Of Biblical Proportions
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:58AM
SOLOMON, PART I
On January 27, 2010, I wrote a post titled, “The Wisdom of Solomon”. It was two days after The Honorable Judge Stan Strickland listened to Amy Huizenga’s thieving friend plead guilty to thirteen counts of fraud. Here is part of what I wrote that day:
State Attorney Frank George stood up at his respective podium and began to speak. On July 8, 2008, Casey wrote a check in the amount of $111.01 that accounted for charges 2, 3, and 4. She wrote this check at Target. On July 10, she passed a check at Target in the amount of $137.77 that accounted for charges 5, 6, and 7. Also on July 10, she passed a third check at Target for $155.47 and that took care of counts 8, 9, and 10. Counts 11, 12, and 13 took place on July 15 when she wrote a check for $250 at the Bank of America. He then brought up count 1 which referred to a deliberate scheme of conduct overall. She planned on writing checks until they bounced off the walls, I would guess. Good thing we live in the information age, where account balances are instantaneous almost everywhere we go.
Judge Strickland gave the defense an opportunity to challenge the charges. We can discuss the lack of brevity or the levity of the arguments, but let’s cut to the chase - it came down to the judge. First, it should be noted that Casey had no prior convictions and she did make full restitution and Baez did bring up “equal justice” for his client. He asked for one year of probation and credit for time served, rather than the five years of incarceration the State sought. In the end, His Honor sentenced the 23-year-old Casey to (jail) time served - 412 days - plus $5,517.75 in investigative costs and $348 for court. The amount may be discussed and negotiated at a later motion hearing because the defense found the investigative charge too high and not justifiable. He also adjudicated Casey guilty on six of the fraud counts and withheld adjudication on seven, plus he tacked on a year of supervised probation, which could be problematic and complex later on, given that she still faces a huge mountain of charges ahead. He said that he had given this a lot of thought prior to sentencing. “I’ve done what I thought is fair based on what I know.”
In closing, he added what he felt was the right thing to do:
“There was not an even number of offenses, so I withheld in seven, I adjudicated in six. If that seems Solomon-like, it is.”
Of particular interest now is the Solomon-like decision Judge Perry faces regarding the recent clarification of Casey’s probation period set by Judge Strickland. I find it ironic that good old Solomon once again rears his head at the now acquitted and much detested convicted felon.
MOSES, PART I
That brings me to another biblical figure - Moses. He was the guy who cast ten plagues on the people of Egypt. He also parted the Red Sea after he turned the Nile into blood. The pharoah was none too happy with that, so he let Moses and his people go out of Egypt to be slaves no more.
My reason for bringing up Moses has little to do with him, actually. It’s more about the pharaoh at the time, and what his edict was while Moses was packing up the Israelites to wander in the desert for forty years. Every mention of his name and every word etched in stone was struck from the official records. (Historical records actually show that Ramses II was not in charge at the time, but Hollywood disagrees.)
As Ramses II, Yul Brynner exclaimed in Cecil B. de Mille’s film The Ten Commandments, “So it shall be written, so it shall be done.” In this same light, I proclaim that the name Casey Anthony will no longer be permitted on this blog. It is now stricken from the record. However, I do have an appropriate replacement. We know that Caylee called Cindy Ci Ci, and George was Jo Jo. What did she call her mother? How about Ca Ca? From now on, Caylee’s mother will only be known as Ca Ca. Yes, you know how it’s pronounced.
SOLOMON, PART II
Back to the problem Judge Perry called “a legal maze” and “a legal morass”. What sort of decision should he make? According to the Department of Corrections, Ca Ca served her probation while incarcerated and was duly discharged a year later; free from all restrictions. According to what Judge Strickland said in open court on January 25, 2010, her probation was supposed to begin AFTER her release from jail, not while she was sitting in a cell, and he made it clear last week, on August 1, when he issued a corrected Order of Probation and corrected Court Minutes, nunc pro tunc to January 25, 2010. Nunc pro tunc, of course, means now for then; whatever the action is, it has a retroactive legal effect.
Here’s the dilemma. Ca Ca’s defense argues that she has served her probation while incarcerated and they have a letter from DOC to prove it. On the other hand, Judge Strickland made it abundantly clear that Ca Ca did not serve her probation as per his instructions, and his order stated that it was to begin after her release, only there was a mix-up on the first order, as written by the court. But that was not Judge Strickland’s fault. Meanwhile, Cheney Mason filed a motion on his client’s behalf, the EMERGENCY MOTION FOR HEARING TO QUASH, VACATE, AND SET ASIDE COURT’S ORDER.
