Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Updates; Book Q&A

The N&O is reporting that U.S. Department of Justice has rejected Attorney General Roy Cooper's request for a joint state-federal inquiry into allegations of civil rights violations by Mike Nifong and the DPD.

In an unusual rationalization, given that the state had requested federal intervention, Justice Department spokesperson Peter Carr said, “Well-established principles of federalism and comity discourage federal intervention when the state has the primary interest and the state is taking remedial action.”

---------

New York Times executive editor Bill Keller, from a recent address:

We are agnostic as to where a story may lead; we do not go into a story with an agenda or a pre-conceived notion. We do not manipulate or hide facts to advance an agenda.

That approach is admirable. It’s also difficult to reconcile with the paper’s coverage of the lacrosse case, especially its August 25, 2006 article—which clearly manipulated and misstated relevant facts, while offering a thesis that the Attorney General’s April 2007 pronouncement would show was untrue.

---------

Early in the case, a couple of pro-Mangum trolls at the TalkLeft boards spent weeks maintaining that the April 4, 2006 lineup respected Durham procedures (five fillers per suspect) because two or three of the lacrosse players didn’t attend the party, and thus could be considered fillers. This assertion, of course, was absurd, for reasons that, most recently, the Robert Mosteller article explains.

The latest manifestation of this pattern has come in a Liestoppers discussion thread in which Michael Gaynor continues his quixotic defense of Dr. Brian Meehan. Gaynor most recently suggested that North Carolina state law, which requires subjects of an NTO to receive a report of all tests results from that NTO, did not require Meehan to issue a report detailing all test results. The former lab director could have, suggested Gaynor, given the test results orally. (This theory does not explain why even Meehan himself never offered this rationalization for his behavior.) Leaving aside the fact that a partially oral/partially written report would have violated the protocols of both his own lab and the lab’s accrediting agency, Meehan, to my knowledge, has never claimed that he gave all test results to Nifong orally—a briefing that presumably would have taken several hours to complete, given the marginal scientific knowledge of Nifong and his DPD sidekicks.

The argument recalls a joke once told by President Kennedy, after he had decided to appoint his brother as attorney general. Knowing that the selection would be controversial, the President quipped that he might open his front door in Georgetown one morning at 2 A.M. and whisper, “It’s Bobby.” Perhaps Meehan can claim that he upheld North Carolina law by opening his door one morning at 2 A.M. and reciting the test results to the darkness.

---------

Next Monday’s post will be a Q&A on the book. If you have questions about Until Proven Innocent, please ask them in the thread below; I will pick out the more intriguing ones for a response. General or specific questions are welcome.

With the November election, the first serious law review articles about the case, and the last gasps of Group of 88 defenders having come and gone, the DOJ decision leaves only the city of Durham's response as among the loose ends that necessitated the blog's epilogue. That response has been delayed yet again, and is now not due until January 15. Accordingly, the blog will go on full hiatus after Monday's post; if and when Durham produces a response, I'll comment on it in a conclusion to the blog.

96 comments:

LarryD said...

Well, I can't say I'm happy, or even neutral, about the DoJ decision. Looks like ducking the issue to me.

Conflicts of interest in the regional DoJ office? Or just "some animals are more equal than others"(Animal Farm) attitude?

It reeks either way.

Anonymous said...

The NYTimes has a long, documented history of doing the opposite of what Keller claims.

The Duke case is yet another example of an agenda-driven behavior pattern. His claims are so easily refuted, its laughable he'd make such an assertion.

jay said...

Another, rather major, loose end is the players lawsuit. Closure won't be complete until there is a decision - maybe not even then with appeals.

Anonymous said...

KC:

Good-bye.

Unfortunately, nothing's changed.

Ken
Dallas

Anonymous said...

KC, love the way you keep us updated with these issues! But are you being a bit, shall we say, selective?
How about pointing your miniscule minions over to the Towerview editorial that says you are an issue that has come, and gone.
That illustration of you and the dead horse is priceless! You've got to ask for a framed copy...maybe with 88 autographs?

Anonymous said...

I knew the Feds would not come riding in like the Lone Ranger.

mac said...

The fed's decision not to intervene can be easily explained: someone in the administration has been watching too many of the old Star Trek episodes, reconstituting "states rights" issues from the Federation's Prime Directive.

Which explains Katrina.

Funny, but the Klan of 88 are on the same side as the current administration, more or less.

Who has the President's ear these days? Rasputin?

Anonymous said...

A saying through the ages - "You can't fight City Hall."

Anonymous said...

UPI question: Are you looking forward to the HBO movie of UPI? You and your “Sunshine Band” may be portrayed as blog hooligans instead of intellectuals!

Anonymous said...

Donald Downs is a professor of political science, law, and journalism at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

He wrote two interesting essays, “The Unbalanced University” and “Where Was The Faculty?”
------------------------
Minding the Campus
Reforming Our Universities
December 3, 2007

The Unbalanced University
By Donald Downs

Excerpt:
Balch, the distinguished president of the National Association of Scholars who recently was awarded the National Humanities Medal in the Oval Office, blamed the ills of liberal education on politicized faculty.

The Unbalanced University
http://www.mindingthecampus.com/originals/2007/12/in_my_last_essay_for.html

Where Was The Faculty?
http://www.mindingthecampus.com/originals/2007/11/donald_downs.html

Anonymous said...

So let me get this right , the Dept of Justice can investigate and prosecute Michael Vick over a run of the mill, albeit horrible, dog fighting case ignoring the State of Virginia's objections that this is a state case, but refuses to be involved in one of the greateat cases of prosecutorial mis-conduct in the last 100 years when invited by the State of NC.

Anonymous said...

Federalism, perhaps. Comity, no. As a conservative, it never ceases to amaze me how the Republicans politicos go split personality on federalism. Either there is a federal question or not. The invocation of "federalism" to avoid federal jurisdiction in a matter of alleged federal civil rights violations is strange. The DOJ would have been far more honest if it had said: "rich white boys...poor, black accuser...ain't touching that with my neighbor's ten foot pole...got an election coming up". As for "comity", that word is one of art applied to the generous berth often given foreign country's laws. It is a principle of international law. Its use in this context seems odd, at best.

Anonymous said...

Whose idea was it to write the book?

How did you and Stuart end up working together?

And how did you allocate the work?

Anonymous said...

Book Questions:

Any chance you will write an update to UPI after the civil trials are completed?

After further reflections are there any changes that you would make to UPI?

Did you and Stuart Taylor disagree about anything in regards to the writing of UPI? How was it resolved?

Anonymous said...

One more loose end: Mike Pressler's reopened lawsuit.

Anonymous said...

Hello Professor Johnson

My questions are: What first aroused your interest in the case enough to start this blog? Did you ever think your work would bring so many readers?

