Saturday, February 19, 2011

SCOOCHED!

Definition of Scooched:
Verb - The act of being betrayed by public officials
Noun (Scooch) -judge, politician, lawyer, any person abusing public trust for personal gain.  Could also be applied to any person turning blind eye to observed abuse of children.
Synonym - Childhood nickname of gangster Judge Mark Ciavarella
 Judge Mark "the Scooch" Ciavarella

Scranton- The media coverage of the recently concluded trial of Gangster Judge Mark “the Scooch” Ciavarella in Northeast Pennsylvania has been intense.   The stories are numerous and I would encourage everyone to acquaint themselves with the accounts of Ciavarella’s corruption, nepotism, case fixing, money laundering and more from writers more eloquent and knowledgeable than myself. (See coverage in Times Leader and Citizens Voice.)

For the past week I have attended, as time permitted, the testimony of witnesses in this incredible and gut-wrenching trial.  At the heart of it all:  the selling of kids into detention for profit.  Let us not sugar coat it and don't spin it; simply put it was about children being sent to a juvenile detention center for profit.   

Profit so Judge Mark “the Scooch” Ciavarella and Judge Mike “the Scooch” Conahan, along with lawyer Robert “the Scooch” Powell, businessman Rob “the Scooch” Mericle and many more “Scooches” still unnamed could live a lavish lifestyle on the backs of children, their families and the taxpayers of Luzerne County. 

This case has it all: pocketed political donations, cash in envelopes, cash in FedEx boxes, corruption on every level.   And yet it begs the question why did it go on for so long?  Where were the watchdogs, where were the advocates for the children, where were the court officers, county officials, and where were the lawyers?  Rats, all! 

Franklin's often quoted saying “he who gives up freedom for safety deserves neither” is most appropriate in this case.  “Scooch” Powell testified, “Conahan and Ciavarella were the most powerful people in the County.”  Is that why?  Our watchdogs were too afraid to speak out.  No one thought it unusual that counsel was not afforded to so many of these children?  Disgusting! 

Every person in the court system, child welfare system, or political officials found complicit in any way of allowing this repugnant behavior to continue needs to be relieved of their jobs as they are not capable of performing their duties and deserving of our trust.  Let this only be the beginning of the investigations.

After the initial verdict was read, the courtroom emptied out and I remained as the jury was asked to reconvene to clarify a money issue.  I stayed to observe the demeanor of the lawyers, defendant, and his family.  There was a family conference -- almost business like -- with smiles but lacking any emotion.  Ciaveralla seemed unfazed, detached and self-absorbed.

Then all trekked onto the court steps where Ciavarella’s attorney Al Flora claimed victory for the defense.  As the  impromptu press conference started, Sandy Fonzo, standing in the background, yelled at Ciavarella: 
 Defense attorney Al Flora, "the Scooch" and Sandy Fonzo

“I hope you rot in hell.   Do you remember me?  Do you remember my son?  He was an all-star wrestler and he's gone.  He shot himself in the heart.  You scumbag, you ruined my f..... life.  He was my son.  I don't have kids now.  I don't have anything.  I am not a mother.  I am not anything!” she cried.  Ciavarella's response, “I don't remember you.” Chilling! 

Story after story of child abuse with ridiculous sentences for minor offenses are way too abundant.  Failure to pay fines, underage drinking, parodies on Facebook -- all resulted in lengthy stays at these “scumbags,” yes “degenerates of society” ATM machine known as PA Child Care. The havoc caused to these children and families is incalculable.  I ask again, where were the watchdogs?  They, too, are culpable.

US Attorney's Press Conference

In the words of U.S. Attorney Peter Smith the “judiciary was a criminal enterprise.”  Everywhere we turn these days we seem to be in crisis.  Financial crisis, education crisis, security crisis.  Is there anything not in reform?  We have a corrupted criminal system where the words “you buy your justice in America” are heard way too often. 

The very cornerstone of our democracy of free and open elections is anything but in Pennsylvania and other jurisdictions where economic intimidation and antiquated election laws are the norm.  It is up to us as individuals to make a difference to get involved.  Where we see injustice or wrongdoing, it is our duty to stand up to speak and do something.  

 As we stare in the mirror, remember that if we don't stand for something we stand for nothing.  And as Edmund Burke is credited with saying, “all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”  And so it is and was! Where were the watchdogs?

As Sandy Fonzo goes home to an empty house and memory of a dead child, Mark Ciavarella goes home to a warm bed and fine dinner enjoying the company of his family.  Nothing but the best of wine and steaks thanks to the very people he betrayed.   

There to stay as he awaits sentencing in the next 60-90 days unless, of course, that is delayed by the certain appeal he will file.  There to stay to get his affairs in order, something not afforded to the children and families he remanded to his ATM machine after a 30 second hearing.  I pray the citizens of Northeast Pennsylvania are not once again getting . . .

SCOOCHED!

Louis R Jasikoff


Saturday, February 12, 2011

In Honor of Lincoln's Birthday, February 12th

 "You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
 
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.   

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.  

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down. 

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.   

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.   

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."  

Abraham Lincoln

Saturday, February 5, 2011

A Change of Pace

After the hectic weekend of the “Americans for Prosperity Leadership Conference,” it was certainly a change of pace to be in New Hampshire working with other friends of liberty.


Go Quietly

“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” 

The words of “Desiderata” given to me by my father as a youth are still poignant as I approach sixty.  No better place to find that peace in silence as one walks through the white pine groves, with snow  gently falling in Grafton, New Hampshire.   From a young age, the white pine has always been my favorite.  Is it the soft needles, clean underbrush, or pleasant smell?  I don't know and can't say for sure, but I do love the peace I find walking amongst these trees.



New to New Hampshire but not a stranger am I.  Every summer as a child visiting relatives on J Street in Hampton Beach, it was the epitome of a vacation.  The ocean, dogs on the beach, the boardwalk, ten cent pinball in the arcades, bandstand, fireworks and salt water taffy -- my goodness, I still remember it that way as if it was yesterday, no matter how much has changed.  Such great memories!

Reaching college age, every other year my brother, certain friends and I would climb Mt. Washington on New Year’s Eve.  One year would find us in Times Square and the next looking to start the year off right on a different note at the summit of Mt. Washington.  Returning from our climb, we always found ourselves in some lodge, enjoying the warm fireplace and hot drinks.  I don't ever remember someone not telling us we were crazy.  But youth has no fear.  Perhaps crazy at times, but no fear!  Ah yes, the good old days, but today will be a good old day too sometime soon. 

Being fortunate enough to have traveled extensively throughout North America, I can say unequivocally New Hampshire is one of the most beautiful states in the nation.  From Hampton Beach, to the Notches, to the White Mountains  and Lake Winnepesaukee – yes, New Hampshire has it all.  Perhaps the best part is the people themselves.  They exhibit a friendliness, yet will debate spiritedly to uphold their convictions.  The tradition of freedom runs deep and hard here, like the stone base of Mt. Washington.


So in the words of my father, inscribed on that plaque given to me as a youth, was found this:   “I would like to think these were tried and tested and passed down thru the ages from those so great to those we love.”  I would like to pass the same onto you. In the crazy world we find ourselves today, try to find a little time to be alone with your thoughts.  Enjoy the day! 

Louis R. Jasikoff


Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.