Judge Perry said (at the August 5 hearing on the matter) that what Strickland stated in court should trump all - not what the defense claimed. At the same time, Perry acknowledged that she DID serve out her probation in jail according to the Orange County Corrections Department. What a quagmire. “If anything could go wrong,” he said, “it went wrong here.”
Perry is quite aware of safety concerns, meaning keeping Ca Ca safe from harm. To openly serve probation now opens up a can of worms since her address would be made public due to Florida’s sunshine laws. You know, what with all those death threats and whatever.
Phooey. Ask OCSO how many real death threats they’ve received since her release from incarceration. From my own experience with trolls and the “vengenance is mine” crap - yes, that’s the way one idiot spelled it, insinuating harm on me - almost every one of them lives far enough away to be a real threat, although I wouldn’t trust any of them face-to-face, and that leads me back to Ca Ca. Personally, I feel she should be more afraid the farther away from home she is, as she enters uncharted territory. There are more crazies out there in the world than there are in Orlando. Believe me, I thank God for the Atlantic ocean, but that’s another story.
Ahum.
Moving on, I am left with prior motions the defense filed before the trial which asked the court to seal jail records, including visitation logs, telephone conversations and commissary purchases. They were filed and denied while Strickland was on the bench, and they were refiled, along with new ones, after Judge Perry took over. Both judges made it very clear that the judicial branch holds no legal sway over the legislative branch; the one that controls jails and prisons. Consequently, neither judge ruled in favor of the defense because they had no authority to do so.
That leads me to what I think the judge should do. Since he has no power over the jail because it’s a completely separate governmental branch from the court, his decision should be based on those prior rulings. The court does not have to honor the administrative decisions the jail makes in its day-to-day operations. What both judges have been saying all along is that they have no control over the executive branch, and at the same time, the jail has no power over the judicial. There you have it - a very simple solution to a complex problem. Ca Ca did not serve a day of probation while incarcerated because she did not satisfy the court’s order. The heck with what the jail says.
MOSES, PART II
As Ramses said about Moses, let Judge Perry say the same thing about Ca Ca. So it shall be written, so it shall be done. While he wanders through what must be at least 40 years worth of court cases, let’s see how he rules. Personally, I think the answer should be a year of supervised probation. Afterward, she can find her Promised Land. By then, she should be old news and TMZ won’t pay her another dime.
Have a Happy Heavenly Birthday!
Dave Knechel | tagged nunc pro tunc | in Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Cindy Anthony, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Florida’s Government in the Sunshine, Frank George, George Anthony, Human Interest, Jose Baez, Judge Stan Strickland, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, OCSO, Orange County Circuit Court, Orange County Corrections Department, Orange County Jail, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (45)
This is so true. Please keep writing, I really enjoy it.
Thank you, Cindy. As long as it's important enough to write about, I will. Or I will write about something else.
Yayyyy!!!
I have been waiting for a post from you, Dave and lo and behold, here it is!!! Have missed your writings and thought I was going into withdrawal!!
Have not read this yet but just had to let you know that I am soooooo happy to get this post today!!!
This was something important to write about, Carole. I virtually took an entire month off from writing and I became restless. Of course, there's not much more to write about on this topic, and I did say I was through with it, but this is going to be a precedent setting decision, more likely in the state of Florida than anywhere else, but it could be a matter of case study for years to come.
At the moment, my schedule is a bit full from family obligations, but I am planning on being back in the saddle. Well... I hope, anyway. Thanks, your words are encouraging!
Hi Dave, I've been a fan of your blog for awhile now. I've enjoyed your coverage of the Casey Anthony
trial and your insight into the case. But CaCa? Really?
Your reporting has brought you quite a bit of prestige among bloggers. I don't think you need to stoop to name calling. And I do hope you continue to post on Casey Anthony in the future.
I'm curious to see if she will turn her life around or self destruct.
Hi Lisa - I'm certainly happy you've been a fan of mine and you've enjoyed my coverage of the case. Ca Ca is not a bad word, and I have made it clear all along that there would be no name calling on my blog, but I don't necessarily think of Ca Ca as name calling. It follows suit of the other names Caylee used for her grandparents. It's certainly not like BOZO for Baez or SINdy for Cindy.
Here's my real motive behind Ca Ca. I hope we can soon move on from this nasty mess. I want no more mention of Casey on this blog. In describing her, call her whatever you wish. This was merely a suggestion with a light touch of humor. In my opinion, her name is mud, but it makes no sense to call her that. If anything, don't call her anything at all.
I don't wish to tarnish my name, but I don't want to treat Casey with any dignity she does not deserve. She plans on making millions off the death of her daughter; something she was responsible for any way you look at it. For that, I have no respect for her and I wanted to make that abundantly clear. If she turns her life around, then great. I will rescind everything, but to grab on to dollars at this time clearly spells out what she plans on doing.