What motivated you to keep posting quite remarkable work every night at midnight? (I ask Because I cant imagine the hard work that you consistently put in day in and day out.)

Have You ever met Colin, Reade, and Dave, and if so, what was the encounter like?

Huge fan of the blog, thank you for everything you have done.

KFinns

mac said...

Question: how close did you get to the families of the accused?

Question: how close did you get to their attorneys?

Question: did you interview or attempt to interview Crystal Gayle Mangum?

Question: did you ever get a response, comment or threat from Nurse Levicy?

Question: did you interview Dr. Manley?

Question: how important do you think DIW and UPI have been in putting things right in the public eye?

Question: what is Gaynor's problem?

Question: why do you think they promoted Cpl Addison?

Question: why haven't the people in Durham's AA community realized that Nifong was using them, misusing them and treating them as his personal chattel?

Question: do you think North Carolina was ripe for such a hoax, or was it just a "perfect storm?"

Question: have you enjoyed DIW?

Question: what would you change about your involvement with DIW and UPI?

Anonymous said...

Anyone catch the editorial in the Towerview magazine today? Very critical of KC and Co.

Anonymous said...

As egregious as was the behavior of Mike Nifong, he was supported on more fronts than were the Allies in WWII. Which, in your opinion, was the Eva Braun of the bunch? In other words, which of those in bed with Mikey were the most supportive of his ideas and had the greatest impact in the railroad process? I know it's tough to name only one. As I read UPI, I became more incensed with each chapter. You lived the book and the entire hoax. Can you offer your insight?

Anonymous said...

In this latest post, you use the term "pro-Mangum". As I first read that comment as "cro-Magnum". Do you find it ironic that these two phrases are so closely aligned? I found many of the actions of Mike Nifong to be particularly primitive. Likewise, the ever-present (and possibly blind) Victoria Peterson also made many extremely primitive statements. Her primitivity led to blind allegiance. Were the members of the DDA's office also blindly loyal? It seems that no one in that office was capable of independent thought (or at least was inclined to exhibit it). Why?

Anonymous said...

Questions about "Until Proven Innocent":

When will my friend give me my book back? Is it worth ruining our friendship over? Seriously, will you teach a course about the Duke fiasco one day?
________________

Congratulations on a superb, award-winning blog and a fantastic book! I enjoyed reading your daily posts and checking up on the rest of the "Sunshine Band."

I'm sure Reade, Dave, Collin and their families appreciate your extra-Herculean efforts. (At least that's what your diligence looks like to me and must look like to them. Apparently, though, that's just the way you roll). Good luck in Israel! MOO! Gregory

Anonymous said...

KC gonna miss the blog a lot. Thanks for every thing you have done. Those guys owe their freedom in part to your efforts. It is hard but looks like the case is about over. GD speed.

Gary Packwood said...

Question

Based on what we have learned to date about the Duke lacrosse rape hoax, would the creation of faculty Truth and Reconciliation Committees at universities across the country be an appropriate effort to protect students, prevent abuse and promote faculty/student communication?
::
GP

Anonymous said...

I thought it impossible, but there might be someone who can actually give the 88ers a lesson in how to screw up and not apologize: Mike Gaynor.

Anonymous said...

KC, you have done a wondrous thing putting your heart, your conscience, your reputation and your honor on the line to defend three total strangers. You and I have never met, but please let another stranger - myself - give you the deepest thanks for all you have done.

Thank you.

kcjohnson9 said...

To the 6.18:

It's intriguing, to put it mildly, that you would cite criticism of me for keeping the blog alive in a post that announces . .. the blog is going on hiatus.

Did you not read the entire post? If so, I'd urge you to do so!

Jim in San Diego said...

Book Questions:

1. The central theme of your book is the threat to justice (and therefore to all of us) from mindless "political correctness". Is there anything further you wish to add to the theme now, 18 months later?

2. Many of us are dissatisfied with the discovery, through your help, of the danger our white, male children face from the world of injustice thriving on many of our campuses. Not much has changed, not even on the Duke campus. Is there any follow up you would recommend?

3. If you had it to do over again, would you? Are the results you have seen worth the effort you have put into it?

4. What has surprised you about the reaction to your book, if anything? (Both from supporters and critics)

And, by the way, thank you.

Jim Peterson

mac said...

KC,

Hope you'll keep us updated on the movie and on changes - if any - made by the Duke administration, as well as the outcome of the suit by the rest of the players.

I'm disappointed in AG Mukasey.
Perhaps he's got no more spine than Fez, or his staffers have kept the issue out of his sight.

Now it's up to AG Cooper, but there's no evidence that he has any interest in pursuing the case without federal involvement. (In North Korealina, apparently, one needs some cover.)

And Elizabeth Dole is apparently an empty seat, and can't even fill her own shoes. (Many happy parties and dining engagements, Tizzy.) Sleep well, knowing that North Korealina is heading towards Venezuela, politically. You have the same political ear as, say, the Czar, his wife, or Marie Antoinette.

Anonymous said...

KC,
I must embarrassingly concede that I didn't read the last part of your post before responding to the DOJ issue. Now that you have decided to shut this thing down, I want you to know that I truly appreciate your courage in hanging in there under enormous duress. I can't imagine handling the scrutiny to which you have been subjected. As a Duke grad who is at ground zero and knows the dominant faculty culture well, I wish I could adequately explain to out of town DIW folks just how horrifying the PC warrior mentality is at Duke, and the lenghts to which the warriors will go to shout down any dissenting voice.

It took brass ones to stay afoot and remain toe to toe with the formidable powers that opposed you: not only the Duke PR machine, but also the local media, acting in concert with Duke, IMHO. You deserve a purple heart.

A couple of questions:

1. Did Duke, or anyone acting on its behalf, threaten you with litigation for any of your postings?

2. Did Jim Coleman ever respond/apologize to you and/or Stuart for his letter to the Chronicle?

3. Are you considering a second book that details your blog experience and the responses to it?

Best of luck, and THANK YOU!

Anonymous said...

UPI has hundreds of quotations, but where are your footnotes? Can we see them online?

Anonymous said...

North Carolina has TWO Senators, odd how Richard Burr isn’t mentioned, but Elizabeth Dole is. Why would that be I wonder?

Quote, “And Elizabeth Dole is apparently an empty seat, and can't even fill her own shoes.” Why not Richard Burr can’t fill HIS own shoes?

Where is Diane and her 'Little Dears' when I need them?

Debrah said...

H-S:


Police chief says DNA collected in investigation of officers

BY BRIANNE DOPART : The Herald-Sun
bdopart@heraldsun.com
Dec 6, 2007

DURHAM -- DNA evidence may be what Durham police officials need to prove allegations of "possible sexual misconduct" among their ranks.

In an interview with The Herald-Sun on Wednesday, Police Chief Jose Lopez confirmed that DNA evidence has been collected and is set to be analyzed in connection with the much-publicized probe into officers' alleged misconduct.

