The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

Patterico: ‘Certain Big Media Reporters Are Scared to Write About Kimberlin’

Posted on | June 14, 2012 | 29 Comments

FROM AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION
When I read that sentence, it brought me up short.

“Scared”?

Is Patrick Frey referring to Jen Preston of the New York Times, whose coverage of the Anthony Weiner scandal was controversial?

Brett Kimberlin’s online attack dog Neal Rauhauser has claimed to have a good relationship with Preston — he CC’d her in the September 2011 e-mail he sent to “Occupy Boston” leaders on behalf of Velvet Revolution — but (a) Rauhauser is a notorious liar, and (b) someone told me that, in fact, Preston thinks Rauhauser is as loony as a fruit bat.

Which he is, quite obviously.

Frankly, I am sympathetic to any reporter who might want to write about the Kimberlin story, but dreads the challenge of trying to explain it in a brief, concise news story that makes sense. I’ve written two American Spectator articles about it:

Both of those articles were quite an ordeal to write because the story is so complex, and it’s easy to get “lost in the weeds.” In terms of understanding the basics of Brett Kimberlin’s criminal history, the best resource is arguably Mandy Nagy’s 3,600-word article from October 2010. which cites several other articles, including the thorough 1981 account by Indianapolis Star reporter Joe Gelarden and an excellent 2007 article by Massimo Calabresi of Time magazine.

Very few reporters, however, have even tried to tell the story in any detailsed way, and the temptation to dismiss it as “just an Internet thing” — involving no political big names — is nearly as strong as the temptation to portray it as a mere squabble between Left and Right, which it most assuredly is not.

Kimberlin began his “lawfare” strategy against bloggers by filing a $2 million lawsuit against Seth Allen, a progressive who was banned from a series of liberal sites — including Democratic Underground and Daily Kos — for blowing the whistle on what he saw as dishonest claims by Velvet Revolution, the 501(c) non-profit co-founded by Kimberlin and Brad “BradBlog” Friedman. Since October 2010, Kimberlin and his associates have expanded their targets and their tactics.

Telling the story — the whole story — is certainly a major challenge. I’ve been covering “The Kimberlin Files” for four weeks as of today, and there are still huge slices of the larger story I haven’t touched. For example, Nadia Naffe is the woman who made headlines earlier this year by falsely accusing James O’Keefe of sexual assault. Naffe has also filed a baseless complaint against Patterico and — as Patterico notes — Naffe’s lawyer in that action is the same guy whom Neal Rauhauser solicited in a May 24 e-mail to file a spurious action against Patterico on behalf of SWATting victim Mike Stack.

How is Naffe’s attempt to smear O’Keefe related to her attempt to get Patterico fired, and in turn related to Rauhauser’s effort (apparently on behalf of Kimberlin) to enlist Mike Stack in a campaign of “lawfare” against Kimberlin’s critics? Remember that during the WeinerGate scandal, Rauhauser became obsessed with Patterico, who was targeted in multiple posts by Rauhauser (“Stranded Wind”) on Daily Kos:

By July 27, 2011, Rauhauser declared that Patterico “looks to be a pretty good candidate for the planner/operator behind Weinergate.” This was as baseless as it was absurd, and the question is, was Rauhauser deliberately spreading this transparent falsehood as part of a disinformation smear, or has Rauhauser’s mental condition deteriorated so badly that he actually believes this lunatic gibberish?

This is an actual debate going on among those who have followed the Kimberlin story. There are some who think that Rauhauser is entirely cynical and that he keeps ginning up these crazy conspiracy theories in an effort to distract and confuse simpleminded people. There are others — and I am among them — who believe that Rauhauser is in the advanced stages of some degenerative neurological disorder and that his deranged rantings are symptomatic of his irreversible descent into paranoid psychosis.

Whether Neal Rauhauser is a scheming manipulator or the victim of a mental illness, however, there is no question that he is peddling falsehoods. One of the reasons I believe Rauhauser to be psychotic is because, if he were sane, he couldn’t possibly imagine that anyone would believe his lies.

