Saturday Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 01:24:21 PM EST
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I've been writing the next "chapter" of what I call the "DEA's Most Excellent African Adventures" for days but keep getting pulled in by databases I run across while trying to connect more dots. Some I've used for a while, but others are new to me.

If you are interested in world wide drug busts and seizures, here are a few that can suck up a weekend of reading time (they are updated daily and you can set your own search terms):

InfoPig (cocaine, drugs, seizures)
Global Drug Interdiction Map (scroll down for running list of busts)

For free federal and many state court decisions, check out CourtListener. It's an academic, open source project with more than 800,000 opinions, with internal hyperlinks to other cases. It's searchable by keywords, names, dates and court. In addition to all federal circuit opinions, here is the list of other federal and state court opinions that are included. It's updated daily. [More....]

Back to the DEA's African Adventures series. Here's the shorter version: DEA agents go to Africa, set up an elaborate sting with it's highly paid informants, whereby cocaine from South America is flown to Liberia and elsewhere in Africa, so that it can be transported to Europe, its final destination. Even though the cocaine isn't headed to the U.S., the feds in the U.S. indict the participants, have them arrested/kidnapped in Africa and fly them to the U.S. to stand trial on charges ranging from conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization and conspiracy to commit narco-terrorism, to conspiracy to distribute or import drugs.

Sometimes they have the informant say he's sending his share of the cocaine to the U.S. to ensure jurisdiction. Other times, they don't even bother. The courts routinely reject defense arguments of manufactured jurisdiction and outrageous government conduct, even in the face of blatant kidnapping and rendition involving allegations of torture by the foreign police.

This has been a particularly expensive project since no one else seems interested in covering it and I'm left connecting the dots on my own. I've downloaded more than 100 pleadings and briefs in the related cases from PACER.

If you missed yesterday's Birthday Post and would like to make a donation to TalkLeft, I'd really appreciate it. TalkLeft's PACER bill alone runs $100 to $200 a month. Even if you aren't interested in the DEA's African Adventures, please consider that I do the same for the other legal cases I write about in depth, from terrorism to electronic surveillance, computer hacking, drug trafficking, and high profile political and celebrity trials. And that PACER is just one of the many non-free resources I use to ensure the accuracy of my writing and sleuthing.

Have a great weekend. This is an open thread, all topics welcome.

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Saturday Open Thread | 68 comments (68 topical)

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Book recommendation. One of the best (5.00 / 1) (#5)
by caseyOR on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 06:39:04 PM EST

novels I have ever read. 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, #1 with a bullet and any other rating systems superlatives you can think of should be awarded to this book.

The book is Life After Life. The author is Kate Atkinson. She is a Scottish writer, probably best known for her books about English private detective Jackson Brodie. Masterpiece Mystery aired a series based on the Brodie books.

This book is not about Brodie. It takes place in England, with side trips to Germany, in the years from 1910 to the 1970s. I have never read a book structured quite like this one. Its is compelling writing. While not a mystery, the book is a page-turner. On a couple of nights I found myself still reading at 3 AM because I was so loathe to put down the book.

I read a lot, a whole lot, 3-4 books a week. It has been a long time since a novel grabbed me like this one did.

If you enjoy good, really good, well-written and thought-provoking fiction, read this book.

Gen. Morrison explains it all to you. (5.00 / 2) (#6)
by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 06:40:54 PM EST

Responding to an announcement that New South Wales police and the ADF Investigative Service are investigating allegations of serious sexual misconduct in the Australian Army, Lt. Gen. David Morrison, ADF Chief of Staff, broadcast a statement to the ranks yesterday which leaves no doubt regarding his stance on the subject of sexual harassment and misogyny:

"By now, I assume you know my attitude to this type of conduct. I have stated categorically many times that the Army has to be an inclusive organization in which every soldier -- man and woman -- is able to reach their full potential and is encouraged to do so. Those who think that it is okay to behave in a way that demeans or exploits their colleagues have no place in this Army.

[...]

