooting – Could it have been prevented? Yes!

Just for the sake of identifying my topic, I will use his name (Devin Kelley).  I wish I had never heard it.  His very existence is an abomination, and an enduring stain on his family and anyone who ever called him friend.  Thankfully, he is dead.

I’ve written many times on my blog about ‘gun control’ and my feelings regarding same.  I feel that most who offer opinions on how to prevent incidents like what took place in Sutherland Springs, Texas are well meaning, but largely uninformed.

There are, of course, numerous elements in our society believed to have contributed to the nurturing and development of someone like a Devin Kelley.  You have heard them before.  Blame is ubiquitous in our society:  the media, gun control, lack of mental health services, traumatic childhood, violent movies and video games; even one might blame less than adequate law enforcement.

Nonetheless, based on my past career experience in federal law enforcement (FBI); local law enforcement (Sheriff’s Office); as a corporate security manager with a Fortune 100 company; and as a private investigator, I will put forth my opinion - my proposed solution - not a cure all, but an important step.

This country needs a 'national hotline.'  A place where citizens can anonymously report perceived or potential criminality and potentially dangerous individuals.  I propose that this ‘hotline’ be a division within the Department of Homeland Security and be staffed by properly trained operators available on a 24 hour basis.  This concept is quite commonly used in large corporations.  It could be implemented on a nationwide level.

How many times have you heard the incredibly clichéd, entirely useless comment?  “If you see something, tell someone.”  And who might that be:  The FBI?  The Bureau would probably cut you off before you got two sentences out – with the comment “contact your local police.”  The local police?  Good luck with that.  Overworked, chances are they would immediately write you off as a ‘nut,’ and attempt to placate you with:  “We’ll look into it.”

Listen, I’ve had a lot of experience dealing with all levels of law enforcement and if someone were to ask me:  “Who should I call?”  I would tell them that I have no good suggestions.  I mean you can try, but 99% of the time it will fall on deaf ears.

Probably the best way to report information is to write it up in some detail and mail it, return receipt requested.  Of course, you would not be anonymous – you’re walking out on a limb; but it kind of puts the locals or the Feds on the spot to take it somewhat seriously.  And, it should be understood that you expose yourself to possible danger (if the subject of your tip finds out) or a law suit (if you caused an innocent person to be placed under undue suspicion or actually caused them harm.)

That said, how will this national hotline work?  Well, the operators receiving calls (or it could be information anonymously received via email or regular post) would have to be extensively trained to sift through incoming information.  The FBI has made significant strides in ‘profiling’ and would necessarily be involved in the training process.  This would be the first line of analysis or filtration.

The subsequent step would involve a national record check to include all federal and state crimes as well as civil matters such as ‘restraining orders.’

Then social media would be searched.  There is information via the net on almost everyone at this point – as we all know or at least should know.  Why not use it?

And finally, any information evaluated as credible would be turned over to the FBI, or in some instances local law enforcement agencies, for follow-up.  Crank calls or repeat crank callers could be identified and filtered out through a data base.  Repeat offenders could be prosecuted in the same manner that bomb threats are evaluated and prosecuted.

The FBI would perhaps require some expanded authority or additional personnel to handle credible information regarding aggravated situations or threats.

We have all this technology available.  All this information available.  Why not use it to prevent some of these tragic incidents?

Would it or could it have prevented the Las Vegas shooting?  I don’t know.  It might have.

Would it or could it have prevented the shooting in Sutherland Springs?  Almost certainly.

Would it or could it constitute an invasion of public privacy?  No.

Almost all of the potential information sources set forth above are now available to any good private investigator.  I can attest to that.

Some might say that the process would be overwhelming to available resources.  I do not agree.  Large companies with thousands of employees use ‘hot lines.’  They are not overwhelmed.  Generally large companies ‘outsource’ or contract for those services which would probably not be compatible with a government program.  However, if the government was serious, it could be done.  And, it would be undoubtedly productive.

True Nelson

Harvey Weinstein, Neil Goldschmidt et al

I don’t know if you saw the picture of Harvey Weinstein on the cover of Time Magazine’s October 23^rd issue - worse than the one depicted at right.  Maybe, Time Magazine's was just an especially bad picture.  Maybe, Harvey is not particularly photogenic.  Perhaps it was the lighting.  Let's hope so.  Most women's worst nightmare - considering the alleged circumstances.

