Update: High court rejects sect leader’s bond petition, (KOB-TV/AP, 10/27/09)
Update: Attorney John McCall Responds to the AG (strongcity.info, 10/19/09)
(Note from Mark: This development in the Wayne Bent case was addressed with an “update” link in a previous post, A message from Jeff Bent. However, I thought it would be best to provide this separate post so that new links/resources specific to this development can be conveniently located here. This approach also provides readers with an opportunity to comment specifically on the Attorney General’s response to Bent’s petition. A pdf file of the AG’s response can be downloaded at a link provided below.)
“The State disputes any contention that Petitioner’s memorandum and the record are ‘uncontested’ or that there is ‘overwhelming evidence’ that Petitioner is not a flight risk, is not a danger to society and has raised substantial non-frivolous questions in the appeal which could result in the reversal of the convictions.” -from State of New Mexico’s response to Wayne Bent’s petition for an appeal bond
1. News release from NM Attorney General (October 16, 2009)
2. NM AG’s response to Bent’s petition for appeal bond (pdf / 11 pages)
The first thing I noticed while reading the response from the Attorney General’s office is the sentence in it that says “This response is timely filed on or before October 19, 2009.”
Sounds like someday very soon the Supreme Court will make their decision on the Writ of Certiorari. Anybody want to haphazard a guess on what that decision will be?
After reading the rest of the response my guess is that they’ll deny the writ and he will have to wait in prison for the results of his appeal.
It’s like a game of chess, waiting for your opponent’s next move!
I believe if WB would repent his wrong-doing, and admit that what he has done is wrong and was the act of a person who is sick and in need of help, there would be a better chance of an earlier release.
But no, I think he will sit in prison for what he believes is right, creating his own misery and suffering.
There is no way in hades they are going to let him out with the way he is acting and the trouble he is creating.
He’s just shadow boxing and fighting laws that are not going to bend for him. I thought he’d learn this when he tried to test the boundary over food.
Flight risk
Bent’s latest actions and statements, taking a deliberate and vocal stand against being subjected to the rule of the state in regard to his sentence, do not support contentions by the defense that he would obey any potential "state" orders to remain within the jurisdiction (conditions of release during appeal) and therefore could probably easily be ruled by the court to be a flight risk. In the post-verdict discussions, prior to sentencing, the prosecution presented this argument:
At that point of the proceedings, the State’s argument was disregarded and Bent was permitted release for the several weeks prior to the sentencing hearing. After incarceration, had Bent been a model prisoner and had he not taken deliberate actions to demonstrate and maintain overtly that he does not intend to be compliant with any directions and rulings by the State of New Mexico, then the court now would be able to reasonably assume that conditions of release similar to those agreed to prior to sentencing would also be respected.
But, Bent’s own words from prison refute any possible defense arguments that he will again be compliant. The situation of Bent’s affinity with the South American group becomes relevant and the State will probably present that in these latest proceedings. This time such a concern would be more likely to be taken seriously, since Bent has declared so aggressively that he regards it "against his religion" to submit to any "subjugation" by the State.
—- Sam
So many many mistakes!
This case really could be quite a legal study with all the many mistakes made by the Defense. I could be wrong of course as I have no legal background but it seems that there was a Plea bargain offered. I am thinking that might have been as simple as admitting to the touching of the underage victims. I would think Wayne might have even been able to say it was for the purpose of “healing,” and thus kept with the special reasons that he used to care about.
Instead of course they wanted a trial where for me they lied about everything. He was not the true leader. He only touched the sternum even though his hand is large and would have touched the fleshy parts of the breast. His Defense was really a massive amount of lies in so many ways. Even the fact that Wayne was an indigent and needed a Court Appointed Attorney was a lie. As is now shown by the ability to be mounting an Appeal with a more high profile lawyer.
And of course the mistakes continue in prison with this ridiculous fast against the State and their imperfect trays. But drinking Ensure seems to be ok? One mistake after another and reading these Documents it certainly appears that the State is not taking this case lightly. Now more than ever they do need to even look at how Wayne could be a flight risk. He has shown a blatant disregard to the laws and the actions of the State of New Mexico. It seems the State will continue to play hard ball with Mr. Bent as they should and I would be quite surprised if he is released for an Appeal, and even more surprised if he is even granted an Appeal.
My personal opinion:
1. I don’t think he is a flight risk, but by his prison antics and statements he probably has destroyed his chances of that being granted.
2. His crime, while repugnant, is actually not a grave offense in relation to other more serious sex crimes and felonies. He didn’t rape the girls or even have sexual intercourse with them. This case is about inappropriate touching. It is deserving of punishment, but not an incarceration time of draconian proportions.
