Judge not, lest ye be judged

from thinkprogress.org

43 HOUSE MEMBERS SLAM JUSTICES SCALIA, THOMAS, AND ALITO FOR ETHICS SCANDALS | As ThinkProgress previously reported, Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT) circulated a letter calling upon the House Judiciary Committee’s leadership to hold a hearing his bill ending the Supreme Court’s immunity to key judicial ethics laws. Murphy’s bill is inspired by numerous recent ethics scandals involving the Court’s most conservative members:

There have been alarming reports of justices – most notably Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito – attending political events and using their position to fundraise for organizations. These activities would be prohibited if the justices were required to abide by the Judicial Conference Code of Conduct, which currently applies to all other federal judges. [...]

Recent revelations about Justice Thomas accepting tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of gifts from individuals and organizations who often have an interest in matters before the courts calls into question the Court’s impartiality. Canon 4D of the Code of Conduct incorporates regulations providing that “[a] judicial officer or employee shall not accept a gift from anyone who is seeking official action from or doing business with the court.” Yet Justice Thomas received a gift valued at $15,000 from an organization that had a brief pending before his Court at the very moment they gave him the gift. Incidents such as these undermine the integrity of the entire judiciary, and they should not be allowed to continue.

Forty-three Members of Congress have now joined Murphy’s call to end the Supreme Court’s ethics immunity.

Nexus - Leaving No Trees to Hug?

More trouble for (and caused by) Nexus...

From the Mille Lacs Messenger:

Norway Pine lawsuit in Onamia

I can't get enough of these "I told you so" moments, and Nexus keeps providing me with plenty to gab about. Back in 2007, when the OACRG (Onamia Area Citizens for Responsible Growth) was battling the Onamia City Council as they forced the Nexus juvenile sex offender institution into our unwillingly ANNEXED residential neighborhood (MN Stat. 462.357, AND spot zoning, etc.) we ... expressed concerns about several issues.

One of our concerns was about the environmental impact of building the Mille Lacs Academy in the dictated location. We debated at length about the Rum River, Lake Onamia, wetlands and woodlands.... including technical stuff... like alluvial soil... We even wrote and started to distribute a petition for an environmental impact study - but gave up after we found out that it would be the city council who would decide (and they already had decided that such studies such as environmental impact and traffic weren't necessary.... since they also already decided to represent the interests of the corporation and the rest of the world be damned.) But after we were totally ignored by the Onamia City Council (at the time - Mayor Larry Milton, and Councilmen Bob Mickus, Bill Hill, Jerome Kryzer, and Mark Loch), once again Nexus proved us right. Who can forget that big oil spill that cost Nexus some $33,000 of your tax dollars for Minnesota Polution Control Agency fines for violations? [See: Wetland impacts, oil spill at Nexus site and Stormwater violations from Onamia Nexus project reported by the Mille Lacs Messenger].

Of course, the harm to our environment was just one of our concerns. If you recall, we were bothered by several things; for instance - the lack of security and the large number of escaping sex offenders. Well, have you read the sheriff's reports lately? Yep. I told you so. We were very concerned about taxes going up as our property values plummeted (Yep. I told you so.) We were concerned about not being able to sell our homes should we wish to leave a community which robbed us of our constitutional rights - such as the right to vote and/or run for office... which we were denied in the city of Onamia. (Yep. I told you so. My home has been on the market for over three years. Two others that I know of haven't sold either.) The list of Nexus problems goes on and on, folks, including the havoc they have reeked upon my family by suing me twice. Check out the Mille Lacs News for information and links.

Sooooo..... you say..... Just another bunch of tree-huggers whining about "Progress". Well, my friends, in order to be "tree-huggers" one needs trees to hug. And according to reports, Nexus chopped down a bunch of trees belonging to Citizen Bill Konze that it had absolutely no rights to whatsoever. But why doesn't this surprise me? Nexus is what Nexus is... It does whatever it wants - to benefit its own exclusive higher-ups. And nobody dare say no. Or else!

