Operation Kleinwatch 2011

We Beat Philip R. Klein!

2012-01-30T19:51:00.011-06:00

After two-and-a-half years, Judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District Court denied Philip R. Klein's 202 petition that would have authorized Google to release account information about this blog and the Sam The Eagle Political Review blog. According to our research, we believe this to be the longest-running 202 petition in the history of Texas jurisprudence:

In the original petition, PRK sought a court order that would have forced Google to release our account information on Operation Kleinwatch and the Sam the Eagle Political Review.

We mandamused Judge Floyd on his original decision to allow an illegal subpoena of this information from Google. After the 9th Court of Appeals upheld Judge Floyd's decision, we filed our mandamus with the Texas Supreme Court.

The high court reversed Judge Floyd's decision and held that releasing this information without an evidentiary hearing on the merits of Klein's arguments was indeed improper. The court rebuked Philip and noted that his allegations and evidence were "sketchy," and with their decision, the court set precedence in Texas on the proper use of these 202 petitions.

The decision is now published in the Southwest Reporter and I'm forever known as John Doe 1. Philip R. Klein now known forever as serial abuser of our state courts.

See that decision here.

The order was rescinded and remanded back to Judge Floyd. After repeated attempts by our attorneys and much foot-dragging by Philip R. Klein and his attorney, John S. Morton, Esq., an evidentiary hearing was held on Jan. 17, in which PRK introduced NO evidence to support his claims that we invaded his privacy, stole his copyrighted work, inflicted emotional duress on him and his family, or defamed him.

We did, however, admit that we posted a parody of a dog magazine with Philip on the front cover - the title of the article: "Fat Men Who Love Their Dogs Too Much," as a parody of this piece from MSNBC. Draw your own conclusions, but according to Philip's arguments, he apparently believes we exposed his penchant for dating farm animals.

Special and Important Notes

Firstly, to our attorney, Jeffrey L. Dorrell: You are the best! Your well-executed arguments were spot on and deadly. As we've discussed, watching your filings go by was analagous to watching someone drop pianos on Philip from a 10-story window. I don't have the words (believe it or not) to express the gratitude I feel over your participation.

Thank you, Jeffrey, truly you are the real hero in all of this! I salute your dedication to protecting our First Amendment rights. And, reading your written arguments served as an important intellectual respite from Philip's childish, but mind-numbing gibberish.

Read more about Jeffrey here.

To Philip R. Klein: the original thesis of this blog still stands - you are a scurrilous piece of human flotsam. I'm now absolutely sure you're a liar, as our attorneys showed when cross-examining you under oath.

Really, no one believes that new story you concocted about surveiling Brent Coon's office - unless one has X-ray and telescopic vision (which I'm sure you believe you do), no one can read a computer monitor through a window from 100 feet away when the monitor is actually facing away from the window.

Philip, eat my shorts.

To Brent Coon and the other named parties in this suit: I am sorry that all of you were dragged into this suit, based on Philip's wild and crazy speculations. As I've repeatedly pointed out on this blog, I'm not associated in any way with you, nor do I even know you.

These claims are more representative of Philip's emotional problems and poor self-esteem - he obviously believes he's much too important to be ridiculed by one old man and a free blogger account. I'm truly sorry for the time and emotional energy you've had to expend, but I greatly appreciate your patience and support.

Your attorney Jason Cansler deserves special thanks, too - Jason and Jeffrey gutted Philip on the stand. Thanks!

To my readers: It's safe to come out again! I can't tell you how much your support meant to me. I've (literally) heard from hundreds of people in the past several years, many with their own stories about Philip. Many have signed their names and some of those truly stunned me. I don't think I realized how many people that Philip has wronged, either through his words or deeds, in the past years. Without that support, this blog couldn't go on - for this I am truly grateful.

I sincerely apologize for letting the blog go dark over the past months. I originally intended this blog as an entertaining hobby. As this suit wore on, I spent way too much of my own personal time and energy fighting Philip in the courts and my interest in keeping this blog up-to-date waned. I really am an old man who enjoys ridiculing idiots who insist upon thrusting themselves into the middle of any debate.

And, I hit a wall - after several years of deconstructing Philip's spurious arguments, exposing his blatant lies, and uncovering his hidden agendas, I discovered that Philip just kept repeating the same tired allegations.

For example, I've lost count of the number of times that Philip has claimed Judge Layne Walker was "under investigation" and that "charges are pending." I suspect that Philip's most recent attack on Judge Walker has more to do with the custody suit brought by John Morgan, Philip's attorney, against his ex-wife, than Philip's silly "investigations."

Roughly 3,000 people followed this blog regularly during it's most active periods, so I have this to say: there is more to come, so check back regularly. I've only just begun - look for an extreme makeover of this blog in the next few months.

As a special preview, I plan to review Philip's forthcoming book on Patrick McDermott's underwear. That is, if the book ever sees print. According to popular rumor, Philip's contract with an Australian publishing firm was canceled after pre-sale orders were so abysmal that the publishers realized no one cared about Philip R. Klein and his paid vacations to Cabo San Lucas and L.A.

