January 22, 2018


News and Views


IS THIS THE FIRST OF MANY CASES? WHAT ARE THE CHARGES? I WONDER IF HE IS JEWISH? “'NON-PUBLIC RECORD,” HMMM! IS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BEHIND THIS? ON THE OTHER HAND, I WONDER HOW MANY TIMES SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS, BUT IS NEVER REPORTED TO NEWS AGENCIES.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michigan-doctor-detained-lukasz-niecs-family-and-friends-heartbroken-over-arrest/
CBS NEWS January 22, 2018, 3:04 PM
Family heartbroken after ICE detains Polish doctor in the U.S. for 40 years

Photograph -- Dr. Lukasz Niec, a green card holder who was detained by immigration agents LEFTERIS PITARAKIS / AP

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Family, friends and colleagues of a Kalamazoo, Michigan, doctor are heartbroken four days after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested him. They say they're working to ensure he can remain in the U.S., CBS affiliate WWMT-TV reports.

Lukasz Niec's family said they are unsure of how long he will be detained. The 43-year-old immigrated to the U.S. from Poland when he was 3 years old, and his wife said he holds a permanent green card. It's unclear when Niec will face a judge.

"We need him here, and we're lonely without him," Rachelle Burkhart-Niec told WWMT. She said her husband was taken from her family when three ICE agents arrested Niec at their home on Tuesday.

"I received a phone call from Lukasz that he had been detained," she said. "I kept saying over and over to stop pranking me."

rachelle-burkhart-niec.png
Rachelle Burkhart-Niec WWMT-TV

Those who know Niec say he's a loving father and a well-known physician of internal medicine at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Now they're worried he could be deported back to Poland.

"He cannot be deported back to Poland, a country he doesn't know, a country he has no family at," his sister Iwona Niec-Villaire told the station.

She believes Niec's arrest stems from a 1992 misdemeanor arrest for property damage when he was 17, but his family didn't know it could be used to deport him from the U.S.

"Now, they're using this expunged case that's stamped 'non-public record' against him," Niec-Villaire said. "This is a man who's needed in the community and not detained in Calhoun County Jail."

Several of his colleagues wrote letters to an immigration judge in support of Niec.

"He's a leading physician among the team," Dr. Hussein Akl said. "He helps and supports. He's just one of the better people you can know and connect with."

"It seems like every night we're seeing innocent people being ripped away from their family for some vague immigration laws and a confusing immigration system that hasn't been fixed," Dr. Michael Raphelson said.

A spokesman for Detroit's ICE field office did not respond to WWMT's request for comment.

© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.


THIS ISN’T THE FIRST TIME WE’VE HAD A PROBLEM WITH CARGO. SOMETIMES IT’S BOMBS, SOMETIMES IT’S SMUGGLING OR STOWAWAYS. OUR SOCIETY IS SO LARGE THAT WE HAVE MANY CASES OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT RELIABLE AND HONEST, OR EVEN SAFE TO HAVE AROUND. THAT ISN’T THE FAULT OF MUSLIMS OR ANY OTHER SPECIFIC GROUP. WE LOVE TO DESIGNATE AN ENEMY AND THEN HUNT THEM DOWN. IT’S HARD FOR PEOPLE TO ADMIT THAT THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE SECURITY IN LIFE, AND THAT GUILT CANNOT RATIONALLY BE PLACED, BASED ON THE TYPICAL HUMAN GROUP “DIFFERENCES.”

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsa-emergency-action-stricter-air-cargo-scrutiny-5-predominantly-muslim-countries/
By KRIS VAN CLEAVE CBS NEWS January 22, 2018, 7:00 AM
Terror concerns prompt stricter TSA scrutiny of air cargo from five mostly Muslim countries

Growing concern about terrorists getting a bomb onto a plane headed for the United States prompted an emergency order requiring stricter scrutiny of air cargo by TSA Administrator David Pekoske. Effective Monday morning, all cargo being loaded onto flights at last point of departure airports in five predominately Muslim countries — Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — will be subject to the new requirements.

"These countries were chosen because of a demonstrated intent by terrorist groups to attack aviation from them," said a TSA official familiar with the order. "This is all intel driven."

Last year, these countries were among those subject to the so-called laptop ban that prohibited electronics larger than a cell phone to be carried on in the passenger cabin.