Citing the ongoing investigation into his employees as the reason he could not provide more details, Lopez said investigators have uncovered additional, non-DNA evidence indicating misconduct did indeed occur.

"My administrative decision [about whether to fire the implicated officers] doesn't hinge on the DNA evidence," he said. "The DNA is not the only thing we have."

DNA evidence may not be the only thing Lopez has, but it is one of the few aspects of the probe that has become public.

Since admitting the department was looking into the possible misconduct of its own officers, city attorneys fought and won a battle to keep the names of those officers placed on administrative leave for their possible role in the misconduct a secret.

Since that victory, little other information has surfaced about the probe, which sources told The Herald-Sun last month centered around allegations of officers having sex with prostitutes.

In the three-plus weeks since the police investigation began, the number of officers apparently under investigation for misconduct has been dwindling.

Lopez first told reporters that reports implicated 10 officers in "possible sexual misconduct" and that of those, only five or six were still under investigation and on administrative leave when the probe became public last month.

Since then, sources have told The Herald-Sun that only two officers remain under a cloud of suspicion.

Lopez would not confirm or deny the names of those two officers Wednesday and said rumors that one of the two had tendered his resignation were just that.

Lopez said he would not name any officer under investigation, or confirm any names presented to him, until he has "something in [his] hands" that proves misbehavior.

Asked why, Lopez compared the situation to that of former Duke lacrosse players Reade Seligmann, Colin Finnerty and David Evans, once charged -- by Durham police -- with rape and since completely exonerated.

"Anytime [the exonerated players] go to do anything in their lives, that case is going to come up," said Lopez.

"If I take any of the officers names you mentioned and attach all of this to them, every time their name comes up, every time they make an arrest or go to court, that will come up, it will follow them," he said.

Lopez said the police extends that courtesy to anyone it arrests, not releasing suspects' names until officers have warrants in hand.

Despite his unwillingness to release any information about officers believed to have been involved in the investigation, Lopez said he's hopeful that he'll have information to share soon.

"I'm hopeful I'll have evidence maybe not against all of [the officers under investigation] but I hope to have it on some of them," he said.

Lopez wouldn't say how long that might be.

"It will take us as long as it takes us to get it right," he said.

Anonymous said...

Question:

The book tells the story of the case which involves many "characters" and many story lines. An HBO movie obviously will have to present a more streamlined version or it would entail dozens of episodes (or more). If you were creating the story board for HBO, what story would you tell?

kcjohnson9 said...

To the 8.53:

If you click on "book sourcenotes" on the side of the blog, you can see all citations, along with three corrections.

Anonymous said...

Several commenters asked what to do, or lamented the lack of change. Here is one thing to do: Write to every Republican presidential candidate, suggesting they make a campaign issue in the primaries of the PC rot on campuses: the Lacrosse hoax, but lots of other things too (Ward Churchill, Ahmadinejad at Columbia, the U. of Delaware's dorm indoctrination program, etc. (I can supply more). Having someone make this a campaign issue will do much more toward ending it than even KC Johnson has done.

Suggest that they use this in the primaries and caucuses, where the dynamics are different: likely voters are more conservative even than average Republicans. None will be supporters of PC. Point out the political advantage to be gained: a candidate could easily use this issue to set himself apart from the pack.

Write to all of them, even ones you despise, and even if you have no intention of voting for any of them. The point is publicity, especially publicity the media can't ignore.

Similarly, write to Republican candiates for other offices involved in contested primaries. They won't do as much, but even persuading a few of them to make this an issue will help.

There is unfortunately no point in writing to any of the Democrats. Likely none has any interest in fixing the problem. In any case, their primary voters are further left than average Democrats, so there is no political advantage to be gained by using the issue.

Debrah said...

For some reason, the N&O link above on this subject isn't working.

This is from the H-S.

Seems it's all up to Roy Cooper now.

If anyone wonders why things stay the same....why people keep doing the same things....why many are able to operate using vastly different rules from what is considered proper.....

.....this is it.

Now everything is shutting down and everyone is going away as if little has happened. This case goes far beyond just the lacrosse team at Duke.

The system that allowed this injustice is still in place.




Feds not launching lacrosse probe

BY RAY GRONBERG : The Herald-Sun
gronberg@heraldsun.com
Dec 6, 2007

DURHAM -- The U.S. Department of Justice in Washington has declined to join a potential criminal investigation of the way Durham authorities handled the Duke lacrosse case.

Acting Deputy Attorney General Craig Morford wrote North Carolina authorities and a lawyer for one of the falsely accused players this week to tell them of the decision.

Department of Justice officials believe state authorities should take the lead, Morford said in a Dec. 3 letter to prosecutors in N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper's office.

The state "has the primary interests in this matter: protecting the integrity of its judicial proceedings, holding [former District Attorney Mike] Nifong accountable for his actions as an officer of its courts and vindicating the principles of justice under state law," Morford wrote. "We believe that this matter should be addressed and resolved by the state of North Carolina."

The justice department's decision appears to leave the next move up to Cooper and his subordinates.

If they have to go it alone without federal help, they'll have to carry on without one of the key weapons federal prosecutors have in their arsenal, an investigative grand jury with the power to compel testimony from witnesses before deciding on indictments.

Wire reports indicated that Cooper and his staff might be reluctant to do so.

Although they are discussing the possibility, "it would be difficult to conduct additional investigation into this matter without federal participation," an Associated Press report quoted Cooper spokeswoman Noelle Talley as saying.

Cooper began weighing the possibility of a state probe in early September, after Superior Court Judge Jim Hardin asked him to consider stepping in.

A lawyer for exonerated lacrosse player Reade Seligmann, however, indicated that despite Morford's letter, he hasn't given up hope of federal involvement.

The Morford letter only signals that officials at the Department of Justice's Washington headquarters have ruled out the possibility of a federal civil-rights investigation, lawyer Jim Cooney said.

But "if there are other violations of federal or state law, I would expect there would be a possibility of an investigation," Cooney added, declining to elaborate.

Cooney and Seligmann's family have pushed federal authorities to get involved, and have garnered some interest from New Jersey U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie. The Seligmanns are New Jersey residents and Christie has made a point of sponsoring investigations of official corruption.

Christie had a couple of his assistants fly to North Carolina in early September to confer with Cooper's staff and in-state federal prosecutors, according to an Oct. 10 letter from Cooney to Morford.

Hardin's request for state intervention came on the eve of that scheduled meeting. The meeting was canceled and Christie's assistants "were directed not to meet with" Cooper's staff.

Christie's counterpart in North Carolina, Middle District U.S. Attorney Anna Mills Wagoner, has never commented on the lacrosse case or made a public move to open an investigation. She was a longtime state district judge in Rowan County before Bush appointed her a U.S. attorney in 2001.

