Albie Cullen's Blog, page 12

The Right To Counsel

 I'm a little confused about all the back and forth regarding an attorney for Whitey Bulger.  Not to long ago now convicted thief, liar, felon and deadbeat Sal Dimasi received a court appointed lawyer with little fanfare.  This despite the Former Speaker of the House's theft of thousands and a steady pension at taxpayer expense.  In addition, the Speaker and his lovely young bride (who ultimately proved to be a little too expensive a habit) owned property and had several credit cards.  Granted the credit cards and property were mortgaged to the hilt but they had both financial resources and access to cash.  Yet when Judge Wolfe allowed us the taxpayers to foot what will be a seven figure legal bill no one said a word.

  Now poor Whitey needs a lawyer and everyone wants him or someone close to him to pay.  The right to counsel is a cornerstone of this country.  So in the rare case where say the government through the FBI condones and assists in your alleged crimes including murder, someone can represent your interest regardless of you ability to pay. 

  I just re-read the Constitution and there is nothing that requires a family member to pay.  I love surfing buddies Daddy and Yzertime like brothers, but if they commit a crime (and more importantly are guilty) I ain't contributing to the legal defense fund.  So I'm not sure why brother Billy Bulger should now be expected to finance the defense.  (As an aside I don't get all the criticism of Billy in general.  Like Billy I would be loyal to any family member or friend to a fault.)

  The sole question is whether Whitey can afford a lawyer.  The government has seized Whitey's known assets (roughly $800,000) and intend to seize anything else they can find (which will be little or nothing).  Now Whitey's old but he ain't no fool.  He'd rather see that money go to a defense attorney than the government.  It's called the lesser of two evils.  The government seizing his assets and then arguing he can pay is almost like saying the FBI both had nothing to do Whitey's disappearance and didn't know where he was for the sixteen years. 

  KOKO

FBI (Full Blown Idiots)

  Let's say you really needed to find someone who went missing.  You would hire someone with a good reputation and unlimited resources.  You'd tell them everything you knew.  The missing person liked warm weather and the beach.  You'd tell them that the missing person didn't speak any foreign languages and had no known foreign resources.  You'd tell them that after five months his girlfriend had returned apparently replaced by a younger woman.  Based on this information you would think he or she could be found in a reasonable period of time, six months, a year maybe two on the outside.

  Given the above all of which was known to the FBI, I am somewhat at a loss as to why the FBI is falling over patting itself on the back for apparently accidentally discovering Whitey after almost two decades.  Had the FBI interviewed Whitey's first girlfriend she could have provided his initial alias.  It was later learned that under this alias he had come into contact with law enforcement and was released.  The FBI's completely unwarranted celebration also will prove premature. 

  When you worked for or with Whitey you knew the rules.  If you screwed up (or even worse screwed him) it wasn't like other jobs.  There were no probationary periods, trips to rehab or second chances.  You paid the ultimate price.  His largest partner, the United States Government and the FBI in particular was both aware and condoned these employment terms. 

  Since that partnership was dissolved Whitey has been a law-abiding citizen.  That is in sixteen years he hasn't so much as j-walked.  I find it hard to believe that a sociopath could simply stop his law-breaking behavior.  Unfortunately for Whitey he picked a partner in the US Government whom he could not kill.  So when the government was no longer willing to honor their arrangement, protecting Whitey unconditionally, Whitey retired.

  Make no mistake Whitey should and will do life for the few innocent people he murdered. His co-conspirators, particularly those law enforcement geniuses at the FBI and the US Justice Department should be in the cells next to him.

  KOKO

Where's Waldo?

  As I write the FBI is down on the Boston waterfront congratulating themselves on the apprehension of America's Most Wanted, Whitey Bulger. 

  Great work guys, almost seventeen years.  Even this tries the old expression, "Good enough for government work."  A decade and a half being the yardstick for our federal law enforcement in this case, I guess there is still hope Amelia Earhart and Jimmy Hoffa could turn up any day. 

  Whitey's been gone so long most of his counterparts have served their time.  All of the civil suits relating to the Government's murder of its own citizens thanks to a partnership with Whitey have been decided.  (Largely in the government's favor by pro-government appellate judges with no balls and no concern for the truth.  Somehow the victims' families were supposed to know Whitey did the killings despite the fact that the government adamantly denied it and another person was arrested and tried for the murders.  I guess you can't expect justice from judges who aren't even smart enough to realize they are merely pawns moved by an invisible, corrupt government hand.) 