And lastly, to my cohort and friend, Sam the Eagle: Sam, if only we could tell the whole story! Though I had no idea who you were before Philip filed this lawsuit, you've become a close and valued friend in the past 30 months.

Thanks for occasionally saying some things that I felt uncomfortable saying - as you know, I don't use profanity, but sometimes your four-letter words are more devastating than pages of my meanderings.

Job well done, Sam! Should we invite Philip when we offer a toast to the next five years of ridicule and satire?

Philip R. Klein: SLAPP Suit Stooge

2011-06-11T20:24:00.016-05:00

Philip R. Klein is a bald-faced liar. We’re going to prove this in a court of law.

We also suspect that he may have fabricated an email message upon which his entire Third Amended Petition is based. Neither is this the first time that Klein has been associated with documents of a dubious nature.

Klein produced a similar document purportedly faxed to him by a close friend of Patrick McDermott, Cacma D. This fax had many of Klein’s signature grammatical train wrecks, as telling as fingerprints on a smoking gun. Read more here and here. Readers may also remember this spurious “affidavit,” purportedly filed by Klein with the “US Government.” More on this below.

Jeffrey L. Dorrell, representing Operation Kleinwatch and The Sam the Eagle Political Review, filed a motion on Friday, June 10, 2011, to disqualify Klein’s attorney. Similar to a Laurel and Hardy comedy, John S. Morgan has now inserted himself into the direct chain of evidence surrounding PRK’s SLAPP suit. More below.

In the two years since Philip first filed his nuisance action, PRK has not produced any substantive evidence to support his wild claims of sex with animals and copyright infringement. Instead, Philip has actively avoided our attorney’s attempts to examine his statements under oath. To even the most obtuse, Klein’s legal actions are clearly intended as harassment.

After the Texas Supreme Court noted that Klein’s original arguments were “sketchy”, the justices directed Judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District Court to grant our original motion to quash.

Klein then filed his third amended version of his nuisance suit, where he named a number of innocent parties who have nothing whatsoever to do with our blogs. In this pleading, PRK detailed a manufactured conspiracy:

Petitioners also seek to depose Shon Hodgeston (sic) of the Brent Coon and Associates (B.C. Law firm), who sent the undersigned counsel an e-mail stating that we was working on behalf of “B.C.,” the man behind the B.C. Bloggers; and he was reporting to B.C. for direction in the matter. This e-mail has been traced directly to the B.C. law firm. On this same basis, Petitions (sic) seek to depose Brent Coon of the B.C. Law firm.

Petitioners seek to depose…Mr. Hodgeston (sic), Mr. Harrison, and Mr. Coon to determine the identities of all persons and/or entities contributing to the B.C. Blogs and the B.C. Bloggers.

In a posting entitled “Exposed” from April 5, 2011, Philip elaborated:

Over the past years we have been tracking on IP address that has been posting fake - slanderous and sick emails saying they are use (sic). One person in the media has been a target. And others have been targeted. That IP address has been confirmed as being registered to and coming from the 200 block of Orleans Street, Beaumont, Texas.

Once we were able to "trap" the IP - other sites helped us track postings and we created a sight (sic) of interest in order to trap IP addresses.

The address listed for the postings came back to the Brent Coon Law Firm. All of the posts, and registrations came back through severs (sic) that we tracked back to the Brent Coon Law firm - and an associated business of the Brent Coon Law Firm, located at 215 Orleans, Beaumont, Texas.

In this section, Philip referenced an incident where he was exposed as the author of lewd anonymous comments about Kelli Phillips, a local TV news anchor. I’ve previously documented those circumstances here. Klein produced the bizarre affidavit mentioned above. This affidavit was never filed with any governmental agency, despite Philip's claims.

The “Exposed” article continues:

During the time of the 202 suit that was filed - the two web sites hired Mr. Jeffery (sic) Dorrell of Houston Texas to write their briefs and to represent them in the discovery process. He has filed an answer for the two sites and has clearly said that he represents them.

This morning - a copy of an email was forwarded to the Review. The email was forwarded to our counsel of record in an apparent mistake. The email is from Operation Kleinwatch Pvt email account. In that email received today - it clearly states : "Thanks - will tell BC. Let me know what Morgan's response is."

As well, the email shows that there is direct communication between the worry regarding upsetting Neil Harrison, of Clear Channel Communications, who they are worried about turning on them and filing suit against them. As well - connecting Brent Coon directly.

We conclude this after tracking the IP address of the email - which again is tracked to the same IP address we have been tracking.

A true and correct copy of the email is listed here :

Date: Mon, 4 Apr 2011 19:42:56 -0700
From: operationkleinwatchpvt@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: PRK v. Google
To: jdorrell@escamillaponeck.com; john_morgan9@msn.com

Thanks - will tell BC. Let me know what Morgan's response is.

