Tawana Brawley begins making payments 26 years after rape report

[The Straight Story]

Tawana Brawley begins making payments 26 years after rape report


NEW YORK (AP) -- A black woman who set off a racial firestorm as a teenager after alleging she was raped by a group of white men in 1987 has begun making defamation payments to one of them.

Tawana Brawley has paid just over $3,700 to former county prosecutor Steven Pagones, the New York Post reported (http://bit.ly/14USZiy). Pagones won a claim against her and her advisers, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, after he was named as an attacker.

Brawley, then 15 and living in Wappingers Falls, claimed she had been sexually assaulted by white men who smeared her with feces and scrawled racial epithets on her body.

The case quickly made headlines and drew the attention of Sharpton, who became an outspoken advocate for the teen.

A special state grand jury later determined that Brawley had fabricated her claims, perhaps to avoid punishment for staying out late.

Pagones sued Brawley for defamation and won a $185,000 judgment. She now owes him more than $400,000 with interest.

Brawley lives in Virginia and works as a nurse. The Post reported her location in December, and Pagones then filed papers to have her wages garnished for the payments owed him.

http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_23793807/tawana-brawley-begins-making-payments-26-years-after

[blueknight]

1. and this

is why a lot of white people HATE rev al. he was all in on this farce from the beginning

[dlwickham]

2. not sure if it's just white people

farce is a kind way of describing the fraud they both committed

[msanthrope]

3. This is why the Rev. would not get elected dogcatcher in the city of New York.

I would not say the Rev. Al deserves hate....but he certainly deserves scorn for this stunt, and for taking money from the Republicans to run against John Kerry....


http://www.villagevoice.com/2004-01-27/news/sleeping-with-the-gop/

[msanthrope]

5. Bought and paid for by the man who fomented the Brooks Brother's riot. nt

[msanthrope]

7. I didn't think you were. But that 2004 campaign was a living, breathing

example of ratfucking.

[msanthrope]

14. I think Kerry would have been just fine, but you are right about the repsonse to the swiftboating.

Kerry should have unleashed the long knives on that shit and shut it the fuck down, day one.

[KittyWampus]

49. Kerry did most certainly respond to the Swiftboaters. The Media chose to ignore him. This has been

established many times on DU. It's very sad that people still allow this to be spread as truthful.

[X_Digger]

9. A gadfly can be useful.

Especially if it makes others address hard topics they'd rather pretend didn't exist.

[CBGLuthier]

249. No, This is the EXCUSE a lot of WHITE people have for hating Rev. Sharpton.

They hate him because they are bigots who hate any black man they see as a threat, i.e. ALL of them.

[leftynyc]

268. BULLSHIT

Unless you were in NYC at the time and watched the clown Al actively try to tear our city apart over a lie, I will not be called a bigot by somebody ignorant of what is was like.

[Fla Dem]

257. He should probably help her pay. n/t

[rdharma]

10. I would question the OP's motive for bringing up this subject ......

But it's pretty plain for all to see!

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

12. Yep,

obvious RW troll is obvious.

[rdharma]

16. Exactly!

I'm relatively new here. But it "doesn't take a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows"!

[Agschmid]

19. And which way is the wind blowing on this one?

Please enlighten us...

[rdharma]

22. If you feel the need to post that question,.......

Then you already know the answer!

[Agschmid]

28. What a waste.

[Agschmid]

33. I can't.

[rdharma]

34. I'm new here..... but......

[Agschmid]

40. But what...

Have a point share it. Ellipses and smilies get you nowhere. Why is okay for you two to callous this person?

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

24. I'm NOT new here and I can tell you the OP has done this (and little else)

for the entire 9 years he's been here. Apparently we just have to look the other way, and play dumb when the OP, and a handful of other long time multi post members use this board to spread their bullshit.

[Agschmid]

36. And in the 9 years you haven't figured out

This kind of call out is not appreciated by the community?

All we are doing is kicking this thread giving it more visibility that it ever would have gotten.

[Moses2SandyKoufax]

42. Sometimes people need to be made aware of certain things.

They need to look beyond post counts and tenure. This is why META was so valuable.

[Agschmid]

45. META is gone. META was a call out paradise.

I don't run the website but obviously it was taken away for a reason and DU is still here. I for one do NOT miss it.

[Warren DeMontague]

46. "This is why META was so valuable"

[Agschmid]

47. Here is some META for you...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3404097
Author: Moses2SandyKoufax
Subject = The wind is blowing in the direction of the OP being a libertarian troll, and shill for

Alerter comments: You cannot call out people for being a troll on DU3.

Juror #1 voted to HIDE IT and said: Personal attacks do nothing to advance a civil or productive conversation. Use ignore, trash thread, or just pass on by - but spewing insults is just disruptive noise.
Juror #2 voted to HIDE IT and said: You apparently CAN call out DUers for being trolls,but some jury members may not agree with you.I'm one of them,I'm sick of poster using "paid troll,shill, authoritarian"etc. as a weapon of choice in the word wars.If you can't argue your case without throwing suspicion on other,you can't argue your case.

Juror #3 voted to HIDE IT and said: I know nothing of the poster in question, but regardless this is a personal attack and against DU rules.
Juror #4 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE and said: Are you kidding? Calling people trolls, shills, Groupies, Swooners, Dirty Tricks Operators, Military Intelligence Cabalists, etc., IS the community standard on DU.
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT and said: Moses2SandyKoufax does not play well with others.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT and said: Nasty

[Pelican]

243. It's a news story...

It happened... Sticking your fingers in your ears and doing the equivalent of lalalala doesn't make it not happen.

Why not talk about it?

[dkf]

48. Yes you must be new or you would know the SS posts about everything under the sun.

Ridiculous.

[Agschmid]

20. -1

Unfair callout IMO.

[rdharma]

23. Oh? Why is that? nt

[Agschmid]

26. People should not be called trolls.

Do you know anything about that poster?

[rdharma]

29. Who said anything about "trolls"?

What would make you think THAT?

[Agschmid]

32. You realize I replied to this post...

4:38 PM
Moses2SandyKoufax
12. Yep,
obvious RW troll is obvious.
Reply
Alert SP

And the OP is NOT a troll. Far from it.

Can't wait to see which smiley you choose next it is so hard to keep up...

[NYC_SKP]

61. You did, that's who. You gave a thumbsup to a now hidden post calling the OP a troll.

This is the hidden post:

31. The wind is blowing in the direction of the OP being a libertarian troll, and shill for

big tobacco who scours online toilets like "the daily caller", and "the blaze", along with other dark, putrid corners of the RW blogosphere in order to post obvious flame-bait on this message board.

And your reply to that post:

rdharma (3,448 posts)
34. I'm new here..... but......

And then you posted this:

rdharma (3,448 posts)
29. Who said anything about "trolls"?

What would make you think THAT?