3. In regard to the nature of his crime, his 18 year (8 suspended) sentence is not appropriate. Compared to other criminal sentences in the state of New Mexico it is reasonable that he should have received, at the most, a house arrest sentence of 3 years. The additional multi-year requirements accompanying such a sentence, which include no contact with minors and extended tedious probation routines and procedures, would be a rather significant and sufficient punishment.
4. My hope for Wayne Bent is for the appeals court to direct a resentencing and that he will be able to serve the balance of his time under house arrest at his ranch home.
— Sam
What is most frustrating to me in this case, is that the sentence just does not match the crime. Oh I realize that there may be many other crimes here than what Wayne was prosecuted for and families have gone through hell and back perhaps because of his actions. But the crime at hand was really inappropriate touching of two minors, and for that he gets 18 years? Daily you can read about far more serious sex crimes that have received much more lenient sentences and some of those there was even rape involved.
It is too bad Wayne angered the State so much with his shenanigans, as it is the only way I can interpret what has happened to him with this very long imprisonment. I doubt if it will happen but it would be my wish that they would at least readdress the length of his sentence and after some time served be allowed to return home with perhaps an ankle monitor. Then maybe this ordeal would finally be at an end that would be satisfactory for everyone.
I also think the sentence was pretty long. But, he started his antics long before the sentencing. If I was the Judge (thank God I’m not one), after the constant letters, rants, fasts, other people fasting, the whole group fasting – all that before the trial even started, it would drive me insane!
I’m not saying it was the right sentence (although certainly within the law and the Judge’s discretion) but we’re only human (including Wayne Bent) and those kinds of things can really get your heart pumping!
He continued it through the trial and has kept it up since he was convicted. Their need for media coverage kept the craziness in the spotlight and I think that was a big mistake.
Esther’s fast probably was a big one in the issue of whether the community is safe with him being released. While her point was to get him released and then she would eat and be happy, I doubt the courts saw it in that light. Probably more in the light of “look how much control this guy has”? They don’t want more problems with him or SC and while they seem to be peaceful people, I’m sure in the back of people’s minds they are thinking of Jonestown, Heaven’s Gate, Waco, etc.
The way you get time off for good behavior in prison, or get released while appealing is by having good behavior. He might have had a few of those moments (who knows what goes on behind closed doors) but the ones that made the news were the bad behavior moments and unfortunately for him, those things stick in our minds.
On a little different subject, did anyone else notice in the safe room interviews (I think that’s where I heard it), that L.S. had at least 5 “healing” session with Bent? Did I hear/read that right or was I just dreaming?
I agree that if Wayne would forget all of the shenanigans, and try to be an ideal inmate, that perhaps he would be worthy of some real pity, and perhaps the state would think about addressing his case and situation once again. Lets not forget Wayne Bent and Strong City still has an agenda. Remember they said that it was “In The Bank”. They are still waiting for God to deliver their messiah, and so far this is not happening. But I have never known Wayne Bent to bow unless it was on his terms. This power behind his voice is having too much of a good time bouncing Wayne up and down like a puppet, and will take Wayne further on down this rabbit hole that he calls Michael Travesser. There has been too many loose lips in Strong City posting on the internet all through the years, bragging and promoting this message, and seriously, they planned and wanted this all to happen from day one, and now this wild ride has only just begun. If only they really knew who was running the ride. Regardless, nobody gets off the roller coaster until it docks back in the station, unless the guy at the controls doesn’t let them ever get off… Shaking your fist, demanding your way, and acting defiant at the powers that be have often proved to not work well for ones cause. Some people just have to learn the hard way, and be humbled. Wayne has had free reign for well over 20 plus years, and now he gets to see what he has created with his life, views, and actions. God is the great equalizer in the end, and everybody gets to see how He pans it all out for all of us to see and learn. Wayne will have to be broken, just like Jim Jones, David Koresh, and even just like he (Wayne) has told all those countless souls through the years that he has strung out on a string and left dangling for all to see. He will be broken, or he will die trying. I am afraid that Wayne Bent has a bit more to learn before he sees something positive happening for his situation. Strong City has some tough decisions yet before them to make, and yet if they choose to be brave and honest, there is a light waiting for them at the end of the tunnel, and healing will come.
Amen Johnny!
Well I doubt that Wayne is a flight risk unless it is being whisked off to heaven. I just cannot see him taking off and leaving all his flock behind and would they all follow? I just do not think so. But no question all these antics have to have negatively influenced the State of New Mexico. I think I said before that hopefully these people are knowing that they better begin to accept what God had decided for Mr. Bent and I doubt there will be any granting of an Appeal. Maybe he might want to begin working on that good behavior that KM spoke about.
I tried to listen to the Safe Room interview but could not hear it on my computer. But 5 healings for LS? That would not surprise me one bit.
October 19, 2009
Attorney John McCall Responds to the AG
Posted at strongcity.info
Yes indeed, he wrote a letter to the AG (and released to the media) and he filed a nearly 35 page response which is included! Already in the 2nd paragraph religious freedom has reared it’s head.