  For sixteen years the government had a number of agents permanently working on the case.  Every spring they and I assume their wives would junket off to some distant, warm locale on the premise of a "Whitey sighting".  Apparently during this period not a single agent discovered Whitey's girlfriend was still paying a mortgage and real estate taxes on a house in Quincy, Mass.  Took the FBI's best and brightest 16 years to find the so-called paper trial much less follow it.  These agents couldn't find water if they fell out of a boat.  Great work guys, if you have kids do me a favor let your wife keep track of them. 

    Unless of course no one really wanted to find Whitey.  Whitey's long absence made it very convenient for the government to deny certain things.  But there are two sides to every story.  There's the sixteen plus year fable spun by the government and now perhaps the Truth. 

   Let's see how many FBI agents and government lawyers are celebrating when Whitey takes the stand. 

  KOKO

Flirting

  "Watching girls go passing by, it ain't the latest thing, I'm just standing in a doorway."  Upon my return yesterday from a much needed surfing hiatus I was sitting on the front step having a smoke.  A couple of guys were doing work in the building.  "Nice scenery, hey buddy?  Check out the scenery.  Man, Southie's pretty scenic, huh?"  The workman couldn't get enough of the landscape apparently and I'm pretty sure he wasn't talking about the brownstones and three-decker, Irish battleships. 

  Most if not all of the girls that walked by ignored us.  The felines quickened their pace, eyes down, silently praying we wouldn't talk to them.   That's been pretty much the case for the past forty years for me so I'm used to it.  When you are young like under the age of six and you make time with a woman you are a "flirt" and it's perfectly acceptable.  When you are in your teens and do it,while expected it's none too pretty.  If you are any older and flirt you're pretty much a "creep". 

  This is why I think most women don't flirt with men.  Too many of us fall into the "creep" category.  Also women are afraid that if they speak to a man unsolicited we'll get the wrong idea.  (In an informal survey only 99% of the men asked responded that a woman simply greeting them without provocation meant she was sexually interested in him.)  So while women have good reason not to flirt, when a cute girl flashes even a smile it can brighten a guy's day.  A "hello" and you're good for a couple days.  So ladies with summer beginning tomorrow keep that in mind and help a brother out.

  The other reason I was thinking about all of this was The Bachelorette.  The LOL is eyes deep into what seems like season twenty (this year).  Apparently the winemaker from California is in the early lead.  No surprise as this year's sacrificial bimbette seems to be an alcoholic.  All of the men look like they were cloned from a late 1980′s cover of GQ.  Their chiseled facial features are identical the only difference being their hairstyles.   Likewise they seem to share the same substandard IQ.  Finally, they are all sensitive.  If the drunken maiden shows no interest the tears start falling.   This "reality" show couldn't be any further from reality.  

  Maybe for every girl who walks by and ignores me, I'll start crying just like the real men of the Bachelorette. 

 KOKO

Knock Knock

  Given the late hour I was surprised to hear a knock at the door.  Reluctantly I answered.

  "Hey, Lord Stanley.  Long time no see."

  "You look surprised to see me."

  "I thought you had a parade in Vancouver, tomorrow?"

  "Canceled.  Bunch of dumb Canadians."

  "How long you staying?"

  "At least a year." 

  "Well, my dear old friend put your feet up.  Happy to be back in Boston?"

  "Very.'" 

  "I ain't often right but I've never been wrong."  A couple of days ago I said that Roberto (Better to be thought the fool rather than open your mouth and confirm it) Luongo could be had.  He was.  I said Tyler Seguin had to play.  He had a big assist on the pivotal second goal in Game 7.  

  Finally, I said this morning that Vancouver (I think Canuck is French for coward) whose organization from the GM to the coach to every last player were selfish, classless, and completely unworthy of a championship did not deserve The Cup.  As for their idiot fans they actually stayed to boo the Bruins and the Cup, enough said there.  Even the television announcers were pro-Vancouver. 

  So while many of the Faithful had their doubts, I never wavered.  Meeting Daddy and YZERTIME for a little surf and celebration.  Going to see if that Cup floats.

