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Day 9: Reno takes the stand
By JJ MacNab | April 3, 2008
It’s starting to get easier to list the Brown supporters actually willing to testify than it is to keep track of those who take the 5th. Reno’s father, Jose Gonzalez, and his brother, Romeo Gonzalez, both chose not to aid their family member by taking the stand. Romeo is a cop, and you have to wonder if his police employer is going to like seeing one of their guys remaining silent rather than implicating himself in a criminal venture.
All these 5th Amendment hearings are fairly ironic considering that 1) this crowd was very brave and vocal when they were at the Browns and on the Internet, and 2) the prosecutors aren’t even asking them any questions when they’re on the stand.
Witness Lauren Canario
Lauren is a self-employed electrician in New Hampshire who spent several days at the Brown house over a nine month period. She was one of the first people to show support, and one of the last to fade away when support lagged. Canario testified that she visited the Browns roughly two times per month and saw Reno four or five times. She never saw any of the Tannerite explosive baggies in the trees or booby traps in the woods, but did see Ed’s pistol and other rifles “laying around.” She also said that visitors frequently brought guns with them.
When the Marshals blocked the road to prevent the third concert from taking place in September 2007, Canario was the only supporter to violate the roadblock and was arrested.
Canario had met Jason a few times but didn’t recognize him in court. They had gone shopping together and had attended a town meeting together to take pictures. She’d met Danny four times, but never saw him carry a weapon.
The government asked the witness no questions at all.
Witness James Johnson
Johnson is Canario’s husband and is an unemployed mechanic. He complained about a federal helicopter “destroying the music” at the summer concert at the Browns, but said that the overall mood was very friendly. He went to the Browns on three occasions and saw various pistols and rifles but no bombs or explosive devices. He never spoke with Reno.
The government asked the witness no questions.
Witness Corinna Cooper
Ms. Cooper lives in North Hollywood, CA and was a regular Internet poster (“LastLady”) on websites that followed the Brown standoff. She is an executive assistant for the CEO of a production company. She heard about the Browns on the Internet, flew to New Hampshire for a Free State Project event, and was in Plainfield for a couple of days. She met Randy Weaver and talked to Reno at the June concert. She found Reno to be a “peaceful man” and didn’t notice whether he was armed. She met Jason and Danny, but never talked to either of them.
The government asked the witness no questions.
Witness Cirino “Reno” Gonzalez
It had never actually occurred to me that any of the defendants would take the stand in this case because it gives the prosecutors the opportunity to get a lot of stuff into evidence they would otherwise be unable to introduce. So when Reno’s lawyer called him to take the witness stand, I was taken completely by surprise.
Reno talked so fast, you could barely understand what he was saying. I’m sure the jury missed entire sentences. He was extremely nervous and drank copious amounts of water on the stand.
Reno is 31 years old, and moved around a lot as a child because his father was in the military. His parents divorced when he was two years old, and he stayed with his father until he was eleven or twelve years old.
Reno was kicked out of high school because a “gang wanted to fight me and I defended myself.” He took and passed his GED exam at age 15 and studied criminal justice in college in Alice, Texas, with a minor in law enforcement.
He did clerical work at a courthouse in Alice, did computer maintenance for the Jim Wells County sheriff, and bragged that he was so smart with computers that he had taught his teacher in school.
At 17, he joined the Navy and became a gunner’s mate, spending four years on board the USS Peterson, followed by three years of shore duty at Pearl Harbor. In 2002, as a result of his “research into 911,” he decided to leave the Navy and returned home to Alice, Texas.
He had married right out of boot camp when he was a teenager, remained married his entire military career, and has four children. He was unable to say how old his eldest child is. “I believe she’s around eleven.” He and his wife are divorced.
After the Navy, he worked at a halfway house, but left within a year. “Staff had a problem with me because I cared more about inmates’ rights than about fellow officers.” He then worked with his father doing landscaping. He next provided security for a bar and while he provided an ornate description of his duties, they boiled down to “bouncer.” He also worked at a liquor store, and then was a security guard at a hospital. He had this last job for six months but encountered problems and had to leave. His reason for leaving was a little fuzzy around the edges but had something to do with they were mad at him because he forced them to give employees raises.
By 2006, he had been researching “certain events” and decided to go to Iraq “for my investigations.” He took a job with a military contractor called Lear Siegler Services, Inc. and flew to Iraq on a one-year contract. His job was to maintain various weapons for US soldiers stationed there. Reno “became disillusioned” because he thought the company was slacking on their quality control. He left six months into his contract because he said that the company had threatened to kill him. The company told him that there were “mortars falling at the wrong place and the wrong time.” He left Iraq and received a separation package.
He continued his “research” since he had made a lot of money in Iraq. He was interested in the “truth movement about 911 and depleted uranium” and starting attending various Cindy Sheehan events. He’d been watching the Brown standoff unfold on the Internet and decided to go there because he “was afraid another Waco or Ruby Ridge would happen.”
Reno’s description of Ruby Ridge was graphic, if inaccurate:
The US Marshals shot a boy in the back, shot a dog in the back, shot Randy Weaver in the back, and shot his wife in the head from the back.
He told his friends at Cindy Sheehan’s Camp Casey in Crawford, Texas about his plans to go the Brown house and, after Easter Sunday (April 8, 2007), he drove to New Hampshire and remained with the Browns until June 23, 2007.
Reno testified that he went to the Brown house to “raise awareness on the Internet,” and that he was blogging and visiting websites that focused on the income tax issue. He also continued his research into depleted uranium, referring to it as a “dirty bomb.”
On June 23, 2007, Reno’s father and brother visited the Brown residence, and Ed told them all to leave.
Lawyer: The morning you left, you had a disagreement with Ed?
Reno: I had a conversation with him. Ed said that I’m the spawn of my father. Ed said, “You’re a soulless, godless, communist,” but he wasn’t upset with me.
