Epstein’s Hyoid Bone, and Mine.

This past January, Attorney General Pam Bondi released more of the Department of Justice's Epstein files. The New York's Chief Medical Examiners’s report which found he died by suicidal hanging using a bed sheet caught my attention. Previously, the public was made aware of the determined cause of his death but the autopsy report was detailed in a February article by the BBC. The materials contained photos of Epstein immediately after his body was found and placed on a stretcher that showed ligature marks around his neck. In addition, an internal prison interview with Epstein claims he would never kill himself and wanted to fight the charges, which conflicts with the findings of suicide. Furthermore, evidence obtained from prior to his death confirms records were falsified, he was not properly monitored by cameras or guards, one of whom made suspicious bank deposits prior to his death, a video previously cut from DoJ disclosures that shows an unidentified figure near his cell, and the crime scene was tainted ie no fingerprints taken. As a federal criminal appeals attorney, with 14-years of experience challenging the reliability and sufficiency of evidence to sustain a conviction, I cannot rely on the conclusion of this official autopsy. Questions and doubts still linger.

For sure, reading about a wealthy predator brought back memories of my own death by strangulation. Yes, I let go into death. In Epstein's case, he died in his jail cell while in federal detention and most importantly his watch that violated standard protocols. Meanwhile, I was left for dead in the woods on the idyllic island of Martha’s Vineyard after a perfect stranger attacked me and left me there to rot. I wrote about the premonitions and this transformational event in my award-winning memoir, My Random Death, which I also published.

The hyoid bone was broken in my encounter with an evil man, similar to what happened to Epstein. The principle "function of this bone is to serve as an anchoring structure for the tongue. It has no articulation with other bones,” states Encyclopedia Brittanica. A unique aspect of the hyoid is that it can heal itself. Rather, we can heal ourselves, which eventually happened to me after spending time in intensive care and then in recovery for a number of weeks. Experts say a fracture of this rather structurally weak part of our framework is strong evidence of a homicide. However, it can also indicate a suicide. And therein lies the problem. The post-mortem report raised some controversy over whether or not foul play brought about Jeffery Epstein's demise. His brother hired renowned forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Baden who disagreed the death was by suicidal hanging. The alternative conclusion is Epstein was murdered. In addition, there were thyroid cartilage fractures on both side of his neck, however not in mine, which is more bird-like, can easily bruise, and easy to snap. In my case, as in his, there was other physical clues that a homicide had occurred. Although a suicide by hanging can result in hemorrhaging in the eyes, it is also good evidence to suggest a violent, deadly crime had taken place. While being strangled the blockage forces the red blood cells into the whites of the eyes. An autopsy on Jeffery Epstein noted these spots. In my case, the red blood in my eye lingered for a few months after being attacked, when I let go into death, and then returned to life.

The well respected expert and author in the field of forensic pathology, Dr. Peter Cummings also questioned the official conclusion in his February article for the Connecticut Examiner were he writes, “For decades, forensic literature has demonstrated that fractures of these structures occur in only a minority of suicidal hangings. Large autopsy series and standard forensic texts report thyroid cartilage fractures in roughly 5 to 15 percent of hanging deaths. Hyoid fractures occur at similar or lower rates. Bilateral thyroid fractures, damage occurring symmetrically on both sides, are even less commonly reported. According to the published literature, the combined presence of bilateral thyroid fractures and a hyoid fracture, as documented in Epstein’s autopsy, represents a pattern rarely observed in suicidal hangings. The point is not that such fractures never occur in suicide. The point is that when multiple rigid structures are fractured, with hemorrhage proving the injuries occurred during life,  the mechanism deserves serious scrutiny.”

I am reminded of the tarot card, The Tower, or the 16th of Trumps. This suit, also known as the higher arcana, is composed of 22 cards and provides an archetypical, phenomenological map to mirror ourselves and our experiences in the world. Studying and working with the tarot develops an intuitive way for understanding our lives. The Tower represents unexpected change, danger or destruction, and a subsequent liberation that transforms one’s life and rebirths a new point of view. In its foreground, the card is traditionally depicted as a tall tower struck by a lightning bolt. Dark smoke billows, while a raging fire threatens folks inside while some jump from balustrades to their deaths. Terror reigns. Contrarily, a sun shines in a distant sky as a peaceful dove flies across the expanse.

