The Boston Globe continues it lies: Its headlines read: “‘Whitey’ Bulger found guilty of murder, racketeering.” He wasn’t. He was found guilty of Racketeering with 11 murders under that charge proven as opposed to 7 not proven and one no decision.
The Globe noted: “He now faces the likelihood that he will die in prison.” Likelihood? When was that ever in question.
Then the Billy Bulger hit: “Another twist in the tale was the parallel rise in the political world of his brother William to become president of the Massachusetts Senate, one of the most powerful politicians in the state.”
It never ends with the Globe. Billy had nothing to do with the trial. But his name has to be hammered into every article.
Then the repetition about something that was created by the Globe but in fact never existed: “The trial, however, laid to rest any romantic Hollywood notions about James Bulger as: a Robin Hood figure. . .”
The Boston Herald told the story more accurately. “Bulger guilty of racketeering and 11 murders in split verdict.” The story under the headline was presented in a factual and accurate manner.
It seems when you go down the road of deception then you have to keep doubling down on the first deceit. It just makes me stop and wonder that if in the Bulger case where I know a little I see the Globe is so far off base from the truth, what must it be in its other news.
I just picked up last Friday’s Globe: Scot LeHigh’s comment that Bill Bulger was “dishonorable” was quoted on the Globe’s Front Page “Point of View”.blurb; neither Lehigh nor the Globe’s editors mentioned the facts that during his distinguished, exemplary career, the former Senate President (longest serving in Massachusetts History) and the former U.Mass. President (he turned that University system around) William Bulger just happened to have recived over twenty Honorary Degrees from some of the Most Prestigious Universities in America, and that he served selflessly on the boards of many libraries, hospitals and academies. It is the Boston Globe, LeHigh and his ilk, Wyshak and Kelly and their ilk, and prior federal prosecutors and judges, whom this trial has raised serious questions about their “honor”, honesty and character in their reliance upon, use and promotion of serial killers and serial perjurers.
William:
The Globe has its agenda to “get Billy Bulger.” I was surprised to hear Morris testify in the John Connolly case that he and Gerry O’Neill of the Globe were friends; then in Whitey’s case he said that after he conducted a thorough investigation of 75 State Street and found no wrong doing even though he was doing his best to please his friend O’Neill that O’Neill turned on him and accused him of not doing enough and pushed him to do more. I found it out of place for a newspaper person to be urging FBI agents to go after people while at the same time writing stories about the person in the hope that the FBI would follow the Globe’s conclusions. It should be noted that the allegation Billy extorted money was prompted by the writings of the Globe which is a particularly clever trick to allege something, ignore that it had no substance, but forever keep writing about its allegation as if it is true.
Matt, I just read and urge all your readers to read Jay’s highlighted article about William Bulger, whose proud accomplished honorable life and legacy will outlast everyone at the Boston Globe.
Matt, on another post you gave your views why the Globe hated Billy Bulger. Billy was always “right-sized” and himself. It was the Globe that overestimated its power and influence. Billy always was true to himself: a very smart, scholarly, quick witted natural leader, who valued integrity, honesty and loyalty. The Globe hated him mainly for three reasons: (1) He was a pro-life, pro-family, pro-working man, pro-religious, Irish Catholic Democrat TRADITIONALIST who opposed the Globe’s socio-political viewpoints; (2) He gave the Globe and Press in general no special access, no free parking at the State House, no exclusive room or set-aside time to access Politicians,etc; He was 100% correct not to kowtow to the Media. (3) Beyond access, he paid no heed to the Globe’s editorials and spotlight reports, he refused to do their bidding, he mocked all the Globe’s heroes (Dershowitz et al) and publicly mocked and scornedthe Globe’s socio-political positions (forced busing; crush the St. Pat’s Parade; abortion on demand.) Bill Bulger was a unique, fearless, honest, articulate, hero of the people, and the Globe hated him for being himself and opposing their world view. It’s simple: It was the Globe-Press-Media-Dershowitz Gang that got too big for its britches, and Billy pulled them down, exposing the arses for what they were: Horses’ Arses.
