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US Gov. Terror Continues
The U.S. District Court in Camden saw
another round in the battle to keep alive the almost-extinct Bill of
Rights. It was a cold and frosty morning in Camden. Federal Judge Ireanas
called for a meeting in his chambers when Deputies Atty General of NJ Harris
& (unidentified), Ed Barocas, Esq-NJ ACLU and John Saykanic assembled
for the hearing. The intent was to find out from the 3-Judge Resentencing
Panel of the Intensive Supervision Program (ISP) whether they would be willing
to give the go-ahead by telephone, to allow Mr Ed. Forchion www.njweedman.com to return and complete his ISP program. If they refused
then Judge Ireanas would generate an "injunction to that effect". All seemed
straightforward and hopeful!!!
Meanwhile, in the courtroom Mr Forchion's
mother, three journalists, Steve Fenichel & myself waited expectantly
for the word. Four hours later the suits assembled in the courtroom
with the decision that the 3-judge panel had denied the request. The
Hearing began!
Ed Barocas, ESQ-NJ ACLU responded
to the NJ State claim that the Federal Judge had no right to deliver an injunction.
Barocas argued skillfully that Mr Forchion's removal from ISP was based
on his use of his First Amendment Right of Freedom of Speech. He spoke
with reporters about legalizing marijuana and ending the war on drugs.
Much dialogue ensued with the Judge
posing hypothetical questions regarding Free Speech. He said he visited Mr
Forchion's website and downloaded the information and did not see where he
was actually advocating the use of marijuana. He even said that
he noted that there was a rallying cry for people to be present at his hearing
on Dec. 31st and not one person showed up. He asked how many people were influenced
by the site.
In the end Judge Ireanas strayed
from the pathway of justice & compassion. He said he would have
to think about the issue and needed more time. The Judge also requested a
copy of the Dec. 4th resentencing transcript which is in the possession of
Mr Harvey Goldstein- Director of ISP. Mr Saykanic had tried to optain
a copy but was unsuccessful since the original tape is with Mr Goldstein.
He would come up with a decision in a few days!! Meanwhile, Janice Forchion
and their children and almost at breaking point. There is much disruption
and despair in the household. Mr Forchion was returned to Burlington
County Prison.
On Wednesday, January 29th yet another
Hearing in Flemington, NJ in front of the 3-judge panel. Last week
the ISP officers and Frochion's atty agreed to drop the suit against ISP in
return for being returned to the program. Forchion had heavy pressure applied
by his 2 attorneys as well as family members to accept this "deal". But the
worm made another turn when the 3 judges refused to accept this agreement.
Now he faces these people again.
His mother and wife cannot take any more time off work to be present.
They are true victims of this unconscionable war that our government is waging
against the poor and non-whites in the U.S. and against the people of Colombia,
Bolivia, Peru, Mexico and Ecuador......Hail to the Emperor!
Georgina Shanley |