Do you know if Harrison has an attorney yet and if so, can he sue us for anything?

Again, the email was sent to our counsel by mistake. OKW clicked "Reply To All" by mistake. Because the email as had our counsel's name on it - and it was from a party to the suit - it is not protected.

We now know operationkleinwatch is run and operated by Brent Coon - or the Brent Coon Law Firm - or an agent of such.

Draw your own conclusions from this message, but Klein repeated these fictitious claims on his Lawsuit Update page, where he named yet another innocent party:

An email is sent to Klein's counsel by accident. In that accident - it is sent by one of the possible parties. The IP address of the email is tracked back to Brent Coon and Associates building - holding Coon Dog Productions. In the email a reference is made regarding telling "BC" of what is going on and updating him on the 202 lawsuit. A complete search is done on the IP and is found to be owned by Brent Coon and Associates. Post further "review" the name Shon Hodgkinson is seen.

On May 6, 2011 - two names are now added to the 202 being Shon Hodgkinson and Brent Coon. Depositions are to be scheduled.

Philip’s logic breaks down in several places. The biggest issue with Klein’s invented investigation concerns this email purportedly sent by Shon Hodgkinson. As shown in our attorney’s motion to disqualify Morgan, Shon has categorically denied these spurious allegations.

Apparently, PRK forgot that our attorney received the same email. Here is the portion of the message header that shows the originating IP address of this message where it entered the Yahoo mail server:

Received: from [94.23.152.124] by web121002.mail.ne1.yahoo.com via HTTP

According to RIPE, one of five internet registries, the IP address 94.23.152.124 is registered to OVH.net, a company in Paris, France. To follow this message further would require another court order, served internationally, for access to the company’s internal server records.

Klein ran willy-nilly into a brick wall while obtaining a valid order to access Google’s records in the US and he has not notices to access these server records in France. So much for Philip’s “investigation.”

And yes, Philip, we have some real expert witnesses.

The implication is obvious: Philip R. Klein lied on a court document.

Furthermore, Klein’s attorney, John S. Morgan, inserted himself into the chain of evidence by forwarding this message to Philip Klein without following proper procedure according to the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct. As noted by our attorney in his motion to disqualify, Section 3.08 expressly prohibits John Morgan from representing Philip Klein now.

Was this just stupidity on John Morgan’s part, or is he complicit in a scheme to defraud the court to further Klein’s frivolous action when his petition ran out of gas? If our investigation shows that Klein and Morgan are indeed responsible, Philip may be subject to prosecution under Section 37.09 of the Texas Penal Code:

Sec. 37.09. TAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING PHYSICAL EVIDENCE. (a) A person commits an offense if, knowing that an investigation or official proceeding is pending or in progress, he:

(2) makes, presents, or uses any record, document, or thing with knowledge of its falsity and with intent to affect the course or outcome of the investigation or official proceeding.

Will Jefferson County District Attorney Tom Maness prosecute? Probably not and I don’t think he should.

Philip has already wasted a great deal of "your tax dollars from we the taxpayer" in court costs for his $175.00 filing fee. Perhaps the county should set a new fee for Philip based on head count and number of "amended" petitions filed. And this is only one of three such lawsuits that Philip is pursuing right now!

Instead, we have another goal. If Governor Rick Perry signs the Citizen Participation act, passed unanimously by the Texas Senate, we intend to brand Klein’s name on the first SLAPP suit thrown out of court in the state of Texas under this proposed law.

From the Southeast Texas Record:

The House version of HB 2973 was filed by Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi. Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, and Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, filed the Senate version, SB 1565.

In addition to bipartisan support in the Legislature, the measure is backed by Texas Daily Newspaper Association, Texas Press Association, Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, Texas Association of Broadcasters, Texas Watch, Consumer's Union, the Institute for Public Justice, Public Citizen and the American Civil Liberties Union.

On her blog SlappedInTexas.com, Alicia Wagner Calzada, cites the Beaumont case of In Re John Does 1 and 2, a SLAPP suit aimed at revealing the identities of anonymous bloggers "Operation Kleinwatch" and "Sam the Eagle Weblog" who blog about another blogger, Philip Klein.

Klein's company (but not Klein himself) obtained a discovery order which subpoenaed from Google the identities of the anonymous bloggers. The John Does moved to squash the subpoena and the court denied the motion, ordering the identities to be revealed.

Recently the Texas Supreme Court granted mandamus relief to the anonymous bloggers, ruling the the trial court had abused its discretion.

"If the Texas Citizen Participation Act had been in place, this case could probably have been handled through a motion to dismiss and might not have had to seek the extraordinary relief of a writ of mandamus ruling from the Texas Supreme Court," Calzada wrote.

A Real Lawsuit Update:

The narrative above is specific to the opinions of the original parties, Operation Kleinwatch, The Sam the Eagle Political Review, and our attorney, Jeffrey Dorrell. I do not represent nor presume to speak on behalf of any other parties named in Philip’s subsequent filings.

