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Impending Clash in Haditha Case; Thomas More Law Center Calls Re-Opened Article 32 Hearing a Sham

August 7, 2007 by

ANN ARBOR, MI – The ordered reopening of Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Chessani’s Article 32 Hearing scheduled to begin this Wednesday, without making any of the requested defense witnesses available, has been called “a sham” by the Thomas More Law Center. The order for a new hearing limited the hearing to only three days, beginning on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, and ending no later than Friday August 10, 2007. The impending clash is connected to the refusal of Government prosecutors to present any evidence or make any of the 13 military witnesses requested by the Law Center available. Under military law, defense attorneys have no authority to compel the attendance of witnesses at this stage of the proceedings.

At the end of Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Chessani’s original Article 32 Hearing, the Investigating Officer agreed to add additional charges at the prosecutors’ request, characterizing the additions as merely “refinements” to the old charges. However, as a result of detailed written objections by Thomas More Law Center attorneys to the Investigating Officer’s recommendations for a general court-martial (that included the additional charges), and a follow-up meeting with the convening authority, Lt. General Mattis, the Article 32 Hearing was ordered reopened to receive evidence concerning the new charges.

Recently, prosecutors have informed the Law Center defense attorneys that the government will not provide any military witnesses or new evidence for the re-opened Article 32 Hearing.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, and a 24 year former county prosecutor pointed out, “The government’s refusal to make any of our requested witnesses available makes the new hearing nothing but a sham.”

Brian Rooney, a former Marine lawyer and current Director of Communications at the Law Center commented, “It was clear to any objective observer of the original Article 32 Hearing that the charges against Lt. Colonel Chessani would not hold up at court-martial. These so-called ‘refinements’ are in my opinion a desperate attempt to find some way to hold our client criminally liable for doing his duty.”

The Law Center has asked the Investigating Officer to rule on their requested witnesses’ availability. If the Investigating Officer does not rule in the Law Center’s favor, the Law Center will ask Lt. General Mattis to intervene again. Thompson added, “This is but another indication that the government’s mission in this case is not to seek justice but to turn a nineteen year combat veteran—who has honorably served his country—into a political scapegoat. Lt. Colonel Chessani and America deserve better.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through education, litigation, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

San Diego Firefighters Forced to Participate in “Gay Pride” Parade

August 6, 2007 by

*WARNING EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT*

imag18-full ANN ARBOR, MI – Four respected San Diego firefighters were ordered, against their wishes, to participate in uniform on their city fire truck in the city’s annual “Gay Pride” parade. During the course of the ensuing three hour long ordeal, the firefighters were subjected to vile sexual taunts from homosexuals lining the parade route. This included the following statements: “show me your hose,” “you can put out my fire,” “you’re making me hot,” “give me mouth-to-mouth,” “you look hungry, why don’t you have a twinkie (from a man wearing a “Girth and Mirth” t-shirt),” and “blow my hose.” These firemen are devoted husbands and fathers. When they refused to respond to the crowd, some in the crowd turned hostile and started shouting, “F—k you firemen” and others began “flipping them off.”

San Diegoarea attorney, Charles LiMandri, the West Coast Director of the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is representing the firefighters in their legal claims against the city. LiMandri was also the lead counsel in the successful Mt. Soledad Cross case in San Diego. A 52 year native San Diegan, LiMandri stated: “What happened to these dedicated public servants was inexcusable. The City should have known from past experience the kind of offensive activities that go on at this event. This was a clear case of sexual harassment in violation of state and federal law as well as the City’s own code of conduct.”

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center added, “These firefighters dedicated their lives to save the lives of others. They did not sign on to become unwilling props to a controversial political and social agenda.”

Continued Thompson, “The constitutional right to free speech also protects the right not to speak. These men should not have to explain to their families, friends and church congregations that their presence at a celebration of lewdness and obscenity in support of the homosexual agenda was because they were forced there by way of a direct order. This is a clear violation of their constitutional rights, and the City must be held accountable. It should never happen again to any city employee.”

The firefighters were also targets of gross sexual gestures to include the following: exposure of genitals, blowing kisses, grabbing of the crotch, rubbing of nipples, tongue gestures, men hugging and kissing one another passionately, many of them wearing make-up and dressed like women. Although the firefighters were not physically assaulted, the gestures were clearly directed towards them.

The so-called “Gay Pride” parade took place on July 21, 2007 in San Diego. On July 20, 2007, the four firefighters in question were told by their superiors that they would be participating in the parade. All four repeatedly protested that they did not wish to participate. In the past, firefighters that participated in the parade generally did so on a volunteer basis. On the morning of July 21, 2007, however, these same four firefighters were ordered into their uniforms and made to participate in the parade in their fire truck. The firefighters were left with the Hobson’s choice of either violating their conscience or being disciplined for disobeying a direct order.

