VIDEO
It’s official. The self-described Messiah who proclaimed that he would fast until death, if sent to prison, is now eating while behind bars.
Roughly 30-minutes ago, KOB-Investigative reporter Jeremy Jojola learned of this latest development in the Wayne Bent case while opening an e-mail from a prison spokesperson. A few minutes later, Beyond90Seconds.com conducted a video interview with Jojola as he sat at his desk in the KOB-TV newsroom:
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POLL CLOSED
Because Wayne Bent has ended his fast, Beyond90Seconds.com has closed its recent poll asking, “How long will Wayne Bent’s fast last?” The poll was posted December 31, 2008 at 10:26pm PST. The results can be found here.
Real life Reality shows are rated #1 these days…wouldn’t put it past those in the LOR to videotape Ester dying struggles as way to raise funds for mr bents defense.
anything for a nickel!
I am seriously wondering and yes worried about Esther, as we have not heard a thing regarding her fast. It would be over 12 days now since it began. There has been no follow up to her post and nothing as of yet picked up by the media. Hopefully if Esther did in fact see things more clearly and is now working her efforts toward an appeal, not a protest fast, the Strong City folks will let us all know.
It is really amazing how quick the public has lost interest in this story. I would be willing to bet that Jeff is not getting much response.
I think the zero comments is tell-tale enough!
If I were donating, supporting ANY cause, I’d certainly make comment in support after dropping my coins in the slot! Especially after seeing the lack of response.
Like the rich man dropping coins in the collection plate! the smaller the coin the bigger the noise! Looky-me! I GAVE!
James…Did you happen to notice they’re down to talking (voting) to themselves now!
Perhaps they should be putting up huge bill boards there on their property…you know, so the rabbits and rattlesnakes will take notice…
the squirrels sure have!
Remember the quip…If someone makes a sound out in the deserted desert, can it be heard?!
The top ten ways Strong City could raise money for the appeal.
10. Open a vegetarian bed and breakfast in the wilderness of Strong City. Feature Wayne’s empty house as the master suite. Serve whatever food he was eating when he became the messiah.
9. Have Bernice do another prayer fast, again ordering God to raise people “from the dead” (and this time tell God to get serious) and sell tickets so everyone can see it happen.
8. Write a book about the amazing Strong City way to lose half your body weight by drinking only water.
7. Do a television show and sell it to the networks, telling how to solve the economy problems by living off of a few old people’s social security checks.
6. Tell the world that the virgins are going to pour out those plagues again unless you get a whole lot of contributions.
5. Contact Barbara Streisand and see if she would like to pay you for doing more videos like the one where you stole her copyrighted song, “There’s a place for us” as a background.
4. Have a contract service where Wayne Bent will haunt your enemies after he’s dead like he threatened to do to Ben Anthony and the prosecutor (and a few others) .
3. Sell a guide to how to look sexy in long denim dresses and no makeup for attracting (much) older men with large estates and big trust funds.
2. Print numbered limited edition copies of Wayne Bent’s prophecy graphic which showed everything ending in 2007, but revise it so it shows 2010, just to make it a hot seller.
And the number one way they can raise money for the appeal —
1. Have the legal aged virgins do special naked healing sessions in their private bedrooms and charge by the hour.
— Sam
Sam that list is hilarious, I cannot stop laughing.
You manage to not only share your gift of knowledge here on Mark’s forum but now you have shared maybe a greater gift, a fine sense of humor.
I am hoping that perhaps the Strong City gals could come here to the blog and show their sense of humor and tell us what a laugh they got out of that list.
It’s not the small amount of comments that means anything, but it’s the amount of times people hit that “donate” button which says the most, and that we are not able to keep any track of.
Very funny, the top ten list. You have to admit that this whole thing can’t really be taken seriously. When people make complete idiots out of themselves, you can’t blame the rest of us for having a harmless chuckle or two. I say – ha, ha. snicker, snicker. Maybe everyone can realize how good it is to lighten up.
I loved the one about having Wayne Bent haunt your enemies, but with that long list of those he already said he plans to do evil to, his ghost is gonna be pretty darned busy. He said he’s gonna get the BBC documentary guy and the guy that does this blog. I guess he’s added the judge to the list and maybe now his new cellmate, maximum bob.
