MSM Protecting the ACLU? Where's the Headlines?

Trackback URL for this entry: http://haloscan.com/tb/maggiesnotebook/4477665067361089809 Just when you think the mainstream media cannot be less responsible than already demonstrated, cannot be more liberally biased than already evident, and cannot possibly flaunt their arrogance with any more vigor, another ACLU headline shows up missing. Here's what I see as irresponsible, liberally biased and completely arrogant: Charles Rust-Tierney, ** A former Virginia Chapter ACLU Chapter President ** An ACLU Board Member until the day of his arrest ** An employee of the Washington, D.C. Public Defender Service (since 1990) working exclusively with mentally ill clients ** Actively advocated, on behalf of the ACLU, to DISALLOW use of computer blocking-software to protect children against pornography in Public Libraries. ** An Arlington, VA Youth Coach (President of the Arlington Little League) ** A spouse or ex-spouse of a present ACLU New York attorney, Dian Rust-Tierney ** Expected to plead guilty via a plea agreement on June 1st ...and was investigated by ICE, Homeland Security's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, read it here, arrested and charged for possession of child pornography. Here's what the judge said about Rust-Tierney's charges and the evidence that supported the charges:

U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan was not swayed, saying the images found on Rust-Tierney's computer were "the most perverted and nauseating and sickening type of child pornography" she has seen in 10 years on the bench. Defense attorneys Peter D. Greenspun and Jonathan Shapiro appealed her detention order and will try again today to win their client's release on bond.

This from The Federal News Radio:

Among the items found on Rust-Tierney's computer was a six-minute video that prosecutors described as "a compilation of some of the worst child torture and rape scenes" that police have seen in their various investigations of child exploitation, all set to music by the rock band Nine Inch Nails.

This from ABCnews.com:

The videos described in the complaint depict graphic forcible intercourse with prepubescent females. One if the girls is described in court documents as being "seen and heard crying", another is described as being "bound by rope."

Back to irresponsible, liberally biased and arrogant: there is miniscule reporting on this. ABC.com, Fox News, The Washington Post, some AP. Everyone seems to be reporting the same few details, except O'Reilly, who went ballistic with the lack of coverage - called it A Journalistic Cover-up. If the argument for lack of press attention is that Rust-Tierney was no longer an ACLU Chapter President, (served 2002-2005), he was an ACLU board member until the day of his arrest (or some reports say he resigned the day before). He actively represented the ACLU AGAINST protections for our children as they use computers in public libraries. His wife, or ex-wife, is employed by the New York City ACLU office,...and these charges are not just ordinary pornography charges. Homeland Security busted him! If I understand correctly, this was a global effort to round-up perverts doing just what Rust-Tierney is alleged to have done. This is about children - this man worked with children! There's more. This is the true arrogance of the MSM. You may have read this at Stop the ACLU, or my reporting here and here (including O'Reilly video) or that of numerous other bloggers, but you haven't seen it in the MSM (at least that any of us can find and we've been looking), other than the NJjournal.com. Inset text - my quick summary:

The present and long-time President of the ACLU, Nadine Strossen (also a Professor at the New York Law School), employs as her Chief Aide a man convicted of Child Endangerment. Steven C. Cunningham (Steven Christie Cunningham, I believe), was permanently disbarred in the State of New Jersey for online chats with a supposed 12 year old boy. He retains his license to practice law in the State of New York. I have called Strossen's office numerous times, as well as her attorney, to confirm that Cunningham is still her Chief Aide. The answer is always a no comment, but I have reason to believe he still holds the position. Read the update and details of my last phone call here.

