Senator Asks DOJ to Investigate SWAT-ting Attacks on Conservative Bloggers

Karl · Jun 9, 2012

nota bene said:
Yes, Holder is a very bad AG. I guess I've missed the "bandwagon," but I've thought Holder was a poor choice since the beginning, and he hasn't demonstrated that my opinion was misplaced. [...]

The bandwagon is all the Republican senators jumping on with Chambliss, after the fact, in his attempt to embarrass the administration with empty rhetoric in order to gin up his intellectually challenged base.

As to Holder, I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you, and I think he's about to pee in his own Wheaties over that stupid Fast and Furious investigation. However, the right does not like him for one reason: Obama chose him.

And the want to attack him because: they think it will hurt Obama.

I think Geitner was a poor choice as well... far worse than Holder (I was rooting for Volcker).

Karl · Jun 9, 2012

Billy the Kid said:
I agree.

If during the Bush Admin a "Fast and Furious" had occured, those responsible would have been drawn and quarter by the press at this point and time. [...]

If a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass when he jumps.

Try and bring something real to the table next time, eh?

Karl · Jun 9, 2012

Mycroft said:
[...] Suffice it to say, I don't expect him to willingly deal with this issue till after the election...if then.

Partisan paranoia. Check the post directly above for a recommendation.

nota bene · Jun 9, 2012

Karl said:
The bandwagon is all the Republican senators jumping on with Chambliss, after the fact, in his attempt to embarrass the administration with empty rhetoric in order to gin up his intellectually challenged base.

As to Holder, I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you, and I think he's about to pee in his own Wheaties over that stupid Fast and Furious investigation. However, the right does not like him for one reason: Obama chose him.

And the want to attack him because: they think it will hurt Obama.

I think Geitner was a poor choice as well... far worse than Holder (I was rooting for Volcker).

I could've supported Volckner over Geitner; I know this may come across as superificial, but his own IRS problems disqualified him in my opinion.

About the "bandwagon," I can't say that you're wrong or right. You might be right; this might all be political expediency. More likely, it's a mix of expediency and good sense because Holder has demonstrated his reluctance to deal with troublesome issues. As "trivial" as you may think it, his refusal to act on the Philly voter-intimidation is meaningful. It resulted in the resignations of DOJ attorneys and supervisors and is at least "suggestive."

As for "Fast and Furious," the most kind term I can offer is "incompetence."

And this is being very generous. He somehow wasn't aware of e-mails directed to him. And this week he "forgot" and "didn't remember" way too much.

I honestly don't care about the political lean of any AG; I just want competence and honor. Following the rules. Not dissembling. Holder's a failure in these regards.

Billy the Kid · Jun 10, 2012

Karl said:
If a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass when he jumps.

Try and bring something real to the table next time, eh?

Really? Put down that cup of Kool Aide.

notquiteright · Jun 10, 2012

What makes the 'concern' from Republicans have over this seem partisan as hell is two fold.

First SWATting has been going on for years, ABC's GMA reports 400 such incidents. Now that two 'conservative' bloggers have been targeted suddenly Republicans are up in arms. :roll:

The other issue is after volumes of attacking the DoJ and Holder as bumbling why all of a sudden do the Republicans think Holder is now THE man for the job? Again, referring to the news reports it appears the FBI has a handle on the blogger SWATs. The other 398 incidents could use some attention but it appears Republicans are not as concerned with those Citizens as protecting their own talking heads...(seems to be a trend don't you think?)

SWATting isn't acceptable but given the other threats making the 'conservative' drums beat, I am puzzled why Republicans want the much vilified DOJ to investigate?

State Investigators with FBI support are the proper responders. But it is an election year...

nota bene · Jun 10, 2012

notquiteright said:
The other issue is after volumes of attacking the DoJ and Holder as bumbling why all of a sudden do the Republicans think Holder is now THE man for the job? Again, referring to the news reports it appears the FBI has a handle on the blogger SWATs. The other 398 incidents could use some attention but it appears Republicans are not as concerned with those Citizens as protecting their own talking heads...(seems to be a trend don't you think?)

SWATting isn't acceptable but given the other threats making the 'conservative' drums beat, I am puzzled why Republicans want the much vilified DOJ to investigate?

State Investigators with FBI support are the proper responders. But it is an election year...

I'm not a Republican, so I can't speak for them. But I can answer a couple of your questions. I don't think that Holder is suddenly "the man." What he is, however, is the AG. Whether he's competent to do it isn't relevant; it's his job and that of the department he heads.