I asked at least one of the questions about why the Globe disliked William Bulger. Thanks and thanks to Matt for his assessment. I always heard about Billy Bulger and how so many people disliked him and how many others thought he was an excellent man. People that disliked him sang the same song. “He’s Whitey’s brother. Can you imagine that?” No facts. Just guilty of something. End of story.
When I read The Globe on line or The Washington Post down here I shudder thinking of my brother working so hard to get his degree from Suffolk in journalism and how thoughtfully he wrote. Bad news is made worse by horrible reporting and poor writing.
Anyway, thanks for your info, guys. Or should I say ‘folks’? You can’t tell someone’s sex by their name on this blog. Right, Patty? And thanks for this blog, Matt. I also thank Tom C. for telling me about it. It has given me much enjoyment and a valuable education on a subject that I like a lot but know little about, and I’m sure it will continue to do so.
Honest:
Thanks for coming by and adding to our enjoyment. Tom C. is a good man one of the best lawyers I knew. Always enjoyed his insight into things and never had a dull moment when he was around. Drop by every once in a while since I have no idea where this blog might lead to but there are lots of good people out there who want to discuss some of the issues that are touched upon and are happy to give opposing opinions.
Interesting how Brennan said “this is not the last you’ll hear from Mr. Bulger” outside court today. Wonder when the book release date’ll be….
Jim:
No one was closer to Whitey than Hank Brennan so they must have something up their sleeve.
Absolutely. Just want to thank you for your time doing the blog the past year. Been truly a pleasure being able to discuss/gain insight to this trial with someone who has a clue. I moved from Boston to LA in January and there’s surprisingly not a lot of people who’ve heard of him or this trial out here. Look forward to discussing more relevant matters with you in the future.
Jim:
Thanks. Enjoyed your input also. Not surprised at how few know about Whitey beyond the Boston news area. He was a creation of the local media. Hopefully we’ll touch upon other subjects of interest over time so come back when you can.
Dear Matt,
This may be of some interest: https://thefirmestpillar.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/treating-amnesia-in-the-william-bulger-era/
Sincerely,
Jay
Jay:
That’s a magnificent post. I urge others to read it. I’ll try to feature it in my post at some point.
Jay,
Thank you for putting it all together; so much work went into that one article.
It was good for me to read Harold Brown’s statements, especially after listening again to Bill Bulger’s testimony at the Congressional hearing. He referenced those statements, and I’m happy to have finally read them.
At the end of the hearing Bulger spoke of the age-old question of who will watch the watchers.
Massachusetts was represented at that hearing in a unique way. They asked questions to which they seemed to know the chilling answers.
So, anyway, great article.
Great journalism.
From the article:
In short, James Bulger did not “manage to corrupt the FBI.”
As Tierney noted in 2002, it was an endemic problem — all the way to the very top. Is it possible that the FBI used James Bulger and, by its failure to prosecute or act far earlier, had a hand in enabling him? If J. Edgar Hoover himself knew of impending murders and failed to act — and subsequently protected those responsible, and even allowed innocent men to serve time, how did Whitey Bulger manage that?
I don’t know–is the Globe really not supposed to mention the fact that Whitey’s brother was the President of the Senate? Not everyone reading the story would know that and it isn’t as if they said his brother was in any way corrupted or of a similar criminal bent. The trope is the good brother and the bad brother. This has been the stuff of novels since Cain and Abel (before that even I suspect).
St.
Billy had nothing to do with the trial. An old time lawyer used to ask witnesses “did you just fall off the turnip truck?” when they’d say something like you just wrote. I won’t say that. I’ll ask: “Where have you been?”
There were two Globe columnists in the past month or so who were happy to tell us Billy is corrupt. The Globe has tried to survive over the past 25 years on the story of Billy being corrupt. It would be nice to have a good brother/bad brother story but the Globe wants people to believe this is a story of bad brother and bad brother.
I’ve read novels back to Cain and Abel, but who was it writing them before those two? Adam and Evening? Seriously, the Globe has been unfairly linking Billy to Whitey alleging they are both criminals. That’s the problem when they continually juxtapose their names.
