Got guts? Tired of being lied to? Like an alternative source of information truly independent and free of government propaganda? Want this publication to continue? Send a financial donation to P.O. Box 997, Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609.

Publisher's Note: This publication receives no financial support through advertising.  Although shaken down, looted, and abused by corrupt government, area businesses remain unwilling to stand up.  Locals are too gutless to donate financially, cowardly fearing retribution.  For this publication to survive, national readers need to contribute.  Furthermore, desperately need an additional laptop or desktop computer as back-up to a failing Dell Latitude notebook currently being used.  Got one gathering dust in the closet?  Care to donate? While conveniently accessing these webpages "free" of charge, never forget this publication remains non-profit and depends entirely on nearly non-existent community support. At the same time, The Ledger is, has been, and will always remain beholden to NO ONE. -- Precisely why there is no financial assistance.  ... From day of launch and certainly a no-brainer to this very day, firmly resolved to walk away first rather than compromise principle. -- To the chagrin of many and delight of few.  … Right, "Judge"?  T.C. 9-22-02.

Index:

Cowardice
No Bail
Buffalo Terror Suspects
"President" Scrambling
Bush "Administration" Furious
September 11 Intelligence Failure Hearings Begin
Veterans Benefits
Science To Match Bush Agenda
Former President Bush Receives Award
City Hall Hands Out Medical Marijuana
Abortion Remains Volatile Issue
Corporations To Cut Retiree Healthcare Benefits
Ex-FBI Thugs
ATF Agent Jailed
Texans For Public Justice
Letter To Dell CEO
Fraudulent Deletion Of Ledger Websites
Klee's Kaleidoscope
An Honest Business
Unbridled Fear
 

Sadly, 9/11 elicited not only the best in some, but the worst in others.  Bigotry and gutlessness.  Profiling is the worst ever.  If not the "right" color or descended from "proper" lineage, breakfast at a dive can turn into a 17-hour nightmare.  Three medical students learned the hard way.  Ate at a Calhoun, Ga. Shoney's restaurant, Friday the 13th.  Apparently, luck ran out when another diner, Eunice Stone, decided to dine, -- in a booth next to them.

Ms. Stone may have a problem with non-white, non-Anglo Saxon, non-Protestant patrons.  Certainly had an overactive imagination that day.  Called the dogs on medical students,  -- all three American citizens of Middle Eastern descent.  Didn't matter.  Fear rules.  Truth?  Honesty?  What's that?

Law enforcement thugs caught up with the "dastardly" trio in Florida.  Held them 17 hours.  Conducted a "terror" "investigation".  Found nothing.  Absolutely, nothing. … Who'd a 'thunk' it, no?  The men were, who they claimed to be.  Couldn't be, could it?  Overreacting goons blew up a backpack belonging to one of the students.  Contained no explosives.  … Think the buffoons reimbursed the unfortunate bastard?

Government thugs have not charged the outrageously malicious woman with filing a false report.  Instead, ludicrously praised her.  Par for the course in Nazi America.  Gutlessly and arrogantly, Gestapo "officers" have not apologized for the outrageous fiasco.  In fact, defended it.  Not only law enforcement goons, but the "honorable" governor of Florida himself, Jeb Bush, -- the "President's" brother.

Ole' Jeb, in the finest tradition of Adolph Hitler and demonstrative of glaring aggressive stupidity and Aryan arrogance, sheepishly remarked: "It appears that there isn't a terrorist threat as it relates to any kind of detonation devices or anything like that in the car.  But in this time of heightened vigilance, I think it is important to show this system works."

Is that right, Jeb?  How so, fool?  Three innocent men were illegally and unconstitutionally "detained" for 17 hours.  Had personal property destroyed by law enforcement thugs.  Have subsequently been denied internships at the hospital where they intended to train because of the fiasco.  -- The facility cowardly reneged, having received threatening emails from gutless American bigots.

The "system works"?  For whom?  Right-wing fascists?  The Nazi element in this country?  Wake up, jackass.  Aggressive stupidity and mindless cowardice are NOT flattering, Governor.  Just pathetic.

Hopefully, all three medical students will reconsider their legal options and sue the living sh-t out of the maliciously gossiping biddy and government goons.  The only way, short of armed revolution, to end egregious violation of civil and constitutional rights.  … Rights outrageously lost supposedly in the name of "security", but in reality conveniently eviscerated by a Nazi appointed "President" determined to use the war against terror as cover and rationale for imposition of fascism.  With liberty and rights so viciously jeopardized, the hapless trio ought to do their civic duty and sue the bastards.