Thanks for the heads-up, Claire!
Best,
Mark
If anyone is still interested; tomorrow (jan 14) on the Dr. Phil Show is “Family Cult, pt 2″. And yes, the ‘family cult’ referred to is the Strong City Cult.
Can we get Wayne to be on Dr. Phil?
Wayne on Dr Phil’s show… Wouldnt that be wild! Dr Phil would have his hands full with Wayne. I would love to hear what he would have to say… lol. Im sure Dr Phil would find Wayne and his little games very interesting indeed.
Wayne: “I’m the messiah”
Dr Phil: “How’s that workin for ya”
That’s very funny Stephanie. And you got my creative juices going… So, here is my list,
Dr. Phil cliches he might use with Wayne
- What in the hell were you thinking?
- Are you nuts?
- You choose the behavior, you choose the consequences.
- This is going to be a changing day in your life.
- Are you kidding me?
- Get real.
- If it’s happening now, we’re gonna deal with it now!
- Get a life.
- If you don’t like it, then hit the door… lady!
- You need to re-engineer your life.
And, finally, my favorite —
- Stop thinking the world revolves around you.
Now, if some or most (or all) of those ring a bell… you’ve been watching way too much Dr. Phil.
– Sam
Nice, Sam…. LOL
Love the “Are you kidding me?” and “Stop thinking the world revolves around you.”
I am hoping to record this one… any suggestions where to watch it online if the recording doesnt work?
Sam…Darn I would really like to watch Dr Phil but some of us have to work when it airs.
Any ideas on where to watch the show?
To Juror – I have “Tivo.” I just set it to record shows when I’m gone. Unlike the idle rich people at Strong City, I also have to go to work. So, I set it this morning to grab that one and later I might convert the LOR part of the show (it evidently will not be for the whole show) into a Youtube compatible format and put it up online.
– Sam
Jan,
Thanks for the spreading the word!
Best,
Mark
Don’t ya’ll just hate it when the real world conflicts with your rich online presence?
We, too, have DVR’d the show. I’m looking forward to seeing it when I get home. I suspect, Sam, that if you posted it, you’d get a lot of traffic – I’ve threatened the lives of anyone in the family who erases our copy!
:) Anyone already seen it and want to spoil the poor working schmucks?
EMC – it is coming up here in about 7 minutes but I would never spoil it for anyone. I respect all you good people that are out working. Should be a great discussion later on though. I am looking forward to it – I even went to the Dr. Phil site and mentioned Beyond 90 Seconds, so perhaps we will get a few new bloggers!
Thanks Sam I dont have Tivo and dont know how to record so i will have my teenager look it up on youtube for me…them teenagers know all that stuff
I am sure Dr Phi’s show will be quite an eye opener for his viewers. He handled the topic with the greatest of love and concern as one might expect. Dr. Phil did not actually go to Strong City. There were cameras that followed the two sisters, Lorraine and Bambi, to try and reach out and show their family that remains there how much they still love them. I believe this visit must have been this past fall. It was during the period where there was much focus on the “fasting,” there.
The cameras were not permitted beyond the entrance so the actual time the sisters spent with their loved ones was not shown. From a distance some hugs and love was shown by all. The two sisters came out of there mostly concerned over how thin they all were and that they had such an “empty,” look in their eyes.
Although they were not able to bring them home, a cult specialist who was on the show said their visit would be meaningful, especially if and when Strong City might fall apart, with Wayne eventually going to prison. And if Jeff Bent would not take over. If and when that happened these people will need those on the outside world who have always loved them, to be there and support them. This seemed to be meaningful to the sisters.
Unfortunately though nothing was up to date and there was no mention of anything happening currently, although they did flash across the screen about Wayne’s sentence.
It was a good show for people that have not the depth of knowledge that we do here on Mark’s blog. And it certainly might be a shock to the average person that has no idea that these things are going on in our society.
Certainly worth watching.
Wouldn’t it be a riot, putting WB, a few cult members (a few of his favorite wives) and some of the former members in the infamous “Dr Phil house”…the house in LA that’s fully monitored with hundreds of cameras and microphones.
Dr Phil used it for feuding families or where problematical people go to “work out” their differences or overcome addictions, prejudices and or problems.