There's ABSOLUTELY NO PRESS ON THIS. It is a total blackout. The missing headlines...I cannot help but contrast the easy, loud and constant headlines written about Abu Ghraib - before charges were filed, when it was just a rumor. Here's just three to jog your memory, and really, I'm sorry to do so, because it has all been "so done" before. If we can have the following written about our military before a court trial, why do we not have the same beating of drums to inform the public of the despicable charges outlined above - regarding a man well-known in Washington D.C. social circles? The Washington Post.com printed Sworn statements by Abu Ghraib Detainees and warned that the "statements are by alleged victims of sexual assault." January 2004 The New Yorker: Torture at Abu Ghraib: American soldiers brutalized Iraqis. May 2004 Charges from Seymour Hersh at an ACLU EVENT, "Children Raped at Abu Ghraib July 2004. Here's just a few words from that:

Some of the worst things that happened you don't know about, okay? Videos, um, there are women there. Some of you may have read that they were passing letters out, communications out to their men. This is at Abu Ghraib ... The women were passing messages out saying 'Please come and kill me, because of what's happened'...

Perhaps there were videos, arrests made, charges filed, convictions handed-down on the rape of children. I missed them if so. Didn't miss the news on it though. July 2004 Convictions were reported in September 2005. It seems that the importance given to the ACLU, the credence afforded them by many, and the wide-reach of ACLU power, would demand at least a statement from ACLU President Nadine Strossen. Tracked to Others Talking about the ACLU and Child Pornography: Absolute Zero When a Pervert Loves a Child. Stop the ACLU ACLU child rape and torture enthusiast to plead guilty Tracked back by: Personal Ambition Destroyed the Minutemen from Adam's Blog.Excerpt: Feuds and and personal ambition involving Chris Simcox, Jim Gilchrist and others destroyed the Minutemen. Conservatives should take note. Personal ambition is the enemy of political change. We need to focus on change to the country, not our own perso... Robert Mitchum Speaks out on War from Blue Star Chronicles Excerpt: This response to the question of cutting and running comes from a man of the generation that fought the last war America won. That seems to have been the last generation in this country that had the heart, will, discipline and sense of responsibility... Star Spangled Banner and Lost Wars from Blue Star Chronicles. Excerpt: There was a time when Americans didn’t accept surrender, defeat, and didn’t run from struggles for freedom. During that time, our flag wasn’t pulled down and removed. It stayed through the fight, and continued to wave over a land of free people … bra... Pinged by And then consider the do-nothing Democrats from blog@MoreWhat. Excerpt: Every now and then it is nice to see someone else draw the same conclusion. The item below does a nice job of presenting the problems caused by the Democratic party after their midterm launch to majority status. Pinged by America! Immigration versus Assimilation from Stormwarning's Counterterrorism Excerpt: America! The land of the free and the home of the brave. But, unless you're a Native American, none of us are from here! For generations, immigrants have come to these shores seeking liberty. Alas, today, that is no more Pinged by Memorial Day Round-Up from Blue Star Chronicles. Excerpt: In honor and memory of those who have given all in service to our country. Linked by: Monday Candle Moment: Memorial Day 2007Colloguium Excerpt: Here in "Livable, Lovable Lodi," we are blessed each Memorial Day by Cherokee Memorial Park's annual "Avenue of Flags." Dog Bites Man, Sun Rises in East, Chinese Toothpaste Contains Poison Additive from The Conservative Cat. Excerpt: The FDA has no evidence that any of the tainted toothpaste has been imported into the United States, but they are not taking any chances. Toothpaste exported from China to Panama and the Dominican Republic have been found to contain diethyline glycol (DEG), Carnival of Family Life from colloquium Excerpt: Everybody likes to talk about their family, especially if you have kids. Sit down, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the informative, funny and inspiring stories, insights and observations offered by the many gifted writers participating in this week's Carnival! This Memorial Day from Mark My Words Excerpt:Thank you for your sacrifices, the lives given in defense of freedom, in serving this country. Prayers for the families that carry on in your absence. Illegal Immigration - Tell Congress What You Think. Mark My Words. Excerpt: The Bill in Congress will obviously create incredibly huge changes in our country, with much controversy over how much disaster or benefit will be the result. Yet, the original Senate intent was to vote this through in less than a week, bypassing the normal legislative process. Summer Safety TipsThe Pet Haven. Excerpt: Fist off, happy Memorial Day to everyone. It's a great time to thank those who fight for our freedom and our way of life. Quotes of Our Founding Fathers from ...of Bullets and Bibles. Excerpt: As we remember those who bled and died for this great nation of ours, I want to list a few quotes from the founding fathers of America... Rosie has Left the Building from America's Victory 08. Excerpt: osie O’Donnell has been a loud mouth anti American for a long time and when they hired her to squawk on “The View” it gave her a platform to spew her insane thoughts. Tagged???? Heroes from StikNStein has no mercy.... Excerpt: My friend Dumb Ox Daily News Has Tagged Me with a “re-awaken old lonely posts” tag. While I’m not exactly sure what this tagging thing is, I suspect it means I’m s’posed to repost a post I particularly like from the storied past of the net phenomena known as stiknstein….. Blog your Blessings and Sunday Scribblines (Simple) from On the Horizon. Excerpt: The prompt for this week's Sunday Scribblings is "simple." Consider Matthew 5:21-24: Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Blue Collar Muse, Diary of the Mad Pigeon, The Virtuous Republic, Allie Is Wired, DeMediacratic Nation, Webloggin, Leaning Straight Up, Gulf Coast Hurricane Tracker, Dumb Ox Daily News, and thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe. Technorati Tags: ACLU, American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU President Nadine Strossen, Chief Aide to ACLU President, Steven Christie Cunningham, Steven C. Cunningham, Child Endangerment, Child Porn, NAMBLA, North American Man-Boy Love Association, Pornography, O'Reilly, Bill O'Reilly, The Factor, Stop the ACLU, Charles Rust-Tierney, dian rust-tierney, ACLU Virginia Chapter, Washington D.C. Public Defender's Services, ABCnews.com, Fox News, Washington Post

