Who will investigate the government leaks to David Axelrod’s pals at the Chicago Tribune?
Thomas Barton, Investigative Reporter
During the news about the Obama regime spying on the press, don't neglect this question: Why hasn't the Inspector General asked John Chase and the Chicago Tribune who in the federal government is leaking sealed information to them?
Why, after assigning a host of federal agents and spending piles of federal dollars to investigate Rod Blagojevich and corruption in Illinois, did Chase and the Tribune get to pull the plug on the federal wiretaps with impunity? Is anyone asking that question besides IP2P? No. Why not?
And, why was the Tribune, and only the Tribune, given access to the Blagojevich wiretap recordings that were never made public? We’re wondering if David Axelrod is still the de facto editor of the paper, and if former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's image as an “Elliot Ness crime-fighter” was all fabricated by the media - led by the Tribune?
Throughout the Blago saga has the Trib only reported what they are told to report by the feds?
Chicago Forward Speakers
James Compton, Tribune Editors Gerould Kern and Bruce Dold, Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Rahm Emanuel
And finally, why is the Office of the Inspector General concerned about some leaks and not about others? So many questions. So few answers.
-----Original Message-----
From:<redacted>
To: DOJOIG FraudComplaints (OIG)
Sent: 2013-06-07 18:09:18 +0000
Subject: Inspector General investigation?
Has the Office of the Inspector General opened an investigation of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and the U.S. Attorneys Office Northern Dist of Illinois pertaining to leaks from that office to the Chicago Tribune?
(Name Redacted)
-----Original Message-----
From:<redacted>
To: William J Birney (OPR)
Sent: 2013-06-05 15:40:21 +0000
Subject: OPR Investigation
Mr. William J. Birney
Has the Office of Professional Responsibility or the Inspector Generals Office opened an investigation into the serious DOJ leaks that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald talked about in his press conference, as noted in the Illinois pay-to-play article below?
(Name redacted)
-----Original Message-----
From: <redacted>
To: William J Birney (OPR)
Sent: 2013-06-01 19:56:53 +0000
Subject: Former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald takes the Fifth
Former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald takes the Fifth
https://illinoispaytoplay.com/2013/06/01/former-u-s-attorney-patrick-fitzgerald-takes-the-fifth/
Coming soon
What Blago's lawyers had to say.
Former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald takes the Fifth
Ernie Souchak, Editor-in-Chief
Former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who is a close, personal friend of Obama's choice to be the next FBI Director, James Comey, refuses to answer questions pertaining to the leaks from his U.S. Attorney’s Office to the Chicago Tribune.
Remember, it was Fitz who acknowledged that a leak to the Tribune had revealed the existence of a federal wiretap on then Governor Rod Blagojevich.
The next words out of Patrick Fitzgerald's mouth were incredible – as in not credible.
He said the leak was information he knew, so he couldn’t investigate the leak, nor did he know who could or would.
In other words: Because I might be the leaker and cannot investigate myself, I’m not going to do anything. And because I don’t know who to call to investigate me, I can’t ask anyone to investigate me.
The recipient of the leak, and the man who called Rod Blagojevich's people to warn them that Blago was being recorded, was Tribune reporter John Chase. Chase was sitting three feet in front of Fitzgerald when Fitzgerald made the incredible comments in a press conference.
John Chase
All the while, the Chicago Media was…silent. Are they complicit, incompetent, or both?
The John Chase mentioned above is the same Tribune reporter who got the sealed Blago tapes and transcripts from the feds.
Now, it seems, former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald may feel his close personal friendship with Obama's choice for FBI Director allows him to continue ignoring questions about the entire Blago saga. Immunity by association.
Patrick Fitzgerald once said, "The truth is the engine of our judicial system. If you compromise the truth, the whole process is lost." That was when he wanted Scooter libby to go to jail for lying to the government.
When a citizen lies to a U.S. Attorney, they go to jail.
What should happen to a U.S. Attorney who lies to the citizens?
So, former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald: Did you really not know who to call to investigate you?
Hey, Chicago Tribune: Why are you helping Rod Blagojevich blackmail the Feds?
Ernie Souchak, Editor-in-Chief
A proven reliable source reports that Rod Blagojevich is attempting to blackmail his way out of prison.