[Squinch]

209. As usual.

[backscatter712]

82. Yep. His concern is noted. n/t

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

224. And he's/she's speaking for "all white people" to demonstrate their disdain for Al Sharpton.

Does he/she really speak for white people? Hmm....

[HiPointDem]

11. i think this is wrong. she was 15 at the time. i don't think such big judgments against teens

(especially for something like defamation) are useful or appropriate.

[GiaGiovanni]

13. She was a minor?

That's not right.

The adults who manipulated her should be paying.

[HiPointDem]

35. i agree, if anyone should be paying restitution, it should be the adults involved.

[Jenoch]

232. Sharpton and her lawyers did pay restituion for the defamation.

Apparently, she could still get out of making these payments if she would simply come clean about the lies she told about this incident.

[msanthrope]

55. She was not a minor when she didn't show up for trial. You see, she didn't bother to show

up to the defamation case, so tell me why she should not be held accountable for her default?

[GiaGiovanni]

58. Like I said, I'm not terribly familiar with the chronology

I didn't realize she was a minor when she made the accusation, but not a minor when she showed up for court.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

18. She kept repeating that the man was a rapist 10+ years later.

She has never apologized for what she did to him, or the other men.

[HiPointDem]

38. i don't care. she was 15 when it happened, a minor. she should not be having to pay $185K,

let alone $400K. It's ridiculous. Pagones has already collected over a quarter of a million dollars for 'damages' (that he sued for 11 years after the fact) & tawana brawley's name is the punchline to a joke.

Pagones' name would have *never* become part of the circus but for the *adults* who got involved. Brawley was just a dumb kid.

meanwhile, al sharpton is a well-paid pundit & a supposed 'leader of the black community'.

enough already.


When civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, with attorneys Alton H. Maddox and C. Vernon Mason, began handling Brawley's publicity, the case quickly took on an explosive edge. At the height of the controversy in June 1988, a poll showed a gap of 34 percentage points between blacks (51%) and whites (85%) on the question of whether she was lying.[10]

Sharpton, Maddox, and Mason generated a national media sensation. The three claimed officials all the way up to the state government were trying to cover up defendants in the case because they were white. Specifically, they named Steven Pagones, an Assistant District Attorney in Dutchess County, as one of the rapists, and a racist, among other accusations.[11]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tawana_Brawley

[msanthrope]

54. She was NOT A MINOR when the defamation trial took place. She didn't show up for it. She lost by

default, a decision she made as an ADULT. You are incorrect.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

67. Please understand

when she was a grown up woman, she said some terrible things about an innocent man. She would have been wise to let it drop because she'd already inflicted damage to him.

The former New York prosecutor Steven Pagones, wants a confession from Brawley and has said he would drop it if she confessed.

Someone is making payments to Pagones and I don't think Brawley could do it on her salary.

Someone is trying to keep her from confessing as to who was behind this terrible story.

I have empathy for people who are falsely accused, just because someone wants to become famous/rich. I always try to put myself in their shoes.

[tammywammy]

76. They're garnishing from her paycheck. n/t

[Boudica the Lyoness]

108. Yes. I took that into consideration.

I was thinking if they are taking so much of her paycheck, then how is she able to live on what is left? You need every penny of a LPN's salary in order to live.

The garnishment can't be hurting her or else she would confess. That's why I believe someone who wants to keep his job, doesn't want her to tell the truth.

Follow the money.

[HiPointDem]

99. tawana brawley didn't lie about what happened to become famous or rich, but to avoid being

punished by her family for not coming home for days.

from there, it snowballed, but not because of brawley.

[Boudica the Lyoness]

105. I didn't mean Brawley

I meant Al Sharpton. I should have been clearer. Brawley just wanted to keep out of trouble.

[HiPointDem]

111. yet sharpton only had to pay $65K. and johnny cochran paid it for him.

[Historic NY]

104. Sharpton, Maddox, and Mason had a sugar daddy pay for them...........

they came into the local communites here and whipped a frenezy. Tawana had he opportunity to testify and she never did. In fact she never cooperated at all with the investigation .

One has to ask why Johnnie Cochran & Earl Graves paid for all except her?

I live in the area and its still a sore subject with all.

[ceonupe]

137. Cochran wanted nothing to do with this once

The truth came out.

He was conned by rev al

He paid a complete settlement as well as the other lawyer.

And Cochran and Al never were on good terms after no matter how much al wants to act like it now.

This case actually push rev al down a lot and only in the last 10 years or so has he been able to gain some level of credibility and then the duke lacross scandal happened and it was right back to Tawanna case references.

Al also lost good ties with lots of other black legal eagles including Willie Gary and even Julia chambers rebuffed him many times.

[GiaGiovanni]

41. I'm not totally familiar with the circumstances

Too long ago. It was a made up story for certain?

[msanthrope]

59. Yes. Completely bogus. nt

[GiaGiovanni]

63. How did they establish that?

Lie detector?

[tammywammy]

68. The grand jury did, there was no evidence of what she said happened

http://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/07/nyregion/brawley-made-up-story-of-assault-grand-jury-finds.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

[GiaGiovanni]

75. That's seems pretty thorough

Thanks

[YarnAddict]

70. The guy who committed suicide

had an iron-clad alibi. there is no question that this was all false. A set-up. A stunt.

[GiaGiovanni]

78. I saw the suicide mentioned in the NYTimes article

Crist was the accused?

[YarnAddict]

92. Yes,

he committed suicide, due to circumstances totally unrelated to this case. IIRC, Pagones was a good friend of his, and when he stuck up for Crist, Brawley went after him. My memory may be a bit faulty, because it's been a loooooooooooong time.

Anyway, when something like this happens, it is a tragedy, largely because it makes women with valid claims of rape or abuse subject to skepticism, IMHO.

[dkf]

115. How can they know it was completely unrelated?

Wouldn't being accused of a rape add some kind of stress to an already stressed life? Maybe it was the final straw?

[YarnAddict]

126. Findings of the grand jury.

http://www.nytimes.com/1988/10/07/nyregion/we-the-grand-jury-text-of-its-conclusions-in-the-tawana-brawley-case.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm

The GJ found that there was no connection. You bring up a valid point. Not sure how the chronology goes, and whether he even knew anything about TB before he died.

[dkf]

128. Yes I read that but am skeptical unless he knew nothing about being accused.

[tammywammy]

170. His suicide note...

The grand jury starts discussing Officer Crist on page 77: http://www.nicolederise.com/tawanabrawleyarchive/archive/files/report-of-the-grand-jury-and-related-documents-concerning-the-tawana-brawley-investigation_759acb9193.pdf

[Dr. Strange]

98. One of the accused.

After Pagones said that Crist couldn't have been involved because he was with Pagones on one of the nights that Brawley was being assaulted, Maddox, Mason, and Sharpton decided that Pagones was also one of the rapists, which is how he became another of the accused.

