Posted With Permission: The Covert Identity Of "Deep Throat"

 LA Homeland Security ExaminerJulia Davis

The covert identity of Deep Throat, the informant who blew the whistle on the Watergate scandal, remained a secret for more than 30 years. The times have changed. Today, the government is treating informants as disposable sources of information, often jeopardizing their identities and lives. Considering this modus operandi, how many reliable sources of information will be willing to cross over to the other side of the looking-glass in the future?

Throwaway people

Deep Throat was introduced to the public by the Washington Post’s reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in their 1974 book “All The President's Men”. Bernstein kept the secret of Deep Throat’s identity even from his then-wife Nora Ephron. The ex-wife would find her own celebrity as a brilliant, Academy Award nominated writer and director ("When Harry Met Sally," "Silkwood," “Sleepless in Seattle," “Julie and Julia”). Nora Ephron became obsessed with figuring out the mystery. Years earlier, Ephron served as an intern in the White House – now she was trying to unlock the secrets of the Nixon administration. Ephron eventually concluded that Deep Throat was FBI Deputy Director W. Mark Felt. On May 31, 2005, a Vanity Fair magazine article blew the lid off the 30 year old conundrum, also naming Felt as the mystery man behind the Watergate floodgates.

In this day and age, informants can no longer rely on the government for the same secrecy and protection. FBI’s guidelines state, "The United States government will strive to protect your identity but cannot promise or guarantee either that your identity will not be divulged..." Having been squeezed out like a lemon, they are dead men walking. Their only hope is to walk fast.

The mission of using informants as the sources has been perverted when they become the recipients of law enforcement information, instead. One of the first cases that showcased this problem involved the Godfather of Boston’s Irish mob, Whitey Bulger. After becoming a confidential informant, Bulger and his mob associate Flemmi managed to corrupt their FBI handlers. They lavished gifts upon FBI Supervisors John Morris, his partner James Ring and Agent John Connolly from what they nicknamed “the X fund”. With these bribes, mobsters bought 30 years of protection from the law by the very agents entrusted with upholding it. FBI agents disclosed identities of informants to the mobsters, ensuring that no one lived to tell about their crimes. FBI quite literally allowed these criminals to get away with murder, many times over.

Wrongful death lawsuits were brought against the federal government by families of victims, tortured and murdered by the mob as the result of being exposed as FBI informants. The FBI was ordered to pay McIntyre’s family $3.1 million for his wrongful death. It took the family 22 years to prove that the FBI’s mishandling of its informants caused McIntyre to be brutally murdered. In its infinite arrogance, the government had the audacity to appeal the ruling and rightfully lost.

The McIntyre lawsuit was the first of 17 cases filed against the government in the Bulger matter. In May of 2009, the government was ordered to pay the families of Michael Donahue and Edward Halloran almost $8.25 million for their murders. In June of 2009, the federal government was ordered to pay $6.25 million dollars to the family of Richard J. Castucci, who was shot in the head after the mobsters discovered he was an informant.

Boston Wrongful Death: Government Ordered to Pay $6.25 Million to Family of Revere Club Owner Murdered by Mob

The mobsters executed many others, such as Roger Wheeler (murdered for refusing to sell his company to gangsters), Debra Davis (Flemmi’s girlfriend, strangled by Bulger because she knew too much about the mobsters’ cozy deal with the FBI), Arthur “Bucky” Barrett (a bank robber, murdered because Bulger wanted to take his money), Deborah Hussey (the teenage daughter of Flemmi’s girlfriend, whom he had been sexually molesting – Bulger choked the teenager with a rope).  FBI agent Connolly was convicted on federal racketeering charges in 2002 for protecting mobsters Bulger and Flemmi from prosecution and warning Bulger to flee just before his indictment. Thanks to Connolly, Bulger is still at large and remains on the FBI’s Most Wanted list. Flemmi is serving a life term in prison for 10 murders.

In his federal court testimony, Flemmi stated that former Boston FBI supervisor James Ring “was aware of what we were doing. He condoned it.” Flemmi explained that Ring and his partner, John Morris, treated gangsters as if they were FBI agents,” stating, “It’s like we were equals.”

Bulger Case Changed FBI's Role With Informants

This exposure rocked the FBI to the core and changed the agency’s guidelines in dealing with informants. "The unfortunate thing is that when you have something like this, there tends to be an overreaction," says former FBI assistant director Barry Mawn. It’s difficult to imagine the possibility of “overreacting” to murder caused by the agency whose mission is to protect the citizens from crime.