Interesting if you can get through 35 pages. And so far it’s typically been about what a model citizen Bent has been. Not surprisingly it discusses the 7 witnesses pouring out the plagues but I have seen no mention of the sexual encounters that accompanied the religious ceremonies or the religious dogmas of the LOR.
I guess we’ll wait and see if the Supreme Courts thinks Bent is a model citizen who will not endanger any of his community if any of the 9 docketing statements listed in Mr. McCall’s response are grounds for an appeal.
Buzz! Your move!
When they brought Jesus’ cross to him to carry to golgotha, he didn’t shake his fist at them and say “No, this is too heavy, bring me a lighter one with wood that’s not splintering.”
I hope that makes sense to WB and his people. WB has equated this ordeal with Jesus’ crucifixion, which is offensive to me. But since they think on those terms, I would suggest to SC to pass it on to WB that maybe if he just chilled out a little and stopped the tantrums, the state might take him seriously… who knows.
I’m wondering why they never ordered psychiatric care for WB or any kind of therapy for his predatory behavior.
Anonymous One said:
I’m wondering why they never ordered psychiatric care for WB or any kind of therapy for his predatory behavior.
We don’t know that they haven’t. As part of Wayne’s medical treatment, that is privileged information. We would only know if Wayne chose to reveal it, which to this point hasn’t happened.
The crime
Did the court look solely at the crime of inappropriate touching? Probably not. It is argued that it should have excluded everything else but that. And if so, it could be argued that the sentence was too long. I am no layer but this question seems obvious; how could the court avoid looking at the larger picture which the few charges listed were only a part of?
Here is a man who for a long time has taught himself and his followers to look at evil (mostly his own) as something else. As something other than evil. This is first, self abuse, and then when perpetrated on others in such a way that they cannot see evil for what it is either, it becomes mind control. It would require blindness to not see it.
One problem with looking at evil as not evil, is that soon you cannot see good as good. Soon you can’t see anything for what it is. And then all of reality becomes whatever you (or your leader/voice) say it is. In this state, your mind may seem to be working well, like say for adding or subtracting a column of figures for instance (computer like), but as for good judgment, you have none. It’s gone. But more to the point, you make sure your subordinates have none either. For such as this, which is the greater crime, the sentence was far too small. In the light of this crime, perpetrated on all at Strong City, in this man’s opinion, the court was very lenient.
I would hope that the judge did get to see the “big picture”, and his sentence reflects the judge’s understanding of how dangerous this man really is. While the judge has some leeway, he also has sentencing guidelines to follow. Giving Wayne house arrest is the same thing as a giving his followers a prison sentence.
David Mead said, “One problem with looking at evil as not evil, is that soon you cannot see good as good. Soon you can’t see anything for what it is. And then all of reality becomes whatever you (or your leader/voice) say it is.”
Well said. You know where you, Johnny and a host of other disgruntled ex LOR members stand.
Jesus was seen as an insane bastard criminal deserving to die for his “crimes” against the state. I have heard you, Johnny and others yelling the same things from this forum. The voice you follow will continue to lead you down a self-righteous road to perdition.
The decisions you made back at the split (and prior) are full bloom. The decisions that Johnny made when he left the land (and prior) are full bloom. It is obvious to the recording angels. You will listen to the voice(s) that you have set up in your own hearts.
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;” Ezekiel 14:4
“Ephraim (David Mead, Johnny Miller et al) is joined to idols: let him alone.” Hosea 4:17
Jesus didn’t ask the “state” to make his load lighter and that’s the point here. He faced his charges and took his punishment. WB has continually compared himself and his ordeal with the court to Jesus and his crucifixion which is absolutely absurd.
Jesus died for what he believed in, WB is just sitting in prison throwing tantrums over food trays. When you break the law, you don’t get to order up vegan specials and do I think he should get special treatment? NO. I knew someone who had food allergies in prison and did they get special concessions made for them? NO.
I am really irritated at the fact that WB thinks he should get special treatment because he’s a vegan messiah.
I used to think that maybe WB should get out of prison earlier but now with his constant rants and insane behavior I think he needs to be shipped to a psychiatric hospital for the rest of his sentence. He needs serious mental help. Obviously the courts feel that he’s a possible danger to other people or they would have released him on appeal. Afterall, the man thinks he’s fasting on ensure.
“Johnny and a host of other disgruntled ex LOR members” Are there more ex-members than members?
How many people have finally seen through Wayne’s BS?
Milton, please show me where anyone has said they want Wayne to die. That is a typical example of how you take something and twist it around to your way of thinking. I wonder where you learned that from. Wayne?
I’m not sure how far any of you have read of the 35 page bond appeal, but I found this ASTOUNDING!!! On page 11 it states that Jeff said about his dad:
‘Defendant believes that “God ordained earthly government and man’s laws to
keep order” . . . “I’ve never seen him put himself above the law.”’