[msanthrope]

71. There was no evidence of assault by another person--here's the grand jury report. It's an eye opener

on the Rev. Al and his machinations....

http://www.nicolederise.com/tawanabrawleyarchive/items/show/12

[HiPointDem]

101. the defamation suit was about the events of 1987.

In 1998, a jury in Dutchess County decided that Mr. Maddox, the Rev. Al Sharpton, C. Vernon Mason and Ms. Brawley had defamed Mr. Pagones by wrongly accusing him of being one of a group of men who abducted and raped Ms. Brawley over several days in 1987.

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/07/nyregion/adviser-in-tawana-brawley-case-pays-off-defamation-award.html

[kestrel91316]

117. Well, then, I guess I have to agree with this. But I think she's messed up in the head.

[msanthrope]

52. She was NOT A MINOR when the defamation trial took place. She didn't show up for it. She lost by

default. She should be responsible for her actions as an adult....

[boston bean]

83. I have seen some info that he sued in 1988.

She was 15 in 87.

Can you point me to the link that she was an adult during the defamation trial?

I must not be looking in the right places....

[Dr. Strange]

89. The trial was in 1998.

http://www.nycourts.gov/press/old_keep/brawley.htm

[boston bean]

100. Then what gives here, with this argument.

Did she turn 17 before the defamation trial ended?

I'm curious, cause I can't find the info that poster, seems to very strongly, state with authority.

[Dr. Strange]

107. She was 15 in 1987.

Pagones' civil suit was brought in 97-98, so she was around 25 at the time of that trial.

The curious thing is the case only seemed to be brought against Maddox, Mason, and Sharpton. So I'm not sure how she got hit with that judgment. Maybe because Maddox, Mason, and Sharpton were relying on testimony from Brawley, and she then refused to show up and provide that testimony, the judge held her responsible as well?

[boston bean]

110. oh, I'm just being dyslexic. I was reading it 88.

thank you.

to me this seems unjust. she was a minor when the incident took place. were sharpton and the others turning on her in theirr defense?

this whole thing was so long ago.

[Dr. Strange]

114. Wait...

if you were being dyslexic, wouldn't 88 still be 88?



I don't think they were turning on her. She just told the judge in that case that she wouldn't show up because "an appearance in the court, 'which inferentially sympathizes with the Confederate States of America, would be contrary to the US Constitution and would amount to a "badge of slavery." ' "

Judges don't go for that.

[boston bean]

121. LOL, i can be a dufus sometimes, almost read it wrong again!!!

[treestar]

200. She should have fought it

I can still remember my torts professors writing on the board "kids and insanes are liable for their torts" and repeating it over and over, since it goes against the grain.

But most kids are judgment proof - she's starting out her adult life worse off than people with huge college loans - she should have fought the cases rather than just let them go to default, but maybe she had her reasons.

[msanthrope]

205. She should have gotten Johnny Cochran to pay it. He paid for Al. nt

[treestar]

206. Or get him to defend her!

In fact, I wonder how there was no one willing to take it on. With a notorious case, there is usually some lawyer willing.

[msanthrope]

212. I think she knew Pagones had her and her mother dead to rights. It was a hoax from the start, but

she didn't do it alone--her mother helped.

[treestar]

214. Yeah, though that might have been in her favor

her mother helping. And she could have argued the Plaintiff's damages were not so high.

[msanthrope]

218. She's living with her mother and stepfather--no way she sells them out. nt

[treestar]

219. Wiki says her excuse might have been that

her stepfather beat her when she was late before, or went out, and her mother was helping her so as to avoid a beating from the stepfather.

Now whether that could have been credible in court is another question.

[msanthrope]

226. But I think a lighbulb went on in Glenda Brawley's head---how to make money off of this.

And I think it escalated out of control.

[tammywammy]

227. "We should be millionaires."

"How could we make this up and take down the state of New York? We're just regular people," Glenda Brawley said to her husband. "We should be millionaires."


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/20-years-tawana-brawley-turned-back-article-1.258639#ixzz2b3ndFeCl

[msanthrope]

229. Indeed. From all the money that rolled in, you have to wonder where it went. nt

[Jenoch]

228. That may have been her excuse

as a teenager. It certainly did not fly as an excuse for her as an adult.

[treestar]

234. No. Since she hasn't said that as an adult

It was either not true or she is still sticking by Glenda.

[branford]

207. Under the circumstances, did she have any chance of prevailing at trial.

Also, a trial would have been very expensive and a jury could have awarded an even larger verdict than that directed by the court in the default. It would also have garnered even more media attention, and Tawana would have been required to give testimony both at deposition and trial. Fifth amendment issues might have been at play. A default might have been the "least worst" option. I do not know what I would have counseled had she been my client.

BTW, my torts professor was similarly insistent. Good times.

[treestar]

253. That is all possible, too.

Proving up a default - no chance to emotionally sway the jury and thus likely lower damages.

[kestrel91316]

116. Agreed. I don't know how a stupid, immature girl could be found personally financially

liable for anything, let alone pursued over it, like Jean Valjean, for the rest of her life.

[msanthrope]

179. Because she failed to show up for court when she was 25. nt

[hack89]

183. Because stupid and immature people are still responsible for their words and actions? nt

[Jenoch]

15. I wonder if this guy

ever got any money from Sharpton?

The story says he won a judgement against Sharpton as well as Brawley.

[msanthrope]

261. Yes--Johnnie Cochran paid it for him. nt

[Jenoch]

266. Yeah, I read that later after I wrote that post.

I am in agreement that Sharpton should help Brawley pay the judgment. Better yet, she should come clean and then the judgment will not be enforced.

[rdharma]

17. Why the emphasis on this story?

Oh..... I wonder why!

PS - Note the socks!

[tammywammy]

27. The Straight Story posts lots of threads

On the front page of GD:

Ohio killer set for execution found hanged in cell
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023403171

(Story update) Morocco king revokes paedophile's pardon
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023403969

U.S. instructs 19 diplomatic posts around the world to remain closed throughout next week
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023403867

Distant relative of Amelia Earhart plans two-week flight around the world
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023403826

[NYC_SKP]

50. Exactly.

Not sure why people like to make trouble for him, he posts a lot of stories of all sorts.

[boston bean]

87. I'll agree he post a lot of links. I noted to him one day when he posted about 30 of them in an hour

in GD.

[blueknight]

21. i dont know why people here

admire reverend al. he has always been an opportunist and race baiter.

[rdharma]

25. I don't know why people here like to bring up RW talking points from years ago! nt

But I have an idea WHY they do that!

[Boudica the Lyoness]

39. Please explain the RW talking points.

I am extremely interested to know what you mean. I curious because when this story was taking place, I don't recall hearing from the RW. If I remember right, there was no FOX 'news', no Rush Limbaugh, and of course, no internet.

