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Tancredo's PAC director pleads guilty to hate crime

by: twas brillig

Mon Jun 01, 2009 at 10:41:20 AM MDT


( - promoted by Colorado Pols)

How embarrassing that this story is Colorado-relevant, but....

Last week, jaws dropped around the country as Tom Tancredo led the charge against Sonia Sotomayor -- ludicrously accusing the Supreme Court nominee of being a racist, and making blatantly slanderous claims about the National Council of La Raza.

Let's square that today with the news that Marcus Epstein, Tancredo's Political Action Committee executive director, is pleading guilty to a 2007 assault on a woman walking down the sidewalk while shouting racial epithets...and he's still on the job.

On July 7, 2007, at approximately 7:15 p.m. at Jefferson and M Street, Northwest, in Washington, D.C., defendant was walking down the street making offensive remarks when he encountered the complainant, Ms. [REDACTED], who is African-American. The defendant uttered, "Nigger," as he delivered a karate chop to Ms. [REDACTED]'s head.

Given Tancredo has had two years to get rid of this guy, he and his organization are openly tolerating a violent racist as its lead employee. Considering in 2003 Epstein was authoring pieces attacking Martin Luther King Jr., among other "race consciousness" and neo-confederate activities, Tancredo can't reliably say he was only giving his ED the benefit of the doubt during this legal process.

According to the Washington Independent:

A spokesman for Team America PAC confirmed that Epstein is still at work until he leaves for law school in the fall, and an official statement is forthcoming.

(h/tip TPM)

Update via comments: Looks like law school suddenly is on hold, but wouldn't you know Epstein's current employers are very "tolerant" folks.  
twas brillig :: Tancredo's PAC director pleads guilty to hate crime
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Tancredo's PAC director pleads guilty to hate crime | 64 comments
The karate chop AND the racial slur?
That just seems like overkill.

Oh well, I'm sure our friendly neighborhood Republicans will remind us the karate chop was taken out of context or something.

Well, yeah, it's not torture . . .
and even if it was, it's okay in certain circumstances . . .

So is the "defendant" AKA Exec Dir of Tancredo's PAC a racist or a reverse racist?  I get so confused with all the name-calling and labeling.

[ Parent ]
No, no, no
It's the racial slur that was taken out of context.

I'm sure there was a perfectly reasonable, non-racist reason for him to use the "N" word while karate-chopping a black woman.

Just like there was a perfectly rational explanation for Tancredo singing "Dixie" with a crowd of Southern secessionists dressed in Confederate uniforms... or for Tancredo describing the NCLR as "KKK without the hoods and nooses."

[ Parent ]
You make too much sense HGF
Don't expect a well thought out response/rebuttal from the righties here.

"In short, we eat oil" ardy39

[ Parent ]
if it wasn't so crazy sick, it would be hilarious!
Chris Rock, Kat Williams or even Richard Prior could have written that joke.

[ Parent ]
Oh man.
Best comment all day, right here.  

--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
agreed


"Fine, let's take a vote. Who wants fish for dinner?...Yeah, democracy ain't so fun when it fucks you, huh?" - shitmydadsays
[ Parent ]
Just an FYI,
but it appears he plead guilty to this in January of 2008. Your diary gives the impression that this happened recently and from the linked attachment to his plea, it appears that is not the case.

--From a "real dick."
by: JO
Right you are
I didn't click through to the plea document before blogging this. I'm wondering if someone has been sitting on this for a while and waiting for the right time, considering Tancredo and the Buchanans were crazy enough to keep him around afterwards.  

"It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!" - Nietzsche  
[ Parent ]
I was wondering the same thing.
The timing is, how shall I put this...interesting, no?

Couldn't happen to a more deserving racist than Tancredo, in my opinion. And I don't use that word lightly or often when I describe someone. But hey, in addition to his own vile spewings, you are known by the company you keep.  

