Monday, I posted re: the unsolved Tom Wales case, and did so in anger. In allowing my anger and resurgent grief sway, I stupidly misstated details that upon reflection deserved more perfect accuracy. No matter the threats to it, or from whence they arise, justice and truth will win out; they must, eventually. I believe that, as Tom did and worked toward. The FBI, DOJ, and law enforcement are filled with public servants as dedicated to justice as Tom. I deeply regret putting my two cents in on a case already so difficult and emotional for so many of them.
To be more specific: the FBI is NOT on record as saying they have but one suspect; though it’s true they have one who is particularly a focus, and has been the subject of public appeals. Also, Mr. Comey only responded to Rep. Watt repeating earlier testimony, as noted in the link. I knew that, and simply erred.
My post showed insufficient respect to Mr. Comey, and to the FBI, and the rank and file at the DOJ, respect I continue to have. My deepest and heartfelt apology for any trouble or confusion I have caused.
A reader's inner Frenchman discusses how the Department of Justice scandal affected his family's quest for justice:
Anonymity is a fine thing. Many an evening I have rafted down the Internets Tubes, safe and secure in my anonymity: unafraid to speak up and unafraid of consequences. Toes have been stomped. Feathers ruffled (my tactfulness is not legendary). Well, mea culpa.
Today I risk nakedness, my fig leaf Googleable.
In testimony Thursday, James Comey, former #2 at the Department of Justice under Ashcroft, testified to the House Judiciary Committee (actually brought up first by Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC), while Watt was questioning him) that John McKay, one of the fired USA’s, got in hot water in 2005 for agitating with the bigwigs in DC for more resources in hunting the assassin of Tom Wales, an assistant DA in Seattle killed on October 11, 2001.Tom was shot a half-dozen times in the neck and head with hollow-point bullets (aka "cop killers”") as he sat at his home computer, answering an email. Sitting as we do, now. He prosecuted white-collar crime in Washington State, and was also a visible and dedicated gun-control advocate. I watched him debate Wayne LaPierre once, on Good Morning America, and thought Tom ate Wayne’s lunch. He headed Washington Cease Fire until murdered with a handgun.
His slaying has never been solved.
The FBI has a team, permanently investigating...they’re on record as saying they know the killer. They released a letter to the press, purportedly from the suspect, and asked the public’s help in identifying him. The FBI has, they say, ruined the suspect’s life, and hassled many a gun owner.
Now I learn through these Internets Tubes that John McKay may have been fired for paying too much attention to the assassination of his fellow federal prosecutor, instead of filing bogus voter-fraud suits.
It appears the DOJ (who sent no reps to Tom’s memorial service, btw, even though he was the first active Federal DA to be murdered, and this just one month after 9/11) was directed to minimize the hunt for Tom’s killer because it would harm the Republican Party’s NRA base, and inflame gun-control advocates.
I don’t speak for the Wales family. Several of them still lose sleep when the case re-makes the news, fearful for the safety of Tom’s children, now grown. And I see their point, though the children are as brave as he.
But if the DOJ is now in the business of ignoring the murders of dedicated prosecutors who spent a career contributing to the community and standing up for the powerless to better win the next election, then it’s time to clean house. If I had been murdered, instead, and my case swept under the rug, Tom would have charged in like an angry wolf.
I married his sister, you see.
And so I ask you, gentle reader, to call or write your Congresspersons, especially if they sit on the Judiciary Committees; demand they ask each DOJ employee, parading through in this shameful affair, what they know or knew of reasons for McKay’s firing.
If this White House is willing to murder Justice for power, we should replace them. Now.
The Rev. Jerry Gloryhole
Here is the link from the Seattle office of the FBI regarding the murder of Tom Wales. Once there, you can click on the letter from the purported hitman. There is evil and then there is evil. As you know, Rev., Tammy and I send our love and our best to you and your family.
ReplyDeletewe wouldn't want to agitate that consternative gun-nut base, now would we?
ReplyDeleteyet another fine example of the misplaced political priorities of Republicants...
Too bad this isn't on the front page of every U.S. newspaper (and online outlets too)
ReplyDeleteGeneral sir,
ReplyDeleteI feel that I must report to you on an often perpetuated myth that I just saw repeated again; that hollow point bullets are "cop-killers".
First let me express my horror and sadness at the brutal murder of Mr Wales.... It is a sin we haven't heard more about this. ..and haven't done more to bring that murdering SOB to justice (or justice to him, as the Good Lord Bush might recant)*puke*
I just want you to be aware, as I've heard this myth being perpetuated more and more lately...
Hollow point bullets are NOT the bullets that are referred to as "cop-killers". Those would be the 'Black Talons' - which are made specifically to penetrate armour (like the body armour worn by police) by using a very sharply pointed bullet made of very dense metal (or teflon). THEY are VERY illegal.