"On all operations, female officers and soldiers have proven themselves worthy of the best traditions of the Australian Army. They are vital to us in maintaining our capability, now and into the future. If that does not suit you, then get out. You may find another employer where your attitude and behavior is acceptable, but I doubt it.

"Every one of us is responsible for the reputation of our Army, and the culture and environment in which we work. If you become aware of any individual degrading another, then show some moral courage and take a stand against it. No one has ever explained to me how the exploitation or the degradation of others enhances capability or honors the traditions of the Australian Army.

"I will be ruthless in ridding the Army of people who cannot live up to its values, and I need every one of you to support me in achieving this. The standard you walk past is the standard you accept. That goes for all of us, but especially for those who, by their rank, have a leadership role.

"If we are a great national institution, if we care about the legacy left to us by others who served before us, if we care about the legacy we leave to those who will, in turn, protect and secure Australia, then it is up to us to make a difference. If you're not up to it, find something else to do with your life. There is no place for you amongst this band of brothers and sisters."

Wow. "The standard you walk past is the standard you accept." That's a point we would all do well to remember.

Aloha.

I saw that video and wondered why (5.00 / 1) (#7)
by caseyOR on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 06:49:46 PM EST

our military leaders find it so impossible to be as clear and forthright on this issue as Gen. Morrison. Instead we are treated to the sight of our military brass, seated before the Senate Armed Services Committee, making it painfully clear to everyone that they just do not get it, and don't really care to.

It seemed to me that our brass was mostly upset that they had to give any time at all to the issue of sexual assault and harassment.


: I know. (none / 0) (#10)
by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 07:05:13 PM EST

I finally got around to watching that Senate hearing, and frankly, I was embarrassed for them. It's physically impossible to be any more clueless and indifferent to the issue than the military brass were on that day.

: General Speak, word salad (none / 0) (#14)
by MKS on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 07:58:16 PM EST

Mugwumping....

Saw this one, (none / 0) (#11)
by Zorba on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 07:05:37 PM EST

And I was sad that none of our high-ranking officers have come out with a statement even half so forceful.
But kudos to Gen. Morrison. Can we hire him to advise our military?


Riot Police Clear Gezi Park (5.00 / 2) (#8)
by shoephone on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 06:50:27 PM EST

Erdogan sets riot police on protesters, using tear gas and water cannons.

Meta... (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Edger on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 08:04:03 PM EST

Data...

Obama, June 7:

"No One Is Listening To Your Telephone Calls" <grin>

NSA, June 15:

The National Security Agency has acknowledged in a new classified briefing that it does not need court authorization to listen to domestic phone calls.
Rep. Jerrold Nadler, a New York Democrat, disclosed this week that during a secret briefing to members of Congress, he was told that the contents of a phone call could be accessed "simply based on an analyst deciding that."
If the NSA wants "to listen to the phone," an analyst's decision is sufficient, without any other legal authorization required, Nadler said he learned. "I was rather startled," said Nadler, an attorney and congressman who serves on the House Judiciary committee.
[...snip...]
Because the same legal standards that apply to phone calls also apply to e-mail messages, text messages, and instant messages, Nadler's disclosure indicates the NSA analysts could also access the contents of Internet communications without going before a court and seeking approval.

Well (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by Ga6thDem on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 08:52:24 PM EST

I finally figured out how the GOP got insane. It goes back to Reagan and his speech in 1964. He said John Kennedy was a communist. This 1964 speech what would be called pure tea party pandering these days. I started laughing he sounded so crazy in that speech.

I think (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by lentinel on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 12:07:08 PM EST

we can trace the Democrats nuttiness back at least to that nut of nuts, LBJ. Naming everybody after himself is but one of the symptoms of this true flake.

Of course, in retrospect, he looks comparatively good because he knew how to get things through congress, as opposed to, say, the current occupant of 1600 Penn.

But that war in Vietnam.

He'll never live that down.
Nor should he, wherever he currently resides.