Anyway, I do have a suggestion for Mr. Weinstein.  It kind of reminds me of the downfall and disgrace of one of Oregon’s premier politicians, Neil Goldschmidt.  So...  Harvey, how about taking your money and moving to France?

Goldschmidt was the Mayor of Portland, U.S. Secretary of Transportation in the Carter Administration, and was elected the 33^rd Governor of Oregon in 1986.

Goldschmidt was accused of (and he subsequently admitted in a rationalized sort of way) having an “affair,” as he described it, with a 13 year old girl – a friend of the family – which extended over several years.  Many prominent people, including the future Sheriff of Multnomah County (Bernie Giusto) knew of the abuse early on.

Furthermore, the abuse by Goldschmidt was reportedly well known in political circles.  But, you understand, Goldschmidt was a ‘high roller,’ ‘a rising star’ and it just made sense for many to keep their mouths shut to protect their careers.

Neil’s ‘indiscretion,’ all came out in the end, documented in articles in the Willamette Week newspaper – a local weekly publication.

Nigel Jaquis, a Willamette Week reporter, based on rumors, followed up on the story years later; and subsequently won a Pulitzer Prize for ‘investigative journalism.’  This was several years after the abuse had ended.  And, Elizabeth (the victim) at that point, well into adulthood, cooperated with the reporter.  She advised that Goldschmidt had paid her money to keep quiet.  She named people who knew. Everything unraveled.

Sadly, Elizabeth later drifted into alcohol and drug abuse and died at a young age.  The ‘statute of limitations’ protected Goldschmidt from prosecution.

I understand Goldschmidt (maybe I’m wrong) moved to France and established a residence there.  Now in his late 70’s, he is financially well off and basically keeping a low profile.

The bottom line is that there is nothing particularly new in Harvey Weinstein’s situation (that's Hollywood); and this could also be said about politics.  Does anyone remember William Jefferson Clinton?

Could it be that a principal, inexcusable wrong was that those other than the immediate victims, accessories so to speak, kept quiet to protect their own butts?

True Nelson

Union Soldiers / African Americans / Taking a Knee / NFL

I’m very disappointed that professional and other athletes feel they can and will make a ‘political statement’ by dishonoring the flag; and choosing to ‘take a knee’ during the playing of the National Anthem and the raising of the American flag.

I was wondering if any of these athletes, many of whom are African Americans, have ever read anything about the Civil War – the war to preserve the Union and to free the slaves.  If so, did they happen to note and perhaps think about the Union flag bearers, often unarmed, who were given the ‘great honor’ of carrying the American flag during an attack, knowing they would face almost certain death?

The flag bearers at the front of the assault were a principal target for the Confederate soldiers.  When one of the Union flag bearers was mortally wounded another soldier would grab the flag before it hit the ground, carry it high until he too was shot; and then another and another.

Moreover, regiments, made up mostly of African Americans and former slaves, played a significant role in the defeat of the Confederate Army.  They too charged into a rain of enemy fire proudly carrying the American flag.

What would they think of us now?

True Nelson

Charlottesville, Virginia Violence & Law Enforcement's Ineffective Response / Confederate Monuments - what next?

I’m not sure that I have a vested interest in the current turmoil in Charlottesville, Virginia and the follow-up movements for the destruction of any monuments, plaques– any reference really – associated with the Confederate Army.  I live in the West where to my knowledge the Civil War and those who fought in that war are not given a whole lot of thought unless you have a particular interest in the history of the Civil War – the outcome, the unimaginable suffering and the courage by both the Southern and Northern soldiers. 

Now, it appears that serious (I suppose) individuals are advocating the same destructive treatment to historical memorials dedicated to anyone who owned slaves - including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.  Regardless of the great contributions to our country by individuals such as Washington and Jefferson – it now seems they must be historically diminished and/or forgotten – due to their slave ownership.

I’d just like to make a couple of comments.  I don’t usually buy-into conspiracy theories; but I think the current uproar, demonstrations (and yes violence) on both sides is not entirely spontaneous.  There are organizing factions pushing this; and it is dividing the country.  There doesn’t seem to be any middle ground for those willing to compromise.  So who is pushing this and why?