Cooney said he has "serious questions" about whether Cooper and his staff could undertake a proper investigation of the case without federal help, mainly because of state law's weakness on matters of white-collar crime.

In addition to sharply limiting the attorney general's power and the resources of local prosecutors, state legislators haven't authorized the use of investigative grand juries or taken a hard line against obstruction of justice.

"It really hamstrings North Carolina not to have an attorney general with that kind of investigative power," Cooney said.

He added that Nifong shouldn't be an investigation's only target. "Mr. Nifong didn't do this by himself," Cooney said.

The Seligmanns believe that while Cooper's office settled the question of what happened during and immediately after the now-infamous lacrosse team party last year at 610 N. Buchanan Blvd., there needs to more scrutiny of what happened behind the scenes once Durham authorities got their hands on the case, Cooney said.

"If somebody is able to come in using subpoena power and is able to examine documents and witnesses, they'd be satisfied," Cooney said.

Debrah said...

Right now I want a Warren Buffet or a Bill Gates or a Rupert Murdoch...or even an Ian Schrager.

Someone with unlimited resources who will fund a think tank......one that will never be dismantled.

Something that will be around for generations and will monitor the standards of those in the academy and see that they are always exposed as the Duke Gang of 88 have been.

That's what I wanted out of all this.

Anonymous said...

K. C., thank you so much for all of your work on this blog and for UPI. Reading your blog has been a challenging experience for this middle-aged mom whose college career ended in the early seventies. Thankfully, your writing is clear, concise and factual. I wish that all of my children's professors had your clarity.

I am horrified, but not surprised, by the decision of the Department of Justice. It confirms my belief that civil rights are only for the few- and not for the likes of Collin, Reade, or Dave. I always thought that the Bill of Rights was crafted to protect the INDIVIDUAL from the government and that "groups" do not, by their nature, possess "rights." Apparently, I am confused about the purpose of the Bill of Rights- and I can see that it does not apply in the state of North Carolina. Pity.

What suggestions do you have for any of us who want to take back our universities and colleges- those of us who would like to see a resurgence of critical thinking skills in higher education? One of the LS crew continually says, "Follow the money." Has higher education become such a money machine that it can NEVER again become a place where our next generation learns that FACTS are important and must not be trumped by FEELINGS, where professors are purveyors of information and not ideologies, and where our children are valued as more than profit centers?

Debrah said...

TO 9:35 AM--

Unfortunate and crippling that it all comes down to politics, but that's it.

It seems a lifetime ago when all this started and I remember well that commenters on various websites and blogs supporting the lacrosse players tried so very hard to pretend politics and race were not at the heart of the matter.

Now that most are able to understand that those factors were the main cause, there will be no follow-through for those same exact reasons.

Everyone will be going back to their ideological cubby holes and "moving on".

Moving on to what?

Alberto Gonzales should have moved on this when implored to do so by Walter Jones and others.

The fact that he was so weak and that, most significantly, he's a Republican.....was the reason he did nothing.

Far be it for anyone to call someone a "racist". The Repubs know so well how it works.

The rabid Leftists would have marched on Washington...along with all the civil rights "activists"...claiming that the Feds were intervening because some white guys were in trouble over a poor black accuser.

Everyone knows the drill.

It was about politics and race.

It will always be about politics and race.

Anonymous said...

debrah - now that the DPD has some DNA samples from among their own, wouldn't you love to see them compared to Mangum's "unidentified males"?

Much about this case might become more clear.

Debrah said...

TO Ralph (10:13 AM)--

That's exactly about what many are speculating.

Wouldn't that be delicious justice?

LIS!

Debrah said...

And I want to know what Bill Bell, the mayor of Durham, was doing behind the scenes during the DPD shenanigans.

Some people do not realize, still, how corrupt Durham is.

How incestuous the people are who run the place.

The fact that Bell was re-elected speaks for itself.

Even the Durham residents who were supportive of justice for the lacrosse players want to follow the mayor and others now.

Since they live there and the financial ramifications will affect them as well, they support their corrupt "leaders" full-throttle.

Everyone likes to talk about "heroes".

Find one now.

Someone who will continue.

Anonymous said...

KC,

I have enjoyed reading your analysis and comments over the past months. Thank you for taking your time to research and write about this singular case. And Congratulations on your Mangum Opus!

I agree with texas mom above @ 9:57: I too am horrified by the decision of the Department of (in)Justice. I now believe that Patrick Henry's prophecy regarding the ultimate distortion of and disregard for the Constitution is coming to pass. The American experiment will evidently be viewed by history as just that, an experiment -- noble as it was, but one that proved vulnerable to the venal and corrupt nature of some men (using that particular term in reference to the species). To illustrate, I consider the agenda of Claire Potter and her self-serving re-writing of history as being venal and corrupt. Nifong and Company have clearly displayed such a nature. The '88 certainly deserve additional scrutiny for their nature is clawing at permanence in corruption and venality of thought. And now we have the DOJ falling into the chasm of corruption, not by action, but by inaction.

Well, ... enough said. However, I do have one question: Who's on first?

With best regards, good bye and wishing best of luck,

Tom Inman
___________________

P.S. I think a farewell to America's judicial heritage and traditions may be in order, too.

Anonymous said...

KC - How has all of this changed your life?

Debrah said...

Duke Students for an Ethical Duke has posted a column written by a UNCW professor in which he interviews Duke's Professor Baldwin.

Anonymous said...

KC: As I read your statment, you say that this blog will "take a hiatus" until Jan. 15th, unless there is something unusual that needs to be reported/ discussed. Right?

Can we look forward to a posting at that time? I want to put it on my calendar, and not just keep tuning in to this site first thing in the morning, and last thing at night, searching for your postings.

Although I think you have taken some serious blows during this episode, I believe that you have done a heroic job of pursuing truth and done so with a great sense of humor, deference, and intellectual acumen beyond measure.

As a life-long Republican, who has been disillusioned of late by both my own party as well a my long-standing disagreement with the Democrats, I have to say that one of the BEST things to come out of this blog for me is a new-found respect for YOU, a rabid Democrat!!!

Deborah says it is always about the politics. Unfortunately, we often see that. But sometimes it is about heroism. And most heroes I know about took no thought of the personal danger to which they would subject themselves as they moved to save others. They did it out of a deeply-ingrained moral compass. And that compass is not owned by either party.

I am disappointed by the DOJ decision, because of the clout that is needed for this investigation. But I hope I am not just being naieve when I say that I am GLAD it is now back into North Carolina hands. I really, really want to see my beloved state vindicate itself. I don't know if there are adequate legal maneuvers that will permit it, but I desperately hope so. And then, we will have to see if there is the moral courage and will to proceed on the part of the powers that be.