To quote Bill Konze quoting someone else as he summed up the futility of our situation in 2007.... "The Golden Rule: He who has the gold, rules." Nexus certainly has plenty of "gold". Taxpayer gold... Investment gold. Personally, I think they should use all that money to do good things - like help poor troubled boys [Criminal sexual conduct charge for Nexus worker ], perhaps better screening of potential employees?, pay their GOOD workers a decent wage, contribute to the community they have taken over, compensate people they wrong, as well as pay up for their mistakes - instead of using it to pay lawyers to sue outspoken people like me, circumventation.... manipulation... to get out of paying what they owe. Nexus has proven itself to be a big, bad wolf. And who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Why - everyone is.

Well, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Good Neighbor Bill wins his lawsuit and gets a little of that gold to make up for at least some of the damages caused by the Nexus Corporation*. C'mon.... Certainly Nexus can't win ALL the time. Of course, money can't fix all ailments. It can't cure all the hurt. After the Mille Lacs County tax abatement meeting on December 4, 2007, Nexus CEO Jim D'Angelo scorned Konze with a snide "Game over. You lost." Nice, huh? What a sensitive guy... Well, perhaps the "game" isn't over yet.

Good luck, Bill.

*According to the article in the Mille Lacs Messenger, Konze is suing the City of Onamia for damages caused by Nexus while constructing the juvenile sex offender facility. As I understand it, Konze is not suing the Nexus Corporation itself. Which is probably wise.... since Nexus' lawyers are still busy with me....

Is it Just Justice Just InJust? You be the Judge.

Judge gets 28 years in 'kids for cash' case

One Nation with liberty and defamation for all

By now, everyone who reads me knows about former Nexus CEO Jim D'Angelo suing me because I called him "Poopsie" and said that he was "arrogant". And that Nexus board member Peter D. Freeman sued me because I embarrassed him when I said in a personal, confidential email that he was engaging in "unethical, immoral, and possibly even illegal" activities. (It wasn't defamation - it was my constitutionally protected opinion plus the truth. What he was involved with really is illegal*.) The Nexus Corporation sued me because after a zoning public hearing I used an idiom - saying that Nexus "got away with murder."

Now, for all of you who were so shocked and horrified by me - to the point where you think I deserved to be sued and harassed for four years, losing everything - my life savings, my music publishing business, my home, my community, my neighborhood, my friends, and my reputation - because I tried to do what I believed was the right thing to do (i.e. keep governmentally imposed sex offenders away from day care and vulnerable elderly widows and stand up for everyone's rights) here' a video for you to watch. (This means you too Victor... Marilyn? No, I don't suppose so...)

Now, please pay attention not only to the words of Bill Maher, but also to the words used in the discussion about his words. Everyone is bashing everyone - and it seems a bit worse than anything I ever said.... and keep in mind, I was trying to protect my family and save my neighborhood. Also, please take special note of the repeated use of the idiom "getting away with murder" - the exact specific phrase Nexus sued me for saying.

So do you still think I deserved to have my life ruined because I called poor D'Angelo "Poopsie"?

Should I have been judged the way I've been? Or alternatively, should Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachman sue Bill Maher? And should Bill Maher sue Sean Hannity and his two guests?

Why is Freedom of Speech a Constitutional Right for all American citizens - except for me? Hennepin County 4th District Court Judge Marilyn Brown Rosenbaum recently censored one of my articles - "No Blood on My Hands - Peter D. Freeman", ordering me to remove it from the Mille Lacs News, although there was no defamation in it. It was just an article to let you know what's going on with the lawsuits. Freeman said that simply by my writing about the lawsuit he himself instigated, he was embarrassed and therefore the article should be removed. What kind of person, let alone a judge would buy into that kind of crap? At this point, I will refrain from further comment.

Lots to think about... Lots to talk about... and, lots to write about...

*Minnesota Statute 462.357

Peter Freeman Wins His Battle AGAINST Free Speech

On July 7, 2011 Hennepin County 4th District Court Judge Marilyn Brown Rosenbaum granted Nexus Board Member Peter D. Freeman's injunction to compel the removal of an article written by Hannabelle about the court cases against her - specifically, the January 22, 2010 article "No Blood On My Hands". The article contained absolutely no defamation. It was simply an explanation - or DEFENSE - written for people (like Judge Rosenbaum) who just didn't understand my position, my motivation, or my methods. Once again, as he stated in his testimony at my trial, Peter Freeman was embarrassed about what I said. He didn't exactly "claim" - but rather suggested that the possible reason he is having difficulty landing clients at Omicron Dynamics, (his consulting business) was due to Hannabelle exercising her (former) Right to Free Speech on the Internet as she reported about his lawsuits against her.