Well, of course – as usual – it's those with something to gain.  The ‘usual suspects’ come to mind:  manipulative politicians and wealthy people in the position to make even more money, as well as organizations that profit from donations – no matter how unworthy those organizations might be.  And, to my mind, there is a faction that has the sole purpose of destroying or greatly weakening the Constitution and the rights guaranteed therein.  How often have we heard liberal judges opining that the U.S. Constitution is a ‘living document’ and needs to be interpreted / changed as time passes and as they (judges) feel appropriate?  That said…

Here are some facts:

• Most Confederate soldiers never owned slaves.  They were forced to leave their families and farms to fight a war that was purportedly about States' Rights (a concept few common soldiers understood).
• Tens of thousands of Union soldiers died to preserve the Union and to free the slaves.
• Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation.
• Appomattox 1865:  General Grant could have had Robert E. Lee hanged – and General Lee anticipated that would happen.  But Grant was wise enough to let the Southern soldiers return home with a horse (if they owned one), a rifle for hunting; and, more importantly, with a modicum of pride.
• In our present day, great strides have been made – such as affirmative action – to right wrongs and discrimination against African Americans, discrimination that continued well into the 1970s.  The treatment Blacks received was shameful.  However, isn’t it interesting that most of the discrimination and bad treatment of African Americans was at the hands of Democrats in the South.  Now, they (present day Democrats) would like us to believe that they are pure of heart and without blame; but it is they that perpetuated the worst forms of discrimination well after the Civil War was over.  So, if I might, lets just speculate that modern-day Democratic politicians see the latest controversy over the Civil War memorials and those who owned slaves in the distant past as a way to regain, cement, lockup, the political support from the Black community.  And, it seems to be working.
• No American, living today, was ever a slave - or ever owned a slave.
• Historically, many other nationalities were once enslaved, in the United States, as indentured servants.
• The FBI has had entire squads working White Extremist matters for decades; and almost certainly they have developed informants within the current ‘hate groups.’  Neo-Nazis have no place in American society.

Finally, the local law enforcement response to the brawling and rioting which occurred in Charlottesville was disgraceful.  Law enforcement seemed to merely standby as those two groups went at it with clubs.

Local law enforcement’s ineffective actions to take charge, including failure to use crowd dispersal techniques such as ‘tear gas,’ must share some responsibility for the violence, injuries and the death (Heather Heyer, age 32).  Law enforcement and City officials are trying to spin it otherwise; but watching what occurred on television, it seemed pretty clear that city and county law enforcement were either impotent or ordered to ‘stand down.’

 True Nelson

Donald Trump Jr. / Natalia Veselnitskaya / Sergei Magnitsky / The U.S. Magnitsky Act / What’s all this about?

Sergei Magnitsky
1972 - 2009

Unless you’ve been on vacation at the North Pole, you’ve been bombarded daily with news and opinions about Donald Trump Jr. (The President’s son) having a meeting (weeks before the Presidential Election) with a Russian Attorney (possible operative) representing (allegedly) the Russian Government and indirectly Vladimir Putin.

Well, let’s just say that Donald Trump Jr. kind of stepped in it when he agreed to meet with Natalia Veselnitskaya.  She apparently teased Junior with the claim that she and ‘the Russians’ had ‘dirt’ on Hillary Clinton.  He reportedly responded in an email with “I love it.”  Now, one would normally think that Junior would be smarter than that and, perhaps, considering the circumstances, use more grown-up terms in his emails, but…

Anyway, Natalia had nothing on Hillary other than what she might have read in the National Inquirer.

Nonetheless, Natalia did have a pitch to make to Junior; and it concerned the Magnitsky Act.  I know you’ve heard this term bantered-about recently, but most have no idea who Magnitsky is/was or what he has to do with the ‘Act’; a law passed by the U.S. Congress.  Apparently, Putin hates this law, and in particular the name.  After the law passed, Putin retaliated by prohibiting Americans from adopting Russian orphans – even some children already in the pipeline for adoption.

The U.S. law (Magnitsky Act) bans numerous Russian officials and various Russian oligarchs from entering the U.S.  Also, as I understand it, a lot of Russian money held in the American banking system was ‘frozen.’

The purpose of the law was in retaliation for the inhumane and barbaric treatment, and the ultimate death, of Sergei Magnitsky in a Russian prison.

Sergei Magnitsky was a Russian attorney and auditor who reportedly uncovered ‘State’ sponsored theft that benefited Vladimir Putin and some of his close associates.  We are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars.

Well, Putin et al took this unkindly – as you might imagine.  Magnitsky was imprisoned and died under the most difficult and abusive conditions imaginable.