Reno testified that he purchased the .50 caliber rifle as an investment. He’d wanted to buy one since he was in the military and the government was looking to outlaw them. They would go up in value since there was a waiting list to purchase one. The wait had been 30 days when he was in Texas.
More than ten guns were found at the Alice, Texas home when Reno was arrested, but he said that they belonged to his brother, father, and sister, since he’d given the weapons to them. At the time he was arrested in September, he was planning on returning to Iraq, and didn’t expect to make it back.
Several emails were introduced into evidence that showed a conversation between Reno and Danny about the purchase of the .50 caliber Serbu rifles, the Tannerite explosives, and scopes for their weapons. Reno testified that no one told him what the Tannerite was for.
Reno explained that a video the jury had seen earlier showing him with a rifle at the Brown house was a misunderstanding. A supporter decided to go shopping one day, but didn’t want to take his rifle with him, so Reno shouldered it until the supporter returned.
When asked if he handled a lot of other people’s guns, Reno said no, but sometimes people did ask him to examine their weapons:
I tried not to. I was worried about federal agents trying to entrap me.
Reno never saw the bunker and never saw most of the guns shown in the video and photos taken by the ATF when the house was examined after Ed and Elaine were arrested in October. He testified that he never saw any pipe bombs, gunpowder devices, Tannerite baggie bombs, booby traps or other various and sundry nasty bits found by the ATF. Ed did show him a single zip gun, and asked if Reno could make more. Reno said he could, but wouldn’t. He said that he told Ed, ”One, they’re illegal, and two, they’re a bad idea.”
Reno testified that Ed never trusted him. Every couple of weeks, Ed would ask him why he was there, and Reno replied that he believed in the cause. “Ed just smiled his goofy smile.”
Reno explained further:
Reno: His cause wasn’t exactly my cause. His was the income tax. Mine was trying to hold the government accountable for the war.
Lawyer: Did you try to hold them accountable by threatening violence?
Reno: No. That would be too easy.
After Ed kicked Reno out of the house in late June, Jim Hobbs and Lisa Mullinex asked him to return.
Reno left the house with supporter Lisa Mullinex, although he isn’t sure that that is her real name. He gathered up his guns and possessions and said that Lisa felt it was her priority to hide him.
She was under the impression that the US Marshals would come after me. She picked a series of hotels … I was just following her. Several weeks later, she was the one pressing me to go to the second Jamboree. So were her parents.
He and Lisa spent time in Vermont and Pennsylvania, and he stayed briefly at her home, and at her parents’ home. He held one-on-one conferences (he never said with whom) to talk about his depleted uranium mission, trying to get people to “form a coalition.”
In late July, Reno went to Camp Casey in Texas for a week and then home to Alice, Texas. Cindy Sheehan asked him to travel to Iraq and Jordan as her personal security guard, and he spoke with prior defense witness Al-Aboudi at length about his plans because they would travel to Iraq together.
The defense had no further questions, and the prosecution will begin cross examination tomorrow morning, followed by closing arguments. Tomorrow promises to hold the most interesting testimony of all.
Reno’s defense story is showing an interesting twist. He didn’t go to Plainfield to protect Ed from the evil US Marshals. He went there to sponge off all the attention and press Ed was getting in order to push his own agenda, the use of depleted uranium and the war in Iraq. Unlike Danny and Jason, who apparently made the stand with Ed out of a sense of loyalty, Reno’s reasons for being there were colder and more calculated.
Topics: Cirino Gonzalez, Daniel Riley, Jason Gerhard | 59 Comments »
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:04 pm
The part that really, really galls me, that the fawning psychophants have NO response for, is that Reno has 4 kids and can’t remember how old the oldest is. Additionally, because he is barely one step above a drifter, I seriously doubt that he is making any support payments for his 4 kids.
Reno is nothing more than a DEAD BEAT DAD, a bum, a duplicitous liar of the first order, a complete failure as a man who knows NOTHING about duty, honor, responsibility and sacrifice. It also figures he was a know-nothing sea-lawyer in the Navy and is cut from the same cloth as his dad. He is a self-centered, narcissistic, whore.
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
And so there is no mistake – I fully blame Jose Gonzalez for the way Reno turned out – a little boy pretending to be a grown up. Nice work Jose.
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
If anyone is curious about Reno’s depleted uranium research, I’ve posted one of his blog entries here:
http://www.redcrayons.net/reno_du_blog.htm
April 3rd, 2008 at 10:18 pm
CKB, calm down you’re being a major asshole and why too judgemental. He was a US Navy Gunners Mate Second Class Petty Officer and not a “know-nothing sea-lawyer”. As opposed to a Know-it-all dick head like you.
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:03 pm
I stand corrected. He became a sea-lawyer after the Navy. A quote from today’s report: “After the Navy, he worked at a halfway house, but left within a year. “Staff had a problem with me because I cared more about inmates’ rights than about fellow officers.” ”
By the way Anon (if that is even your assumed name) I AM NOT on trial for a variety of charges like Reno. I AM NOT a drifter/bum/ne’er-do-well like Reno. I AM NOT a deadbeat dad like Reno.
And if I am being judgemental for pointing out what a complete waste Reno is, so be it, since it is obvious that Reno will never, ever take responsibility for his actions and failures as a person.
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:35 pm
CKB, You need to shut the hell up. You have no idea the sacrifces Reno has made for you.
Obviously, you know NOTHING about him or you would never talk about him like that. He is one in a million, trying to change all the wrongs in this country and around the world, for that matter. He is a very nice person with high morals and cares about people, including his children. He knows how old they are, he was nervous,maybe one just had a birthday and he had to stop and think about it for a minute. He LOVES his family and he loves his dad who is just as good a person as Reno is. Dont you dare judge Reno and Jose until you know the truth about who they are and what they stand for. HELPING PEOPLE! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE??