Rosenbaum's ruling raises some important issues. Should a district judge have the power to control a citizen's speech through censoring our reporting the truth and offering our Constitutionally protected opinions on the grounds that someone is embarrassed by the truth or by the expression of our opinions?

Think of the consequences! Let me give you an example: There has been quite a national hullabaloo recently about the verdict in the Casey Anthony case. Not since the O.J. Simpson verdict has there been such an outpouring of opinion over a trial. Yet, imagine if a Minnesota District Court Judge rules that no one is allowed to talk about it? Should we never mention it again? Just pretend it never happened? Or do we have the right to discuss our opinions about the case, the verdict, - whatever our views may be? Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge Connelly ruled in my case that Freedom of Speech extends to the Internet. Does that mean that we are free to express our opinions on a blog? Or can Judge Rosenbaum shut us all down if she doesn't like what we wrote (even if it is the truth)?

From the beginning of the Nexus/Onamia takeover of Bradbury Township in 2007, I have made some pretty bold statements and several predictions. Unfortunately, almost all of them have already come true. Now, I'd like to warn you about the outcome of Judge Rosenbaum's censorship. It might be just one innocent article on an unimportant person's blog - at first. But if someone doesn't do something to stop this, Freedom of Speech will soon be a wistful memory. I'm doing what I can to stand up for Free Speech. But I can't do it alone. We must all protect our rights. Or - alternatively, we shall have no rights.

Peter Freeman blames me for his lack of clientele. I could also blame him for my lack of a buyer. I've not been able to sell our farm in Onamia. I think it is due to that sex offender institution down on the corner. But can I say that? Will Nexus SLAPP me with another defamation lawsuit? Will Judge Rosenbaum order that I cannot express my opinion? Or will she say that Freeman has more rights than I do?

Personally, I believe that if I must tear down my article because of perceived potential damage to Freeman's client list, then - to be fair - Freeman must tear down his sex offender institution because of perceived potential damage to my buyers list. What do you think? Does anyone dare express their opinions anymore?

If you're not outraged, you're no paying attention.

"Criminal Sexual Conduct Charge for Nexus Worker"

Reprinted from the Mille Lacs Messenger today. (I sure hope Nexus and their employee don't sue them for "defamation". I really hope they don't sue me again for sharing the information - as seems to have become habit.)

"Criminal sexual conduct charge for Nexus worker
Tuesday, 12 July 2011 10:13

John Michael Packard, 29, an employee of Mille Lacs Academy in Onamia, was charged with criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree after a client at the facility said the two had inappropriate contact.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Mille Lacs District Court, a Mille Lacs County investigator was told by a student at the Academy that Packard had touched him inappropriately, asked him to expose himself, and allowed him to view inappropriate material on his computer.Packer admitted that the boy had touched him inappropriately and that he may have touched the boy inappropriately over his clothing, the complaint states. The maximum penalty for criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree is 10 years in prison and/or a $20,000 fine.

Mille Lacs Academy Acts on Allegations of Inappropriate Staff Behavior
Tuesday, 12 July 2011 13:36

Mille Lacs Academy released this statement on Tuesday, July 12: "In response to recent allegations of inappropriate staff behavior with a youth in residence at the Academy, Mille Lacs Academy administration took immediate, appropriate action to investigate and report the incident to proper authorities, including state and local agencies and law enforcement. Swift action was taken by MLA administration to ensure the continued safety of all youth in the Academy’s care. Due to confidentiality constraints, the names of the parties involved and the details related to the investigation cannot be released."

PETTY-COATed inJUNCTION

How I wish that Nexus board member/co-plaintiff Peter D. Freeman - psychotherapist, would stop giving me so much to write about. Last December, Judge Rosenbaum denied his motion for an injunction to abolish Hannabelle's First Amendment Rights. Freeman claims that Hannabelle had "embarrassed" him, and he wanted the judge to make her stop... to Order her to stop writing on the Internet. Can you imagine abusing the court in this way? For a self-purported expert in conflict resolution to more or less run whining to teacher instead of dealing with his problem himself, well... I guess I'd be embarrassed too, if I were him.