There is a longer story to all of this which was exposed in a very good book Red Notice; authored by Bill Browder.  The book gives you some insight into Putin’s Russia and the Russian prison system.  Not pretty – think North Korean not pretty.

True Nelson

Vist my blog to see numerous other posts that  you might find interesting.

FBI Special Agent Joseph Astarita indicted on federal charges related to the killing of Robert “Lavoy” Finicum – Illegal Occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. (Part 2 / Conclusion)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) is the focal point, the head of the spear, for the FBI’s Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG).  CIRG was formed after I left the Bureau and I don’t have any first-hand knowledge of its inner-workings.  However, said Group incorporates many different areas of expertise:  hostage negotiations, demolitions, in addition to HRT.

HRT Training is extremely difficult.  The process, a few years back, required potential applicants for HRT training to have at least three years as a ‘street Agent,’ involved in working cases, writing reports, and occasionally being participants in arrest situations.  CIRG had difficulty getting the necessary numbers and applicant quality required for HRT.  Now CIRG has changed (not lowered) the requirement to two years on the ‘street’ as an Agent – and they have begun to recruit military type individuals like Navy SEALS, Army Rangers and other Special Ops veterans.

Which brings me to W. Joseph Astarita, the FBI Agent under indictment.  As far as I know, his background and experience is not known – but we can assume his HRT training has been extensive.

I will get right to the point.  Agent Astarita might have violated some obscure element of the FBI’s ‘rules of engagement’ when he fired his weapon at the car containing Finicum and the others.  But let us remember that the driver of the car (Finicum) was attempting to evade law enforcement and his vehicle was approaching; at a high speed, a roadblock – behind which law enforcement officers were standing.

Question:  Why were law enforcement personnel standing behind a roadblock (consisting of parked vehicles) with a suspect vehicle barreling toward them at a high rate of speed?  Why not stand off to the side?  Or behind a tree?  The video showed one Agent jumping from behind the road block as Finicum’s car appeared to be on course to crash into the road block.  This Agent almost made a fatal mistake in that Finicum decided to plow his automobile through the snow attempting to go around the law enforcement vehicles.  The snow stopped the car, whereupon Finicum jumped out.

Depending where Astarita was standing at the time, he could have well believed that his life or the lives of others were in danger – warranting efforts to stop the car.  Yes, I know there were ‘innocent’ passengers in Finicum vehicle, but that doesn’t change the decision process.

Let’s just say that Astarita, with all of his extensive training, was a little ‘trigger happy.’  I don’t happen to believe that, but let’s consider it for the sake of argument.  And, in shooting, in some way, he had violated an FBI rule.

Did he contribute to the ultimate death of Finicum?  That’s really a stretch, but one could say that Astarita’s shots raised the tension among law enforcement personnel at the scene, which contributed to lethal action - when the OSP officer ultimately shot Finicum.  I don’t buy this, but this concept will undoubtedly be trotted out in the civil suit.

After shots were fired, Astarita picked up his spent cartridges, apparently doubting his personal judgment in firing at the car driven by Finicum - and then attempted to conceal the fact.  This defies common sense – not the picking up of spent cartridges part – he may not have wanted to litter.  (Yes, yes, stated with tongue in cheek.)  But the part where he lied about it.  Why would he do that?

There are a couple of possible answers that come to mind.  Members of HRT are allegedly trained to the point of perceived perfection.  And, consequently I imagine they are inordinately sensitive about their image and reputations.

Astarita might have fired accidentally, which might explain why one bullet missed Finicum’s car completely, and one bullet creased the roof of the car.  If he, in the throes of understandable stress, accidentally pulled the trigger and/or missed the target he intended to hit, he might have been embarrassed enough to attempt to conceal the fact.  The FBI's administration would have subsequently asked:  Why did you fire your weapon?  And, if justified as you say, why did you miss your target after we’ve spent all this time training you?

Or perhaps:  There was a Team Leader with the HRT, presumably not Astarita; and that said team leader told his men not to fire until he gave the word.  Astarita jumped the gun (so to speak), and consequently felt he violated the Team Leader’s orders.

On a HRT, not following directives, would be a bigger offense than an outsider might first think.  Following orders is absolutely imperative to a high-speed organization like HRT.  No free-lancing is allowed under most circumstances.

