13 Questions that Lisa Wilson-Foley Must Answer / Comment on Dr. Petit's email

Here we are on the cusp of yet another CTGOP Convention.   As Republican Delegates gather their thoughts, and try to find their scruples, we thought we'd pass along one of the many emails that The King's View has received over the past 48 hours.  This particular email stuck out because the questions posed to Lisa Wilson-Foley might be just as relevant during the Primary and in the General Election (should she make it that far) as they will be this afternoon/evening when delegates decide who will be the formal nominee on behalf of 5th Congressional District Republicans.

I'm told an email was sent to various campaigns and outlets, so its possible that this information may be duplicated somewhere already, or distributed during the course of the day by other means, and venues.

The email was drafted by Mr. Philip R. Dunn, who is a member of the Farmington RTC, and was a staunch supporter of Mike Clark's candidacy until Mike took the high road earlier this week, placing Party before ego, and withdrawing his name from consideration based on a realistic appraisal of the state of his campaign.  I appreciate Mr. Dunn's willingness to allow me to share his name; he is also a delegate to the State Convention and offered that if anyone would like clarity on the questions he is asking below, he would be more that willing to discuss them in detail. 

Dunn writes: "There seems to be a “fear factor” relative to going after her [Lisa Wilson-Foley] which escapes me as the questions I have are not only fair game, but they MUST be answered before she can ever become our standard bearer and suffer the slings and arrows the Dems will toss her way in a general election."

Aptly put.  All too often we don't vet our own candidates, and wind up stuck with person who ends up dead in the water by the Fall because of a scandal that insiders knew about, but kept secret in order to propel their buddy across the nomination finish line.  This might be one the reasons that the CTGOP does so poorly in General Elections.  As Dunn sums up, if we don't vet our own, surely our enemies across the aisle will be more than happy to in October.

Here are the questions/documents that must be produced:

1.    Provide information regarding the identity of “Apple’s Ownership” that had a twenty (20) year relationship with Mr. Rowland as alleged in Mr. Foley’s statement.

2.    Provide a list of all owners of Apple Health Care, Inc. stock for the last twenty years.

3.    Identify any labor contracts that Apple Health Care, Inc. negotiated with Mr. Rowland’s assistance and further identify all union negotiators involved in any such negotiations.

4.    Provide copies of Board meeting minutes demonstrating that Mr. Rowland attended any meetings of the Apple Health Care, Inc. Board of Directors.  If the meeting minutes do not list the attendees I request that you provide a list of all persons who attended any such meetings including their names and business addresses.

5.    Identify any consultants ever hired by Apple Health Care, Inc. through Christian Shelton, Esquire or any other lawyer/intermediary and provide copies of any such contracts.

6.    Provide bank documents including but not limited to cancelled checks and wire transfer information that demonstrate how Apple Health Care, Inc. paid Mr. Rowland and/or Attorney Shelton.

7.    Provide copies of cancelled checks that were used to pay Mr. Rowland pursuant to his agreement with Attorney Shelton.

8.    Provide a copy of any and all 1099 tax forms reflecting payments to Mr. Rowland for 2011 and 2012.

9.    Provide a copy of the schedules from Apple Health Care, Inc.’s 2011 Federal Income Tax Return wherein any and all payments to Mr. Rowland and/or Attorney Shelton are listed.

10. Provide copies of any emails or correspondence between Apple Health Care, Inc. and John G. Rowland reflecting any work preformed for Apple Healthcare, Inc. by Mr. Rowland.  This includes any work that Mr. Rowland may have Performed for any subsidiary or affiliated companies of Apple Health Care, Inc.

11.  Provide a copy of any fee agreement or other documents that detail Attorney Shelton’s relationship with Apple Health Care, Inc and/or Brian Foley and/or Lisa Wilson-Foley.
  
12.  Request from Mr. Rowland his “work product” that was developed in performing his consulting services.

13. Provide a list of donations made by Brian Foley and Lisa Wilson-Foley to all candidates for Governor from 1994 through 2002.

It seems to me that although there are many questions, none of them appear to be out of line, or questionable.  You would think that after everything that has happened over the last few weeks that the Wilson-Foley Campaign would have gone the extra mile to assure committed delegates (and uncommitted delegates) that Lisa Wilson-Foley (and her husband) have been and are operating above board.  It seems that there are still more questions than answers.

Chris Healy's decision to pull Lisa from her interview on NPR's Where We Live with John Dankoski was not the confidence booster that people were looking for.  This hunker down and muddle through approach might be a great temporary political strategy, but eventually Wilson-Foley will have to face the music in real-time and there won't be weapon in Healy's bag of tricks to stop the damage to the CTGOP, it's brand, or her nomination should something come out over the next several months.

Thank you Mr. Dunn for sharing your concerns.

Dr. Petit's email

As everyone knows, I've been a very strong supporter of the Petit, Chapman and Renn families over the last several years given the horrific 2007 Cheshire Invasion Murders.  I've also made it quite clear that I'm in favor of the Death Penalty, and the repeal action taken last month by Connecticut Democrats was a violation of the public trust given the clear support that Connecticut residents have for the keeping the Death Penalty in place.

Prior to this year's vote on the Death Penalty, I was very critical of Andrew Roraback for his previous vote when the anti-Death Penalty Bill came up the first time.  I also took Mr. Roraback to task for a few other social positions he holds not in keeping with the expected Republican standard.  I don't make any apology for that post; my feelings remain the same.  But I also realize that - Mr. Roraback, regardless of his personal agenda, did cast a vote against repeal this year.  Now, I could speculate as to the underlying reason for his vote, but the fact is that Roraback voted against repeal and that is the fact.  He may be a hypocrite of sorts, but he did well by me, his constituents, and Dr. Petit whether they like it or not.  If he voted in support of repeal this year - I'd have a different opinion, I'm sure.

I was more than surprised to see Chris Healy (who is a personal friend of Dr. Petit's) use Dr. Petit as a political campaign prop to attack Candidate Roraback.  Quite frankly it was in bad taste to drag the Petit family into Republican Party politics, and to ask them to expend their remaining political capital to support Lisa Wilson-Foley - who is without a doubt, considered scandalous to the point where she is even afraid to answer basic questions about her past.  There was no need to turn Dr. Petit and Hannah Chapman into political hacks for such an important cause.  While I'm disappointed in Dr. Petit, my anger is with Chris Healy who cares only about himself and nothing about who he hurts while trying to achieve his status objective.  This is the kind of judgement that time after time Healy has made which has placed the CTGOP in a disgraceful light election after election.  And the mistakes continue to pile up on top of each other to the point were at times victory seems nearly unachievable.

Lastly, the Death Penalty debate will likely continue as we struggle through the repeal process for all of villains on Death Row eager to find a loophole by virtue of the passage of Gov. Malloy's new law.  I'm hoping that Dr. Petit and his family have not caused themselves any  collateral damage with the public by engaging in inter-party politics over a dirty federal office-seeker and an issue that has nothing to do with the outcome of the Convention or even the Congressional Campaign; the issue being strictly a State's matter.