Will the Equal Protection clause of the Constitution require Casper, J. to sentence WB to five and a half years? Gucci Martorano got six months per murder so why doesn’t WB get the same treatment. If he’s given disparate treatment he has a civil rights claim. Or is there a law that if you are from Southie you get five times the normal punishment? 2. An appeal to the thoroughly dishonest First Circuit will be unavailing. However the issue of when and how an immunity claim may be raised and whether the judge is the gatekeeper and can prevent the presentation of said claim to the jury could interest SCOTUS. If all appeals fail he can petition Putin to intervene. 3. Asking the Globe to stop lying is comparable to asking a junkie to stop stealing.
N:
1. The downside to it having been proven that Whitey committed 11 murders is he will only get $11,000 on his releae from prison. Martorano got $20,000 for walk around murder for his 20 murders. Martorano got 6 months; Weeks got a year a murder; and Connolly got 40 years. So the equal protection clause means Whitey gets (13.5×11) 148 years, with time off for good behavior he should get out in 2125 and then the $11,000 will be worth in today’s dollars $0.68.
2. No one wants to do anything for an 84 year old gangster who got what he deserves least of all SCOTUS – let Whitey go screaming off into the night that it was a sham trial. When they shut the cell on him at ADX Colorado maybe he can shout for one last time “I’m not going into that sham cell.” Shed not tears for him, he’ll spend the fall in New England and perhaps the US Marshall’s will let him see the changing foilage.
3. I really am amazed at the symbiolic relationship between the Globe and the US Attorney’s office – I’m surprised Carmen didn’t announce a new initiative against Billy Bulger, you’d think between Murderman and Vilefulman they’d be able to come up with a continuing conspiracy. I’ve heard and don’t repeat this that the guy who is alleged to have poisoned Stippo has been taken into DOJ custody because he has something on Billy. Do you think the Globe is planning to do another series on the Bulger Brothers and how they corrupted the Globe.
If we’re lucky, John Henry has already bought a good number of brooms. He’ll need them to make a clean sweep of the Globe reporting staff. How much local intel would we miss from the Globe, really? There are plenty of first-rate local bloggers who do the job very well.
I’d like to see a blog devoted to debunking local, mythical stories. They could learn quite a bit from MJC.
GOK:
I understands he believes that if there is any chance for the Globe its to cut down the old forest and give the young, newer people a chance to thrive. Now that Whitey is gone so should those who have lived off him all these years.
Watching the popular TV program “Ray Donovan” the other night — it’s broadcast over here a week after the US — I was intrigued by the corrupt FBI agent with his personal agenda who promises immunity to a murderer, Donovan’s father Mickey, fresh out of Walpole (they mean Cedar Junction, of course)after twenty years. The family is from Southie, where all the Hollywood “bad guys” now begin life since Dennis Lehane started writing films.
Mickey is played by Jon Voight, in a stellar performance.
If ever there was an actor ready to portray Whitey in a film, Voight is that man.
Once again, art is imitating life.
Henry-I thought ed harris would be good also.
Would have been good. Died a few years ago, though.
Ed Harris is still with us. And is a good choice for Jimmy B in any film bio.
Henry- I think GOK means that script was in the works and died not Harris himself
Henry:
I was just going to send the name of that first guy you mentioned to Hollywood and now you come up with another. Come on, Lad, one name.
Good choice. Ed Harris nailed “Jimmy Coonan,” the former boss of the NY Irish mob, the Westies, in that movie with Sean Penn and Gary Oldman. Excellent character actor. He has the piercing ice blue eyes and the Whitey hairdo, circa late 80’s, already. Any ideas on the possible supporting cast?
Rather:
I looked up Ed Harris, having never heard of him, and agree he would make a good Whitey. Can’t help you with the rest of the cast since my knowledge of actors (not being a movie guy) is back in the film noir days and those tough guys have all gone under the greener pastures.
You read this blog and couldn’t figure out who the “fbi’s #1 most wanted” who is on the run w/ his girlfriend, poodle, and even takes care of his elderly mother’s based off? It isn’t based off James Woods’ life.
Henry:
Cedar Junction? Is that some type of train stop between Walpole and Foxboro. Not much for movies or TV shows so I’ll second your nomination. I think based on what you tell me that everyone is writing Whitey stories – aren’t there any other gangsters in America that we have to write about a guy who was in his prime 30 years ago – maybe we should do a Billy the Kid movie but give him an automobile.