Astarita’s big mistake, that will undoubtedly cost him his job, is that he lied.  And, furthermore, continued to lie after being placed under ‘oath.’  The FBI has no place for personnel that lie under ‘oath.’  Said individual can no longer testify in court without their credibility being immediately challenged.

If convicted should Astarita be sentenced to jail or prison time?  I don’t think so.  His lie compromised or injured no one other than himself – and he will probably regret his decision for the rest of his life.

What remains unanswerable at this point is whether or not some of the other HRT members also lied to protect Astarita?  I hope not.

True Nelson

True Nelson

To visit my blog and many previous posts on various subjects, go to:

trueattrue.blogspot.com

FBI Special Agent Joseph Astarita indicted on federal charges related to the killing of Robert “Lavoy” Finicum – Illegal Occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

W. Joseph Astarita, a member of the FBI’s vaunted Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) has been indicted on multiple counts for ‘Making False Statements’ and ‘Obstruction of Justice,’ relevant to the killing of Robert “Lavoy” Finicum.

The incident is beginning to fade from public memory, but occurred when Finicum attempted to evade a law enforcement roadblock. It’s been more than a year - the illegal occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Burns, Oregon.  Finicum was shot and killed by an Oregon State Police Officer when he (Finicum) exited his vehicle and attempted to reach for a holstered gun – as was alleged and seemed to be convincingly portrayed on a video.

Years back, when I was a young Agent, the FBI realized that they required a force of Agents better suited and trained to deal with particularly dangerous situations.  I was one of the first Agents from my division to be selected for, what was called at the time, SWAT training.

As I recall initial preference in selection was given to former military types who volunteered; but additionally they would be required to pass a very intense physical test.  It included, but was not limited to, a two mile run, shooting and what they called ‘gladiator skills.’

Gladiator Skills consisted of a large ring, maybe 25 feet in diameter, holding two teams of five each.  The teams were required to sit back to back in the center of the ring.  When the instructor gave the signal, the fight was on.  The object was to continue fighting until one team had dragged or thrown every member of the opposing team out of the ring.  There were no particular rules.  However, for the most part, members on the opposing team were associates, even friends, so it was mostly wrestling and pushing.

As one of the bigger guys on my assigned team, I was back to back with a former collegiate football player.  So, my thought was that this is not going to go well, and would almost certainly be over rather quickly.  And, actually it was.  They blew the whistle and we all jumped up.  I backed away weighing my next incredibly inadequate move on this guy.  He came at me as if to tackle me or push me out of the ring.  Hitting me in the stomach with his shoulder, I was able to momentarily lift him off his feet and turn.  Surprisingly during this process, he stepped out of bounds; and an instructor called him “out.”  The instructor laughed like he couldn’t believe what had just happened.  It couldn’t have been more than five or ten seconds.

I was selected for one of the SWAT teams and later sent to Quantico to endure two weeks of very difficult and demanding training – lots of running, obstacle courses, orienteering, shooting, as well as all manner of physical hell.

I did excel at one test – swimming.  I had been on the swimming team in high school and always loved to swim.  It was only 100 meters (a fifty meter pool, once up and once back) – not a big deal – I first thought.  There were four or five teams from around the country.  All team members would start at the same time.  To win this particular contest, and everything was a competition between the SWAT teams, the entire team had to finish.  My team leader, who had been raised in Texas was a heck of a guy, but not a very good swimmer – an understatement.  He told me he had done all of his swimming in a ‘horse trough’ – jokingly of course; but I could see he was shaking.  The instructor yelled, “If any of you sissies feel like you might drown during the swim, you can wear a life jacket.”  Sissy or not, my team leader decided to wear the life jacket, as did maybe six or seven others.

There were a couple of additional little tweaks to the competition.  We were required to put on a fatigue shirt and pants over our swim suits.  Additionally we were required to swim the 100 meters with a shotgun attached to a strap around our necks.  Surprisingly, if you kept your head down in the water, breathing with every other stroke, the shotgun didn’t seem like that big of a deal.  The fatigues were another matter.  Nonetheless, I managed to finish first.

I was then able to take off the shotgun and fatigues and dive back in the pool to assist my team leader who, at that point, reminded me of a wounded duck, thrashing away, and making little progress.  I got a hold of him and pulled while he kicked.  Dragging his exhausted body out of the pool, one of the instructors said, “Way to go big fella.”  It made my day.  The training mission, throughout the two weeks, was to act as a team; that together the team would be stronger than the sum of any five individuals.  Team effort and spirit were often praised.

