ICE HALTS TRANSFER OF PICASO

Washington - Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (ICE) obtained a restraining order preventing the removal of the famous Pablo Picasso Painting "Competier et tasse", with a value of over $11 million dollars.  The painting was being offered for private sale for $11.5 million when ICE took custody of the painting and presented it's restraining order.

Competier et tasse

Italians Gabriella Amati. and her late husband, Angelo Maj, allegedly appropriated tax revenue from the city of Naples using a variety of schemes.  The painting was not stolen.  However, it was acquired from the stolen tax money.  When Amati and Maj got caught, they filed for bankruptcy and then began selling off assets to line their own pockets.

The Department of Justice said in an ICE press release:

“Restraining this Picasso painting is yet another example of the Justice Department’s close partnership with law enforcement around the world,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman. “Our asset forfeiture section is committed to finding and securing every last penny of criminal proceeds and putting those ill-gotten proceeds back in the hands of victims, regardless of where they reside.” 

The United States has gained a black eye for many of it's activities around the world.  Using water-torture in Guantanamo Bay Cuba, the invasion of various countries based on unfounded accusation, the treatment of immigrants within the U.S., the attack on the free press within the U.S. are causes for concern.  Unfortunately, few people give this country credit for the great acts they complete.   ICE has been involved in returning Nazi Art, stopping sex trafficking, finding and arresting a child molester and child pornographer.

Cooperating with the Italian government to return stolen assets shows a government that cares about other people in the world, that eschews corruption which has corroded other nations, and which is devoted to it's duties to protect U.S. patent and trade law.

A country which protects it's people and is a good world citizen is an attractive country.  The U.S. is currently working on revisions to it's immigration policy so it can better treat immigrants who live under U.S. skies.  Also, high tech firms that need assistance will be able to solve some of their labor needs through loosed visas.  Meanwhile, schemes to defraud the people, as has allegedly occurred with Amati, must be put to rest as quickly as possible.  The U.S. has participated to the extent it can in this effort.

Snowdan Falls For Russian Ploy

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

Is this man guilty of espionage?

Video clips under FAIR USE doctrine, allowing for educational purposes

A top level analyst who could wire tap the president has placed himself in Russian hands.  Presumably, Craig Snowden was to leave for Havana today.  However his seat on the aircraft bound for Havana went vacant.  It is unknown whether Snowden has been detained by the Russians as they consider extradition by the US or if Snowden is now finding out why the U.S. has a spy program.

If Snowden is subject to "methods" to extract the information he knows, this top level NSA analyst will have put the entire US surveillance program at risk.  Years of infiltration and information gathering systems will be lost.  As Snowden says, in a single afternoon, he may have shut down CIA operations for the most powerful nation on Earth.

Wikpedia image

While we applaud the whistle blowing by Snowden so the American people are at least aware of the level of information being kept by the NSA, it is his other actions which cause us great alarm.  The NSA is charged with keeping information on foreign threats.  Yet, Snowden showed the NSA grabbing the cell phone records of thousands of Americans, clearly not foreigners, and clearly more information than the government needs to protect us from terrorists threats.

Edward Snowden NSA informer Fox News Photo

 

Should Snowdan be found guilty of espionage for:

1.  Taking state secrets to Russian and Chinese hands?

2.  It is not important what Snowden planned to say or not say to the Russians and the Chinese. 

By simply placing himself as a high level operative into their hands, he effectively compromised the entire intelligence network.  The Russians can get information from Craig Snowden using the same 'non torture' tactics used by the US to extract information.

3.  Snowden may have cut a lucrative deal so he would profit from telling all he knows.  It would avoid the unpleasant extraction methods.

4.  The Chinese are waging a financial war against the U.S.  While their army is growing, they also use the money they have made from the trade with the United States to manipulate governments into opposing U.S. goals.  They also are acquiring assets around the globe which will be critical for the growth of every nation.  It is not believed the Chinese are acquiring assets as investments.  Rather, they are acquiring them for domestic consumption.  These assets include oil, uranium and precious minerals.