--From a "real dick."
by: JO

[ Parent ]
Where/what was the sentance he received for this assault and battery?
Why isn't he in jail doing 2-5?
[ Parent ]
From the link in the diary,
Epstein has pled guilty and will be sentenced on July 8


--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
Looks like a 2008 Deferred Sentence ... for a "hate crime" how odd
http://www.onepeoplesproject.c...

Must be some really liberal judges that just let off people with 1 year deferred sentencing ...

[ Parent ]
I think you are misreading.
Look again. The date for the deferred sentencing review is 7/08/09. Not 2008. It has not happened yet. It appears this is what is being recommended for his offense.

Maybe it's a really conservative, right wing frothing dimfuck judge who thinks it's okay to called black women "niggers" and then assault them. Just a thought of course...


--From a "real dick."
by: JO

[ Parent ]
Middle is a divider - Judasboy
Its really interesting Middle that you use that quoted word so often. It says that you like to use it ... we know your type too. You often use that word with your white and asian friends don't you?  Do you know that people can see it in your face when you attempt to cover in front of blacks when you look all surprised when the word pops up, you're like a Judas.

You are also one of those that interlaces my screen name often with a derogatory term for those with trisomy 21. You and your guy Obama ...

"I bowled a 129....it was like Special Olympics, or something."
you're both masters of American elitism and purveyors of the soft bigotry of low expectations.
[ Parent ]
Middle is a woman
Just FYI

"Fine, let's take a vote. Who wants fish for dinner?...Yeah, democracy ain't so fun when it fucks you, huh?" - shitmydadsays
[ Parent ]
your point being?


[ Parent ]
...that it's stupid to call a woman "Judasboy."


"Fine, let's take a vote. Who wants fish for dinner?...Yeah, democracy ain't so fun when it fucks you, huh?" - shitmydadsays
[ Parent ]
Uh huh.
Keep trying, dumbass. I realize that this probably works with some of your GED fellow graduates but calling me a racist isn't going to get a rise out of me, for one very simple reason--you're too stupid to matter to me. :)

--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
Then why did you respond in the 1st place?
Your a master of American elitism and purveyor of the soft bigotry of low expectations.
[ Parent ]
Tadpole, my little pumpkin
my expectations of you are indeed the lowliest.

Why do you insist

we know your type too. You often use that word with your white and asian friends don't you?  Do you know that people can see it in your face when you attempt to cover in front of blacks when you look all surprised when the word pops up, you're like a Judas.

Is this how you and your friends imaginary play friends behave?


"Yes Twitty, I'm an idiot." Ben Stein's $$

[ Parent ]
Don't insult GED graduates by comparing them to him.
At least they've accomplished something!

"Fine, let's take a vote. Who wants fish for dinner?...Yeah, democracy ain't so fun when it fucks you, huh?" - shitmydadsays
[ Parent ]
Timing
It appears as if the sentencing date for Epstein was just released recently.  That sentencing date is 7/8/09.  That's why it just made the news.
[ Parent ]
The only thing surprising
is that anyone is surprised.

Amazon tax? Bad Idea!
I am surprised, David.
But then, I am always surprised by anyone that actually follows someone and calls them ugly names.

I am more surprised that ANY boss would then keep that person on staff.  The word Nigger is considered an assault in many cities and states.

I wonder what the story would have been had that woman beat his ass.  I know, violence never solved anything...  But putting a good ole fashioned beat down on ignorance is sometimes the best way to deal with these people.

Don't the Republicans believe you can't talk to people that are hostile towards you.  Don't the Repubs believe the only way to deal with people who mean you harm is with force?

Maybe people of color should take up the Republican mantra and see how the Repubs like their own policy.

Tancredo obviously has a staff of punks and cowards.  That fact, David, does not surprise me.

