Lynne Stewart to Speak at Hofstra Legal Ethics Conference

The press release for Hofstra's University's upcoming Legal Ethics Conference describes the participants as "prominent experts in the field of ethics, as well as preeminent criminal defense and civil rights practitioners, including . . . Lynne Stewart, who has defended many unpopular clients over the years."

That description surely understates Ms. Stewart's expertise in legal ethics. Ms. Stewart is a felon. She was convicted of providing material support to terrorists by assisting one of her clients, the "blind Sheik" Omar Abdel-Rahman, in communicating from prison with his fellow terrorists around the world, a crime for which she was disbarred.

Ms. Stewart does not belong on a podium at a university. She belongs in a federal penitentiary. If Hofstra cares to explore her crimes at the conference, they can do so without her presence as they have Michael Tigar, the attorney who unsuccessfully represented Ms. Stewart, as a panelist. As her counsel, Mr. Tigar is more than capable of articulating her position; there is no need for Ms. Stewart's participation.

In my view, Hofstra has devalued its program and tarnished the reputation of the institution by associating with this notorious felon. There is still time for Hofstra to remove Ms. Stewart as a participant. Let's hope they do the right thing and dis-invite her.

Rye Town Finances Questioned Again

Every time the Town of Rye has been audited by the New York State Controller's office, serious irregularities have been found. The most recent audit found that the Town improperly awarded no-bid contracts resulting in over-spending for goods and services. Prior audits found similar improprieties. The audit results, which have been reported in the New York Times and the Journal News, have led to charges of cronyism and corruption. As reported in the Journal News on Sept. 6, 2007:

Morabito's two opponents in the race for supervisor quickly jumped on the new report. Republican candidate Joseph Carvin asked why the town "continues to violate state and town law by issuing no-bid contract after no-bid contract after no-bid contract."

"The obvious answer is that the contracts ... are awarded not in terms of who will provide the best quality service at the lowest cost," Carvin said in an e-mail, "but rather based on the vendor's willingness to provide financial and other support to Morabito's 'jobs for the boys' political machine."

Saverio Terenzi, the town accountant during the 2003 audit who is now running for supervisor on the Conservative line, said the audit confirms that the Democratic-controlled Town Board is "a cesspool of corrupt practices."

"No one does business with the town without contributing to the Rye Town Democratic Committee," Terenzi said in a statement. "These contributions are just considered a cost of doing business with Morabito's corrupt organization, and ultimately these costs are passed on to unsuspecting taxpayers."

Susan's Birthday Dinner, September 2007

On the occasion of her birthday, our friend Kris Prasad prepared a very special dinner for Susan:

Amuse Gueulles

Cauliflower Gelee with Caviar, Monkfish Medallion,
Corn Ravioli, Chicken Tikka on a Coconut-Rice Cake (Palappam)

1988 Charbaut Blanc de Blancs Reserve

1998 Dom Perignon

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Breakfast for Dinner (Ham, Eggs, Potatoes and Hold the Toast)

Culatello Ham, Potato Puree, Seven Day Cooked Egg Yolk, and Bacon Broth

1947 Chateau Bouscaut (Graves)

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Shellfish That is Not Farmed

Langoustine a la Plancha, Coon-Stripe Shrimp as Tempura and en Chemise (Tortilla)

1990 Zind Humbrecht Brand Vendage Tardive

1990 Foreau Vouvray Demi Sec

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Susan’s Bete Noir Course

Baby Squid, Langoustine Broth, Bamboo Rice Risotto Cake
and a Pipet of Fagioli e Pasta Liquid

2000 Girardin Mersault Charmes

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Sandwich: Meat, Bread, Mustard, Mayonnaise, Pickle and Tomato

Buffalo Cutlet, Maple Mustard, Wasabi Aioli, Cornichon and Pickled Yellow Pear Tomato

1999 Dujac Gevrey Chambertin Combottes

1999 Courcel Pommard Epenots

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Susan’s Italian Favorites

Veal Tenderloin wrapped in Proscuitto, Baby Arugula, and Pasta (Setaro) w/ Truffle Sauce

2003 Aldo Conterno "IL Favot"

2001 Argiano Solengo

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A Selection of Cheeses

Selles-s-Cher (Goat), Bitto (Goat and Sheep) and Petit Basque (Sheep)

1986 Gruard Larose

1999 Valdicava "Madonna del Piano" Brunnello de Montalcino

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Dessert

Chocolate Cake by Don Fujihira and Lemon Verbena Ice Cream

1993 d'Yquem