I spent some time yesterday and the day before watching and listening to the NC State Bar hearing that found attorney Chris Mumma guilty of violating privacy, saying she “crossed the line” in efforts to free Joseph Sledge from prison. An attorney for the State Bar accused Mumma of “dishonesty and deception.” Mumma’s attorneys Jim Cooney of Charlotte accused Bladen County District Attorney Jon David of spending more time investigating Mumma than Sledge’s claims of innocence. Mumma, head of the N.C. Center on Actual Innocence, was admonished by the 3 panel for a minor ethical violation. She was charged with taking a bottle of water from a relative of a potential suspect in the Sledge case, and having it tested for DNA without permission of the relative. Defense attorneys and others who were supporters of Mumma, at the hearing, questioned why the case rose to the level of a disciplinary panel. Rich Rosen, a UNC School of Law professor and one who helped establish the Innocence and Capitol Punishment projects said, “I think this is a public embarrassment for the bar.” Mumma, who has helped free several NC prisoners, some who were on death row, had never faced misconduct allegations. The hearing was streamed live by WRAL TV after a court order was issued permitting the coverage.
One other thought related to the Sledge case. David inherited the case when he was elected District Attorney about five years ago. He had apparently been on the stand prior to me remembering the case was being streamed, so did not hear his comments.
Pretty interesting show for an old retired, but interested individual.
A reminder of the 28th annual Martin Luther King parade in downtown Elizabethtown on Monday, beginning at 11 a.m. Direct questions to Arthur Bullock at abullock001@ec.rr.com or call 910-645-4995.
Ever think about all the changes that would come with winning the lottery. I would not turn down the money, but have no desire to make drastic changes to my lifestyle….I kinda like my low key, down home, lifestyle. To each his/her own. Easy to say after I realized I was not a winner.
I have a corner in the Hester house where I have pictures, as my memory fades, I am reminded of family, friends and events by the photos. One of my favorites is a picture of the first Board of Commissioners I had the pleasure of serving on. Edgar Stevens, Vance Clark, William Butler and Bobby Roberts were the other 4 members and Doug Evans was the County Treasurer, later County Administrator, then County Manager. The year was 1974. I have others in years that followed, and truthfully, all are very special.
Well, well, time to move on……….
It’s income tax time again. Americans: time to gather up those receipts, get out those tax forms, sharpen up that pencil, and stab yourself in the aorta. Dave Berry
The IRS has 480 different tax forms, plus 280 more to explain how to fill out the first 480. The original Tax Code had 11,400 words; today it has 7 million. Rep. Sam Johnson, Texas
American workers spend more of their day working to pay taxes than they do to feed, clothe, and house their families. The Tax Foundation.
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“Our properties within our own territories [should not] be taxed or regulated by any power on earth but our own.”
-Thomas Jefferson
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Samuel Adams – Founding Father
“If taxes are laid upon us without our having a legal representation where they are laid, we are reduced from the character of free subjects to the state of tributary slaves.”