WHA!?!?! Wayne says the exact opposite! He states in his post on the SC website:
‘As you know, we stand at the end of days, where people are warned to not take the mark of the beast… (Revelations 14:9,10)… Of course we are very familiar with the word “beast,” which in the Scriptures represents civil government.’
Milton, or anybody from SC, can you clarify how we are supposed to interpret these 2 statements as not opposing each other? Because as it stands it seems somebody is lying and it looks a lot like Jeff is giving lip service to get his father out of jail.
Casidi, They speak out of both sides of their mouths. And they think that the courts don’t read what they write on their blog. But, there are many court clerks especially in the higher courts and I’m sure that knowing how much they (WB and SC) all spew words of hatred toward the “beast” that someone is keeping tabs on what they write. Plus, Sam had everything up from the past for several months and will still make it available to anyone who asks to see it. I’m sure Judge Baca saw it, he isn’t like the jury who aren’t supposed to read, watch or listen to things pertaining to the case while they are jurors. Judges can read what they want and he had plenty of time to read what he felt like as well as all the letters sent directly to him. I don’t know him but I know other Judges and they know what goes on in their communities and if they don’t know, someone will tell them. I’m sure even the Warden and guards at the prison know how Bent feels about the “Beast”. He hasn’t exactly been quiet about it!
Milton, your scripture quote is interesting but I can turn it around and put different names than you did.
“Thus saith the Lord GOD; Every man of the house of Israel that setteth up his idols in his heart, and putteth the stumblingblock of his iniquity before his face, and cometh to the prophet; I the LORD will answer him that cometh according to the multitude of his idols;” Ezekiel 14:4
“Ephraim (Wayne Bent, Jeff Bent, Milton, Hanifa, et al) is joined to idols: let him alone.” Hosea 4:17
See, it’s not hard to change scripture to suit your own means. It’s not right (God forgive me for my example above) but the LOR seems to have decided that it’s their privilege to do so.
I prefer to meet God with a clean heart knowing that I have served Him and only HIm.
“Choose this day whom you will serve—
but as for me and my house, we will serve
the Lord.”
Bent’s gospel
Casidi did well in pointing out something rather interesting. It is particularly fascinating when you compare the statements from the “Appeal Bond” memorandum with a quote from the “gospel” book which Wayne wrote.
However, Jeff, evidently, hasn’t studied the gospel which Wayne authored:
Without concern for man’s law
Wayne could not have been more specific concerning where he “put himself’ in relation to the law. If the defense attorneys would like to have a copy of the entire Wayne Bent authored gospel, they can contact me as they did previously through the prosecutor’s office.
— Sam
And another quote, page 12, from Wayne in direct contrast to what he has said in the past and currently:
Wayne Bent, Direct Examination, May 26, 2009 Tr 20 (Exhibit 15). He was also
asked about whether God would tell him to disobey conditions of release:
Q. “If you’re (sic) released. If you’re (sic) released, if God were to suddenly tell you that you should go to South America, is that something that you would do under the circumstances? If you were on an appeal bond, would
you attempt to violate and say that God told you to do it?
A. No. God respects and has set up the laws of the State. And I’ve always used as an example with people: when Moses went to release the Israelites from Egypt, he didn’t do it – even though he had God’s command to do it, he didn’t do it without Pharaoh’s permission. And I believe I would have to have the State’s permission for what I do,
until they free me to just be on my own.
This is also in direct contrast to his “I cannot go against God’s instruction of me” statements all over his writings.
Ron, you said, “Milton please show me where anyone has said they want Wayne to die”. David Mead said, “For such as this, which is the greater crime, the sentence was far too small. In the light of this crime, perpetrated on all at Strong City, in this man’s opinion, the court was very lenient.”
Wayne touched a sternum with his hand. Another man who had repeated sexual penetrations with a minor was given house arrest on the same day as Wayne Bent got 10 years. Now David Mead is saying that his sentence was too light. I have nothing more to say.
Casidi, what Jeff said and what Michael Travesser said are in perfect harmony. People on this forum want it to sound like he is throwing a fit or a temper tantrum or want special treatment etc. None of the latter is true either.
We do not resist the beast, but we do know it for what it is and expose it for what it is. Jesus did not resist Pilate or Herod. Michael’s fast not done in resistance to the beast, but done to expose it.
Another Hurdle for Bent
Maren Tarro Tues Oct 20, 2009
http://alibi.com/index.php?story=29501&scn=blog
Just posted on line.
Jan
Come on, Milton. That is a far cry from wanting someone dead. If you cant even admit that you may have exaggerated in your statement, I guess I shouldn’t expect you to admit that your obsession with Wayne could be misguided, and that, God forbid, you may be wrong.
Folks, I’m trying something new here. Newest comments now appear at the top of comment section. Do you like this better than having to scroll to the bottom to read most recent comments?