As the Founders thoroughly understood, anyone willing to trade liberty for "security" deserves and winds up with neither. Working definition of fascism for new readers? An abusive and dangerous oligarchy based on a pernicious blend of government, big business, and religion. ... A boot-heel cynically placed on the throat of the masses, justified in principle by perversion and bastardization of religion.

INS arrested Khoshal Wahid Nasery and charged the Afghan with overstaying his visa.  Nasery was one of five "detained" Sept. 10 living in the same Baltimore apartment.  FBI goons found flight school and regional airport information on computers seized during a search.  Also, some material written in Arabic.  Baltimore FBI spokesperson Barry Maddox provided no specifics, but claimed law enforcement thugs found NO specific link to terrorism.

Didn't stop Nazi "Judge" Lisa Dornell from denying Nasery bail, pending a hearing Sept. 30.  Why?  Government has no evidence linking Nasery to any crime.  None.  Why has this man been denied bail?  Denied direct access to the "Judge" as well, he appeared on a video monitor before "Her Majesty" asserting he came from Canada in 2000 to earn money to support a sister and ill mother.  … Although an Afghan, is also a legal resident of Canada according to INS thugs.

Nasery told the "Judge": "I haven't done anything wrong, criminal-wise.  I don't have anything in that house. I've never been on a computer. There's nothing in that house with my name on it. Just my clothes.''  Although Nazi federal law enforcement has NO criminal evidence against him, the "Judge" allowed his continued incarceration on NO terrorism charges, denying him bail, until at least Sept. 30.  For overstaying his visa.  In Nazi America.  … Where the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments to the Constitution are no longer in effect.  Seig Heil.

Apparently, Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder is unimpressed with the government's case against the six alleged terrorists recently jailed by law enforcement goons.  During bail proceedings, the magistrate indicated his goal is "protection of probably the most valuable aspect of all, which is the Constitution of the United States."  Right on, Judge.  No question, the Constitution has been placed in extreme jeopardy by the appointed "President" of the United States and his equally fascist henchmen.

The magistrate went on to declare: "I haven't seen anything that shows me convincingly or with clarity that these men were preparing or planning any acts of harm…I haven't heard of any act of violence or propensity of violence in the history of these individuals…To be perfectly blunt, I know there are people out there who say if we let these people out and we have another 9/11 — God forbid — but that's a risk I would be taking…I'm not concerned with what other people think."

Heroic stance by an American judge.  Especially in face of extraordinary pressure from a Nazi "President" and "Justice" Department.  Can only hope his courage stands as pressure increases.  Has promised to rule on Oct. 3.  Sadly, these men have already been in jail for over a week.  … On charges that seem to be backed up with no evidence at all.  At best, guilt by association.  Runs counter to the First Amendment right to peaceably associate with whomever you damn well please:

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

-- A right of assembly that has been well-established over time and recently eviscerated by the fascist appointed to the White House by a Nazi Supreme Court.  Again, the government to date has offered absolutely no proof or probable cause at bail hearings defendants criminally conspired to commit violence.  In fact, the accused reportedly claim to have quickly left terrorist facilities when they realized what they had run into.  Evidence is apparently so weak, prosecutor William Hochul pathetically resorted to rhetorically asking the Judge why all six defendants did not come forward to authorities after allegedly attending what turned out to be a terrorist camp.  The magistrate pointedly replied:  "Can you point to a statute that requires people to say 'I've seen people talk crazy'?"

Commenting earlier in the week at a political fundraiser in Davenport, Iowa regarding al Qaida kingpin and alleged 9/11 planner Ramzi Binalshibh captured in Pakistan, the "President" of the United States couldn't apparently restrain himself from foolishly crowing:  "He thought he could hide...He thought he could threaten America. But he forgot that the greatest nation on the face of the Earth was after him."

... Hey, George?  For the sake of the country and its physical safety, quickly remove your head from your ass, Mr. "President"? Why are you taunting this son of a bitch and his cohorts?  Foolishly egging them on to attack again to "justify" your growingly imperialistic military doctrines and imposition of glaringly fascist agenda?  -- Conveniently using the war on terror as justification and outrageous excuse for eviscerating the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments?

Egregiously ignoring your oath of office, you're a disgrace, Mr. "President".  Sadly now, an increasing danger to American security as well.  To say nothing of military personnel you so callously choose to place in danger.  For nothing more than political expediency.  To ensure GOP fortunes in the coming election and two years from now in the presidential sweepstakes.  Exceptionally pathetic, self-serving "leadership". Seig Heil, Mein Fuhrer.