Also please explain why a person, who doesn't have a high opinion of Al Sharpton, deserves this look

[Agschmid]

43. Why please expand...

[oldhippie]

64. And what RW talking points would those be ....

... in this case?

[arcane1]

74. I have an idea why you are posting nothing but drive-by insults and accusations.

Actions which, by the way, are frowned-upon here.

[rdharma]

93. Well , then speak!

Explain why you think I call BS on old RW talking points! Please do!

[arcane1]

122. You first n/t

[leftynyc]

269. What right wing talking points?

All you do is insult people. This is a news story that you obviously wish wasn't posted....why is that?

[Dr. Strange]

84. What are the talking points?

[hrmjustin]

120. Could you explain what is a Rw talking point in this thread.

[NaturalHigh]

245. This isn't from years ago.

Check out the date on the story. August 4, 2013.

We're still allowed to discuss current events, right?

[noiretextatique]

260. not in post-racial america?

[Boudica the Lyoness]

30. Some pictures of from back then

and more of the story, here;

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2384326/Tawana-Brawley-finally-starts-paying-431k-debt-man-wrongly-accused-gang-raping-26-years-ago.html

[rdharma]

37. And we've even got pics!

What a well coordinated effort!

[Boudica the Lyoness]

44. Please explain yourself

What are you implying?

[pintobean]

155. Let me see if I have this straight.

Last edited Sun Aug 4, 2013, 10:24 PM - Edit history (1)

You've been here since February of this year.
You spend nearly half your time in the gungeon.
You're accusing long time DUers of being socks and trolls.
With your charming personality, you only have 4 hidden posts in the last 90 days.

Hmmm.......



Edit - It' now 6 hidden posts in the last 90 days. You're now officially transparent.

[arcane1]

157. A textbook example of "disrupting poorly"

Now I'm craving pizza for some reason

[pintobean]

160. I think it's been served before.

Pepperoni.

[rdharma]

158. And YOU come out in defense of another RW talking point!

Gee! I feel so embarrassed!

[hrmjustin]

159. can you answer the question. What RW talking point?

[cherokeeprogressive]

161. Straight as an arrow.

Not to mention that 20 posts a day for 180 days is no small feat with a 100 word vocabulary and a handful of smilies.

[rdharma]

163. Get's your attention every time!

[cherokeeprogressive]

165. Yeah well...

The Court Jester is hard to ignore, and so is the Village Idiot.

[rdharma]

169. Oh, really, do you want to go there, my friend?

Really?

[pintobean]

171. Yes, please. nt

[arcane1]

173. The words "please proceed" come to mind.

[pintobean]

166. And he seems to know me so well.

Funny, I've never noticed him before. At least not as...

[cherokeeprogressive]

167. I know LOL.

The similarities are striking.

[tumtum]

190. He's no longer allowed to post in the gungeon.

He's been blocked.

[pintobean]

198. It's just a matter of time

before that's expanded.

Again.

[tumtum]

204. He's started his own thread about this subject

now that he's been blocked from this thread.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023405381

Ooops, never mind, it was hidden by jury.
He's not doing so well today.

[pintobean]

210. Neither is his buddy

It was said down-thread that the jury results can be seen in the MIRT forum. I can't see that, but it tells me that TOS was checked. Looks like dharma is under the microscope.

[Politicalboi]

51. She was just a minor

Granted she never should have accused anybody of rape that didn't happen. Al should pay her to pay them since he has the money. It got more attention because of him. This is a life sentence for her. Not even a rapist spends life in prison. Although some should.

[msanthrope]

56. She wasn't a minor when she decided to fail to show up to court for the defamation suit.

Why shouldn't she be held accountable for her failure as an adult?

[badtoworse]

53. It's about time. What she did was atrocious.

[rdharma]

57. And it's over and done with..... why are the RW stooges trying to breath new life into it?

Oh...... I know why!

[badtoworse]

72. Breathing new life into what?

She shouldn't have to pay Pagones? She stiffed him on the judgment and he found her. Sorry, I have no sympathy for her.

[NewThinkingChance40]

80. Why are you not participating

in the actual discussion? I have seen a lot of disruptive posts from your direction, but nothing about this topic.

It is sad when things like this happen, she was probably told to do it by her parents, or even worse lied to cover her own ass so as not to get in trouble. Either way, lives were ruined because of it, and of course Al Sharpton will walk away scot free as he always does.

[rdharma]

85. What's the discussion?

Bringing up old RW talking points about Sharpton?

No wonder you chimed in!

[NewThinkingChance40]

91. No, it was a news story

that the poster felt was worthy of being put forth. It was put up for judment by anyone, it is a story about a girl who cried wolf, ruined some mens lives, and then was found to be lying. If you want to debate Al Sharpton, then post something of your own showing ANYTHING positive he has done, and I am sure people will be more than willing to discuss it. but you haven't been replying to the other people who have called you out, so why should I expect anything different.

[rdharma]

95. The OP felt it was important to stir up old RW shit!

And you wanted to help him in that effort!

[NewThinkingChance40]

97. So you are making empty accusations?

The OP did not say anything about Sharpton, the only mention of him was in the original story. There were mentions of Sharpton throughout the comments, but not by the OP. Please show me where he was specifically stirring up "old RW shit".

[cherokeeprogressive]

102. It was an AP News story published TODAY. Only an idiot would claim otherwise.

Only an idiot would claim that this was posted only as a RW talking point meant to trash Race Baitin' Al.

You don't strike me as being the sharpest bulb in the shed.

The Straight Story posts news from all corners, always interesting, and never with any kind of editorial slant of his own. You, however, post smilies and snark. I've seen your arguments in the gungeon. Anyone who didn't know better would have no choice but to assume you had a 100 word vocabulary. You post three words and a smiley. Only an idiot does that.

[blueknight]

106. BULLSHIT!

this girl, with the help of REVEREND al just about ruined some young mens lives. but i guess since REVEREND al was involved its ok

[rdharma]

125. Yup! BS! Names of "young men" even indicted?

Hmmmmm?

[leftynyc]

270. I'll keep bumping this up until

you answer any one of the dozen people who have asked what right wing shit is being brought up here? Al deserves nothing but scorn for his part in this mess and that he hasn't offered to pay the fine for her says he's even lower than I already thought.

[hughee99]

123. You're a clever fellow... The OP posted the story because it was a story in today's news,

and it would have likely sunk like a stone if not for the efforts of a particular DUer trying to call the original poster a RW troll without actually saying RW troll. Someone's keeping this thread kicked, and it's NOT the straight story. Its you. You may be a big fan of the , but YOU are the joke here.

[rdharma]

130. I didn't call the OP a troll.

Now WHY would you get the idea that was even part of the discussion?

