Eagles Christina Lurie: I Would Let My Son Play Football

Christina Weiss Lurie, minority owner of the Philadelphia Eagles football team, insisted she would let her son with Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie play football despite the growing body of evidence that concussions on the field cause permanent brain damage. Her one stipulation is that "the appropriate medical personnel were on the sidelines of the field during the game."

Lurie, on the sidelines of Philadelphia Magazine's Thinkfest, argued football is not dangerous at the NFL level although the league recently agreed to pay a record $870 million settlement to former NFL players. "By the time the players get to the NFL, they have suffered 10 or so concussions," said Lurie. "We need to worry about the 10 year olds that get hurt during a game. Their brains are not fully formed." 

She also pointed out that other sports are equally as dangerous. "Many of my friends' daughters ride. They fall off the horse and get right back up on the horse without being checked medically first." 

Lurie reflected onstage on her improbable journey from growing up in England to one of the few female owners in the NFL. Her remarks seemed to indicate she harbors no animosity against her former husband after their divorce. Unfortunately, the interviewer, Philly.com's Diana Lind, was out of her depth and unconscious of the recent controversies swirling around the NFL. 

"Having grown up in London, I loved soccer. I knew nothing about the NFL." recalled Lurie. "Being a female executive in the NFL has been an amazing journey. It's been invigorating. It's been eye opening... I was lucky to have Jeffrey Lurie as my partner when we first started. He had the same goals as I did, which was to make sure that we had a workplace environment where it did not matter whether you were a man or woman ....We actually have many female execs at the Eagles. I am really proud of that."

Lurie seemed oblivious of her inherent responsibilities as one of the few women with a seat at the NFL owners' table. She acknowledged, in a brief interview after the prepared program, she had written and talked to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in the aftermath of the domestic violence incident involving former Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice yet demurred on taking a leadership role in addressing domestic violence in the league. 

"The women that the NFL has consulted with and named to the committee are experts on domestic violence like prosecutors," said Lurie. "I am busy with the Eagles."

Lurie, who is a two time Oscar winner, has two new documentaries coming out shortly. "Dishonesty," will air on CNBC in March, and "We are the Giant," which is set in the Middle East, is expected in theaters in December.  She has recently broadened her film slate to include horror and action films. Her next project will be a biopic of a strong woman, the champagne widow Veuve Clicquot. It will star A lister Rachel Weisz. 

I didn't grow up thinking about the glass ceiling," said Lurie when discussing her success in male dominated Hollywood. "Maybe it was willful ignorance, but never thought about it. In film, you want to choose the best story possible. It doesn't matter whether you are a female or male producer. It's the story that counts and how you make the film."

Her advice to women: "The female aspect never came to me. I just ignored it and went on doing what I felt I was good at. I think that is an important thing for women. Find your passion. Don't think of the limitations. Follow your dreams. The limitations will go by the wayside."

"

From an IDF Soldier on the Border

An IDF soldier on the border with Gaza sent me this update. (Translated from the Hebrew)

What's happening here in the staging area [area where soldiers prepare to enter Gaza] is beyond comprehension, not rationally, not emotionally and begs the imagination.

Almost every hour, a car shows up overflowing with food, snacks, cold drinks, socks, underwear, undershirts, hygiene supplies, wipes, cigarettes, backgammon and more. They're coming from the North and the Center, from manufacturers, from companies and private businesses, from prisons, Chareidim and Settlers, from Tel Aviv and even Savyon.

Every intersection on they way down here we get stopped, not by the police, but by residents giving out food. What is amazing is that the entire situation isn't organized and everyone is coming on their own without coordination between the folks coming.

They're writing letters and blessings, how they're thinking of us all the time. There are those who spent hours making sandwiches, so they're as perfect and comforting as possible.

Of course representatives of Chabad are here to help soldiers put on Tefillin and distributing Cha'Ta'Ts (Chumash, Tehillim, Tanya) for every troop transport and Breslov are showing up to the border and dancing
with the soldiers with great joy.

The Chareidim are coming from their yeshivot to ask the names of the soldiers with their mothers' names so that the whole yeshiva can pray for them. It should be mentioned that all of this is done under the threat of the terrorist tunnels and rockets in the area.

Soroka Hospital (in Be'er Sheva) today looks like a 5 star hotel. A wounded friend who was recently discharged told us how the MasterChef truck is parked outside and is preparing food for the wounded.