Make no mistake, I still remain a strong supporter of Dr. Petit and have immense respect for him, his sister, and the entire family, and will likely be a supporter of theirs forever more.  I'm just a little disappointed. But I'll get over it.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment. This article does not imply endorsement of the candidate mentioned above, nor has this article been solicited for publication by any political candidate, campaign, or PAC

Connecticut Democrats Defy State Residents



Dark clouds over Connecticut

It's a dark morning in Connecticut.

For those who are just having their first cup of morning Joe, you'll need a second cup to believe this news:   Last night you went to bed trusting that Connecticut's State politicians would earnestly do the right thing, and vote to protect your interests.  Yet in the wee hours of the night - 2 am to be precise, Connecticut Democrats stabbed you in the back by voting 20-16 to Repeal the Death Penalty. 

This is surprising news particularly when only last week, a trusted, well-publicized poll showed that 62% of Connecticut Residents support the Death Penalty in Connecticut - and for good reason.  It is not because we are hateful, blood-thirsty barbarians that need to be re-educated in our antiquated thinking as the high-minded, liberal elite would have you believe - no, its because WE THE PEOPLE believe in a thing called JUSTICE - a concept foreign to Democrats when it comes to everything except issues involving race.

What are you to do with an entire Democrat Party apparatus that completely ignores the will of the people?  All of you folks who get down on your hands and knees and pray to the Party of Obama and Malloy - the party of obstinance, the party of pure arrogance.  If you haven't grasped the fact yet, let's review - Democrats do not care what people think.  They drink the cool-aid of liberal theology and refuse to deviate from their backward agenda.  It's a sickness that's become a way of life in Connecticut - pedophiles in the bathroom, busways to nowhere, legalizing drugs, taking more and more money out of the working man's paycheck for their empty schemes and to payoff their union buddies, and now - repealing the Death Penalty - anyone else see the obvious trend?

My heart goes out to the Petit Family, who worked night and day courageously to fight to keep Capitol Punishment on the books. After what these wonderful folks have been through, they could have simply moved away from this hell-hole and no one would have blamed them one bit. Instead, the Petit's have become our steadfast Champions, standing out front and leading on this issue - as their wounds are freshly reopened every time they relive the horrific nightmare to advance the cause of JUSTICE.  

It's unfortunate that many Democrats refused to even meet with them to discuss their position.  Of course they refused - what did you expect - that Democrats would have the courage to look them in the eye?  That Democrats would have the courage to meet with victims of henious crimes, who very actions will likely, over the long haul, reverse two jury's death sentences?  It sends a clear message to all of us - Democrats do not care about victims.  Democrats do not care what people think.

If Connecticut Republicans cannot get their acts together and make hay of this act of public treason, preceded by years of steady abuse by Democrats, then they never will.  If there was ever a case to be made by Republicans to take back the State Senate and State House, it's right now!  Please do not screw this up by taking the minimalist approach.  Find strong Republicans candidates and run them.  The Democrats have given you the gift of public outrage - use it!

The Death Penalty repeal will eventually move to the Governor's Desk.  And Dannel is all too eager to sign it so he can brag about repealing the Death Penalty to all his friends in Washington, and all those who think it's a good idea that he run for President some-day.  Malloy and the Democrat leadership will tell you that Komisarjevsky and Hayes and all the rest of the murderers on Death Row will be exempt from this bill's passage, and every trial lawyer worth his salt will laugh, and tell you that the Equal Protection Clause - the 5th Amendement is an easy out for Chesire's murdering thugs.  It's interesting how Democrats flock to the Constitution when it suits them.

And twenty years from now when Komisarjevsky and Hayes are lifting weights and playing pool in-between arts and crafts classes instead shoveling coal in Hell, Democrats like Malloy and Donovan will be all to willing to say they "take a Mulligan" on this one because they didn't know.  Liars!  They know damn well; they are experts in public deception!

Lastly, The King notes disappointingly that our State Chairman Jerry Labriola, Jr. did not engage himself and at least - issue a press release of some kind urging voters to contact their State Senators to vote against Repeal (sorry, I call them as I see them).  I know the Chairman believes "selling Prescott Bush tickets" to be his number one priority, but I have to disagree - first and foremost - being our champion on public policy is your first priority.  Let's get the CTGOP Website to become more than just a bulletin board for fundraising.  If The King can draft a few columns every week, you can draft a few paragraphs and set the standard for opposition on some of the most important issues of the day.

Thanks to the State Republicans who fought hard on this issue. But the battle isn't over.  Please don't take the easy route of letting things lie as they may.  It's ok to be angry, its ok to show some emotion.  It's fitting to let the public see your outrage.  And it reminds some of us out in the trenches that we are not truly alone.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment. This article does not imply endorsement of the candidate mentioned above, nor has this article been solicited for publication by any political candidate, campaign, or PAC.

TRIFECTA: Three Degenerate Bills Pass Committee

The Connecticut LOB is located in
an alternate universe where right is
wrong and wrong is right

Wednesday was a gloomy day for Republicans in Connecticut. And that's putting it mildly.

First, the Judiciary Committee passed H.B. 5389 AN ACT CONCERNING THE PALLIATIVE USE OF MARIJUANA, which The King warned everyone about last month. The Bill easily passed Judiciary by a margin of 35-8 (vote tally here). The real crying shame about the passage of this bill, is that only seven Republicans voted against the measure which clearly shows that Connecticut Republicans continue to suffer from an identity crisis inconsistent with the National Republican Party and its membership.

For the record, the following Republicans voted in favor of passing out marijuana to anyone who can find a burned out, 60s-raised, Tye-died physician willing to produce a doctor's note:

Andrew Roraback, S30
Themis Klarides, T. 114 (CTGOP Party Vice-Chair)
David Labriola, 131
John Kissel, S07
John Hetherington, 125
Christie Carpino, 032 (Sponsor)
Debra Lee Hovey, 112
T.R. Rowe, 123
Robert Sampson, 080

If you see any of the fools above whining about drug problems in schools, drug-related violence, or looking with a blank stare as they try to fathom the ever-increasing issue of substance abuse - then you can remind them about their foolish vote to make marijuana legally more available to Connecticut households. If they try to tell you that there is no connection between their vote, and their contribution to expanding the drug problem in Connecticut, you can tell them to go smoke another doobie, and face the fact that they are compounding the problem, and what's worse - they are sending the wrong message to the youth of Connecticut which is Smoking Pot is OK if you really, really want to. Nice! By the way, the whole medical component of the Marijuana argument is ridiculous cover - and could only have merit back in the 70s when the strength of today's pain medications were a fraction of what's on the market now; plus they're readily available at any CVS in the State providing you have a script.

The eight brave, dissenting voices are:

Paul Doyle, S09 (Democrat)
Al Aldinolfi, 103
Michael McLachlan, S24
Arthur O'Neill, 069
John Shaban, 135
Bill Simanski, 062
Richard Smith, 108
Jason Welch, S31

Note to Themis Klarides: You can forget your aspiriations for RNC Committee Person because the Republican National Committee doesn't do marijuana!