Not surprisingly, Ole' Saddam again beat the "Chief Executive" to the punch, craftily authorizing UN inspections.  -- Taking the wind out of the "President's" drum beat for war in the United Nations.  While the Iraqi dictator is exceptionally evil and relentlessly guileful, he should be removed by his own people after they've had enough.  Mr. Bush and his cronies have not demonstrated any impending threat from Iraq.  Have provided no new evidence of increasing pressing danger to his neighbors or the United States.  None.

While the dictator has egregiously ignored UN resolutions and agreements made at the end of the Gulf War and for the last eleven years, why has all this suddenly taken on new life and urgency?  Apparently, the "President" of the United States wishes to perversely ensure his place in history and avenge Daddy's failure to remove Saddam from power years ago.  Worse, he cynically knows a war will geometrically increase Republican prospects in the coming midterm elections, -- as well as his own two years from now.

For the sake of political expediency, the Nazi appointed to the Oval Office is willing to jeopardize hundreds of thousands of American military personnel.  In addition, hundreds of thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens would lose their lives as happened eleven years ago during the reign of Bush, The First.  Any unprovoked attack on Iraq will exponentially destabilize the Middle East, further hardening Arab distrust and hatred of the United States.

Desperately seeking to radically impose Gestapo military tactics, the "President" of the United States, however, is about to send Congress a glaringly fascist manifesto entitled "The National Security Strategy of the United States" designed to criminally and unconstitutionally alter military policy of the United States from that of stalwart defense to naked unadulterated aggression.  As Hitler prior to the invasion of Poland in 1939, Mr. Bush haughtily declares the right to preemptive first strike:  "And, as a matter of common sense and self-defense, America will act against such emerging threats before they are fully formed."  "Common sense" to whom, Mr. "President"?  A Nazi hell-bent on imposing his perversely fascist views not only on the American people but the rest of the world?

Ominously, the "President's" imperialistic ambitions are not only restricted to Iraq, but apparently extend throughout the Middle East.  In fact, the resolution on Iraq sent to Congress earlier last week contained a sentence that could easily be construed to authorize additional attacks against Iran, Syria, and other nations:

"SECTION 2. AUTHORIZATION FOR USE OF UNITED STATES ARMS FORCES.
The president is authorized to use all means that he determines to be appropriate, including force, in order to enforce the United Nations Security Council resolutions referenced above, defend the national security interests of the United States against the threat posed by Iraq, and restore international peace and security in the region."

Fortunately, Democrats appear willing to force change in the wording to eliminate the possibility.  After all, one must be very careful in documentation used by presidents to justify military ventures.  ... The "President" himself and his equally fascist henchmen already ludicrously believe he has the authority to unilaterally declare war on Iraq based on an earlier resolution passed authorizing force to be used by Daddy eleven years ago.

Clearly, the current appointed "Chief Executive" cares nothing for the fate of Israel, which would be subject to Iraqi Scud attack.  -- Possibly, this time with weapons of mass destruction since the Iraqi dictator would have nothing to lose.  Precisely what Mr. Bush claims to be trying to prevent.  Cowardly Democrats remain increasingly willing to go along, clearly demonstrative of no substantive difference between both major political parties.  Then again, can you blame Democrats?  After all, they're only following the wishes of the aggressively stupid American public who hasn't a clue.  … An egregiously ignorant citizenry gutlessly willing to ignore the lessons of Vietnam.

Compounding the "President's" Iraq agenda is Israel's assertion it will retaliate should Iraq attack during an American invasion.  Also, the latest Israeli siege of Arafat's compound over the last few days will further harden Arab opposition to any American attempt to overthrow the Iraqi dictator.

Former U.N. arms inspector Scott Ritter has irked the Bush "Administration", coming out strongly against the "President's" plans to topple the Iraqi dictator.  Consequently, has been subject to enormous pressure from government and its shills in what has turned out to be an unabashed right-wing media frenzy.  … So much for a supposedly "liberal" media.  Where the hell is it?  If existent, would have long since attacked excesses in the fascist Bush "Administration".  Instead, has remained nearly totally gutlessly silent.

Responding to critics questioning his loyalty, he courageously declared:  "I’m comfortable with my level of patriotism. There are a lot of people who are intimidated to speak out, who are afraid they will be attacked as unpatriotic and treasonous.  It’s sad. We aren’t a fascist state. We do have freedom of speech. To suppress dissent is, frankly speaking, the most un-American thing I can imagine."

Damn right, Mr. Ritter.  Continue to speak out, sir.  Bottom line of Ritter's opposition to the "President's" self-serving intentions to topple the Iraqi dictator?  "I would hate for the United States to wake up 10 years from now with 58,000 body bags and a million dead foreign nationals in Iraq and elsewhere, and realize we made a mistake."  Exactly right.  … For no more than political expediency and the reelection of Mr. Bush and his equally fascist cronies.

