"It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage, than the creation of a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institutions and merely lukewarm defenders in those who would gain by the new ones." Machiavelli
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DiariesPO'ed by Soares Actions???By nitevision, Section Diaries
Many of us rejoiced when David Soares replaced "Mr. Personality" Paul Clyne. We envisioned a new beginning for Albany.
Now many of us are disappointed by the growing controversies and politically driven actions of David Soares. Mr. Soares has succeeded at insulting and disrespecting the Albany Police Dept., the Sheriff's Dept. and now the State Police. See the ch. 10 report - http://www.wten.com/Global/story.asp?S=6879957 His renegade actions may well have jeopardized on-going investigations. David, you are getting bad advice. Stop letting Chris lead you around by the nose. We don't need another self-centered politician prosecuting in Albany. Before anyone starts attacking Tuffey or Campbell (not my favorites) look at the overall picture. The DA should have a close working relationship with all police agencies. They are interdependent. David is rapidly losing support from his supporters. * Steroids Case - I have limited knowledge on this subject but can appreciate the damage caused by illegal abuse. Why did David fly to Florida with a Times Union reporter and 2 photographers? A blatant attempt to grab headlines? Why was information leaked early on about a cop getting steroids and not one name of a professional athlete mentioned? Maybe Chris D's cozy relationship with reporter Brendan Lyons to embarass APD anyway he can? * Heversi Case - David grabbed headlines on a case that was handed to him on a silver platter. His office did nothing but accept a case pieced together by the State Police & Inspector General. * Drug Laws - David's famous speech in Canada that attacked police officers for enforcing the drug laws. He later apologized but that revealed his inexperience and immaturity. * Underage Drinking Case - The State Police asked him to hold off. Chris D. pushed ahead placing investigators and patrons in danger. He could have, like the FBI, requested that APD have officers on stand-by without revealing details. * Houtaling Case - tens of thousands of our dollars were spent to obtain 2 convictions from 107 charges??? Local defense attorneys say David's office is out of control. They say there is almost no supervision of assistant District Attorneys. I asked why they don't speak out. "Are you kidding, I've got to make a living in this town. The lawyers say many cases fall through the cracks and money is wasted on cases which should never be prosecuted. Why have so many assistants resigned from David's office in disgust? It has become obvious that it's not Campbell or Tuffey or the State Police causing the problem, it is David Soares. David, you have forgotten who elected you. You have betrayed us. Stop being a politician bent on re-election and get back to honestly representing us. Chris is not helping you, he is controlling your office. It hasn't be publicized yet but 90% of Chris' lawsuit has been thrown out by the federal Courts, check it out. The narrow remaining portion will likely be dismissed as well. He too is not the hero we thought. (13 comments) Comments >> SOARES, STEROIDS & ALBANYBy nitevision, Section Diaries
No one can ignore the physical damage these substances do to the body. I'm especially concerned about youngsters foolishly using them to achieve a "pumped up" look.
That being said, many questions about David's investigation arise. Lawyers, cops and others are saying that sales across state lines automatically make this a federal crime. Why did David try to supercede the DEA? The Florida defense attorney said in a video clip that the suspects were aware of the investigation and offered several times to turn themselves in. David rejected their offer because he wanted to fly down to Florida "...with a camera crew." Now we are stuck not only with the cost of David's trip but also with the transportation costs of bringing the suspects up to Albany. In addition to two assistants, David invited a Times Union reporter and photographer on these out of state raids. This doesn't look good and it appears that David is playing for publicity. Last year David made inappropriate remarks in Canada. He apologized and the furor died down. Yesterday David reopened the wound claiming cops are only in drug enforcement for the overtime. He admitted that he has poor relations with the sheriff and the Albany police. Maybe I seen too many episodes of Law & Order. David should be seeking a high level of cooperation with the police rather than "dis-ing" them. If he fails to fully prosecute local drug arrests because of his dislike of the police, you and I suffer. These political games must stop. David, swallow your ego and live up to your promises. We only want safe streets. (6 comments) Comments >> Judge's Son SkatesBy nitevision, Section Diaries
The grapevine is bubbling over about cops allegedly pulling over a judge's son and discovering dope in the car.
The story goes on to say that Albany cops gave a free pass to the son of Albany Judge Tom Keefe. The really amazing part is that this is the SECOND TIME the cops let the same kid off on similar charges. I guess the first "time out" didn't work Judge. If true, a well-connected white kid skates around drug charges, TWICE. Equal justice under the law? Don't forget this is Albany. Word is that the Times Union has the story but Brendan Lyons refuses to write it. Circle the wagons and protect the privileged? No amnesty program for low income minority residents has been announced yet by chief Jim Tuffey. We've heard all the promises by Tuffey but wonder if this is his first major achievement as chief. Is this self-proclaimed "Mr. Fixit" just adding a new coat of paint to a dilapidated system? Can't see how anything has changed - same game.
Will be taking bets on whether this makes it into the mainstream press. You saw it first on DIA. (4 comments) Comments >> HURRICANE REACTIONBy nitevision, Section Diaries
Reports from the Gulf coast include many confusing statements and videos. We need to cut through the nonsense and address immediate needs.
I am heartened by local politicians joining in relief efforts but am wary of those who want to jump in front of the TV cameras for personal gain. Like many of my fellow citizens, I too am disgusted that President Bush decided to fly to California on Tuesday where he was presented with a guitar by a country western singer. He should have been in the office directing relief efforts. There will be plenty of time to assess blame. Let's not be distracted from the task of supplying food, water and medicine now. Pointing fingers won't save lives. TV reports of looting, shootings, rapes and assaults have grabbed the headlines. The thousands of stories of neighbors helping neighbors in New Orleans and Biloxi are ignored. Whether it was sharing a hug or sharing what little these evacuees had left is the real story. They have supported each other for days. Most of us know the inconvenience of losing power for short periods. Almost none of us know what it would be like to lose all of our earthly possessions. This is not a black problem or a white problem, it is an American problem. Make no mistake, those faces you are seeing on the screen are our brothers and sisters. We are the American family. We must come together in prayer and generosity to support each other. Please call the Red Cross or Salvation Army or your favorite charity. Five dollars or five hundred, every little bit helps. It is up to EACH of us. |
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