I realize that the box for leaving a comment is still at the bottom. But do you feel having most recent comments appear at the top is an improvement?
Milton, I wasn’t speaking of his fast and what people have said about his fast, but rather his written words on the SC website in contrast to what he and Jeff stated in the appeal bond.
If God respects and has setup the laws of the state and ordained man’s laws, then how is it that the “beast” is the civil government and that it’s ok to not listen to man’s laws?
Right after what I first quoted about the “beast” being civil government he continues to write:
Here God warns that when a soul follows state law rather than the law of God, he worships the state. This person is identified then by a mark on his thinking, which always reverts to the interests of the state (beast) rather than to justice and truth. If these people with the mark of the beast on their forehead then put forth efforts to enforce the laws of the beast over the laws of God, they are pictured as having the mark of the beast upon their hands. In my own case, and in my own condemnation by the state, we could all see clearly that God’s commandments to our hearts were swept aside in favor of [b]state policy[b] and public perception.
If God ordained, respects and set up man’s laws how is it different than God’s laws? As you can see he also says “state policy”. If that is of the “beast” how can God respect and ordain it? Please explain.
Ok Mark I will jump in here and respond to your question about “having the new posts appear at the top rather than at the bottom?”
I personally do not have a major preference however it does seem that most people are conditioned to look at the bottom for the last post. And hopefully when they are scrolling down to post they will read some of the great posts along the way. You are unusually fortunate to actually draw a very interesting group of posters and I just would hate for anyone to miss a good one.
I do think that if you decide to keep it this way, we will all adapt. I find the little thumbs up and down very cool. Really all the posts should be a big thumbs up, at least in my opinion.
Putting posts in reverse order — that’s what it is, is just plain insanity. It immediately destroys the thread, because instead of a conversation, it becomes a series of disjointed posts. After literally years of people reading threads online (maybe you are looking for new people who have never used the internet) to attempt to orient viewers to a new way of reading… well, it’s just crazy.
Hey, I’ve got a great idea. Why not have the words in the sentences arranged in reverse?
.you for out work will that maybE
—Sam
Thanks Jan & Sam for your opinions. I thought I’d try this out after a couple of readers suggested it, sharing that they’d prefer this alternative over having to scroll down each time to read a comment.
This approach is (obviously) an option provided by WordPress. I’ve noticed that many news outlets, such as the Seattle Times, also put the newest comments at the top.
In the not-always-sophisticated vernacular of the news biz, this is putting the “freshest” content up front. For example, you would not put your oldest post (story) at the top of your blog and bury your newest story 10 pages deep in your blog/website.
It’s been my experience that I often find the comment sections pertaining to a news story even more interesting than the original story. So, I’m used to having to go 5 or 6 pages deep into the comments to “read them from the beginning,” then working my way up (page by page) toward the most recent comment(appearing at the top).
I’m not advocating either approach as I find them both simple to navigate. I am leaning towards the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach,” thereby returning to the approach I’ve historically taken here.
Let’s see if anyone else cares to weigh-in tonight.
I could not have phrased it better!
Hi Mark
I honestly do not care for the change. I still have to scroll down to find the first newest post anyway, and the thumbs are annoying :(
But I also want to say that we all appreciate you hosting this blog and allowing a conversation to continue here. Thank you!
WAYNE’S CROSS—DRINKING ENSURE
The followers of Wayne, the ensure drinking messiah ask us to compare his beverage with the cross of the Savior. They do this as if “without shame”, with the same forehead (face) as their messiah as described in Jeremiah 3:3.
Well, his particular beverage, it might be the same if the Savior had stopped in the middle of the road, began a protest and complained about his treatment. He might have said that it was just getting too uncomfortable, the cross and that He had to carry it and could they please come up with something less disgusting? And if not, he was not going to go along with it any more for it just wasn’t right, being against his conscience and all.
If the Savior had come up with a plan intended to look like His resolve had not been broken and yet satisfy the Romans at the same time, like Wayne is dong, then his followers would be correct.
By drinking Ensure, Wayne hopes to accomplish two things; look to his followers as though his considerable resolve was not broken, just as Jeff said it never would be and at the same time, he hopes the state will see him as somewhat more compliant now, not resisting unto death as previously advertised. And not needing those uncomfortable tubes.
While our man has been successful in the one area—drinking his beverage and thereby impressing Milton and Co., the state is not. While his followers intend to compare what he drinks to the cross of the Savior, the state sees it another way—it still has him incarcerated and it may adversely affect him getting what he wants from his appeal. Though he wanted the best of both worlds, he was only successful with part of the equation. I would call this a miscalculation, a serious one.
I do not like the comments at the top at all as it is most annoying when I want to comment on a post or quote a post it usually is the most recent and now I have to keep going all the way to the top of the page to find it. That is just nuts.