Wednesday, the “Not Brett Kimberlin” site — after having declared itself Tuesday to be on “the high road” — unloaded a 3,700-word pile of nonsense that bore the distinctive hallmarks of Neal Rauhauser’s paranoiac fixations: Patterico, James O’Keefe and Andrew Breitbart all get name-checked, causing the sane and intelligent reader immediately to ask, “What does O’Keefe have do with this, except that Rauhauser is apparently obsessed with O’Keefe?” Let’s quote the 392-word conclusion of that rant, regarding the alleged conspiracy against Brett Kimberlin:

So what is the motive you may ask? I can think of a couple of motives.
1. Revenge
2. Money
Revenge: because Brett Kimberlin has been a thorn in the side of a number of wealthy right wing organizations and Super Pacs for a number of years. Money: because a number of people have profited off of this story, namely Aaron Walker, the guy who forced himself into a civil case that had nothing to do with him. And Robert Stacy McCain, a homeless drifter who used to be somewhat of a big shot. Of course there are a number of side people collecting money such as the National Bloggers Club, which is run by Ali Akbar, and the select few hangers on who are allowed “in” to that club. Yes, it’s an exclusive club, and the only people allowed “in” are people that they deem worthy enough to get in. It isn’t a club for democratic bloggers or even average republican bloggers, it is a club that only allows a select few to be in on the game. The rest can donate and or hope for love from them later, but sadly that will probably never occur because when the money or scam dries up, those on the inside will be the ones who “cash out” while those on the outside watch it crumble. I am sure the story of its crumbling will be blamed on the left or liberals, and then of course depending on how the scam worked financially another scam will pop up to take its place with the same agenda. As for the revenge motive, that justice has already been delivered to its intended victim, Brett Kimberlin. So in a large way the story about Brett Kimberlin that the GOP and right wingers concocted over a year ago has been a big plus for them. The only time it becomes a minus is if any of them get caught for their misdeeds or end up in jail over it. Of course that will probably never happen. But if it does, those responsible for this anarchy will likely serve long prison sentences. I can say that Federal Law Enforcement is very interested in this case, and that those who are calling in or threatening Brett Kimberlin and others are all on a watch list for later cases.

Project much? The false and unfounded accusations of criminality against the National Bloggers Club would, I think, make the “Not Brett Kimberlin” site subject to legal action. The claim that Aaron Walker has “profited” from Kimberlin’s harassment is such a species of evil mendacity — 180 degrees the opposite of truth — that the vicious liar making the claim must be utterly devoid of conscience. The description of myself as “a homeless drifter who used to be somewhat of a big shot” will be laughed off as deeply ironic by anyone reasonably informed about my situation.

By the way, I spent the past two days looking at houses and found one with lots of room for the kids and dogs and cats. We hope to move in by July 1, which gives me about two weeks to hustle up the cash for the moving truck and other expenses like getting the electricity and water turned on at the new place.

Mrs. Other McCain has been hassling me because I’ve spent so much time covering this story that I’ve spent little time concerning myself with the details of our family’s unexpectedly sudden relocation. But as I’ve explained to her, I’ve always considered the Shoe Leather Fund a fee-for-service arrangement with the readers. You hit the tip jar in order to make possible my continued reporting on “The Kimberlin Files,” and I feel obligated to give you your money’s worth.

Friends keep calling me up, concerned for my safety, and I reassure them that I fear nothing. “Never Doubt That God Answers Prayer,” as I said May 21 in my first memo from the Undisclosed Location.

Furthermore, I have the confidence that comes from knowing that many people are making intercessory prayer on my behalf. I also have confidence that readers will continue to heed The Five Most Important Words in the English Language: 

HIT THE FREAKING TIP JAR!

This is the Mother of All Road Trips — the craziest story I’ve ever covered — and I agree with one thing that the “Not Brett Kimberlin” site said: “[T]hose responsible for this anarchy will likely serve long prison sentences.” And we know who they are.

Maybe Patterico’s right and the “big media reporters” are scared of Kimberlin. Not me. That cowardly punk doesn’t scare me at all.

 – Robert Stacy McCain, Whereabouts Unknown

 

 

 

THE KIMBERLIN FILES:

 


Category: Mrs. Other McCain, Shoe Leather Fund, The Kimberlin Files

Comments

29 Responses to “Patterico: ‘Certain Big Media Reporters Are Scared to Write About Kimberlin’”

  1. Dianna Deeley
    June 14th, 2012 @ 1:07 pm

    You should use that “A homeless drifter” quote on your masthead or something. I like the current quote, but there’s a piquant  irony to that I find more than a little amusing.

    BTW, incoming income.

  2. Datechguy's Blog » Blog Archive » Brett Kimberlin the Hal Chase of the Political World » Datechguy's Blog
    June 14th, 2012 @ 1:11 pm

    […] notes that Kimberlin might not be the only candidate (sans the defensive skill at first base) for Hal Chase status This is an actual debate going on among those who have followed the Kimberlin story. There are […]

  3. JanetC
    June 14th, 2012 @ 1:16 pm

    Why does the answer have to be or?  Me thinks NR is both batty and cynical.