If you passed and most did, you went back to your division to continue your training; and to be utilized in the more dangerous assignments.

The point here is that, if SWAT training in my era was the equivalent of grade school or junior high, the modern HRT members are college graduates.

To be continued…

True Nelson

To visit my blog and many previous posts on various subjects, go to:  TrueNelson

Jeremy Joseph Christian murders two men and injures one on a MAX Train in Portland, Oregon.

Much has been written and reported about the Friday murders on a Portland MAX (Metropolitan Area Express) commuter train.  I have some thoughts from a law enforcement perspective.

Let’s be clear, I was not on the train.  I have no firsthand knowledge of how the incident evolved.  As I understand it…

It was a busy commuter train loaded with passengers – about 4:30PM.  Jeremy Christian was causing a disturbance.  He was loud and erratic – screaming abusive language like:  “colored people are ruining the city.”  He then seemed to turn his wrath on two young women, who he perceived to be Muslim.

Passengers, three men, attempted to intervene, trying to calm Christian down, stating that he should sit down and leave the train at the next stop.  The situation escalated quickly.  Christian pulled a knife, slashing out, ultimately killing two of the men and injuring another.  Christian then jumped off the train at the next station.  He was quickly apprehended by law enforcement.

The citizens who confronted Christian are praised as heroes.  And without doubt, their efforts to neutralize a bad situation were heroic.  However, from a perspective of a former FBI Firearms and police instructor, their actions were perhaps ill-advised.  This is not meant as criticism.  The men showed bravery.  Their intentions were noble.  I will explain my reservations.

The men, probably due to the noise and confined space on the train, approached Christian too closely and attempted to reason with him.  Christian was manic, apparently deranged and possibly under the influence of drugs.  The men’s approach made him feel diminished and ‘trapped.’

Experienced law enforcement officers know that people like Christian are not easily ‘talked down,’ especially when they have an audience.  Police recognize that someone like Christian is extremely dangerous, and they would give themselves space to maneuver – unless a situation demands otherwise.  A uniformed officer probably would have talked to Christian from five to ten feet and encouraged him to step off the train at the next stop so that they could discuss it; being careful that Christian would not perceive the situation as ‘losing face.’  At that point, an arrest could be made without endangering other passengers.

As an FBI Agent, I carried a gun on duty and off duty for several years.  If I had been on the MAX train during this incident, I would not have approached Christian.  As any citizen should, I would have called 911 advised them of the situation, asked the police to meet us at the next stop.

What would Christian have done if I had approached him, showed my FBI credentials, and told him to sit down and be quiet?  Probably, the situation would have gone from bad to worse.  Now, if he had been brandishing a knife and threatening to harm other passengers that would be a very different situation and could have, probably would have, warranted lethal force.

True Nelson

 

FBI Director James Comey; His Termination; Justified: Yes

I have some comments regarding the sudden termination of James Comey, FBI Director.  It seemed pretty clear that Director Comey had to go.  I do not, however, agree with the manner in which he was given his walking papers.  Ham-fisted.  You just don’t treat people that way.  But the President just doesn’t seem to get it.

I understand why a President, any President, under the given circumstances, would have ‘fired’ Comey.  The Director seems to have let his ego overwhelm his judgement.  I listened to all of his recent testimony before the Senate Committee; and it made me cringe.  He was loving the limelight, basking in the attention.  It was too obvious.  His statement, in consideration that he might have influenced the Presidential election in some way, had made him “mildly nauseous,” well he made me mildly nauseous.  An FBI Director simply does not talk that way.  My opinion.

Now, I must say that Comey, as I understand it, was fairly well liked in the Bureau.  Generally speaking, most who have worked with him consider him to be a good and decent man – intelligent, personable, and well versed in the law.  But those qualities do not necessarily make a good Director of the FBI.

His inevitable downfall began with his ‘prosecutive opinion’ regarding Hillary Clinton.  At that point, he apparently decided to assert his primacy over the Attorney General’s Office which is, theoretically at least, his superior.  His determination that Hillary Clinton should not be prosecuted – after describing in some detail how she was undoubtedly in violation of Federal Law – was something of a shock to those who have worked in federal law enforcement.  He stated that there was no indication of “intent.’  When the relevant statutes protecting classified information do not, for the most part, require establishing ‘intent.’  Hillary Clinton violated the law – pure and simple.  Comey should have turned that information over to the Department of Justice for them to make the decision as to whether or not they were willing to prosecute, and if not why not.