Here’s an update on the other named parties.

Google

According to Philip R. Klein’s Lawsuit update page:

Deposition Notices Are Issued -April 19, 2011
Google Executives and their Law Firm are noticed for deposition under the rules. Meaning - in order to comply with the 202 ruling by Supreme Court - a deposition in person is ordered for Google Executives.

No deposition notices were issued – Philip just made it up. Google is no longer an active party in Philip’s frivolous suit.

Before Judge Floyd will sign a deposition notice to Google, Klein’s attorney, John S. Morgan, Esq., must first produce a notice for the Judge to sign.

Philip’s attention has shifted, even though Google is the only way that Philip can connect anyone to Operation Kleinwatch and The Sam the Eagle Political Review. Philip can depose the entire population of Jefferson County (and may indeed try), but it's only hearsay until he has the account information and server records from Google.

Klein's actions are solely intended to harass his critics and those with whom he has a personal agenda.

Brent Coon and Shon Hodgkinson

Philip claimed on his Lawsuit Update page:

The 3rd Amended Suit Is Filed - Two Names Added / Harrison Contempt Order
The Review files its third amended 202 Suit. Two names are added. Mr. Brent Coon and Shon Hodgeston [sic].

Coon and Hodgeston [sic] have yet to respond to their service - that service is due June 13, 2011 by 5 p.m.

Like Google, Coon and Hodgkinson do not have to respond until an actual notice is signed by Judge Floyd. However, I’ll comment on the paper storm currently headed in Philip’s direction as it happens.

Michael Neil Harrison

From the Lawsuit Update:

Hearing Held June 8, 2011
The Review holds a hearing with the court. The court wanting to be sure that Mr. Harrison has every opportunity to respond (because he no showed again) - decides to have a final hearing on the matter. Motion for "Default Judgment" is then filed against Harrison with sanction (s) request. If Harrison does not appear or hire council to appear - he will be found in a Default Judgment and Klein requests all legal fees to be paid in judgment. The final hearing notice is distributed.

Operation Kleinwatch and STE lawyer shows to the hearing - but states that he IS NOT any parties lawyer - he is just there to "watch."

There was no hearing - Philip just made it up.

The only truth in this account is this: Harrison did not attend, but Klein, Morgan, and Dorrell did. Morgan was taken alone into the Judge’s chambers, where he was told to reset the hearing when Harrison could attend. The hearing never took place and our attorney never had an opportunity to speak.

Neither is the default judgment for attorney's fees as Philip claims. Rule 202 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure provides no such remedy. Instead, this judgment would require Harrison's deposition.

Unfortunately for Philip, Harrison’s motion to quash Klein’s defective service is scheduled for July. In a conversation with the court clerk, our attorney discovered that Klein’s attorney tried to change the date on Harrison’s motion at least twice. The court clerk told John S. Morgan that this was improper procedure and highly unethical.

Should Judge Floyd order Harrison's deposition before determining whether he was properly served, Floyd would be subject to another mandamus. We've recommended a good attorney to Harrison.

Strike Three

2011-05-25T21:46:00.009-05:00

For the second time, Philip R. Klein avoided questioning under oath in a court of law.

Our attorney, Jeffrey L. Dorrell, originally scheduled a new evidentiary hearing on his Second Amended Petition for this Friday, May 27, 2010. Philip rendered the hearing moot by filing his Third Amended Petition.

Read a copy of Klein’s filing on his website through this anonymous link.

Because of Klein’s filing, this statement on the Southeast Texas Political Review is a blatant lie:

Discovery begins. We await the 202 Hearing and possible contempt hearing for June 3, 2011. The May 27, 2011 is passed by the bloggers attorney.

Our attorney did not cancel the evidentiary hearing; instead Philip avoided testimony under oath by filing a new petition. With five or six more amended petitions, Philip could easily easily avoid questioning until 2020 or so.

Likewise, there is no contempt hearing scheduled for June 3, 2011. A hearing on Harrison’s motion to quash Philip’s defective service was originally scheduled, but Harrison reset the date until July.

Philip just made it up. Until Klein Enterprises et. al. files a new motion seeking a deposition in this matter, there is no “202 Hearing” scheduled.

As it stands now, it’s Philip’s move.

Case Law (Pt 3): Philip R. Klein

2011-05-03T22:05:00.003-05:00

Our attorney, Jeffrey L. Dorrell, was honored as Appellate Attorney of the Week by the Texas Lawyer magazine for his work on our case, In re John Does 1 and 2:

The Texas Lawyer

Appellate Lawyer of the Week: The 411 on 202

Two anonymous bloggers will stay anonymous — for the time being — because of Jeffrey Dorrell's appellate work before the Texas Supreme Court.

Dorrell, a partner in Houston's Escamilla, Poneck & Cruz, says he geared up for a First Amendment showdown at the high court over whether two corporations that own The Southeast Texas Political Review could discover the identities of his two clients in a pre-suit deposition. But, as it turns out, Dorrell didn't have to go that far: He just had to convince the high court to force a trial court to stick to a procedural law, which he did.