I will continue writing about the case as long as it's important enough to warrant it. Anyway, thank you for your comment. I truly value all opinions and I hope you continue to contribute.
Hellooo, Dave! Your favorite Knechelhead here~ J/K! lol
Thanks for this post and I do hope these are the type of posts on her that you do-no gossip mag stuff! Although I was right that she is staying with Macaluso-I wonder what that is costing her? heehee....Maybe he can give her the job of accountant for those trust funds...!
I'm glad you mentioned about the court having no jurisdiction over the jail-and neither does the jail have it over the courts. Oral sentence trumps written! It is NO double jeopardy-hear that, Manny and Cobra? Hmmm Bring her back to Orlando to finish serving her sentence of probation!
I believe that death threats against her are over exaggerated. But, I will look at it this way-if a nutjob should carry out his/her threat then I want there to be safety for those around her.
One more thing-I will not call her CaCa but I also won't call her by her name. I imagine her days now are filled with googling her name and reading all about herself-she probably gets off on it....so, no more food/drug/aphrodesiac for her!
Ahum ROTFLMBO! Now there's a nutjob!
Hi Sherry - This is the kind of post I will write from now on pertaining to this case. Absolutely, there is no double jeopardy involved here because that only matters in being charged for the same crime all over again. How the judge will rule is anyone's guess, but he should not take that into consideration.
As for her safety, the court has spoken and no one has the right to take vigilante justice in their own hands. Her punishment could only be (and it was) meted out by the court system. If anyone takes the law into their own hands, they deserve the same exact punishment in return.
Actually, no one has to call her Ca Ca. That was my way of saying I am sick of hearing her name and I welcome any other name, including "Zero". Whatever.
Thanks for your prayers for my father. Yes, I figured there are quite a few people who would recognize the secret code word Ahum. You got it! I'm laughing, too!
BTW, my prayers for your dad! {hugs}
Hey Dave!
Glad you are back at the keyboard, and moving on from the CaCa of the past few months/years. Personally,I have not actively watched anything CaCa related since the verdict, and am grateful to the inventors of the DVR for their part in my avoidance technique.
I look forward to your future postings..
All the best..
Jean
Hi Jean. Believe me, I'm glad I'm writing again, too, and as soon as this part of the Anthony saga ends, I really do plan on moving on and away from the mess. I will not write about sightings or anything else. Legal matters? Perhaps. It depends on the importance of it. I do not feel she should get any preferential treatment from the court whatsoever, and that's something I don't mind sinking my teeth into. Of course, there are impending lawsuits coming up and I haven't decided what to do about them yet. We'll see how everything flows.
I've done little on this case for the past month, and it was a necessary break. I've been rather lazy, and I liked it. Now, back to work, but my life will not revolve around her. You know, that one.
W'll see what the future brings. Thank you, dadgum, and all the best to you, too.
Hi Dave,
Not a day goes by that the media doesn't mention the huge sums of money that CaCa is being offered. Of course, people are disgusted and depressed seeing this! CaCa and her team are thumping their noses at the American people! They will continue to cry out for Justice for Caylee. The last report that I read said that she is staying at a $5,000,000 house in California. (along with a private plane)
It's repugnent and disgusting seeing all the Blood Money being made off of a precious child that was murdered in a horrid way, and then dumped in a filthy, snake infested swamp!
A part of me just has to believe that something will bring these blood sucking money money mongers to their knees!
Hi Mary B - I'll tell you, I am getting sick and tired of being sick and tired over the amount of time still dedicated to reporting on that woman. OK, OK, the court found her not guilty so let's move on. Who cares about where she's hiding out? Why is she still important? The fact that she's quite happy making money at her dead daughter's expense is enough to make her a non-person. I advocate sending TMZ complaint after complaint after complaint. Casey is getting rich, but if other media outlets realize the public is against it, they'll stop filling up her coffers. She is the same type of celebrity as any other person living in infamy. In her own, now famous words... "Make them stop!"
Hi Dave, what an excellent post! I got a chuckle out of the name Ca Ca. My toddlers used to do that in their diapers and the name is quite fitting. Ahum!
I have been trying to figure out this dilemma and my pea brain is no match for the good judge. There has been a question if there was a time limit for amending an original order. I believe it was 60 days but I also heard that there was no time limit.