Being a whistle blower is one thing.  Giving other countries the layout of our intelligence network is another!

If Mr. Snowden is correct in his assertions, we suggest he return to the U.S. and face whatever charges may be leveled against him.  

UPDATE:
At this point, Snowden has been delayed for so long one MUST presume Snowden is telling everything he knows.  He may be speaking willingly and for compensation.  He may be speaking under duress.  However, one cannot assume this top level analyst could disappear into the Russia system and say nothing.  Russia claims he has not crossed their border.

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Cotter Puts Kabosh On Medical Marijuana In Montana

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Feds Bust Legal Operations, Operators Cry Foul

June 22, 2013  At the very moment the Montana legislature was in session working on tweaking the states medical marijuana law, the feds dressed in hazmat suits raided legal medial marijuana greenhouses and dispensaries.  The Obama administration appointed U.S. Attorney General is taking aim at legal medical marijuana saying, in so many words "It is illegal under federal law, we don't care what the voters and the states say."

When the guys in the blue suits and shiny badges raided California pot growers they gave all of the business fair warning.  Not the case in Montana.  In fact, the Montana growers, who were performing their duties under color of state law, had no idea the feds were going to pull the plug on the state program.

Mike Cotter, acting for the federal government, charged the growers with federal crimes which could amount to life sentences.  He was not content to stop with growers.  He also charged their accountants, landlords and even some of their spouses. Despite a memorandum handed down by Deputy Attorney General, David Ogden, Cotter knows best.

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The heavy hand of the federal government dictating what is best within each state has been a contentious issue since the civil war.  Unlike slavery, an evil institution, the attack on legal medical marijuana operations is hardly cut and dry.  The federal government says weed is bad stuff.  The state bureaucrats, having been fully apprised and likely even sampled the product over their tenure, don't agree.  Citizens in various states don't agree, either.  Many think throwing the book at marijuana operations is no way to win the war on drugs.  Instead, they have elected to license the distribution for medical purposes and tax the reefer out of marijuana sales.  The tax dollars do more good than having legal pot sellers in prison on the government's dime.

While the federal government continues to spend tax money on spraying chemicals in Colombian jungles instead of building schools, some states have chosen to capitalize on the industry.  The revenues from sales help law enforcement concentrate on serious crime.  The revenues have been applied to everything from better schools to better law enforcement.  Substantial evidence exists marijuana is a viable alternative to stronger narcotics for patients resistant to less addictive medications.

Yet, Uncle Sam knows best.  They have to fill the private prisons owned by GEO Group, Inc. and other purveyors of prison for hire companies.  Cotter breaks the Obama memorandum issued through Eric Holder's office indicating no charges would be filed against medial marijuana companies operating within state law.

Marijuana Doctors.com

Undocumented immigrants understand the federal government's violation of Obama directives all too well.  After promising to attack the anti-immigrant institution which is turning the border into a battle zone and destabilizing Mexico, ICE refused to honor directives by it's own superiors.  Those directives required ICE to defer prosecution for many undocumented workers who qualify under a strict set of standards.  ICE frequently ignores the memorandum, insisting on sticking to self set quotas by deporting record numbers of  immigrants, the majority of whom don't even have a traffic ticket.

The federal government's refusal to respect orders and guidance from the President have forced Congress to take the matter up as a legislative issue.  Likely, the solution to the medical marijuana proposition lies in new federal laws which restrict over-reaching federal officials from intrusion into legal state enterprises.

Having set the precedent of ignoring orders handed down by Home Land Security, it is now easy for federal officials to ignore the guidance of their own departments.  While medical marijuana operators face life in prison, federal officials who ignore the orders of their superiors, including the orders of the President of the United States, run free.  Who, then, is in charge of our country?