A line from a Christmas carol goes "but hate seems strong, and mocks the song, of Peace on Earth and Good will Toward Men"... and as I think about this battle between the races and the sexism we have seen amoung the PC crowd, and ponder how terribly hateful and divisive it all is, I find it reasurring to return to my own deeply-held belief that love is stronger than hate.

A Bible verse says that "No greater love is this, than a man would lay down his life for others".

In my opinion, this project that you undertook because of passion for integrity in your own profession eventually required more than first you thought. Eventually, it took a kind of unselfish love, and a great deal of heroism.

I am looking for the second book. I hope you find a more agressive publisher.

Please do not let us down. You may not be able to change the Durham Police Department, but you CAN help us take back our educational institutions.

You have a forum. You have people who believe in you. If you will keep a steady hand and honest heart, we can make a difference.

Please start another blogsite.

We will join the fight with you.

Forever grateful.

Doris Leissing
Hendersonville, NC

Anonymous said...

Never go out on a limb unless you can push others out ahead of you.

AG Cooper wants the justice department to investigate because he wants to run for governor some day. He needs the votes from Durham.

Anonymous said...

anonymous said...

So let me get this right , the Dept of Justice can investigate and prosecute Michael Vick over a run of the mill, albeit horrible, dog fighting case ignoring the State of Virginia's objections that this is a state case, but refuses to be involved in one of the greateat cases of prosecutorial mis-conduct in the last 100 years when invited by the State of NC.

12/5/07 7:43 PM


The DoJ has long held the position that the rights of dogs are greater than the rights of white males.

RRH

Anonymous said...

K.C.,

I very much enjoyed reading UPI while on vacation, and am not at all regretful for paying full price - IMNSHO it was worth every penny. :)

As I read the book I got the sense that it focused more on the legal aspects of the case than the issue of political correctness on the Duke campus and the damage PC causes in such cases. While I don't have any complaints about the focus of UPI, I found myself more connected to the issue of PC in academia and wanting more on that topic. So my question is: Do you have any plans to write, or would you consider writing, a book on political correctness in academia and the myriad of problems that result from the current obsession with PC that faculty, staff and administrators have? I know that it's been done before, e.g., Kors and Silverglate's The Shadow University, but that was a decade ago and much has changed since then, and IMNSHO not for the better. I think you could probably do a bang-up job on such a book.

Thanks so much for UPI and DIW - you do good work.

Debrah said...

TO 11:15 AM--

Great post.

This case has made me wish I were an attorney. I think I'd toss it all and take to the road for this cause. It's one that cannot be ignored.

As I sit here this afternoon I've been trying to think of all the people who have deep pockets and who might be willing to take something on like this.

Ha! Most people who have that kind of money have it because they don't let go of it easily. Oddly, some of the wealthiest are the most frugal.

I want KC to stay as do the rest of you, but how can he continue to do so many things at once?

This is not a good day for the Diva.

There "ain't nobody" like KC and there never will be.

And I don't see anyone close coming down the pike anytime soon.

Anonymous said...

I join the rest of the free world in thanking you, KC, for your dedication and (mostly) independent eye.

"where are they now" would be my question, not just about the 3 guys but everyone on the team that was so badly smashed by brodhead. and the other "actors" .

Well done, good and faithful servant, well done.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...

KC,
As a Duke grad who is at ground zero and knows the dominant faculty culture well, I wish I could adequately explain to out of town DIW folks just how horrifying the PC warrior mentality is at Duke, and the lenghts to which the warriors will go to shout down any dissenting voice.


So what are you doing to fight the insanity? At the very least, you should write "88" wherever the names of any of the 88ers -- and their sympathizers -- appear, shouldn't you?

RRH

Anonymous said...

texas mom asked ...

What suggestions do you have for any of us who want to take back our universities and colleges- those of us who would like to see a resurgence of critical thinking skills in higher education? One of the LS crew continually says, "Follow the money." Has higher education become such a money machine that it can NEVER again become a place where our next generation learns that FACTS are important and must not be trumped by FEELINGS, where professors are purveyors of information and not ideologies, and where our children are valued as more than profit centers?

12/6/07 9:57 AM


Funny you should mention "Follow The Money", since this has been what I've said here for months. Specifically, follow the federal research grant, and more to the point, follow the affirmative action strings of those grants.

"Since 1965, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has been committed to ensuring that Government contractors comply with the equal employment opportunity (EEO) and the affirmative action provisions of their contracts." <--- that's not some anti-affirmative action wacko group speaking, that's your own federal government.

How does one show that one is "not discriminating"? How does one prove a negative? Impossible, right? Therefore, the name of the game is to make the minimum number of "diversity hires" necessary to keep those federal dollars coming in. The same thing has happened in banking. The most important result of the "savings and loan crisis" of the 1980s was that nearly all banks became federalized. So they became subject to federal rules about "loan discrimination". How do you prove you're not discriminating in issuing loans? You loan to favored groups. These are called "sub-prime loans" -- a term that refers not to the quality of the loan, but to the credit-worthiness of the borrower. Now this policy has come back to bite our economy and it's called "the sub-prime loan mess", but it is more accurately called, "the diversity-borrower mess".

Eventually the crisis caused by sub-prime, "diversity" professors and policies will doom American higher education.
RRH

Anonymous said...

Doris Leissing said...

In my opinion, this project that you undertook because of passion for integrity in your own profession eventually required more than first you thought. Eventually, it took a kind of unselfish love, and a great deal of heroism.

I am looking for the second book. I hope you find a more agressive publisher.

Please do not let us down. You may not be able to change the Durham Police Department, but you CAN help us take back our educational institutions.


KC, I was just thinking this week that this month marks my one year anniversary of my regular visits here. And I am warming up to being a member of what your critics call "the Sunshine Band". The name seems more apt than they realize.

I would like to second what Mrs. Leissing has said above, in every respect. I couldn't believe when I heard that your initial run was only 13,000 copies. And I'll leave you with a quote: "Those who control the past control the future, and those who control the present control the past."

Best of luck to you and yours.

RRH

Anonymous said...

Question: KC, what was the most frustrating issue in this case for you and how did you deal with it.

Do you believe that discovery in the civil case will be so incriminating that the feds and/or NC Atty. Gen. will no longer be able to pass the buck on an investigation?

Do you believe that Judge Smith delegraphed a message to the Atty. Gen and the Feds when he opined in the Nifong contempt hearing that he did not believe a conspiracy had taken place between Nifong and other parties.

Anonymous said...

KC, please accept my deepest gratitude for your enduring commitment to this case. The lacrosse families found in you a real champion. If there were an Olympics for bloggers, you would be a gold metalist many times over. Wishing you all the best in the new year.

mac said...

I wonder if KC isn't feeling a little like T.E. Lawrence after the fall of the Ottoman Empire in Arabia (not the movie version, BTW.)