  4. robertstacymccain
    June 14th, 2012 @ 1:27 pm

    Nah, I like the Koestler quote. However, I may consider changing the name of the blog to “Piquant Irony.”

  5. L.N. Smithee
    June 14th, 2012 @ 1:34 pm

    You’ve gotta remember, Stacy, that when it comes to MSM veterans, they know well that their usefulness in the world of “journalism” depends on not pissing off the wrong people (almost exclusively lefties) when all that is at stake is their access to movers, shakers, and decision-makers as sources.  Only the bravest of the cowardly would dare approach a story such as this, which 1) Is difficult to reduce to sound bites that ignorant and/or inattentive people won’t choke on, 2) Doesn’t fit the typical template of innocent lefty/big bad righty, and 3) Carries the threat of personal and/or family harassment. 

    It’s much easier to instead write pieces that are low-risk, like interviews with “victims” of Bain Capital-linked layoffs or fluffy stories about Michelle Obama’s organically-grown romaine lettuce.  If they stick to that stuff, they likely will never be chased by a burly Russian mobster asking “Kenneth, what is the frequency?”

  6. Stogie Chomper
    June 14th, 2012 @ 2:05 pm

    Thanks to R.S McCain for leading the charge against this evil conglomeration of lying, law-faring and larcenous leftists.  Of all the dirty tricks and coordinated liberal attacks on conservatives, this Kimberlin thing is one of the worst.  

    Also, thanks Stacy for your steady stream of articles explaining it all, naming the miscreants, and how they all relate to one another, the various backstories that lend much insight into the saga.  

    There is no doubt that you have placed yourself in harms way in order to fight the Kimberlin crowd’s evil, not only physically, e.g. by possible SWATs, but legally as well, as these radicals may attempt to sue you under one pretense or another.   

    GDamit, if they do, I swear to help you in any way I can.  I will send money on payday.  Instead of a defense fund, we should start an OFFENSE fund, one used to fund lawsuits of our own, as plaintiffs, against these b*stards.  

    We absolutely cannot allow these thugs to win political battles through intimidation, terror and legal harassment.  They must be defeated, thoroughly and soundly, to deter future rat packs from using the same dirty rotten tactics.

    I will continue to follow this story closely.

  7. Anamika
    June 14th, 2012 @ 2:31 pm

    Another BK-related blog post and I  fully expected to see DD’s comment before I clicked the link.

    Not really surprised to see that her’s was the very first one.

    RSM’s BK obsession is catching!

  8. Adjoran
    June 14th, 2012 @ 2:59 pm

    I feel your pain, and it is delicious.

    I suppose you could just go somewhere else.  Is there a zoo near where you live?

  9. Nathan
    June 14th, 2012 @ 2:59 pm

    Wow, that block quote is just perfect.  Just change left to right, and swap out Team Kimbo’s names with their “enemies” and we finally have a clear, no-obfuscation description of what they really want and how they work.

    These two dumbells can’t help themselves, can they?  They’re sooooo much smarter than the rest of us. 

  10. Adjoran
    June 14th, 2012 @ 3:02 pm

    Keep up the good work, Stacy.  The cracks are beginning to show.

  11. Hal
    June 14th, 2012 @ 3:16 pm

    I’m still not convinced that the young scion from the Denver area. who was a partner in the formation of VRUS,  isn’t a bigger player than has been mentioned.   Lots of puzzling info, but that’s just my opinion.

  12. JeffS
    June 14th, 2012 @ 3:19 pm

     Tut tut, Anamika, tut tut!

    Your obsession with Stacy pre-dates BK by years, longer even than your obsession with Anthony Wiener’s wiener.  Your obsession with Dianna is much more recent, but is clearly a side effect of your Stacy Fixation.

    Tut tut, Anamika.  Stones and glass houses, my dear.  Stones and glass houses.  Tut tut!

  13. Chuck Long
    June 14th, 2012 @ 3:29 pm

    Let’s be honest here; a lot of mainstream media reports aren’t touching this story because they approve of what Kimberlin is doing and want him to continue to bully and threaten conservative voices into silence. These turds are pissed that the internet has leveled the playing field in many respects, and they want their monopoly back by any means necessary. 

  14. Adobe_Walls
    June 14th, 2012 @ 3:32 pm

    Do glass jars count as houses/

  15. Anamika
    June 14th, 2012 @ 3:38 pm

    Stones and glass houses, my dear.

    Stupid comment.
    Jeezus.

    People in glass houses should only throw stones.
    You live in a glass house, man, and yet you don’t realize that?!?!?!