Summation:  Hillary Clinton was either ‘off the chart’ ignorant of how to handle classified information, or she purposely defied the law – feeling, I suppose, that she was above the mundanity of such laws.  I believe the latter.

After exonerating her, Comey was later trapped attempting to explain to Congress and the American public why the FBI had to reopen the investigation of Hillary, and her errant emails, right before the Presidential election.  The Weiner computer.  Whoops.  Last straw.

And, what was the genesis of all this?  Well, of course, it was the private meeting of the Master Manipulator Bill Clinton and Attorney General Loretta Lynch on the tarmac where, according to Lynch, they discussed grandchildren and golf.  How stupid do they think we are?

Sorry Mr. Comey but you allowed yourself to become collateral damage of that meeting.  It’s best that you move on.

True Nelson

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge 'Takeover' / Second Trial Convictions / My Thoughts

I’ve always had this tendency to bristle whenever someone, who has never been in law enforcement or worked in the judicial system, lays that old saw on me:  Justice isn’t always just.  But, of course, they’re right.  It’s sort of a bitter pill to swallow when you’ve dedicated a portion of your life to that profession.

Nonetheless, this brings me to the article by Maxine Bernstein in The Oregonian (March 12, 2017) –“Prosecutors Reflect on Refuge Takeover Trials.”  This article pertains to the second trial in the unlawful takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Harney County, Oregon by ‘armed occupiers.’

The ‘occupation,’ the ‘armed standoff,’ began in January of 2016; and ended with one of the ‘occupiers’ being shot and killed by Oregon State Police.  There was, as noted, an earlier trial of the principals, the leadership, in that stand-off.  All the defendants in the first trial (Ammon Bundy et al) were acquitted.

Ms. Bernstein asked U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams – why the U.S. Attorney’s office pursued a second trial of lesser involved defendants when the first trial of the leadership ended in acquittals.

Williams said that the “decision to continue to pursue felony conspiracy charges against the lesser-known defendants, after last fall’s acquittal of occupation leader Ammon Bundy and six other key figures, was made between his office and Justice officials.”

And you might ask:  What’s the motivations behind that decision?  Well, there are a couple of possible explanations.

1. An ‘occupier,’ Robert ‘LaVoy’ Finicum was killed during the ‘stop’ by Oregon State Police and the FBI.  Finicum’s wife is suing the Federal government charging ‘excessive force and wrongful death,’ among other things.  She is asking for $5 million in damages for herself and for each of her 12 children.  Federal lawyers do not want to go into court and attempt to fight those charges when no one was actually convicted of a crime - principally the big seven leaders of the ‘occupation.’  It was imperative, therefore, that the government win at least some convictions and be able to trot-out some actual evidence of criminal behavior, even if those persons convicted played more minor roles.
2. Furthermore, the U.S. Attorney’s office admitted that the acquittals in the first trial (the big seven) was an “excruciating” defeat.  And, there could be an element of ‘saving face’ involved for the U.S. Attorney, the Department of Justice in D.C., and the FBI.
3. The U.S. Attorney might also allude to a responsibility for pursuing prosecutions that are owed to the citizens of Burns and Harney County who were inconvenienced in many ways.  But, I don’t think that aspect was given much weight.

When Williams was additionally asked how he accepted the two significantly different trial verdicts, he responded that, “It takes two different juries evaluating the evidence and testimony and making different conclusions.  Sometimes, that’s how this system works.’’  No mention was made that the original defendants were ‘overly charged with complex crimes,’ which seemed to turn the trial into a nuanced exercise that the jury did not find understandable or compelling.

But, to many of us, the conclusion is that:  Justice is not always just.

The following from Ms. Bernstein’s article:

Felony charges recently adjudicated in the second trial:

• Conspiracy to impede employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the BLM from doing their work at the refuge through intimidation, threat or force.
• Possessing a firearm in a federal facility.
• Depredation of government property.  (This was interesting.  I thought I was fairly familiar with federal violations investigated by the FBI, but I’d never heard of anything like “Depredation.”  I had to look up the word in the dictionary and found...  “An attack involving plunder and pillage.”  Wow, how would you like that on your rap sheet?)