Tweedledum and TweedleDEA

In spite of the escalating violence on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border, the mood is not too somber at the DEA. Their idea of “fun” ended up costing prosecutors a case against a suspected drug trafficker after it was revealed that a DEA agent forced the Mexican-born suspect to pose for a booking photo wearing a sombrero and holding a Mexican flag. Once his attorney asked the prosecution for a copy of the photo, his client was immediately offered a plea deal. This allowed the suspect to avoid a possible 20-year sentence in a cocaine-related case. DEA spokesperson told ABC News the photo was taken but "no longer exists." Apparently, neither does common sense at the DEA.

Prosecutors Release Drug Suspect Forced to Wear Sombrero in DEA Photo

ICE cold corruption

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a relatively young agency that sprang up in a tortured birth of the Department of Homeland Security. In 1957, Charlton Ogburn, Jr. uttered a quote that is often attributed to Gaius Petronius Arbiter and could be just as easily attributed to today’s DHS agents: “We trained hard ... but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams we would be reorganized. I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.”

ICE is heavily mired in corruption, which is exemplified by a slew of recent high profile cases. Richard Padilla Cramer, veteran ICE agent pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and is awaiting sentencing on February 18, 2010. He is facing 20 years in prison for supplying members of the Mexican drug cartel with confidential law enforcement information obtained from the computer systems of ICE and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), as well as trafficking more than 600 pounds of cocaine from Panama to Spain.

Cramer was reportedly selling lists of informants to Mexican drug traffickers, which also protected his interests as a major investor in several large shipments of cocaine. He was caught when an informant showed the authorities printouts from law enforcement databases, provided to major drug dealers by Cramer. He is being held at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Miami, Florida.

Federal agent faces prison for tipping off traffickers

Constantine Peter Kallas, former Assistant Chief Counsel for ICE, is also awaiting sentencing. Federal grand jury indicted Kallas and his wife for bribery, money laundering, federal worker's compensation fraud, and other federal charges in connection with accepting payments to adjust the immigration status of aliens. According to the government’s filings, Kallas and his spouse received thousands of dollars from 45 illegal aliens and 2 legal permanent residents in exchange for immigration benefits. They were arrested at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino, where authorities believed they were in the process of accepting another bribe. Kallas is being held at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), his wife was released on $ 200,000.00 dollar bond. If convicted, the couple faces a statutory maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

Superseding Indictment Charges Couple With 75 Counts In Connection With A Scheme To Take Bribes From Immigrants Seeking Citizenship

Former U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O'Brien said in a written statement: "As a law enforcement official, Mr. Kallas abused his position in the Department of Homeland Security simply to line his own pockets."
Roy M. Bailey is another high-ranking DHS/ICE official indicted by a federal Grand Jury for multiple counts of bribery, conspiracy and extortion. Bailey misused his position as the Assistant District Director of the late Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and thereafter as the Director of Field Operations of ICE in Detroit by taking bribes in return for immigration benefits. This included Bailey securing unjustified releases of detainees from ICE custody and arranging sham marriages for immigration purposes.

Bailey was convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to defraud the United States and misprision of felony. Charges against him carried maximum sentence of up to 68 years in prison and fines of over $1 million. The sentence he received hardly matches the severity of his crimes and the shame he brought upon the agency. In March of 2009, Bailey was sentenced to a puny 37 months imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of $30,000. He is serving time in the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) at Terminal Island, California and is scheduled to be released on March 20, 2012. Prosecutor Terrence Berg stated, "Today's prison sentence should be a lesson to any who would misuse public power for personal gain." It’s hardly a lesson, since the sentence clearly did not match the severity of Bailey’s betrayal of public office.

Former Assistant Director Of U.S. Immigration Sentenced For Bribery And Conspiracy To Defraud The United States

One of the charges against Bailey included his failure to report that one of his employees, former ICE Detention Officer Patrick Wynne stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash from immigration detainees over the course of several years. Ironically, Wynne received a longer sentence than Bailey, having been sentenced to 57 months in prison. Inexplicably, Wynne was released on March 13, 2009, having served only a portion of his sentence.

Yet another veteran ICE Agent, Pedro Cintron, was indicted on 14 counts, including theft, disclosing the name of a confidential informant, making false statements to authorities and taking bribes for bringing illegal immigrants into the U.S. Cintron worked as a federal agent for more than 25 years. He was working as a federal undercover agent investigating an Ecuadorean-Chinese smuggling ring. Cintron crossed over to the other side and impeded authorities by protecting a smuggler from being arrested.

Immigration Agent Charged With Taking Kickbacks

After being indicted, Cintron was placed on paid (that’s right, paid) leave from his ICE job. He was facing a maximum sentence of 57 years in prison. As a result of a plea bargain, Cintron was charged only with “receiving a gratuity by a public official” and received a sentence of only 2 years behind bars. He will be out of prison by May 11, 2011.