Let's assume Judge Strickland had 60 days to amend his order re Ca Ca's probation. To my knowledge, Judge Strickland was not informed that the probation had begun so how was he to know his order ( the one that should have been 'upon release') was not being followed as per his wishes? He had no idea that there was an omission made by error in the transcript of his verbal order. The verbal order takes predecent over the written order. Was it the fault of the Dept of Corrections not to have acknowledged Judge Strickland's order and informed him probation had begun? The judge was still on the bench during those sixty days. Once he recused himself and was off the case, it was no longer his responsibility to check on his orders.
It came to Judge Strickland's attention that his order was not followed when Casey was released on July 17th. I think he was within his rights to amend his original order.
It is true that Judge Strickland should have read the order before applying his signature. A busy judge generally leaves proof reading to the descretion of the court's clerk. Will Judge Perry take this oversight into consideration when making his decision?
If Ca Ca is ordered to serve her probation again, double jeopardy does not apply is this case. Judge Perry already explained that at the hearing.
Is Ca Ca's life in danger? If anyone is deranged enough to put their own life in peril to try and knock her off, they would probably use duct tape on her. Since Henkel discontinued making the rare tape, I think she will remain safe.
I think we will hear from Judge Perry tomorrow. I know what I am hoping his decision will be but am not sure my wish will be granted.
Knechel, you are back to being Numero Uno.
Thanks, Snoopy. I think Ca Ca is a perfect fit, albeit not my style. It's deserving of her, though.
The 60 days is not a law or anything. The judge can amend clerical errors whenever he/she wants. Should he have read the order before signing? Yes, but this isn't the first time something like this happened and it's reasonable to expect the order to affirm what was stated in court. As for the mix up between the jail, the court and the defense, I don't know what the rules of protocol are. I imagine if her probation was not done to the DOC's satisfaction, then the court would hear about it. Other than that, it's just as Judge Perry said, "If anything could go wrong, it went wrong here."
It's good to be Numero Uno to someone.
Snoop: I'm joining you in a test--I'm not sure if my comment went into moderation or if it just disappeared.
So, I'll see what happens to this one. ;-)
Dave, thanks for writing this post. I, for one, am very happy that her name will not be mentioned anymore and I am glad that you will be getting away from writing about her. I have not been reading or watching anything that has to do with her, her family or her lawyers. She is in the past and I don't care what happens to her. As far as I am concerned, Caylee is the one that should be talked about because she is the one that has been forgotten in this whole mess. She didn't get her justice in court, but she should be remembered by as many as possible. We shouldn't forget to mention her. I thank you for mentioning her birthday today. I personally would like to see none of the blogs writing anything about Ca Ca even if she isn't mentioned by name. People are upset by how much the media keeps her in the limelight, but what about the blogs that keep writing about her and mentioning her? After all that is how her defense team got their opening statement for the trial by reading the blogs. I am sure they are keeping track of how many blogs are continuing to talk about her. This is just my opinion.
My pleasure, Mary Jo. I agree with you! Although I wish her no harm, I don't care what happens to her, either. I just want her out of the news. Caylee's name deserves to live on, not her mother's.
Good luck when it comes to many of the blogs. As long as they can write something about a [CENSORED] sighting, they will. She deserves nothing. Trust me, I have it on good authority that many media professionals are wishing it would end. Some suspect the door will slam shut soon and I hope they are right. She needs to be forgotten about.
Thank you. I really appreciate your comments. Everyone's, actually!
Dave~~my comment will not show up when I paste it... so I am going to try and give it to you in installments...
Hi Dave, what an excellent post! I got a chuckle out of the name Ca Ca. My toddlers used to do that in their diapers and the name is quite fitting. Ahum!
I hope it's fixed now, Snoopy, although I did nothing to break it or fix it. Strange.
Thank you, I liked the name, too, but it does kind of go against my no name calling policy, although this one isn't meant to be vicious. It's sort of tongue-in-cheek. Humorous and campy at the same time. My main objective is to leave her out of any future story related to Caylee. It may be tough to do during the lawsuit phases, though, but I'll worry about that when the time comes.
Dave~~it will not allow me to paste anymore... I think Nan11 had the same problem.
Snoop: Nope, I wasn't trying to paste. My comment just disappeared. It's possible that I just did something stupid and erased it instead of entering it. I'm not sure.
It wasn't anything much, so I'll just wait a bit in case Dave can let it out. I might have put a word or something in there that sent it to spam. {Sorry, if I did that. I'll exercise more restraint in the future, I promise.}
Nan11~ ~your comments are always worth reading. My dozen duplicates took off for parts unknown.
Maybe our comments are held up at the border. LOL I am off to see if I can find a video of the Balloon and Butterfly Release today. I notice Mr Knechel on Vinny's show tonite when they were live from Suburban.
.
I spy with my little eye...someone looks familar in this video
Balloon and Butterfly Release
I don't know what happened with your comments, Snoopy and nan11, but they seem to be working now. Nothing was stuck in moderation, either, while I was gone.