Congressional hearings on the September 11 intelligence failure began Sept. 15.  Staff director Eleanor Hill asserted the U.S. government had received at least 12 warnings of jet attacks prior to the catastrophe.  Considerable uncertainty remains regarding culpability as staff did not have sufficient resources and were repeatedly stonewalled by CIA and FBI goons.  … All the more reason for an independent investigation.  The Bush "Administration" had been strongly opposed for reasons of "national security" and additional leaks.

Translation?  The "President" and his cronies have something to hide and are desperately covering their asses.  Precisely why not one head has rolled since the catastrophe.  Not one.  Interestingly, the "President" succumbed to enormous pressure Sept. 20 and now declares he is in support of an independent investigation.  Fascinating, isn't it?  Days of exceptionally disturbing testimony have apparently rattled the cage of this outrageously fascist appointed jackass.

While the "President" seeks to place the lives of hundreds of thousands of military personnel in jeopardy for the sake of political expediency, -- to exponentially improve GOP chances in the upcoming midterm election and presidential sweepstakes two years from now, he conveniently, hypocritically, and gutlessly turns his back on veterans benefits.  Wounded soldiers in earlier conflicts, some totally disabled, are being ignored.  … Men, who retired after years of exemplary and selfless service, reasonably expected to receive full retirement pay.  Their wounds in battle, however, turned out to be a penalty.

A 19th century law designed to prevent "double dipping" prohibits retired fully disabled soldiers from receiving both retirement and disability pay. The statute only applies to military personnel.  Does not include any other federal workers.  Incredible, isn't it?  … Proof positive, everything the government does is ass-backwards.  Those who sacrifice the most, receive the least.  Promises made years ago are callously abrogated.

Congress has finally stepped up to the plate and overwhelmingly voted to correct the injustice, allowing military retirees to receive disability benefits.  All's well, right?  Not quite.  The "President" is threatening a veto, declaring the bill too costly.  Imagine that. Mr. Bush callously seeks to endanger your sons and daughters toppling Saddam to ensure his own reelection and that of equally fascist cronies in the GOP.  Literally adding insult to injury, however, should military personnel be wounded in battle, the "Commander In Chief" does not want them to receive both disability and retirement benefits after retirement.   Too "costly".   Stunning, isn't it?

Dangerously, the "President's" efforts to impose his fascist agenda are not limited only to evisceration of civil liberties and constitutional rights.  Mr. Bush is actively shaping scientific advisory committees to conform to his fascist "religious" views and principles.  Readers are aware the "President" has done all he could to eviscerate patient medical records privacy.  Clearly wants providers to be able to deny coverage and employers to discriminate against employees.  … The desired end result of information sharing.

Of equal concern, is Ole' George's failure to impose strict regulation of genetic testing.  Such testing could be easily and conveniently used by insurance companies and employers to discriminate.  Consequently, the "President" disbanded an expert scientific group that had been pushing for comprehensive controls.  Has also disbanded another scientific committee that was considering new regulations protecting human research subjects.  ... Can't have that, can we?  Might compromise the ability of corporations to make a buck off the backs of participants.

Why would the "President" be so intransigent?  Simple.  The fascist Religious Right is strongly opposed since the scientific group would not conveniently support its "religious" agenda including fetuses in the protections offered.  … A back door approach to granting "personhood" and rights to the unborn, leading to eventual outlawing of abortion.  Glaringly, part of its fascist agenda.  After all, the Religious Right does not believe women own their uterus.  These Nazis think they do.

In fact, the "President" intends to resurrect the committee with Mildred Jefferson on board.  Ms. Jefferson is a physician and the fascist responsible for founding the National Right To Life Committee.  Also served three times as its president.  Convenient, isn't it?

Disturbingly, the "Administration" has also informed a third scientific group nearly all its members will be replaced.  Why?  This committee had been examining the health effects of environmental chemicals.  The jackass appointed to the White House is determined to seat cronies in the chemical industry, thus enabling the "President" to offer aid and comfort to his friends in the corporate community at the expense of public health.

Bush, The First, received an award Sept. 17 from the United Services Organization, a group dedicated to sending care packages to overseas military personnel.  Also, involved in entertainment for the troops.  In accepting the award and commenting on the war on terror, former President Bush remarked:  "We are engaged in a fight not of our choosing.  We didn't pick this fight.''