Former Ice Agent Pleads Guilty In Kickback, Obstruction Scheme

Daphiney Kimberly Caganap is another high-ranking federal official convicted of corruption. Caganap served as the Port Director at the San Ysidro Port of Entry (the largest and busiest land border crossing in the U.S.), headed intelligence operations and later became the Port Director for the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the Detroit Metro Airport.
After being indicted, Caganap was placed on administrative (paid) leave – after all, American taxpayers wouldn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to pay another corrupt fed. Caganap was charged with nine counts of conspiracy to defraud the US, accepting gratuities, and making false statements. According to federal prosecutors, she received bribes for turning a blind eye to drug and alien smuggling through the San Ysidro port of entry. The indictment stated that after being briefed by federal agents on the investigation, Caganap passed along sensitive information to the suspect.

Port Director Caganap was facing a potential 36-year prison term, but –guess what? She got away with receiving only probation. Is anyone still wondering why corruption is so rampant at the high levels of federal law enforcement? Could lack of accountability have something to do with it?

Ex-San Diego INS Official Is Indicted

Meth-a-physics

Identities of informants were sold out for drugs and money by Gordon Clark Bohannon, former Chief Deputy of the Hockley County Sheriff’s Office. On December 21, 2009, Bohannon pleaded guilty to his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. He was charged in a 110-count indictment, along with 27 co-conspirators, with operating a major drug trafficking organization in Texas, Arizona and California. In his position as a Chief Deputy of the Sheriff’s Office, Bohannon obtained sensitive law enforcement information that he handed over to his co-conspirators. According to the indictment, he also interfered with the efforts by police to investigate the conspiracy, aided and abetted prohibited criminals in illegally possessing firearms, tried to get authorities to dismiss criminal charges against his co-conspirator and warned drug traffickers that a search warrant would be executed at their residence.

Bohannon retaliated against anyone he saw as a threat to the drug traffickers, obtaining the names of informants from law enforcement databases and providing this information to his co-conspirators. To discredit an informant who was going to testify against their drug organization, Bohannon went so far as to plant methamphetamine at his residence. He then instructed Deputy Sheriffs to obtain and execute a search warrant of the informant’s home. When the deputies conducted the search but couldn’t find the drugs, Bohannon said something to the effect of “well, hold on, let me call and see where she pu . . ., hold on I’ll call you back.” He directed officers to specific locations and offered to send over the confidential informant so she could show them where to look for drugs.

Bohannon was facing a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison and a $4 million fine. If the court accepts his plea agreement, in March 2010, Bohannon will be sentenced to 10 years in prison and no fine.

Former Hockley County Chief Deputy Sheriff Pleads Guilty in Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

Federal Betrayal of Informants (F.B.I.)

On February 8, 2010, FBI informant “Andrea” went public with her allegations that the Bureau double-crossed her and jeopardized her life, after she helped them in a risky operation against Mexican mob. In the documentary "Inside the FBI," released by the Discovery channel, it was called "one of the largest Mexican Mafia takedowns in FBI history," resulting in 40 arrests.

After the documentary aired, Andrea sent an e-mail to 10News TV station, describing her "problems with the FBI and their broken promises." Andrea stated, "I knew if I wasn't really dead, I was dead now." Soon after sending that e-mail, she was arrested by police. Her mug shot and identity -- which had been changed out of concerns for her safety -- was posted on the jail's Web site. She was charged with obstruction of justice.

Andrea’s arrest warrant stated, "Through FBI San Diego and copies of e-mails … the defendant … did communicate with the news media." They claimed that by talking to the news media, Andrea somehow jeopardized their investigation. She spent 60 days in jail until a Judge dismissed all charges. "My life is a nightmare. They ruined my life. I don't have anything," Andrea said.

FBI Informant Says Agency Put Her Life In Danger

Former FBI agent, Denise Woo, pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor count of disclosing confidential information for revealing an informant's identity to the target of an investigation. Woo received a meager sentence of one year probation and a $1,000 fine. This was a far cry from the 10 years or more of prison time Ms. Woo was facing for the five felony charges brought against her, including making false statements to the FBI, disclosing a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act wiretap, and exposing a covert agent in violation of the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982.

Ex-FBI Agent Avoids Jail for Exposing Informant's Identity

Measly penalties for jeopardizing lives of informants can hardly be seen as a deterrent for other law enforcement officials.