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:38 pm
And for the record (regarding Reno and depleted uranium), there is a reason it is called depleted uranium. It is spent uranium fuel that is formed into rods that because of uraniums tremendous density can punch through armor to great effect.
The DU penetrator rods are inside the projectile, surrounded by the metal of the round itself. Reno is not real clear when he describes the orange/red caps, unless they were the caps that fit over the end of the guns, to keep out the elements when not in use. Not knowing what he is talking about prohibits any further comment on the caps.
DU rounds DO NOT have any part of the DU penetrator rod exposed to the elements – its like the hot dog in a corn dog.
Not knowing what the “caps” were he was talking about and given that there were no chunks of depleted uranium lying about, I am at a loss why they had to be decontaminated – unless Reno is BSing people. I think Reno is prone to concocting elaborate fantasies to make himself appear as far mor than he really is.
All knowledge of DU rounds comes from credible sources, such as Military Technology magazine, janes and other similar magazines and books. Thank you for the reminder, I need to review my MilTech subscription.
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Monty – if Reno is so concerned about his kids, why did he help CONVICTED FELONS evade the law and put himself in a position where he can do nothing for them except be a DEAD BEAT DAD? That does not sound like a good father to me. It sounds like a little boy pretending to be a man by playing soldier and shirking any real adult responsibilities.
Well, I donate my time and energy to several charitable organizations local to where I live, including Habitat for Humanity. I donate blood every 2 months. Cash donations to charity. Donations of goods to charities. And cash donations to one particular medical research group and help out one Viet Nam vet and his family. And indirectly, I have been and will be helping to provide room, board and food for Jason, Reno and Danny – possibly for a number of years. So yes, I can comment on Reno and his proclivities for flights of fancy, his being a drifter and bum and for being a lousy father.
Shriek all you want to Monty, but by the testimony Reno cannot hold a job, does not respect any authority but his, cannot remember how old his oldest child is (and I don’t think a “tough guy” like Reno was nervous. Do you?), drifts around the country looking to be noticed and to make a name for himself.
Basically, he exhibits the same tendencies as McVeigh, John Hinckley and Lee Harvey Oswald, only without the gumption and follow through.
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Sorry i forgot this. Here is a page that gives a good example and cross section of what a 120mm (~4.75 inches)round with depleted uranium core looks like. Obviously a 25 mm (1 inch) round will be smaller, but the idea is the same.
I apologize for not including this thread above.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/m829a1.htm
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
From what I understand Cirinos main issue is the contamination of Iraq as fas as the DU is concerned. Research it and how high the cancer rates are in Iraq now since we used DU on them .
The birth defects are terrible. People want to know if DU is the cause og Gulf War Syndrome because it was used in Desert Storm too.
Lorie?
April 4th, 2008 at 1:22 am
Between burning oil wells, bits and pieces of old, outdated Iraqi chemicals, toss in a wide variety of barely known insects, parasites and such, toss in burning military materials and those factors alon may account for “Gulf War Syndrome.” What might be a bigger concern than any expended DU rounds is troops being in close proximity and breathing the propellant fumes of tank guns and artillery. Heck, toss is fumes from fresh NBC gear and you get a chemical soup being breathed in that probably had a very bad effect on some and no effect on most.
A W.A.G. on my part is that no one thing is the dominant factor in “Gulf War Syndrome,” but a melange of things, which by themselves are innocuous, but together can be bad. And it could take years to figure it out.
Also, while Gulf War Syndrome was the biggest medical problem from the first Gulf War, the biggest medical problem this time around is going to be psychological.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:58 am
I do not recall of any public statements by Reno of the dangers of DU during the brown standoff. I only recall general anti-government rhetoric and anti-tax rhetoric. Reno under cross examination will be very interesting.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:16 am
“From what I understand Cirinos main issue is the contamination of Iraq as fas as the DU is concerned. Research it and how high the cancer rates are in Iraq now since we used DU on them.”
You do know that Saddam used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Iraq and that the use of chemical weapons results in cancer and birth defects, right?
20 US soldiers in the Gilf War were hit by depleted uranium shells but the shrapnel couldn’t be removed wihout killing the soldiers. Even though the depleted uranium is still in their bodies and shows up in blood and urine tests, none of them have developed any cancer and none have children with birth defects.
The World Health Organizatiom, the UN, NATO, RAND Corp, and the UK have all done medical studies, but of course the tinfoil hat contingency won’t care.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:18 am
“I do not recall of any public statements by Reno of the dangers of DU during the brown standoff. I only recall general anti-government rhetoric and anti-tax rhetoric.”
Reno’s strategy in joining the Browns is “the eneny of my enemy is my friend.” That’s pretty cold stuff.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:29 am
So Reno bought a Serbu rifle as an “investment” and then left it with the Browns? (Which rifle had the serial number erased? Reno’s? Or someone else’s?)
It should be an interesting cross-examination.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Reno took the gun with him when he left.
Remember, Ed kicked Reno out of the house and then accused him of stealing a gun and ammo.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Reno’s blog posting when he got the Serbu rifle:
.50 cal club…
Current mood: giddy
got a new one. working it over now.
tell you what. no family unit should be without one.
going to get pics up soon. i’m so happy.
yet i get sad knowing not everyone has one… then i think about everyone one that is not even close to being ready…
and as the quote goes, “You see, in this world there’s two kinds of people, my friend: Those with loaded guns and those who dig. You dig.” don’t ask me where it is from i just remember it… if you know share please…
know what would be cool? if everyone would share their favorite gun quote… that one is not my favorite… just one that reminds me that if you are not a fighter, you are a slave. not sure if that was the topic of the quote in the movie… but i remember it that way.
i am off to find my favorite quote now… laters…
reno
April 4th, 2008 at 7:58 am
You mean more witnesses have taken the 5th. And the court has recognized the witnesses’ constitutional rights. I thought most of the Brown supporters thought the courts were corrupt and didn’t uphold the Constitution, yet it appears that this court is protecting their constitutional rights.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Clint is da man!