Pages

Ogden Memorandum USEOJ October 19th, 2009, Medical Use of Marijuana

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COPY OF MEMORANDUM REGARDING PROSECUTION OF 

STATE LICENSED MARIJUANA DEALERS

USDOJ Seal

U.S. Department of Justice

Office of the Deputy Attorney General

The Deputy Attorney General Washington, D.C. 20530

October 19,2009 MEMORANDUM FOR SELECTED UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

FROM: David W. Ogden - Signature of David Ogden

Deputy Attorney General

SUBJECT: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana

This memorandum provides clarification and guidance to federal prosecutors in States that have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of marijuana. These laws vary in their substantive provisions and in the extent of state regulatory oversight, both among the enacting States and among local jurisdictions within those States. Rather than developing different guidelines for every possible variant of state and local law, this memorandum provides uniform guidance to focus federal investigations and prosecutions in these States on core federal enforcement priorities.

The Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all States. Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug, and the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime and provides a significant source of revenue to large-scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels. One timely example underscores the importance of our efforts to prosecute significant marijuana traffickers: marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue for the Mexican cartels.

The Department is also committed to making efficient and rational use of its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources. In general, United States Attorneys are vested with "plenary authority with regard to federal criminal matters" within their districts. USAM 9-2.001. In exercising this authority, United States Attorneys are "invested by statute and delegation from the Attorney General with the broadest discretion in the exercise of such authority." Id. This authority should, of course, be exercised consistent with Department priorities and guidance.

The prosecution of significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, and the disruption of illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking networks continues to be a core priority in the Department's efforts against narcotics and dangerous drugs, and the Department's investigative and prosecutorial resources should be directed towards these objectives. As a general matter, pursuit of these priorities should not focus federal resources in your States on

Memorandum for Selected United States Attorneys Page 2

Subject: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana

individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana. For example, prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department. To be sure, claims of compliance with state or local law may mask operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of those laws, and federal law enforcement should not be deterred by such assertions when otherwise pursuing the Department's core enforcement priorities.

Typically, when any of the following characteristics is present, the conduct will not be in clear and unambiguous compliance with applicable state law and may indicate illegal drug trafficking activity of potential federal interest:

• unlawful possession or unlawful use of firearms;

• violence;

• sales to minors;

• financial and marketing activities inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of state law, including evidence of money laundering activity and/or financial gains or excessive amounts of cash inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law;

• amounts of marijuana inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law;

• illegal possession or sale of other controlled substances; or

• ties to other criminal enterprises.

Of course, no State can authorize violations of federal law, and the list of factors above is not intended to describe exhaustively when a federal prosecution may be warranted. Accordingly, in prosecutions under the Controlled Substances Act, federal prosecutors are not expected to charge, prove, or otherwise establish any state law violations. Indeed, this memorandum does not alter in any way the Department's authority to enforce federal law, including laws prohibiting the manufacture, production, distribution, possession, or use of marijuana on federal property. This guidance regarding resource allocation does not "legalize" marijuana or provide a legal defense to a violation of federal law, nor is it intended to create any privileges, benefits, or rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any individual, party or witness in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter. Nor does clear and unambiguous compliance with state law or the absence of one or all of the above factors create a legal defense to a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Rather, this memorandum is intended solely as a guide to the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion.

Memorandum for Selected United States Attorneys Page 3

Subject: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana

Finally, nothing herein precludes investigation or prosecution where there is a reasonable basis to believe that compliance with state law is being invoked as a pretext for the production or distribution of marijuana for purposes not authorized by state law. Nor does this guidance preclude investigation or prosecution, even when there is clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law, in particular circumstances where investigation or prosecution otherwise serves important federal interests.

Your offices should continue to review marijuana cases for prosecution on a case-by-case basis, consistent with the guidance on resource allocation and federal priorities set forth herein, the consideration of requests for federal assistance from state and local law enforcement authorities, and the Principles of Federal Prosecution.

cc: All United States Attorneys

Lanny A. Breuer Assistant Attorney General Criminal Division

B. Todd Jones

United States Attorney

District of Minnesota

Chair, Attorney General's Advisory Committee

Michele M. Leonhart Acting Administrator Drug Enforcement Administration

H. Marshall Jarrett

Director

Executive Office for United States Attorneys

Kevin L. Perkins

Assistant Director

Criminal Investigative Division

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

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Obama Works Towards Better Relations With Cuba

Cuba and The US

The Obama Administration is working again towards a better relationship with the island nation of Cuba, 90 miles off of the coast of the U.S.  Wednesday, the U.S. and Cuba finished two days of talks regarding the resumption of mail service.  The trading of postal items was suspended by the Kennedy administration as it sought to tighten the embargo of goods in the 1963.