It goes without saying the amount of prayer services that are going on. On the religious front as well, there are lectures and Torah classes, all the food is obviously Kosher. Shachrit, Mincha, and Maariv with Sifrei Torah. 

They're giving out tzitzit and Tehilim by the hundreds. It's become the new fashion! The Rabbi of Maglan [Special Forces unit] told me that almost the entire unit has started wearing them, because the Army Rabbinate has been giving out tzitzit that wick away sweat. They're gaining both a Mitzva and a high quality undershirt. We've started calling them "Shachpatzitzit" (שכפ"ציצית - a portmanteau of the Hebrew term for body armor and tzitzit). We're having deep conversations late into the night without arguments, without fights and we find ourselves agreeing on most stuff.

We're making lots of jokes at Hamas's expense and without politics. There's lots more to add but my battery is running low and the staff has been requesting someone give a class on Likutei MoharaN (Breslov).

How happy is the nation that is like this. - אשרי העם שככה לו

Hillary's Royal Book Tour

Hillary Clinton’s upcoming book tour for “Hard Choices,” which is a memoir of her years as Secretary of State during the first Obama administration, resembles more of a royal expedition than a politician stumping for votes. It is quite the contrast from then Senator Obama’s book tour for "Audacity of Hope" that he effectively utilized to win the Democratic nomination for president in 2008.

Clinton, who has been practically anointed the Democratic presidential nominee in 2016, has deigned to stop in Philadelphia on June 13, 2014 at the main branch of the Free Library in Philadelphia. She will only sign books although visiting authors typically talk, read from their book, or are interviewed while hawking books.

Those who want to have the possible future president sign their book must purchase a $35 ticket, which includes the price of the book. The tickets, which are one ticket/book per person, go on sale Wednesday, June 4, 2014 on a first come, first served basis. Ticket holders must then come to the Library ahead of time to pick up their books and wristbands.

Perhaps, the most stringent Hillary imposed rule is –There shall be no selfies with Hillary! On the day of signing, no one will be allowed to stand in line with any personal items, including bags, cameras, and phones. All items must be checked. Hillary has already states she will not be signing any campaign memorabilia or previous books.

A book tour is not a campaign. But the stringent rules for Clinton's book signing cause one to wonder if her aura of inevitability will defeat her in 2016 like it did in 2008. Will her fans who leave the book tour disappointed decide not to show up on election day? Clinton should have approached this book tour as if she missed her voters and wants to reconnect.

Go here to buy tickets for the book signing at the Free Library of Philadelphia. 

Magic's Business Partner Refutes Donald Sterling Comments

Turner Impact CEO Bobby Turner with his partner Magic Johnson

Bobby Turner, who was Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s business partner from 2000-2013, refutes embattled LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling’s insulting comments about Magic during his explosive interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Sterling questioned why Magic was revered as a legend and what he he had done for the black community. 

Turner, who is now CEO of Turner Impact Capital, and Magic Johnson partnered to raise and invest $2 billion of equity in the Canyon Johnson Urban Funds. The purpose of the funds, which are estimated to have facilitated $6 billion in revitalization, is to revitalize densely populated ethnically diverse communities in urban America by building affordable work force housing and providing much needed services and amenities for these traditionally under-served communities.

“Magic’s impact far exceeds the investment dollars of our funds. He played a pivotal role in educating institutional investors on the merits of investing in urban markets, “said Turner. “He put his reputation, time, energy, and capital on the line for this venture.”

Turner created a large part of their success to Johnson’s fundamental understanding of what the urban consumer wanted and his passion for improving urban communities throughout America. The funds calculate they were responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 jobs, 5000 units of affordable housing, and millions of feet of retail and commercial space in the inner city. 

Turner said, "As a result of our investment, tens of millions of dollars flowed into urban coffers as a result of the incremental wage, sales, and real estate taxes. This in turn allowed cities to provide much needed social services for their citizens. 

Phillies Owner's Wife Called Anal at Project Home Tribute

Last night was the 25th anniversary gala of Project Home, the charity founded by indomitable Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson-McConnon that endeavors to end all homelessness in Philadelphia. The charity has helped more than 8000 people get off the streets and built more than 600 housing units. Phillies part owner John and Leigh Middleton were honored for their transformative gift of over $15 million to the charity.