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Good,_the_Bad_and_the_Ugly
April 4th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I am more disgusted with Jose than Reno. Hell, we knew who Reno was before this testimony and this testimony (summary) confirms it. But Jose, geez, what a P.O.S. Brags all over the internet about how is ready to defend his son, can’t wait to testify, going to show the feds what’s up. At trial – I plead the fifth. That’s right Jose, take care of yourself. The apple does not fall far from the tree.
April 4th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
It’s called witness tampering. The procecuters ‘encouraged’ him to plead the 5th
April 4th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
From what I understand Cirinos main issue is the contamination of Iraq as fas as the DU is concerned. Research it and how high the cancer rates are in Iraq now since we used DU on them.”
admin :”You do know that Saddam used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Iraq and that the use of chemical weapons results in cancer and birth defects, right?
20 US soldiers in the Gilf War were hit by depleted uranium shells but the shrapnel couldn’t be removed wihout killing the soldiers. Even though the depleted uranium is still in their bodies and shows up in blood and urine tests, none of them have developed any cancer and none have children with birth defects.
The World Health Organizatiom, the UN, NATO, RAND Corp, and the UK have all done medical studies, but of course the tinfoil hat contingency won’t care.”
DUDE, You have been watching way too much Fox News.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
“DUDE, You have been watching way too much Fox News.”
Dude, I studied chemical engineering and weapons policy at Berkeley.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
CKB Says:
April 3rd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Monty – if Reno is so concerned about his kids, why did he help CONVICTED FELONS evade the law and put himself in a position where he can do nothing for them except be a DEAD BEAT DAD? That does not sound like a good father to me. It sounds like a little boy pretending to be a man by playing soldier and shirking any real adult responsibilities.
Well, I donate my time and energy to several charitable organizations local to where I live, including Habitat for Humanity. I donate blood every 2 months. Cash donations to charity. Donations of goods to charities. And cash donations to one particular medical research group and help out one Viet Nam vet and his family. And indirectly, I have been and will be helping to provide room, board and food for Jason, Reno and Danny – possibly for a number of years. So yes, I can comment on Reno and his proclivities for flights of fancy, his being a drifter and bum and for being a lousy father.
Shriek all you want to Monty, but by the testimony Reno cannot hold a job, does not respect any authority but his, cannot remember how old his oldest child is (and I don’t think a “tough guy” like Reno was nervous. Do you?), drifts around the country looking to be noticed and to make a name for himself.
Basically, he exhibits the same tendencies as McVeigh, John Hinckley and Lee Harvey Oswald, only without the gumption and follow through.
From C.K.B.
Dear C.K.B. Before Cirino was kidnapped, he always paid his child support. The reason he went is because he was afraid there would be another Waco. Have you seen the pictures of the babys at Waco after the Feds got through with them? Those people in Waco were minding their own business, practicing their own religion. How terrible! We must not! They were peaceful people. If you have done any research on Cirino, then you know his background but obviously you have’nt because all the filth your spew about him is so wrong.
You donate money and you donate blood. How does that help this country that is in deperate need.
How does that help end the war? How does that protect the Constitution? How does that help the economy? What a waste.
Yes, he was nervous on the stand. That has already been reported in the newspaper. See, there you go again talking about stuff you know nothing about.
Exihibits the tendencies of Timothy McVeigh?
(couldnt remember his first name?) And the others you mention?
Are you out of your mind? Cirino wants a peaceful resolution to the corruption going on.
Don’t post and say terrible things about people you think you know so you throw out a bunch of lies.
Cirino is a hero to this country. He doesn’t go out there trying to make a name for himself. He goes out there to help people like you.Clueless.
April 4th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Whenever anybody calls me a “soulless, godless, communist”, just like Reno I also assume that they’re not mad at me. That’s just another of those fun things that friends say to friends, right?
April 4th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
No terrible would be if I were to say something like, “Hey Monty, have you stopped having sex with 4-year old boys?” That would be wrong.
Comparing Reno to Oswald, McVeigh or Hinkley is a valid talking point, unless you are enamored of those who aid and abet convicted felons evade capture.
As for giving blood being stupid. Donated blood and platelets helps people of all types, including the elderly and small children, even the friends and relatives of flaming clowns named Monty who think giving blood is stupid.
How do donations help the economy? Simple you knukle-dragging retard, that donated money supports any number of charitable institutions, including those looking for cures to really nasty, fatal diseases. In turn, those organizations give grants to researchers, who can then hire staff, which now puts people to work. Donations of goods and services make things a bit easier for the poor, who can hopefully become more stable, get better paying jobs, which means their income improves, which means that they too help boost the economy. My secret hope is that eventually these charitable organizations will find a cure for soulless, heartless, idiots named Monty.
So Monty, by saying charity and charitable works are stupid you have shown yourself to be a heartless, uncaring, little pr*ck, who also obviously hates Christianity and Jesus, both of which have doing charitable works as one of their major tenents.
Oh and Monty, here and other places, Reno’s own words betray him, such as when he states the only reason he was at Ed’s place was to get himself in front of the camera for “his cause.” And to date who has he helped? His family? Nope, they are being dragged into his tar baby. His kids? Oh hell no, he has abandoned them. Way to be father of the year Reno? “His cause”? Whatever fantasy cause that was is getting no benefit from being in jail. The average citizen? Nope, not them either. So who is Reno “helping” again? Other than getting a certain Monty all aroused.