DEATH PENALTY REPEAL

By far the worst vote today came regarding Connecticut Democrats never-ending quest to repeal the Death Penalty under the guise of S.B. 280 AN ACT REVISING THE PENALTY FOR CAPITAL FELONIES. Oddly enough, the passage of the Bill out of the Judiciary Committee comes at a time when a Quinnipiac Poll shows that Connecticut Residents support the Death Penalty by a wide-margin of 67 in favor and only 28 against. The poll actually indicates a new high for Death Penalty support in Connecticut which means that there wasn't a cooling off period as Connecticut Democrats had hoped for post-Komisarjevksy-Hayes verdicts. If anything, the public is more determined then ever to see these two meet their maker for the heinous crimes they committed on the Petit family.

Democrats tend to only care about polling data that favors their barbaric causes, so you can imagine how quickly today's poll was disregarded by liberals sitting on the Committee. The vote tally was a sobering 24 in favor of repeal to 17 against repeal. Even Andrew Roraback, who was clobbered in this blog and has since taken a weekly beating at the hands of his chief rival CT05 Congressional wanna-be Lisa Wilson-Phony (Foley) (a.k.a scarecrow lady), voted against repeal.

I'm not sure whether or not Roraback's early release demands were met, or not but regardless, he voted with his Republican colleagues on what was basically a party-line vote. If he votes the same way when it goes for up a general vote in both chambers then that will effectively end his controversy over the Death Penalty, and close the issue - for it's not what you did last year, it's what you did yesterday.

The concern that has pro-law enforcement/ pro-justice system lawyers and others talking is that if this bill were to be voted on in the General Assembly and passed, then the chances that either sick bastards Joshua Komisarjevsky or Steven Hayes would face the Death Penalty is slim to none. Despite rhetoric by Governor Dannel Malloy and his liberal buddies that, if passed, this Bill wouldn't apply to the Petit murderer's grandfathered sentencing - every activist judge and liberal trial lawyer will be looking for an opportunity to challenge on behalf of Death Row inmates using an Equal Protection Law argument (5th Amendment "due process") to find a way to get Hayes, Komisarjevsky, and anyone else off death row.

Make no mistake, Dannel Malloy said he'd sign a bill to repeal of the death penalty if it came to his desk. Don't think for a minute that the Governor's Office isn't knee deep involved in the whole orchestration of the Democrats legislative agenda. The deal to advance this bill right now and get it passed is no coincidence - with two years left in his term, Governor Malloy is looking to make short work of this item, and praying that the people of Connecticut forget the whole thing by the time 2014 rolls around. Sadly, if the income tax battle taught us anything, it's that the public has a short memory, and moreover tends to become more accepting of bad ideas over time.

Today's real headline should have read: "Connecticut
Democrats take first step to overturn Hayes-Komisarjevsky
sentencing." because that's been their plan all-along.

SAME DAY VOTER REGISTRATION

I also warned you about H.B. 5024 AN ACT CONCERNING VOTING RIGHTS which also passed it's committee 11-4 on a Party Line vote. Without going into too much detail, the level of fraud that municipalities can expect will be unprecedented - mostly favoring Democrat Candidates (which to any genius reading might explain why Dems are head-over-heels in love with the idea, and Republicans are cringing at the very thought - might be something do with how well Democrats have perfected voter fraud over the years, ex. Acorn, or Chicago Style Politics, not sure). And if that wasn't bad enough, the entire cost of administration and hardware for checking for duplicate voter registrations via online computer terminals, and the staff to support this fraudulent bill will be handed down to all 169 towns - which, as we all know, can barely balance their budgets as it is.


So there you have it. Connecticut's Grand Old Party, took a grand old beating today. If you are disgusted, you should be. And I hate to tell you this, but if you look at the docket, you'll find all kinds of expensive and perverse pieces of legislation that will likely be looked at and passed by Connecticut's one party authoritarian structure. It's going to get worse before it gets better, that's if - there's any chance of it ever getting better at all.

Lastly, has anyone seen Democrat State Representative and U.S. Senate hopeful William Tong?  He failed to show up to cast a vote at either the Death Penalty, or the Pro-Marijuana hearings - not that he would have been on the side of the righteous.  Rumor is that Tong was last seen on Dennis House's Face the State show.  If anyone sees Mr. Tong wandering aimlessly in Hartford Keeney Park feeding pigeons, contact Speaker Chris Donovan. 
 

 All Points Bulletin: "Dawg Gone, Tong Gone!"

Have a better day!

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com


Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment.

Sign the Petition: Stop the Repeal of the Death Penalty

Gary "Coleman" Holder-Winfield is a
 big supporter of Hayes and Komisarjesky
 and people just like them

Connecticut Democrats led by the ever-arrogant, racially-motivated State Rep. Gary "Coleman" Holder-Winfield, and ultra-liberal Governor Dannel Malloy are working around the clock to disregard the will of the people of Connecticut and Repeal the Death Penalty.  This is a critical time as the Democrat-controlled Legislature seeks to put a new bill on Governor Malloy's desk during this upcoming legislative session.

Last year, the Repeal of the Death Penalty measure was defeated by a slim majority in the State Senate, 19-17, due in part because two Democrats:  Andrew Maynard of Stonington, and Edith Prague of Columbia broke ranks with their Party after meeting with Dr. William Petit, the sole survivor of the heinous slayings of his wife and two children during the 2007 Cheshire Home Invasion.

Andrew Maynard, now believing that the coast is clear, has committed to voting for the new repeal bill when the measure is reintroduced in 2012. The only reason he didn't support the Repeal Bill he claims was because the vote was "too close to the Komisarjevksy Trial". Republicans residing in the towns of Moosup to Groton and all parts in-between have a new challenge on their hands for the next election cycle - send this yellow coward packing.  I mean this guy doesn't even have the conviction to vote his conscious.  What kind of people would put this weak-minded fool in a leadership position?  If old pal Rob Simmons is looking to be relevant again - then helping to replace Maynard would be good start.

Edith Prague has not yet committed to supporting the new Repeal measure but in private her friends say that she claims she would consider supporting the measure this time around in exchange for a few minor changes.  This is sad if true; last year after voting against the Repeal, her own liberal allies in the Press came after her for saying what everyone in Connecticut was thinking about the murdering-pedophile Joshua Komisarjevsky.  It would be a shame if an outspoken woman like this suddenly supported Repeal for a few lousy political favors.  If Ms. Prague could see the reason to support the Death Penalty for these two SOBs, then what about the endless generations of the same type of evil-doers to come? 

At the end of the day, if both Coward Andrew Maynard and Edith Prague cave to peer pressure and presents, the ballot would move to a 50-50 split allowing Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman the opportunity to cast the deciding vote in favor of  murderers and rapists.  Then Governor Malloy can in turn cite Catholicism for his decision to pen it into law (funny how he doesn't invoke Catholicism as his rational for his supporting votes on other liberal social policy positions).

Despite what liberal activists think, Connecticut trends higher in polls with 67% of residents in favor of the Death Penalty.  Nationally, one Gallup Poll on the issue found that 64% of Americans are in favor of the Death Penalty in cases of murder.  Other polls show a larger majority for support of the Death Penalty for similar and even lesser crimes.