Leigh and John Middleton accepting their honor

The Philadelphia society types came out for the dinner, which was attended by 1250 and raised $2.1 million. Rock star Jon Bon Jovi, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie, Bill Giles of the Phillies as well as the formerly homeless residents of Project Home attended the event. Pennsylvania's First Lady, Susan Corbett, Senator Bob Casey, and Mayor Michael Nutter also attended the event.

Eagles owner Jeffrey and Tina Lurie,  Comcast CEO Brian and Aline Roberts, and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim

NBC's Meet the Press moderator David Gregory, whose show is currently in third place, was the evening's host. I asked him if there was any truth to the Washington Post report that a psychological consultant have been hired to help him. He dismissed the story with "It's just noise." Still I would have liked to be a fly on the wall during Gregory's conversation with his boss, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts. No one was smiling.

Meet the Press moderator talking with his boss Comcast CEO Brian Roberts

Bon Jovi in his short but sweet speech made it clear who was the top dog in his relationship with Project Home co-founder Sister Mary Scullion. The nun is the boss of the rock star. He decided to become involved with the homeless after looking out his Philadelphia hotel room and seeing the homeless freezing on the street. He thought, This is not what our forefathers intended."

Bon Jovi teased Sister Mary Scullion during his speech. 

Binswanger Corp CEO David Binswanger and his wife Dorothy revealed some interesting details about the Middletons in their introduction of the couple. The couple works hard to deflect attention from themselves. They chose a seat at Phillies home game, to the left of the catcher, which is just out of camera range. The Middletons bought John's mother's 107 year old house and are refurbishing it. David Binwanger teased John Middleton about constantly looking at his phone and always being serious. Dorothy described Leigh Middleton as super organized or, in her words, "anal".

The World Bank President Jim Yong Kim gave a moving tribute to the Middletons in which he called them the new face of philanthropy. Kim announced that the World Bank is committed to ending extreme poverty in 15 years. He credited John Middleton with helping him developing a more scientific system for distributing aid.

He said, "I am so excited to be here. I have known John and Leigh Middleton for five years. There are no two people in the world that I admire more. John and Leigh ask simple questions of the people they work with 1. Do you have heart? 2. Do you grit? 3. Are you committed? 4. Do you use scientific evidence to improve the work that you do?"

I left the dinner with a queasy feeling in my stomach. I am not sure how I feel about going to a fancy gala dinner to raise money for the homeless. It was interesting to note two of the biggest supporters of the night made their fortunes from tobacco and sugary drinks, which have decimated poor communities.

Helping the homeless is hard work complicated by obstacles such as mental health and addiction. Yet, I was surprised how few people (8000 people) they had brought in from the streets or homes they had built (600) in a quarter century since the richest people in the city and Bon Jovi fund them. Mega developer Bart Blatstein does that in a year. When you break it down,  Project Home helped 320 people a year and built 24 homes a year.

The North Philly Stompers and the Phillie Phanatic led the crowd to dinner

David Binswanger and Marjorie Honickman are two major donors to Project Home

Phillies Owner Middleton's Grand Palm Beach Mansion

It was announced yesterday that Phillies owner John Middleton and his wife Leigh will be given the prestigious Philadelphia Award this year. The Middleton family sold John Middleton Co, which was founded in 1856 as a center city tobacco store, to Altria for $2.9 billion in 2007. After the sale, John and Leigh Middleton stepped up their philanthropy including major gifts to Project Home and the Philadelphia School District.  John Middleton serves in the board of trustees of Penn Medicine.

John Middleton

The Middletons have been building a mansion on the northern end of the island of Palm Beach, Florida for the last 3 years. Much to the chagrin of neighbors, who including the Duponts, the construction noise at the house might continue into 2015. Progress on the mega mansion is proceeding slowly because Palm Beach enforces strictly, especially during the season, the time each day that the contractors are allowed to work

The oceanfront property boasts a large main house, two guest houses, and servant quarters. As one neighbor noted, "The house is so big that the guest house has a guest house."

It is a shame that Middleton can't use his riches to field a winning team for the Phillies.

The view from the beach

The garage

I can't figure out what it is taking so long. The windows are already in. 

Are the blue rails surrounding a pool or a barbecue pit?

The view from their home, 

The Middleton's have nice neighbors. The Duponts live two houses away.

The beach is mostly private except for pretty ladies doing yoga. 