The hell we didn't, Mr. President.  Years of mindless support of Israeli barbarism directed against Palestinians is directly responsible for 9/11.  While in no way justifying the catastrophe, it is the reason why it occurred.  To claim otherwise is to ignore reality and to guarantee repeat attacks.  Compounding the problem is your profound dishonesty regarding the reasons for waging the Gulf War eleven years ago.  The earlier attack had nothing to do with Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.  Nothing.  You could have cared less.  It was a convenient ruse, however, to wage war against an Iraqi dictator unsympathetic to American oil interests.

Precisely why the war was fought.  The interests of your cronies in the energy industry came before principle.  You and your henchmen lied regarding supposed Iraqi atrocities such as the removal of Kuwaiti babies from incubators by Saddam's troops.  You knew it never happened, yet perpetrated the myth to justify going to war over oil.  … Prevarication comes naturally, doesn't it, Mr. President?  After all, you and your predecessor lied like hell about Iran-Contra, illegally trading arms for hostages.

Despite egregious criminal violation of federal statutes and Congressional will, you and Mr. Reagan got away with offenses for which you both should have been impeached, convicted, and removed from office.  Subsequently, should have also been criminally prosecuted.  Never happened.  Why?  Criminals in high office are nearly always protected and coddled.  … The American way.

That's right.  Anta Cruz, Calif. Mayor Christopher Krohn and City Council members were not happy campers regarding a recent medical marijuana bust conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.  What to do?  Conduct a giveaway in front of City Hall.  The Mayor and several Council members were in attendance as medical marijuana was openly distributed Sept. 17, two weeks subsequent to the raid.

Despite all the huffing and puffing, DEA is not concerned with drug abuse.  Couldn't be.  After all, would have long ago gone after the Texas 33rd Judicial District Narcotics Enforcement Team.  NET has been involved in the production and distribution of methamphetamine for years, -- according to scores of confidential sources too gutless to allow publication of their names and addresses.  Supervises numerous "cooks" in the Hill Country in a multi-million dollar operation.  Had federal authorities any real interest, this Nazi scourge in Central Texas would have long since been eliminated.

Although states such as California vigorously defend a woman's right to do with her uterus as she damn well pleases, others such as Indiana drag their feet and impose unconstitutional restrictions.  Recently, California enacted four abortion statutes reinforcing abortion rights and ensuring abortion will remain available even should a Nazi U.S. Supreme Court reverse Roe v. Wade.  In Indiana, however, an appeals court ruled Sept. 16 the state can force women to receive "counseling" before getting an abortion.  Apparently, abusively intrusive government thinks it knows best.  Arrogantly believes it can tell the little lady what she can and cannot do with her uterus.  Who the hell is the State of Indiana to place an obstacle in the path of women seeking a constitutional and lawful medical procedure?

What we have here once again is a church-state separation issue.  … Proponents of perverse "religious" principles glaringly attempting to impose their fascist beliefs and agenda on others.  Disturbingly, the same nonsense is going on in South Carolina where an appeals court recently reversed a lower court ruling against a state statute allowing government goons access to abortion-provider patient medical records.  This Nazi appeals court also ruled requiring clinics to have clergy present for "religious" counseling prior to abortion is constitutional.  The Founders must be spinning in their graves.

Not a good week for federal law enforcement thugs.  -- Image certainly further tarnished by two former FBI goons.  Former FBI agent John Harrison, 53, of Mount Holly, N.J. shot and killed Vincent LaBianca, 34, and Isabel Munoz, 36.  Seems both men were romantically involved with Ms. Munoz.  Harrison then gutlessly put a gun to his mouth and pulled the trigger.   … Certainly saved the taxpayers money, no?

Former FBI agent John Connolly in the course of his "professional" duties remarkably disrupted the New England Mafia in the 70s and 80s.  What's wrong with this picture?  It was too good to be true.  Tipped off high-echelon Mafia thugs James "Whitey" Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi regarding criminal investigations and warned both men of an upcoming 1995 criminal indictment. Who'd a 'thunk' it, no?  Connolly was sentenced to 10 years.  Wasn't even handcuffed as an ordinary criminal thug led out the courtroom to prison.

Not only are FBI goons corrupt and abusive, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has its problems.  Jon Carl Petersen, 41, chief of the Iowa office was recently hauled to the Warren County Jail.  Why?  Had threatened nine teenagers with a gun.  Seems the kids had angered the officer by toilet-papering his neighborhood as part of a homecoming-week prank.  Used an ATF vehicle to chase them down and pulled his weapon.

