tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post8217698304468914465..comments2024-03-28T00:50:16.901-05:00Comments on Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center: The Brian Wice EditorialMurray Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-84779753893834403552011-10-04T07:00:46.563-05:002011-10-04T07:00:46.563-05:00Today Lisa Falkenberg asks "Where is honesty,...Today Lisa Falkenberg asks "Where is honesty,transparency now?". News flash Lisa it remains where it has always been for Team Lycos, non-existent!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-79892238160371611372011-10-03T20:31:10.791-05:002011-10-03T20:31:10.791-05:00With all due respect to whoever is "Francis B...With all due respect to whoever is "Francis Bacon" I unfortunately do not believe one word coming forth in support of Lykos, or for that matter from the District Attorney's Office - everybody in that office now, in my opinion, is too intimidated by Lykos apparently as the result of what appears to be a favorite expression: "Off with (his) (her) head." That is why they need the media people - to propagandize. Since these two alleged miscreants were told not to comment further on this matter, however, is that an invitation to seek their termination by suggesting that they be quizzed further on the happenings? Of interesting note, though, one might look at the time Wice's comment was posted on the web and when the response was posted by Hennigan. At first blush it appears the punishment to be ex post facto.<br />Calvin A. HartmannAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-14776420222968273122011-10-03T17:04:02.011-05:002011-10-03T17:04:02.011-05:00Please set the record straight. Nathan will tell ...Please set the record straight. Nathan will tell you he and Jane were counseled by the 1st assistant regarding their out of court statements and admonished not to make further remarks. Unfortunately, Nathan responded to the Op-Ed. A disciplinary hearing was held before all the bureau chiefs and they rendered their verdict. Nathan is a talented young man who made a mistake.Francis Baconhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04318195555424390165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-78979045910669110892011-10-02T22:04:05.291-05:002011-10-02T22:04:05.291-05:00Sadly, many people who read this have no idea who ...Sadly, many people who read this have no idea who Holmes is.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-44484515595025115092011-10-02T16:46:03.957-05:002011-10-02T16:46:03.957-05:00Back in the mid 1990"s there was a hightly pu...Back in the mid 1990"s there was a hightly publicized incident which resutled in a prosecutor being severely disciplined. The Disciplinary Committee met, had a hearing and made a recommendation to then District Attorney, John B. Holmes, Jr. Holmes followed the recommendation. Afterwards, Holmes convened a meeting of the ENTIRE office to explain the process, the punishment and made clear what was expected of his assistants. There was no guesswork required on the part of the staff. Holmes also discussed the matter himself with the media. The process was transparent (you know the word that Pat can say but cannot grasp). The District Attorney showed leadership.<br /><br />Can you imagine something so above board happening today? First you would have to tear Leitner away from either reading this blog, playing solitare or yapping with his buds Greenwood and Morris. Pat would never demean herself by getting in to details with her minions. <br /><br />Anon 11:52, if you are that far out from retirement, my advice to you is leave. That is the same advice I give anyone who has to go more than 6 months into the second term of this farce. It is only going to get worse for all of you who stay. I am sorry to say that Anon 11:10 is totally accurate. <br /><br />Hey Jim, read this and weep!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-71775219875790663692011-10-02T15:41:46.154-05:002011-10-02T15:41:46.154-05:0011:02-
It's admirable that you are there to d...11:02-<br /><br />It's admirable that you are there to do your job and you deserve to be supported for that. However, you are very much in the minority. You never worked for Johnny Holmes, who set the gold standard for managing a District Attorney's Office. If you had, the current Administration would make you gag.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-64650398941999310182011-10-02T11:52:45.735-05:002011-10-02T11:52:45.735-05:00You know, there are still a bunch of us at the off...You know, there are still a bunch of us at the office who are NOT here just to get retirement - we're here because we want to do the job.<br /><br />Give us a break, please.<br /><br />I get the feeling a lot of folks WANT us to fail - you want to dance on the administration's grave so much that you're willing to bury us alive too. <br /><br />And - no - this isn't a "plant" comment before some of you rev-up.<br /><br />I am just a regular person who wants to do a good job - been there more than 10 years and plan on staying. <br /><br />A little support, please?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-47806089483417548402011-10-02T10:10:04.086-05:002011-10-02T10:10:04.086-05:00The prospect of vesting and/or retirement is what ...The prospect of vesting and/or retirement is what keeps the people at the office. In another couple of years, the office will lose the rest of the true talent that is left, and it will be replaced with "yes" men and women who have to spine or courage. <br /><br />Congratulations Lykos. You took one of the best offices in teh country (and some would suggest the best), and have made it into just another DAs office. If your voters knew what you were truly like, you would be voted out in a heart beat. Sadly, they fall for your sound bites and never look to your actions. <br /><br />Voters (especially republican voters) - challenge Lykos to name ONE pro law enforcement policy. EVERY new policy has been to appease the defense bar.