Clever Democrats will try to distance themselves (and their votes) from the convicted Petit Murderers by claiming that that new Repeal Bill would be prospective - meaning that it would not apply to Joshua Komisarjevski and Steven Hayes, but only to future convicted murderer-rapists, et al.  But every drooling anti-death activist, and half-way decent trial attorney knows that the very passage of a new Repeal Bill opens the door wide-open for a special circumstance appeal from which the wacky Jeremiah Donovans of the world will launch their bid to save Death Row inmates. 

Only a fool would believe that the word "prospective" would stop the anti-death penalty hyenas from selling their souls to the devil to get Hayes and Komisarjevsky free from Death Row - a spot that they earned by their own actions, not through the decision of a Jury. 

As this war heats up, there will be a lot of rhetoric flying around from so-called experts who will lie through their teeth about how the Death Penalty isn't a deterrent - trust me, there aren't too many Dead Murderers posing a threat to society these days.  And making sure these two get the injection of death they deserve is a personal passion of mine - moreover, we owe to future generations to make sure that anyone who commits such or even a much lesser set of crimes faces the same lethal punishment. 

Meanwhile join our cause, get involved, make calls to your legislator, and sign the petition:

I'll end this piece by quoting the sister-in-law of one of the victims of the 2007 home invasion, Jennifer-Hawke Petit, who wrote it best:

"The majority of Connecticut citizens are in favor of the death penalty. The death penalty as it stands now is broken and needs to be fixed. It is the only reasonable and just penalty for the most heinous murders. A vote for repeal is a vote for criminals and a vote against victims."
- Johanna Petit Chapman

Darn Right!  So join us!  Don't let twisted people like Gary Coleman Holder-Winfield tell you that you can't have justice, now or in the future. 

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com
Disclaimer: This entry and others will be modified/updated at a future date. All entries are for the sole purpose of entertainment.

A Word about today's Komisarjevsky Verdict

It's taken over four long years to finally reach this point. 

I'm pleased with the result of today's verdict; even somewhat surprised that things came out the way they did - handing murderer Joshua Komisarjevsky the death penalty on all six counts seems miraculous - particularly given the extremely stoic, and unemotional nature of this Jury - in comparison to the Steven Hayes Jury.  There were few breakdowns of emotion when they viewed the horrific crime scene photos, and no angry glances over at the Defendant by members of this group of twelve.  Reporters found this Jury hard to read, but not necessarily less engaged than the last. 

The antics of Komisarjevsky's Attorney Jeremiah Donovan didn't help matters.  His endless campaign against Petit Foundation pins diminished his stature in the eyes of the Jurors and the Public.  His multi-baseless attempts at calling for mistrials, and his distasteful and crude comments about the Hawke-Petit Family, and references to their supporters as the Petit Posey has permanently damaged his reputation beyond repair.  He started off on the wrong foot by breaking a court gag order and then trying to bully Judge John Blue which didn't endear him to the Court, or anyone else for that matter.  He ended his tenure by bad-mouthing the Uncle of Komisarjevsky during the post trial press conference - an act of pure stupidity.  Donovan is a broken man, bitter, and alone.  If there was ever a living person who more resembled A Christmas Carol's old Ebenezer Scrooge - it's Jeremiah Donovan.

Critics of the Death Penalty have always made the claim that this trial was really about putting the State on trial. We, who support the Death Penalty couldn't agree more. Every mother and father, sister and brother, aunt and uncle, grandmother and grandfather in Connecticut watched this trial with trepidation and fear. As much as we could, we put ourselves in the shoes of the Petit-Hawke family. We all asked the same question - if this had happened to us, would the system we hold so dear, deliver justice on our behalf?  Would our fellow citizens have the courage to make the right choice for us? For all of us?

The answer is Yes.

And don't think every con and would-be villain didn't take note of the results of these two trials.  Maybe we don't know where the State would draw the line in the sand, but we do know that at least Connecticut isn't a free-pass zone for murderers.  We can thank State Prosecutors Michael Dearington and his assistant Gary Nicholson for that. 

For those of us who've been steadfast supporters of the Petit-Chapman family since 2007, it's been a journey that started with sadness and ends with sadness. To this end critics of the process are correct - handing Hayes and Komisarjevsky the sentence they deserve will not bring Jennifer, Hayley, or Michaela back to life, or patch the pain.  But the decision to execute two evil monsters does bring a sense of closure that we've sought for a long time.  This has always been about justice for the Petits, not blood-thirsty revenge as the simplistic anti-death penalty crowd would have you believe. 

I want to leave you with one final thought.  Sure, the trial is over, and the media circus has headed home for the holidays.  While all of us will gather with friends and family this Christmas - singing carols and opening presents, Dr. William Petit and his family are stuck with the vision of what could have been.  Beyond today's verdict we are still left with an empty pit in our stomachs. This whole four year journey will not be simply shelved and forgotten; we will keep the Petit women in our hearts and minds for decades to come.

I AM

THE KING

This original blog entry can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

This entry will be revised at a future date.

Komisarjevsky Must Die

If The King had his way, Lady Justice
would unleash her sword across the
neck of Komisarjevksy, who deserves
no less

In Connecticut, the world of politics became irrelevant this week.  Sure, Linda McMahon was out prancing around with her announcement of a second (doomed) entry into the Senate race, and other politicos took to the airwaves and public halls making their cases about how they had the perfect plan to save the world from Obama, Democrats, Hurricanes, and anything else deemed an enemy to mankind.

But all of this pretentious hoopla was eclipsed by the only thing that seems to really matter to residents of the Nutmeg State - the only thing on everyone's mind - the trial of murderer-rapist, Joshua Komisarjevsky.

I admit, I've been watching the trial from afar - via Twitter. I don't have the luxury of time to slink down to Courtroom 6A and watch the proceedings first hand. And I'm not sure that I could handle the stress of sitting there only a few feet from one of the most vile, and disgusting pieces of **** that Connecticut has ever produced.  I think I'd be at risk for getting arrested for cussing him out - or worse.  If not for what he is, but for how he acts in open court.

I've been reading the 140 character sound-bytes of reporters, wanna-be reporters, Petit supporters, and activists for and against the death penalty using the infamous #Komis hashtag.  Most days start off with reporters making small talk to pass the time, tweeting about bagels, participant's apparel choices (the tweeters are mostly women), long lines, and the unfair seating process.  Blah, blah, blah! By ten o'clock, most of the nonsense ceases and we get on with the business at hand.

Komisarjevsky's attorney, Jeremiah Donovan, is the chief antagonist of the proceedings.  He is here for two reasons - for the grand publicity of defending one of the most notorious villains in Connecticut's history, and to pursue his life-long ambition to end the death penalty.  Some also feel he's taken this case for the sport of trying to defend an admitted murderer-rapist from facing the death sentence that the rest of the world feels he so justly deserves. For Jeramiah - seeing Komisarjevsky get life in prison without parole would be a win and a half, and valued achievement.