And, there are indications that the feds are in the process of capitulating to Blago’s demands, aided by the collaborative assistance of the ChicagoTribune, in what amounts to a cover-up of a crime.
(Read this email thread from bottom to top)
Top
-----Original Message-----
From: <redacted>
To: Len Goodman
Sent: 2013-05-24 17:24:37 +0000
Subject: Is it a real appeal?
Mr. Len Goodman
It has come to my attention, that there is a strong possibility your client Rod Blagojevich is blackmailing former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and the federal government.
Are you familiar with the interview Rod Blagojevich did with Brian Ross?
(Sender redacted here and below when not otherwise indicated)
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: <redacted>
To: "Kimberly Nerheim" <Kimberly.Nerheim@usdoj.gov>
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 1:08:10 PM
Subject: Fwd: Brian Ross 8-26-2010 Blago threatens
Kimberly
Please contact me about these very important matters.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
----- Forwarded Message -----
From:<redacted>
To: "Randall Samborn" <Randall.Samborn@usdoj.gov>
Sent: Saturday, March 12, 2011 1:00:28 PM
Subject: Fwd: Brian Ross 8-26-2010 Blago threatens
Randall Samborn
Looks like Rod Blagojevich's decision to go the route of extortion might be working for him? . In plain site on ABC.
Do you think if he does not get the deal he wants Rod Blagojevich will tell the public the information Patrick Fitzgerald supposedly wanted the morning he arrested Blago.
More important does Patrick Fitzgerald want information about corruption at the level that Blago speaks of in this interview.
Blago say's some very telling things in this interview with Brian Ross that will help expose the truth. Simple questions, who told John Chase that the feds had a wire on Blagojevich and that John Wyma was cooperating with U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
Who,what,why,when and where was the decision made to warn Blago ?
Why is no one asking ? That last question was rhetorical, I know why no one is asking.
Randall, lets not forget our discussions about these matters. Maybe this is one of those times that calls for a Special Counsel to be appointed.
Trial or not, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered starting with the ones John Chase has never answered.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bottom
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: <redacted>
To: <redacted>
Sent: Monday, March 7, 2011 9:54:37 AM
Subject: Brian Ross 8-26-2010 Blago
Pertinent memory refresher.
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/video/rod-blagojevich-reveals-jail-activity-11493201
Pop quiz:
Question. Why did the feds give the Blago wiretap tapes and transcripts to the Chicago Tribune and only the Tribune?
Answer. So the Tribune could lie and tell the public that there is nothing on the tapes that Rod Blagojevich could use to blackmail the Feds.
Question. Why are the Chicago Tribune and their reporters John Chase and Jeff Coen refusing to report what is on the tapes and transcripts?
Answer. They are part of the criminal cover-up dubbed "Chicagogate"
Question. Why are the Blagojevich brothers reevaluating whether or not the public should hear the tapes or read the transcripts that they and their attorneys would not shut-up about in the past?
(Read this email thread from bottom to top)
Top
-----Original Message-----
From: Robert Blagojevich
To: <redacted>
Sent: 2013-05-09 19:10:09 +0000
Subject: Re: Inquiry (your statement)
<Name redacted>
Understand this; everything I've either written to you or said is off the record.
Please respect my position.
Rob Blagojevich
Sent from my iPhone
------------------------
On May 9, 2013, at 1:33 PM, <redacted> wrote:
Robert
If you cannot go on the record stating that it is unacceptable for the Feds to give Tribune reporters and only Trib reporters John Chase and Jeff Coen copies of sealed tapes and transcripts, tapes and transcripts that yourself and Rod were not allowed to keep.
You are making a statement.
Are you sure this is the statement you want to make?
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: <redacted>
To: Robert Blagojevich
Sent:Thu May 9 02:55:54 UTC 2013
Subject: Fwd: Inquiry
Robert
How does Rod's appeal have anything to do with whether you believe the tapes should be made available to others in the Media?
The Feds gave access to the tapes to the Chicago Tribune, and only the Trib.
And, according to John Chase and Jeff Coen, the Tribune can grant Rod and yourself your wish, and publish the transcripts.
All I am asking is: Do you still believe that all the wiretap tapes should be played?
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Robert Blagojevich
To: <redacted>
Sent:Thu May 9 02:38:16 UTC 2013
Subject: Re: Inquiry
To clarify and be specific, I don't want to say anything publically until my brother's appeal has been heard.