Because these are cyber-attacks which could be from anywhere, they may well fall outside county or state jurisdictions.

OpportunityCost · Jun 10, 2012

notquiteright said:
What makes the 'concern' from Republicans have over this seem partisan as hell is two fold.

First SWATting has been going on for years, ABC's GMA reports 400 such incidents. Now that two 'conservative' bloggers have been targeted suddenly Republicans are up in arms. :roll:

The other issue is after volumes of attacking the DoJ and Holder as bumbling why all of a sudden do the Republicans think Holder is now THE man for the job? Again, referring to the news reports it appears the FBI has a handle on the blogger SWATs. The other 398 incidents could use some attention but it appears Republicans are not as concerned with those Citizens as protecting their own talking heads...(seems to be a trend don't you think?)

SWATting isn't acceptable but given the other threats making the 'conservative' drums beat, I am puzzled why Republicans want the much vilified DOJ to investigate?

State Investigators with FBI support are the proper responders. But it is an election year...

Way to miss the point. They are being swatted because of their political views, its an attempt to chill free speech. Its harassment with malicious intent. Its because they are visible political figures albeit semi-anonymous that they are targets. I cant stand the way you approach this. If it were happening to left side bloggers, I would be all for the apprehension of those responsible but you seem to be tied up in the election optics of the situation. Wrong is wrong, which political side it is and what response they are advocating is irrelevant, it needs to be stopped.

Maybe by heightening awareness of the problem, those other 390 plus cases will get the proper attention as well. Did you stop to consider that?

notquiteright · Jun 10, 2012

Hence the FBI, that question was asked and answered back when tommy gun toting bank robbers escaped justice by crossing state lines.

That the attack MAY fall outside state jurisdictions isn't a justification for calling the DOJ to take charge of the investigation. It MAY be alot of things, so far the answer is no it ain't.

But you dodge a key point I had, why did the Republicans ignore 398 SWATtings and only demanded something be done when two 'conservative' bloggers cry foul and declare SWATting a political dirty trick? Was the SWAT attack on a 14 year old boy in Colo a political attack as well? Or it doesn't count because it wasn't against a mouthpiece for 'conservative' propaganda?

Address the delay in outcry please....

notquiteright · Jun 10, 2012

OC-
way to miss the point and try to make it 'Constitutional'. The bloggers are far from stifled, they are using this to pimp and prance before every media outlet with a microphone. It is publicity whoring by the hacker, the blogger, the senator and all during an election year.

It is a straw to grasp saying now that two darlings of the 'conservatives' have been SWATted perhaps more attention will be focussed...

The FBI is the LE Agency to be lead, they are not half stepping just because it is a kid in colo, calling for Holder is just a publicity stunt.

OpportunityCost · Jun 10, 2012

notquiteright said:
OC-
way to miss the point and try to make it 'Constitutional'. The bloggers are far from stifled, they are using this to pimp and prance before every media outlet with a microphone. It is publicity whoring by the hacker, the blogger, the senator and all during an election year.

It is a straw to grasp saying now that two darlings of the 'conservatives' have been SWATted perhaps more attention will be focussed...

The FBI is the LE Agency to be lead, they are not half stepping just because it is a kid in colo, calling for Holder is just a publicity stunt.

Your response is in the basest emotion. Im sorry you feel that way, more to the point I feel sorry for you.
The more attention this gets the less chance there is that those doing it will get away with it over and over. The fact that you are letting partisanship get in the way of seeing that is pretty pathetic.

They arent just calling for Holder to get involved, they are getting congress involved, this isnt just a prank its a direct shot at silencing critics through intimidation and using police agencies to accomplish it. Its an abuse of the system that warrants a strong penalty, the lower the visibility is on this issue the easier it will be to get away with and keep perpetrating.

notquiteright · Jun 10, 2012

Your response is a deflection. Getting congress involved is a good thing? Since when is that a good idea? Pass another law? Mix politics and law enforcement?

I was born at night but it wasn't last night! :roll:

Your silence free speech and critics is weak at best.

Two no name blogger/radio heads who are prancing in the spotlight??? Give me some of what your smoking!

If it was Beck, Hannity, even Occy Rush perhaps that crippled bird would fly, but not two 'who the hell are they' guys.

You confuse base with realistic and congressional concern with political grandstanding...

The FBI and various state agencies don't need congressional pushing to do their job.

nota bene · Jun 10, 2012

notquiteright said:
Your response is a deflection. Getting congress involved is a good thing? Since when is that a good idea? Pass another law? Mix politics and law enforcement?