It's to that end that he (and his cronies, Bussert and others) are hated and loathed by the majority in attendance in Room 6A, and by the majority in the Twitterverse-at-large.  People who know Donovan say he is exactly what you see, on and off the clock - a cocky, mean-spirited, hateful, derelict who is cheap, shrewd, and spiteful to the last.  His own colleagues within the legal community say he makes old Ebenezer Scrooge look charming and kind.  Donovan has no conscience and no heart.  He's a cold, empty vassal devout of feeling, and incapable of love, or humanity. By these references by those closest to him, it's no wonder that he leaped at the opportunity to take this case.  He's unmoved by the facts (and omissions), but motivated by the contest.  A rather shallow position given that he knowingly sits in the courtroom only 20 feet away from a father, a  sister, and a grandfather who lost all that they knew and loved - at the hands of his client.

Once you understand the man, it's easy to understand his strategy, and how natural it is for him to pursue his agenda.  It's his job to deflect, block, hinder, obstruct, confuse, disorientate, distract,  delay, object, and derail the process.  This means using every and any tool at his disposal to "win" the case.  It's not about justice or fairness (as he claims), those are just pawn words to throw out to give the illusion that he's passionate for his client's rights.  Phooey!  He'll say and do anything to make a spectacle, and as witnessed by all - sadly, even mock the Petit's and those in pursuit of real justice for the Petit-Hawke family during this trial.

The past three days we've seen evidence of his scheme.  First, he worked to deny Dr. Petit the right to attend court because the Jury might see him and feel unwarranted sympathy toward him as a victim in the case (after all, he's only a witness and the sole survivor who lost his wife, children, home, possessions, practice, passion, etc). Second, he complained that many in the audience are wearing these hypnotizing one inch Petit Foundation pins which allegedly garner support against his client (who by the way - murdered, raped, arsoned, burglarized, and did countless other things that can't be written here).  And third, he wanted to have all of the newspaper boxes removed up and down the streets of New Haven - believing they could influence the Jury's opinion.  Of course, and to his credit, Judge John Blue would take none of Donovan's antics seriously.

On Tuesday, Donovan hit a new low.  During his cross-examination of Dr. Petit, he verbally assaulted him with rapid fire questions, trying to cast doubt on his memory of events as they happened.  The audience gasped as Donovan bullied Petit on the stand.  Even if Dr. Petit had brain trauma affecting his memory because Komisarjevsky bashed his head repeatedly with a baseball bat - what evidence or contridiction was material to the assault, rape and murder in question? None.  It was nothing more than an opportunity for Donovan to get his licks in on poor Dr. Petit. Why Prosecutor Dearington didn't not object, I do not understand why.  But God Bless Dr. Petit for keeping his cool and recognizing the devil for what he is.  Dr. Petit didn't take the bait or allow Donovan to draw him into an emotional state.  Dr. Petit is by far, a much better man than I.

This week we've also seen Donovan's weak attempts to make the Chesire police and fire departments look like a bunch of bumbling half-witts who he would have us believe could have fought back 200 degree flames and rescued the family from their fate had they acted more quickly, or competently or what have you - Donovan is trying the whole shift-share blame tactic. And if that wasn't enough, Donovan has tried to manufacture this image of a ghostly third suspect being chased down by police, delaying the rescue. What rubbish!

Well enough about the beady-eyed, disheveled, rent-a-wreck attorney who took the case, let's move on to the real villain of these proceedings.

As long-time followers of the Hayes and Komisarjevsky cases, most of us have the  advantage of knowing much of the detail that has been presented out by the Prosecution in open court.  We know perhaps more than the members of the current Jury know, and have lived though the tears and sadness of what the the previous Jury members have seen and heard.  Bluntly put - we all know, Komisarjevsky is guilty as sin.  This perhaps is why so many people get bent out of shape about the notion of a guilt or innocence phase when Komisarjevsky's guilt is not in question, whatsoever.

Thus far we have heard a somewhat concocted story about how Komisarjevsky, in his mind, disagreed with Hayes about murdering the Petit woman and lighting the home on fire. Calling the 11 year old by her family nickname, getting her a glass of water - all part of a calculated charade to gain her trust, and place doubt in the mind of the Jury as to his extent of guilt. All of this would be an interesting, perhaps sympathetic story had we not learned (linking together pieces of testimony from the Hayes case) that it wasn't just Hayes' DNA (Hayes rape of Jennifer Petit) that they wanted removed from the home, but Komisarjevsky's as well - a detail I expect we will hear about today or Monday. 

The so-called taped confession that we've been hearing in court is nothing more than an age-old technique used by criminals to place blame on other criminals.  Komisarjevsky would have us believe that he was an innocent bystander just standing around with his hands in his pockets, incapable of decision, and at war with himself over the evil schemes of his co-conspirator Steven Hayes.  He claims he eventually spoke up when Hayes mentioned killing the family, "that's not going to happen." How quaint.  How ridiculous.  He knew full well that the recording he made would be played in court one day.  Everything, everything fatal he tells us is strictly the fault of Steven Hayes.  Yeah, we know you want to avoid the death penalty, Joshua - but its too late for that.

I'm still waiting for the part where he heroically fought Steven Hayes on the stairwell, trying to free the children from the burning flames. Yeah, well that's not going to happen, because it never did.  And we may never know the real truth about what happened minute by minute and by whom in that house that night.  But what we do know that three people were murdered in heinous fashion, and the two people responsible for the entire horrific scenario were Hayes and Komisarjevsky.  Period.  The details of the day have no relevance on the outcome; the details are for those merely trying to quench their thirst to solve a good mystery, which is far removed from those of us who seek justice for the Petit-Hawke family.

Komisarjevsky is nothing short of evil.  His diabolical scheming and perverted actions are perhaps the tip of the iceberg when you consider he likely helped orchestrate pouring gasoline on at least two living human beings who he intentionally tied to their beds, and then lighting them on fire as he tried to make his escape.  What story is there to really tell?  What legitimate defense can be made?  What? Splicing and dicing who did what when? Or hearing false testimony about how, in his pathetic little mind, he disagreed with doing this? Or listening to psychologists parse the inner workings of his mind because of a childhood gone wrong?  How thick does the **** have to become before we all realize that every inch of this tragedy was carefully planned and executed as intended.

Stay tuned folks, the worst is yet to come.  Donovan had the entire Hayes case to review and analyze so he could find holes to poke in immaterial inconsistencies, and a large group of anti-Death Penalty lawyers to help him plan out his next steps.  I expect he'll have a few tricks up his sleeve as he conjures a fictitious smoking gun, or pushes for mistrial and mistrial.

Joshua Komisarjevsky is a sexual predator and cold-blooded murderer.  We know it, his defense team knows it, and he knows it.

Putting him to death will be one of the greatest things the State of Connecticut will ever do.

We pray that Dr. William Petit, Hannah Chapman, and the whole Petit family stay strong.  You are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are with you every step of the way.

I AM

THE KING

The original blog entry can be read at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com

Note: This article will be edited for content at a later date.

Justice Matters: Why Connecticut needs the Death Penalty

Conservative Activism call to Action!

There are a lot of reasons for the average Connecticut resident to be angry with our new Governor - Dannel Malloy.   If you're already upset about his plans to install tollbooth barricades on every state highway, or regulate our remaining businesses right of out state, or increase taxes on everything you do, buy, see, and earn,  then perhaps this next story might really light you afire with rage.