Hillary Clinton To Fundraise for Marjorie Margolies, Chelsea Clinton's Mother-in-Law

Hillary Clinton will be appearing next year at a fundraiser for Marjorie Margolies' congressional campaign in the Pennsylvania suburbs, according to Ken Smukler, who serves as a communications consultant for Margolies.

Margolies, who is Chelsea Clinton's mother-in-law, is locked in a Democratic primary campaign against a strong progressive, state Sen. Daylin Leach, as well as two others. Margolies served one congressional term in the early 1990s.

Longtime Margolies fundraiser Linda August, who attended Chelsea Clinton's wedding, also confirmed Clinton's upcoming appearance.

"Hillary said from the beginning that she was not going to be political this year except for McAuliffe and family. She is scheduled to come in six months before the election. She is coming in just when we need her," said Smukler, who also serves as spokesman for the local Democratic party. "The Clintons are doing this for themselves as much as for Marjorie. They can't have a family member lose a race for Congress six months before she is gearing up for a presidential election."

Leach said he wasn't concerned by Margolies' support from the Clinton camp.

"We have outpaced all of our opponents in fundraising and outreach since I got into the race," he told HuffPost. "We are following a very carefully crafted campaign plan. That plan does not depend on who does and does not support or attend fund-raisers for any of our opponents. I wish them all well, but I have a long history of winning elections, and I and my team are extremely confident our campaign will prevail on May 20th. "

The campaign of physician Val Arkoosh, another candidate for the congressional seat, disputed Leach's figures, and said Arkoosh currently led in fundraising. "We are the leading fundraiser in this race among the slate of candidates as of the end of the 3rd quarter with 588k cash-on-hand," said communications director Bryan Lesswing. "We are leading state Sen. Leach by over 210k, and Marjorie Margolies by 398k."

Smukler made his comments about Margolies at a fundraiser for the Dorys Erving Fit Youth (DEFY) Foundation at the Ritz Carlton hotel in Philadelphia on Friday night. Dorys is the wife of former NBA legend and Philadelphia favorite son Julius "Dr. J" Erving. Dr. J is currently on a book tour promoting his memoir, "Dr J: The Autobiography."

The foundation will provide a platform for solutions to childhood obesity in Philadelphia. According to the CDC, 25 percent of school age children in Philadelphia are suffering from obesity. The huge cake rolled out for desert illustrates the difficulty of tackling obesity.

The gala attracted many celebrities, such as former Laker star Kareem Abdul Jabbar and R & B singer Jeffrey Osborne, and local politicians such as Congressman Bob Brady. Brady lamented about the ubiquity of fast food chains in Philadelphia.

Osborne's performance was the highlight of the night.

State Senator Anthony Williams, who is running for mayor of Philadelphia in 2015,  and his wife Shari shared a romantic to "On The Wings of Love."

Even Dorys and Julius Erving couldn't resist the music.

At the same event, Jabbar voiced his frustration at the racism of Obama's critics.

"Obama is the President of the United States. He should be treated with respect."Many of the president's critics, especially the birthers, are racist. This nonsense that he was born in Kenya, which we all know is not true, is pure racism," Jabbar said.

The Huffington Post Washington editor Ryan Grim co-wrote this post with me. 

Cohen Fundraising Letter for DSCC Fundraiser with Obama

President Obama will speak at a DSCC fundraiser at the home of Comcast EVP David L. Cohen and his wife Rhonda on Thursday night. Richard Vague is the co-chairman. He made a fortune in fossil fuels, then credit cards. He then founded venture capital firm, Gabriel Partners. Senator Robert Casey will be there.

Here is Cohen's solicitation email.

Some of you were at the DSCC finance committee meeting yesterday, but for those who were not, Anne Caprara, Political Director at the DSCC gave a great update on the major Democratic Senate races.  We announced that we are currently at $600K in pledges and money in the door.  The DSCC has set a goal of $750K for this event, but we all agreed that we should be able to raise $1M as this finance committee has countless times in the past for the DSCC.

Just as a refresher, here are the details of the event Rhonda’s and my home: Address blocked out.

Event co-chairs: $32,400 - 5PM Cocktails and hors d'oeurvres, followed by a very small clutch, photos and dinner/Q&A with the President (At this level you are welcome to bring a guest for the photo and dinner portions of the event).