Judge Antonin Scalia Debates ACLU President on Morality

A visit to Truth and Consequences brought the wisdom of our founders to mind with a wonderful flash video: Our Leaders on God. There, I found this from John Adams"

"[I]t is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting liberty. - John Adams

The following video is Part 2 of a debate between Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and ACLU President Nadine Strossen. This video series, "Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick, sheds a bright light on the ACLU's view of morality. Scalia, in Part 1, debates Strossen against looking to international law for guidance in American Law, Judge Scalia argues that the American people, both now and in 1791, are not the same people as the French or the German - either then or now. Strossen believes the Constitution and the Bill of Rights should change with the times and attitudes. Watch Part 2 of this debate below. I find the issue of "morality," and Strossen's view of morality and the Constitution, pertinent to much of what is going on in the ACLU today. Scalia has a firm message for the ACLU and those hoping to change the interpretation of this country's founding documents. To emphasize what seems to me to be Strossen's point: moral judgments should not be a part of criminal law. Scalia's point is: "persuade your fellow Americans" if you want to change things. Using the "incest" example in the video, John Adams words are screaming: We cannot trust decisions, made outside a consideration of morality, to be good judgment, because without morality - "...a pure virtue," and the intention to do good, and not do harm, law is not trustworthy. Guarding our morality is America's biggest challenge, because it is our morality that guards our liberty. For more on the ACLU, and ACLU President Nadine Strossen, in the news today (or not, depending on what you consider news - bloggers vs. MSM) read about Strossen's silence on the conviction of her Chief Aide for child endangerment (online sexual chatting with a 12 year old boy who turned out to be a police investigator). For the original, in-depth article, go here (also includes a video of Bill O'Reilly reporting on the ACLU and sex crimes). Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Perri Nelson's Website, Blog @ MoreWhat.com, A Blog For All, 123beta, Big Dog's Weblog, Adam's Blog, basil's blog, Shadowscope, Leaning Straight Up, Cao's Blog, The Bullwinkle Blog, The Amboy Times, Conservative Cat, Conservative Thoughts, Pursuing Holiness, Rightlinx, third world county, Faultline USA, Woman Honor Thyself, stikNstein... has no mercy, The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns, , The World According to Carl, Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, The Right Nation, and Dumb Ox Daily News, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe. Permalink for this entry: http://maggiesnotebook.blogspot.com/2007/04/judge-antonin-scalia-debates-aclu.html Trackback URL for this entry: http://haloscan.com/tb/maggiesnotebook/7479555473761637249 Technorati Tags: New York Times ACLU Stop the ACLU ACLU President Nadine Strossen Steven C. Cunningham Bill O'Reilly The Factor Fox News Charles rust-Tierney New York Post New York Sun New York Daily News Wall Street Journal