At that point I will reevaluate.
Sorry about the confusion of my previous email. Rereading it, it confused me as well.
Robert
------------------------
On May 9, 2013, at 9:22 AM, <redacted> wrote:
Robert
I do not understand. You and Rod have repeatedly expressed your desire for the public to hear all the wiretap tape recordings.
Help me understand.
Do you still believe the wiretap tapes should be played for the public?
What has changed?
----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Blagojevich
To: <redacted>
Sent:Thu May 9 11:40:36 UTC 2013
Subject: Re: Inquiry
(Name redacted)
At this point what I believe Chase and Coen should do has to remain with me until Rod's appeal is completed.
I hope you can understand my position.
Robert
---------------------
On May 8, 2013, at 2:51 PM, <redacted> wrote:
Robert
Do you believe Tribune reporters John Chase and Jeff Coen should publish the wiretap transcripts they received from the Feds that were never made public?
Bottom
-----Original Message-----
From: <redacted>
To: Robert Blagojevich
Sent: 2013-05-07 15:03:50 +0000
Subject: Tapes and Transcripts
Robert
John Chase and Jeff Coen had this to say "no legal ban on us publishing" when asked about the wiretap tapes and transcripts that were never made public.
Tapes and transcripts that they received from the Feds.
Don't you think it's time for people to publicly insist that they do publish them?
Perhaps, if you ask.
Conclusion: If the Feds keep their word and release Blago from jail, the Blagojevich brothers will never reveal what’s on the wiretap tapes that the feds don’t want you to know.
Here's a question: Should you trust the Tribune Company?
Particularly now that it’s becoming clear that it works for the federal government.
Answer. I think not!
Hey Chicago Tribune: What’s on the secret Blagojevich tapes?
Ernie Souchak, Editor-in-Chief
A reliable source informs IP2P that Tribune Company spokesman Gary Weitman has stated, for-the-record, that the decision to publish or not publish the Blagojevich wiretap transcripts – given to the Chicago Tribune, and only to the Tribune, by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and never made public – is a decision that rests in the hands of Tribune editor Gerould Kern.
Weitman knows that the tapes and transcripts were under court seal, and have not been made available to the public. Upon further inquiry, Weitman repeated that the decision to publish, or not publish, is one that would have to be taken-up with Gerould Kern.
To date, Kern has refused to respond to multiple request seeking an explanation for his decision not to publish the Blago tapes.
We call on Gerould Kern to rethink his decision, and publish the transcripts. And, if Kern does not reconsider, and continues to keep secrets, rather than act as a responsible newspaper editor, then we call on the Tribune Co. to replace him with someone who understands the importance of an honest "Fourth Estate".
What is on the Blago tapes that the Feds and Trib editor Gerould Kern do not want the public to know?
Next
What the Blago camp is saying....
To Trib Editor Gerould Kern: Tear down this wall…
Thomas Barton, Investigative reporter
Chicago Tribune reporters John Chase and Jeff Coen say the Feds gave them access to the Blagojevich wiretap tapes and transcripts they used in writing their book entitled “Golden.”
This access was granted to them when the material was under seal and unavailable to anyone else, in or out of the media.
IP2P has learned that Coen has made another claim – one that takes the cozy relationship between the Tribune and the Feds to a whole new level. Remember, the Feds initially leaked information to the Tribune about the existence of the Fed’s wiretap on Blago.
When asked about the sealed Blagojevich tapes and transcripts that the Feds shared with the two reporters for their book, Coen replied that the leaked material was “the Tribune's business.” He refused to elaborate.
In other words, talk to my boss. So we’ve talked to Coen’s boss.
Tribune Editor Gerould Kern was asked why the Trib has failed to share the tapes and transcripts with its readers.
Kern will not respond.
We call upon the Chicago Tribune to inform its readers and publish the transcripts. After all, they represent news, and the paper is supposed to be in the news business.
There is no legal ban on printing the material. Chase and Coen have already referred to tapes in their book. But there they only quoted material from inane conversations with little news value to Chicagoans.
In other words, they teased their readers, but didn’t inform them.
So to Gerould Kern we say: Tear down this wall that hides the Blagojevich tapes.