Of course we’d all be focused on WB’s bedroom so can watch a few of those famous healing sessions!
…nakedness modestly blurred…
perhaps could learn really how WB performs these healings while carefully touching of sternums as not to touch the fatty parts of the breast.
After all that was Never about sex!…
Well except the consummations…with the women folk!
I was a little disappointed, expecting more of the real story instead of the “same-ol’same-ol” minus the videos of the girls hugging their family members.
That part was great and very telling, but way too much got left out.
More should have been mentioned regarding Esther’s fast unto death promise, the consummations like Wendy Bents “I WILL ask for the Consummation” and the Poor Jeff saga. Then a few shots thrown in of WB courtroom antics, tantrums and threats, then wrapping it up with the grand finale of his being led off in handcuffs, his promise to die in prison by fasting to death, then 3 days later ending his fast then picking up his “fishette”-sticks and fries on Friday noon! (Fishettes are soy product vegetarian version of fish sticks)
There just was not enough time and adding in another cult story totally messed up a potentially great story.
Just WHY hasn’t there been more info and where are the promised Court transcripts.
And you’d think we would have heard a lot more coming from former members what really took place in the courtroom that wasn’t covered by the media.
Seems like things are spiraling down while the real story is building underneath like ticking time bomb!
Folks….This story ain’t even over!
And now for something completely different…
Mark Horner did an excellent job with his capture of the Dr. Phil show about Strong City ex-followers. But, there is another capture being displayed on the mirror site’s video page, which has something you won’t see anywhere else. Go here to view it (scroll down to the third video):
http://strongcity2.info/videos.html
The video on the mirror site has all of the commercials captured along with the rest of the program about Strong City. So, what’s different? Among those advertisements is a bizarre commercial (you might have seen it elsewhere previously) showing a Catholic nun causing a “sinner” to be struck down by God (no joke, that’s in there). Was that commercial handpicked or was it just “providential” that it appeared on this show? Who knows?
Thanks Sam for the link.
It was again a great reminder of the collection of videos you have compiled at the Mirror Site. Not only this Dr. Phil video, but several news videos during the trial, the “Finished Work,” and “The End of the World Cult” British video, and a couple other videos after Bent was indicted. All of these videos plus the other entries on the Mirror Site are very informative, and it is great having them altogether as a reference library.
I loved the commercial.
Dr. Phil likes to cover all the angles so that one might not be a coincidence. It was humorous, nonetheless.
One fact stated on Dr Phil show really struck me….
Was said that if/when SC begins to disintegrate…
the ones wishing to leave or questioning and seeking truth will ONLY do so with those who they feel safe enough to communicate with.
That being judgmental, negative and spewing ugliness just won’t be part of the equation for their leaving.
I guess the “quip” catching more flies with honey works better than with vinegar!
I really hope this comes to a peaceful ending and many families reunited and that there will miraculously be no more deaths!
I wonder what the prisoners there in Las Vegas NM thought of WB after watching todays Dr Phil?!?!
I’m thinking he didn’t make a bunch of friends and he’ll have to be isolated or protected from those who detest child molesters and those claim to be God.
I doubt this was a good program for WB’s reputation.
@crytears
Wayne Bent is not in Las Vegas, NM. That was the location of the sentencing. He is in Los Lunas, NM prison facility. It is known as “The Central New Mexico Correctional Facility (CNMCF).” He might be there only for 90 days, until he is assigned to another for a longer duration. That place is mainly where they do evaluations.
I don’t think he will have to be “isolated or protected.” With the number of people in prison for a sex charge of some kind (it is a very high percentage nowadays) that old saw about people bothering them is simply not true. I went to that prisontalk forum website mentioned somewhere on this blog site and read that it just isn’t true that they get bothered. There’s way too many and plus, prisoners are far more sympathetic than the rest of the population that people do get falsely accused.
And, I think you are totally mistaken that he wouldn’t “make a bunch of friends.” His history shows otherwise. I think that he will adapt and other inmates will find him to be a rather agreeable fellow. This guy is a leader and he is smart (he’ll know how to play the game). That’s gonna stay the same. People who are leaders outside are leaders inside. And people like to follow him. They have for the past 30 years. I think that, like Martha Stewart, another leader type, he will be well received and make a lot of new friends.