Truth is no one expected her to get found not guilty so the probation was a non issue,Personaly wether she has to serve it or not is irrelevant I M O,,,,,,,,,Thanks for the posts Dave.
Hello ecossie possie! To be honest, it doesn't mean the end of the world if the judge decides she served her probation while in jail, but it sure would be deserving of her. I wouldn't be surprised if the court system washes their hands of her with a firm GOOD RIDDANCE!
Great to see you.
Dave - know you mean well, but it was ten plagues not seven, and God brought them on Egypt, not Moses. I know you like to keep your facts straight - no need to post this. I enjoyed the article, as always. Charleton and Yul used to make my heart go pitty pat!
Yup, you have me pegged, K in AZ. I do like to keep the facts straight. I changed the 7 plagues to 10. I don't know why I thought it was 7, but I hate it when I'm wrong like that. I know it was God, not Moses, actually, but I wrote Moses because he warned Pharaoh first, not God. God brought about the plagues, so I will change that one, too. I guess I was trying to be politically correct and all.
Thanks for keeping me on my toes. I'm glad you enjoyed the post, too. That was one heck of a movie! I still like to watch it after all these years.
Dave~~Judge Perry should give his decision late today or tomorrow at the latest.
I am not sure what to make of the following....
A DCF spokeswoman said death investigations and reviews are done independently of the outcome of any legal proceedings.
DCF: Turnip 'Failed to Protect' Caylee
I wonder how the judge will rule on this, Snoopy. It's very complex and it seems as if the state would rather have her living elsewhere and forgetting she ever lived here. I think Judge Strickland will take his decision either way. In other words, he left the option open, and whatever JP decides, he's good with it.
DCF - Too bad new charges can't be filed, but I really do think Florida wants to wash its hands of her.
Hi Dave, I've been checking here every night to see if your holiday was over. I enjoyed your new post. I'm glad you are writing again. I hope you are somewhat rested after the months of keeping up with the trial. My problem is that most of the time I can only go on my computer late at night when all of my duties are done so then I have to play catch up. I do enjoy reading what you have to say and the comments too. I like the word turnip but I also think Ca Ca goes with Jo Jo and CI Ci and is quite appropriate. There is a difference in the title famous and infamous so lets hope Ca Ca knows which she is. She did fail to protect Caylee is putting it mildly IMOO. The whole family failed to protect Caylee.
Hi Frankie - I took a month off after the trial, and during that time, I neglected to pay much attention to e-mails. I've got quite a few to respond to, too, so I need to get busy. Yes, the trial and writing for the magazine drained me, but I am well rested. Family issues kept me busy and... well... no excuses. I've got a lot to do and I need to get cracking.
Fortunately for you, I haven't been writing like I used to or you would have plenty more to catch up on. I did shoot video at Caylee's birthday memorial on the 9th, so I will try to put something together, today or tomorrow. Infamous is the only word that describes Ca Ca's celebrity status. No one will ever buy into any story she tries to sell. She makes Tiger Woods look like a saint. With him, no one died. I place Caylee's death squarely on her. She took her daughter away from the safety of her home and there wasn't a thing her grandparents could do about it because grandparents have no rights in Florida. That's something I'd like to look into.
Hi Dave
Caylee would have been 6 years old already. Time flies. Im so sick of liars and the devastation they cause, I hope Ca Ca has to serve probation then disappears of the face of the earth.
Hi again Dave
I just received a message delayed notification in my email having sent you some photo's yesterday from my part of the world to see. Did they come through please?
Hi Tiffany - I think the public will ensure that she will never receives any positive publicity, no matter how her entourage spins it. That, of course, would include TMZ and any other outfit willing to pay her for staged spottings.
I did receive your pictures yesterday, but I was out most of the afternoon. I will take a look at them today and e-mail you back. I have an opthamologist appointment this afternoon and something tells me my eyes are going to be dilated. I haven't been to an eye doctor in, probably, 15 years and that's not something a diabetic should ignore.
Casey is ordered back to Orlando!
Dave has an eye appointment so if anyone want to visit my blog for the latest, you are very welcome. When Dave gets home and is able to write (his eyes may have to be dilated) he will get something up in here. In the meantime you can go here.... Dave and I share info....
Casey has to return to Orlando
*dilated sry
I fixed the typo, Snoopy. You are more than welcome to put links up for your blog. There's still loose ends and I'm not always around, so please do.
You brought back such memories! My dear Mother used the term Ca Ca. Here is an idea for you -- give us an update on the infamous Pinellas 12.