But I see that Milton was here today. I would really like him to try and explain how Wayne Bent is actually on a FAST while he is drinking this Ensure product which is obviously not fasting in the truest sense of the word. Do the Lorites support anything this man does no matter how crazy it is?
And speaking of crazy, I saw where his attorney said he was not, I disagree and believe that is the only thing that makes anything he has done in the last several years explainable. He has to be well on his way to some form of dementia.
Mark
To me personally it does not matter top or bottom I’m gonna read the material either way.Was a bit taken back by the thumbs as they are a bit over the top. I do however think that it gives us as readers a way to say we like or dislike what is being said by a person without cluttering up the thread with unneeded postings. No matter how you choose to format your blog and comments is not the issue, because that is up to you as the host. What is the issue here to me has not changed. That is, “is the news and postings worth my time to read?” That can be summed up very simply by saying “YES”. You have done a wonderful job keeping us informed so for that 2 thumbs way up.
Now back to the topic at hand I see a snowball having a better chance in H@#l than Wayne getting an appeal. At this point he need to be a good little boy and play nice by the rules.
Unless Jeff has heard something that we haven’t I believe his statement on their latest blog entry is incorrect.
He says “Now it appears the NM Supreme Court is going to give our petition a thorough review.”
The way I understand filing a Petition for Writ of Certiorari is that it is based on a brief summary of the facts, considering both the Defense attorney’s 35 page motion and the Attorney General’s response to that motion.
If the court thinks that further review is necessary, then they will grant a Writ, at which point they will perhaps go through the other 185 + exhibits and affidavits. But more likely their Law Clerks will research the statutes for Release on Appeal Bonds and the Court will decide if an appeal bond is justified.
Just granting a Writ does not mean Bent will be released from prison on bond. It just means they’ll look closer at his case.
If the Court agrees with the Attorney General’s Response that was filed last week, they will deny the Petition for a Writ and Bent will continue to wait in prison until his Appeal is decided. This particular Petition is just for the Appeal Bond.
If the Appeals Court rules against Bent, his attorney can file another Petition (more time and money) and the process will start again. Even if the Supreme Court were to grant a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari of his actual case (this would be a whole new Petition) and they were to rule that the sentence is inappropriate, they would send it back to the District Court for re-sentencing which will be another month or months of more of the same.
Either way, the process is long or as someone told WB, “The wheels of justice turn slowly.”
Not a fan of “newest first.” When given the option, I always click for the oldest posts first, as that provides continuity.
I usually go to the home page and use the “most recent comments” option on the right to go to the point which I had previously left off. If there are more than 10 new comments, I go to the oldest of the ten and scroll up.
Reasons why you would want newest comments first:
1. To discourage conversations (and encourage just a few isolated opinions)- example, for news stories in online newspapers which are not wanting extended conversations. (It stops the “I agree” and “I disagree” and the follow-ups to follow-up posts).
2. For reviews — of perhaps movies or recipes, again it’s for soliciting opinions which need to stand alone and not for reader responses to those reviews (stops “you’re-right-or-you’re-wrong” posts).
3. To solicit stand alone follow up (or complimentary) blog posts which are similar to the original post.
4. To discourage dialog, because often such conversational threads end up with name calling and off topic insults, requiring intense moderating.
———
Example of how it’s done, if you have a sophisticated readership: look at the New York Times comments, which are only permitted on selected articles. Every thread is always “latest last,” enabling some remarkable conversations (sometimes 400 or more posts) and followups to other reader’s observations.
— Sam
Okay, seems to me that the vast majority of readers here like the oldest comments appearing at the top. So, the comments now appear in chronological order (oldest to newest), just as they have in the past.
As for the “thumbs”…WordPress has this option for rating comments. When I opted for allowing people to rate comments earlier today, I was a bit surprised to see this feature displayed as thumbs up/down (I had suspected the rating would be done with stars). I agree with CSC’s remark in a previous comment; the thumbs do seem a bit over the top. Still, several people have rated comments today/tonight, and this seems to be a way to make the blog a bit more interactive. So, I think we’ll leave the thumbs up.
Thank you, everyone, for your feedback!
Ron, if someone wants to kill another persons ability to speak what is given them from God or kill their ability to do what God has given them to do then they have effectively killed them. This is what I hear continually from this forum and it is getting stronger all the time. It is like a feeding frenzy. Kill the wretch’s testimony who claims to be Messiah is the thrust that the angels of heaven record.
How often have I heard it said here sayings like, “Michael is a “self-proclaimed” messiah. Michael is a lunatic messiah. Michael is a fast breaking ensure drinking messiah. Michael is a child molesting messiah. Michael is a messiah with dementia. Michael is a messiah that needs psychiatric care. Michael is a messiah that does not believe his own words. etc. etc.” These types of words “kill” his testimony that is true and faithful IN those who write it and in those who read it and swallow the lie. The state has just done as you directed it to do and in accordance with your desires. You have created the beast that kills freedom of religion. You have little concept of what you are doing or the final results.