Indianola police officer Kurt Kness was called to the scene after witnesses saw Petersen point a weapon to the head of one of the kids.  Kness wrote in his report: "Mr. Petersen acknowledged that he had stopped the vehicle and that he was armed with the handgun…While talking to Mr. Petersen, it became clear that he was intoxicated. His eyes were watery and his speech was confused and rambling."  ... Who'd a' 'thunk' it, no?  -- A law enforcement thug directly responsible for regulating alcohol on the federal level.  Petersen acknowledged drinking wine.  Although refusing to take a Breathalyzer after being jailed, field sobriety tests reportedly indicated his blood alcohol at .22%, nearly three times the legal limit.  Interesting, no?  Great credit needs to be given Officer Kness.  Unlike many of his peers, he did his job.

Peterson was released from jail Sept. 17 on his own recognizance.  Why?  The son of a bitch is dangerous and a threat to society.  Job ramifications?  None, yet.  Wasn't even suspended.  Amazing, isn't it?  Peterson's supervisor, Paul Vido, declared he will return to duty and be permitted to carry his weapon.  Apparently, public safety means nothing to this Nazi "police" agency.  Why wasn't this "officer" immediately fired?  … As two drunken pilots recently after being arrested shortly before takeoff.  -- Prior to their cases being adjudicated in the criminal "justice" system.  Why was this Nazi goon treated any differently and protected by ATF?

Date:  Tue, 17 Sep 2002 09:58:16 -0500
From:  Texans for Public Justice <craig@essential.org> [add to address book] [add to spam block list]
Subject:  Lobby Watch: Bad Corps Give TX Polls $2.7 Million
To:  tpj@tpj.org
 

  Text Size:  smalldefaultlargeextra large
 
 

For Immediate Release from Texans for Public Justice.

Governor Rick Perry and Attorney General candidate Greg Abbott lead the
list of Texas politicians who received money from the executives and PACs
of 16 companies implicated in recent corporate scandals.  All told, these
allegedly bad corporate citizens gave almost $2.7 million to Texas state
political committees and candidates since 1997.

For details, see the new Lobby Watch at:
http://www.tpj.org/Lobby_Watch/corpvillains.html

Michael Dell
Chief Executive Officer
Dell Computers
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX  78682

August 18, 2002

Dear Mr. Dell:

A Dell factory refurbished Latitude was purchased from Mr. Notebook by [redacted] of [redacted] and donated to this non-profit publication about a year ago.  Despite a nearly $900 expenditure, this machine has been a piece of trash since purchase.  Support from Mr. Notebook was non-existent.  Sadly, Dell Support was not much better.

Clearly, after a year's worth of problems, factory "refurbished" does not mean factory "rebuilt".  Apparently, the hard disk, floppy, and CD drives were never replaced.  -- The most likely sources of product failure.  In addition, the supposedly replaced lithium-ion battery module has a design flaw.  Although the machine has always been run on AC power and the battery maintained at 100% charge, intelligence circuitry in the module failed, rendering the battery worthless.  -- Coincidentally occurred during the latest email foray with Dell Support regarding floppy disk failure.  … Aren't I lucky?  Incredibly blessed?

All that was requested from Dell Support this time around, however, was a pointer to diagnostics that would have pinpointed the problem with the floppy drive.  … Not absolutely sure yet whether the failure lies only in the drive itself, or may also involve the socket and possibly bugs in drivers common to both the floppy and CD ROM drives.  Sadly, the CD ROM has never worked flawlessly either and has had occasional problems of reliability.  … At least, it's still working, however.  Unlike the floppy.

While Dell Support indeed provided a pointer to diagnostics, the download ironically requires use of boot disk and floppy.  Indeed, a problem of not being able to get from here to there.  When pointed out to Support, received no further assistance, -- just an outrageous run around.  … Despite assurances on the Dell website such email support supposedly exists for life of the product.

Mr. Dell, I can certainly understand you cannot be aware of all problems within a large corporation.  You do, however, have unaddressed flaws with "refurbished" machines sold by disreputable vendors fraudulently and phonily invoking Dell corporate name, image, and prestige, and more importantly, horrendous problems with a totally unresponsive Dell Support division.  No question, it is doing damage to corporate public image and reputation.  Sadly, although your machines are extremely popular, the greatest problem I've heard from users is lack of support.  Can certainly attest to that from personal experience.

Support outrageously refused to provide an email address for your office, -- unlike HP and other corporations more responsive to unresolved customer problems and complaints.  … An email address would have certainly provided an easy practical way of sending the entire email exchange over the last year.  Would have sorely indicated glaring obfuscation, non-responsiveness, and interminable intentional delay.  Hard to believe you're unaware.  Than again, Dell Corporation could apparently care less.