[hughee99]

139. It doesn't take a weatherman to tell which way the wind blows. n/t

[rdharma]

140. No, I dare say...... it sure doesn't!

Does it?

[hughee99]

142. Nice work.

[TeeYiYi]

132. +1 ..nt

TYY

[treestar]

203. there were some mitigating factors

she had a stepfather who beat her when she was late and such. She may not have intended the story to take off and end up so big.

[Jenoch]

236. If she would have fessed

up by about day 3, she probably would have received a slap on the wrist and gotten on with her life. Instead, she's 40 and getting her wages garnished. All she has to do is fess up now and apparently she can then stop the payments.

[GiaGiovanni]

237. Wouldn't she be admitting to a crime and get jail time?

Or has the statute run out?

[Jenoch]

239. I was referring to the original

incident in 1987. If she would have admitted that she was lying early on, then she would have gotten a slap on the wrist, it likely would not have been a national story and the guy with the defamation lawsuit would not have been dragged into it.

[GiaGiovanni]

256. But now, if she admitted it, would she get jail time?

That's a major reason to keep silent if she would.

[Jenoch]

258. I am not an attorney,

but I would guess that the statute of limitations has expired. Unless the defamation case restarted the timeline.

[GiaGiovanni]

259. OK.

Thanks.

[treestar]

238. Day 3 no, but at age 25 when being sued

it might have been the time to explain all that.

It remains possible she was attacked - remotely, but the grand jury not seeing evidence for it doesn't mean it didn't happen but from wikipedia:

In the decision, the grand jury noted many problems with Brawley's story. Among these were that the rape kit results did not indicate sexual assault. Additionally, despite her claim of having been held captive for days, Brawley was not suffering from exposure, was well-nourished, and appeared to have brushed her teeth recently. Despite her clothing being charred, there were no burns on her body. Although a shoe she was wearing was cut through, Brawley had no injuries to her foot. The racial epithets written on her were upside down, which led to suspicion that Brawley had written the words. Testimony from her schoolmates indicated she had attended a local party during the time of her supposed abduction. One witness claimed to have observed Brawley's climbing into the garbage bag.[18] Brawley never testified.[19]

Pretty convincing. Had she testified, it could have been better, could have been worse. As victim, there is nothing wrong with noting she did not testify. Don't know if that was her choice, though.

[Jenoch]

240. It is obvious she made it up.

If she would have admitted it early on, her life would be normal now.

[HiPointDem]

246. no. the suit was in 1989. and in fact, the timeline kind of reeks.

On October 6, 1988, the Abrams Grand Jury released its...report concluding that Tawana Brawley ("Brawley&quot had not been abducted...

Sometime thereafter, Steven A. Pagones ("Pagones&quot brought a defamation action against Alton H. Maddox, Jr., ("Maddox&quot C. Vernon Mason ("Mason&quot and Rev. Al Sharpton ("Sharpton&quot and also sought damages against Brawley. The claims in paragraphs 336 through 364 of the complaint against Brawley were based on her alleged responsibility for "the acts, statements, accusations spoken or committed by the defendants, Maddox, Mason and Sharpton" on her behalf...

Maddox, Mason and Sharpton all appeared in the action; however, Brawley failed to appear. On or about May 2, 1989 plaintiff moved for a default judgment against her...By decision dated May 6, 1991 Justice Beisner, noting that Brawley had attained majority, entered a default judgment against her on the issue of liability, reserving damages for future determination.

(See that? she was sued in 1989 but they *waited* until she was 18 to enter a default judgment, probably because had they entered such a judgment before she was a legal adult there would have likely been some difficulty with holding a minor responsible for paying nearly a quarter of a million dollars.)

In establishing the amount of damages, the Court believes it would be inappropriate for the reasons noted to award a huge sum. On the other hand, Brawley is the one person most responsible for the false charges; therefore, the Court believes she should be held at least as accountable as Mr. Mason, the defendant held most responsible by the jury. Accordingly, the Court makes a punitive award in the amount of One Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($180,000.00) against Brawley in favor of Pagones.

S. BARRETT HICKMAN, J.S.C.

DATED:October , 1998

[katmondoo]

65. I like the Rev

and have forgiven him for his connection to Brawley. He is a smart man with a quick wit.

[Egalitarian Thug]

187. He's an opportunist that made his entire career on this. n/t

[treestar]

193. Reading about him, he fought hard

and still does - for justice for African Americans.

[hrmjustin]

66. I remember this case from when I was a kid here in NY.

My Aunt lived down the road from her and I remember the whole firestorm that happened because of it. She should have to pay for all the trouble she caused. As for Rev. Al, it was a bad moment for him but he has gone on to have much better moments.

I hope she seeks forgiveness for the trouble she caused.

As for calling the OP a troll for bringing this up, that is ridiculous. I just got the alert in MIRT that said someone got a hidden post here and I had to respond.

[Hoyt]

69. Sometimes stuff like this incident is true. Far too often, incidents have been "white" washed.

[LittleBlue]

73. Hope she is taken for every penny she's worth

And Rev Al, don't get me started on him. He has quite a few snappy one-liners, but that doesn't paper over the cracks in his character.

[rdharma]

77. Now you're just getting vindictive.

Why?

[LittleBlue]

86. It's my honest opinion about the man

He would send innocent men to prison for his fame. Let us not pretend he's unjustly criticized.

[rdharma]

88. What innocent men would he send to prison?

I don't remember any indictments.

[LittleBlue]

113. Only because the state found out it was a lie

If he had his way, they would be rotting in prison for a crime they didn't commit!

[rdharma]

119. Who was charged?

Names? I thought not!

[ceonupe]

144. No one because the court found the case

And his support of it to be a total lie.


Just like duke lacrosse

[Dr. Strange]

150. Duke Lacrosse?

Why are you bringing up RW talking points!!!1!!1

[ceonupe]

153. Because I'm from NC

Was friends with 2 members of the team.

And the lady that claimed rape lied and then later assaulted her boyfriend and set his stuff on fire almost burning down part of her place. And then finally as stabbed and killed another man and is facing murder charges.

But yeah rev al jumped the shark on that one as well came to town and even after facts started coming out refused to back down. Those boys life's were ripped apart. Their season cancled. The DA lost his job and was disbarred and race relations were set further back.

On a personal note when I was young I was accused of assaulting a young teen girl. It was false an I was luck that some of her friends came forward and told the truth. I was never charged only questioned once in which case I was represented by the best attorney we could afford. It was all a lie. That same girl years later apologized via a random email I got when in college she had gotten hooked on drugs and alc and was in a treatment program part of their treatment was to contact people they did wrong and apologize. I forgave her but I will never forget.

[Dr. Strange]

178. Chill man.

I was just being facetious and rdharmaey.

[ceonupe]

248. My bad

I see.

Sorry

[Boudica the Lyoness]

112. Because what happened was outragous

That is why.