If I sense that he feels some betrayal, it's because many of us do, too, with regard to the righting of the present injustices.

Perhaps Sisyphus would be a better analogy for how KC MIGHT be feeling, and that pushing DIW against the Klan's hillside retreats is seemingly endless.

On the other hand, it's clear that the Korrectology Klan is feeling bruised and battered, and it is unlikely that they will - (unrepentant as they are) - pursue such a case again with such ferocity.

I wish it wouldn't end here.
I see more battles ahead.

The winter campaign is over, yes, but spring will come and the battle will rage once again, hopefully with KC at the helm of DIW, the posters being our own version of the Arab Irregulars.

Too bad about the Sykes-Picot Treaty: that's about all you can call the Injustice Departments' position on the case.

Anonymous said...

To"RRH": This is the 7:56 am. Since this may be one of KC's last posts, I'll do my best to keep it light, My earlier comments were intended to compliment KC, not piss on his farewell as you have managed to do with your snarky, unfounded comment. I would love to explain to you what I have done here at "ground zero" (and what I cannot do for reasons that even you might understand), but I am simply not at liberty to explain myself to you (nor do I feel an obligation to do so...you ain't that special, "RRH"). Moreover, to field random sniper shots from you in response to an upbeat note to KC does nothing more than provide fuel to the PC warriors who get extreme mileage out of comments like yours. Take a powder, chief, and then slither back into the real world.

And again, to KC, thanks!!!!

Anonymous said...

To 6:18 AM, at least KC posts dissenting comments like yours in his blog, unlike the blogs of some your idols. More importantly, the truth is on KC and the players' side, not on your or your idols' side. And that truth is the reason there isn't much uproar in the black community about the Attorney General's declaration of innocence.

Anonymous said...

Now that you have co-authored a book on PC at one university, is there the possibiltiy that you will research and write another book on PC in academia in general? Lots of good new material for another book has emerged, such as the University of Delaware dorm indoctrination program, and much more will come forth, as PC seems epidemic on campuses around the country. Also, the Duke hoax will need an updating.

I do hope you will consider a second book on PC in academia. The first has been and will continue to be an invaluable resource.

Duke alum

Anonymous said...

To the 7:56/2:04,

You seemed to have misunderstood my tone and intent: It was not to accuse or berate but to encourage you. I am sure that all of us outsiders are glad to hear of the efforts within academia to resist "88ism".

I will only say that we may have more reason to fear for the morale of our friends in academia when "an upbeat note to KC" includes the passage that I highlighted about, "I wish I could adequately explain to out of town DIW folks just how horrifying the PC warrior mentality is at Duke, and the lenghts to which the warriors will go to shout down any dissenting voice." If that's "upbeat", I'd hate imagine what it's like when you have to report depressing news to KC.

RRH

Anonymous said...

traveller at 9:01 a.m. said: North Carolina has TWO Senators, odd how Richard Burr isn’t mentioned, but Elizabeth Dole is. Why would that be I wonder?

Thanks, traveller, for the reminder that NC has a second US Senator who also ignored the hoax.

I don't think the fact that Dole has been criticized on the blogss for her silence and Burr has not is a gender issue, as you suggest by quoting another blogger. A more likely explanation is that Dole is a Duke graduate who has served on the Board of Trustees and who in 2000 was the graduation speaker at Duke. In addition, according to KC's book, one of the hoax victims, Dave Evans, worked for her during the summer following his sophomore year.

But Burr also needs to be criticized for his blindness and silence in the wake of the injustice and corruption in Durham. Your mention of him is the first I have seen on the hoax blogs that I follow.

Duke alumna

Anonymous said...

KC,you have done a wonderful service for truth. My head swirled reading about the persecution of three young men because they were white, the racial hatred of the African American community followed by the threats if the accuser was arrested for false accusations, the selling out of the office of District Attorney, the connivance of the police personnel and their accomplices, the Political Correctness demanded by academics, the misguided masses of students, the fabrications of the mass media to direct the opinion of the citizens, and ..and I got an insight. The early Christians didn't argue with their accusers were they were sentenced to death because they knew they were from a different world; their accusers were from the world of men, while they who were being persecuted were from the Word of God. The accusers only cared about the here and now while the Christians cared about the hereafter.
God bless you and keep you in His hand, KC.

Der Schloss

Anonymous said...

Question - In the course of writing you book have you had any credible threats of retaliation, either career related or physical?

mac said...

I will say that KC's jumping-off point was nicely timed with the Mosteller review.

In retrospect (that is, from my early disappointment at the announced end of the blog) it appears that this is a good time to declare victory. We all know and understand how important his work has been on DIW and UPI, if only because of the opposition's determination to stay in the fight.

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I have doubts about whether Professor Mosteller would have completed such a work without DIW and UPI, as it goes against the grain of so many embedded elements at Duke.

My disappointment has a lot to do with the unpunished and unrepentant villains. There are so many of them. Not enough closure.

Except...
Mosteller's work has to be considered a vindication of DIW and UPI.

Let the evil little Mr. Piot dispute Mosteller; let the clumsy Gaynor and the clearly disturbed Wendy Murphy and Nancy Grace attempt the same. They cannot, not as one, nor as a group.

Mosteller has provided an exclamation point for Professor Johnson.

Many thanks, KC.
Your work has been heroic.

Anonymous said...

OT question:
K.C., what books would you recommend as must reads to a middle-aged woman who wants to understand the Iran/Iraq mess? Until recently, I had not focused on the fact that Carter was President when the Shah was deposed and that Saddam came to power at the same time- 1979. I was enmeshed in stepchildren and babies around that time, and I seem to have missed understanding how the situation in the Middle East developed during those years. My immediate reaction is that Carter was a perfect example of the Peter Principle, but I am certain that there are books you might suggest that tell the larger story. Thanks for any recommendations.

Anonymous said...

To RRH:This is the 7:56/2:04. Peace, brother. And here's to fighting the good fight, each in our own way.

Anonymous said...

"Asked why, Lopez compared the situation to that of former Duke lacrosse players Reade Seligmann, Colin Finnerty and David Evans, once charged -- by Durham police -- with rape and since completely exonerated.

"Anytime [the exonerated players] go to do anything in their lives, that case is going to come up," said Lopez.

"If I take any of the officers names you mentioned and attach all of this to them, every time their name comes up, every time they make an arrest or go to court, that will come up, it will follow them," he said."


There's Dave, Reade and Collin's MONEY QUOTE--straight from the DPD Chief's mouth.

$30 MILLION DOLLARS...

Anonymous said...

The DoJ has long held the position that the rights of dogs are greater than the rights of white males.

RRH

12/6/07 12:16 PM


As the mother of a teenaged white male, the fact that white males in the US are not even afforded the same civil (and other) rights as canines absolutely scares the hell out of me for my son and his friends.