According to the Miami Herald, the talks were held at the U.S.P.S. headquarters.

The U.S. has agreed to resume migration talks with the Cuban Government starting in July of 2013.  The talks were held twice a year until President George Bush put a stop to the talks.  Then president Bush claimed the Cubans were not interested in the same issues as were the Americans.

Havana eased travel restrictions for the first time by eliminating the need for an exit visa, a document which has been nearly impossible to get from the Cuban government when the destination is listed as the U.S.  At the same time, Cuban has granted permission for thousands of Cuban doctors to travel to Venezuela.  Those visas were granted in exchange for a liberal price granted Cuba for Venezuelan oil, which Cuba uses to raise hard currency as well as service her petroleum needs.

Despite loosening of visas to the U.S. Cuban travel to the U.S. remains difficult because Cubans need a visa from the U.S. to enter the country.  It is predicted Cubans will travel to other countries and then migrate to the U.S. through those countries.

Havana is expected to attack the current special treatment Cubans receive when they arrive on U.S. soil.  Unlike most immigrants, when Cubans place their feet from the ocean onto solid land, they are not placed into deportation proceedings under the 'wet foot, dry foot' policy'.  However, if they are apprehended in a boat or in the surf, they are subject to deportation.  The migration discussions will begin on July 17th of 2013.

This is the second attempt by the Obama administration to loosen American-Cuban relations.  The initial efforts cooled significantly when Cuba arrested American Jewish Samaritan Alan Gross.  The American was attempting to set up an Internet connection allowing Jewish residents in Cuba free access to the Internet.

Alan Gross, nearly too weak to stand

Cuba has attempted to trade Gross for several Cuban spies imprisoned in the U.S. However, Washington has not agreed to the trade because they insist Gross was never working for them.   Gross is in failing health and will serve no purpose for the Cubans if he dies, yet Havana refuses to grant him freedom.

Lost in the years of bitter relations has been the reason for the Cuban revolution in the first place.  Fulgencio Batista led a coup against a democratic regime when it appeared he was going to lose the upcoming election.  Once in power, Batista used brute force to assassinate his political enemies.  He lined his pocket with bribes and skimming from pro-western enterprises which were building Cuba as a first class tourist resort.  

Subsequently, when Castro won his reverse coop, he placed the island nation which was a stone's throw from the U.S. into communist hands.  He later allowed the Russians to place nuclear missiles on the island nearly resulting in a nuclear war between the U.S. and Russia.  Rather than either government entering into rational relations, Cuba has become a political football for exiled Cubans whose property was expropriated after the Castro Coop.  

Cuba is a study in why U.S. support of dictators who claim to stand by democracy while brutalizing their people has been a dire mistake. Had the U.S. insisted on sincere democratic reforms in Cuba, in which the people had an opportunity to benefit, the revolution would never had gained power.  

Multiple Latin American countries now embrace leftist ideology because it is the only way the people can battle corrupt dictators who claim democratic ideals as window dressing to win the support of the West.  At the same time these governments foist corrupt and brutal methods of their people.  

Of course, many of these leftist regimes seize assets from the wealthy and place an even smaller set of people into the position of being the haves in society.  If the U.S. is to ever advance the cause of democracy then it must teach the people of democratic nations how democracy works.  At it's heart, it requires the death of corruption.  It requires a willingness to advocate for education and the well being of the people who must choose their leaders.

One of the best ways the U.S. can advocate for democracy is to grant it's own immigrants fair treatment.  After the 911 attack, U.S. immigrants have faced a system which imprisons them in private prisons without the right to court appointed counsel.  They face laws which are interpreted harshly against them.  They are denied the opportunity to participate in the society they help fund through their tax dollars.  