ACLU President Silent on Chief Aide's Conviction

ACLU President, Nadine Strossen, is not talking about her Chief Aide's criminal conviction on Child Endangerment charges, and subsequent disbarment from the New Jersey Bar. Two calls to Ms. Strossen's office attempting to confirm that the convicted Steven Cunningham is, indeed, her Chief Aide, yielded this:

"Unfortunately, I cannot confirm or deny that..."

and today...

"I'm not allowed to talk about that."

So much for the ACLU's stance on your right to know. Steven C. Cunningham thought he was chatting online with a 12-year-old boy, but instead was explaining to a police investigator how certain sexual acts could, should and would be performed when the two of them got together in New York. While acknowledgement of Cunningham's position as Chief Aide to the national ACLU President has not been confirmed for the purposes of this post, an article by Michaelango Conte for The Jersey Journal reports that:

"...court papers say he [Steven C. Cunningham] was employed by the American Civil Liberties Union in New York."

The New York Law School's profile of Strossen lists Steven Cunningham as Chief Aide to the President of the ACLU. Nadine Strossen is not involved in Cunningham's complicity, of course, but he is, presumably, her Chief Aide, and Cunningham is presently licensed to practice law in the State of New York - although now disbarred in New Jersey. The position of "Chief Aide" indicates importance, especially when you are "Chief Aide" to an important person, and Ms. Strossen certainly is considered "important." She took the Presidency of the ACLU in 1991 and is the first woman to hold this high office in "the nation's largest and oldest civil liberties organization." She has twice been named one of "The 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America." She holds other designations by various print magazines: among the 350 Women Who Changed the World, among America's 200 Most Influential Women, included in America's 100 Most Important Women, as well as other professional and academic honors. Now, if the Chief Aide or Executive Assistant to the CEO of Wal-Mart was convicted of Cunningham's charges, we would know about it. Suppose a high-ranking assistant on Dr. Laura Schlessinger's staff was so convicted - we'd know about it. What if a person of influence within Dr. James Dobson's organization was convicted of child endangerment - we know we would know about it - not only from the MSM but Wal-Mart, Dr. Laura and Dr. Dobson would be called upon to explain how this abomination could possibly happen right under their noses. From the ACLU we hear nothing - at least that I can find. Where is the national press on this matter? After spending hours looking into this, there seems to be nothing out there about Cunningham's connection to the ACLU's highest office. And what's the problem with Strossen and her office? A simple yes or no to: "is this the same Steven Cunningham - your Chief Aide, as the convicted Steven Cunningham?" It not really a difficult question. The ACLU's commitment to representing some of the vilest among us, as well as some of the vilest causes assaulting us, should be sufficient for publicly addressing those unsavories among them, when charges have been filed. A former President of the Virginia chapter of the ACLU, Charles Rust-Tierney, was recently arrested on pornography charges. There have been sparse news reports, and even sparser reporting on the long-time, tight connections with the ACLU, and his high-standing within the organization. Here's some of the WashingtonPost.com's reporting on Rust-Tierney.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Theresa C. Buchanan was not swayed, saying the images found on Rust-Tierney's computer were "the most perverted and nauseating and sickening type of child pornography" she has seen in 10 years on the bench.

Rust-Tierney, 51, who is a public defender in the District, is charged with receipt and possession of child pornography. Prosecutors say he downloaded images that included the sexual torture of children, set to a song by the band Nine Inch Nails.

The case has attracted national attention, with some critics and bloggers accusing the media of downplaying the story because of Rust-Tierney's ACLU connection....He resigned from the ACLU's board the day he was arrested.