This is the thanks you get

In January of 2010, the judge refused to delay the prison sentence of Bradley C. Birkenfeld, a former Swiss banker-turned-informant. Birkenfeld, an American who lived in Switzerland for nearly 15 years, led authorities to the biggest tax fraud case in history. As the result of his disclosures, UBS, the largest bank in Switzerland, admitted to conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and agreed to pay $780 million to end an investigation into its activities. UBS also agreed to disclose to the IRS the names of 4,450 wealthy Americans suspected of dodging taxes through secret offshore accounts.

The Justice Department decided to prosecute Birkenfeld because he allegedly did not disclose enough details about his top client, Igor Olenicoff, an American billionaire and property developer. At the same time, the government had rejected Mr. Birkenfeld’s offer to wear a wiretap when talking to clients. In his interview with “60 Minutes”, Birkenfeld said: “I gave them the biggest tax fraud case in the world, I exposed 19,000 international criminals. And I’m going to jail for that?”

Judge Refuses to Delay Prison for UBS Informant

How much for your life?

A relationship between law enforcement officials and their informants is fragile and very important. Approximately 95% of all crimes are solved based on the priceless insight informants provide into the underworld of criminal enterprises, including transnational drug trafficking, white collar investigations and anti-terrorism efforts. Informants can be considered an endangered species, because they are hunted by criminals and often forsaken by the government, once they outlive their value. By revealing information about an informant’s cooperation, corrupt or careless law enforcement officials seal their doom.

Gang leaders often seek an official confirmation of an informant’s participation, before green-lighting their murder. Ironically, this corroborating evidence sometimes comes from law enforcement, when corrupt officials disclose identities of informants, obtained by accessing law enforcement databases. State and local governments lack proper mechanisms for dealing with informants. The federal government started to regulate that murky area mainly because of public embarrassment it was facing. Informants get the short end of the stick, when the authorities are unable or unwilling to protect them. Many of them face certain death for helping law enforcement. The stakes are high, indeed. Accountability for jeopardizing lives should be directly proportionate to the damage such a betrayal of public trust can inflict. Only then we can ensure that the information keeps on coming to help the brave men and women of American law enforcement to solve crimes, to save lives, to protect and to serve.

Read more stories by Julia Davis, Los Angeles Homeland Security Examiner
http://www.examiner.com/x-35807-LA-Homeland-Security-Examiner

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Thank You To Julia Davis for allowing us to share this with Our Readers.

Fellow Mainer's, Your Freedom Is At Stake!

Host Jarrod Le Blanc addresses the issues that affect the freedom of all Mainers. This episode involves Senator Dennis Damon's bill to ban the use of ADLR's in Maine. They scan your plates, put them into a data base and then track you everywhere, everyday through GPS technology.

 Part Two

Maine Freedom Watchdogs addresses the issues that affect the freedom of all Maine citizens. This episode discusses the growing surveillance state in America and covers a hearing on Maine Senator Dennis Damon's bill to ban the use of surveillance scanners on police cruisers that can track people's movements by their license plate. Hosted by Jarrod Le Blanc.

Mainely Christian Films is bringing a new movie to Maine.‏

Feb 26^th – March 4^th

Regal Theater

Brunswick, ME

To Save A Life -

Read more about the story or watch the trailer on the official movie site mainelychristianfilms.tosavealifegroup.com.

Story:

Jake Taylor has it all: friends, fame, a basketball scholarship and the hottest girl in school. What could be better?

Enter Roger Dawson. Roger has nothing. No friends. No hope. Nothing but putdowns and getting pushed aside. Things couldn't get worse...could they?

Jake and Roger were best friends when they were kids. But the politics of high school quickly pulled them apart. Now Roger doesn't fit in Jake's-or anyone's circle-and he's had enough. He walks onto campus with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart and makes a tragic move.

Jake's last-ditch effort can't stop Roger, and the sudden tragedy rocks Jake's world. Something breaks loose inside and sends him questioning everything. Most of all, he can't shake the question Could I have saved Roger? In a quest for answers, Jake finds himself looking for the next Roger and reaching out to the outcasts and lonely. But he quickly finds that crossing class castes threatens all his world is built on. And it could cost him his own friends, his girl, his dreams and even his reputation. Is it worth the price to find the answer to his ultimate question: What do I want my life to be about?

ABOUT TO SAVE A LIFE

Can a movie change the world? No, but it can move the people who will.

To Save A Life is more than a movie. It's the difference you can make when you use your influence and time for others-whether in your family, neighborhood, campus, community or world. Some people are just dying to be heard and accepted. Don't let 'em have to. Be the person who takes the time to show people they have value. Listen. Reach out. Engage.

Imagine if we took the time to show other people we care. To Save A Life dares-no, inspires-you to.

