Hey Matt, I think Mr. Donziger should be vetted and cross-examined. One gets a different story from reading the court cases, including those of the Second Circuit which by and large affirmed the judgments and sanctions against him.
I first heard about Steven Donziger via Chris Hedges about a number of months ago. I couldn’t believe my ears. It’s good to see he’s making the rounds in a bunch of lefty media spaces and hopefully that helps elevate it and continues to open people’s eyes to the evils of vile oligarchy we live in
..for over 650 (days) without being... You made a mistake in the title, that's what humans do. Why then are you always so fucking critical of others who gaff? A small book could. be filled with the ones I've heard on UI. Between being 78 and the leader of the free world don't you think he's got a lot on his mind? You can be funny without being mean is what I'm suggesting.
I’m shocked at what a bad judge of character the world has. Reading people, is what I do for a living. And this is the second show in a row that Katie & Matt have put their credibility on the line for simply not asking reasonable or tough follow-up questions.
I’m shocked so many Lefty shows and their audiences’ can’t see right through this guy within 2 minutes of an interview. He lies through teeth and no one presses him on the inconsistencies. Then in the comments listeners praise this moron. It’s mind blowing.
What's with all the ads? Are you sending paid subscribers the teasers?
I just closed this because I am a paid subscriber yet I had to fend off five ads before seeing the episode begin and once the episode began, less than three minutes into it -- here come more ads.
I am not going to watch any more of the episode.
Your paid subscribers are being punished instead of being rewarded.
I don't want to have to fend off ads throughout trying to watch something for which I am a paid subscriber...
I understand that you are trying to build an audience, but why punish paid subscribers? Please stop sending teasers to paid subscribers -- or at least warn to distinguish between the teasers and those intended for the paid subscriber.
Why should paid subscribers have to watch two versions to get to see the entire episode? It wastes our time.
it seems the reverse of how it should be.
The paid subscribers should be the first to see the entire episode (without ads) -- then -- the freebies should go out.
Matt's off the deep end along with Donziner on this one:
"Respondent has been found guilty of egregious professional misconduct, namely, corruption of a court expert and ghostwriting his report, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and judicial coercion and bribery which he steadfastly refuses to acknowledge and shows no remorse for. In recommending an end to respondent’s interim suspension and his reinstatement, the Referee was too dismissive of the severity of the misconduct at issue (and he arguably exceeded his authority in permitting respondent to continually offer protestations of innocence notwithstanding this Court’s prior orders).
Not only did the Referee understate the magnitude of respondent’s egregious misdeeds, he also failed to recognize (nor even discuss) the relevant precedent in which the sanction of disbarment has been imposed for comparable misconduct (see e.g. Matter of Zappin, 160 AD3d 1 [1st Dept 2018], appeal dismissed, 32 NY3d 946 [2018], lv denied 32 NY3d 915 [2019]; Matter of Fagan, 58 AD3d 260 [1st Dept 2008], lv dismissed 12 AD3d 813 [2009]).
The AGC’s evidence in aggravation, particularly Judge Kaplan’s civil contempt findings (which the Referee failed to address in his report [see Matter of Savitt, 170 AD3d 24, 28 [1st Dept 2019], appeal dismissed 33 NY3d 1118 [2019] [Court opined that referee erroneously failed to recognize civil contempt finding and failure to purge as aggravation]), only add to the case for disbarment.
Accordingly, respondent’s motion to confirm the Referee’s report and recommendation should be denied. The Committee’s cross motion to disaffirm the Referee’s report and recommendation should be granted, and respondent disbarred from the practice of law retroactive to the date of his July 10, 2018 suspension, and his name stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York."
Starting with an insult, followed by jargon makes for a weak argument, especially since you don't seem to take Donziner seriously at all as if no legitimate points were raised. Also, relying on procedural accuracy when the issue at hand is the abuse of judicial power makes for a weaker argument.
This case is extraordinary. The facts are many and sometimes complex. They include things that normally come only out of Hollywood — coded emails among [lead plantiffs’ attorney Steven] Donziger and his colleagues describing their private interactions with and machinations directed at judges and a court appointed expert, their payments to a supposedly neutral expert out of a secret account, a lawyer who invited a film crew to innumerable private strategy meetings and even to ex parte meetings with judges, an Ecuadorian judge who claims to have written the multibillion dollar decision but who was so inexperienced and uncomfortable with civil cases that he had someone else (a former judge who had been removed from the bench) draft some civil decisions for him, an 18-year old typist who supposedly did Internet research in American, English, and French law for the same judge, who knew only Spanish, and much more.