Well said Mack! I think you are absolutely correct about how Wayne will do in prison. I especially liked your line about People who are leaders outside are leaders inside. That makes a lot of sense.
The above post by JLBworld was mine (Jan). I did not realize that Word Press had me logged in as my blogger account. I like to be who I really am here, so apologize for the confusion.
Jan
To Mack -
Well, I have read something different about how sex offenders are treated in prison. This article tells about what to expect. It is talking about Texas prisons, but, I’m sure it applies everywhere. Here’s the link to the article:
http://www.paroletexas.com/articles/Dallas%20Morning%20news%20artice.htm
This is a quote from that article:
Hopefully, Wayne Bent won’t be subjected to what they talk about in that article (no one deserves that).
Sam, I’m curious about this new donor recruitment role you’ve taken on for Mr. Bent. Would/do you finance and recruit for any criminal that has experienced a less than stellar, yet fair, trial? Or is there something “special” about Mr. Bent in your eyes?
In regards to the new post on the SC site:
It’s been 18 days since the sentencing. I find it very unlikely that Ester has not taken something, whether it’s spraying her mouth with some type of nutrient in water or opening her mouth while showering.
This whole thing is nuts. If she dies and she will if she is really doing what Jeff says she is, WB will never get out of prison. And there might be others joining him. But did you like the “way out” that Jeff mentioned – “she cannot end her fast until she sees significant movement in the reversal of this injustice”. Maybe hiring an attorney will be seen as significant movement.
There are public defenders who do just appeals. Apparently that’s not good enough so all of the sudden SC has some money to hire a lawyer for an appeal. But, there was NO money for the first lawyer?
As far as donations go those of you who have donated should ask for a statement of where your money is spent. They are perfectly able to tap into a trust fund for legal fees, it’s done all the time. They just don’t want to because if they spend it all some of the people might actually have to find a job.
The people at SC are users and my taxes pay for lots of their upkeep, including WB’s public defender during the original trial. Everytime a sheriff, state police or government entity goes out to check on these people the citizens of NM are paying for it. We’re even paying for the horrible conditions poor WB is living in. Where does he think he is, the Ritz Carlton? And I won’t even go down the road of SS or food stamps.
My take on things is harsh and although I truly care for the families and friends of those who live at SC, I have no sympathy at all for those who choose to live there.
My donation – a quarter! Call someone who cares.
Mack,
I haven’t kept tabs on just exactly where Mr. Bent is staying at this juncture, doesn’t really matter all that much, at least not in the context of my postings regards the prisoners view and becoming vigilantes to anyone charged/convicted relating to children.
And just what affect the Dr. Phil show had on the prisoners wherever WB was imprisoned.
I certainly wouldn’t want to be sitting in the “day room” where a program being shown was about “ME”.
Especially the show bringing out the fact that WB IS/WAS indeed the leader of this cult,
in which he was convicted of not only molesting children, but also the facts that WB for years has convinced his followers into forsaking and shunning every single family member and loved ones, as well as the dissolution of all marriages/relationships within his cult.
Basically isolating themselves from the world as those on the outside were nothing more than followers of satan!
This program was loaded with highly charged emotional subject matters.
Prison has a big way of intimidating anyone! Right now he’s on the bottom of the pile and he will have to work hard to “claw” his way back up to the top….a system in which he’s taught was “The Beast!”
For some prisoners all they have left is a few loved ones and family members “on the outside” who stand by their side while they are incarcerated. So loving and caring families takes on a new meaning for those locked away .
Perhaps I’m mistaken in my summations as I’ve based upon my own experiences as a Sheriffs Deputy years ago in the mid 1970’s. And what family members have stated of WBs “safety”(they work Fed pen and commander Police Dept.)
They both say that WB will have to watch his back at all times.
I can’t imagine prisoners changing their perspectives of who society views as “scum of the earth”.
But perhaps it really does matter which news station one stays tuned to!
Perhaps some will remember being molested as a child needing/wanting revenge, or perhaps has close loved one who was harmed or maybe someone wanting to make a name for themselves by killing “god!:”
WB just is NOT your every day run of the mill prisoners. Even some murderers are liked and respected over his charges!