Chicago Tribune reporters work for Federal Government
Thomas Barton, Investigative Reporter
In an interview with veteran reporter Barbara Hollingsworth, Chicago Tribune reporters John Chase and Jeff Coen revealed that the Feds gave them the tapes and transcripts that the U.S Attorney's office still refuses to share with anyone else.
That begs this question: Why did the Feds give the Trib reporters, and only the Trib reporters, access to this incendiary material?
Here’s our answer: So that Chase and Coen could assure you that there’s "Nothing to hear on these tapes, folks. Move along now."
Consequently, we believe the Trib reporters colluded with the Feds, with the complicity of the Tribune management, in order to dupe you, the public.
We also question why we’ve heard no outrage from Rod Blagojevich or his attorneys. Do you suppose there’s a "back-room deal" to trade Blago's silence for his early-release from prison?
John Chase and Jeff Coen have revealed none of the taped conversations, they say the Feds gave them, that recorded Blago’s conversations with multiple prominent persons in the Washington D.C. halls of power.
To change that, why don’t Chase and Coen start by sharing the Rahm Emanuel-taped conversations with Chicagoans? He is our Mayor, after all.
As this story unfolds, and as the true reasons for Patrick Fitzgerald having been appointed U.S. Attorney Northern District of Illinois become clear, it will also become clear that this level and scope of corruption requires the co-operation of the Chicago media.
The struggle to remain a free people requires an honest "Fourth Estate." And today, Chicago doesn't have one.
Read Hollingsworth's article here: Source of Leaked Transcripts of Blagojevich Tapes
H/T Chicago Daily Observer:
BREAKING NEWS: Blagojevich Attorney calls out Chicago Tribune reporters
Ernie Souchak, Editor-in-Chief
Kudos to the Chicago Daily Observer for their relentless pursuit of the truth. (Unlike the Tribune Co., which is largely responsible for the prostitution of the dead-tree "Fourth Estate" in Chicago.)
Today, at the Chicago Daily Observer, you’ll find an example of legitimate journalism displayed by Barbara Hollingsworth, as we learn that one of the Blagojevich attorneys has gone on-record stating that Chicago Tribune reporters Jeff Coen and John Chase are lying about having had access to the federal wiretap tapes and transcripts – material that was never made public.
And, furthermore, that the U.S. Attorney's Office was so concerned about the contents of the tapes being leaked, they insisted that the Blagojevich's and their attorneys return all copies of tapes and transcripts back to the government.
Excerpt:
Michael Ettinger, one of the defense attorneys for Blagojevich’s brother, Robert, was even blunter: “If Jeff Coen said he listened to the 500 hours of tapes, he's a liar," Ettinger told me in a recent email. “The government wanted all tapes, copies and transcripts returned before [Robert’s case] was dismissed out.” Ettinger added in a follow-up phone conversation with me that, “Rod’s team had to give them back, too. No one kept them.”
Read more of Hollingsworth's article here: Just How Did those “Sealed” Blagojevich Tapes Get to the Tribune Reporters?
Hats off to Barbara Hollingsworth and the Chicago Daily Observer. An honest Fourth Estate is essential to fight corruption and remain a free people.
Why no Grand Jury? Chicago Tribune reporter John Chase involved in a crime. AGAIN!
Thomas Barton, Investigative Reporter
Chicago Tribune reporters John Chase and Jeff Coen are on-record claiming to have had access to all the Blagojevich wiretap tape recordings that were never made public.
The U.S Attorneys Office has gone on-record claiming that they did not give Chase or Coen access to the Blagojevich wiretap tapes and transcripts.
So, here's what we know for sure:
(1.) The Blagojevich wiretap tapes and transcripts are sealed by a federal protective order signed by Judge James Zagel. The only way to legally obtain them is from the feds.
(2.) Chase and Coen claim to have had accessed the recordings and have offered up a sample of taped conversations that were never made public as proof of possession.
(3.) The U.S. Attorney's Office insists that no one there provided the tapes or transcripts to anyone, including Chase and Coen.
Doesn't that mean Chase and Coen have confessed to being involved in the act of breaking a federal protective order signed by Judge Zagel?
Keep in mind that this isn't the first time Chase has received information as a result of someone acting above federal law. The existence of the federal wiretap made its way to Chase after someone in the Department of Justice broke the law and leaked it to him.
Why did U.S Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald enforce federal law when it involved New York Times reporter Judith Miller, but chose not to enforce federal law when it involved Chicago Tribune reporter John Chase?