[ Parent ]
Put this together with some of his other White Supremicist associates
and I think we have an apology coming from all those on the right who defend him as only against illegal immigrants, not a bigot.  I'd like to see a bunch of people writing on the blackboard a thousand times "Tom Tancredo IS a racist.  I was wrong about that"

Shocking that the guy pleaded guilty a year and a half ago, is still working for Tancredo and most are hearing about this for the first time.

[ Parent ]
A karate chop
is pretty surprising. Who does that?
[ Parent ]
Kung Fu Fighters?


--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
Frankly...
that is the most shocking part of this whole ordeal.  Here is an apparent White Supremecist using a martial arts move which originated in Asia.  He couldn't come up with a good old fashioned caucasian manuever?  He is a "race trader"....

"But when I see a 9-11 victim family on television, or whatever, I'm just like, 'Oh, shut up!' I'm so sick of them because they're always complaining."  Glenn Beck  
[ Parent ]
Still on the job
Nice
You figure that a lot of Tank's followers may sound and act like this.....
...but you would think he'd find a handful of presentable bigots to run the PAC and be the face the public sees.  I guess not.
He used to have a pretty reasonable press spokesperson with a Hispanic surname
And remember when he had those wonderful "!Viva Tancredo!" yard signs and bumper stickers? Talk about the height of irony. Wish I'd kept one...
[ Parent ]
We could have auctioned it off on Ebay
and given the proceeds to Epstein's defense fund. Ahhh, what a waste.

--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
Hey Twas
How about sending  your item to Ed Schultz, Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, etc with the up-date about the guilty plea being from back in January 2008 and see if we can get anyone interested in making some noise about it. Cute contrast between calling a few remarks that might have been worded a little differently as evidence of racism as bad of that of the KKK and treating the attacking of a woman while screaming the N word as no biggie. You can get contact info for all of them at   http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30...
What a good idea, Blue.
After all the hate filled bullshit and then the murder of Dr. Tiller, I think it's time we start hitting back--hard.

And Twas, you might want to email Admin at Daily Kos about this one. This would be front paged in a heart beat, I would bet.  

--From a "real dick."
by: JO

[ Parent ]
how did this guy get into law school ?
.
I know they do credit checks.  Don't they do background checks ?
.
The bar certainly does
This guy will have trouble when he tries to pass the bar.  
[ Parent ]
How can he expect to pass the bar or be granted a license to practice
when he apparently has a felony conviction?
[ Parent ]
Excellent question
...even more, when your character references are Pat Buchanan and Tom Tancredo?  

"It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!" - Nietzsche  
[ Parent ]
I think not
It's been a while since I went through the process, but as I recall it was pretty rigorous.  We had to get background checks, driving records, character witnesses, etc.  
[ Parent ]
Well what was his felony conviction
State, term of confinement, apparent release for parole/probation?  

Judges usually get to the point with the convicted.  What were the judges words at sentencing?

[ Parent ]
not sentenced yet n/t

[ Parent ]
What is he guilty of again?
Was it a felony or misdemeanor?
[ Parent ]
Please read the links in the diary for answers
to your questions. If you don't see the answers to your questions, feel free to do some research and give all of us some updated information that Twas can add to his front paged diary.

Thanks!

--From a "real dick."
by: JO

[ Parent ]
I read, but did not see the details, the story is a little fuzzy

[ Parent ]
More docs
This link goes to the parent directory of the case file images. You can poke around there, but it looks like he pled to simple assault, bias related, with a hate crime enhancement. The local charge is a violation of 22 D.C. Code, Section 404.

"It is hard enough to remember my opinions, without also remembering my reasons for them!" - Nietzsche  
[ Parent ]
Here's more for you.
From Pensito Review:

Epstein was walking down the street making offensive remarks when he encountered the victim, called her [a "nigger"] and struck her in her head. He was briefly detained by the woman's husband, but was able to escape, only to be arrested minutes later by a Secret Service officer who witnessed the attack. According to the officer's statement, a friend of Epstein's informed him that he had been drinking.