  KOKO

Lovin' Cup

  "Gimme a little drink from your lovin' cup, just one sip and I'm god damn drunk." – Rolling Stones

  The Rolling Stones evidently have drunk from the Stanley Cup.  That is one metaphorical sip from this majestic trophy and it becomes one's holy grail.   Back in the early 1970′s Lord Stanley's Cup spent a signifcant amount of time in Boston. The Cup and what it represented, hard work, the ability to overcome adversity, passion prevailing over skill, became the city's identity.   The knights who delivered the chalice, Orr, Esposito, Sanderson, Bucyk, Cheevers and others are still both remembered and revered today.  The Cup changed Boston.  Hockey rinks were built in every backyard and vacant lot.  Fathers awoke Sunday mornings before sunrise to tie skates and stand hungover in New England's frigid outdoor rinks.  Generations of fans bled black and gold.  Then a terrible evil came upon Bruin's nation.  Owner Jeremy Jacobs and his liege Harry Sinden neither wanted nor had the ability to find much less win the Cup.  First years and now decades have passed.  Now only those over the age of 45 remember the glory and power of the Cup.    Those over 45 also know that this Bruin's team possesses the grit, the toughness, the mental ability to return Boston to the halcyon days of 1970-1972,

  In 1970 when the Bruins were on their way to their fifth Cup Vancouver was just starting its hockey team.  They have never seen the Cup.  They have no understanding of the meaning of possessing the magical trophy.  This is the only explanation as to why Vancouver after winning Game 5, made full fledge victory parade plans.  What's worse Vancouver set out to "sell" the corporate sponsorship of the parade and the Cup!  Boston Mayor for life Tom Menino knows that scheduling a parade much less selling the Cup's naming rights would be grounds for immediate impeachment.  Lord Stanley's Cup brought to you by Bud Light, "if you're in your cups over the Cup make it a Bud Light," pure blasphemy.

  Vancouver just doesn't get it.  The Canucks GM (and former Bruin) Mike Gillis has enabled his players to act like the victims.  Instead of complaining about the refereeing he should be working on closing the holes in Luongo's game starting with his mouth.   The Vancouver Coach Vigneault is adamant that his players play whistle to whistle with any extracurricular activities being all Bruins.  The entire Vancouver organization has been classless throughout this series. 

  For the reasons stated above The Bruins deserve to win the Stanley Cup.  Unfortunately or maybe fortunately in life you don't always get what you deserve.  Vancouver 2-1 in overtime, I hope for Bruins fans my handicapping skills or more accurately lack thereof continue.

  KOKO

Bad People

  In my experience bad things don't happen to bad people.  In fact I've seen more bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people than bad things happen to bad people.  I've been taught not to wish ill upon anyone.  However, my motivation in not voodooing the many deserving folks is more from avoiding inviting bad karma upon myself.  I have enough of that already.  That being said it doesn't mean you have to like everyone. I wouldn't spare a drop of pee if the vast majority of people I've had the misfortune of meeting were burning to death.

  Tops on that list is Lebron James.  I'm not sure anyone uses the word "I" more than he does (except the LOL, maybe).  Yet when he choked in the NBA finals, he said, "God must not feel it was his time."  I do not question either faith or anyone who relies on a higher power regardless of the name.  However, LeBron blaming God is a new low even for professional athletes. Hey LeBron did God make you disappear in the fourth quarter of the last three Final's games?  Sure looked like someone did.   

  How about Vancouver Canucks Alex Burrows and Maxim Lapierre?  I have never seen two guys disrespect both a sport and an opponent more than these two mental midgets.  Yet there is a good chance both will have their names inscribed for eternity on one of sport's greatest trophies, the Stanley Cup.  Absolutely no one deserves a championship less than these two except maybe big game, pipemaster (as in choke not defend the goal pipes) Roberto Luongo. 

  How about the Madoffs, who I heard were changing their name to Made-out.  Somehow they have money left to bid on their Father's personal items which were auctioned off last week.  How does that happen?  It's outrageous the government has allowed the family to keep millions.  Meanwhile good hard working people who have been victimized by the Bush economic policy or lack thereof are fleeced for every last dime by the government, banks and IRS.  Those people at least have the courage to battle on unlike Made-out's son who took the easy way out and hung himself.  Wish more bad people had his mental instability.  The world needs less bad people who have good things happen.

KOKO

Fast Women Slow Horses

  The exacta combination of fast women and slow horses in my earlier days left me both broke and tired .  Fortunately, not eager to repeat the mistakes of the past, I discovered both the LOL and Jay Cronley around the same time.  Mr. Cronley's expertise has transformed a "gambling problem" into a "not losing as often (as in every race) problem." 

  So if you combined horse picker guru Jay's advice on Derby horses in the Preakness with my Astrology pick a .10 superfecta bet paid $310.  (For Mr. Cronley's picks go here.)

  Having the house's money to bet on in the Belmont is timely.  After the Derby and the Preakness you have a pretty good sense of how the race is going to unfold.