If the case was out of Hollywood (Kaplan seems to be projecting here), a jury would have been convened a long time ago, with dramatic testimonies. Taking the words of a Judge that should have recused himself is not rational.
Texaco poisoned people, killed them, degraded their environment, knowingly, to pocket extra money. You make an appearance here as a dirty shill for the #PolluterClass that murders people for profit. It's hard to believe that you are a Matt Taibbi fan. I don't believe you for a second. You're dirty.
I listen to another podcast that recently had Donziner on their show as well. After the interview, I commented that Donziner seems unprofessional, dishonest and shady.
Then, to my horror, today I saw he was now on Useful Idiots. Even worse, it seems they didn’t research the interview thoroughly enough to even be able to push him on his flailing inconsistencies.
Independent media has a responsibility to be better than the MSM. Otherwise what’s the point?
What inconsistencies are you referring to? What about the judges' connections to Chevron, should that be acceptable? Give a real critic, not just ad hominem based on how you feel about someone.
I’ve heard 4 interviews with Donziner, this was one of his more coherent ones. Other interviews are quite more painful to watch.
...anyway
Donziner could be entirely on the up and up. But a journalist is doing him no favors by not pressing him on his inconsistencies in other other interviews and the issues stated by the judge in the official court record that Paul posted here.
Donziner has also fought to keep significant parts of his court record private- which is highly unusual and I’m yet to see anyone press him on that. That’s a journalists job. If he is being forthright, then pressing him accordingly, where necessary is only going to make his side stronger.
Then you should definitely seek out Donziger (NOT DONZINER, YOU HAVE THAT WRONG) speaking with Aaron Mate on Pushback at The Grayzone. "Chevron colludes with US judge to persecute attorney Steven Donziger" https://youtu.be/l9y7RZ7RPAQ.
What you have written here is a load of propaganda from the #PolluterClass magnates with whom I would venture to say you have a few of their cocks in your mouth, Ellie Vegan Philly. The real story of Donziger is out there, readily available, and puts your pathetic attempt here to shame.
Donziger is a human rights lawyer and has justified legal reasons for not acquiescing to Kaplan's orders. Kaplan is simply working as an agent for Chevron, period. Donziger has done nothing to warrant this abuse of power, but as the US justice system is tilted toward supporting wealthy, corporate interests, this isn't surprising. Donziger is simply being punished for daring to fight against corporate crime, Chevron's pollution, and to send a message to other such lawyers.
That’s a bold claim to make against the official court record when no one has provided evidence of the contrary.
It’s bad journalism to not press him on the official record or to inquire about Donziner’s own consistent discrepancies.
I’ve seen Donziner on 4 shows now and he hasn’t provided one iota of evidence in his favor and his story has changed every time.
Ignoring these things doesn’t give credence to his case- it makes it more flimsy. A thorough cross examination would actually make his case stronger- as long as it holds water.
That’s true. You are right regarding the Obstruction of Justice charge.
I’m referring to the case as a whole.
It’s also important to mention, I don’t think that Donziner’s shadiness and the shadiness of the actors prosecuting his case are mutually exclusive. Both sides can be dishonest and deceptive for entirely different reasons.
But, we don’t know because no one has pressed him on any of these things.
It’s worth mentioning- this Useful Idiots appearance is one of his better and more coherent interviews.
Out of the 4 interviews I’ve seen, his shady character shines most brightly on his “Bad Faith Podcast” interview.
It sounds like Chevron is taking lessons from Scientology (or vice versa).
Hey Matt, I think Mr. Donziger should be vetted and cross-examined. One gets a different story from reading the court cases, including those of the Second Circuit which by and large affirmed the judgments and sanctions against him.
Matt's one of, and probably THE best journalist in the U.S. I love the guy. But he's throwing his pearls before swine on this guy. Seriously.
I first heard about Steven Donziger via Chris Hedges about a number of months ago. I couldn’t believe my ears. It’s good to see he’s making the rounds in a bunch of lefty media spaces and hopefully that helps elevate it and continues to open people’s eyes to the evils of vile oligarchy we live in
Lotsa Chevron / CIA liars, trolls, hypocrites and shills urinating here this morning ...