"In close coordination with CBP, I directed specific carriers to implement strict security requirements based upon recent information that established a need to implement additional security measures for air cargo bound to the United States, on both passenger and cargo aircraft," Pekoske said in a statement to CBS News.

Six airlines — EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Qatar, Saudi, Emirates and Etihad — serving the U.S. from seven airports are now required to comply with Air Cargo Advance Screening protocols. Known as ACAS, it is typically a voluntary program, that provides the TSA and Customs and Border Protection with advanced information about all cargo those carriers plan to bring to the United States.

As an update, the TSA tells CBS News all six airlines are complying with the new requirements. The agency will work with the airlines to make sure they stay in compliance.

The airports subject to the order include Cairo International Airport in Egypt, Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, King Abdul-Aziz International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, Doha International Airport in Qatar, as well as Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport in the U.A.E.

All cargo loaded on an airplane already undergoes security screening. The new measures will give TSA and CBP specific additional information in advance of cargo being loaded onto a U.S.-bound flight. The carriers will be required to provide details like where a parcel was sent from, who sent it, where it's been since it was mailed, how it was sent, where its going, and its contents. That is a similar level of "total asset visibility" that comes with a package sent through FedEx or UPS.

"Anomaly detection is the bottom line here," said a TSA official. "This helps us track those anomalies."

An example given by officials was someone spending $500 to ship a $100 printer that's already available in the U.S. from a country with terrorist activity through one of these five countries. Such a package would likely warrant a further inspection.

"Right now everything is screened, but in terms of us having advanced information of everything that's going on that plane, in a timely manner that's what's really new here," a TSA official said.

Under this order, TSA and CBP can now mandate an air carrier perform secondary inspections of flagged cargo.

"It establishes a 24/7 relationship with those carriers so we can pick up the phone and say we need you to look at this...before the plane is loaded," the official said.

Turkey is the only other country required to participate in ACAS, an order that followed a failed terror plot to blow up an Australian airliner over the summer. High-grade military explosives were sent by air cargo from Turkey as part of that plot.

The emergency order, referred to by TSA officials as an emergency amendment, builds on continuing concern about a bomb concealed in a large personal electronic device like a laptop that may not be easily detectable by some screening equipment. Intelligence that ISIS had constructed such a device prompted the short lived laptop ban and resulted in a two phased increase of security at foreign airports with direct flights to the U.S.

"We haven't necessarily seen anything 'brand new' in terms of a new threat but we are seeing things and want to stay ahead of the threat that we've seen over the past nine months or so. There's enough out there, enough threat streams, that give us enough concern that we need to move forward with this as quickly as possible," said a TSA official familiar with the current threat intelligence.

The Trump administration is considering making all air cargo bound for the U.S. subject to these rules. At least 70 percent of that cargo is moved by carriers who voluntarily comply, but the level of compliance can vary.

© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.


I HAVE NO WORDS FOR THIS. I’M GOING TO STOP COLLECTING STORIES UNTIL THE COURTS DO SOMETHING TO THE ELDER TURPINS. IT’S TOO DISHEARTENING. THIS IS THE LAST STORY, FROM ME. IF YOU DO WANT TO READ IT SEARCH IT PERIODICALLY FOR YOURSELF.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disturbing-photo-shows-rope-in-squalid-former-texas-home-of-couple-in-captivity-case/
By CRIMESIDER STAFF CBS/AP January 22, 2018, 2:33 PM
Disturbing photo shows rope tied to bed in former home of couple in captivity case

. . . .

The couple has been charged in California with multiple counts of torture, child abuse, dependent adult abuse and false imprisonment. David Turpin was also charged with performing a lewd act on a child under age 14. If convicted as charged, they face up to 94 years to life in prison.

They have pleaded not guilty.



THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, FOR ITS’ PURPOSES CAN TREAT SEXUAL ABUSE OR WORSE – RAPE – AS A SIN AND THEN FORGIVE IT, BUT THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE CRIME THAT IS INVOLVED. THIS CRIME SHOULD BE REPORTED TO POLICE IMMEDIATELY, NOT TEN OR MORE YEARS LATER, AND A COURT TRIAL SHOULD ENSUE.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-42780327
Pope Francis sorry for upsetting abuse victims
The Pope made the apology while flying back to Rome after his visit to Chile and Peru
January 22, 2018 1 hour ago

Pope Francis has apologised for remarks he made last week in Chile defending a bishop accused of covering up sexual abuse.