To Save A Life is an awesome movie. But it's only a movie. You can change the world.

To find out more contact Jason Young @ 207-504-1696 or jpyusa@hotmail.com

Or find Mainely Christian Films on Facebook @ Mainely Christian Films.

Brooks' "Investigation"‏

It was well known around Lisbon that there was something untoward going on at the Asian Accupressure business.  They were advertising in Portland freebie papers that were adult-oriented.  A local town employee's son told her that his friend went there for a "happy ending."  The business was right on Route 196 in full view of the police department.  By the way, wasn't it the feds that busted that place?  There were other things right under Brooks' nose too, but he chooses to rule against those that disagree with him.

 

A Lisbon Citizen

Town Council Agenda for Tues. Feb. 16

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
6:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bowie ___Councilor Larochelle ___ Councilor Mason
___Councilor Cote ___Councilor Lunt ___Councilor Pomelow
___Councilor Crafts
Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. PUBLIC HEARING
A. Special Entertainment Permit & Liquor License – Railroad Restaurant & Pub

4. CONSENT AGENDA
2010-31 ORDER A. Special Entertainment Permit & Liquor License – Railroad Restaurant & Pub

B. Minutes of January 19, 2010

5. COUNCIL ORDERS, RESOLUTIONS, & ORDINANCES

2010-32 ORDER − Inactive Trails Commission Member

6. OTHER BUSINESS

A. Revitalization Work Plan Presentation 

B. Town Manager’s Report/Finance Report

C. Lisbon’s Night of Appreciation

D. Town Clerk’s Department Presentation followed by a tour of the vault after adjournment.

7. AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

8. APPOINTMENTS

9. COUNCILOR COMMUNICATIONS

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION

11. ADJOURNMENT
2010-33 ORDER to Adjourn

THE PRINCE OF FOOLS‏

“The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the presidency.  It will be easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails us.  Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool.  It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president.”

C.C. Bondermann
Lisbon, Maine

A Notice To Public Servants

A NOTICE TO PUBLIC SERVANTS

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. — Thomas Jefferson, American Declaration of Independence

Brooks the legacy, NOT!

From boston.com

Brooks said the Asia Accupressure Therapy Center came under suspicion when Lisbon police received a tip from South Portland authorities that the operator of a massage parlor there was believed to be doing business in Lisbon, as well. Police observed the center for six months before the June raid. more.

Local police say prostitution rings are expanding from their urban bases into such small communities as Essex, Vt., where the Police Department has no vice squad. Or Lisbon, a town of 9,200 residents 22 miles south of Augusta, where the last arrest on prostitution charges was too long ago for David Brooks, the police chief for the past 24 years, to remember when it happened. {and this article was written in 2004}

Let'$ $ee, $outh Portland authorities, Rockland PD.   And we Need This Exuberantly FUNDED Police Force For WHAT? 
Accident Investigations!?

Hell, they can't even get those right.

There is a Bogeyman! 
&
It is YOU!

America Is On The Move!

Brooks, and not the running water!

Hi.

thoughts from an old fool.

Watching Brooks at the Tuesday p.m. workshop, he was sitting facing the
group to give his presentation, his head is egg shaped. I wish I could draw
it. He will need a longer arm if he's chief much longer, the stripes on his
left sleeve go from cuff to elbow. Just what do the stripes represent? Years
of service? He has 12, from what I could count. It must take him at least an
hour to put all his stars, badges and other hardware on his shirt in the
morning. If he fell into the river, he would surely drown.

thoughts from an old fool.

AIB

Lisbon Falls, Maine

Republicans To Rally Tonight In Lisbon Falls!

Important Meeting of the Lisbon Falls Republicans who want to caucus and
  become members of your committee.
  Thursday, Feb 11th at 6:00PM at the MTM Center on School Street in Lisbon
Falls. Please be there if you can, this is an important meeting.

 

Learn More

Lead By Example: Transparency In Education

"New Website Tracks Education Data -- and Promotes an Agenda

By Anne Mostue
MPBN News Producer

A conservative think-tank in Maine has launched a new Website to track all things education: from spending and school performance data to education reforms and reviews of individual schools. The site does have an agenda, but may prove to be easier to navigate than the Department of Education's.

The Portland-based, conservative Maine Heritage Policy Center calls its new site GreatSchoolsForME.org.

"And on this page, you'll be able to go in and see the kind of data behind me here which really breaks down the spending that goes on in school districts," says Stephen Bowen, director of the Center for Education Excellence at the Maine Heritage Policy Center"

continue reading->>

Lisbon Weather Map, We Will Keep This Simple

Oh, We are likely to see some "Flakes" but not much accumulation.