[jessie04]

81. Agree.

I cant look at Rev Al without thinking of Tawanna.

[Egalitarian Thug]

189. He's far more guilty than she. she was a stupid kid, he was a con-man looking for a

vehicle to gather some celebrity for himself. If not for Tawana Brawley, Sharpton would still be an anonymous loudmouth that nobody ever heard of or listened to.

[treestar]

79. If she was 15 at the time

It seems odd that a judgment could be rendered against her. I remember about how kids are liable for their torts, but still, intent matters when it comes to torts.

[badtoworse]

90. Wouldn't her parents be on the hook then?

How old was she when the judgment was made? If the tort was still continuing when she turned 21, why shouldn't she be personally liable?

[treestar]

201. No, I think kids are liable for their torts

And so there have to be statutes to make exceptions. My state has a statute making parents liable up to a dollar amount for certain types of cases, but there may also be an element where the parent has to be proven to have negligently supervised.

[tammywammy]

96. The defamation suit was in 1998 n/t

[HiPointDem]

103. and it was about the events of 1987. and actually, pagones' suit against brawley was in 1988.

when she was 16.

Mr. Pagones filed a $395 million defamation suit in October 1988 against Ms. Brawley and her three advisers. Ms. Brawley never answered the suit, and in 1991 a judge ruled that Mr. Pagones had won his case against her by default.

In July of 1998, after an eight-month trial, a jury found that Mr. Pagones had been defamed and awarded him a total of $345,000 damages from the three advisers: $185,000 from Mr. Mason, $95,000 from Mr. Maddox, and $65,000 from Mr. Sharpton.

Three months later, the judge who presided over that trial awarded Mr. Pagones an additional $185,000 from Ms. Brawley, but Mr. Pagones's lawyers have been unsuccessful in locating her or finding any assets she might have.

http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/07/nyregion/adviser-in-tawana-brawley-case-pays-off-defamation-award.html

[Boudica the Lyoness]

127. I did some digging about

I recall she kept defaming this chap for years afterwards, and so I had a quick Google gander and I found this;

"Shortly thereafter, Brawley appeared at a rally on December 2, 1997 in Brooklyn, New York, which was videotaped by Regional News Network and admitted in evidence as plaintiff’s exhibit 35. At that rally she caustically referred to plaintiff’s offer as a "bribe" and said she would not do anything to hurt her friend and attorney Mr. Maddox. She vocally maintained before a partisan audience that the things she said happened really did happen. The Court was appalled that Brawley would see fit to travel from the Washington, D.C. area to a rally in Brooklyn, but did not see fit to travel to Poughkeepsie to testify under oath before the jury".

There's more at this link. (I shall admit, at this point in time, I have only read a small portion of it).

http://www.nycourts.gov/press/old_keep/brawley.htm

[HiPointDem]

141. she wasn't being sued for what she said at a rally, she was sued for what happened when she

was 15. she was sued when she was 16.

those are facts.

On October 6, 1988, the Abrams Grand Jury released its...report concluding that Tawana Brawley ("Brawley&quot had not been abducted...

Sometime thereafter, Steven A. Pagones ("Pagones&quot brought a defamation action against Alton H. Maddox, Jr., ("Maddox&quot C. Vernon Mason ("Mason&quot and Rev. Al Sharpton ("Sharpton&quot and also sought damages against Brawley. The claims in paragraphs 336 through 364 of the complaint against Brawley were based on her alleged responsibility for "the acts, statements, accusations spoken or committed by the defendants, Maddox, Mason and Sharpton" on her behalf...

Maddox, Mason and Sharpton all appeared in the action; however, Brawley failed to appear. On or about May 2, 1989 plaintiff moved for a default judgment against her...By decision dated May 6, 1991 Justice Beisner, noting that Brawley had attained majority, entered a default judgment against her on the issue of liability, reserving damages for future determination.

In establishing the amount of damages, the Court believes it would be inappropriate for the reasons noted to award a huge sum. On the other hand, Brawley is the one person most responsible for the false charges; therefore, the Court believes she should be held at least as accountable as Mr. Mason, the defendant held most responsible by the jury. Accordingly, the Court makes a punitive award in the amount of One Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($180,000.00) against Brawley in favor of Pagones.

S. BARRETT HICKMAN, J.S.C.

DATED:October , 1998

Carmel, New York

http://www.nycourts.gov/press/old_keep/brawley.htm

[HiPointDem]

145. also: she did not "keep defaming this chap for years afterwards". in fact, the statement at the

rally was the *only* statement she had made since 1988.

and apparently she has made no statement since.

and in fact, pagones himself stated, after damages were assessed:

"Through her silence, she's as guilty of libel as Maddox, Mason and Sharpton,' he told the newspaper. 'The only way to hold her accountable — at least at this stage — is financially.'"

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2252507/Tawana-Brawley-living-hiding-Virginia-25-years-historic-gang-rape-case-turned-hoax.html

[treestar]

192. She needed to have fought it at least

Her defaulting means she did not fight back at all - so no wonder they get a judgment.

[HiPointDem]

194. since when can minors even be *charged* with 'defamation'?

[treestar]

199. In a civil suit

they can be defendants. Which is strange. Then again generally they are judgment proof. Meaning you can get a judgment but you'll have a hard time collecting. Now she's a nurse, so they have a paycheck to garnish. I imagine she'll never have significant assets. Maybe write a book and make enough to pay them all off so she can buy a house - now she probably has no credit due to huge judgments against her.

[HiPointDem]

208. it's over $400K. she's an lpn, works at a nursing home & lives in an apartment. average lpn

salary is $42K. she's 40. she will *never* pay it off, no matter how many no matter how many books she writes. most authors don't make much either.

all they've done is ruin her credit, which may lead to her becoming permanently unemployed.
all this for something she did when she was 15.

[treestar]

213. If she's a nurse, she got past some character examination

They have ruined her credit, but she seems to be employed, so that's not hopeless. There are laws limiting how much of a paycheck can be garnished, both state and federal. She may have to be a renter for life, or win the lottery. Or try to raise money from people who might sympathize. She was only 15, so why is this still around at 40? On the other hand, she needed to defend that case. She let it go by not appearing and letting them get a default judgment against her. She was 25 by then and that she was being sued for something she did when 15 could have led to a verdict less damaging.

[SwampG8r]

221. pagones is on record as saying

he would forgive the judgment if she would admit the fraud
she still refuses

[treestar]

222. that's interesting

good for him.

[SwampG8r]

225. i feel

like the others paid the cash to avoid having to actually admit to the fraud
johnny cochron paid the fines/judgments of everyone else involved
brawley was not a party to the original suit but she failed to appear in court and somehow this led to a judgment against her higher than anyone else involved
saddest part to me was while she may have not been used by a bunch of men and tossed away afterwards as she claimed she certainly was used by a bunch of men and then thrown away after her news value was gone
she was media raped
a young dumb girl who told too big of a story

[treestar]

233. Yeah I'm for cutting some slack

a 15 year old, with that mother and step-father, and probably didn't intend for it to become a big deal - or didn't realize it would - Rev. Al may have contributed to that.