It must really warm the cockles of Reno’s heart to know he can count on the support of a heartless, soulless, Christian-hating, Jesus-hating, self-centered moonbat like yourself Monty.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:38 am
CKB Says:
April 4th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
No terrible would be if I were to say something like, “Hey Monty, have you stopped having sex with 4-year old boys?” That would be wrong.
Monty: What? How does pedophilia come into this unless you have other things on your mind. Is that the ONLY hypotheticle example you could come up with?
Comparing Reno to Oswald, McVeigh or Hinkley is a valid talking point, unless you are enamored of those who aid and abet convicted felons evade capture.
Monty: This is just a rediculous nstatement that I won’t waste my time with.
As for giving blood being stupid. Donated blood and platelets helps people of all types, including the elderly and small children, even the friends and relatives of flaming clowns named Monty who think giving blood is stupid.
Monty: Where did I ever say giving blood was stupid? Where? My point is you are not doing anything to help save this country and get our soldiers home from a war all about controlling the oil. I give blood. I said that the things you are doing are a waste of time when you could be working on saving this country from tyrants. Handing someone a check is a goodthing it isnt helping this country.
How do donations help the economy? Simple you knukle-dragging retard, that donated money supports any number of charitable institutions, including those looking for cures to really nasty, fatal diseases. In turn, those organizations give grants to researchers, who can then hire staff, which now puts people to work. Donations of goods and services make things a bit easier for the poor, who can hopefully become more stable, get better paying jobs, which means their income improves, which means that they too help boost the economy. My secret hope is that eventually these charitable organizations will find a cure for soulless, heartless, idiots named Monty.
Monty: This is REALLY bad. You trash Cirino without knowing anything about the truth about him. Now you are doing the same thing to me. I didn’t know educated people spoke to others like that. It almost sounds like you have a vendeta against Cirino and his father Jose, who by the way, has a Masters Degree.
Now, let me explain something to you and since you have a tendency to mis read my words, maybe you should read them at least twice.
There will never be a cure for Aids, Cancer, Parkinson, Alzheimers and such. Why you ask? Because the pharmacuticle companies, who by the way line the wallets at the White House, are making a killing of the medications that keep the people that have these sort of dieases alive and comfortable. Poor people that can’t afford insurance just have to die. The government doesnt care. If you are rich (Magic Johnson, for example) you will live many more years because you can afford the outragerously priced medications. So, as far as donating your money for more research, you might as well flush it.
So Monty, by saying charity and charitable works are stupid you have shown yourself to be a heartless, uncaring, little pr*ck, who also obviously hates Christianity and Jesus, both of which have doing charitable works as one of their major tenents.
Monty: I never even used the word stupid.
The paragraph above is the total opposite of what and whom I am. How can you even use those words in the same paragraph? I have a hugh heart. I care very much. And I pray for you because you must have major issues in your life at this time.
Oh and Monty, here and other places, Reno’s own words betray him, such as when he states the only reason he was at Ed’s place was to get himself in front of the camera for “his cause.” And to date who has he helped?
Monty: ALOT of people.More than you will ever know. He is a Patriot. He has helped many, many people. He just doesnt go around tooting his own horn. You know nothing about Cirino.
His family?
Monty: yes, all the time. You just don’t know how.
Nope, they are being dragged into his tar baby. His kids? Oh hell no, he has abandoned them. Way to be father of the year Reno?
Monty: His kids know that their dad is a hero and will make a better life for their kids and so on…
“His cause”?
Monty: His Cause. To stop the political coupption,
to peacefully end the war,( remember, he’s been in Iraq, he’s seen what goes on and what we DON’T hear on FON NEWS) to encourage people to research everything and learn, to have a fair election after 2 selections,to educate and to teach YOU to educate yourself,learn about DU,Save the Constitutution, gain our freedoms back.. I could go on and on but’s it’s late.
Whatever fantasy cause that was is getting no benefit from being in jail. The average citizen? Nope, not them either. So who is Reno “helping” again? Other than getting a certain Monty all aroused.
Monty: LOL. His words, the truth are still being spread, inside and out. He will never be silenced.
It must really warm the cockles of Reno’s heart to know he can count on the support of a heartless, soulless, Christian-hating, Jesus-hating, self-centered moonbat like yourself Monty
Monty:Those are horrible names to call someone that you know nothing about. Really, just down right cruel. I feel sorry for you. If you call yourself a Christian, you are one of the biggest hippocrits I have ever heard from in my life.
Go Pray. God Bless You. Monty
DUDE, You have been watching way too much Fox News.”
Dude, I studied chemical engineering and weapons policy at Berkeley.
Dude, then you should know that people that never were anywhere near northern Iraq when S.H. gassed his own people, many, many years ago are getting so very sick NOW. This is what mainstream media is telling you and you are falling for their lies.
April 5th, 2008 at 12:50 am
[...] Bombs, Taxes, and Red Crayons wrote an interesting post today on Day 9: Reno takes the standHere’s a quick excerptBy 2006, he had been researching “certain events” and decided to go to Iraq “f or my investigations…. [...]
April 5th, 2008 at 1:56 am
We like your blog!…
[...]Mabuhay, my colleagues and I heard of your blog over at McBrides, so we thought we would take a look. We’ve read several of your posts and we all agree that you have a fine writing style[...]
…
April 5th, 2008 at 5:27 am
Oh and Monty, here and other places, Reno’s own words betray him, such as when he states the only reason he was at Ed’s place was to get himself in front of the camera for “his cause.” CKB
SO? Whats so bad about that? The majority of the supporters at the Browns had their own agendas they wanted out there. It was, and is a high profile case on the East coast. “His Cause” is very important and the more people that wake up to the truth, the better chance this country has of becoming what it use to be.
It wasn’t ALL about ‘His Cause’. He researched the tax codes and talked to The Browns months before he went to their home. He went there with good intentions. When he got back from Iraq, all his work was spreading the word about how bad the war is and educating Americans to the truth.