The background to the high court's April 15 per curiam decision in In Re: John Does 1 and 2 is as follows:
PRK Enterprises and Klein Investments Inc. (collectively PRK) own The Southeast Texas Political Review. Two bloggers with the names Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle Weblog have criticized the owners, according to the opinion.

The bloggers subscribe to Blogger.com, a subsidiary of Google. PRK petitioned the trial court under Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 202 to order discovery of the bloggers' identities in anticipation of a suit against the bloggers alleging defamation and invasion of privacy. Google then notified the bloggers that it had received the subpoenas, according to the opinion.

The bloggers moved to quash the subpoenas, arguing that the allegations in PRK's petition were insufficient to show a cause of action and that their identities are constitutionally protected from disclosure. The trial court denied the bloggers' motions and granted PRK's Rule 202 petition.

The bloggers petitioned for writ of mandamus, but an intermediate court of appeals denied mandamus relief, according to the Supreme Court's opinion.
The bloggers sought mandamus at the Supreme Court. On behalf of his clients, Dorrell argued that the trial court failed to comply with Rule 202's requirements. In addition to his First Amendment argument, Dorrell argued that, before allowing a pre-suit deposition, a trial court must find that "allowing the petitioner to take the requested deposition may prevent a failure or delay of justice in an anticipated suit; or the likely benefit of allowing the petitioner to take the requested deposition to investigate a potential claim outweighs the burden or expense of the procedure."

"The trial court clearly abused its discretion in failing to follow Rule 202," the high court wrote in Does 1 and 2. "The trial court is directed to vacate its order and to grant relators' motion to quash." [See the court's opinion.]

"I think the plaintiffs have many more arrows in their quiver to try to find out who the bloggers are. But they are going to have to find out who the bloggers are by following the procedures of Rule 202," Dorrell says. "But if at any point in that process the trial court orders the disclosure of the bloggers, there will again be a mandamus. We will not agree to disclose the names of the bloggers, because we think they are constitutionally protected."

Dorrell's argument got the better of his clients, says John Morgan, of counsel at Beaumont's Harris, Duesler & Hatfield who represents PRK and Klein. "He kicked my butt," says Morgan, who plans to replead his Rule 202 petition.

"He's a very intelligent and engaging attorney," Morgan says of Dorrell. "Both of us were disappointed that we didn't get a tome on the First Amendment issue."

Actually, we were delighted over the decision – we had a party but John and Philip weren’t invited.

Apparently John hasn’t realized that Jeffrey was picking low-hanging fruit (pun intended). The real fun in Philip’s SLAPP suit begins on May 27, when Philip must appear under oath to answer questions about his bizarre claims and online behavior in an evidentiary hearing before Judge Floyd.

This depends, of course, on the nature of Philip and John’s new petition. I’ve lost count, is this Philip’s fifth or sixth amended petition?

In the meamtime, Philip is still making up sources in an article where he alleges infidelity by former Judge Ron Walker in a purported divorce petition by Sandy Walker:

The past week - the Review broke a story that political powerhouse and ex-county judge Ron Walker and his wife Sandy were seeking a divorce. The rumor? Activity outside the marriage by Judge Walker.

The news hit like a shockwave after the weeks prior - district Judge and son of Ron Walker - Layne Walker had come under fire for accusations of abusing a county sheriffs deputy who was transporting prisoners. And for locking attorney's out of the back area of the judges chambers and requiring an escort back to his office. And if that were not worse - accusations of erratic behavior from both the DA's office and defense bar. All of which has caused political strife for the once politically powerful family.

No comment necessary, but I wonder why Philip didn’t splash former Judge Carl Griffith’s divorce across the pages of the Southeast Texas Political Review. Did I mention Philip's multiple divorce petitions?

Here’s another low point in the English language from Philip’s latest so-called editorial, where he discusses his own opinion of Princess Diana:

Diana was brought up in wealth and privilege. She never wanted for anything. She had the looks and the money to boot. Charles married the lady who was 12 years her junior. She didn't like what she married and acted like a kid - that she was. They divorced. Post divorce she acted like a loon and tried to outshine the people and their money that took care of her. Then - she shipped the boys off to boarding school - just like she did. Then she scooted off around the world doing her thing - all in the good name of what? And she dated the staff, she dated rich men and the guy that eventually got her killed.

In fact, and not being mean - on the night of her death she was trying to find a hotel or home to go to with her lover.

No comment necessary on this juvenile rant, but Philip is a moron with little respect for anyone other than himself.

Case Law (Pt 2): Philip R. Klein

2011-04-27T20:58:00.003-05:00

Here are a few more articles concerning In re John Does 1 and 2. Since Philip still continues to refer to the decision as Klein v. Google, perhaps he’s still angry that the Texas Supreme Court used his 202 petition as an example of a frivolous lawsuit.