Dr. Petit & his beautiful family
Taken circa 2006 at Harwich MA

For many months, we've all been following the horrific story of the Cheshire Home Invasion, where lurking in the shadows, one summer evening in 2007, two soulless cowards - Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky perpetrated one of the most heinous crimes in Connecticut's history.  (It's not necessary to go into further details here, they are available online for anyone not familiar with the case.) This is a story that haunts us all, particularly those of us with families, and children.

Last year, during one hotly contest televised Gubernatorial debate, Republican candidate Tom Foley asked then-candidate Democrat Dan Malloy about his commitment to abolish the Death Penalty.  As you'll recall, Malloy gave a cowardly answer by insisting that if the jury passed a death sentence on Hayes and Komisarjevsky that he wouldn't stop that decision from being carried out, but he also said that he would immediately sign a bill to abolish the Death Penalty should one come to his desk.  While I appreciate Tom Foley raising the issue, I was disappointed that he didn't follow through with more vigor about Malloy's commitment to abolish the death penalty despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of Connecticut residents support it.  And I would have liked to see Foley press Malloy on the negative implications repeal would have on families of victims, and anyone wishing to see justice prevail.  

Malloy's soft answer that his stance on the Death Penalty was merely a personal decision should have been rebutted sternly.  Foley should have pointed out that Malloy's position was hardly just a personal opinion, but as a potential future head of Connecticut's Government (which includes his ability to appoint judges) its was rather -  a major public policy decision that would have implications for all of us for years to come.  Furthermore, the opportunity to illustrate to voters the flawed thinking of this alleged, big-time New York prosecutor was ripe for exposure.  How many successful prosecutors do you know that make a career out of cuddling villains, and leave victims out in the cold?

Fast forward to the present day.  Well, what's done is done.  And now we have another battle on our hands.

With Malloy winning in November, it didn't take long for his liberal friends to dust off their 2009 playbook, and re-set their scheme in motion to repeal the death penalty.  Sitting before the Statehouse is  H.B. 5036. which if passed would abolish the death penalty and replace it with a life sentence without parole.  The next step to move this bill to a vote is the plan to hold a public hearing  on H.B 5036 scheduled for March 7, 2011 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.

I would urge anyone interested in speaking out in favor of the Death Penalty to attend the public hearing and speak out against repeal.  And at minimum, contact your local State Representative and State Senator and urge them to help defeat HB 5036.  Activist support of the anti-Death Penalty bill is being led by the Connecticut Network to Abolish the Death Penalty (CNADP) led by liberal activist Ben Jones.  CNADP is gearing up their speakers to attend the hearing with many twisted sob stories using families of both victims and those who have been executed.  Many of these people are being mentally manipulated into siding with anti-death penalty advocates; this in itself is a tragedy at another level. It is vital that ordinary taxpayers participate in this debate and show the Statehouse that the public doesn't accept their overreaching on judicial matters.


It's also critical point for pro-death penalty advocates to note that some Universities including Yale University are organizing their little brainwashed-Marxist students to be bussed from campuses around the State to attend the hearing, and rally at the LOB. 

The anti-death penalty crowd bases its position upon their belief the death penalty is "cruel and unusual punishment" which of course make little sense to anyone other than a liberal activist since dozens have been executed for similar crimes -  including murder since Connecticut's Incorporation into the Union.  The actual history easily contradicts the claim that its unusual since its been in practice since 1789, or that it's cruel since courtrooms around the Nation (including our own Federal Government) have found the carrying out of death sentences quite just and reasonable for certain offenses including treason and murder (military tribunals included).

And ironically, I find it simply amazing that when it comes to this single issue, suddenly liberal democrats become fiscal conservatives!  They hem and haw about the yearly $4 million dollar price tag on court processes.  It's amazing how in this very limited, specific circumstance that liberal Democrats beat their chests about reducing state spending whereas, at any other time, they won't entertain a single cut in any other part of the budget.  Only warped thinking would try to find savings by keeping the most evil of human beings alive, and selling out victims.  Talk about twisted thinking! 


Perhaps if Democrats looked at reforming the Connecticut Statutes - and reducing internal costs, red tape, the number of filings, inclusion of phony experts,  and removing all of the other costly components which drag out even a single case for as long as three or four years, and for ten years after a guilty verdict - then perhaps the cost wouldn't be so prohibitive. And perhaps if criminal rights weren't the only time liberals find relevance in the Constitution, we might even take a portion of their opinions seriously.

I recognize that I've used the recent Chesire Home Invasion as a linchpin in my argument for retaining the death penalty, but I don't want people to get too caught up in using this case as the sole reason for supporting the death penalty, or to use it as the standard for implementing the death penalty.

There are now eleven people on Connecticut's death row, and others who are awaiting trial for similar murders that occurred here.  I believe that all of these sickening creeps deserve to be put down for their crimes.  I disagree that the standard of how someone was murdered, or the number of murders committed should determine whether or not a villain is eligible for the death penalty at the time of sentencing.  If this happened to me or my family, I wouldn't want someone implying that they way my loved was murdered didn't meet some liberal's threshold for what is heinous enough for getting what they deserve.

I want to end by delivering a fair warning.  As you know, the Steven Hayes case had the successful outcome that we all had hoped for - a guilty verdict, along with the sentencing of death.  But that decision is only Act 1 in what is likely to be a long drawn out drama.  We are now in Act 2 featuring Joshua Komisarjevsky, who in all likelihood was the mastermind behind the Petit murders.  His attorney, Jeremiah Donvovan, is doing everything in his power to obstruct, defer, deflect, and hamper the judicial process - which in part is being done to lay the foundation of appeal, and to aide his anti-death penalty friends in their quest to repeal the death penalty.

If Democrats can muster enough votes to repeal the death penalty, it will likely trigger an avalanche of special appeals for the eleven monsters on death row.  Further, despite that Malloy and others claim that the repeal of the death penalty would not impact previous cases, its hard for anyone of sound judgement to believe that a very liberal, activist Connecticut judiciary would not legislate from Committee and find legal loopholes to overturn the will of the people, thus sparing the eleven murderers from the sentence they so justly deserve.  And as far as Joshua Komisarjevsky and his twisted attorneys are concerned, they are banking on the Legislature and Governor to quickly repeal the death penalty, in order fast track their client from death.

Moreover, liberal activists would very quickly seize the opportunity to find some degree of unconstitutionality in the notion that Steven Hayes is scheduled for death, and his co-conspirator, Komisarjevsky would not be eligible for the same sentencing for the same crime committed in the same case.

The bottom line is that there is a lot for Connecticut residents to be concerned with.  I know conservative activists are running on fumes from a dreadful 2010 election, working on 2011 special elections, fighting the onslaught of Malloy tax increases, and now I'm asking you to spread out even further and fight to help keep the death penalty on the table.  I know its a mental and physical drain.  But if its going to be, its up to us to do the fighting and this battle is absolutely worth fighting for.  Allowing villains everywhere to know that there is not going to be a free pass for committing felony rape and murder in Connecticut is worth going to war over.