Event sponsor: $10,000 - Per person 5PM Cocktails and hors d'oeurvres, followed by photos and dinner/ Q&A with the President

If everyone on this email would either write or raise $10,000, we would easily be able to meet our goal of $1M and have a true impact on the programs that the DSCC works every day to implement in each of the targeted Senate races which obviously proved to be a winning strategy in the 2012 cycle (and in previous cycles).

DSCC Obama Dinner Invite 11.14.13.pdf

VA Marks Veterans' Graves "UNKNOWN" Rather Than Identify Heroes

Mount Moriah Cemetery, located in Southwest Philadelphia and Yeadon, Pennsylvania was the largest private cemetery in Pennsylvania. The cemetery has been largely abandoned since the owner died and his wife disavowed ownership in 2011. 

The cemetery has two National Cemetery plots, which Congress mandated to be maintained by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. The plots contain 2300 veteran’s graves, including 21 Medal of Honor recipients. One of these plots, called the Naval Asylum Plot, is in dire need of help.

Sam Ricks, who is on the board of Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, said, "Both plots lacks something basic found in all other National Cemeteries: a flagpole with a US Flag flying over veterans' graves.The Naval Plot contains numerous grave markers that are now illegible after years of inattention and lack of maintenance. The VA replaces them with their ubiquitous white marble "UNKNOWN" marker despite the availability of a volunteer conducted transcription survey identifying many of the now blank Navy and Marine markers."

Ricks is worried the grave markers that will ultimately be "Lost to History" if the VA continues to replace them with their ubiquitous white marble "UNKNOWN" markers." 

Ricks added.  These are the graves of our Nation's earliest heroes, who actually fought "from the Halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli." 

The VA has also been to slow to place special gold leaf Medal of Honor designation on the stones. 

Paulette Rhone, chairman of the board of the friends, had a chance encounter with the VA grounds supervisor of Washington Crossing Cemetery, who is responsible for the military cemeteries in the area, the day before the government shutdown, September 30, to discuss the issue. The staff promised to start taking care of the grounds, but have yet to do anything. 

Philadelphia School Reform Commission Chairman Brags About His Accomplishments

Philadelphia School Reform Commission Chairman Pedro Ramos was given the 2013 William J. Clothier II Memorial Award by the Pan American Association of Philadelphia.While most of us see dilapidated schools in Philadelphia, Ramos, a partner at the law firm of Trujillo, Rodriguez, and Richards, boasted about the School Reform Commission accomplishments during his tenure. Too busy bragging, he did not find the time to include Laporshia Massey, the young student who died from asthma complications, in his thoughts.

Here is a tape of Ramos's speech

He touted the recruitment of  the "exceptionally talented leader" Dr. Hite as superintendent of Philadelphia public schools, reduced the number of school buildings, labor agreements with the blue collar SEIU, and reinvigorate private philanthropy that had started to wane. He glossed over the reduced financial contribution from the state.

"Over the last two years, spending has been reduced to actual revenues level," he said. "The school district has instituted a 5 year financial plan."

Ramos, who conceded public service and responsibility can be "messy," continued, "All adults must insist on a safe, high quality education."

When I asked him after the speech if he had any comments about the death of Massey, he bristled with indignation. He offered no words of condolence to Massey's family.

He said, "I have no comment. Unlike everybody else, I don't offer my opinion without the facts. Call the School Board."

Cory Booker Mocks Gay Rumors

NJ Senatorial candidate Cory Booker performed at Stu Bykofsky's Candidates Comedy Night which benefits the Variety Club charities on August 23. His well received comedy routine included bits that mocked about the rumors that he is gay, being frequently compared to Obama, and his friendship with Republican Governor Chris Christie. Of course, there were the requisite jokes about birth certificates, political pandering, Philly sports fans, and Oprah. Unlike several of the other candidates, the charismatic Booker was able to be funny without any hint of raunchiness.



He addressed the gay rumors after being accused of inseminating a panda by another candidate performer.

Booker said, "I have been accused of some incredible things like being a KKK member, Jewish, Republican, gay, and a member of the CIA, but never inseminating a panda."

He touched on one local issue.

Why did George Washington cross the Delaware in a boat? he asked. "Because even back then, the tolls were too damn high."

On the day of the event, Obama endorsed Booker as the Democratic candidate for the Senate in New Jersey. While proud of the endorsement, he carefully delineated the differences between the two.