Philip believes he deserves special treatment – from his latest editorial:

The rules are different for us. You have to know this.

In truth, the rules are the same for Philip R. Klein as Operation Kleinwatch and the Sam The Eagle Political Review.

After Philip commented on the “fair and balanced” nature of the Southeast Texas Record’s coverage of this decision, the Record followed with this editorial on Sunday:

The Southeast Texas Record editorial

Philip Klein gets a First Amendment lesson about equal protection
4/24/2011 10:00 PM

You've got to wonder about Google. You'd think the American company that created the world's most popular internet search engine would be a staunch advocate for freedom, a resolute opponent of tyranny.

But you might be wrong. With disturbing frequency, Google is lining up on the wrong side of the struggle for individual rights.

The Communist government in China wanted Google to censor its search results to prevent Chinese citizens from gaining access to information it deemed too provocative. Were the Google moguls outraged? Did they adamantly refuse? No, they meekly acquiesced.

Local political commentator Philip Klein, who's developed a reputation for making outlandish posts on his Southeast Texas Political Review blogs, found himself the butt of uncomplimentary, anonymous comments on other blogs. Klein wanted Google to supply the names of the bloggers posting anonymously at Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle so he could sue them for defamation.

Were the Google goliaths aghast at this brazen assault on the time-honored American practice of anonymous publication? No, they readily agreed to cooperate with Klein.

This is the same Philip Klein who invoked his First Amendment right to free speech to defend himself against a defamation suit filed by a public official who took offense at one of his posts.

"Comments regarding elected officials, as well as public officials and events surrounding them, is firmly protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution," Klein declared at the time. "Clearly, sources that report misconduct and events are further protected."

Apparently the First Amendment right that protects Klein when he criticizes other individuals does not protect individuals who criticize him.

Because Google was agreeable, Jefferson County District Judge Donald Floyd granted Klein's motion to compel discovery of the names of the anonymous bloggers. Just recently, however, the Supreme Court of Texas overruled Floyd, affirming the federal law that prohibits disclosure of subscriber identity without consent.

Let that be a lesson to the likes of Google and Klein who think principle is a journey.

Southeast Texas Record news story

Texas SC Stops Google’s release of blogger IDs to Klein
4/19/2011 11:52 AM By Steve Korris

AUSTIN - Google Inc. can't give Beaumont blogger Philip Klein the names of critics who call themselves Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle, the Supreme Court of Texas ruled on April 15.

All nine Justices agreed that Jefferson County District Judge Donald Floyd abused his discretion when he granted a motion to compel discovery of the names. Klein writes a political blog called Southeast Texas Political Review.

His opponents write the anonymous blogs Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle. Klein has been involved in litigation with Google to discover the identities of the anti-Klein bloggers so he could sue them for defamation.

Floyd granted Klein's motion to compel discovery because Google agreed to provide names to Klein's businesses, PRK Enterprises and Klein Investments, but the agreement didn't impress the Justices.

"It is true that except where specifically prohibited, the procedures and limitations set forth in the rules pertaining to discovery may be modified in any suit by agreement of the parties," they wrote in an unsigned opinion.

"But PRK and Google were not the only parties to the proceeding," they wrote.

They wrote that Rule 202 requires service of a petition on all with adverse interests.

"PRK and Google could not modify the procedures prescribed by Rule 202 by an agreement that did not include relators," they wrote.

They wrote that the rule requires a court to order a deposition only if it might prevent a failure or delay of justice or if the likely benefit outweighs the burden.

"The trial court did not make either of these findings," they wrote. "Nor can the required findings be implied in support of the trial court's order compelling discovery."

They wrote that PRK made no effort to present a basis for an exception to federal law that prohibits disclosure of subscriber identity without consent.

"Not only are the allegations in its petition and motion to compel sketchy, they mostly concern possible causes of action by Klein, who is not a party to the proceeding," they wrote.

"The rule does not permit the findings to be implied from support in the record," they wrote.

"The intrusion into otherwise private matters authorized by Rule 202 outside a lawsuit is not to be taken lightly," they wrote.

PRK petitioned for discovery against Google and two John Does, in anticipation of suing for copyright violations, defamation, and invasion of privacy.

Google agreed to respond to a subpoena seeking identities of all persons responsible for Sam the Eagle and Operation Kleinwatch, including literary and financial contributors.

Google agreed to provide email and account addresses as well as entry logs and posting logs for a year.

Floyd signed the order in January 2010, and Ninth District appeals judges denied a writ of mandamus last April.

Jeffrey Dorrell represented those behind Sam the Eagle and Operation Kleinwatch.

John Morgan represented Klein's businesses.

The SLAPP’’ED IN TEXAS Blog

Update in a SLAPP caseAPRIL 19, 2011 by Alicia Wagner Calzada

One of the cases we have been following is the Beaumont case of In Re John Does 1 and 2, a SLAPP suit aimed at revealing the identities of anonymous bloggers “Operation Kleinwatch” and “Sam the Eagle Weblog” who blog about another blogger, Philip Klein. Klein’s company (but not Klein himself) obtained a discovery order which subpoenaed from Google the identities of the anonymous bloggers. The John Does moved to squash the subpoena and the court denied the motion, ordering the identities to be revealed.