Epstein will be sentenced in July. He faces a maximum punishment of 180 days in jail and could pay a $1000 fine. He will also undergo an alcohol program, write a letter of apology to his victim and donate $1000 to the United Negro College Fund.


--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
Now thats some crazy racist shit on top of a beating
The victim must feel re-victimized with such a do nothing sentence.

[ Parent ]
I would imagine that she does indeed
feel re victimized. It's so great to see your caring side and deep "concern."

--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
The UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND?
Why, doesn't the judge realize that the UNCF is just like the KKK, except without the hoods and nooses?
[ Parent ]
Just like the KKK
but with caps and gowns.
[ Parent ]
Your freakin' brain is a little fuzzy
But, since you don't really give a shit what is actually being discussed, that doesn't matter to you.  Go ahead and make yourself look like a complete fucking moron.  It's your absolute Constitutional right.

And you're damned good at it.

When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009

[ Parent ]
(Clarification)
Ralphie was referring to someone else - not the post now appearing immediately above his.
[ Parent ]
Yes. Thanks for pointing that out.
There are only x number of indentations allowed here.  It gets confusing unless you follow who the true fucking morons are.


When I use lots of words, they always form an analysis (and, while producing high volume, also produce high information-density).
--Steve Harvey, 2009
[ Parent ]
Simple Assault
Almost certainly a misdemeanor.  The plea bargain states it replaced a more serious charge (probably a civil rights violation, probably equal to some form of aggravated assault and therefore a felony).


"I have come to the conclusion that the making of laws is like the making of sausages-the less you know about the process the more you respect the result."  -- Anonymous IL State Rep. circa 1878
[ Parent ]
Other interesting tidbits...
If you play around with the URL given for the signature page of the guilty plea, you can get to pages 68, 69, and 70 of the case record, which cover the terms of the plea agreement and the charge to which he pleaded.

"I have come to the conclusion that the making of laws is like the making of sausages-the less you know about the process the more you respect the result."  -- Anonymous IL State Rep. circa 1878
[ Parent ]
WTF: a plea agreement, like AG tresspassing

[ Parent ]
It looks like he's heading to UVA
UVA Law Is Set to Welcome Tom Tancredo Staffer Guilty of Hate Crimes

Monday, June 1, 2009 4:27 PM - By Elie Mystal

http://abovethelaw.com/2009/06...

[ Parent ]
Update: No UVA after all
Did he fail to disclose his criminal history?

University Of Virginia: Epstein Will Not Enroll With Us
By Brian Beutler - June 1, 2009, 4:12PM

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo...

[ Parent ]
Well, well.
This just gets curious and curiouser.  

--From a "real dick."
by: JO
[ Parent ]
does Bob Jones University have a law school?
or doesn't Pat Robertson's university have a law school?
[ Parent ]
Liberty University...
does and chances are they'd give him a full ride scholarship...  If she's a lesbian, they likely have recruiters on his doorstep!

"But when I see a 9-11 victim family on television, or whatever, I'm just like, 'Oh, shut up!' I'm so sick of them because they're always complaining."  Glenn Beck  
[ Parent ]
They do a character and fitness report
it is mostly self reported, but often will result in disbarment for even minor deviations.

Convictions are not dispositive, but everything needs an explanation, even arrests with no charge.  Most people need to explain a thing or 2.

However, being a member of a hate group has been used to deny admission to the Bar before.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M...

I thought it was a little heavy handed at the time (I believe in freedom of thought even of people I despise), but I didn't know about his previous hate inspired assaults.  Matt Hale later went on to solicit murder against a judge after his Bar admission was denied.

[ Parent ]
no surprise
No other comment is needed.

How about a 5 trillion tax cut for the upper 1% that's borrowed from China  and then invested in China? The Republican platform has legs.
Tancredo's PAC director pleads guilty to hate crime | 64 comments
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