This symbolism of a shattered structure can refer to an actual tragedy, or a forced move from a home, store, or office building. There is psychological aspects to this card where one suddenly must abandon entrenched paradigms and beliefs for something new. A calamity can set you free from a stale status quo or prison-like conditions, and usher in new cognitive formulations and  physical formations if you are ready to move forward…into the sunlight. The Tower expresses profound, cataclysmic change. The card indicates innocence lost, never to be regained. Attorney General Pam Bondi states if the DoJ releases all of the Epstein files it will bring the whole system down, similar to the teaching of the Tower tarot card. Nevertheless, we must allow the Rule of Law to guide us. To do nothing is to choose fear and to live in an increasingly dangerous and lawless country.

The suit of Trumps is usually numbered from 0-21, however, I prefer the cards’ association to the Hebrew alphabet which goes from 1-22. The 17th letter is Peh - which means the mouth, speech, or for our purposes, it can imply a strangulation to deliberately try to shut someone up. On July 6, 2019 Epstein was indicated, arrested, and then federally detained for conspiracy and trafficking in minors. He was the only named defendant. To support a conspiracy count, the US Attorney Office for the Southern District of New York claimed, "EPSTEIN worked with others, including employees and associates who facilitated his conduct by, among other things, contacting victims and scheduling their sexual encounters with EPSTEIN at the New York Residence and at the Palm Beach Residence." No other person was identified in this filing. Once he was jailed it is likely defendant Epstein could choose to “spill the beans” or start talking, and become a witness for the prosecution. In exchange for his cooperation the prosecutors would recommend a lighter sentence. This agreement usually requires an admission of guilt to the crimes charged, identify his co-conspirators, and most importantly testify at their trials. For many this enticement is huge. If he does not cooperate, the prosecutors may file a superseding indictment to add more defendants already known, and might include additional charges against Epstein stemming from the same vile, criminal conduct that landed him in jail in the first place. However, by August 10, 2019, all deals were off the table because he was found dead in his jail cell.

We all have to grow up, face hardships and some not of our making. So how does one best adapt to profound change without becoming suicidal or homicidal? By being bold, experimental, and open to newness. The Torah states when the Hebrews left Egypt and their bondage into slavery, they did so boldly, being given what ever they asked for from the Egyptians. (Exodus 13:36) This attitude of confidence beckons our society to take up the challenges of accountability. I believe a further, more thorough, by-the-books investigation surrounding Jeffery Epstein's death is warranted. Too many things do not add up and disputed facts remain. Even the controversial congresswoman, Republican Representative Nancy Mace recently claimed it’s likely Epstein was murdered, and more investigation into the matter is necessary.

Terror of a Tyrant

As a former federal criminal appeals attorney and a female, I recently contemplated over the symbol representing many legal systems. The statue of a woman, blindfolded or not, holds the scales of justice in one hand and a sword in the other. She epitomizes the tenets of fairness, impartiality, and the weight of reliable evidence to punish someone for a crime or find them liable for a civil violation. From the femininity of the figure we can infer mercy and understanding coupled with the severity of justifiable punishments as the hallmark of good governance.

Certainly, the antithesis of this has occurred amid the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and many other cities in the United States. Through the media and videos streamed on-line by observers we witnessed the lawlessness of masked thugs masquerading under the guise of the Department of Homeland Security. Its current secretary, Kristy Noem has turned ICE and Border Patrol agents into modern day marauders. They roam the streets, terrorize neighborhoods, and even commit murder as they step on people’s civil rights to peacefully protest or observe law enforcement activity. It’s difficult to watch the brutality and then listen to the after-action gaslighting by Trump and his crowd of deceivers.

Admittedly the symbolism in Lady Justice is confusing. Having law degrees in both countries, I am well aware of how we’ve incorporated the Roman model and the Latin language into American and Canadian jurisprudence. This is demonstrated in our penchant for legal codes, and the use of ancient terms such as lis pendens or "suit pending" and a writ of habeas corpus or “you shall have the body [in court] to lawfully detain the person or release them", which accounts for many of the legal challenges against the Trump regime. We drew upon Roman mythology to create our emblematic image. The Romans initially pirated their goddess of justice and law from the Greeks. She appeared on our shores in the early 1700's and was first put on the New York State coat of arms in 1778. However, mainstream religions in North America are not based on a plurality of god and goddesses. Rather, a standard declaration is the United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values, and both hold monotheistic beliefs. Our adoption of this Greek/Roman goddess seems at odds with the faith in one God.