Before Ca Ca's trial started, I asked myself, how are they possibly going to find Ca Ca 12 jurors of her peers. Well, they certainly did, found 12 other people who didn't care about her daughter either.
Love your writing.
Hi InTheGarden - I remember hearing "ca ca" as a child and I found it to be funny, so when I came up with the idea for Casey, it was a perfect fit. How could I resist?
I haven't heard much of anything about the Pinellas 12 lately, aside from the initial interviews soon after they were dismissed by the court. The verdicts were so unpopular, I'm sure they are almost as fearful of the angry mob as Casey is. Unfortunately, vigilante justice is about the same as it was in the old west of over 100 years ago. That says a lot about a society, and the Internet is something most of them can hide and stalk behind now, but would they be willing to jeopardize their anonymity in the name of their brand of justice? No, but there are always the John Hinkleys and Mark David Chapmans and Charles Manson types out there willing to sacrifice themselves. Maybe someone should create a site to keep an eye on them. Call it the Hinkley Meter.
Thank you for enjoying my writing. I will continue to be inspired by your kind words.
I have followed you since HHJS was recused. I, of course, became interested in the case because the Sunshine law alllowed so much information to be released and it was a great way to learn some of the legal system..Although, I believe more and more it is a matter of the interpretation of the attoryneys (and judges) on what the law really is. Cannot understand why juries are exprected to know all this if they are not included on the pleadings and orders. IMO, the trial was confusing because the main defense was rather incredulous, emotional and outrageous in presenting it's case. I would be interested in whether other witness who may or may not have come forward because of the notoriety would do so now. I think they (now regretfully) said nothing so they wouldn't become part of the case.
Anything further would be an interesting tome about how this case has affected many things.
And only my favorite blogger would reprort it fair and eloquently.
I wish the best for your health and Godspeed for you family issues.
You have a lot to deal with at the moment Dave and I really hope things improve for you soon. At least Ca Ca has to serve probation. Some good news from over here is that an arrest has been made in the Daniel Morcombe case after a long and strenuous investigation. If you haven't heard of Daniel you can google him, those photo's I sent are not far from where he was growing up before he was allegedly abducted and killed.
Personally I have no problems with "Ca ca"- "Dung ball" works for me too.
Hi Cat.A.Maran - I know that a lot of people began reading my blog during the Judge Strickland fiasco, if only to find out what sort of character I was. Fortunately, many found me to be harmless enough to read and not blame for what the defense did to His Honor. In the end, the defense got its wish and throughout the case, we got to see how the Florida court system works first-hand. Even having lived in Florida since 1981, I had no idea how extensive and open the sunshine laws could be. The upside of that is that we saw almost every piece of evidence involved in the case. The downside was that a lot of that evidence had nothing to do with the crime, such as the needle in the bottle and all those worthless paver stones.
As far as I'm concerned, the state is solely responsible for proving its case. The defendant is innocent until proven otherwise. Did the state do that? I thought so, but the jury didn't. One of the main problems with sunshine laws is that we can formulate opinions based on information provided, whether useful or not. Sadly, the defense lied through and through - prior to trial and during. Alas, this wasn't the first defense to ever lie to a jury, nor will it be the last. George was accused of something no father should be subjected to; molesting his daughter. That was a blatant lie. So was the claim that Caylee drowned accidentally on June 16, 2008. The date was right, but the cause of death was a farce. Once the seed was planted, how would any jury not wonder about him? The defense knew what it was doing and they strove to shine a bad light on his character. He fell right into their hands and became adversarial. The jury didn't like him and, most of all, they didn't trust him.
While I agree that some witnesses may not have come forward, the majority of them did, but the state chose not to use them. Why? I don't know, but I'm sure the prosecutors didn't want to overdo things that could have led to a confused jury. They wrapped things up in a nice package and the 12 members chose not to tear the wrapping paper off the box to see what was really inside.
Yes, this trial did affect us. Shades of OJ, she got away with it. In both cases, the jury spoke and what we ended up with was a house with no roof; something unfinished. We'll never know what happened, but in the minds of the public, she will never be free. She will be scorned wherever she goes. As unfair as it really should be, her callous behavior will keep her locked up in her own self-made prison. She did it to herself.
Thank you for considering me your favorite blogger. I have tried to be fair throughout, but now it's not so easy. I really appreciate your concern for my and my family's health. It's a challenge at times, but it's nice to know you care. That's something Casey is incapable of and it's a real shame.
Hi Tiffany - Yes, I do have a lot to deal with, but I'm coping. I am very glad to be here for my parents, and I intend to be here as long as they need my help.
I think Judge Perry made the right call. If the defense were smart, they'd leave well enough alone, but don't count on it. Mason is too cocky and adversarial. He thinks he can take down any judge. Go for it, Cheney!