On Friday, the Texas Supreme Court granted mandamus relief to the anonymous bloggers, ruling the the trial court had abused its discretion.

Friday’s opinion is interesting in that it calls the allegations in the lawsuit “sketchy,” and notes that the plaintiff in the lawsuit was a company, not Philip Klein, yet the allegations in the lawsuit “mostly concern possible causes of action by Klein, who is not a party to the proceeding.” This is a classic description of a lawsuit with no merit, that is being used as a tool to harass speech.

If the Texas Citizen Participation Act had been in place, this case could probably have been handled through a motion to dismiss and might not have had to seek the extraordinary relief of a writ of mandamus ruling from the Texas Supreme Court.

Under Subpoena: Philip R. Klein

2011-04-25T05:39:00.003-05:00

Philip R. Klein remains under subpoena in Klein et. al. v. Google et al.

Our attorney, Jeffrey L. Dorrell, has set another evidentiary hearing for May 27, 2011, where Klein will answer questions under oath on his purported evidence and other items of interest concerning his online behavior.

As noted by the Texas Supreme Court, Klein has failed to produce any such evidence to back up his claims:

For one thing, PRK made no effort to present the trial court with a basis for the findings. Not only are the allegations in its petition and motion to compel sketchy, they mostly concern possible causes of action by Klein, who is not a party to the proceeding. To justify noncompliance with the requirements of Rule 202, PRK relies entirely on its agreement with Google. More importantly, however, Rule 202 expressly requires that discovery may be ordered “only if” the required findings are made. The rule does not permit the findings to be implied from support in the record. The intrusion into otherwise private matters authorized by Rule 202 outside a lawsuit is not to be taken lightly. One noted commentator, Professor Lonny Hoffman, has observed that there is “cause for concern about insufficient judicial attention to petitions to take presuit discovery” and that “judges should maintain an active oversight role to ensure that [such discovery is] not misused”. Access to Information, Access to Justice: The Rule of Presuit Investigatory Discovery, 40 U. Mich. J.L. Reform 217, 273–74 (2007). We agree.

On the court’s decision concerning In Re John Does 1 and 2, the justices were more concerned about the abuse of Rule 202 through frivolous lawsuits, especially concerning discovery that would compromise a defendant’s rights under the U.S. Constitution:

Relators [AKA John Does 1 and 2; i.e. Gus Pillsbury and Sam the Eagle] moved to quash the subpoena, arguing that the petition’s allegations were insufficient to show that PRK had a cause of action against relators, and that their identities are constitutionally protected from disclosure. PRK responded, arguing that the information sought was not constitutionally protected, and moved to compel discovery….

Relators argue that the trial court abused its discretion by failing to comply with Rule 202.

In its order, the court upheld these implications concerning our First Amendment rights to anonymously ridicule a public fool:

The trial court clearly abused its discretion in failing to follow Rule 202. Rule 202.5 provides that use of a deposition may be restricted or prohibited “to prevent abuse of this rule”, but that remedy for noncompliance affords relators no relief from their complaint that their identities not be disclosed….

The trial court is directed to vacate its order dated January 29, 2010, and to grant relators’ motions to quash.

Had the high court not been concerned over the constitutional timbre of this case, the justices would have simply vacated Judge Floyd’s order. However, the trial court was directed to grant our original motions to quash, which argued our First Amendment rights. See for yourself here on Philip R. Klein’s website (WARNING: this is not an anonymous link).

Philip refused to acknowledge this important issue in his latest editorial on the Southeast Texas Political Review. He castigated the Beaumont Enterprise for reporting this story and quoting our attorney:

They sit over at the Beaumont Enterprise and wonder to themselves why nobody reads them.

From the Beaumont Enterprise business page on Facebook:

Beaumont Enterprise: 11,150 people like this

From the SET Political Review page on Facebook

SET Political Review: 367 friends

Philip wrote:

Now first, I am not crying here.

Klein is right, he’s not crying - it’s more like whining:

I am sure as Sara was walking out the door tonight - there were pats on the back. Way to go Sara! You got him - right? Uh no Sara. Hell - in fact - Sara should have called herself Mrs. Gus Pillsbury.

Sara - when the lights go out over there - remember what you wrote. You are a part of the problem. We hear Sara KFDM is hiring? Wait...never mind.

And Sara and Tim - I will be waiting by my phone for the call of apology this week.

After years of inventing stories about the Enterprise shutting down, Philip expects an apology!

Klein’s complaint: The Beaumont Enterprise biased their story against him and as evidence, Klein took this item out of context:

“…because facts about Klein's bankruptcies, many lawsuits and other information on his blog are already public knowledge.”