Fox News' Bill O'Reilly definitely "factored-in" Charles Rust-Tierney. Here's his report card on the mainstream press and what they DID NOT REPORT: Video courtesy of SlashGordon And here's O'Reilly's initial reporting, as the story was breaking from Homeland Security [that's right: Homeland Security]: Video courtesy of Techvids052006 If you care about civil liberties, but are shocked and dismayed at the ACLU's defense of, and protection of, those who mock our Constitution, and put our children and our most beloved traditions at risk, visit the Stop the ACLU for constant breaking news, updates and commentary. Permalink for this entry: http://maggiesnotebook.blogspot.com/2007/04/aclu-president-silent-on-chief-aides.html Trackback URL for this entry: http://haloscan.com/tb/maggiesnotebook/8668761094944920241 Trackposted to Perri Nelson's Website, The Pet Haven Blog, Stuck On Stupid, Leaning Straight Up, Pursuing Holiness, Rightlinx, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, , Pirate's Cove, The Right Nation, The Pink Flamingo, Dumb Ox Daily News, Right Voices, Blog @ MoreWhat.com, 123beta, Adam's Blog, basil's blog, MONICA, Phastidio.net, The Bullwinkle Blog, Cao's Blog, , Jo's Cafe, Conservative Thoughts, Allie Is Wired, stikNstein... has no mercy, The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns, The World According to Carl, CORSARI D'ITALIA, Gone Hollywood, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe. Tracked back by: Open Trackback Weekend #50 from 123beta. Excerpt: What a week it was... This open trackback post dedicated to those who lost their lives this past week at Virginia Tech. al Qaeda Regrouping from The Amboy Times Excerpt: While the left pressures Bush to end the War on Terror, AQ is plotting future attacks. We can't keep the troops in Iraq forever. But this article lends credence to the idea that when we do withdraw, we can count Weekend Podcast: VA Tech Aftermath from Adam's Blog Excerpt: Tonight, we talk about the aftermath of the Virginia Tech. Support, gun control, honor and what's at stake in Iraq, Bill Maher's deceit at the Creation Musuem, and discuss the need for revival with special guest caller Brian Bonner of the Uncooperati.. The Knucklehead of the Day award from The Florida Masochist Excerpt: Today's winner is Yale Dean of Student Affairs Betty Trachtenberg. Caves, Mountains, Waterfalls, Parks and What Matte Star Chronicles. Excerpt: We watched the Tennessee version of surfer dudes hang gliding off the highest point in the area. It made the granddaughter and myself squeal and giggle. There was a gasp that came with the rush of excitement when the glider caught the wind as it plun... Ar-abs Want New Attacks...Surprised? from Woman Honor Thyself. Excerpt: GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Ham–as militants called Sunday for a fresh wave of attacks against Israel after troops killed nine Pa–lestinians in weekend fighting, straining a five-month-old cease-fire. Democratic Party and Netroots from blog@MoreWhat. Excerpt:This was one of the better articles I have read on liberal activism commonly referred to as ‘netroots’. I must add that the author’s use of the term ‘rightroots’ is a term I rarely see used. O'Donnell, keeping it in the family from Mark My Words. Excerpt: Ok, they're not related, but they might as well be with the flippin' idiocy that issues forth from their orifices. Japan's Pacifist uture Open to DebateThe Yankee Sailor. VA Tech Shootings: an interim perspective from third world county. Excerpt: When I first heard of the VA Tech shootings, my response was sadness tinged with horror. Knowing full well the tendency of the Mass Media Podpeople’s Hivemind and politicians *spit* to descend on such events as packs of jackals and hyenas (you choose which class is characterized by which animal–I’ve made my choices *sigh*), Wake Up Replubicans: Speak Clearly and Plainly on Border Security from Conservative Culture, Excerpt: The Bush Administration is certainly receiving unfair attacks from the left. What is problematic is that conservatives have also been concerned about some disturbing trends from the Attorney General on down. I happened over the Ramos and Compean case Sopranos Episode 80 Remember When from Planck's Constant. The Executive Game from The Conservative Cat. Excerpt: We now have a new Flash game on our Fun and Games page. In The Executive Game, you play the role of a manager who is presented with a series of transactions. Technorati Tags: ACLU Stop the ACLU ACLU President Nadine Strossen Steven C. Cunningham Bill O'Reilly The Factor Fox News Charles rust-Tierney