Thank you 'Trudeau' for your 'Wxartcast' from the Land that is White now, but really is Green.

A Quote For Lisbon, Really!

Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable - a most sacred right - a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world.
Abraham Lincoln

No Mr.Eldridge, Mr. Cote Was Very Clear About What He Was Presenting

October 6, 2009 Town Council Meeting.

"Mr. Eldridge said Councilor Cote had brought up at our last meeting that he wanted something to go out to referendum. Attorney Roger Therriault and I sat down and talked about that and that is a charter change. If that’s something you want to talk about then we will put it on the agenda for the Council to discuss it more. Also, there was a question raised about the incompatibility of offices and Councilor Crafts, Attorney Therriault, and MMA feels that there is no conflict that stems around that. Representatives don’t necessarily work as an employee of the State so it does not present a conflict."  Town Minutes.

Mr. Cote was very specific about what he wanted to have changed.  Very Specific.  It Is You and Your Cronies that have misled and misguided the taxpayer's. 

This was presented in plenty of time to have been included in last November's referendum.  But No.   We Must Not Let This Happen.

Click here to read how the Lisbon Town Charter currently Reads.

This is what Councilor Cote presented.

"Section 6.04 (d) 1 is hereby deleted and the following new Section 6.04 is adopted.

(d) Adoptions:

                  1. Town Budget.  The final vote on the Town Budget shall be taken by the Council on or before the Budget as passed by the Town Council shall go to a Budget Referendum on or before  (date to be determined)                 .  The vote at the Budget Referendum shall be taken for each Department of the Town as separate items.

            The Town shall provide printed information to be displayed at polling places to assist voters in voting.  This information is limited to the Budget approved by the Council for each Department.

            If the voters do not validate the budget approved by the Council at the Budget Referendum, the Council shall hold another budget meeting at least 10 days after the Referendum to vote on a new budget.

            The budget approved at this budget meeting must then be submitted to the voter for validation at Referendum in accordance with this Section.

            The process must be repeated until a budget is approved by the Council and validated at Referendum.  If the budget is not approved, the budget for the prior year shall become the budget to be implemented on a month-to-month basis until such time as the final budget is approved."

Well, I don't know about you, but Cut & Paste works for me.   

There you go People.

It Is Up To You Now!

ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY DISPATCH CONSOLIDATION STUDY DISCUSSION

AGENDA
TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2010
LISBON TOWN OFFICE
7:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE TO FLAG

2. ROLL CALL
___Councilor Bowie ___Councilor Larochelle ___ Councilor Mason
___Councilor Cote ___Councilor Lunt ___Councilor Pomelow
___Councilor Crafts
Town Clerk reading of meeting rules

3. ANDROSCOGGIN COUNTY DISPATCH CONSOLIDATION STUDY DISCUSSION

4. ADJOURNMENT

Agenda Link

Revaluation Revisited

"I was contacted by Pat Dow"  words spoken by Van Tuinen at Town Council Meeting.

What is this, Another Inside heads up job by your Town Officials?

Revaluation Revisited
 
The Town of Lisbon does need a revaluation, badly. This should have been
done years ago, but taxpayers, trying to save, have been putting it off. 

Try selling a property in town when the prospective buyer goes to the town
office and sees the low value and thinks they can buy the property for that
low price.
 
The revaluation the Town Council approved last week for $8,000 is for land
only. 

My concern is that Town Council was not really given a choice. I feel
that we should have heard a presentation from both bidders. Why is that so
wrong? 

There is a considerable difference in the bids, $8,000 vs. $35,000,
but I would have liked to hear what and how we would have gotten for the
$27,000 difference. I am the first person in favor of saving money, but I
also try to get as much information as possible before I spend my
hard-earned money. 

Again, is that so wrong?

Now is a good time to do a revaluation. I just want to see it done right and
fairly.
I'm sure Mr. William Van Tuinen is very qualified and honest. 

My concern is, how and why is he doing it for so little money?
 
Dot Fitzgerald

I Love A Bargain
And Am A Concerned Citizen

Instead of looking for more money for the pool they ought to be considering making 

making the pool smaller.  In other words, CUT, CUT, CUT. 

 Cut the budget.

GIVE the budget to the people to vote on. 

Stand by, more to come on this subject. 

Lisbon Emergency Donates Equipment to LHS‏

Photo by Monica Millhime

 Lisbon High School ‘s RN, Elaine Daly, accepts a new Blood Glucose Monitor for the School Clinic from Lee Gamache, Chief of Service for Lisbon Emergency, Inc.