When he heard about the Browns,he decided to try and help them, mainly blogging for them.
This man cares about everyone. Even you. If he were to read what you have written about him, and he will, if you would take 2 hours of his time, be opened minded, listen, comprehend, by the time those 2 hours are up, you will have a new good friend. Monty
April 5th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
You know , I can’t even dignify some of the above comments with answers. Amazing how people that have NO CLUE , make accusations that are SO SO WRONG. Those of us who know Cirino are his friends because he is such a strong character. Jose has done a great job with his children, under hard circumstances, and has no need to defend himself from pathetic accusations or viewpoints. He is an exraordinary man, and you could all learn a little from him and his outlook on living and being a human being.He is a very educated man with a careing character. Iam sick of all the insults on here , least you couls do is discuss things in a civil manner.
April 5th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Geez Monty, Reno wants to help me and all of us. I did not ask for his help, I do not want his help. I do not ned his help.
Basically, you have made Reno sound just like a much larger entity…… federal and/or state government.
I really, really, really dislike people who think they know what is best for everyone else and try to tell them so and act on their behalf whether or not it is wanted, needed or asked for.
Again, smacks way, way too much of federal/state government and ultra-liberals.
Thanks Monty. Now I need a shower to wash the “ewwwwwww” off of me.
April 5th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
And Rose, aiding and abetting convicted felons evade lawful arrest is NOT a sign of character. Stupidity? Yes. Character? No.
Jose comes off as a loud mouth braggart and bully who collapses like a house of cards under any real pressure. Also, not the makings of a good father.
Frankly, I have absolutely no desire to learn anything from Jose, except how not to live my life and act towards others. Now, if i need a lesson on how to (allegedly) threaten a witness in a federal case, or talk a big game and back it up with nothing, then by golly, Jose Gonzalez is on my short list of sources. Otherwise I will stick with the basics my parents taught me:
1. Don’t f*ck with the Feds.
2. Don’t screw with the State.
3. Cops have no sense of humor when on duty.
4. Keep as low a profile as possible.
5. If I can’t control it or influence it, I don’t care about it.
6. Measure twice, cut once.
7. Never, ever tick off Italian women – and to remember that vendetta is an Italian word.
April 6th, 2008 at 8:44 am
CKB, you are ALMOST laughable
Character and and Intelect YOU have NO CLUE on.
Jose is a good man and a longtime FRIEND. There is actually a few people left in this world that try and stand for Freedom for people , and the right for YOU and everyone to SHOOT off your mouth. YOU talk out NOT SCREWING with the FEDS and STATE, NO pissing off COPS either. WELL ARE’NT YOU just the MODEL CITIZEN.Your parents Obviously have tought you to FOLLOW and NEVER question. I do not usually take a stand either, also from European upbringing, but SOMETIMES you just have to stand up for what you believe. IF YOU CAN’T CONTROL IT OR INFLUENCE IT, I DON’T CARE ABOUT IT. THAT is a SAD comment, BECAUSE NOT CARING is what most people do until it COMES TO THEIR FRONT DOOR and BITES THEM IN THE ASS.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST:) NEVER TICK OFF ANY WOMEN-
LOL Nationality , believe me has NO limits there, Mind you the VENDETTA thing and Italian Mofia does put a whole NEW twist on that one. BUT OHHHH…….WAIT YOU DON’T think anything VIOLENT EVER HAPPENS …. LOL
April 6th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Now, now Rose, I never said I did not question authority, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. Ed Brown and his supporters did it wrong. Those who engage in the political process, bring political pressure on the government (while NOT being fugitive felons) do it right. Cesar Chavez would be a good example of doing it right. Ditto Dr. King.
And, so typically, you have misunderstood what I said. When I said I don’t care about things I cannot control or influence I meant what I said. For example, idiot drivers on the road (it’s a SoCal thing), since I can’t control or influence them, I just let them do their thing and give them lots of space so I don’t get sucked into their accident if it occurs. Now, if it was gun registration laws, I would support and vote for political candidates that support my point of view (we have more than enough laws, so back off the gun issue).
Further – at work there may be somebody on another floor who is a complete jack-ass, but since I have no control or influence over them (but do have it over myself) all I can do is avoid the yutz. But, if it is somebody on my team doing something silly, I can influence them by asking them why are they doing something so foolish.
In the case of you ladies, Reno is a long time friend and so you are going to defend him and have the ability to influence his future actions. Conversely, you have (in all likelihood) no control or influence over the Marshal’s that arrested everyone and thus you would not care about them or waste your time trying to control and influence them. By working on only those things you can control and influence, you can concentrate your efforts.
Also, to add to the list above:
8. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
9. The only way to fight with a woman is with your hat. Put it on and just leave.
10. The “good old days” were merely old and not that good.
11. With women you can be right, or you can be happy – but not both.
April 6th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
CKB, you have also MISUNDERSTOOD. I believe in the RIGHTS of PEOPLE. I thought the CAUSE that ED and ELAINE stood for was and is a GOOD one. I DO NOT support VIOLENCE to settle any issue or achieve any means. BY THE WAY, Please note there WAS a REASON for the Supporters (aka RENO, Jason and DANNY) leaving the Browns long before anything happened. EVER give a thought to the fact maybe THEY ALSO DID NOT AGREE WITH ED AND ELAINE??
April 6th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I figured they left because (a) they realized Ed was going to get them into a world of hurt, or (b) Ed was bat-shiat crazy or (c) both.
It is a darn shame that they got involved in that mess as it is (potentially) a waste of thre lives that could have done so much more, both for themselves and for those who could really use the help.
Danny – an electrician by vocation. He should be so busy with work he would have no time for goofs like Ed. In SoCal the Electrical Workers Union had radio ads begging people to become electricians. Everyone neds electricians. And he could give back to those who really need it though Habitat for Humanity, or donating his time and effort to his local place of worship, something like that.