David Mead, Johnny and others like them on the other hand know what they are doing. That is why they can be so fluent in their self-righteous hatred of God’s ways. They have seen what God has done and have rejected it. What they once sang praises to God for, they now deny. They see as a curse, what they once loved. I know from personal experience this to be true of them both, but more for Johnny than David. Johnny has more to answer to God for than David.
We are such creatures of habit! It’s like putting your shoes on.
Do you put your right shoe on first or your left? (This is not a real question, just an illustration – but I’ll bet several people answer it).
Me, I don’t put shoes on – when I do my dogs think we’re going for a walk and start tearing around the house and howling. So, I’ve become a barbarian and I save a lot of money on shoes and socks!
Mark, either way, it’s your blog and I appreciate you allowing us to comment on it. My thumb up is for you! ;)
Milton, death is death, BS is BS!
But, Milton, according to Wayne’s most recent remarks, “Wayne Bent” is not the messiah is he?
On the witness stand he denied that he had any special role, no more than just any believer in God. “We all are messiahs,” he said, and that he “isn’t any different from all true followers of God.” And after the trial in a posted statement, which he said he had intended to present at the sentencing, but didn’t have the time, he reiterated how he was just perplexed that the media and others were going on about him being the messiah, when he was just a believer and made no claim to being any more of a messiah than all of the other believers.
So, if anyone “killed” the concept of messiah in Wayne, something we have the undeniable written record that he actually did claim… (I could post all the quotes from Wayne, both claiming and denying, but repeating them here is not necessary), it was Wayne himself. Like Simon Peter, denying Jesus three times before the cock crowed, Wayne has recently, many times, denied that he is any sort of special messiah.
Wayne has done a very good job, “killing” his own messiah position… he hasn’t needed any help from the few sideline kibitzers who post here.
— Sam
What is the appropriate sentence for the crimes committed in this case? 18 days or 18 years? Should we feel bad for a criminal that receives a long sentence? Um…what’s the reason for the sentence? Oh yeah, he was convicted of a crime!!! Instead of thinking Wayne’s sentence was drastic perhaps we should be thinking that the 10 day sentence (of the other man who was sentenced around the same time) was too drastic!!! Maybe we should move our thinking the other direction—longer sentences, no probation. Why is it necessary to think that because this is a sex crime that a lengthy sentence is not warranted? Perhaps, the sentence also contained a message: Don’t commit the crime if you can’t do the time. So what that is wasn’t murder, rape, tax fraud or what other “hard” crime you want throw in there? If sentencing guidelines are also a deterrent, then this case is a real poster board.
After rereading the thirty-five page response by Attorney McCall I would think there would be areas of concern by the State, to even consider bond.
Jeff says:
But Jeff he has put himself above the law or he would not be in this predicament in the first place.
When Wayne was asked if God wanted him to disobey his conditions upon release, would he?.
Wayne responds:
Why would Wayne’s God now respect the laws of the State when he clearly did not before?
When asked if he were to perform a religious healing while released.
Wayne says:
But he performed a religious healing on the Sayer girls based on the fact that they trusted Wayne, not on a permission granted in an open discussion regarding a naked healing session. So why now would Wayne comply with any higher State power, especially when he condemns the State as the beast every chance he gets.
I also find it interesting how much they dwell on how Judge Baca’s schedule dictated the abbreviated trial as to witnesses being called by the Defense. One could just as easily argue that the Prosecution was limited as to who they could call, with Prudence Welch and Johnny Miller not called, and certainly if they had gone the religious route any testimony regarding document retrieval by Sam Redman with all of Wayne’s writings that had been scrubbed off of the Internet would not have helped the Defense one bit. I think the Defense should be glad the trial was shortened because if I remember that one juror who posted here was blown away by all that she did not know. There just is no way that would have helped Wayne Bent.
The long discussion of what constitutes the female breast and how that might have impacted the verdict was fascinating. It has always been the one area that I have wondered about, in that perhaps this case might tighten up that issue if there is any vagueness regarding what part is intimate. I suppose it might be the one point in all those thirty-some pages that might offer Wayne some hope on Appeal. But most people that have studied this case and legally are far wiser than I, seem to not think he has a prayer. I guess time will tell.