Donziger is the Jeffrey Epstein of the Environmental movement. . .And probably has chatted it up with Mr. Gates along the way.
..for over 650 (days) without being... You made a mistake in the title, that's what humans do. Why then are you always so fucking critical of others who gaff? A small book could. be filled with the ones I've heard on UI. Between being 78 and the leader of the free world don't you think he's got a lot on his mind? You can be funny without being mean is what I'm suggesting.
I’m shocked at what a bad judge of character the world has. Reading people, is what I do for a living. And this is the second show in a row that Katie & Matt have put their credibility on the line for simply not asking reasonable or tough follow-up questions.
I’m shocked so many Lefty shows and their audiences’ can’t see right through this guy within 2 minutes of an interview. He lies through teeth and no one presses him on the inconsistencies. Then in the comments listeners praise this moron. It’s mind blowing.
Interesting discussion. Would love to read a deep dive into this case.
DON'T buy people pets (unless they ask for a surprise breed, size, colour, personality coin-toss pet). (True Story: She killed them.)
What's with all the ads? Are you sending paid subscribers the teasers?
I just closed this because I am a paid subscriber yet I had to fend off five ads before seeing the episode begin and once the episode began, less than three minutes into it -- here come more ads.
I am not going to watch any more of the episode.
Your paid subscribers are being punished instead of being rewarded.
I don't want to have to fend off ads throughout trying to watch something for which I am a paid subscriber...
I understand that you are trying to build an audience, but why punish paid subscribers? Please stop sending teasers to paid subscribers -- or at least warn to distinguish between the teasers and those intended for the paid subscriber.
Why should paid subscribers have to watch two versions to get to see the entire episode? It wastes our time.
it seems the reverse of how it should be.
The paid subscribers should be the first to see the entire episode (without ads) -- then -- the freebies should go out.
No ads on the podcast. The video is on Youtube. UI doesn't control those ads.
Matt's off the deep end along with Donziner on this one:
"Respondent has been found guilty of egregious professional misconduct, namely, corruption of a court expert and ghostwriting his report, obstruction of justice, witness tampering, and judicial coercion and bribery which he steadfastly refuses to acknowledge and shows no remorse for. In recommending an end to respondent’s interim suspension and his reinstatement, the Referee was too dismissive of the severity of the misconduct at issue (and he arguably exceeded his authority in permitting respondent to continually offer protestations of innocence notwithstanding this Court’s prior orders).
Not only did the Referee understate the magnitude of respondent’s egregious misdeeds, he also failed to recognize (nor even discuss) the relevant precedent in which the sanction of disbarment has been imposed for comparable misconduct (see e.g. Matter of Zappin, 160 AD3d 1 [1st Dept 2018], appeal dismissed, 32 NY3d 946 [2018], lv denied 32 NY3d 915 [2019]; Matter of Fagan, 58 AD3d 260 [1st Dept 2008], lv dismissed 12 AD3d 813 [2009]).
The AGC’s evidence in aggravation, particularly Judge Kaplan’s civil contempt findings (which the Referee failed to address in his report [see Matter of Savitt, 170 AD3d 24, 28 [1st Dept 2019], appeal dismissed 33 NY3d 1118 [2019] [Court opined that referee erroneously failed to recognize civil contempt finding and failure to purge as aggravation]), only add to the case for disbarment.
Accordingly, respondent’s motion to confirm the Referee’s report and recommendation should be denied. The Committee’s cross motion to disaffirm the Referee’s report and recommendation should be granted, and respondent disbarred from the practice of law retroactive to the date of his July 10, 2018 suspension, and his name stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law in the State of New York."
https://law.justia.com/cases/new-york/appellate-division-first-department/2020/2020-ny-slip-op-04523.html
Found the paid Chevron shill.
Starting with an insult, followed by jargon makes for a weak argument, especially since you don't seem to take Donziner seriously at all as if no legitimate points were raised. Also, relying on procedural accuracy when the issue at hand is the abuse of judicial power makes for a weaker argument.