Lisbon – On Thursday, February 4, Chief of Service, Lee Gamache from Lisbon Emergency, Inc., donated a new Blood Glucose Monitor to Lisbon High School Nurse, Elaine Daly.  Lisbon Emergency provided the new equipment after receiving word the school was in need of a new machine.  “The new Blood Glucose Monitor means a lot for our students. With updated equipment we can provide the best possible medical care to anyone who walks into the high school Clinic. We would like to again thank Lisbon Emergency and Leland Gamache for providing this to our students," comments Daly.

Lisbon Emergency is a private, non-profit ambulance service providing 24-hour medical care and emergency transportation to the communities of Lisbon and Bowdoin.  The service has also provided mutual support to the surrounding communities for close to 35 years. Plans for construction of a new facility in Lisbon are currently being According to Chief Gamache, “100% of charitable funds received through donations will be directed toward the new construction project expected to begin this year.”  FMI contact Gamache by calling 577-7519. 

Introducing: SAWSTOP Simply Spectacular!

"There's going to be a lot less fingerless Woodworkers."

 

 

Thanks Joe for sending this in!

Li,,, Lis,,,, no,,, Lie. Just Doo It ! ,,,, Chief Brooks Does.

"The Art of the Lie

February 8, 2010 by Bob Livingston 

When my children were growing up I could usually tell when they were lying to me. A subtle fidget, a flicker of the eyes or the pitch of their voice would give them away.
That’s because they were taught from the start that lying was wrong. My wife and I drummed it into them, and they believed it. Since they knew what they were doing was wrong it was difficult for them to pull it off.
I’ve always been pretty good at spotting liars. Not as good as Dr. Cal Lightman from the Fox show Lie to Me; but pretty good. It was a gift that served me well as a reporter.
Of course it’s a lot easier to spot a lying politician today than it used to be. How do you know they’re lying? It’s cliché, but, it’s when their lips are moving."

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Lisbon Family FREE Movie Night

Comments to Citizens Comments‏

Follow Up to the Last Town Council Meeting

I must have been at a different meeting than Dot Fitzgerald. All I see is a town trying to save money for tax payers and maybe save some jobs with having employees do data entry with new land appraisals. There were three bids one drop out, which left two. The town has lost thousands and thousands of dollars for not having updated evaluations since 1988, probably would of saved town employees not having to take mandatory days off if we had some extra Homestead money. Come on lets just do it, it still will take a few years. And as far as Mr. Cote he only has a couple of followers who seem to tell him what to talk about at meetings. I think if he could think for himself he would be a better councilor. I do hope for change and not for Mr. Cote.

 

Time to get along and work together!!!

 

Kathi Yergin
Lisbon Falls, ME

 

Need Money? Try Searching this state's website for Unclaimed Property

Times are tough, finances are stretched.   Take a look at this site to see if you may have some unclaimed property.

https://www.maine.gov/treasurer/unclaimed_property/online/


Good Luck!

"Looking for a True Maine Wilderness Experience? Katahdin Air Service is the answer"

Time Travel now Available in Maine

You have no doubt heard the term “alternative energy.” Unless you live in a cave you may also have heard the term “green energy.” Of course, if you went to Harvard, you most assuredly have heard of “smart energy.” None of us here went to Harvard. But, we do spend a lot of time in the woods. From our perspective that makes us equals. Perhaps that is why we are comfortable talking to you about something you may not have heard about. What is more important, unlike some of the "energy" issues above our semi secret technology is even available for immediate use. Art Bell calls it tiiime traaavel.

No, The Smart Green Alternative Time Machine is not just pie in the sky. (That's S.G.A.T.M. for you Harvard types. Pronounce that one if you are so smart). In fact our machine is now available for time travel right here in the state of Maine... as we speak. This wonderful invention is four times faster than driving, 4050 times faster than a canoe, about the same for walking and it does less damage to the environment than any of these older more stupid methods of transportation…now that has to be Smart. What is even more unbelievable is that it can get you to places that sometimes require a combination of all three of those more traditional, less progressive, methods of moving around.

Think on this. If you want to go from Bangor to the camps at Katahdin Lake (highly recommended) you will need a bunch of stuff to get you there. First you will need to drive you carbon spewing , wildlife killing, (now) government owned toxic transportation unit up the tax sucking, habitat annihilating, brain draining I-95 corridor. That will take about two hours if you include the somewhat annoying twenty minutes on the equally as smelly speed trap called route 57. After you register with the Park you will need to drive another forty minutes to the Avalanche Field trail head at twenty five miles per hour (actually that might be the best part). After loading up with your overweight pack (Of course! you needed that extra case of wine. Heck, you are on vacation ...right?) and dawning your gators you have only to slog for the next two hours or so across the mud oozing, mosquito infested Katahdin Lake trail. I wonder how many trees they snuffed out to make that one?