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-77542190829386284782011-10-01T22:03:42.581-05:002011-10-01T22:03:42.581-05:00RE: [The media people in the office make Chief pay...RE: [The media people in the office make Chief pay. How does that make you feel? October 1, 2011 4:01 PM]<br /><br />You are so right Anonymous 4:01. Not only do they make Chief's pay, but it includes unlimited smoke breaks. If you have Chronicle connections,you can write your own meal ticket. The hiring criteria is not what you can do for the office, but what can you do for me?! (on the tax payer's nickel)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-60749697597167631932011-10-01T16:44:43.081-05:002011-10-01T16:44:43.081-05:00I wonder when Wice is going to print his retractio...I wonder when Wice is going to print his retraction in the Chronicle - like the one he posted here?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-33173405803740500712011-10-01T16:01:29.637-05:002011-10-01T16:01:29.637-05:0012:39pm: The media people in the office make Chief...12:39pm: The media people in the office make Chief pay. How does that make you feel?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91638205454549166402011-09-30T12:39:15.693-05:002011-09-30T12:39:15.693-05:00@ Anon 9:36 I agree, Wice would fit right in. The...@ Anon 9:36 I agree, Wice would fit right in. There should be an opening or ten in the next couple weeks for him. Maybe they can make him another overpaid media position!<br /><br />Speaking of which, where were all the MEDIA PEOPLE? What on earth were they doing? Sitting around with Felony #2 salaries, ignoring the highest profile case they have right now? Clearly they were watching out for rogue comments, not writing the obvious counter-article, or I don't know doing the press conference themselves.<br /><br />Sickening.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-34485315364861836952011-09-30T10:50:36.890-05:002011-09-30T10:50:36.890-05:00To: 9:50 a.m. - I vigorously disagree with your co...To: 9:50 a.m. - I vigorously disagree with your conclusion vis-a-vis Brian Wice and other similarly disliked attorneys. Regardless of one's personal opinion as to Wice or any other criminal defense attorney the prosecutor should never penalize an accused for his or her misjudgment in the employment of one's attorney. The accused should be penalized, upon conviction, for their misconduct only. Brian Wice's clients should be treated no differently than those of any other attorney. Although it is tempting to penalize the defense attorney in the manner suggested by the blogger such a practice was strongly condemned during the Holmes' era.<br />Calvin A. HartmannAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-37611300458885654282011-09-30T09:50:42.869-05:002011-09-30T09:50:42.869-05:00The DA's office should make it very difficult ...The DA's office should make it very difficult for Wice to practice in Harris County. And when he volunteers to be the "appellate lawyer" at counsel table in high profile cases, the real trial lawyers will not want him around. Future clients should know that if you hire Wice, it's going to be that much harder to get a positive result. The DA's office does not respect him and they will work harder against you just because of your lawyer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-55230755048725421752011-09-30T09:50:21.615-05:002011-09-30T09:50:21.615-05:00It hurts me to see how Pat has destroyed the offic...It hurts me to see how Pat has destroyed the office I once took such pride in. Nathan's suspension is completely inappropriate! My guess is he will quit, and the citizens of Harris County will lose another good prosecutor. <br /><br />Under Holmes, a supervisor would have sat down and talked to the prosecutor in private and addressed the situation. If necessary, there would have been a hearing before the disciplinary committee prior to determining a punishment. Holmes was not afraid of the media. He wasn't trying to kiss ass for votes. If you messed up, he addressed it, and if he felt you did your job, he stood up for you and got your back. <br /><br />Now, if the Chronicle prints something with your name, true or false, you get fired or demoted so Pat can get another vote.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-79673888085934813852011-09-30T09:36:16.025-05:002011-09-30T09:36:16.025-05:00Brian Wice would throw his own mother under a bus ...Brian Wice would throw his own mother under a bus if it meant camera time. He is a classless, arrogant but quite articulate piece of feces. Apparently, that's all it takes to get some glam press coverage. I'm surprised Lykos hasn't offered him a position in the office. He would fit right in.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-31230944494685661362011-09-30T09:20:40.305-05:002011-09-30T09:20:40.305-05:00In 2008, I was quoted in an article in the Chronic...In 2008, I was quoted in an article in the Chronicle by Brian Rogers where I stated that "it was getting hard to ignore the pink elephant in the room." The article was about Chuck's implosion and everyone knew exactly what I meant. I wasn't disciplined for it. In fact, I wasn't even called to the 6th floor because it was true. I, too, agree that this situation should have been handled without an editorial in the Chronicle and without Nathan commenting on it. However, what ever happened to the 1st amendment? Nathan's commment wasn't a slap at the Harris County District Attorney. Back in 2008, mine sure was. Sorry they don't have anyone's back over there like they did then. People need to be careful what they ask for. Nathan, you are a good man. You will get through this, just like Rifi and Mark did.