Reno – seems to be trying to find himself. Given his knack and talent with firearms he could easily be working for any number of domestic gun makers who have little or nothing to do with the military, or being a firearms instructor. And he too could donate time and effort to his favorite, worthy, charitable organizations.
Jason – of them all, he will (probably) be sentenced the harshest of all. He seems to have really been struggling to find his place in life. He might have really, really benefited from time in the Peace Corps and vice versa, or with Habitat for Humanity, or similar organizations. It would have let him do for those who truly need help and allowed him time to figure out what he really wanted to do.
It is that willful waste of talent on some well-to-do goofball and willfully tossing their lives and talents into the commode that really angers me. They could have all done so much more, both for themselves and others for many, many years and had productive, good lives* doing so. That’s what really p*sses me off.
* – by good life, I mean working at something they really enjoy, having time for family and friends, time to do charitable work and being comfortable with their life. I consider myself extremely lucky in that I am in that position – love my job, have time for friends and donate time, money and goods to various charitable causes. Here’s the kicker, each year on my itemized deductions, I could include my charitable contributions of cash and goods, but I don’t. For the amout of effort it would take to get the deduction, I say screw it. A few tens of dollars difference in taxes owed/refunded just isn’t worth it. I will never be rich doing what I do and that is fine with me. I am very comfortable in my unlisted house, my generic car and my doggie.
Rose sounds like she has found a job that she really, really enjoys and I bet it allows her to donate time, effort and money to her favorite charities (ASPCA perhaps? For the record, my doggie was a resued puppy. Ditto the cats) and still lets her do things with family and friends. Will she get rich being a vet tech? Money-wise no, but in all other ways yes.
It is a darn shame that Jason, Reno and Danny will (probably) not be afforded those same opportunities. It shortchanges them and their families. So you can be mad at me all you want for saying what I say, but you should be madder (and smacking them upside the head with a Gideon’s Bible) with Jason, Danny and Reno and absolutely furious with Ed Brown for sucking them into his horror show and then abandoning them.
Seriously, with just a little nudge they could all be doing so much more for themselves and those who really need their help – the poor, the destitute and the truly needy.
April 6th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Rose wrote, “I thought the CAUSE that ED and ELAINE stood for was and is a GOOD one.”
What CAUSE was that?
April 6th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
The wealthy wanting to keep more of their wealth by not paying taxes?
April 6th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
NO the right for people to question the LAW , if you can proove there is one , MAKING people pay Taxes.
April 6th, 2008 at 3:02 pm
People absolutely have the right “to question the LAW”. I do it frequently and publicly. Please note that “question” =! “disobey”.
I can definitely prove that there is a law “MAKING people pay Taxes”. A comprehensive proof takes three sentences.
Now, what “CAUSE” are you talking about?
April 6th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
The cause of the people questioning and holding their government accountable when something is wrong. The way ED and Elaine presented this thing is SHOW ME THE LAW? SO please I would like to see a copy and laymens translation of such.
April 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Rose wrote, “The cause of the people questioning and holding their government accountable when something is wrong.”
Yes, you said that before. No one disputes that the Browns, like everyone else, have the right to question the government and the power to hold it accountable when wrong. I previously wrote that I publicly question the government frequently, and almost as frequently have (on behalf of clients) held it accountable for its wrongdoing. None of that involved ignoring the law, threatening violence or stockpiling weapons.
And you would “like to see a copy and laymens translation of” the requirement to pay federal income taxes? No problem.
26 USC 1 imposes the tax on every individual of certain social status – single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household – who meets a certain income level. 26 USC 6012(a) requires every such individual whose income exceeds the exemption to file a return. 26 USC 6151 requires every individual required to file a return to pay the tax due with that return.
Three sentences, laymen’s language, not subject to any legal dispute whatsoever.
Now, what “CAUSE” were you talking about?
April 6th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Question please, IS this law , in any way questionable to interpetation? Can it be misconstrued? And to who is the tax payable?WHo has the autority to collect it?
April 6th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
“Question please, IS this law , in any way questionable to interpetation? Can it be misconstrued? And to who is the tax payable?WHo has the autority to collect it?”
Section 1 of the tax code is pretty simple stuff.
§ 1. There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of every individual … a tax determined in accordance with the following table.
The tax is payable to the US Treasury, and the authority to collect is given to the Internal Revenue Service, which is a bureau of the US Treasury.
April 6th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Thank you, I wonder WHY the government seem to have a problem showing that to Ed? or did he just refused to except it? I am from Canada and our laws are a little different, so that is why I asked for clarification.I will research more.
April 6th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
You can show the law to a tax denier a thousand times a day, and they’ll simply close their eyes, plug their ears, and sing, “La la la la la la, I can’t hear you.”
The tax denial movement isn’t much more than a cult of people who want to punish the government by evading taxes, but who don’t want to pay the consequences for that act.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Admin forgot to add that they still expect to enjoy all the advantages government provides – roads, organized and safe airline travel, weather forecasting, and so forth.
April 7th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Wow Rose,CKB has been halfway decent to you. He spewed filth and called me terrible names.CBKs number 36 contridicts what he posted earlier but it’s a good one. Think maybe he’s coming around? I see he’s toned down the horrible name calling.
Naw. There is no hope for him, unless he gets thearpy. He’s (SHE?) vicious.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Nope, just avoid people who think charity, good works, donating blood is a waste of time and that everything is life has to be serious and full of sturm und drang.
As for being vicious, I have never advocated killing federal authorities jsut because I was convicted on a variety of felonious tax crimes. Vicious? I have never hung explosives in trees or laid out booby trapped explosives for federal agents (and innocent wandering people or animals) as a result of evading lawful detention after being convicted of felonious tax crimes.