I will continue to believe that WB will always be a target for those who despise and hate ones with such charges
KM…perhaps some of those donating are doing so to keep their “fingers in the pie?!?!”
Perhaps we all should donate a few pennies via PayPal. SC must pay a set amount per transaction as well as a certain percentage of any funds donated.
Food stamps??? Really? Tell us where we all can sign up for these?!
Maybe all their craziness is all from their licking the glue on backs of those food stamps so many years!
Of course I jest, but Laziness does have its price!
Could be the glue! More likely the magnetic stripe on the back of the cards. Or maybe the Taos Hummmm!
Shoot, I’ve visited a few of the NM prisons and I wouldn’t turn my back on anyone there. There are some mighty big boys at Los Lunas and esp. the Big House!
There isn’t much pie left at SC, although there is a huge humble pie waiting round the corner for them. They just don’t like the taste. Maybe the donators are hedging their bet on the afterlife just in case.
I wish people donating would think of the people under the spell of WB and donate to the families to help them hire an attorney to obtain legal guardianship over them so they can get them out of there at least long enough for them to be able to think without subliminal messages playing in the background.
Wishful thinking!
The paypal donation thing is interesting, hmmm, now I’m hearing the Taos hum.
Okay, back down in my foxhole, it’s getting mighty scary out there! And I have a family to care for and a job that takes me to places much more horrible than SC.
Of course, an appeal is warranted
Everyone (anyone) deserves a proper appeal
A simple principle of our rights as citizens is that in a criminal trial, we are granted “substantive due process.” This involves the broad notion that a person shall not be arbitrarily deprived of his liberty. If a person is deprived of the opportunity to appeal, substantive due process rights have been violated. Every citizen should have every opportunity to appeal (his conviction or his sentence), because it is wrong if anyone has been tried in any court proceeding with errors or if his sentence has been meted out disproportionate to the circumstances.
An appeal is not a retrial of the case, but is an examination of the trial record to ensure that proceedings were conducted in a fair manner.
No one should ever be convicted in a trial where there were “fundamental errors (goes to the heart of the case) or harmful errors (had a probable impact on the outcome). And, no one who has been rightfully convicted in a trial should ever receive a sentence which does not take into account all of the circumstances (including prior convictions) concerning the accused and the situational facts of the crime and the opportunity and likelihood of a reoccurance. A sentence must be proprotionate when all of the circumstances are considered. In the interest of justice we should always fight for anyone who has been convicted of a crime to have the opportunity to appeal and to have their conviction overturned, if such errors and irregularities occured, or to have their sentence reduced (in the event of a rightful conviction) if it has been given out disproportionately.
In my opinion, the sentence was draconian. Although, I do believe that Bent acted inappropriately and I consider (in my opinion) what he did was wrong, that that the circumstances of his lack of a prior record, lack of any actual sexual acts being involved and the strong testimony of witnesses (alleged as victims) that they did not feel sexually assaulted, along with the situation of his isolated living arrangement, which no longer has minors in residence (and because they could be limited by the court from even being allowed visitations) would and should be enough to indicate a lesser sentence. For example, a reasonable punishment, such as a short incarceration, accompanied by probation, which could even be a monitored house arrest with multiple restrictions, (such as no contact with minors) would be reasonable and fit the “proportionate to circumstances” stipulations (rights) provided by the law..
The principles of the laws of our nation are such that everyone should receive a trial without harmful errors and if convicted, then be able to fairly receive a reasonable sentence, which is appropriate (and proportional) to all the circumstances. All of us should fight for the rights for every convicted person to get their chance to appeal in both of those situations.
— Sam
He has the right to an appeal. What he doesn’t have is the right to abuse the public defender system by claiming he has NO money for an attorney YET when that same public defender system has attorney’s available to appeal his case to the courts free of charge, he decides to go with a private attorney and unwilling to sell his land or tap into his trust fund begs for private donations to pay for said attorney.
So, add another falsehood to the story, the poor, indigent man who couldn’t afford an attorney but all of the sudden money has been found. Alleluia, It’s manna from heaven.