Furthermore, Women’s History month is coming up, so here we go. . . Females were unable to practice law in American until 1869. In Canada and in the entire British Empire it wasn't until 1897. However, their admission to the legal bar was not widely accepted until the 1970’s and did not directly change the status of women. Finally, in 1920 they were able to vote in the US. Only some women in Canada could do so in 1917, and by 1960 the right was expanded to include indigenous women and others in previously prohibited categories. Even in the mid 1970’s most women required a man to co-sign for a bank loan, which is reminiscent of biblical times when it was essential for females to have their fathers or husbands present to make a binding vow or pledge to God. (Numbers 30:2-3) Finally, it wasn’t until 1981 that Justice Sandra Day O’Conner became the first woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. I had the opportunity to appear before her and the great Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg when I was counsel of record in United States vs Carlos Dominguez Benitez, (2004).

I am reminded of the tarot card, Justice. It represents balanced decisions, fairness, and usually pending legal matters. Traditionally it is also depicted by a woman who wears a crown and is seated on a throne amidst two pillars. She holds the scales of justice in one hand and a sword in the other. Generally, it is the11th or XI card in the Suit of Trumps which is numbered from 0-21. However, I prefer the cards association to the Hebrew alphabet which goes from 1-22. Lamed is the 12th letter and is symbolized by an ox goad or prod, whose meaning is to learn and to teach. It suggests a supernatural staff to guide one to divine knowledge and then to aid others on the path. This guiding factor is also demonstrated in the shape of the letter. It is the tallest in the Hebrew alphabet and extends beyond the other letters towards the heavens.

We must demand our legal system aspires to the same lofty principles of good practices and to uphold the rule of law. Alas, its been downgraded by the conduct of the Trump regime whose policy is to ignore the law and court orders to reign in his abuses and corruption. The average Joe and Joanne have lost faith that arrests and prosecutions will proceed fairly without fear or favor. We've all witnessed how the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi has up-ended its remit. For example; the DOJ now appears to protect the perpetrator of sexual crimes against young girls, and subject his and Epstein’s survivors, who are now women, to lies and more terror from the extremist MAGA faithful.

These times of un-constitutional leadership from a tyrant and Russian asset in the White House calls for a more appropriate rendering of Lady Justice. What does this myth of a legal goddess have to do with actual Americans, anyway? It would be fitting if she lost the scales and covered her face in disbelief and shame. Hopefully, she'll still hold the sword because the fight for equal justice under the law is not over. The Statute of Liberty needs a remodel as well. She now weeps for the beleaguered immigrates drawn to America by the light of her torch, which has since gone dark, as has the promise of freedom from oppression.

The supreme law of the land is the US Constitution. It sets forth the rights and protections for citizens and non-citizens alike when it comes to lawful searches and seizures, due process , fair trials, and to be free from arbitrary discrimination under the 4th, 5th, and 14th Amendments. In addition, an illegal immigrant has the right of free speech under the 1st Amendment, although it must be balanced against actual national security interests. To maintain power and show his might, Trump has put our legal system on a backwards trajectory. Perhaps his strategy and tactics work in Russia, or when Americans owned slaves, where only white men who owned land could vote and thus rule, and when women were considered chattel, in other words a man's personal property. He has violated the oath taken to become the 45th President and the 47th. He should be in jail but/for the protection of the cowards and carpetbagger Republicans in Congress, and the self-deceptive people who voted for him.

U.S. Constitution, Article 2. Section 1, Clause 8: Presidential Oath of Office.

"Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:– I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Intuition & Machines

The Oxford Dictionary defines the word intuition as, “the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning”. Some people use their intuition to fix things. This handy person doesn’t exactly know how they know what to do. Frankly speaking, as an intuitive handywoman my first reaction to anything broken is panic. After the initial “WTF” moment, I calm myself down to watch and listen to the sounds and smells of the machine or I try to remember what it should be like when it worked. Certainly, I pay attention to the rush of energy surging through my body when my intuition informs me I’m on the correct path to get the thing running again. With no prior knowledge, I’ve fixed toilets, stubbornly clogged sinks, vacuum cleaners, fans, minor washing machine repairs, and such like. If I need higher help I’ll reluctantly consult the manual, do a Google search, or notify the management company. Certainly my Mac devices have intuitive aspects but with complex computer problems I’ll talk to my brother or sister who are more knowledgable than me. I rarely pray. I assume God is too busy, or should be, for my mechanical woes.