<br /><br />LuciLucinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91348192258920245652011-09-30T09:03:49.722-05:002011-09-30T09:03:49.722-05:00Lykos should have defended Nathan instead of throw...Lykos should have defended Nathan instead of throwing him under the bus. Wice tossed her the bate and she was stupid enough to bite!! It doesn't matter what reason Nathan was told - the suspension is WRONG!<br /><br />The sad news is that in 5 years Nathan will be prosecuting Dr. Brown again for beating wife #5. Yes, Dr. Brown will charm someone else, but his behavior won't change; hopefully, Nathan will stay with the office for Round 2!<br /><br />I also predict that in 5 years, one of Lykos' cronies will have received a beating (or two) from his / her charming spouse - and may volunteer to step out of their cozy office to help Nathan. People don't change even when the spouse (aka victim) changes!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-32240876124283598692011-09-30T08:35:22.473-05:002011-09-30T08:35:22.473-05:00Wow Murray you "finally" got back to wri...Wow Murray you "finally" got back to writing the type of story that made this blog what it is~50 comments and counting are proof enough. <br />Sad that the only DA related stories since Lykos sashayed into the CJC are generally so pathetic.<br />Sad that people seem so defeatist in their collective acceptance of this dysfunctional situation.<br />Sad that I haven't heard any sincere ADA rally behind a legitimate challenger to this vile administration.<br />Sad that the informed people at the CJC damn well know at least 1 person who would be able to restore honor and justice to the DA's office but are too afraid to openly support her.<br />Sad, sometimes how adversity reveals character so unabashedly.<br /><br />United we once stood--divided we have fallen.John 8:32noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-82094156323871050652011-09-29T23:03:18.770-05:002011-09-29T23:03:18.770-05:00TO: 10:11
I agree with your assessment of the Repu...TO: 10:11<br />I agree with your assessment of the Republican Party. Unfortunately, however, the same can be said for the Democratic Party as well. Neither party is concerned with qualifications so long as the elect has either a "R" or a "D' after their name. I have practiced law for forty-one years and have seen, in my opinion, more than a smorgasbord of unqualified candidates assume to the judiciary and other elected offices from both parties in Harris County.<br />Calvin A. HartmannAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-34931645333864568122011-09-29T22:44:45.849-05:002011-09-29T22:44:45.849-05:00To A Harris County Attorney: I am sorry that you ...To A Harris County Attorney: I am sorry that you did not get a disciplinary hearing under Magidson; you should have under the dictates of the Operations Manual; I assure you if Holmes had been there you would have. As to the gutless performance once again by the leadership of the HCDA office, other writers, including yourself, have accuartely described this scenario better than I. As Jigmeister cogently observed: if there was a grievance matter, it should have been referred to the bar. The Houston Comical was not the place to litigate this matter. As you have fairly described Wice effectively played Lykos for a fool, and not unexpectantly prevailed with the "straw man" he erected. It is apparent that Lykos has but one objective as a minion of the Houston Comical, that is to please their editorial staff in order to be endorsed regardless of the number of employees that it will be necessary to sacrifice in order to do so.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-27578684143637813272011-09-29T22:27:41.917-05:002011-09-29T22:27:41.917-05:00This is gut-wrenching. Obviously that place now h...This is gut-wrenching. Obviously that place now has no resemblance to the office I knew and left and loved.<br /><br />I can't even imagine how those poor Baby DAs feel, working their tails off. For this. Well, kids, nobody's got your back, in case that wasn't already clear.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-73572998760426883212011-09-29T22:11:27.676-05:002011-09-29T22:11:27.676-05:00Sorry Calvin, but the Harris County Republican Par...Sorry Calvin, but the Harris County Republican Party is much more interested in holding on to any offices it can REGARDLESS of how unqualified the officeholder is. The Fat Lady will sing but it is likely it will be a repeat performance. As the Chronicle has proved over and over, they never let the facts stand in the way of a good story. There is a prostitute-client relationship going on there. Not sure which one is the client...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-83648126394887865982011-09-29T21:56:06.736-05:002011-09-29T21:56:06.736-05:00The motive here is for the admin to again appease ...The motive here is for the admin to again appease the defense bar, which was upset at Nathan's defense of himself in the Chronicle. Lykos has made it abuntantly clear that she does not care at all about her people - see, e.g., Mark and Riffi. She does, however, care what the defense bar thinks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-32778769567121138212011-09-29T21:08:12.452-05:002011-09-29T21:08:12.452-05:00I take issue with Anon 5:05. Since when do you ge...I take issue with Anon 5:05. Since when do you get punished for defending yourself when accused of being unethical? Is that a right you forfeit when you work for that office now? Sure glad that wasn't the case when I worked there, and I doubt I would have stayed 25 years had it been. It also seems to prove the point that the punishment was political.Jigmeisternoreply@blogger.com