Are the same people supporting WB going to support the people at SC and their families when one day the place is sold out from underneath them and they are kicked off the land to live homeless on the street because the trust fund is in the name of a few unscrupulous people. The land was purchased and supported by the followers who gave everything to the common pot and expect to be supported the rest of their lives. They built the infrastructure with their sweat, savings and social security checks. They gave up everything including spouses and children and have been subjected to intense mind control for many years. And they live with the constant expectation that translating to heaven is just around the corner.
Will any of you go to bat for them when the rug is pulled out from underneath them in the not too distant future?
I would like to know something out of sheer curiosity. Would these loving and kind people of SC be willing to donate money to me? I need help right now. I may be laid off from my job and this means I will have little money to pay my heating bill and I will have to live without heat.
If I put up a page with a donate button on it, will Jeff Bent donate to me? Because I’m about to face some pretty rough circumstances soon.
Sam; donating to WB’s cause means that I am accomplice to and in agreement with his behavior. If he gets out he will believe that it was not YOUR doing, but God’s doing. He will believe he was right all along in his behavior with these minors. So will everyone else.
I couldn’t see anyone in SC donating money to me because I’m of the “beast” in “my world”.
The idea of Wayne Bent appealing the court decision for some here is a difficult one to accept. Certainly many of you have a personal connection with this case either as a former LOR member, or one that still has family there, or maybe you are just one that has been the victim of a similar crime. Fortunately in our Judicial system those with ties or potential ties are the first jury members to be excused in jury selection because both sides want the case tried without prejudice.
Now, following the sentence we are at a new stage in the judicial process, reexamining the trial to make sure that it was all handled in the proper manner. The defense has the right, and actually it is their duty to go over the transcripts, examining for potentials errors, or mistakes that might have occurred based on the law. It is part of the Judicial System.
Even though many of you do not seem to like or have much respect for Wayne Bent, it honestly does not matter. Each and every man or woman who has been convicted of a crime still has and deserves this right to appeal. Only by a very close examination of the transcripts can it be determined if an appeal will even have a chance. But the fact that Wayne’s son has quickly taken the actions he has, makes me think they feel there is something there that might grant an appeal. Of course only time will tell.
So many people it seems in society take the position of revenge over rehabilitation. I have witnessed people on line with so much hate in them against a possible guilty person and their family it is indeed scary how the minds of some works today. Why are some filled with so much hate? In this case it truly does not seem like the punishment fits the crime, not when one compares it to the sentence of others committing similar crimes. And while this is not in any way, what an appeal would be based on, it does have something to do with why a few of us might be willing to offer a small donation for Wayne to get the appeal process started.
I realize that Wayne himself has played fast and lose with his ideas about what he did, why he did it and the system itself and renaming all of us here on the outside world the “Beast.” But to me this is different. This is a son trying to find a way to get his father back home with him. Maybe I am just a sucker for family love but the idea of Wayne Bent spending 10 years in prison seems truly wrong. A 67 year old man poses no threat to society as a whole. His life at Strong City is truly remote and his people love him. I have no right to dictate whether their religion and beliefs are right or wrong. I just see a group of people that want their leader home. And I see a son that is spear heading that effort. No one has to contribute unless they want to. But it does not mean that those of us who feel inclined have not thought it through.For some of us it is based on a feeling that this sentence was much to severe and Wayne would have been better served as would the State by probation and a life confined to his home.
There is a lot to consider. None of this makes for an easy light hearted discussion. Many people are truly evil and for the protection of others need to be incarcerated for long periods of time, maybe life. I just do not personally feel that Wayne Bent is one of those dangerous to society types of people.
Stephanie – If you put up a button, I’m “on it.” Not a problem.
Donating to Bent’s cause does not mean that you are an accomplice or in agreement (it is very apparent that I am not from my writings — click the link on my name to look at my blog and look at the “legal” tab on the mirror site). It merely means that you are a champion of making sure that everyone is treated fairly in our legal system (which is often unfair).
KM – I think they probably realized that going the public defender route was a mistake. I think that it became obvious in the course of the trial and afterwards that best defense had not been presented. Then, I think they came to the conclusion that they needed to have a vehicle to be able to pay for a professional appeal lawyer. One of their appeal arguments may center around mistakes made by their attorney and they needed a firm which had the experience in investigating attorney caused irregularities (getting public defender office to vigorously attack the efforts and competence of fellow public defenders might be an unrealistic request).