[SwampG8r]

235. i think she

was used and I don't like blame the victim thinking

[HiPointDem]

247. she was 16 when she was sued for defamation. not 25. she was 25 by the time the damages

were determined.

On October 6, 1988, the Abrams Grand Jury released its...report concluding that Tawana Brawley ("Brawley&quot had not been abducted...

Sometime thereafter, Steven A. Pagones ("Pagones&quot brought a defamation action against Alton H. Maddox, Jr., ("Maddox&quot C. Vernon Mason ("Mason&quot and Rev. Al Sharpton ("Sharpton&quot and also sought damages against Brawley. The claims in paragraphs 336 through 364 of the complaint against Brawley were based on her alleged responsibility for "the acts, statements, accusations spoken or committed by the defendants, Maddox, Mason and Sharpton" on her behalf...

Maddox, Mason and Sharpton all appeared in the action; however, Brawley failed to appear. On or about May 2, 1989 plaintiff moved for a default judgment against her...By decision dated May 6, 1991 Justice Beisner, noting that Brawley had attained majority, entered a default judgment against her on the issue of liability, reserving damages for future determination.

(See that? she was sued in 1989 but they *waited* until she was 18 to enter a default judgment because she didn't appear, & reserved the issue of damages.)

In establishing the amount of damages, the Court believes it would be inappropriate for the reasons noted to award a huge sum. On the other hand, Brawley is the one person most responsible for the false charges; therefore, the Court believes she should be held at least as accountable as Mr. Mason, the defendant held most responsible by the jury. Accordingly, the Court makes a punitive award in the amount of One Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($180,000.00) against Brawley in favor of Pagones.

S. BARRETT HICKMAN, J.S.C.

DATED:October , 1998

Carmel, New York

http://www.nycourts.gov/press/old_keep/brawley.htm

[treestar]

252. Probably once she was 18, they could now count her as defaulting

Statute of Limitations for a plaintiff minor does not start to run until they turn 18. Maybe filing an answer to the complaint is not due until 30 days after the minor turns 18. So she defaulted as an adult and they entered the judgment against her. Not that turning 18 suddenly makes you able to handle litigation, but she would have known by then the suit was pending. Should have gotten legal advice, filed an answer and argued liability, but likely losing on that, argue the amount of the damages.

[HiPointDem]

255. they hadn't even assessed the damages when she was 18. they didn't do that until after she

became an adult. so she was not in 'default' on that matter.


There is something very shady about the whole thing. Sue her when she's 15-16, make the verdict when she's 18, determine the damages when she's 25.

[branford]

216. Respectfully, it's not that simple.

First, you do not seem to consider the tremendous damage she inflicted on the plaintiffs, both economic and psychological.

Second, any 15 year old certainly knows that it is not acceptable to falsely accuse someone of rape or create a false narrative leading to a media spectacle.

Third, her actions make actual victims of rape less likely to be believed. (That one really steams me!)

Fourth, her behavior did incalculable damage to race relations in our country.

Fifth, the wage garnishment laws in NY only permit a certain percentage of each paycheck to go to the plaintiffs. She will definitely feel the financial impact, but she will not be destitute.

I find it hard to feel any sympathy for her.

[Niceguy1]

129. maybe had she shown upnin court

She might not have lost the lawsuit.

[Shankapotomus]

94. Whatever his mistakes

(If indeed they are true), I think Rev. Al is a genuine and wiser person today. Just from the way he speaks of inclusiveness and joining forces with all races today, it is obvious he is not out to get "whitey."

He is a tremendously inspiring force today and I'm not judging someone by what they might have done, but were never personally convicted for, 25 years ago.

[blueknight]

109. i respect your opinion

BUT he just hopped on the obama band wagon and used his friendship to enrich himself financially. do you honestly think he would be on MSNBC if mccain and palin won? of course he wouldnt.

[Shankapotomus]

118. Then why single out Al?

You can say that about every MSNBC host, if you wanted.

So what's your agenda with Al?

[blueknight]

186. my agenda is

he is and always has been an opportunist and race baiter. And among other things he has always been a homophobe. He is a big phony and about as much a "reverend " as i am.

[Shankapotomus]

211. Exactly how far back in time

are you reaching for your profile of Al?

I am more concerned with who someone is today:

http://thegrio.com/2013/03/27/rev-al-sharpton-on-gay-marriage-debate-equality-includes-everyone/


Is all your information on Al Sharpton culled from The Morton Downey Jr. Show?

Are you going to tell me about Al's "mob connections" next?

[blueknight]

215. i never said he was dumb!

he knows not to shit where he sleeps! he is pandering to the people who sign his checks. a leopard cant change their spots, sorry!

[rdharma]

124. Do you think folks would be trying to stir this up years later......

... if there wasn't a racial motive involved?

[hrmjustin]

131. There was an AP story about the fact she has to actually start paying

http://www.mercurynews.com/nation-world/ci_23793807/tawana-brawley-begins-making-payments-26-years-after I think we can discuss this without insulting people. It was a current AP story, nothing dredged up. I don't understand your problem here.

[rdharma]

133. Really, Sherlock?

OMG!

[hrmjustin]

134. Well than why are you insulting people in this thread?

[arcane1]

135. Don't hold your breath waiting for an answer. They are just trying to be disruptive.

And making a fool out of themselves in the process with this playground behavior.

[hrmjustin]

136. It is a shame. I tend to agree with the posters dislike of guns but this poster was just plain rude

in this thread.

[hrmjustin]

147. How dare you!

You just went over the line with me.

[The Straight Story]

181. Wonder who the two were who voted to leave it

And would love to see the results. I wasn't taking his bait

[hrmjustin]

184. You can see it in MIrt. I deleted it.

[The Straight Story]

185. DOH!

I didn't think about that thanks.

[hrmjustin]

188. Your welcome.

[CreekDog]

264. and this post goes along with all your posts against sexism towards women and racism against blacks

oh wait, there don't seem to be any of those.



big surprise.

[sufrommich]

138. You keep accusing people of stirring up old news and

when they show you that it's news from today, you act like that is obvious. It's not everyone else,it's you that is not making sense.

[TeeYiYi]

143. Hey Red Dharma...

... I don't like the cut of your jib.

Don't get too comfortable with that little 3461 post buffer. It ain't all that.

You're throwing a whole lot of shit at a longtime DUer. If I were you, I'd cool it! But hey, that's just me.

TYY

[rdharma]

148. What's with the "Red", my friend?

You calling me names? Accusing me of being a "Communist"? Errr merrr Gerrrd!