So now you have about five very ungreen, unalternative, unsmart hours invested in getting to the camps. We allowed a few minutes for the conversation. Don’t be embarrassed. We all have it. Do we lug his fishing rod or her fifty pounds of books?

Oh glory…the almost all Green, Alternative Time Machine is here to save the day. Just think...Bangor to Katahdin Lake in a half hour needing no roads, no trails and arriving with both the fishing rod and the now up to eighty pounds of books…and two cases of wine (why not?). Like we said, we did not attend Harvard. We do however have a very Smart Green Alternative Time Machine for hire (Photo above). So if you would like to save a snail, and a bunch of time to boot give us a shout.

(Small Print in case you are a lawyer) We are an equal opportunity seaplane outfit. So don't worry. If you went to Harvard you are welcome to ride along.

www.katahdinair.com 

 Even though no one here did go to 'Havah'd'  these folks are Top Shelf!

89 year old woman drives her 45 yr old Comet car 540,000 miles

89 year old woman drives her 45 yr old Comet car 540,000 miles with same engine.
This video is awesome.  You'll appreciate a few things this lady does and says.

She has driven this car 540,000+ miles.  She drove it to her 70th High School reunion and really knows how to protect herself....
 ENJOY THIS 3 min 30 sec video.
A real Classic--the woman and the carhttp://growingbolder.com/media/technology/vehicles/romancing-the-road-259598.html

1948 America: What Has Happened To Us?

"Fun and Facts About America, John Sutherland Productions. Creative Commons license: Public Domain. This Cold War-era cartoon uses humor to tout the dangers of Communism and the benefits of capitalism. For more great vintage animation check out www.animationstation.info and subscribe to our podcast".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRESIDENT REAGAN

"Michael Reagan on Ronald Reagan: 'His Legacy is Freedom' 

 

 

http://www.arthurshall.com/images/custom_images/ronald_reagan_carrier.jpg

By: Jim Meyers

Saturday is Ronald Reagan’s birthday, and his son Michael Reagan tells Newsmax that the legacy of America’s 40th president can be summed up in one word: freedom.

But Reagan criticized the current president, Barack Obama, for “apologizing” for America instead of “uplifting” the nation as President Reagan had.
Michael Reagan is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show, a Newsmax columnist, and head of the Reagan Legacy Foundation.

See Video: Michael Reagan talks about how his father changed the world — Click Here Now"

The Big Boys Gather Where It's Cold To Discuss World Finances

"World financial leaders focusing on budget crises

By JANE WARDELL and MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Business Writers 

 

IQALUIT, Nunavut - A crisis in Europe over budget belt-tightening has upended global markets and seized the attention of financial leaders meeting in the Canadian Arctic.
Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of Seven major industrial countries also planned to try on Saturday to settle differences on banking industry changes. There are that go-it-alone action such as President Barack Obama's plan to break up big banks will further hamper the fledging economic recovery. 

Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty hoped his choice of the remote town of Iqaluit, population 7,000, where temperatures can dip to 40 degrees below zero in February, would make officials focus on the task ahead. 

The United States was represented by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke. The G-7 consists of the United States, Japan, Germany, Britain, France, Italy and Canada."

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Click here for information on Iqaluit, Nunavut Canada

All this "hot air" gathered in one place in the Arctic is sure to effect Global Warming.

The National Anthem is sung by five young ladies‏

Our National Anthem

Texas Tech University Basketball game, Feb 9th, National Anthem sung by five young ladies (ages 6-8.) We have never heard it performed better than this!

An entire arena remains completely silent throughout the entire song. You could hear a pin drop.

My New Truck

 

I bought a new Chevy Avalanche And returned to the dealer yesterday
Because I couldn't get the radio to work. The salesman explained that the radio was voice activated.

'Nelson,' the salesman said to the radio.
The radio replied, 'Ricky or Willie?'
'Willie!' he continued and 'On The Road Again' Came from the speakers.

Then he said, 'Ray Charles!', and in an instant ' Georgia On My Mind' replaced Willie Nelson.
I drove away happy, and for the next few days, Every time I'd say, 'Beethoven,' I'd get beautiful classical music, and if I said,  'Beatles,' I'd get one of their awesome songs.

Yesterday, some guy ran a red light And nearly creamed my new truck, But I swerved in time to avoid him.

I yelled, 'Ass Hole!' Immediately the radio responded with, "Ladies and gentlemen, The President of  The United  States

Damn I love this truck...