Further, while there is a public defender mechanism for the appeal process, the assignment of a public defender appeals attorney is not routinely done (like it is for a lower court attorney); it requires an exhaustive procedure (which can be time consuming) of application through Sante Fe. Launching a proper appeal needed to be done expeditiously and vigorously without restriction as to the available avenues which might be pursued. The court appointed attorneys are so overloaded and may have other conflicts (such as loyalties) so that they simply cannot rise to all of those standards. So, I am of the opinion that the “right to an appeal” goes far beyond the ability to have a public appeals defender assigned to your case. I am convinced that it goes to the level of having the right to the very best legal representation possible, because if there have been any errors or irregularities or if the sentence (as I maintain) is disproportionate to the circumstances, you need the very best you can get (in anyone’s case… not just this one). If you have followed my writings (even if just in this thread) you will know that I have been consistent in suggesting that they hire the best appeals attorney they could.
Further, we don’t know to what extent they are utilizing some of their existing funds for this appeal. We also don’t know whether they have made some arrangements to sell off a few more acres (some of their trust fund came from the selling off of at least 700 acres some time ago; they might just be selling a few more) in order to have funds for a sustained appeals fight. Plus, all of our theories about their financial situation are just that… theoretical speculation (although I do remain puzzled that the only registered non-profit vehicle I have found for them is their Lifesupports Inc, which claims less than $25,000 income, so they don’t have to disclose assets… Strong City’s non-profit status does need further research).
However, considering everything, I am happy to help them out a little (without knowing their whole financial story). I enjoy having the capacity and the opportunity to assist in enabling another person’s full legal rights to be pursued. And I would hope that there would be others willing to do it for me if I were in that situation.. (that old “do unto others” bit).
— Sam
“All of us should fight for the rights for every convicted person to get their chance to appeal in both of those situations.”
Sam Redman
16 Jan 09 at 11:01 PM
Every convicted person already has the rights for appeal. If they don’t have the resources to pay for that themselves then they can appeal with the assistance of the public defenders office. Wayne can do this too (if he truly is as destitute as he claims). We all already donate, in the form of taxes, to defend this right for everyone. Are we also to donate additional personal funds to enable every convicted person to hire a private specialized lawyer for their appeal? We would first have to believe that that person was in fact innocent of the crime and that an injustice was done. I believe neither of these things applies in Wayne’s case so I won’t be donating anything to help Wayne, or this group of people who were recently eagerly anticipating the destruction of all of us, or their evil god. Let them get off their lazy condescending butts and do it themselves.
“Further, while there is a public defender mechanism for the appeal process, the assignment of a public defender appeals attorney is not routinely done (like it is for a lower court attorney); it requires an exhaustive procedure (which can be time consuming) of application through Sante Fe. Launching a proper appeal needed to be done expeditiously and vigorously without restriction as to the available avenues which might be pursued. The court appointed attorneys are so overloaded and may have other conflicts (such as loyalties) so that they simply cannot rise to all of those standards.”
Well if we really desire to improve the justice system for EVERYONE, then isn’t THIS what we should be trying to fix? If you want to crusade for a specific individual case and solicit some of the limited funds of others, I think there are many more worthy ones out there to choose from…a case where a young man was sentenced to 21 years for simple possession comes to mind for example. Where do we sign up for that one? That’s much more appealing to me than helping a manipulative old man who routinely used people as his sex toys and got caught one day with his pants down.
Raycot - As I implied (and defined) in my previous posting, you get what you pay for. Some public defenders are good…. but, ofttimes not. Some are public defenders because they couldn’t make it in the “for hire” world (if you are ever in such a situation, get the best you can afford). Having the right to appeal and having the right to the most aggressive, most skilled appeal is quite a difference. You are so very naive if you think you can depend on a quality defense or an adequate appeal through the public defender’s office. It is a shame, but that it is that way. You can also get your meals at the soup kitchen and you can live in public housing, but I find that what they serve at the better restaurants is more nutritious and satisfying and I prefer the comfort of a home I purchased (my guess is that you do too). That’s why I support the various meal ticket charities (they go to restaurants)and “Habitats for Humanity” organization (building quality homes for the indigent).