[TeeYiYi]

149. Yeeeeshhhh...dunno...

Did you read something into that?

My point is that I like The Straight Story and I kinda' don't care much for you, today.

And, just a word of advice... about the rofl smilie... Overkill, dude!

TYY

[rdharma]

151. How could I read something into being called "Red"?

You think I have red hair?

[TeeYiYi]

154. Look, Red, I get it...

...'yer' tryin' to flame out. (Probably for an audience.) So go for it! Have fun. Enjoy the ride. I'm sure you've got a backup drawer full of replacements...

...(and more gratuitous ellipses for my new friend, Red Dharma...)

...

TYY

[rdharma]

164. There's that RW "Red" thing again!

[TeeYiYi]

217. Oh, are you still here?...

Oops...um..._{(more gratuitous ellipses)}...yeah. Um, yes; that was just a rhetorical question. _{(Yay, tongue smiley.)}

TYY... _{(Added 'inadvertent' rofl smiley + ellipses for dramatic, ironic effect...)}

[cpwm17]

152. Today I finally put a senseless member that loved that annoying smiley on ignore

Now I'll make you the second member on my ignore list.

[branford]

156. The Tawana Brawley fiasco turned me off to Rev. Al forever.

His journey to repentance is far from complete. If the Brawley mess wasn't bad enough, his conduct during the Duke Lacross matter was similarly abominable. He is a narcissistic race hustler who has single-handedly set back race relations in this country.

I also feel no compassion or pity for Tawana. False accusations of rape ruin lives and reputations are rarely restored. She is lucky that she did not serve time in prison. People like her are used as justification by cretins for doubting the testimony of actual rape victims.

Just remembering this story makes my blood boil.

[rdharma]

162. So why are you taking time to dig up the old "dirt"?

Your motivation? What does rev Al have to do with anything relevant today?

They're coming out of the woodpile today!

[branford]

168. I didn't "dig up old dirt," I simply read a news story.

I like reading the news. As an attorney, I also find stories that involve legal matters of particular interest.

I also do not avoid a story simply because I might find it distasteful.

You are free to feel as wish about Rev. Al, Tawana Brawley or any another other person, entity, place or issue. Free speech is great. As Rev. Al is a very public figure, who directly profits from his celebrity as a television show host, I feel no need for restraint in offering my opinion of the man. It's not like he does not have access to the media to fight back.

Lastly, we are on an internet message board. Isn't the whole point of such an endeavor to offer comment and opinion just as we are doing now?

[rdharma]

172. I feel no need, as an attorney, to object to Kevin Zegers marriage to Jaime Feld.

Feel free to comment!

[branford]

174. I could offer a comment about you, but I'm confident that it would violate the TOS.

I also find Kevin Zegers marital status of no interest or import, particularly as it relates to the OP. If you do, the Media forum might enjoy your insights.

As to your membership in the Bar, I'm Fordham Law '96, licensed in NY and NJ, and have been practicing commercial litigation in NYC since my admission. How about you?

[hrmjustin]

176. The poster you are talking to can not nrespond to you due to the fact that rdharma post above was

hidden by a jury.

[Bluenorthwest]

175. Al Sharpton used to call people 'faggots in public. And he was a huge liar.

Called himself a Reverend through the whole thing. Still does. Don't care for liars and slur mongers.

[NewThinkingChance40]

177. Couldn't find a news report with

the evidence the grand jury used in their determination. You would think that somewhere there would be info about how they came to that decision. I am not doubting them, just like to see the facts before making any assumptions. Has anyone else been able to locate this info?

[tammywammy]

180. Post 170 has a link to the grand jury report.

It details all the evidence.

[NewThinkingChance40]

182. OK, thanks :) n-t

[NewThinkingChance40]

191. After reading it

seems like a lot of evidence was stacked against her. The fact that someone would make up such a story is beyond my realm of understanding. You would think that people would realize at some point that lying is always going to get you into more trouble than the truth.

[branford]

195. Sadly is does happen. Exhibit #1 - the Duke Lacross Case. n/t

[NewThinkingChance40]

196. Yeah, and for some reason a lot of these high profile cases seem to go this way. n/t

[branford]

197. I think it is far more likely to happen in a high profile case.

Often, the initial lie or complaint is to cover-up an indiscretion, such as cheating on a spouse or significant other, conduct that would appall your family and friends, sexual embarrassment, etc. Admitting such an error is always extremely difficult. If you have become a media spectacle, with interests other than you own pressuring you to maintain your story for their own purposes, and recantation subjecting you to legal liability and permanent public ridicule in the age of the internet, rationale decision-making becomes nearly impossible.

[PennsylvaniaMatt]

202. This all happened in the area where my family lives...

What Tawana Brawley did to Steve Pagones was reprehensible and disgusting, which greatly damaged his reputation. Also, because of this case, I have very little respect for Al Sharpton, along with most of the Hudson Valley, and that feeling is held among as many Democrats as Republicans that I know.

This is not a political issue. She should face the consequences of her actions.

[theHandpuppet]

220. Minor or not...

Last edited Mon Aug 5, 2013, 12:51 AM - Edit history (1)

... women who make false rape claims like this not only cause life-changing damage to the persons they accuse, but to a lot of other women who may be afraid to come forward in genuine rape cases.

[GiaGiovanni]

230. That's very true

Especially when these are high profile cases

[Demo_Chris]

241. well said.. nt

[rdking647]

223. i lived in ny in 1987

because of this case and sharptons refusal to apologize i have absolutely no respect for him.
in my view he is as bad as limbaugh,hannity and the other RW fucks.

[HolyMoley]

231. She should be serving time... not paying a fine.

At the very least, her enablers, manipulators, mouthpieces and co-conspirators should be

[theHandpuppet]

242. Or....

The fine plus time to be served working at a rape crisis or battered women's shelter. She needs to learn first hand that this is not a game.

[noiretextatique]

262. for what crime, exactly?

what criminal law was violated?

[hrmjustin]

265. If she lied these men thewn that would be a crime.

[leftynyc]

271. Filing a false report

She falsely accused someone of rape.

[NaturalHigh]

244. I feel for the people who were affected by this case.

It amazes me that so many people hold Al Sharpton in such high regard.

[The Link]

250. I hold Al Sharpton responsible.

I think he influenced this woman when she was a child. He should be paying.

[LanternWaste]

251. It's as relevant, as topical, as sincere, and as important in the here and now as

It's as relevant, as topical, as sincere, and as important in the here and now as was this impacting news story...





...which was also quite vociferously defended upon appearance and rather righteously justified by many people.

[Capt. Obvious]

254. I Believe You Tawana

[noiretextatique]

263. i see all the zimmerman apologists are here

how shocking nothing to do with race, mind you...nothing at all...until NOW when i brought it up

[Demo_Chris]

267. Good. It's about time. But she belongs in prison. nt