I will have to Google Daniel Morcombe because I'm not the least bit familiar with the case and I love looking into new ones. Well... new to me, anyway. I'm going to take a good look at those photos and then I'll ask you about them. Perhaps, we can make a narrative out of them and publish it here. I'll connect with you this week. I'd love to visit Australia some time. I know it's a very, very, very long flight from here, but I'd be more than happy to do it.
Dung ball, Karen? I love it! Do you measure it with a dingle meter?
Glad you are coping Dave. I couldn't agree more with you about the judge making the right decision. Yes, it is a long flight between our countries, an average of 13 hours. 16 hours when the plane breaks down before take off to L.A. 23 hours when you get detained at the other end because your childs newly issued passport flags up as lost and stolen lol. In spite of a comedy of travel errors and the earthquake that hit when I was there a couple of years ago, the U.S. is by far my favourite country. Disneyland was amazing and so were the people and the food. I hope you do come over here, I'd love to return the hospitality.
Hi Tiffany - Obviously, the defense begs to differ with us and the judge. Ha ha.
Years ago, my girlfriend's father flew to Australia a couple of times and all I remember about the flights was that it took a long, long time to get there and back. I flew to San Diego a few years ago and I thought that was a long one, but that's because on the way out, I stopped in Houston and on the way back, I had a 2-hour layover in Atlanta. I would definitely want to sleep if travelling to Australia. If I can ever make it down under, I will certainly let you know.
Dave - Just a thought...Do you ever think we'll know how Judge Perry felt about the verdict. I'll bet he was as floored as the rest of us but know he must remain in his neutral mode. I would definitely read his book about the case and bet it would be a doozy.
I see B & M are going to appeal her probation. I seriously doubt the higher court will overturn JP because he's so thorough and knows how to lock down a ruling with case law and all the relevant details. Somehow, those attorneys have failed to realize that she is just a common criminal (at least where the check fraud charges are concerned) who must pay her dues. Allowing her to serve probation while incarcerated would be another travesty of justice.
In some ways, her defense team must rue the day they took her on because now they can't get rid of her! Who would want that responsibility - yukkk!
I would guess that Judge Perry had an opinion, but I wouldn't try to second-guess him. I think, since he's been on the bench for a number of years, and he's got a lot of circuit court judges under him, he's seen it all, and almost nothing would surprise him any more. I certainly didn't see any sort of reaction from him as he quietly read the verdicts, and I was looking for a sign.
I agree that the appeal will fizzle and B&M will fail, but I don't think they are wishing they never took her as a client. If not for her, Baez would still be working DUIs and Mason wouldn't be crowing as loudly as he is today. Eventually, they may think otherwise because she's such a clingy thing, but right now, they think she's their meal ticket.
Dave, hope you & your family are well. I totally agree with you Ca-Ca will never be free. What do you think the chances are that she will actually show up in Orlando next week? I can't belive that her parents are going on Dr. Phil next month, what a travesty.
Hi southernlace, it's great seeing you again. My family is OK, but my father still has a touch of pneumonia. He was a heavy smoker for many years and it's catching up on him. Thank you for caring.
As for probation, your guess is as good as mine whether she'll show up or not. I'm sure she thinks she is above the law now. Unfortunately, this has turned into the family that just won't go away.
In reference to Ramses II not being in charge during the period when the Exodus was supposed to have happened, what are these records you refer to? The dates match up so that it would have most likely been Ram II or...an outside chance...of being Ram III.
Hi, Marcus -
I can't really say much about a real and true timeline, but Ramses II was the third ruler of the 19th Dynasty. He ruled for 67 years. Pharaohs of the dynasty include Ramses I, Seti I, Ramses II, Merneptah, Amenmesses, Seti II, Siptah and Queen Twosret.
Ramses II was buried in the Valley of the Kings, but was moved several times in antiquity.
According to Biblical timelines (See: Bible History) Moses was born in 1525 BC and died in 1407 BC. The Exodus began in 1447 BC (some scholars give the date of 1445.) Accordingly, 40 years later, as he stated, he would not make it to the Promised Land. Those calculations add up, give or take a couple of years.
Nearly 100 years after the death of Moses, in 1318 BC, Rameses I founded the 19th Dynasty. In the recorded succession of rulers beyond Ramses I came Ramses II, son of Seti I, who ruled until 1279 BC, which is the most commonly used date by scholars today.
Upon the death of his father, Seti I, in 1279 BC, Ramses ruled until his death in 1212 BC.
Of course, the era of Moses and the history of Egypt are open to dispute, but by what I had researched, Ramses II and Moses were not living at the same time. If this is even remotely correct, the Exodus occurred in the third year of the reign of the pharaoh Amenhotep II.