"When Obama left school, he became a community activist. When I left school, I became a neighborhood coordinator," joked the NJ senatorial candidate. "President Obama was born in the United States. I was born in Washington DC. Given the way that they kept records back then, I may not be able to produce a birth certificate."

Booker made light of the criticism that he receives over his friendship with Republican Governor Chris Christie. He also dismissed the possibility of any friction between them due to the governor's endorsement of his Republican opponent.

"My opponents came after me for me being close to the Governor of my state when I am mayor of the largest city," he said. "Last night, when I was with Mary Pat and Chris brushing our teeth and we expressed our frustration."

Not one to take himself seriously, Booker mocked his celebrity status. Talking about the frustrations of the campaign trial, he said, "Thanks goodness, I have Oprah to talk to."

Two Bills Provide Hope for Higher Education in Pennslvania

The Oregon legislature recently passed unanimously a bill, “Pay it Forward,” bill that authorized a pilot program to students to attend Oregon public universities tuition free.  This innovative idea might have sparked a higher education revolution in Pennsylvania. Two Philadelphia area legislators, who are both running to replace Allyson Schwartz in the US Congress, raced to copy the innovative idea albeit taking different approaches. 

While many of my journalism colleagues have written about the race to introduce the bill, I believe that high education is too important an issue to play insider baseball with it. 

Pa State Senator Daylin Leach, whose district included part of Montgomery and Delaware counties, argues with Pennsylvania having one of the lowest college graduation rates in the country, the state vitally needs an overhaul of its higher education system so its citizens will have the skills to work in this economy and jobs don’t need to be sent overseas.

The bill of Representative Brendan Boyle, who represents Northeast Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania House, mirrors the Oregon bill.  He wants to mandate the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to study the issue and run a pilot program.

“I am probably the only public official that still had $60,000 in student loan debt, said Boyle, who went to Notre Dame on an academic scholarship. “I have been a leader on higher education issues since I was elected to the House 5 years ago. I introduced the bill for the REACH Scholarships for academically gifted students, which was modeled after the HOPE scholarship program in Georgia.”

Leach will be introducing a bill in September that outlines a plan to implement the free tuition program. He is working with Representative Mark Longetti, who represents Mercer County.

“We don’t feel a need to study the issue, “said Leach’s chief of staff Zachary Hoover. “We think it is such a good idea that it should be implemented immediately.

Leach’s proposal, “Pay it Forward, Pay it Back,” initially calls for an extraction tax on Marcellus Shale to establish the fund. He expects the fund to be self-sustaining after 15 years.

“Students will be able to borrow from the fund to pay for their tuition interest free, said Leach. “It will not be a case of them borrowing $100,000, and owing $150,000 because of the interest they racked up."

Once they start working, those that borrowed will have their wages 4% a year until they repay the loan.

“For those that do not find a job, their loans will not be in default, explained the Senator. “The loan proceeds will be repaid by an insurance policy that they took out when they originally borrowed the loan. If the loan is for $100,000, they will borrow $110,000. $10,000 will be used to buy an insurance policy.”

For those that ask why they should care about high education costs when they don’t have children, Boyle has a ready answer.

“The indebtedness of our young people affects the economy, particularly industries such as real estate,” he said. “Young people are delaying purchasing home because of their large student loans. A local real estate agent told me that he used to see people in their mid to late twenties buying home, now they wait until they are in their mid-thirties.”

Former Senator Questions US Pushing Snowden into Russia's Arms

The email correspondence of former Senator Gordon Humphrey, who represented New Hampshire in the US Senate from 1979-1990, saying that NSA leaker Edward Snowden had "done the right thing done the right thing in exposing what I regard as massive violation of the United States constitution'" was published in the Guardian this week.. Humphrey has no plans to become a "pen pal" with Snowden, but is working hard to get him out of Russia and receive asylum in a country more friendly to the United States. Yesterday, he was meeting with a lawyer that specializes in asylum issues to get advice. He also plans to get in contact with the Swedish professor who nominated the whistleblower for a Nobel Prize and others in Sweden. 

The former Senator said, "I believe that Edward Snowden is a whistleblower. The United States has isolated him so he can only seek asylum from unfriendly countries. I am working to stimulate interest in Sweden, a friendly but independent country, to offer him whistleblower protection."

He thinks it is a mistake for the United States to push Snowden into Russian arms. 

