The
"Celluloid DNA" Videotape of the final minutes of the US Senate Judiciary Committee public hearing
to confirm the nomination of Richard C. Wesley to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals
May 22, 2003
The
"Celluloid DNA" |
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1 Chambliss: "Gentlemen, let me say to each of you individually, and collectively, that it is pretty obvious why you've been nominated for your respective judgeships. And you all possess obviously great legal experience and competence, or you wouldn't be here." |
2 "But, you touched on something there, Mr. Woodcock, and that's temperament. And just from your response here today, I think each of you here today possess that necessary judicial temperance that we need to see more often from the bench than we sometimes do." |
3 "I will tell you that you may receive written questions from other members of the committee. They have until 5:00 pm on Wednesday, May 28th to submit written questions, and if there are any, they will be submitted to you in short order following that." |
4 "That being said, if there are no further questions or participations from anyone on the committee, we will stand adjourned. Thank you very much." [single gavel strike] |
5 Elena: "Mr. Chairman, there's citizen opposition to Judge Wesley based on his documented corruption as a New York Court of Appeals judge. May I testify?" |
6 Chambliss does not respond to this straightforward question. |
7 His face shows no surprise when Elena speaks. Instead, he puts on reading glasses, and reaches for a paper |
8 Notwithstanding that Elena is completely silent, Chambliss says: "I will issue a warning that we will have order. The committee will stand in recess until the police can restore order." |
9 "Everyone remain seated." |
10 Officer Jennings passes to the right Followed by Sgt. Bignotti |
11 Elena: "Are you directing that I be arrested?" "Are you directing that I be arrested?" |
12 Chambliss does not answer this question, but instead replies: "I'm directing that the police restore order." |
13 Sgt. Bignotti escorts Elena to the left. |
14 Followed by Elena who looks toward Chambliss and again asks: "Are you directing that I be arrested?" |
15 Officer Jennings follows Elena. |
16 After Elena is out of the hearing room, the door is heard to shut. |
17 Senator Chambliss, wearing his reading glasses |
18 says in a tempo indicative of reading from prepared text: |
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19 "Outside witnesses are welcome to submit letters supporting or opposing nominees for the committee's consideration." |
20 "But it is not our usual procedure to invite outside witnesses to testify either in support or in opposition to the nomination." |
21 "I realize that this lady is disappointed that she is not able to make any statements this afternoon, but her disappointment in no way condones any disruption of this hearing. Again, [single gavel strike] we'll stand adjourned. Thank you very much." |
22 For further information please contact the Senate Recording Studio at 202-224-4977 |
A little girl, sitting on her mother's lap, in the audience observes "order" and "freedom of speech"
in the U.S. Capitol hearing room on 100 Constitution Avenue, NE, room 226
(from frame 20)
You decide. Was a crime committed?
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Elena's abridged analysis of the video and transcript
Elena's analysis of underlying prosecution documents, video and transcript
May 22, 2003 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing transcript: pages 1, 64-66
Elena's May 30, 2003 letter to transcription company
May 23, 2003 Amended "Gerstein"
May 22, 2003 Arrest/Prosecution Report (P.D. 163)
May 22, 2003 Event Report (P.D. 251)
May 22, 2003 Supplement Report
May 22, 2003 Supplement Report
ALSO, Elena's May 21, 2003 fax to Capitol Police -- "RE: NOT BEING ARRESTED"