Trial Decision Results:

• Jason S. Patrick, age 43:  Conspiracy – Guilty; Firearms – Not Guilty.
• Darryl W. Thorn, age 32:  Conspiracy – Guilty; Firearms – Guilty.
• Duane L. Ehmer, age 46:  Conspiracy – Not Guilty; Depredation - Guilty
• Jake E. Ryan, age 28:  Conspiracy – Not Guilty; Depredation - Guilty

And so it goes…

True Nelson

PS:  For those who would like to read more blog posts on this subject concerning the early 'takeover' and shooting...

January 10, 2016

January 14, 2016

January 25, 2016

January 27, 2016

February 2, 2016

President Donald Trump accuses Barrack Obama administration of ‘bugging’ the offices of Candidate Trump prior to the Election

A very interesting development – explosive in a way – President Donald Trump has accused the Obama administration of placing a ‘wire-tap’ on the offices of candidate Donald Trump – weeks before the election.

In response, Barrack Obama has quickly and formally denied involvement in any such efforts – which could potentially be considered illegal.

But, don’t be too quick to dismiss this as a Trump fantasy.

It is conceivable that the Obama administration perceived or imagined Trump’s suspected involvement with the Russians was to undermine the election.  They (the Obama administration) directed a government agency to present their suspicions, via affidavit, to the FISA Court.  This is usually done by the FBI or the NSA – but could have been presented by the United States Attorney.  Permission could then have been granted by the court; and monitoring begun.

Furthermore, the wire-tap process would require the Court to advise, in writing, the ‘target’ ninety days after the program had been terminated.  The timing seems to fit.  This information could have been just now dropped in Trump’s lap.

If true, and we don’t know at this point, someone will almost certainly be 'thrown under the bus.'  Will it be FBI Director Comey or perhaps former Attorney General Loretta Lynch?

Obama will simply deny any knowledge and will have undoubtedly prepared a contingency plan.

FISA Court:  a U S court composed of a rotating panel of federal judges that sits in secrecy to review prosecutors' requests to wiretap telephones of suspected spies and terrorists and to conduct searches.

True Nelson

Multnomah County Deputies (Portland, OR) Seize Record Haul (100 pounds) of Methamphetamine

Interesting article:  The Oregonian (Portland Oregon’s daily newspaper; 2/24/17):

“Deputies seized nearly 100 pounds of methamphetamine worth more than $2 million from two homes in Portland and Gresham.”  Guns, heroin and $30,000 in cash were also seized.  Sounds like some darn good police work on the part of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.

Here’s where I have to be a little tactful – you know, in light of Portland’s Sanctuary City thing.  Nothing was mentioned in the newspaper article as to whether or not those arrested -  Alfredo Narcisco Pineda, Alejandro Lopez Gonzales or Celso Marroquin Benitez - were in the United States legally.

Yes, I’m aware that the Portland Area City and County officials would probably say that the citizenship of these three criminals (alleged) is none of the public's business and even to consider such a thing is blatantly racist.

OK, OK, I get it; but to continue…  Let’s see, how did the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office possibly crack this case?  Could it have had something to do with the arrest of Salvador Martinez-Perez, in mid-February, when his semi 'produce' truck ran in a ditch in Sherman County (North Central Oregon)?  And, 'lo and behold,' hidden among the bell peppers was a large quantity of meth, heroine, and cocaine valued in excess of $1 million – likely en route to Portland.  Could that have been a lead?

Oh yes, and incidentally, law enforcement did opine that it is likely, in view of the vast quantity of illegal drugs and other drug paraphernalia recovered in the recent arrests, that a Mexican drug cartel is probably involved.

But, let’s be open minded…

There are probably several possibilities how this might have transpired.  I will present two for your consideration:

1)  The four individuals, mentioned above, are here illegally, have close ties to a Mexican cartel; and perhaps were sent and settled into the Portland area due to the City’s ‘welcoming’ pronouncements by City leaders.

2)  The four individuals are citizens by birth or are perhaps “Dreamers,” by President Obama’s definition – and that said four were on a college sponsored field trip to Mexico, maybe a research / study type program, when they were inadvertently introduced to a Mexican drug cartel.

I know, it’s none of my business what brought these four to Portland and whether or not they are here legally, whether they have been deported before, or why they were here in Portland in the first place; but inquiring minds want to know.  I’d like to know.

The four, and perhaps others, were undoubtedly planning to dump this poison in our communities.  Shouldn’t we know these things?

If I was a betting man, I would bet serious money that…

True Nelson