"Putin is not to be trusted," he said. "I am afraid that the Russian Intelligence Service will find Snowden in a comprising situation or manufacture one and then he will be forced to betray his country. Just this week, they convicted an activist on trumped up charges and sentenced him to five years for speaking out."

Humphrey is pushing for Sweden, a country that is friendly to the United States but independent, to take Snowden. He chose Sweden because of its history with the Nobel Prize and its long record of civil society. Perhaps most importantly because the hour long flight from Russia to Russia to Sweden will not require flying over another country. 

He said, "I was shocked at the level of arrogance and the dangerousness the United States risked in its efforts in preventing the plane of the Bolivian president from flying over European airspace."

Humphrey will not stop once Snowden has asylum. 

"Although government has never been a Boy Scout troop, the period that I served in Washington was the age of innocence compared to what is going on," said the former Senator. "We tried to do the right thing. I couldn't imagine that we would be tracking millions of people every day. This is the latest in a growing list of lawlessness. The IRS investigating organizations based on their political beliefs and subpoenaing an AP reporter's records are other examples. It is time to stand up. We have to restore our constitutional limits. We must return to the rule of law."

He wants to see those that ordered the massive spying prosecuted.

"We need to bring to justice those that have trampled our rights," said Humphrey. "Congress has so far made on effort to find out who ordered this and remove them from office. Yahoo and Google were forced to be accomplices and turn over private emails to public officials."

He blames the revolving door between government service and lobbying for creating the culture that allowed unquestioned mass surveillance to go on. 

"With the revolving door of government and lobbying, we have created masters, not servants, of the people. They are showing contempt for the people," said Humphrey, who deliberately left the Senate after two terms and hates even driving through Washington now. "Their attitude is that they can do what they please. They have forgotten that the people not government are their clients.

He does not expect current members of Congress to support his efforts. 

"There are 38 members of Congress serving on committees overseeing the NSA," said Humphrey. "Feinstein, who has been there too long, and the other members of Congress have lost perspective. They would have to admit that they did something wrong. That is why they are clamoring for Snowden's head."

He is hoping that former members of Congress, who can be more independent, will contact him. He has received a few emails of support, but none yet from any former members of Congress. 

Congressional Candidate Snubbed by Clinton In-laws

When Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz decided to run for Pennsylvania governor in 2014, the Democratic primary for her old seat became wide open. Marjorie Margolies, Chelsea Clinton's mother-in-law, entered the race for her old Congressional seat (Pa 13).  Many pundits assumed that she would become the front runner due to the fund raising prowess of the Clintons. So far, Clintons have not offered Margolies much support, which stands in contrast to the all out effort that former President Bill Clinton waged for Kathleen Kane's contested primary for Pa Attorney General.

Congressional candidate Marjorie Margolies raised $185,000 for the quarter. This puts her last in the race for dollars. State Senator Daylin Leach raised over $350,000, physician Valerie Arkoosh collected more than $285,00, and State Representative Brendan Boyle raised $252,000

Several Clinton loyalists, such as former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, Vernon Jordan, and former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, did contribute to Margolies' campaign. It is a little surprising that Margolies' Wall Street son or his wife Chelsea did not contribute to his mother's race.

For the Clintons' not to donate to the campaign is akin to a slap in the face. Without Margolies' 1993 vote for Clinton's budget, it would have failed in Congress. She made that vote knowing that she would lose her Congressional seat. 

Hilary Clinton could have given a boost to Margolies campaign when she recently spoke at Bryn Mawr College at the Women in Public Service Project. The project, which trains women in conflict regions to be leaders, is very similar to the program that Margolies runs, Women's Campaign International.  Yet there is no sighting or mention of Margolies.

Chelsea, write your mother-in-law a check. Otherwise, she might not be able to stay in the race.

Philadelphia Building Collapse Victim's Art Shows Her Enormous Talent

I thought it would be a fitting memorial to post pictures drawn by Anne Bryan, one of the victims of the building collapse in Philadelphia. Her enormous talent is exemplified in these pictures. The world lost a great painter and will hereafter be a little less beautiful. Her memorial service is tomorrow at 5 pm at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Heike Rass, executive vice president of marketing and communications for the school, said, "Anne's death has hit PAFA hard. We are a tiny school, only 300 students. The graduate students know the undergraduates.

A fund has been set up to defray the funeral costs of those killed in the building collapse. If you wish to donate, go here. 