You're right (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 12:35:35 PM EST

but honestly LBJ must have had somewhat of a conscience because I think Vietnam is the reason he died so soon after leaving office unlike George W. Bush who seems completely devoid of any type of conscience about what he did.


I suppose (5.00 / 2) (#20)
by lentinel on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 12:58:47 PM EST

it's possible that Johnson developed a bit of conscience - having been responsible for so many unnecessary deaths of young people would be an enormous burden for someone able to feel - but Johnson showed such intransigence while in office that I'm inclined to think that if he felt anything, it would be the disgrace of being forced to commit to not running for another term.

Of course, we agree about Bush. A truly insular sealed-off nut-job.

You might be inclined to excuse Obama some grounds, but when he said, at that library dedication, that to know W. is to like him and that he is a good man, my stomach went into cartwheels.

I wonder what Obama is capable of feeling, I must admit.

Here we are, comparing Reagan with Johnson. Obama with this spying mess is being compared to Nixon. To tell you the truth, they all make me unwell.


Obama saying that about Dubya... (5.00 / 2) (#21)
by Dadler on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 02:41:06 PM EST

...reminded me of Dubya saying he just knew in his heart that Putin was a good man -- and also because Vlad was wearing a crucifix.

Dopes.


Obama took (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 04:16:43 PM EST

or his speechwriter took those words right out of Bush's campaign back in 2000. Obama comes off as very cold.

Well, I can see the comparison with Nixon but unfortunately it's probably legal to do what Obama is doing. It was not for Nixon.


Obama obviously would have thought... (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by Dadler on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 05:56:43 PM EST

...that Daniel Ellsberg should have been found guilty and been sent to jail back in Dick's day.


: Undoubtedly (none / 0) (#30)
by shoephone on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 06:23:05 PM EST

Was (none / 0) (#32)
by lentinel on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 06:43:18 PM EST

it legal for Nixon to tape everyfkingbody without their knowledge and consent?


From David Frost's 1977 Nixon Interviews: (5.00 / 1) (#34)
by Mr Natural on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 08:11:49 PM EST

Nixon: "Well, when the president does it, that means that it is not illegal."


Nope (5.00 / 2) (#35)
by Ga6thDem on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 08:15:25 PM EST

and that was kind of my point. Nixon didn't have the odious Patriot Act among other things to back him up. Never fear Dick Cheney is on the case screaming that Snowden is a "traitor".


OK (none / 0) (#36)
by lentinel on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 09:13:51 PM EST

Got it.


Just (none / 0) (#37)
by lentinel on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 09:23:59 PM EST

to be certain...

Is listening in on private conversations without a warrant something that is actually authorized by the patriot act? My impression is that the NSA took it one step beyond...


: I believe it is. (none / 0) (#62)
by Ga6thDem on Mon Jun 17, 2013 at 12:49:07 PM EST

Remember the vote back in 2008 on warrantless wiretapping?

Love this quote re women in classical music (5.00 / 4) (#17)
by DFLer on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 11:29:33 AM EST

In 1939 Nadia Boulanger was asked what it was like to be the first woman to conduct the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the world première of Stravinsky's Dumbarton Oaks. She replied

"Well, I have been a woman for 50 years now and have recovered from my initial astonishment."

Been waiting for an appropriate opportunity to post. Today seems like a good day.

"Is our voters learning?" (5.00 / 1) (#26)
by Donald from Hawaii on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 05:52:47 PM EST

Here's an interesting read. The jury's out:

Pasadena Weekly | March 28, 2013
Are Americans too stupid for democracy? - "In 2011, Newsweek asked 1,000 Americans to take the standard US Citizenship test, and 38 percent of them failed. One in three couldn't name the vice-president. A 2009 study in the European Journal of Communications looked at how informed citizens of the US, UK, Denmark and Finland were of the international news of the day, and the results weren't pretty."

This is, sadly, unsurprising (none / 0) (#29)
by shoephone on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 06:22:17 PM EST

How many can even name their own congressional representative? How many can remember more than two of the first ten amendments to the constitution?