Mr. Notebook sold the Latitude as a Dell factory refurbished machine, supposedly tested by Dell-trained technicians, clearly so indicated on the bottom of the computer.  Again, the floppy, CD, and hard drives apparently were never replaced.  The most likely components to fail.   Since factory refurbished clearly does not mean factory rebuilt, the computer is no more than a used machine.  … A machine that could have been bought for half the price at a resale shop.  Even less if purchased privately.  With the price of new notebooks precipitously dropping recently to the $900 range and technically capable of running circles around this dinosaur, assuredly have no intention of dumping additional money into this piece of trash.

Mr. Notebook, on the day of purchase, claimed this machine to be factory refurbished.  Repeatedly made the claim.  Clearly, it was not.  Mr. Notebook quickly washed its hands of this lemon, failing to answer follow-up correspondence from this publication regarding product failure shortly after purchase.  Have no intention of wasting additional time and effort haggling further with Mr. Notebook, -- other than to publish an investigative article exposing this entire fiasco.  After all, the public is entitled to know exactly how business was done.

Due to several serious problems never corrected by Dell or Mr. Notebook since purchase of this falsely alleged Dell factory refurbished product, however, can honestly say at this point I would never again purchase a Dell computer, -- new, used, or "factory refurbished".  From anyone.  Certainly would never encourage others to purchase Dell either.  Indeed, why take the risk and put up with the hassle?

Regardless of whether or not Dell Corporation is technically or legally responsible for fraudulent claims made by a vendor of Dell machines, the damage done to corporate image is indeed severe nonetheless.  The lack of competent support and assistance from Dell Corporation in the matter is stunning.  Certainly, costly in terms of good faith and product loyalty lost.  Regardless of legal responsibility.

Have enclosed the last few emails from Support upper management refusing to provide an email address for your office and highly indicative and glaringly demonstrative of ongoing obfuscation over the last year.  Little more than canned, computer-generated messages containing phony platitudes and false concern designed to obfuscate and stonewall rather than provide technical assistance or resolution.  Apparently, the problem is top-down, since tone and substance of upper management Support is no different than that of lower level techs.  Although unquestionably a public service, have held off publishing an investigative article until I hear from your office.

Sincerely,
 
 

Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
http://www.llanoledger.com
tchorney@yahoo.com
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
_____________________________________________________________________________

From: dhs_on-line_order@dell.com | This is Spam | Add to Address Book
To: tchorney@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: AT20020803_0000009749 Site Problem or Error
Date: Tue 06 Aug 2002 08:39:05 CDT
 
 
 

Please include the following line in all replies.
Tracking number: AT20020803_0000009749
 

Dear Mr. Chorney,

Thank you for the additional information.  Please accept my apologies
for this inconvenience.  Please be advised that Mr. Dell does
not have an e-mail address for customer inquiries.  Anything
you wish directed to him must be done through standard letter
carrier.

If there is anything else I can do for you, please advise.

Respectfully,

M. C. DeRosier
Dell DHS Customer Care
DTG0368
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday

If responding to me, please use the *REPLY* function of your
e-mail program.  This will keep the SAME SUBJECT LINE as our
e-mail.  Otherwise, your message may be delayed or lost.
     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Visit the NEW Customer Care Website!
http://www.DellCustomerCare.com
     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Visit the Dell T@lk Support Forum!
http://delltalk.us.dell.com
     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Visit Dells Technical Support Center!
http://support.us.dell.com