Hollow points, on the other hand, are made to create maximunm damage to flesh by not over-penetrating, but instead 'mushrooming' inside the body upon impact. This very fact means they are in no way capable of penetrating body armour, but would just turn to mush inside the vest (good thing). These are the most common used bullets in handguns and are not, in any way, illegal (although, hell, maybe they should be, I don't know) My point is not political. Only factual. I've heard this myth re-stated a number of times now, and just want the General to be aware of this fact. Sir.
God Bless you and keep up the good work. Sir.
Tragic story, and yet another example of corruption in the current administration.
ReplyDeleteFYI: a hollow-point is not a 'cop-killer.' Regardless of their use in this crime, there are many good reasons why law-abiding citizens would use them.
Teflon-coated brass slugs (under the brand KTW) are 'cop-killers.' They were designed by law enforcement for use against hard targets (e.g., windshields). They have never been available to the general public, and according to the research I've seen, never killed a cop.
Avoid the drama, there. Throwing unnecessary (and inaccurate, natch) sensationalism kills your credibility on an otherwise poignant story.
Other than self defense, in which case, almost any bullet would do, what would be one "very good reason," for use of a hollow point? As far as hunting animals, it destroys the flesh you want to eat thereby defeating the purpose. I understand they are used against big game to stop the prey from moving after being shot. But for what reasoon would people need hollow point bullets in their daily lives? Well, I guess that begs the question why anyone needs a hand gun to begin with, (answer-hunting humans), much less a hollow point bullet.
ReplyDeleteA small aside to the pedant-posters here who feel they must correct Rev. Gloryhole's bullet description (especially you, Matt, as you seem to feel this story has been told for your personal entertainment): Who gives a flyin' fuck? He can call the goddam bullets that killed his wife's brother "crown-o-thorn martyr-makers" if he wants, and his loved one is still just as brutally and senselessly murdered. Got it? Jeezoid Kristoid.
ReplyDelete(Sorry, Rev. G. )
can we get off the topic of bullets, and back on the issue of why this crime has not been prosecuted?
ReplyDeletePerhaps a few other crimes not prosecuted might be coming to light. What about the anthrax cases? Who was the prosecutor on those? why has nothing ever happened?
Condolences, the delayed investigation must be torture.
ReplyDeleteThe 'Bush Crime family' epithet was never so apt.
Sounds like Jock Yablonski all over again.
ReplyDeleteLove ya, MzNicky, for that. Sheesh.
ReplyDeleteGood point, most recent anonymous...other cases not brought to fruition, or buried...hmm. This is indeed a great big ugly can of worms, and coming as it does with polls showing a 28% approval rating (who ARE these fools?) the paranoia and fear in the Black House must be stiflingly Nixonian.
And thanks, Dan, for the FBI link. I forgot about that.
Whoops. Another chink in my secret identity...
Keep the Democrats as the Majority in the Congress..
ReplyDeleteWhat a terrible indictment on what our justice system has become as perhaps the only way this issue, and others like it, will be properly addressed is dependent on politics.
It is so troubling, the increasing number of skeletons that continue to fall out of the the Bush Crime Family's political closet. And thus impossible to address each one in real time as the fall rate is thousands times faster than investigation processing rate. Congressional leaders who are willing to do their job of enforcement and ensuring accountablity can not keep up. And while the scope of this particular atrocity does not compare the 911, Iraq War or the Katrina debacles; or War profiteering or the torturing of prisoners or etc.etc. etc., this issue will not be forgotten by law abiding and constitution respecting citizens.
And so the to-investigate list increases. But let's face it, under a Republicans Congress, these issues will be forgotten, swept under the rug. And I want these wrongs righted. I want those responsible prosecuted.
And unfortunately, with the list as big as it is (and increasing literally daily) it is going to take more than one term of a Democrat Congress, at least two but maybe more.
Hence...
keep the Democrats as the Majority in the Congress..
{Incidentally, I am not surprised that the DOJ did not send any reps to Tom’s memorial service; this is consistent with the way the President, the Vice President and Sect of Defense have treated our fallen and wounded soldiers.}
Condolences....
:::bows before the empress-like superiority of the one and only regal MzNicky:::
ReplyDeleteOf course you realize, darling Nicky, that if & when I ever do "snap" and head-out on The Big Road Trip (D.C., Wyoming, whatevah), you are sooooooooo gonna be point-guard, navigator, and Jedi-style enforcer.
I'm putting Stinkeye on ammo duty. Who better for the job?
And Rev. Jerry --- I meant what I said in the other comments --- all you gotta do is holler, man, and I'm there. I may not be good for much, but I can damned sure try.