Do the Chicago Tribune editors and reporters act with impunity outside of federal law?
And, hey, why are the Chicago and national media ignoring this story?
Does Judith Miller have any thoughts on the subject? We'll ask her.
Developing.......
Stunning development in Chicagogate: Publisher of Blagojevich book “Golden” confesses
<< Breaking News >>
Ernie Souchak, Editor-in-Chief
Jeff Coen and John Chase celebrate the publication of "Golden" with their editor from Chicago Review Press
In a stunning development, Chicago Review Press, publisher of "Golden: How Rod Blagojevich Talked Himself out of the Governor's Office and into Prison," confessed to failing to fact-check the book.
Cynthia Sherry of Chicago Review Press recently went on the record stating that the publisher "trusts their authors," and that she "trusted the Chicago Tribune and their reporters so there was no need for her to fact-check the book."
Does that mean Chicago Review Press does not fact-check any of the books they publish?
Ms. Sherry also acknowledged that she didn't confirm that John Chase and Jeff Coen actually had access to the wiretap recordings they claim in the book.
Chicago Review Press' trust of the Tribune, Chase, and Coen is even more remarkable when you consider that Ms. Sherry, and others at Chicago Review Press, were provided verifiable information that should have insured that they take all precautions and thoroughly vet the claims Chase and Coen made.
That is, unless fact-checking the book didn't fit the publisher's agenda.
Did Chicago Review Press betray our trust?
What really should have Chicagoans scratching their heads is this: The Blagojevich legal team has remained silent as Chase and Coen tell the world there's nothing on the tapes that vindicate Blagojevich, and that the tapes prove his guilt.
Keep in mind, these are tapes that Blago and his lawyers claim they can't talk about. And, these are tapes that Chase and Coen could not have obtained legally, unless they recieved acsess from the feds. And the feds have denied giving them that access.
So, how is Blagojevich helped by silence?
Why are lawyers remaining silent?
Remember, the appeal they filed is (suppose to be) for the right to a new trial. Not for freedom.
No comment from Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky has been yet offered. Only the sound of crickets.
Sheldon where are you? Why aren't you representing your client, Rod Blagojevich?
Much more to come........
Rod Blagojevich: How could I be guilty of selling, if Jesse Jackson Jr. was not guilty of buying?
Hugo Floriani, Investigative Reporter
It's only a matter of time before we hear Rod Blagojevich's advocates ask the question: How could Blago be guilty of trying to sell the U.S. Senate Seat that Barack Obama vacated, if there was no buyer?That's coming, as part of the puppet show staring Blago.
There was a buyer. But the feds just put him on ice with an indictment that could have, should have, been issued years ago.
The timing of the U.S. Attorney's office (USAO) in Washington, DC decision to stop looking the other way as Jesse Jackson Jr and his wife Sandi broke campaign finance laws, could not have been better. That is, if your goal is to protect Barack Obama and his administration from Chicagogate.
Jesse Jackson, Jr. has presented a dilemma for the Obama administration since the USAO in Chicago gave the go-ahead to the Chicago Tribune to warn Rod Blagojevich that the feds were recording him.
It was a warning given in order to save Jesse Jackson, Jr. from being arrested in a trap set for Blago. After all, not only did Jackson Co-chair Obama's 2008 Campaign Committee, Obama and Michelle are near Jackson family members. And J.J., Jr. knows too much - way too much.
However, as the Jackson's are learning, even family members are expendable if it means protecting the Obamas.
When J.J., Jr. resigned from congress not only did his political career end (perhaps), the investigation into his attempt to buy a U.S. Senate Seat ended, too.
And, the reason Jackson resigned? The USAO in D.C. decided to indict Jackson for crimes the Attorney General had known about for years: Jackson's violation of campaign finance laws.
Simultaneously, the DoJ is protecting Jackson from being indicted for a different crime that the Attorney General has known about for years: Jackson's attempt to purchase a U.S. Senate Seat from then Governor, now federal prisoner, Rod Blagojevich.
It is all part of the puppet show.
And the media is doing their part, by being complicit in covering up the entire story.
Here's a radical idea. Suppose some media personality asks John Chase, and the Chicago Tribune editors, this question: Why did you warn Rod Blagojevich he was being recorded by the feds?
Any takers?
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