I was born at night but it wasn't last night! :roll:

Your silence free speech and critics is weak at best.

Two no name blogger/radio heads who are prancing in the spotlight??? Give me some of what your smoking!

If it was Beck, Hannity, even Occy Rush perhaps that crippled bird would fly, but not two 'who the hell are they' guys.

You confuse base with realistic and congressional concern with political grandstanding...

The FBI and various state agencies don't need congressional pushing to do their job.

Sorry you aren't familiar with Patterico or Red State or other conservative bloggers. Doesn't mean that others aren't. In fact, Erick Erickson even has a radio show.

I'm not a Limbaugh fan, but I've no respect for someone who calls him "Occy Rush." So unfair. He had an addiction, and he beat it, but all these years later, some just can't resist the low remark. Pity when there's so much to validly criticize.

OpportunityCost · Jun 10, 2012

notquiteright said:
Your response is a deflection. Getting congress involved is a good thing? Since when is that a good idea? Pass another law? Mix politics and law enforcement?

I was born at night but it wasn't last night! :roll:

Your silence free speech and critics is weak at best.

Two no name blogger/radio heads who are prancing in the spotlight??? Give me some of what your smoking!

If it was Beck, Hannity, even Occy Rush perhaps that crippled bird would fly, but not two 'who the hell are they' guys.

You confuse base with realistic and congressional concern with political grandstanding...

The FBI and various state agencies don't need congressional pushing to do their job.

You are so full of ****.

Silencing free speech is what this is ALL about. The bloggers have a commonality: they are conservative and they blogged about Brett Kemberlin. You dont have the slightest freaking clue about the story and claim its all publicity. Aaron Worthing lost his job, his wife lost her job, Patterico's family (hes a freaking asst DA for gods sake) was almost shot, Stacy McCain has vacated his home in Maryland. That sure sounds like a publicity hunt.

This is what happens when politics and a sociopath tries to weild power to silence his critics and possibly uses more outrageous means of initimidation and lawfare to accomplish his ends. I really cant express how ignorant you look on this issue, its breathtaking.

notquiteright · Jun 10, 2012

Like I said, two dudes that we never heard of until this happened.

I am 125% FOR finding who did this and taking them to trial. I don't condone threats to civilians no matter their political rants.

But unlike a fella wanting to nuke the Middle East, I see degrees of response. Having the DOJ launch an investigation into recent leaks of classified information... go for it.

But before demanding the DOJ investigate the blogger attacks, let the States and FBI have a crack at this. IF they find a vast left wing political attack network THEN DOJ their ass.

Until then it is a hyper-partisan Senator pandering to the right wingnuts.

Oh, and the hyper partisan kool-aide drinkers trying to justify the grandstanding...

Karl · Jun 10, 2012

OpportunityCost said:
Way to miss the point. They are being swatted because of their political views, its an attempt to chill free speech. [...]

Making stuff up is no way to make a point either.

Karl · Jun 10, 2012

OpportunityCost said:
Your response is in the basest emotion. Im sorry you feel that way, more to the point I feel sorry for you.
The more attention this gets the less chance there is that those doing it will get away with it over and over. The fact that you are letting partisanship get in the way of seeing that is pretty pathetic. [...]

Hatuey · Jun 10, 2012

Why is the DOJ getting involved in this? It's a local issue isn't it? Let the states handle it.

nota bene · Jun 10, 2012

Hatuey said:
Why is the DOJ getting involved in this? It's a local issue isn't it? Let the states handle it.

The reason has been explained several times on this thread, but this will help: "in the case of cybercrime the stickiest point, is to determine the geographic jurisdiction. This is more difficult in cybercrime cases than in other types of crime because often the perpetrator is not in the same city, state or even country as the victim." What makes cybercrime laws so difficult to enforce | TechRepublic

Helix · Jun 10, 2012

1. swat teams are overused in the US to the point where i would support significant federal restrictions on them.

2. trying to get the cops to raid someone you don't like is infantile and criminal. anyone who does it should spend a good chunk of time in the clink.

OpportunityCost · Jun 10, 2012

notquiteright said:
Like I said, two dudes that we never heard of until this happened.
I am 125% FOR finding who did this and taking them to trial. I don't condone threats to civilians no matter their political rants.

But unlike a fella wanting to nuke the Middle East, I see degrees of response. Having the DOJ launch an investigation into recent leaks of classified information... go for it.