Pending a rational policy on the part of both the U.S. and Cuba, U.S. citizens and others should keep in mind the embargo against Cuba remains in force.  Those who take significant assets to Cuba, like sailboats, are subject losing those assets when they return to democracy.

Yacht Owner Sues Don Omar For Faking Rich

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The owner of a high end yacht sued Puerto Rican Reggaeton artist Don Omar for using their yacht as the backdrop for a music video.  According to the owner, Omar defamed the company by showing takes of sexy women along with a gyrating Don Omar without getting permission for the shoot.





The yacht, the Le Reve, or the Dream, is the prop which gives the impression Don Omar lives like a billionaire while enjoying the company of "slutty" women in his music video, "Danza Kuduro, Lucenzo".

Lazzara builds high end yachts for people who have the means to live like kings.  The cost of a used Lazzara in the Le Reve size of 110 feet can easily run $10,000,000.   The yacht leases for $49,000 a week including a captain and a private chef.

Apparently, the videographer failed to obtain written releases from the yacht's owner, a Portuguese company.  Now, the company wants a big piece of Omar and about everyone involved in the production.

The Lyrics to Danza Kuduro translated into English go something like this:

http://lyricstranslate.com

Versions: #1#2#3#4#5

El Orfanato
Danza Kuduro (Plop, Plop, Plop…)
Lucenzo
El Rey…!

Put your hands up
Moving only the hips
Turn half around
Dance to Kuduro
Don't lose your breath now
Because this has just started
Move your head
Dance to Kuduro

Put your hands up
Moving only the hips
Turn half around
Dance to Kuduro
Don't lose your breath now
Because this has just started
Move your head
Dance to Kuduro

Who's going to control the power of this wicked feeling that now gets through your veins
and the heat like the sun that can't let you be still at the beat, babe.

Who's going to stop this feeling that makes your hips lose control as you dance.
This fire burning inside you slowly is gonna get you wild

Put your hands up
Moving only the hips
Turn half around
Dance to Kuduro
Don't lose your breath now
Because this has just started
Move your head
Dance to Kuduro

Move your body, this here is so crazy
Morena, come to my side
No one is going to be still
I want to see you, come on, shake to kuduro
Move your body, this here is so crazy
Morena, come to my side
No one is going to be still
Oi, oi, oi, oi, oi, oi, oi…
Come shake your hips, let's dance kuduro
Oi, oi, oi, oi, oi, oi, oi…
Brunette or blonde, come on, dance the kuduro
Oi, oi, oi…

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Russia Slows Delivery Of High Tech Missles To Syria

What should Israel do if Russia sends Syria the S-300? Many experts think Russia's objective is to keep the West guessing.

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The Russian controlled state media says Russia has not delivered the high tech missiles it promised to Syria.  The report is based upon an arms industry source who indicated the missiles had not been delivered.  Further, the source claims, Russia may not deliver into Syria hands their most advanced weapon technology for months.

The S-300 missile is incredibly sophisticated.  It would require Soviet specialists to man the missile operation until Syrian troops learn how to operate the system.  Israel has promised a preemptive strike if the missiles are deployed.  That pits Russian troops against Israeli troops, thus escalating the war.  Most analysts believe it does not serve Russia, nor any country, to escalate the war to that level.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad insists the country already has the s-300, according to Reuters.

The S-300 is not the only Russian surface to air missile in Syria.  The Syrian military possess a healthy array of SAMs that are likely to be lethal and effective in defending the country.

One must also wonder if Russia wants weaponry as sophisticated as the s-300 to leave Russian control, though it is likely not the first time.  Once out of their hands the weapons could fall prey to anyone, perhaps even one day being turned on the country which made them.  At the same time, Russia wants Syria to resolve it's problems without intrusion from outside sources including the United States.

Meanwhile, Russia has a new line of missiles called the S-400.  The country is reportedly working on an even more sophisticated system called he S-500.

The article source for this information includes the Voice of America.

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