Now he's crying about an article I wrote in the Mille Lacs News back in January 2010. "No Blood on My Hands" is an explanation of the analogy I used in the private, confidential email I sent to Freeman's superior back in 2007, asking her to help us by convincing Freeman that convicted sex offenders in an unlocked sex offender facility do not belong next to day care and elderly widows. Now, that might have been the end of it, but Freeman sued me - placing that private, confidential email into the public record. In my opinion, that was kind of stupid. What did he think would happen when someone Googled him? Duh. But that's just my Constitutionally protected opinion.

I felt I had to explain the analogy - where I told how Freeman, who isn't part of our community, was making decisions that "destroyed a village". I wanted there to be no misunderstandings about my analogy. I went through it quite thoroughly. And I stand by what I said. In my opinion, it was the perfect analogy. Certainly, the "village" was destroyed for yours truly. I don't think Onamia will ever be the same. A lot of people suffered because of Nexus. Being their scapegoat, it was worse for me. Freeman and D'Angelo and their Nexus corporation displayed their "cornerstone values" as they destroyed my life. Mission accomplished.

So Freeman is now seeking another injunction to force Hannabelle to remove "No Blood on My Hands", charging her once again with "defamation". I wouldn't be surprised if this article I'm writing here doesn't show up in his next attempted injunction. I suppose he could drag me back into court every time my fingers touch the keyboard.

What's troubling about this current injunction is that Freeman wants to blame me for his failure to draw clients for his new consulting business. According to his own sworn testimony:

Freeman: "I can only conjecture, because I can't prove it's happened, but someone considering me for a contract and Googling my name and considering other people at the same time, seeing "bad professional judgment", "bad professional behavior", they might go, well, we don't know if this is true; but it's also, if it was me, quite frankly, I would likely go, maybe we should take a pass because I would feel too embarrassed to go back to this Peter Freeman and say, you know, we saw this on the web, can you explain it to us?" (Freeman testimony from the transcript in the Freeman and D'Angelo vs. Hannabelle trial. Thank you Victor.)

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO YOUR OPINION - ONLY AS LONG AS IT IS THE "RIGHT" OPINION? THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES GRANTS EVERY CITIZEN THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH - UNLESS WHAT YOU SAY EMBARRASSES PETER FREEMAN? No Dear Readers... this is not the American way. We must all be accountable for what we say and what we do. Even Peter Freeman.

It is my opinion that Freeman keeps making mountains out of molehills for himself. If he hadn't sued me, this pissing contest would have been over three years ago with the slaying of the first 200 year old pine tree on the ill-fated building site. I wouldn't have published the private, confidential email I sent. I wouldn't have felt the need to defend my analogy in an article about the Freeman/D'Angelo lawsuit. And I wouldn't be writing this now.

My mission was only to save my neighborhood from Nexus' sex offenders and from the malfeasant local government that was circumventing laws to make it seem "legal" to put a juvenile sex offender treatment center in an R1 residential area. (Mission Failed.) It was never about Peter Freeman or his business or his career or anything about him personally. I have no vendetta against him. Look - I didn't lodge a formal complaint about him; I asked someone with influence to help convince him he was making a mistake - a mistake that could very well embarrass him in the future. I didn't harass him with lawsuits; I wrote about the lawsuits he harassed me with. I don't know - and don't care - how good or bad he is as a psychotherapist. To all of you potential Freeman clients - hey, go ahead and give him a try. Don't let anything I said about his role in the Mille Lacs Academy relocation stop you. Who knows - maybe in other circumstances Freeman is the best damn psychotherapist in the world. But I stand by my opinion that in this particular situation of putting sex offenders next to day care, he exercised poor judgment. And in suing me, he continues to do so. He extends his spot in my limelight each time he abuses the Justice System to bully me into silence. Why does he keep repeating the same strategy? I don't know.

I believe with all of my heart that we still have the Right to Freedom of Speech, even if it means telling ugly things that people have done to us. Even if it embarrasses them. As long as it is the Truth. Our opinions are still Constitutionally protected, at least for now. We'll see if they still are after Judge Rosenbaum makes her decision at the June 22 injunction hearing.

If I were you, Dear Readers, I'd keep my fingers crossed for Hannabelle on this one. If I lose my Freedom of Speech, you will also lose yours. And Peter, this includes you; You will also lose yours.