Tumblr Banker Establishes Quattrone Center for Fair Administration of Justice - Video

Frank Quattrone and Pennsylvania Innocence Project dinner  chairman Carolyn Short

Investment banking giant, Frank Quattrone, had a busy May. Quattrone, the CEO and founder of Qatalyst Partners in San Francisco, advised Tumblr, which was sold to Yahoo for $1.1 billion. His wife, Denise Foderaro Quattrone, was honored at the Pennsylvania Innocence Project dinner earlier in the month. 

Denise Foderao Quattrone, who is tiny, is second to left. 

It was announced at the dinner that the couple, who are both Penn Alumni and Philadelphia natives, is establishing the Quattrone Center for the Fair Administration of Justice at the University of Pennsylvania Law School.The idea for the center originated after Frank Quattrone's entanglement with the legal system. He was convicted of obstruction of justice and witness tampering in 2004 and ordered to serve 18 months in jail. The appeals courts dismissed one of the charges. Quattrone later signed a deferred prosecution agreement that admitted no guilt.

After his ordeal, Quattrone realized that there must be other innocent people in prison who did not have his resources to fight their charges and selflessly decided to help them. This has motivated the Quattrone to quietly work to reform the justice system and help those that have been wrongly accused.

The new Quattrone Center could introduce a new paradigm for the criminal justice system. It will be a game changer for the wrongfully accused. With the help of the center, the innocent may now have a chance of clearing their name. It will be interesting to see if other Penn alumni that have had their skirmishes with law enforcement, such as Michael Milken and Steven A Cohen will contribute to the center.





When one listens Frank and Denise Quattrone's moving account of their legal odyssey, it is immediately apparent that our criminal justice system is broken.The average person has very little chance of proving their innocence without a "fierce warrior" as he lovingly calls his wife. Denise worked so intensely on his case that the defense team devoted one lawyer to answering her emails.

While their fellow members of their economic class typically donate to the arts or medical institutions, the Quattrones have chosen to help the lowest of the low-prisoners. The couple doesn't just write checks. They get their hands dirty. Denise Quattrone researches the exonerated for the National Exoneration Registry, which details every known person exonerated since 1989. University of Michigan law professor, Samuel Gross, estimates that she has found 1/2 of the names on the registry.

She often meets the families of the wrongly accused at a San Francisco hotel to offer her support. She also sponsors a retreat for these families and has paid for them to fly to hearings.

The Quattrones work with many of the innocence projects across the country. They were one of the first to unite the disparate state organizations. Representatives from several of these organizations were in attendance at last night's dinner to pay respect to the Quattrones.

The innocence projects do not only work to free the innocent. They also lobby law enforcement and legislatures to instill best practices to facilitate reversing a wrong conviction in the future. Richard Glazer, executive director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project noted, when I interviewed him for Metro , would like to see more district attorney's office establish conviction integrity units within their own offices. 

The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is pushing the legislature to pass laws that would make evidence preservation rules uniform throughout the state. “Evidence, such as rape kits and blood, is currently kept randomly. Our investigators find them in court, medical examiners, or DA’s files,” said Glazer. 

As a bonus, I have included two short clips showing the warm side of Quattrone. 

Ensler Announces 2 Billion Rising And Call to Justice for 2014

Eve Ensler, founder of V-Day, was at the Free Library of Philadelphia on Saturday night to plug her new book, "In The Body of The World". Near the end of her book reading, she announced that One Billion Rising will be expanded  for V-Day 2014.

V-Day, which was founded to draw attention to violence against women, was originally commemorated every Valentine's Day with performances of her play, "The Vagina Monologues". She created One Billion Rising, which mobilized one billion people to dance in the streets to protest violence against women, to mark the 15th anniversary in 2013.

"We are going to have 2 Billion Rising and a Call to Justice for 2014," she said. "We are asking women who have been attacked to file charges." If the statue of limitations has not expired, then we are asking to go to the court and file charges. If they have filed charges, we are asking them to go to find out what is happening. Can you imagine the lines of people that will be forming outside courthouses all over the world?

Call to Justice could produce a seismic change in the way that violence against women is looked at. There is strength in numbers. Women, who had previously kept silent about the attack, might be more willing to come  forward in a group situation. With so few sexual assaults reported, the optics of lines of women waiting to press charges against their attackers might change public sentiment.

Ensler recently was diagnosed with stage 3 uterine cancer. She has surgery and chemotherapy. Nothing keeps this women down.