He said he realised his words hurt many, but repeated his belief that Chilean Bishop Juan Barros was innocent.

Francis was speaking to journalists on board a plane flying back to Rome.

On Thursday, he had said that victims who had accused Bishop Barros were committing slander.

The Pope was openly criticised by Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston, who said he left victims of sexual abuse committed by priests feeling abandoned.

"I apologise to them if I hurt them without realising it, but it was a wound that I inflicted without meaning to," said the Pope on Monday, quoted by Reuters news agency. "It pains me very much."

Profile: Pope Francis
Pope meets sex abuse victims in Chile
The Pope marries couple on Chile flight

Bishop Barros has not been accused of abuse, but of being present when another priest, Fernando Karadima, molested young boys.

Presentational grey line
A rare apology
Analysis by James Reynolds, BBC Rome correspondent

It is unusual for a Pope to apologise for his own words. But he clearly felt that he had to make up for his abrupt dismissal of allegations made by victims of clerical sexual abuse in Chile.

The victims had accused a Chilean Bishop, Juan Barros, of covering up abuse committed by a fellow priest.

During his trip to Chile, the Pope described these accusations as a slander, for which there was not a shred of evidence.

The Pope has now apologised for his choice of words. He said that he understood that by essentially daring victims to bring him proof, it came off as a slap in the face.

However, the Pope continued to insist that an investigation had shown that there was no evidence to support the charges levelled against Bishop Barros.

Presentational grey line
What is the controversy about?

In 2010, Father Karadima was publicly accused of molesting several teenaged boys in the capital, Santiago, starting in the 1980s.

After the Vatican found him guilty, he was sentenced to a lifetime of "penance and prayer".

He never faced criminal prosecution in Chile as too much time had passed, but the judge who heard victims' testimony in a year-long investigation described them as "truthful and reliable".

The Pope has been criticised for appointing Bishop Barros as bishop of Osorno, in south-central Chile, in 2015. The ordination ceremony had to be cut short over protests in the cathedral.

How did this affect his latest trip?

The Pope was greeted with protests in Santiago, with demonstrators insisting the bishop should not hold his role.

Francis also met victims of sexual abuse by priests in the country. He cried with them and said he felt "pain and shame" over the scandal.

Some of the victims said saying sorry was no longer enough, and they want him to take action.



"IF OVER THESE MANY YEARS, JUST ONE ADULT LISTENED AND HAD THE COURAGE AND CHARACTER TO ACT, THIS TRAGEDY COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED." SO MANY ADULTS DON’T BELIEVE THE TRUTHFULNESS OF THE YOUNG PERSON. OTHER TIMES THEY FEEL FEARFUL OF GOING UP AGAINST A PERSON IN ADMINISTRATIVE OR POLITICAL POWER – AND TOO MANY TIMES THEY ARE THREATENED OR BRIBED INTO REMAINING SILENT. OTHER TIMES, THEY DON’T SEE IT AS A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE. THE CHILDREN WILL “GROW OUT OF IT,” THEY REASON – SUCH A CONVENIENT WAY OF DISMISSING THEIR ABSOLUTE DUTY TO STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT. IT IS OBVIOUS TO ANYONE WHO READS THE NEWS THAT KIDS DEFINITELY DO NOT “GROW OUT OF” THEIR CHILDHOOD TRAUMAS.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/usa-gymnastics-board-members-resign-amid-larry-nassar-abuse-scandal/
CBS NEWS January 22, 2018, 2:23 PM
USA Gymnastics board members resign amid Larry Nassar abuse scandal

NEW YORK -- USA Gymnastics announced Monday that the leadership of its board of directors has resigned amid the continuing fallout over the scandal surrounding disgraced former team doctor Larry Nassar. Dozens of athletes have accused Nassar of sexual abuse, confronting the former doctor in court over several days of testimony during a sentencing hearing.

The resignations announced Monday include chairman Paul Parilla, vice chairman Jay Binder and treasurer Bitsy Kelley.

"We believe this step will allow us to more effectively move forward in implementing change within our organization," CEO Kerry Perry said in a statement. "As the board identifies its next chair and fills the vacant board positions, we remain focused on working every day to ensure that our culture, policies and actions reflect our commitment to those we serve."

USA Gymnastics cuts ties with Karolyi Ranch amid Larry Nassar scandal

Did Michigan State ignore sexual abuse claims against Larry Nassar?