> -----Original Message-----
> From: "Tim Chorney" <tchorney@yahoo.com>
> Sent: 05 Aug 02 20:26
> To: uscemcsd1@dell.com
>
>
> Dear Mr. DeRosier:
>
> You still have not answered my question regarding the
> email address of the office of the CEO.  While the
> nature of my business with that office is none of
> yours and your comments a bit presumptuous, suffice it
> to say the sheer volume of material I wish to send
> regarding this and earlier related matters make doing
> so electronically far more convenient.  To the point,
> are you refusing to provide this publication with an
> email address for Mr. Dell's office?  ... This is not
> the end of the matter, Mr. DeRosier, only the
> beginning.
>
> Tim Chorney, Publisher
> The Llano Ledger
> http://www.llanoledger.com
> P.O. Box 997
> Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
>
> --- csd@dell.com wrote:
> > Please include the following line in all replies.
> > Tracking number: AT20020803_0000009749
> >
> >
> > Dear Mr. Chorney,
> >
> > Thank you for contacting Dell Customer Care.  I
> > apologize for
> > any inconvenience this issue may have caused.  In
> > looking through
> > your history, my understanding is that this issue
> > revolves around
> > the floppy drive and battery malfunction.  The
> > on-line service
> > technician made the presumption that your unit was
> > still under
> > warranty and asked for the system Service Tag.
> >
> > Unfortunately, since this unit was not purchased
> > from Dell, we
> > are not obligated to offer warranty service.
> > Therefore, you
> > must seek repair or replacement through Mr.
> > Notebook.
> >
> > To answer your question, Mr. Michael Dell is our
> > CEO.  Our address
> > is as follows:
> >
> > Dell Computers
> > One Dell Way
> > Round Rock, TX  78682
> >
> > Once again, I apologize and truly regret any
> > inconvenience or
> > frustration this matter may have caused. We value
> > you as our
> > customer and your satisfaction is very important to
> > us.  If I
> > can be of further assistance, please advise.
> >
> > Respectfully,
> >
> > M. C. DeRosier
> > Dell DHS Customer Care
> > DTG0368
> > 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
> > Monday through Friday
> >
> > If responding to me, please use the *REPLY* function
> > of your
> > e-mail program.  This will keep the SAME SUBJECT
> > LINE as our
> > e-mail.  Otherwise, your message may be delayed or
> > lost.
> >      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> > Visit the NEW Customer Care Website!
> > http://www.DellCustomerCare.com
> >      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> > Visit the Dell T@lk Support Forum!
> > http://delltalk.us.dell.com
> >      - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
> > Visit Dells Technical Support Center!
> > http://support.us.dell.com
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: "Tim Chorney" <tchorney@yahoo.com>
> > > Sent: 03 Aug 02 21:05
> > > To: dellweb@dell.com
> > >
> > >
> > > * * * PLEASE DO NOT CHANGE THE SUBJECT WHEN
> > REPLYING * * *
> > > * * * This is a feedback Message from the Dell
> > Online Communications Center. * * *
> > >
> > > Customer Information:
> > > ************************************************
> > > Name: Tim Chorney
> > > Email: tchorney@yahoo.com
> > > Service Tag:
> > > ***********************************************
> > > Topic: Site Problem or Error
> > > Customer Referring URL:
> >
> http://support.dell.com/us/en/emaildell/webmaster.asp
> > > Problem Description: Have some correspondence to
> > send Mr. Dell and was not able to find an email
> > address for the office of the CEO.  Can you kindly
> > supply one, please?
> > > Tim Chorney, Publisher
> > > The Llano Ledger
> > > http://www.llanoledger.com
> > > P.O. Box 997
> > > Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609
> > > ***********************************************
> > > Sent to: webmaster@dell.com
> > > Referring URL:
> >
> http://support.dell.com/us/en/emaildell/webmaster.asp
> > > Remote Address:
> > > Remote Host:
> > > HTTP User Agent:
> > > Date submitted: 8/3/2002 9:05:01 PM

A letter To Burnet County Sheriff Joe Pollock has been posted recently.  Access it by clicking here.

As promised, the letter of complaint sent to Burnet County Judge Martin McLean, regarding fraudulent Ledger Maxpages and Stormpages site deletions originating from the Burnet County Library System and resulting in the ejection of this writer from library computers, has finally been posted.  Readers are reminded this is not the end of the matter.  Just the beginning.  For ongoing coverage of the criminal attacks as well as the letter to the Judge sent in response, click here.

Be sure to click on Klee's Kaleidoscope for Harvey Klee's latest edition.  This publication is a forum for a diversity of viewpoints. All are encouraged to submit material.

A rare commodity, honest businesses need a plug.  Although this publication receives no financial remuneration or funding of any kind from Mike's Transmission, this writer has personally known the owner of this new business quite some time and has enormous respect for his integrity.  Mike has had years of experience working on transmissions, -- foreign and domestic, standard and automatic.  This guy has heart and takes enormous pride in his work.  Give him a call at 915-423-1694.  The business is in the process of being launched.  If you like the quality of service, let me know.  Better yet, ask him to send a donation to the Ledger.

As strongly asserted in the last 73 editions, gut-wrenching fear generated by the Narcotics Enforcement Team is quite impressive. After all, these Nazi stormtroopers not only outrageously intimidate defendants and their gutless attorneys, but even innocent third parties who have suffered at their corrupt and abusive hands.

Recently, a source came forward with allegations regarding the death of a loved one under exceptionally curious circumstances. Sadly, the survivor got cold feet.

Most pointedly and quite publicly, how in hell do you expect these abuses to end if you don't have the guts to stand up and expose them to the light of day?

Every time a source cowardly runs the other way, the corrupt and abusive sons of bitches win. Every g-ddamned time. Worse yet, another nail is driven into the coffin of liberty.

If you don't have the courage to stand up and do the right thing, why should this writer continue to place himself in physical and legal jeopardy trying to expose the outrageous corruption and abuse?

Tim Chorney, Publisher
The Llano Ledger
 

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Tim Chorney, Publisher
P.O. Box 997
Buchanan Dam, Tx. 78609