  1.  Animal Kingdom – If he ran The Preakness without a jockey he would be galloping into Triple Crown history.

  2.  Nehro -  Finsihed Second in Derby and Derby in the money finishers are class of the this year's field.  Extra rest should serve him well.

  3.  Shackleford – If it ain't broke, plus heard he is playing the Bill Belicheck "Disrespect" card.

  4.  Santiva – Best of the rest. 

  KOKO

I'm With Stupid

  I remember those t-shirts that had the "I'm With Stupid" slogan and underneath a finger pointing.  Stupidity is not an illness or a disease.   Fortunately, stupidity is not a crime.  Otherwise there would be a lot of people doing time; hard time.  Stupidity can be learned but some people seem to have been with the gift. 

  Let's start with Republican Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich.  Disregarding for a moment that no one is going to vote for a president named "Newt", he has a few other drawbacks.  The number one problem facing this country is the spiraling debt.  The wars, the economy, the country's falling world standing all relate to the debt.  If you came into contact with Newt in the last few years chances are he owes you money.  Newt's various business entities owe back taxes and fees in almost every state.  Personally Newt owes Tiffany's over $500,000 alone.  (Tiffany's always asked me, "Cash or charge?  Although we'd prefer cash from you Mr. Cullen.)  Immediately people began to question Newt's ability to handle a $300 trillion budget.  Newt did what all Republicans do in a time of crisis; went on vacation.  During his absence his staff, not being stupid, quit.

  Then there's the genius Congressman Weiner from New York.  First, his wife seems pretty hot to me but apparently she wasn't enough for him.  He began "sexting" with constituents on his public Congressional Facebook page.  I understand that when you become famous you by definition have "fans".  As an aside when we met the LOL always supported my quest for fame but recently confided she never thought fame was a serious possibility.  As it turns out even a broken closk is right twice a day.  I have nothing but admiration and gratitude for my fans.  Weiner on the other hand thought his fans would rather see him wearing nothing.  He also doesn't think his conduct warrants his resignation from Congress.  In Massachusetts his conduct would warrant him registering as a level two sex offender. 

  I was thinking of making a new t-shirt, "I'm a politician, I was born stupid."

  KOKO

Third Class City No Class Team

  When you think world class city you think London, Paris, New York, Chicago or Boston. The greatness of a city is defined by the history, the schools, the hospitals, the arts and most of all the people.

  Vancouver never enters into that discussion. "Hey we should visit Vancouver. Need to see Vancouver before I die. Let's honeymoon in Vancouver." Just doesn't happen.

  Boston celebrities belie their roots. Matt Damon doesn't have the grace of Robert Redford. Ben Affleck is no Paul Newman and doesn't try to be.  Steven Tyler is well Steven Tyler.  Vancouver celebrities well actually when you think about it there aren't any well known Vancouverans.

  Professional sports teams tend to also be representative of their cities. The Lakers have the glam and depth and weight (or lack thereof) of Los Angeles. The Detroit Pistons had the toughness of the city. The Yankees have the marquee names like Broadway has the marquees.  The Bruins are blue collar through and through just like the town.   Like all Bostonians the Bruins meet adversity daily and earn everything they get.  Nothing comes for free around here. 

  The Vancouver Canucks on the other hand are like their unmemorable city; classless. It started in game 1 when Burrows bit Bergeron's finger. It continued in Game 2 when Lapierre (nice porn mustache) was allowed to prance around taunting everyone without consequence. After two games the NHL showing once again why its the poor fourth cousin to the other three major sports failed to take any action much less the appropriate and necessary action. Thereby league officials in essence condoned Vancouver's mockery of both the sport and sportsmanship.  As a result Vancouver defenseman Aaron Rome was allowed to decapitate Horton with a late, blind side cheap shot. Vancouver's coach spent today defending the hit.

  There are a number of Canuck fans walking around our world class city in anticipation of Game 4. (Can't say I blame them probably still snowing in Vancouver.  Surprised they were smart enough to get to Boston.) They have a right to be here but we have a right to make them as uncomfortable and as unwelcome as possible. Get your classless, Canuck ass back across the border and don't let Shawn Thornton's stick hit you on the way out. 

  If you're lucky enough to see a player or a coach and he is an inch outside the crosswalk; gun it.  They are probably staying at a boarding house as Motel 6 is a four star joint in their town.

  Further I don't advocate violence but I do believe what the good book says: an eye for an eye. Hopefully the Bruins will even the series Wednesday and make it two eyes a piece.

KOKO