While on the parade route, the firefighters were subjected to the most vulgar kinds of sexual harassment. To quote one of the firefighters: “You could not even look at the crowd without getting some type of sexual gesture.” This firefighter further added, “If any crew member were to hang up pictures at the station of what we saw, we would be disciplined.”

Local papers reporting on the parade made no mention of the lewd and offensive behavior that characterized the parade.

Brian Rooney, spokesman for the Law Center stated, “This event panders to the most base elements of what is advertised as ‘America’s Finest City’. Even the homosexual community should be outraged and ashamed of the sexual harassment these firemen were forced to endure.”

Fire Chief, Tracy Jarman, an open lesbian, stated, “This is a fun event and all employees are encouraged to participate.” When Jarman was appointed Fire Chief she stated that her homosexuality has never been an issue at the department and she has never seen any gay-related trouble. Rooney commented, “Obviously the environment at the department has changed for the worse since Jarman has been appointed Fire Chief. ‘Participation’ should be a voluntary act—these four firefighters had no choice in the matter and that is wrong no matter what one’s sexual orientation.”

Thompson commented, “This is another example of how radical homosexual activists in positions of authority force their agenda on unwilling citizens. Although the local media avoided mentioning the debauchery and the obscenity that pervaded the parade, the general public should know what went on and how these firefighters were forced to participate against their will.”

Montgomery County Public Schools Say Yes to Anal Sex, Homosexuality, Bisexuality, and Transvestitism

August 1, 2007 by

ANN ARBOR, MI – A public school district’s program promoting anal sex, homosexuality, bisexuality, and transvestitism as normal sexual variations was recently approved by the Maryland State Board of Education despite strenuous opposition from several pro-family groups. Montgomery County Public School’s controversial sexuality curriculum for eighth and tenth grade students is the result of pressure by homosexual advocacy groups.

In response, the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, announced today that it will assist the pro-family groups in their appeal of the Education Board’s decision to the Montgomery County Circuit Court. The Law Center will be assisted by Maryland attorney John R. Garza who has been involved in the curriculum fight for several years.

The Thomas More Law Center and John Garza represent Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays and Gays, and the Family Leader Network.

According to Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center, “I’m impressed with the principled and steadfast opposition by these pro-family groups to this outrageously hedonistic and life-threatening sexuality curriculum. The Law Center will do everything we can to assist them in their fight.”

The pro-family groups oppose the sex program on several grounds: (1) it teaches students that homosexuality is “innate,” which is an unproven theory; (2) it teaches students that anal sex is just another sexual option without warning students of the increased HIV/AIDS risk of anal sex, even with a condom; (3) it labels as “homophobic” children who hold traditional religious or moral beliefs about homosexuality; and (4) it teaches students that transgenderism is just another “sexual orientation,” even though transgenderism has been classified as a mental disorder.

The Montgomery County Circuit Court may overturn the decision of the State Board of Education. The court may also stay the application of the sexuality curriculum while the appeal is pending. If the court affirms the decision of the State Board of Education, the case will be appealed to the Maryland Court of Appeals.

Edward L. White III, trial counsel with the Law Center, who is handling the case, commented: “This curriculum is full of factual inaccuracies and runs counter to sound educational policy. It should not be taught in the public school.”

Thomas More Law Center Ensures Right Of Third-Grade Student To Read Bible In Public School

July 23, 2007 by

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has received the written assurance from Elementary School District 159, which is outside of Chicago, Illinois, that its client, Rhajheem Haymon, a third-grade student, will be permitted to read his Bible in school.

After being contacted by Leslie Haymon, Rhajheem’s father, and being informed that school officials had denied Rhajheem the right to read his Bible during “reading time,” a time during the day when students may read a book of their choosing, Edward L. White III, trial counsel with the Thomas More Law Center, immediately sent school officials a demand letter on the Haymon’s behalves.

In the letter, White informed school officials that the United States Supreme Court and the United States Department of Education have assured that students are free to express their religious views while at school, a freedom that includes a student’s choice to read religious materials. He explained that a public school may not suppress or exclude the speech or expression of individual students for the sole reason that the speech is religious or contains a religious perspective. Soon after receiving the letter, the school district sent written assurance that Rhajheem could bring his Bible to school and read it at the appropriate times during the school day.

Leslie Haymon stated: “I thank the Thomas More Law Center for the assistance given to me and my family. I thank them for protecting our rights as Christians and as Americans. I thank God for the work of the Thomas More Law Center.”

Assisting the Thomas More Law Center in this matter was Kevin Edward White, an attorney in Chicago.