Please join this fight.  Please help people like the Petit-Chapman family who have endured the pain of the the last 3 years, and likely the next several years of the appeal process, and show them that their personal sacrifices to see justice through have not been in vain. Please, I ask that Connecticut residents stand with them, and all past and future victims of heinous crimes. Let's not allow the will of liberal activists to win another battle for the soul of mankind. 

This original blog post can be found at http://www.thekingsview.blogspot.com/

The Correct Verdict: Hayes receives Death

Dr. William Petit: Class Act

thekingsview.blogspot.com

Once in a while the world surprises you.  Monday was one of those days.

Like many of my colleagues, I watched the news reports and read the tweets from the Steven Hayes penalty phase over the past several weeks.   I read and dissected each statement, if not each word tweeted from Room 6A.  At times my blood boiled visualizing the acts of arrogance and terror committed by Hayes and his counterpart Komisarjevsky.   And I was outraged by the ridiculous marathon testimony by the defense's hired gun, professional testifier Dr. Eric Goldsmith.

Based on the testimony provided, I was convinced that Steven Hayes made a conscious and independent decision to do what he did - commit heinous acts of rape, torture, and murder.  That being the clear case, without hesitation I believed that Hayes absolutely deserved the death penalty.

But would this jury actually have the courage hand down a verdict of Death? 

Honestly, I had my doubts.  Everyone knows that Connecticut is a notoriously liberal State full of so-called intellectual thinkers who are often so philosophical that they lose sight of the plot.  It probably also didn't help that just days before deliberations began, Connecticut residents elected a new anti-death penalty Democrat to the Governorship who's made public commitments to sign a bill to do away with capital punishment.

Then came the knocks at the door.  And the chicken-scratch notes, including one which appeared to illustrate a hung jury, followed by the question - what are the next steps? My heart sank.  And not just for me, but for Dr. William Petit and his family.

Then on Monday afternoon, we got word that the jury had come to a verdict.  I stared at my computer monitor - banging the refresh key over and over and over again - praying, hoping, and waiting.  And then... one by one, on all six counts, Hayes was given Death.   I felt both joy and relief.  And in strange way - happiness for the Petit-Hawke family.

Typical disappointment from the Courant

It didn't take long for the Hartford Courant editorial board to take its usual left wing position on the Hayes verdict.  In their November 9th editorial "Death penalty serves no purpose", they attempted - rather poorly -  to rationalize their anti-death penalty position.

First, they start from the interesting premise that "it is wrong to take a life except in self-defense."  A curious position to take since this trial is about three innocent women who's lives were certainly not taken by an act of self-defense, but out of lust for murder, and in attempt to dispose of the witnesses to their crimes. 

Second, this whole argument about whether it is right for the State (or Government) to take a life is faulty from the start.  All Governments make policy decisions which both directly and indirectly result in the act of taking lives, this is most evident with acts of war. Only a fool with both eyes closed wouldn't recognize that utilizing armed forces and military machines in either a defensive or offensive action results in death by the hundreds - and its all state authorized, if not outright mandated by Congress and President.

Moreover, the Government extends permission to the armed forces to interrogate, try, and execute active military combatants for certain crimes.  Just because the executions are carried out by men in a military uniform doesn't remove the accountability of the civilian leaders and legislators who provide the oversight and funding to carry out justice.

The idea that the State has no right to authorize murder is so broad a statement that its impossible to realistically defend.  Would the editors at the Courant believe American actions in World War I, and in World War II were unnecessary, illegal, and immoral?  Certainly not all actions taken by the Allies were defensive in either of the World Wars.  But they may have been necessary to end the conflict, and save American lives.

Third, how ironic is it to see liberals bring up the argument that its too expensive to seek and carry-out the death penalty?  This is one of the few scenarios, given progressives usual nature to find a million reasons to spend like thieves, where they champion the desire to "save the taxpayer" money.   If the system is too expensive, then perhaps they can find ways to reduce their own fees around the process and procedures that they've created.

Forth, let's remember that it was the State that pushed to seek the death penalty under the provisions established under Connecticut Statutes.  And, it was the State that urged and convinced Dr. Petit to agree with the decision to seek the death penalty.  A decision not taken lightly.  We seem to forget that he death penalty is within the extent of the law.  It exists not out of barbarity, or as some deem it - the natural human desire for revenge and bloodlust, but as a long established punishment under the law for vile acts of murder.

In their final analysis the Courant argues "if he is crazy... than he'd be unfairly executed."  Well, we already know from the testimony that he was quite aware of his action and in complete control of himself.  Even if he did feel betrayed by Jennifer Petit because she told the bank teller that she and her family were being held prisoner and robbed, and he killed her out of rage, that doesn't justify insanity - nor should it save him from lethal injection.

The editors at the Courant don't want to see the rationale for holding Hayes accountable and putting him to death.  They can't bring themselves to understand the pain caused to the Petit-Hawke family, and the community at large.  It's so much easier for liberals to not have to make the tough decision and  just send him away to a life of television, air conditioning, three square meals a day, and recreational activities like taking classes to pass the time - none of which seems like much of a punishment to me. After a while, he'd become accustomed to his living situation and adapt to the reality. 

The death penalty is the ultimate punishment for heinous crimes like the one's Steven Hayes and Joshua Komisarjevsky committed.  If the editors at the Courant really want to make sure "he is never heard from again", then rest-assured, after a period of appeal as mandated by Connecticut law, he'll have a period to reflect on his crimes in a lonely cell on death row.  And then he'll lose the gift of live that he took from innocents, and squandered himself.

The Courant is right about one thing - killing Hayes won't bring full closure.  As Dr. Petit said in his post-penalty phase press conference, "[The idea of closure is was created by imbeciles... there will always be a hole in my heart and in my soul"].  Well said, and all of us will sleep a little better knowing that Steven Hayes is no longer with us, and facing the music - where ever that may be.

In closing, may God Bless the Petit-Hawke family, and all those who have stood by them in support of Jennifer, Haley and Michela.  We will never let their memory fade.

Twitter and the Steven Hayes trial



Twitter Bird



While most of the country has been focused on the upcoming mid-term elections, many of us here in Connecticut have divided our time between politics and -- the Steven Hayes trial. Since that horrible day in 2007 when two souless creeps broke into the Petit home and committed henious crimes against Dr. Petit, his wife, and children, all of us have attempted to imagine the horror happening to us, and recognizing that it could happen to any of us, at any time. Admittedly, since the news of the tragedy, we've all become a little more cautious about personal security, and far more protective of our loved ones.

It's been three long years since Hayes and Komisarjevsky murdered the Petit women, and yet it seems like yesterday. The media still uses the same mug shot of Hayes when they report on the story. He appears like a clueless, bald-headed freak - and in truth, I'm sick of his face. We all are.

Connecticut doesn't allow television cameras, or electronic recording equipment in its courtrooms, so we are stuck with artist sketches - some very good, and some very cartoonish. But surprisingly, the courtroom does allow ipads, cell phones (on silent), and computers. Which has permitted those watching the proceedings to tweet - sometimes word for word, what witnesses are saying. And of course, we also get observer's color commentary on everything from facial expressions of the jury, to one reporter referring to another as the moocher reporter.