  16. MrPaulRevere
    June 14th, 2012 @ 4:13 pm

    His name is Ben Gelt, one of four directors of Kimberlins Velvet Revolution.  The son of wealthy leftist lawyers, he was charged as a drug dealer (ring a bell anyone?) but copped to a misdemeanor. Apparently he is a gun control fanatic as well. His twitter account is protected, and I get a ‘forbidden’ message when I try to access his blog. Supposedly he has appeared on TV numerous times but I cant find them on the net. It sure would be interesting to hear the sound of his voice…just sayin…

  17. The Real Velvet Revolution | The Lonely Conservative
    June 14th, 2012 @ 4:41 pm

    […] is the real Velvet Revolution.Update: The PJ Tatler has more on Kimberlin’s funding.Update 2: Are big media reporters afraid to cover the Kimberlin story?google_ad_client = "ca-pub-1395656889568144"; /* 300×250, created 8/11/08 */ google_ad_slot = […]

  18. ‘Real Reporter’ @NYT_JenPreston vs. Blogger @Prepostericity (Seth Allen) : The Other McCain
    June 14th, 2012 @ 4:54 pm

    […] their efforts is something that bloggers have come to expect, eh?Earlier today, I mentioned that Jen Preston of the New York Times might be one of those “big media” reporters whom Patterico accuses of being afraid to report about Brett Kimberlin.Whether or not Patterico was […]

  19. Dianna Deeley
    June 14th, 2012 @ 5:12 pm

    Anamika, “hers” is already possessive. One does not (ever) need to insert an apostrophe.

    Please make a note of it.

  20. JeffS
    June 14th, 2012 @ 7:50 pm

     Yes — but only specimen jars.

  21. JeffS
    June 14th, 2012 @ 7:56 pm

     Tut tut, Anamika, tut tut!

    The correct version is “people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”.  And it does not mean what you think it means.

    Tut tut, Anamika!  Stupid is as as stupid does.  Tut tut!

  22. Adobe_Walls
    June 14th, 2012 @ 8:58 pm

    And obtuseness is not a virtue!

  23. The #BrettKimberlin Report D+20 Part II: Rauhauser – ‘The Lunatic Is In My Head’ « The Camp Of The Saints
    June 14th, 2012 @ 9:43 pm

    […] what may be preventing some reporters from reporting on Brett Kimberlin & His Associates, Stacy McCain hits on why many bloggers [especially myself] are having a hard time writing posts on this saga.  […]

  24. Anamika
    June 14th, 2012 @ 11:16 pm

     Thanks!

    I knew it, but I still blew it. This maybe becuase I’m, wait for it…too smart!

    http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/frontal-cortex/2012/06/daniel-kahneman-bias-studies.html?currentPage=all

    I’ll try not to repeat the mistake! (your’s and her’s, it vs it’s etc)

    (As a guest, I can’t edit my comments in Disqus.)

    Even if I commit the mistake, do note that my rational mind fully understands the correct usage!

    Regards!

  25. Garym
    June 15th, 2012 @ 12:20 am

    Yep.

  26. Team Kimberlin’s Busted Hustle Now Beginning to Unravel Rapidly : The Other McCain
    June 16th, 2012 @ 7:27 pm

    […] to see something that completely exposes the dishonesty of Team Kimberlin? As I explained Thursday, Neal Raushauser has been obsessed with Patterico for nearly a year, and this obsession is shared by the site I call “Not Brett Kimberlin,” which denies […]

  27. Under the Fedora: Gotta Love that Media | The Minority Report Blog
    June 20th, 2012 @ 8:01 pm

    […] June 14: Patterico: ‘Certain Big Media Reporters Are Scared to Write About Kimberlin’ […]

  28. Under the Fedora: Gotta Love that Media « Conservatively Speaking
    June 20th, 2012 @ 10:34 pm

    […] June 14: Patterico: ‘Certain Big Media Reporters Are Scared to Write About Kimberlin’ […]

  29. ‘The Gaped Crusader’: Brett Kimberlin Associate Neal Rauhauser Stalked and Taunted SWATting Victim Patrick Frey : The Other McCain
    June 27th, 2012 @ 11:54 pm

    […] Supect ID’d?June 13: Time to Ask: What Did Brett Kimberlin Know and When Did He Know It?June 14: Patterico: ‘Certain Big Media Reporters Are Scared to Write About Kimberlin’June 14: ‘Real Reporter’ @NYT_JenPreston vs. Blogger @Prepostericity (Seth Allen)June 14: Neal […]