Betrayed by His Own Government—Officer Recommends General Court-Martial For LtCol Chessani

July 12, 2007 by

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center, a national public-interest legal advocacy firm today announced that Colonel Christopher Conlin, USMC has recommended that LtCol Chessani face a general court-martial. The Law Center has been representing Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Chessani, USMC since January of this year. Chessani is charged with “dereliction of duty” and “orders” violations. These charges stem from a battle in the insurgent held town of Haditha, Iraq on November 19, 2005. Marines were alleged to have purposely killed Iraqi civilians and that their officers were involved in a “cover-up” of the incident.

Richard Thompson, the President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center commented, “This recommendation deals more with political correctness than criminality. Colonel Chessani is chastised in the report because he had more confidence in his men than in insurgent propaganda. It glorifies paper pushing over fighting and has the unintended consequence of dampening the spirit of the most ferocious fighters on Earth.”

Continued Thompson, “This fight is about the future of the American fighting man. If good officers and men like LtCol Chessani can’t react to combat situations the way they were trained, if our young soldiers are forced to hesitate in battle because they may be criminally charged by their own government, they will be killed. Further, if the higher command doesn’t correct the injustice of this flawed recommendation, ultimately there will be no aggressive military left to defend the life of our nation.”

This case is the consequence of Congressman Murtha’s politically motivated statements against LtCol Chessani and his Marines, as well as, the terrorist inspired story in Time Magazine. Like the great tradition of the Marines, the Law Center will continue to press this fight forward until we have won victory for LtCol Chessani.

The maximum punishment at a General Court-Martial that Chessani could face is dismissal (an officer’s equivalent of a dishonorable discharge), loss of retirement, and imprisonment of up to 3 years.

In another case dealing with the same incident, a different Investigating Officer, LtCol Ware, USMC recommended in the strongest possible terms that murder charges be dropped against LCpl Sharrat. In his report, LtCol Ware surmised, “The government’s version may encourage others to bear false witness against Marines as a tactic to erode public support of the Marine Corps and its mission in Iraq. Even more dangerous is the potential that a Marine may hesitate at the critical moment when facing the enemy.” This echoes a sentiment that the Law Center has been making since the beginning of its defense of LtCol Chessani.

LtGen Mattis will be the final arbiter of whether this case against LtCol Chessani goes to general courts-martial, or goes away. LtGen Mattis is not bound by this recommendation from Col Conlin. The Law Center has five days to write a rebuttal to the report. The Law Center will refute and rebut what it believes are clear factual errors and legal conclusions that render the recommendation invalid in its opinion.

Brian Rooney, one of the attorneys assisting in the case commented, “We are disappointed by this recommendation, but not deterred. I always told Marines in Iraq that in the final analysis it is better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6. If we are forced to go to a general court-martial, LtCol Chessani will be judged by a true jury of his peers—many will be combat veterans themselves. We are very comfortable with that scenario.”

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.

Shame at Petco Park; The Thomas More Law Center Urges Families to Boycott This Sunday’s Padres Game

July 6, 2007 by

ANN ARBOR, MI – On the same evening, the San Diego Padres are enticing families to bring their children to the Padre’s game against the Atlanta Braves with a family day giveaway of “floppy hats;” the Padres are also advertising a homosexual event, “Pride Night at PETCO Park.”

As a result, the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan today urged families with children and fans of the San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves to stay away from the game and avoid watching, or even listening to this Sunday’s game involving the two clubs.

On the San Diego Padres official website (http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ticketing/groups/pride_night.jsp), the Padres are advertising for an official “San Diego Pride event (sponsored by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community).” The Padres’ website states, “Pride Night at PETCO Park. ‘Enjoy an evening of Padres baseball at a discounted price… . San Diego Pride supporters and volunteers will be recognized for organizing the group event with a scoreboard welcome and the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Diego will sing the National Anthem.’”

On that same evening, the San Diego Padres are advertising a family day giveaway. Floppy hats with the “Swingin’ Friar” embossed will be given away to all children 14 and younger. This event is sponsored by the Union Bank of California and radio station Magic 92.5 FM. Sunday games are also an attraction for families with children because the Padres typically allow children to run the bases after Sunday games.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center commented, “In my opinion, this confluence of events is not a mistake. The Padres are playing the part of the Pied Piper leading unsuspecting children into accepting the homosexual lifestyle as normal. Children should not be subjected to the ‘in-your-face’ antics of these radical groups. The Thomas More Law Center wants unsuspecting parents that hope to get their children a free hat and maybe allow their children to run the bases at PETCO to know that they are also walking into a modern day scene of Sodom and Gomorrah.”

Brian Rooney, spokesman for the Law Center stated, “These so-called ‘gay pride’ events are often debauched affairs of gross and inappropriate displays of public affection. San Diego’s gay pride event, from all documented accounts, is no different. Families would most assuredly not want to subject their children to this ‘alternate lifestyle’—especially at a baseball game.”