The organization says it is taking steps to promote athlete safety and prevent future abuse. The group came under fire after more than 100 athletes accused Nassar of abusing them while he was team doctor. He has pleaded guilty to multiple charges of sexual assault and faces decades in prison.

Victim Emma Ann Miller speaks alongside her mother Leslie Miller at the sentencing hearing for Larry Nassar, a former team USA Gymnastics doctor who pleaded guilty in November 2017 to sexual assault charges, in Lansing, Michigan, U.S., Jan. 22, 2018. BRENDAN MCDERMID / REUTERS

During Nassar's sentencing hearing, dozens of victims have delivered passionate statements in court about the abuse, including Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, who denounced Nassar in powerful remarks on Friday.

"You took advantage of our passions and our dreams," Raisman said. "I am here to face you, Larry, so you can see I have regained my strength. That I am no longer a victim, I am a survivor."

Raisman, who detailed her abuse in an interview with "60 Minutes" last year, also criticized USA Gymnastics in her statement Friday.

"Neither USA Gymnastics nor the USOC have reached out to express sympathy or even offer support," she said. "If over these many years, just one adult listened and had the courage and character to act, this tragedy could have been avoided."

Gymnast McKayla Maroney submitted a written statement about her abuse, which was read to the court on Thursday. Two-time Olympic team member Gabby Douglas has also claimed abuse by Nassar, as well as gymnast Simone Biles.

Nassar is already serving a 60 year sentence for child pornography.

© 2018 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.



RELAX, GET A CUP OF COFFEE, AND LOOK AT THESE CARTOONS.

https://www.usnews.com/cartoons/donald-trump-cartoons?int=news-rec&slide=2
Editorial Cartoons on Donald Trump



DID MENCKEN ACTUALLY SAY THIS?

https://www.snopes.com/politics/quotes/whitehousemoron.asp
Claim: H. L. Mencken wrote that eventually “the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.”

TRUE

Example: [Collected via e-mail, 2004]

“As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.” — H. L. Mencken

Origins: The statement quoted above, attributed to American journalist H. L. Mencken, gained currency on many political blogs at the end of 2004 as expression of the way many of President George W. Bush’s detractors regarded him, and it was subsequently applied by partisans from the other side of the political spectrum in reference to Bush’s successor in the White House, President Barack Obama. (This despite the fact that both men earned undergraduate and advanced degrees from prestigious universities: George W. Bush from Yale and Harvard Business School, and Barack Obama from Columbia University and Harvard Law School.)

Regardless of the quotation’s applicability to modern U.S. presidents, the subject at hand here is the question of whether it really issued from the pen of H.L. Mencken or whether (as is often the case ) it is a modern sentiment by some contemporary, anonymous wit which has been falsely attributed to a famous pithy-but-dead commentator in order to lend it credence.

In this case the attribution to Henry Louis Mencken, a prominent newspaperman and political commentator during the first half of the 20th century, is accurate. Writing for the Baltimore Evening Sun on 26 July 1920, in an article entitled “Bayard vs. Lionheart” (and reprinted in the book On Politics: A Carnival of Buncombe), Mencken cynically opined on the difficulties of good men reaching national office when the scale of their campaigns precluded them from directly reaching out to large segments of the voting public:

The larger the mob, the harder the test. In small areas, before small electorates, a first-rate man occasionally fights his way through, carrying even the mob with him by force of his personality. But when the field is nationwide, and the fight must be waged chiefly at second and third hand, and the force of personality cannot so readily make itself felt, then all the odds are on the man who is, intrinsically, the most devious and mediocre — the man who can most easily adeptly disperse the notion that his mind is a virtual vacuum.

The Presidency tends, year by year, to go to such men. As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart’s desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron.*

Of course, Mencken wrote this in an era before the advent of television and the Internet, when broadcast radio was in its infancy and talking motion pictures were still several years away, and national candidates had no practical means of being seen and heard by voters outside of traveling (relatively slowly) by train to make personal appearances. Nowadays, modern electronic media provide candidates with a variety of means for bridging the gaps of time and distance to communicate directly with voters everywhere, and jet travel allows national office-seekers to reach even the remotest parts of the country for personal appearances in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks.

Last updated: 8 August 2013

Sources:

Mencken, H. L. On Politics: A Carnival of Buncombe.
Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996. ISBN 0-801-85342-7 (p. 21).