Although they're only 13 year old student athletes (on honor roll no less), I have already begun reminding them to avoid situations that will put them at risk. It has become painfully obvious (to this Mom) that white boys have no rights in this country.

Just ask Justin Barker who has more rights...white boys with clean records and a good report card, fighting dogs...or black teenaged career criminals. Wonder what Justin's answer would be? *thinking*

becket03 said...

12/05/07 6:18 PM provides a spot on example of the nasty, catty, effete, smug and pusillanimous demeanor found so frequently among KC's critics. These drive-by attacks say much more about the character of the anonymous posters than they do about KC, a man whose remarkable efforts in the Duke LAX case, unlike theirs, actually MADE A DIFFERENCE. KC saw injustice, stood up for what he believed, announced openly his identity and presence on the scene, and FOUGHT.

6:18 PM is more comfortable snickering up his sleeve and slinking under cover of darkness back to the faculty lounge.

beckett

Anonymous said...

KC,

Thank you for your persistent effort.

Q. Looking at the current status of this case as an historian, do you think this has been a significant historical event, and by that I mean do you think this case and its aftermath will produce significant changes outside of Durham, and/or will be a topic in history textbooks in years to come?

Q. Although there have been many comments about racial factors that fueled these events, do you think any longer-term systemic changes resulting from these events will benefit one race more than another?

I wish you continued success.

-RD

Anonymous said...

In that Liestoppers post cited by Professor Johnson, Mike Gaynor has patted himself on the back 63 times for his supposed DNA "scoop," called out someone for being a non-lawyer 34 times, indicated his opinion is better because he is a lawyer 15 times, and misinterpreted an easy bit of English 1,323 times. In a contest to interpret legal documents, Gaynor is suffering a very public ravaging by a non-lawyer.

Anonymous said...

Best wishes KC. It was very disheartening to find out about the highly political decision by the DOJ not to intervene in a case which obviously merits their participation. It wasn't totally surprising in that the DOJ is infested with quislings pursuing their own agendas, as are the State Dept and CIA. They need a complete fumigation as badly as Durh.

Along with your posts, I've appreciated your inclusion of comments of the 88ers along with their minor minions. A more classless (as illustrated by their inordinate preoccupation with money) and spiteful bunch would be difficult for a writer of fiction to invent, although Faulkner's Snopes bunch perhaps anticipated their ilk. Too bad for their students that they'll have more time to devote to anybody who was gulled into taking their joke classes for an effortless grade. Or maybe they'll have time to finally produce and publish some of their long awaited "studies". One can only hope that they're a temporary bout of insanity, similar to Prohibition, and that sane minds will eventually prevail.

Anonymous said...

Question - In the course of writing your book, did willing sources change to unwilling sources as a result of possible coercion?

Question - Is the academy's political correctness a disease of the collective consciousness? Follow up: If so, is that disease worthy of academic psychological, psychiatric and theologic inquiry?

W. R. Chambers said...

The DOJ decision may be disappointing but it is not surprising. As in other contexts, the Bush administration is leaving it up to private contractors to do the job. But the government can't outsource justice. Not really. The DOJ has the resources and the right to do justice in Durham; to make the kind of impact that no private party can make. The case against Durham is not a local matter. It is a symbol of the most flagrant kind of prosecutorial and police misconduct. For the DOJ to sit on the sidelines rather than taking a stand against massive abuse of government power is sad and shameful.

Gary Packwood said...

Duke Alum 3:28 said...

...I do hope you will consider a second book on PC in academia. The first has been and will continue to be an invaluable resource.
::
Perhaps KC will do just that after the feds finish investigating Duke and the federally funded SANE program and the connection of the SART component of that program to the DA's office; the potbangers; the G88; the Durham Access Center and all of those samples of evidence that originated at the Duke Sexual Assault program office?

Suppose that federal investigation will happen? Perhaps it already has happened!
::
GP

becket03 said...

It galls me that the Feds aren't coming in. Gottlieb, Wilson, Himan, Levicy, Chambers, Addison and Cline are all probably heaving a huge sigh of relief, and the interests of justice are not served.

Like I say, galling.

beckett

becket03 said...

There is the horror of grayness, of the death fore-running pinch, of scandalous mouth or of fear-eyes, and of whatever is caused by no recollection of happiness and no expectation of it either.

Saul Bellow The Adventures of Augie March


So shall it be for me when DIW is gone.

beckett

Debrah said...

H-S:


Investigator in lacrosse case reassigned

BY BRIANNE DOPART : The Herald-Sun
bdopart@heraldsun.com
Dec 7, 2007

DURHAM -- A police investigator whose methods and work product came under fire in the wake of the bogus Duke lacrosse rape case has been reassigned from his investigative duties to a patrol supervisor.

Once in charge of investigations in District Two but now the target of a civil suit, Sgt. Mark Gottlieb has been shifted to a sergeant in charge of patrols in District Four. The change occurred last month during a routine reorganization of the department during which 26 officers were promoted.

City officials confirmed this week that Gottlieb is under review for possible misconduct and, if warranted, his job status could be affected.

City Manager Patrick Baker said Thursday that a change in Gottlieb's status was not "imminent."

"By imminent, I mean not tomorrow and not the next day," he said.

"What I can tell you is that he is still an employee of the Durham Police Department at this time," Baker said.

Gottlieb's integrity has long been questioned by attorneys for the three Duke men once charged with raping a 28-year-old stripper.

Accusations against the former investigator in the 155-page lawsuit filed against the city and a number of other defendants in October include conspiring to hide DNA evidence and creating a loaded photo lineup that violated department policy. That photo lineup comprised only lacrosse players, and not any incorrect suspect choices. The three players who were indicted were selected from that lineup.

Gottlieb came under fire again when a timeline kept by investigators for the purpose of informing City Council of their developments in the case surfaced recently. The timeline noted a March 28, 2006, meeting with the accuser that did not appear in Gottlieb's notes, or the notes of his fellow investigator and underling, Ben Himan.

Police Chief Jose Lopez said Thursday that the recent change in Gottlieb's duties was not related to any issues at the District Two substation. He said that the change in Gottlieb's position was "no different" than any of the other shifts.

Late Thursday, Baker said he did not believe the change in Gottlieb's assignment had anything to do with the lacrosse case. The change, he said, had more to do with the staffing needs of the department.

Attempts to reach Gottlieb on Wednesday and Thursday were not successful. An attempt to reach Gottlieb's attorney Thursday was also unsuccessful.

Lopez said he could not discuss the allegations against Gottlieb, calling the matter "administrative" and any information circulating about the topic "just rumors."

Informed that other city sources told The Herald-Sun that Gottlieb's job status with the Police Department could be in jeopardy, Lopez said, "Your sources aren't coming to me."

"I don't listen to rumors," said Lopez. "I don't entertain the 'We heards.'"