Plus, with 200 lawyers filing a judicial complaint against Judge Kaplan over the issue, it makes what a stranger on the internet states quite hollow and a little trolly https://iadllaw.org/2020/09/more-than-200-lawyers-file-judicial-complaint-against-judge-lewis-a-kaplan-over-abusive-targeting-of-human-rights-advocate-steven-donziger/
From Judge Kaplan’s original ruling:
This case is extraordinary. The facts are many and sometimes complex. They include things that normally come only out of Hollywood — coded emails among [lead plantiffs’ attorney Steven] Donziger and his colleagues describing their private interactions with and machinations directed at judges and a court appointed expert, their payments to a supposedly neutral expert out of a secret account, a lawyer who invited a film crew to innumerable private strategy meetings and even to ex parte meetings with judges, an Ecuadorian judge who claims to have written the multibillion dollar decision but who was so inexperienced and uncomfortable with civil cases that he had someone else (a former judge who had been removed from the bench) draft some civil decisions for him, an 18-year old typist who supposedly did Internet research in American, English, and French law for the same judge, who knew only Spanish, and much more.
If the case was out of Hollywood (Kaplan seems to be projecting here), a jury would have been convened a long time ago, with dramatic testimonies. Taking the words of a Judge that should have recused himself is not rational.
Texaco poisoned people, killed them, degraded their environment, knowingly, to pocket extra money. You make an appearance here as a dirty shill for the #PolluterClass that murders people for profit. It's hard to believe that you are a Matt Taibbi fan. I don't believe you for a second. You're dirty.
Paul- Thank you for this.
I listen to another podcast that recently had Donziner on their show as well. After the interview, I commented that Donziner seems unprofessional, dishonest and shady.
Then, to my horror, today I saw he was now on Useful Idiots. Even worse, it seems they didn’t research the interview thoroughly enough to even be able to push him on his flailing inconsistencies.
Independent media has a responsibility to be better than the MSM. Otherwise what’s the point?
What inconsistencies are you referring to? What about the judges' connections to Chevron, should that be acceptable? Give a real critic, not just ad hominem based on how you feel about someone.
I’ve heard 4 interviews with Donziner, this was one of his more coherent ones. Other interviews are quite more painful to watch.
...anyway
Donziner could be entirely on the up and up. But a journalist is doing him no favors by not pressing him on his inconsistencies in other other interviews and the issues stated by the judge in the official court record that Paul posted here.
Donziner has also fought to keep significant parts of his court record private- which is highly unusual and I’m yet to see anyone press him on that. That’s a journalists job. If he is being forthright, then pressing him accordingly, where necessary is only going to make his side stronger.
Then you should definitely seek out Donziger (NOT DONZINER, YOU HAVE THAT WRONG) speaking with Aaron Mate on Pushback at The Grayzone. "Chevron colludes with US judge to persecute attorney Steven Donziger" https://youtu.be/l9y7RZ7RPAQ.
What you have written here is a load of propaganda from the #PolluterClass magnates with whom I would venture to say you have a few of their cocks in your mouth, Ellie Vegan Philly. The real story of Donziger is out there, readily available, and puts your pathetic attempt here to shame.
Donziger is a human rights lawyer and has justified legal reasons for not acquiescing to Kaplan's orders. Kaplan is simply working as an agent for Chevron, period. Donziger has done nothing to warrant this abuse of power, but as the US justice system is tilted toward supporting wealthy, corporate interests, this isn't surprising. Donziger is simply being punished for daring to fight against corporate crime, Chevron's pollution, and to send a message to other such lawyers.
this is what's wrong with the legal system. It's so convoluted that everybody is right and nobody is wrong .
on the internet, nobody knows you're chevron.
That’s a bold claim to make against the official court record when no one has provided evidence of the contrary.
It’s bad journalism to not press him on the official record or to inquire about Donziner’s own consistent discrepancies.
I’ve seen Donziner on 4 shows now and he hasn’t provided one iota of evidence in his favor and his story has changed every time.
Ignoring these things doesn’t give credence to his case- it makes it more flimsy. A thorough cross examination would actually make his case stronger- as long as it holds water.
That’s true. You are right regarding the Obstruction of Justice charge.
I’m referring to the case as a whole.
It’s also important to mention, I don’t think that Donziner’s shadiness and the shadiness of the actors prosecuting his case are mutually exclusive. Both sides can be dishonest and deceptive for entirely different reasons.
But, we don’t know because no one has pressed him on any of these things.
It’s worth mentioning- this Useful Idiots appearance is one of his better and more coherent interviews.
Out of the 4 interviews I’ve seen, his shady character shines most brightly on his “Bad Faith Podcast” interview.