So, over the past month, I've been glued to my Droid, reading all the court activity via Twitter - while on the road, at work, and even at the gym. While we rely on 140 character rapid-fire reports from neutral eyewitnesses (mostly journalists), we in reality - are thinking, feeling, and monitoring the proceedings through the eyes of Dr. William Petit and the Hawke family. Every word, quote, and observation is carefully measured by those of us out in the global, virtual peanut gallery.

Twitter is a marvelous tool. It's so unlike the medium of television, and radio - where you tune in and take what's dished out by the press in a one-way format. Twitter allows us to interact with reporters and observers, real time, as they report proceedings. And sometimes, we outsiders pipe in with color commentary of our own.

While some reporters, like George Colli, sort of get into the whole interactive format of the medium - often asking people what they think and provoking dialogue, I'm sure some reporters dislike the idea of being on a level playing field with a hundred amateur voices. I've been fortunate enough to have sone incredible interaction with not only reporters, many people who feel strongly about the trial (including some close friends of the family). And I do admit, not all the commentary I've seen is in good taste, and some of the retweeting by individuals becomes a little tiresome. Do we really need a nonstop echo?

In some ways a lot of this is probably not healthy. And I mean the obsession of wanting to constantly stay connected, and wanting to read every #Hayes tweet, and feeling the need to join in the conversation, or even vent. Then again, the interaction with paid journalists, lawyers, and Twitter Nation is almost a sort of group therapy.

When witnesses told of the extreme horror and detail of events of that night, we shared in the pain with reporters. And when Steven Hayes was found guilty, we read it on Twitter and jumped for joy in celebration. When we saw the rediculous boastful journal entries by Joshua Komisarjevsky, we became angry, and when we heard Hayes whining about the size of his cell, and wanting to commit suicide, we all wondered-- why stop the sick SOB?

As we continue with the sentencing phase of this trial, its good to know we have a place to interact with Petit-Hawke family supporters. I'm glad I can add my voice to the dozens of people online who hope and pray that justice is served, and Hayes and Komisarjevsky will be no more.

Cornell Lewis: Using the Petit Family Murders to stir up Hate. Shame!

As if the murders of the Petit family didn't already have us saddened and upset; we are left locking our windows, securing entry-ways, and staring down would-be assailants in our local Stop-n-Shop. Every parent now operates on higher sense of alert; checking every nook and cranny for the potential for danger. The plain fact is that this is the horrific story of three innocent people, one wife and two children, attacked, raped, murdered and burned, and a loving husband left for dead - staggering out of his smoke-filled house, fleeing for his life. What kind of monsters would do such a thing? We all know.

Yes, we all know that two sick villains, both white ex-cons, planned and perpetrated the murders, and were caught red-handed fleeing the scene. Now we are left with the pictures, the story, and the fear that this could happen to any one of us in the darkness of night. The slight shimmer of hope is that the two rotten monsters who are responsible for committing such wretched acts are on track to most likely never see the light of day again. With any hope, they will feel the intermittent pulse of a 10,000 megawatt electro-charge, and seize to exist on this Earth.

Unfortunately, the story, as told in all its horror, isn't enough for some. And it only took only a few weeks, but the creeps have come out in full force.

First there are the idiot conspiracy theorists, having little class and too much time on their hands in between watching episodes of mindless crime scene shows that fill cable TV schedules, have decided to try and pin the murder on the only surviving victim - Dr. Wiliam Petit. The clue that drives them to conspiracy? It's only that poor Dr. Petit survived. "Why did Petit live, and why did the others die?" I'm sure Dr. Petit has asked himself that question a dozen times. Sometimes probably wishing he had departed this plane of existence with his family instead of having to face the ghosts of great memories, and memories that will never be.

Leave the man be. It's hell on Earth for him as it is. Just leave him alone.

This is the thinking of the mad in our midst. The same losers hanging around in West Hartford Center who rally against troops serving abroad who are protecting our way of life. The same that see rap music songs that call for shooting police officers as a mild form of expression misunderstood. You know, the counter-culturalists among us that see right as wrong, and wrong as right. Those who's heads were screwed on backwards at birth or got in with the wrong crowd at college and learned to reject Western Civilization and their parents for having successful lives on the backs of Native Americans, or the Slave trade, Capitalism, the poor, etc, etc. You know the type.

Not to be outdone by wanna-be detectives, along comes an even bigger creep. It's none other than black political activist Cornell Lewis, and his gang of cronies, who instead of showing support and compassion for the victims, and affected community (which by now is all of us), have instead come out in typical racist-fashion to try and turn the horrific Petit murderers into a racial issue or some type of self-serving publicity stunt.

Eager to turn this tragic story to his advantage, Reverned Lewis decided that because the victims lived in middle class Cheshire, and the victims were white, that he'd heard enough about this story and questioned, "[IF this had happened in a black community, would it had received the same attention?]. I guess the question to be asked is what does Lewis and his band of trouble-makers hope to gain by floating racial-charged hypotheticals completely unconnected with the Petit case? What is to be gained by such classless behavior? What does he want? Riots in the streets? To stir up anger in his followers seeking scapegoats for their ills? Attempt to energize his base? What?

It's a pretty lowdown tactic by a man who calls himself "Reverend". The fact is that Lewis doesn't even have a point to make. It's pure hatred and racism on his part. He even pretty much admitted on WFSB Channel 3 that some would call his charges - racism. Yes, Reverend. This story is all about the hate and racism in your heart. Let's hope that the good people of Hartford see through Lewis' shenanigans to "stir it up".

I'm sure Lewis was saddened to hear about the news of the Petit murders. But sad chiefly because the story was about two white guys committing a crime against a white family in a middle class neighborhood. This story doesn't fit nicely into Lewis' warped view of the world. There was no opportunity for him to advance his ongoing assault of racism charges against Hartford Police for alleged profiling of victims, or claim some injustice for would-be-minority suspects against a system that he believes punishes minorities without cause. Nor did this story feed his claims that his community is unprotected and ignored by city officials - yep, no candlelight vigil in Hartford this time around. No black on black crime. No opportunity to spout statistics and point the finger at George Bush, Carl Rove, and a million or so responsible Republicans. No legs for Mr. Reverend Lewis and his agenda.

What Lewis doesn't understand is the horror of the story is that someone, not just a regular working stiff (like this writer), who spent his entire life serving, catering, and healing others in his community, has had a loss. And Lewis, the fact is when its someone who cares and serves, and loves like Dr. Petit and his family, we tend to see things differently. It's not because they are white, or live in Cheshire.

Reverend Lewis, like his followers, and the conspiracy theorists, has shown us all just how hollow he really is. And what's a shame is that the next time he might have a legitimate civil rights concern - he's hurt his credibility with those of us who may actually care. Because with someone like him standing up at a rally podium - the story will become lost in the memory of his self-serving ploy to downplay the memories of Dr. William Petit's family for his own self-serving need for public attention.

Get a grip Reverend Lewis. It's time for you to go back in your cave, and let the rest of us mourn for the Petit family in peace.

And shame on WFSB-TV Channel 3 for not knowing better than to fan the illegitimate flames of hate harbored by so called-Reverend Lewis and his band of cronies.

Cornell Lewis