You know... (none / 0) (#31)
by lentinel on Sun Jun 16, 2013 at 06:40:17 PM EST

I actually had to stop and think for a few seconds to remember who the vice-president is.

I'm inclined to think that it has more to do with Biden than my diminished mental capacity... but nevertheless - it happened...


Even more sadly, I bet ... (none / 0) (#63)
by Donald from Hawaii on Mon Jun 17, 2013 at 03:35:14 PM EST

... more people know that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West recently had a baby girl, or to whom the term "Big Three" refers in NBA basketball (the Miami Heat's LeBron James, DeWayne Wade and Chris Bash), than know who their state legislators or city councilmembers are.

And if you show U.S. citizens under age 35 an unlabeled map of North America, the odds are probably better than even that most couldn't point to within 500 miles of where they actually live.

This is what happens when we're conditioned to willingly forgo hard information, and to instead demand to be entertained -- or at the very least, assert what most Americans mistakenly believe to be our constitutional right to not be bored.

Welcome to Stepford, U.S.A.


More to the point, this is what happens (5.00 / 1) (#66)
by caseyOR on Mon Jun 17, 2013 at 05:09:47 PM EST

when we stop teaching civics to our schoolchildren. It wouldn't hurt to add geography back to the grade school/middle school curriculum either.

I despise the infotainment industry, but I do not blame it all on the American people. I remember the chasing of the Clenis all over the media. Ted Koppel was running with it every night on Nightline. He insisted on wasting countless hours of TV on the whole stupid thing even though the American people had made it clear that they were not interested. Koppel insisted that the people should be interested, must become consumed with the chase of the Clenis. He was angry that Americans refused to be as sucked into it as the national had become.


I know who my elected reps are... (none / 0) (#67)
by kdog on Tue Jun 18, 2013 at 11:12:59 AM EST

it hasn't done me much good...in fact, it's kind of depressing and leads to defeatism.

Sometimes I think that the apolitical have it right, ignorance is bliss. The rabbit hole goes deep.


: Except that if ignorance were really (none / 0) (#68)
by jondee on Tue Jun 18, 2013 at 04:26:24 PM EST

bliss, we wouldn't have so many people walking around medicated, or self-medicated..
In the words of the late Alan Watts, there's a taboo here against knowing who you are..against resisting being an adolescent impulse-buyer (of products, or personalities.)

From the MIT Technology Review (none / 0) (#1)
by Dadler on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 02:28:31 PM EST

A great little piece on a "little" computer/video game sensation called MINECRAFT (link) that my no 13 y.o. son has played for a few years. It is the antithesis of the first person shooter game. Instead it is a sort of simple virtual blank slate upon which creativity awaits. If you have a kid my age, you will know this game, if you don't, it's a great read to get a handle on a genuine worldwide sensation. And, at the least, I am so happy that my son is into a game that doesn't require you to desensitize to violence and kill "virtual" people.

This story is getting big play on sports' blogs... (none / 0) (#2)
by magster on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 02:31:01 PM EST

but should be spread in political blogs too.

Putin flat out stole NE Patriots owner's Super Bowl ring.

New potatoes! (none / 0) (#3)
by Zorba on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 03:13:31 PM EST

The potatoes are now ready to start digging as new potatoes!
Love them.

Roma tomatoes! (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by nycstray on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 06:20:48 PM EST

Have set fruits :-P

I got them in late, so I'm pretty surprised . . .

I'll have to go check my volunteer potato patch and see if I have some newbies. Enjoy yours!!!!


It's mango season out here. (5.00 / 1) (#9)
by Donald from Hawaii on Sat Jun 15, 2013 at 07:01:33 PM EST

We have so much of the ubiquitous fruit this year that we can't give them away fast enough. The Spouse and Elder Daughter are making chutney and jam, and we're doing some serious canning. The nice thing about mangoes is that they preserve easily, and also make great (and healthy) dried fruit snacks.


: I am unreasonably jealous of you, Donald. (