I support the right for everyone to have the best defense and appeal (and if that means by public contributions to a fund… so be it).
— Sam
Jan - I was very impressed by what you wrote, especially how you summarized the crux of the matter.
Jan wrote:
Like you, Jan, I think that for many of us, our personal concerns are based on our individual repugnance about the severity of the sentence and our desire to have a chance to ensure that our fellow man has every venue available to be granted merely what is fair (and appropriate).
— Sam
Sam,
Wasn’t it you who laid out for us how Strong City had more than adequate resources at their disposal to launch this appeal for themselves? Have you changed your mind about that?
Yes, there are problems with our system that need to be fixed and thanks for raising awareness about those problems…but to choose to champion an individual case out of many, why this one?
Are you writing a book and need more material for the final chapter? Entertainment value? Some misplaced desire to prove your acceptance and open mindedness to the ideas of these people who frankly warrant no such consideration in my opinion? Are you trying to be an ambassador for the “World” to show these people we really aren’t so bad afterall, hoping it will encourage some of them to leave the cult? Got your sights on one of the “babes” in SC and trying to work your way into her good graces?
Sorry for being so cynical and blunt, but you led the way ;)
The loving and loyal son who is spearheading this effort was married to one of the women that Wayne had sex with. If that doesn’t define for you exactly who and what Wayne is, then nothing ever will.
Sam, I wonder if you have checked out the appeals attorney Jeff Bent has hired. I’ve done a little checking and what I’ve come up with isn’t that impressive.
Maybe you can find more.
KM - Yeah, I did see some appeals failures in my research of their attorney’s efforts, but, sometimes the facts in a case are against you (it’s rarely a slam dunk). I do think he has the background and experience to do a good job.
Raycot - Yes, I still do lead the way in my critique of Wayne Bent and his actions. Go read my blog (click the link on my name) and you will see that I continue to lay out my scepticism about their resources and my disgust about what went on there. Plus, I think their tax free status needs to be fully disclosed. I am not a fan and certainly not a follower.
But, hopefully, I have differentiated my position, regarding my opinions about what Wayne did and my feelings about the need for fair and appropriate punishment. To make an adulteration of the famous Voltaire quote, let me put it this way, “While I will never support a person’s crime, I will defend to the death, his right to have a proper defense and, if convicted, to receive a sentence proportionate to the circumstances.”
And yes, I am an ambassador somewhat… but really just of fairness (which is why sometimes, I am describing evidence which might tend to convict and other times I am campaigning for equitable treatment). I’ll admit, I am “open minded” to a fault.
Raycot posted:
The loving and loyal son who is spearheading this effort was married to one of the women that Wayne had sex with. If that doesn’t define for you exactly who and what Wayne is, then nothing ever will.
Yes Raycot this is indeed what Wayne did. But what I am seeing and what is more meaningful to me is that Jeff his son, obviously must have forgiven his father. If that is the case, who am I to judge Wayne’s actions? I too am a big believer in “forgiveness!”
This is truly about what is fair and just treatment under the law. I have spent the better part of the last 3 1/2 years battling another one’s fair and just treatment by the media, by on line posters and others connected to that case. My book link is referenced in my name. I just have always been an adamant supporter of the “rights of the accused,” and following that, “one’s rights to the best legal council, all the way through the process, including an appeal.”
Sam’s Voltaire quote said it best! I 100% agree!
True, an appeal is just what it sounds like. The Court of Appeals goes over all the evidence presented for the appeal and then decides if anything was out of order. So, I guess we’ll see what the Court thinks. It can also go all the way to the NM Supreme Court and higher if they decide to hear it. It’s a very long process. I’m wondering if the attorney is going to try and get WB released during the appeal?
Looks like the attorney is also a proponent of Medical Marijuana, which is back in the news this week in NM. I’m not against the use of marijuana for medical purposes as I have had several friends desperately ill who have greatly benefited from it’s use. The biggest problem is the Federal government who don’t care what the states say and can legally raid a doctor’s office in NM and haul them off to jail.
I very much agree that their tax free status and where their money has come from needs to be disclosed. These people could seriously be living on the streets if they have turned all their assets over to SC and if there is no provision to provide for them in the event SC shuts down. Scary thought, eh?