Jan
The scriptures state in Matt. 10:33, “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”Yes Milton, these are most solumn words spoken by Christ Jesus Himself, speaking about Himself and His heavenly Father. All scripture and prophecy point to Jesus as the Son of God, the Lamb of God, the Messiah of all the Ages. It is on Him that all professed Christiandom point depend, believe and hope on, and there is no other name under Heaven, except for Jesus of Nazareth, who now sits on the right Hand of the Father. Jesus does not need the help of any other messiahs. His death on the cross was the only plan from the Throne of God that was acceptable to the Father to redeem fallen man. God did not ever, not once in the great scope of history,through scripture, ever say He needed a mortal man of sin to go to a literal bed with any amount of women to finish, consumate, and perfect the work of Christ Jesus. If this was the case, then there would have been other notable cases of men who have attempted to do this very same act in times past. Remember there is nothing new under the sun. I imagine there has been those who have tried it in times past, but God nipped it in the bud… PERIOD. These men were discovered to be wrong, and woe to those who encouraged these men to continue in these deceptions. These prophecies used by Mr. Bent were not meant to be used to ever point to Mr. Bent. They pointed to Jesus alone. I put my trust and eternal destiny in Christ Jesus, and not Wayne Bent. In the beginning of my walk with Wayne, he was in my opinion what I needed as a pastor, a shepard, a fellow believer in Jesus, and an true examble of a sincere Christian. I delighted to call him brother, and submitted to his councils as a leader in this church which I loved dearly. But in the year 2000, he changed, and took the glory unto himself. He made himself equal with the Christ, and took all the scriptures pointing to Christ Jesus, and said that they also applied to himself, Wayne Bent, and he said that men needed to believe in him, in order to be saved from sin. For several years after 2000, I watched and listened to Wayne to see where he was going with this. I prayed for him, hoping that if he was indeed who he said he was, that God Himself would manifest it somehow in a way that all men would see and acknowledge the fact. There has always been SILENCE from the true Godhead to point to Wayne. The God of Israel uttered not one word in proof or approval of Mr. Bent. Wayne was warned to not do these things from many in and out of the LOR. He continued in his self sent deceptive ministry. Still I waited for anything, because I wanted to believe, but God would not allow that special place that was in my heart, that place that was reserved for Him alone to be molested by any mortal man. This was God’s work and responsibility, and He was faithful to keep me safe. You see, I was special to God as well, as is every soul who trusts in Him. God allowed me to experience the final straw which then caused me to remove myself from the lie. That being the underage girls, and Wayne entering into known sin. God established the laws of the land to protect all men. It was enough, and I acted accordingly, and left the LOR. Yes Milton, I will answer to God for all the truth that I have accepted through out the years of my life, and I will be able to stand in that final day because I will not deny my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. He is not ashamed to even call me brother, and I am not ashamed to call Him my God. I fear for the soul of Wayne Bent and also for those who cling to him for salvation. Yes, all Christians are messiah types, as the name Christian implies. We are to be Christlike, and fortunately that Judgement is left unto God alone. We have all on this forum seen how certain men love to judge their fellow men, as if they have the direct ear of God and Angels. Talk about thinking one has the choice seats in heaven, in that men believe that they can judge as God judges. Judge not, except you be judged with your own judgement is the warning from the scriptures. I commit my old friend Wayne Bent to the buffeting of Satan, and to the State of New Mexico’s Penal system, and his soul I leave with God alone. Surely Milton, you have something else better to do than to go around nipping at my and Davids heels like a little yapping dog with it’s tail between it’s legs. If you are so right, post why you believe Wayne over Jesus. Give real evidences that will convict our faulted faith in Jesus alone. Why do you believe in Wayne Bent? Remember I sat in on everything that you ever sat in on, plus more in some ways. I missed the last three years. Perhaps you have what I need. This is more than a faith issue. Our Faith must be backed up with proof from on High. I can back my case, no problem, now back yours. I shared my heart, now share yours. And don’t give me the Sign of Jonah excuse. Its a cop out. What makes Michael Travesser’s Song of Solomon ministry better than those who attempted to use it in the past, (and failed), as there has been many professed “Michaels” throughout history, even present age history. David Koresh called himself “Michael” as well. Why did Jesus need somebody to come in and finish mopping up?
I apologize that my last post was a bit off subject, but I was publicly pointed out and attacked by a fellow poster. He needs to jusify his personal attacts against his fellow posters. This, in my opinion is wrong, and I seriously should not have to subject myself to these attacks. I want to know why Mr. Bernheisel, and some others from Strong City treats this forum and it’s posters in this way? I don’t know what else I can do. I believe my views as I express on this forum are not opressive in any way. My opinions are my opinions, and I base my accounts on personal knowledge of the facts expressed on this forum as a eye witness to the events covered. This forum is not a battle ground. Forgive me if I am wrong for sharing my heart and views. Dispite the fact thaat I disagree with issues presented by some, still that should put each and all of us in positions to show equal respect for these matters, even to the point of respecting Wayne Bent. I am tired of the sucker punches, even to the point of wanting to leave this forum, unless something changes soon.
Johnny, It would seem that you are with the Majority here in what you say. I for one welcome your personal thoughts as you were there and have much to share. Who better than you to help us understand all of this? Please do not take any attacks as personal. Just shrug it off and consider the source.