But before demanding the DOJ investigate the blogger attacks, let the States and FBI have a crack at this. IF they find a vast left wing political attack network THEN DOJ their ass.

Until then it is a hyper-partisan Senator pandering to the right wingnuts.

Oh, and the hyper partisan kool-aide drinkers trying to justify the grandstanding...

Just because you are ignorant of Redstate doesnt mean others are. Redstate.Com traffic profile: How many people visit RedState blog website per month?
368,000 hits a month.

I refuse 100% to believe you would adopt this stance if it were happening to left wing bloggers.

Can you perhaps explain some other reason why 2 people that have no other relationship to each other than being conservative bloggers that recently posted about Brett Kemberlin, are suddenly the target of the exact same crime? What a coincidence.

Moot · Jun 10, 2012

notquiteright said:
What makes the 'concern' from Republicans have over this seem partisan as hell is two fold.

First SWATting has been going on for years, ABC's GMA reports 400 such incidents. Now that two 'conservative' bloggers have been targeted suddenly Republicans are up in arms. :roll:

The other issue is after volumes of attacking the DoJ and Holder as bumbling why all of a sudden do the Republicans think Holder is now THE man for the job? Again, referring to the news reports it appears the FBI has a handle on the blogger SWATs. The other 398 incidents could use some attention but it appears Republicans are not as concerned with those Citizens as protecting their own talking heads...(seems to be a trend don't you think?)

SWATting isn't acceptable but given the other threats making the 'conservative' drums beat, I am puzzled why Republicans want the much vilified DOJ to investigate?

State Investigators with FBI support are the proper responders. But it is an election year...

They want the FBI investigation report to help give their deciet and smear campaign more credibility to the public at large. By the time the truth is discovered their false narrative will have taken hold and that is what people will remember and believe. The right wing have pulled this stunt so many times it's amazing that people still fall for it...especially if Breitbart has anything to do with it.

Moot · Jun 10, 2012

OpportunityCost said:
Just because you are ignorant of Redstate doesnt mean others are. Redstate.Com traffic profile: How many people visit RedState blog website per month?
368,000 hits a month.

I refuse 100% to believe you would adopt this stance if it were happening to left wing bloggers.

Can you perhaps explain some other reason why 2 people that have no other relationship to each other than being conservative bloggers that recently posted about Brett Kemberlin, are suddenly the target of the exact same crime? What a coincidence.

The 2 people collaberated to target Kimberlin with a smear campaign that incited violence against him. Kimberlin in return filed a lawsuit against them. Now why would Kimberlin prank the two bloggers, if he's suing them? Wouldn't that undermine his lawsuit if he were caught?

OpportunityCost · Jun 11, 2012

Moot said:
The 2 people collaberated to target Kimberlin with a smear campaign that incited violence against him. Kimberlin in return filed a lawsuit against them. Now why would Kimberlin prank the two bloggers, if he's suing them? Wouldn't that undermine his lawsuit if he were caught?

Wrong. They told the truth about Kemberlin, his background, his convictions, etc etc. They did nothing to incite violence against Kimberlin. Nowhere did they advocate any physical or criminal activity towards Kimberlin.

Update, Kimberlin claims he was swatted and the county sheriff department says nope.
The Other McCain
Patterico's Pontifications » Kimberlin’s Velvet Revolution Claims Kimberlin Was SWATted
Statement from Montgomery county Maryland public information office regarding Bret Kimberlin Swating Claim

Hint: sociopaths dont need reasonable rationale for what they are doing, they never think they get caught or have to justify their actions to anyone. This guys looks like a huge bag of crazy.

nota bene · Jun 13, 2012

OpportunityCost said:
Wrong. They told the truth about Kemberlin, his background, his convictions, etc etc. They did nothing to incite violence against Kimberlin. Nowhere did they advocate any physical or criminal activity towards Kimberlin.

Update, Kimberlin claims he was swatted and the county sheriff department says nope.
The Other McCain
Patterico's Pontifications » Kimberlin’s Velvet Revolution Claims Kimberlin Was SWATted
Statement from Montgomery county Maryland public information office regarding Bret Kimberlin Swating Claim

Hint: sociopaths dont need reasonable rationale for what they are doing, they never think they get caught or have to justify their actions to anyone. This guys looks like a huge bag of crazy.

He has the right to be crazy, just not to be a political terrorist.

Senator Asks DOJ to Investigate SWAT-ting Attacks on Conservative Bloggers

Rule of Two