I did have one incident which really surprised me. My refrigerator/freezer emitted a grinding noise that irritated and stumped me for a long time. I’d move things away from the vents, keep the area clean, and so on. Then I was told plumbers were replacing all the old pipes in my home and would start the following day in the kitchen. After hearing this news, I walked over to the refrigerator to once again adjust the freezer contents and said out loud, “Please be quiet. Don’t embarrass me in front of the plumbers.” Well, shifting the frozen stuff around felt different this time. It was as if I had peeled off an invisible skin from the bottom of the icebox. The refrigerator immediately went silent. From then on it has behaved itself; being mostly quiet, or just happily humming along. Honestly, I don’t know what to make of it. Yet!

It's not unusual to talk to machines these days. However, it is more likely to happen when we call a business or government agency where an AI voice connects us to the proper department or person. “The future is now” as my cousin says. In their house her husband constantly talks to an electronic voice to perform simple tasks, “Alexa what’s the correct spelling of this word.” “Meta prepare an email" or “Siri remind me of my 11am appointment tomorrow" and on and on it goes.

Perhaps, we’ll add the "being in the machine" onto the list of recognized "legal entities". This term can apply to anything that exists which is a separate, distinct thing be it a person, or a corporation. Thanks to the Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v FEC (2010) the legal fiction that corporations are entities was expanded to allow them to help fund political campaigns whose policies are in agreement. In legislative circles the debate continues on whether or not advanced AI or robots should be given the same legal fiction status. Already embedded in our society is the idea that machines are an extension of oneself. Specifically, men have a personal relationship to most anything with an engine. Males have a special carve-out in our communities that gives them ample opportunity to make loud noises. We must tolerate their need for thunderous cars, motorcycles, and trucks. It's as if these machines augment their high testosterone identities.

Person-ness is not unique to mankind. We have to get use to this in modern times. Gary Francione, a professor of law and philosophy at Rutgers University states, “Veganism is an act of nonviolent defiance. It is our statement that we reject the notion that animals are things and that we regard sentient nonhumans as moral persons with the fundamental moral right not to be treated as the property or resources of humans”. Let's take the notion of a legal entity even further when we consider what defines a "sentient being". Usually, this term means awareness, capable of feelings, or reactive. The Torah teaches God created heaven and earth, which was a primordial world of wind and water. By divine fiat the dry land appears on the third day of creation. The earth and its atmosphere are composed of rocks, minerals, soil, nutrients, and rich elements. Generally, these are not considered sentient matter. However, this material does contain an aspect of God within itself and is often the stuff machines are made of. Therefore, we must also examine what is derivative matter. For example, a chemical substance that is produced or modified from another naturally occurring substance is often considered "man made" and non-sentient. ie cellulose acetate is a type of derivative plastic man-made from natural cellulose. Biblically speaking, all substances are essentially natural, directly or indirectly and possibly it is this which connects our intuitive capabilities to machines. In the Old Testatment's origin story, matter was made from the words spoken by God. These utterances emphasize the potent powers of the Hebrew alphabet and the spiritual, sentient essence in all matter, no matter how infinitesimal it may be. "Listen, you heavens, and I will speak, hear, you earth, the words of my mouth." Deuteronomy 32:1. Here the speaker is Moses but the authority for his speech is God. (Exodus 4:12). The Torah teaches that "heaven and earth”, in other words, matter has the capacity of awareness through senses similar to our own.

I’m reminded of the tarot card, The Sun. Traditionally it represents the ability to get along with all types of folks, uniting people, and being a motivational person amongst them. Usually, it is depicted by a shiny bright sun overlooking a grassy knoll where children are playing. In most tarot decks the Suit of Trumps are numbered from 0-21. Here the Sun is the 19th card. However, I prefer the tarot's association to the Hebrew alphabet which goes from 1-22. The 20th letter is Resh and symbolically means a "head". This body part is composed of at least two aspects associated with intellect or thinking. One is the "brain" which is local to the inside of our skull. The other is our "mind" which is nonlocal, similar to an energy field and implies the Self does not stop at the skin. Our intuition dissolves the mind/body distinction when thoughts can directly arise seemingly simultaneously with a quickening of energy that heats up the body, and the heart starts to race. I’ve blogged about it in the past. In this post we understand that the self and others can be broadly defined to include our pets, and perhaps even our smart devices and household appliances when our intuition is attuned with them.

I understand people are not dating these days. It appears to be a global phenomenon. Perhaps it’s because folks prefer to sleep beside their cellphones, instead of another human being. Just sayin.