Any changes in Gottlieb's employee status would "come before me first," he said.

"I have not changed his status. Unless he gives me his letter of resignation, which I'm not asking him to do, his status has not changed," Lopez said.

Although he firmly stated he's not aware of any potential change in Gottlieb's employment circumstances, the chief left room for the possibility that an investigation could be going on without his knowledge.

"There's Internal Affairs and there's Professional Standards," which could be investigating an officer without immediately advising him, Lopez said.

Gottlieb has been with District Four since the last phase of promotions, Lopez said, and his reassignment had nothing to do with issues between Gottlieb and his staff at District Two.

"Command staff and assistant command staff get together and there's a list of names and a list of slots are available, and then names get out and trades are made," among districts, Lopez said. The trade that took Gottlieb from a sergeant in charge of investigations at District Two to a sergeant over patrols at District Four was "no different than anybody else's was," Lopez said.

Lopez said that if Gottlieb was leaving city employment of his own accord, there's a possibility he wouldn't know until the sergeant's letter of resignation crossed his desk.

"But I'm not looking for him to leave. It wouldn't be a good thing," Lopez said. "Some might think differently, but I don't judge people on incidents. I go with the totality of someone's career."

A woman answering phones for District Four on Thursday said that Gottlieb's squad was on duty but that he wasn't working. She said she didn't know if Gottlieb had called in sick, was on leave or whether he'd be back at work soon.

Lopez said to his knowledge, Gottlieb was not on leave this week.

Anonymous said...

To the 4:07: Maybe because Dole is a Duke alum(na)? Yikes!

Anonymous said...

Question for EPILOGUE

KC- While in Israel I hope you go to the Valley of Elah where David felled Goliath. This blog had that same spirit. Thank you.

Sorry if that came out like a corny movie line.

With the DoJ announcement they won't take the case, the stubborn positions of the 88 and others who cling to their posiitons even when proven wrong, here's the question:

How can people whose identities are closely linked to the contradictions they believe ever be opened up to other points of view?

mac said...

I'm hoping Debrah will continue to post HS reports etc. on her blog, after KC pulls the plug?

Anonymous said...

The Virginian-Pilot reports in today's edition that the ever-vigilant United States Department of Just-Us is vigorously investigating the city administration of Portsmouth, Virginia. Was anyone falsely charged? No. Was anyone in danger of being sent to prison for thirty years for a crime that was never committed? No. Did prosecutors conspire with police and DNA labs to falsify evidence? No. Portsmouth's problem is that a city of 52% black residents doesn't have enough black firemen and police. Well, no wonder our valiant protectors in Washington are on the scene with G-men sleuthing around every office file and looking under every rock. Gee, makes me feel all warm and cozy. Also makes me nauseous.

Debrah said...

TO Mac--

Of course I will.

Just so I know you and a few others want to keep up with the Ashley Rehab Tour.

I will also devise various little Diva polls......frivolity to the max!

:>)

Anonymous said...

Life is not fair and sometimes the bad guys win. Still makes me want to puke.

Anonymous said...

Professor Johnson:

The questions that continue to intrigue me are all related. They might perhaps be formulated as a single question, as follows:

1) Who was the nexus between Duke and the DPD during the early phase of the hoax investigation, supplying information to the DPD that could only have been accessed by University personnel?

Related to the above:

2) Who besides Cpl. (now Sgt.) David Addison and Duke Dean of Students Wasiolek comprised the Durham Crime-stoppers Board of Directors; and for that matter who comprised Durham Crime-stoppers at the time?

3) Who provided Ryan McFadyen's email to the DPD? And who released it to the public?

4) Who provided DPD with access to the personal property and information of the rest of the lacrosse team? Did the players volunteer this? If not, was any of this properly subpoenaed?

I realize these are the questions that were buried with the Duke-Seligmann, Finnerty, and Evans settlement, but perhaps more information has come to light since then.

Anonymous said...

It would be nice if the Diva would pick up the reins... this DIW thing is about dead anyway...
Maybe we would get to see some more new pictures....

Is this the right URL?
http://thedivaworld.blogspot.com/
Hope she starts right a away...

DG

Anonymous said...

It would be nice if the Diva would pick up the reins...

Only if she gets herself a riding crop too!

Anonymous said...

If you could interview Mike Nifong for a national TV audience, assuming he would accept the invitation (for money of course), what question(s) would you ask him that might yield the most interesting answer.

Gary Packwood said...

Anonymous 7:58 said...
Question for EPILOGUE

...KC- While in Israel I hope you go to the Valley of Elah where David felled Goliath. This blog had that same spirit. Thank you.
::
Great suggestion. I have not thought about that connection.

This really has been a modern day example of David and Goliath to including all of Goliath's taunts and boasting.

This time however, Goliath has grown into a multi-header monsters with its academic head making the most taunts and creating the most fear.

It took three sets of parents and their attorneys; a small army of brothers and sisters and DIW to create a virtual Valley of Elah so that Goliath and all his heads could be felled.

KC has been a fine leader on this field of battle but it is incumbent on us that we remember that Goliath may be down on one knee in the Valley of Elah but it is not yet dead.

KC may need us again and I am so ready to serve.

Thanks 7:58 for the reference to David and Goliath.
::
GP

Anonymous said...

anon at 8:36 P.M.,

How does Gaynor fit in time to write all that nonsense? Do you think he is getting paid for this work? Would he have a duty to disclose payment if he was receiving it? Anybody? I tend to think it takes little time to write nonsensical sentences but he sure writes a bunch of them.

question for K.C. -

What story within the story caused you the most heartbreak or made you verklempt?

Best Wishes!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I do not understand what Gaynor's beef is either. Looks like much ado about nothing. Brad Bannor is a hero and I have no respect for those who want to question his "lawyering". He helped get this thing resolved in a good way. Does Gaynor want to "get in the act?" To late for that.

One Spook said...

These are "General" questions.

Given that both the blog and the book contain information that could only have come from Duke faculty, without naming names and citing specific information, what was the nature of the cooperation you received from Duke faculty after your prominence in the case became known?

I believe another commentor essentially asked about what type of reactions (negative or positive) you might have received from Duke faculty as well.

I'm curious about that, too.

One Spook

William Jockusch said...

The DOJ inaction is disappointing. All too typically, the prosecutor who tries to send innocent people to jail for a long time doesn't get significant jail time. This pattern guarantees that the problem will continue.

mac said...

KC,

A question that's not neccessarily about the book, but is about the Hoax and is in UPI:

Have your conversations with the attorneys in the case led you to believe that Nifong made his first mistake (so far as the alienation of the legal community goes)when "he 'asked why one needs an attorney if one was not charged and has done nothing wrong.'" (p. 85, UPI)

Debrah said...

I want to know what has been your most thrilling experience while working on the lacrosse case.