Now you tell me which is actually more vicious, soom boob railing against the stupid and willfully ignorant on the internet, or the clown actually setting out devices that could hurt, maim or kill people just to avoid going to jail.
Ed Brown is the vicious, amoral, petty little punk, I am no where close to being in Ed’s class. And my words have never, ever resulted in others going to jail because they got sucked into my insanity. I have ruined zero lives. Ed? Well, so far we are up to 5 (Ed, Elaine, Jason, Reno, Danny), it’s 9 if you include Reno’s kids.
So call me vicious if you want. I don’t care and I slep well at night knowing I regularly help my fellow man and have ruined no one’s life. I know Ed Brown cannot say that.
April 8th, 2008 at 2:00 am
Reno Gonzalez is an inconsequential failure, raised by an inconsequential failure, trying to prove that he is anything but the failure as a human being he so obviously is. The man is a deadbeat, cannot hold down or hold onto a real job, and in truth, the kindest thing he has done for his children is not to be there to provide the bad role model his father provided for him. If he was such a wonderful father figure, then why was he not home helping to take care of his children and actually working to support them instead of off playing mercenary for another deadbeat loser? Maybe it is an affinity thing. Really must be a blow to your ego when your mentor/hero accuses you of being a thief and throws you out. And if Reno is such a good and concerned provider for his children, how does he have time to be running around playing weekend warrior. This does not bespeak an employed and functioning person. It does bespeak of an unemployed deadbeat. Curiously, we don’t seem to have heard any glowing words of praise from the mother of Reno’s children, I wonder why. I would bet her commentary would be less than complementary to say the least. At any rate, Reno’s little ego fest is about to come to a very unhappy and long term ending.
April 8th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Notorial Dissent, you DO NOT know Cirino or his father, and I think if you have a good character, you do NOT judge someone without getting to know them and what motivates them. Both of which you have NO clue on.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
§ 1. There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of every individual … a tax determined in accordance with the following table.
The tax is payable to the US Treasury, and the authority to collect is given to the Internal Revenue Service, which is a bureau of the US Treasury.
§ 1. There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of every individual … a tax determined in accordance with the following table.
The tax is payable to the US Treasury, and the authority to collect is given to the Internal Revenue Service, which is a bureau of the US Treasury.
§ 1. There is hereby imposed on the taxable income of every individual … a tax determined in accordance with the following table.
Yes imposed upon the “taxable income” not the individual signle married or otherwise.
The tax is payable to the US Treasury, and the authority to collect is given to the Internal Revenue Service, which is a bureau of the US Treasury.
Please show me were the IRS is listed as a Bureau of the US Treasury.
April 8th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
imposed on the “taxable income”‘raises the question as to what is “taxable income”. the IRS code calls “taxable income” “gross income ” minus deductions. that is double speak at its finest for it still doesn’t give an answer. the real question is. what is income?
April 8th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
CKB “As for giving blood being stupid. Donated blood and platelets helps people of all types, including the elderly and small children, even the friends and relatives of flaming clowns named Monty who think giving blood is stupid.”
Monty says: Go read the post again, real slow and you will see I NEVER used the word stupid. Never
CKB says to me “How do donations help the economy? Simple you knukle-dragging retard, that donated money supports any number of charitable institutions, including those looking for cures to really nasty, fatal diseases. In turn, those organizations give grants to researchers, who can then hire staff, which now puts people to work. Donations of goods and services make things a bit easier for the poor, who can hopefully become more stable, get better paying jobs, which means their income improves, which means that they too help boost the economy. My secret hope is that eventually these charitable organizations will find a cure for soulless, heartless, idiots named Monty.
So Monty, by saying charity and charitable works are stupid you have shown yourself to be a heartless, uncaring, little pr*ck, who also obviously hates Christianity and Jesus, both of which have doing charitable works as one of their major tenents.”
You’re a nice person, huh? This post shows thats a big lie. I will continue to pray for you.
God Bless You. I hope you get yourself help soon.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am
I apologize Monty, you DID NOT say stupid. This is what you wrote – “You donate money and you donate blood. How does that help this country that is in deperate need.
How does that help end the war? How does that protect the Constitution? How does that help the economy? What a waste.”
Again, mighty “Christian” of you to call donating money to charities and giving blood a “waste.” Some how, I don’t think all the people who have benefited from my donated blood (O+, and another negative factor which makes it perfect for infants) would agree with you, especially the litle kids and their parents.
Before you start praying for others, I would do some serious soul-searching Monty, because it is a small, petty, ugly, mean little person who thinks donating to charity and giving blood is a waste. Very sad Monty, very, very sad.
April 9th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Side note – give blood people, or go in for platelet donation. It takes an hour or so out of your life everry 2 months or so and can help a whole bunch of people, especially if you are O+.
You know I bet even Danny, Reno and Jason have given blood. And if they can give blood, you can too. Probably even Monty, unless she weighs 100 lbs. or less (it’s possible – she could be a wee lass).
And her is a free, money saving tip. Need a hawaiian print shirt for a luau party? Are you cheap and don’t want to blow $40 or more on a fancy hawaiian print shirt? Goodwill or Salvation Army has tons of them. Tommy Bahama and other top brands too, most hardly ever worn. E-bay’s not bad either. But support your local charities first.
Some of you may think I am a complete a-hole, but I am not because (a) I think globally and act locally and (b) couldn’t afford all the lessons to be a complete a-hole…….
April 9th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
I love goodwill, anything to spend less.hehe ok who’s having the Luau? Or was that a your next display pic CKB?:)
April 10th, 2008 at 1:38 am
I have a picture from Halloween 2005 I think of me in straw hat, puka shell necklace, sandals and batik print lava-lava (think Hawaiian, Samoan and Maori man-kilt)…….
Either that or a phot of the dishes I cooked and served for the mango-themed dinner party. Surprisingly, the mango margarita mix and mango flavored tequila was gone before dinner…..