Unfortunately, the Bible nowhere mentions the name of the pharaoh of the Exodus. According to some scholars, including Allan Turner, "Assuming the pharaohs mentioned in Exodus 1:8, 22 and 2:23 are all the same person, he would have had to reign for over forty years. Amenhotep's predecessor, Thutmose III, is the only pharaoh within the time specified in I Kings 6:1 who reigned long enough (54 years) to have been on the throne at the time of Moses' flight and to die shortly before his return to Egypt. This would make Thutmose III the pharaoh of the Oppression and Amenhotep II the pharaoh of the Exodus."
Well, that's what I dug up, no pun intended, but you are more than welcome, and I would really encourage you, to find anything that would counter what I've found, but bear in mind, the gist of the above article deals more with a motion filed by a criminal defense attorney than it does with an era that will be forever in dispute.
Thanks for writing and please do come back.
Dave
Don't worry, I got the gist of your article (very well written, by the way).
I teach Ancient Egyptian history so I'm always curious to hear the counter arguments about the whole Exodus debate. Most of the arguments center around what parts of the story people want to emphasize. I've settled on the more traditional, "Seti I and Ramses II conclusion", because I give little credence to timelines laid out in the Bible (when I said "dates" in my original comment, I should have said "references"). After all, this is the book that has people living for 400 years. Also, I never bought into the "length of reign" argument since the Bible never says how soon after Pharaoh #1 died that God spoke to Moses, and the Bible never says how long after God spoke to Moses that he arrived back in Egypt and got a meeting with Pharaoh #2.
Instead, I focus on three main things:
1) The whole story starts because the Hebrews were gaining power. Considering how badly the Amarna rule had weakened the Egyptian state, that would have been a good time for "outsiders" to gain influence in Egypt. By the time we get to Seti I and Ramses II, the Hebrews could have conceivably reached that threatening level of power.
2) The Bible specifically mentions Pithom and Ramses. Although we don't know for sure where Pithom is, we do know that Pi-Ramses was used as a summer palace by Seti I and then Ramses II later built it up into his capital. Besides, why name a city “Ramses” hundreds of years before even Ram I was born?
3) Seti I and Ramses II were the two most prolific builders during the New Kingdom, so they could have used the added manpower.
That being said, we don't even have sufficient evidence to prove the Hebrews were even enslaved (in the way the Bible suggests), much less if the Exodus story happened. That leaves scholars debating over the theoretical king presiding over a (likely) fictional event. I have my own theories about what really happened, but that's a long story.
Thanks for engaging in an off-topic conversation. I like your blog - consider me a new frequent reader.
You know, Marcus, I sensed from your first comment that you knew what you were talking about, and you do! I have always been fascinated with ancient Egyptian history. The whole pharaoh thing intrigues me. It stems from my youth, when I watched The Mummy movie starring Boris Karloff over and over again. I used to have books, mostly children's at the time, that overflowed with photographs of gold amulets, jewelry and guilded coffins. Of course, there seemed to be something mystical about that period in time; the curses and culture. One of my favorite movies, to this day, is Land of the Pharaohs, although I know it is Hollywood's version of antiquity, just like The Ten Commandments and the interpretation from Scripture.
I never did understand the lifetimes of Biblical people like Moses. I thought he lived to be 900, but that's impossible. I'm not Catholic, but even the Church has stepped away from literal translations in many areas.
I must say I never thought of power gains by the Hebrews. That's a fascinating look into posible political struggles and what could have brought about the rise and fall of people and nations. Very interesting indeed! The Hebrews have always been depicted as an oppressed people.
I doubt we will never know how valid the Bible really is, but it's been well-established that one cannot look at it as a historical tome in the literal sense. Proof lies in the beginning - the story of creation. Earth could not have been created in seven days. Parables are just that - illustrations of instructive principles. Or are they fables? Well, we won't get into that.
Anyway, your comment is well-received and appreciated. Thank you for explaining something that really needs to be explained. I sure am glad you enjoy my writing. Believe me, I enjoy yours, as well. Thank you, too, for becoming a new reader. I hope I won't let you down, and feel free to add your thoughts any time; about any thing.
I appreciate your comments as well. By the way, I LOVE The Mummy with Boris Karloff!
The original movie still outshines later versions, including the two starring Brendon Fraser. Well, except for Rachel Weisz, but she looks good in any movie. Karloff instilled fear without the special effects of those latest incarnations, and that's a real testament to his talent as an actor and the stark and threatening menace captured by director Karl Freund.
Anyway, thanks, I look forward to interacting with you. Any fan of the original mummy movie is a fan of mine.