Despite Philip's creative editing, the story was actually quoting our attorney – here’s the full passage:

But Houston constitutional law attorney Jeffrey L. Dorrell argued that Klein is "libel proof" because facts about Klein's bankruptcies, many lawsuits and other information on his blog are already public knowledge.

This sort of deceit and misdirection is highly representative of Philip R. Klein.

As an example, Philip made this claim:

What are they even talking about? Many lawsuits? Philip Klein has filed NO LAWSUITS. Look in the 202 suit. Philip Klein's companies have filed suits for business matters - but Philip Klein has not other than the 202.

With over 40 lawsuits under his belt, I suppose that it’s hard to keep track which of Klein’s entities were directly involved. Under his own identity, Philip filed lawsuits in several, including Philip R. Klein v. American Dairy Queen (D-0161163) and Philip R. Klein v. Mary Weiss (A-0169454).

Philip also repeated this tired claim:

Huh? For Sara's information - Philip Klein has NEVER EVER FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY. But now it is in the Beaumont Enterprise and Tim Kelley and gang are going to do nothing to make it right. They are taking their shot. A false story.

I’ve discussed Klein’s bankruptcies in this article, but as noted, Philip R. Klein acted as President of PRK Enterprises when he signed the bankruptcy filing:

We're looking forward to hearing Philip's answers under oath in a court of law.

Case Law: Philip R. Klein

2011-04-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

The Beaumont Enterprise

Google doesn't have to disclose Southeast Texas bloggers identities, Texas Supreme Court says By Sarah Moore

An order to compel Internet giant Google to disclose the identity of two anonymous bloggers accused of defaming a Southeast Texas private detective and blogger has been struck down by the Texas Supreme Court.

Phillip R. Klein sued Google to learn the identity behind two blogs, OperationKleinwatch and SamTheEagleUSA, that directed satire and criticism at him. Klein sought their identities to pursue claims of copyright infringement, defamation, conspiracy and invasion of privacy against them.

Klein complained in his petition that he was defamed by posts including a parody of a Dog Fancy magazine article "Fat Men Who Love Their Dogs Too Much." But Houston constitutional law attorney Jeffrey L. Dorrell argued that Klein is "libel proof" because facts about Klein's bankruptcies, many lawsuits and other information on his blog are already public knowledge.

Judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District Court ordered Google to provide the bloggers names Jan. 29, 2010.

Dorrell filed a writ of mandamus asking for the order to be vacated on behalf of the bloggers after the Ninth Court of Appeals refused the original mandamus.

The higher court had stayed Floyd's order in June 2010 to consider the merits of the bloggers' argument that the constitution protects their right to criticize public personalities anonymously.

The Supreme Court of Texas Blog:

Anonymous blogging decision from SCOTX; [Apr. 15, 2011]by Don Cruse

Because there are so many other kinds of personal information out there in the world besides anonymous speech, the Court’s holding on this seemingly narrow procedural ground may be even more important than if it had instead based its result on First Amendment grounds.

In re John Does 1 and 2, No. 10-0366 (per curiam) (DDB). In a per curiam opinion, the Court granted mandamus relief to a blogger who wanted to maintain his (or her) anonymity. The plaintiff in this defamation case sought discovery against Google, which agreed to produce the materials. The blogger filed a motion to quash. The trial court did not follow the usual procedures (in Texas Rule 202) because the plaintiff and Google had already reached an agreement.

The Texas Supreme Court holds today that the requirements of Rule 202 still applied because the blogger had an obvious interest in the outcome. “But PRK and Google were not the only parties to the proceeding. Rule 202.3(a) requires that ‘all persons petitioner expects to have interests adverse to petitioner’s in the anticipated suit’ be served with the petition and given notice of hearing. PRK asserted that relators would be defendants in the anticipated lawsuit, and by their motions to quash, relators made an appearance in the proceeding. PRK and Google could not modify the procedures prescribed by Rule 202 by an agreement that did not include relators.”

Internet Cases

Texas supreme court says identities of anonymous bloggers should not be disclosed
By Evan Brown

In re Does, — S.W.3d —, 2011 WL 1447544 (Texas, April 15, 2011)

The issue of anonymity is a hot topic in internet law. The question of whether an internet user known only by an IP address or username or website name should be identified arises fairly often in the early stages of internet defamation and certain copyright infringement cases. For example, the issue is a big one in the numerous copyright cases that have been brought recently against BitTorrent users who get subpoenas after being accused of trading copyrighted works online.

The supreme court of Texas has issued an opinion that protects the anonymity of a couple of bloggers who were accused of defamation, copyright infringement and invasion of privacy by another blogger. The court ordered that a subpoena served on Google (who hosted the Blogger accounts in question) be quashed.
Texas rules of procedure (Rule 202) allow a petitioner to take depositions before a lawsuit is filed in order to investigate a potential claim. The petitioner in this case filed such an action, and Google agreed to turn over the information about the anonymous Blogger users.

But the anonymous bloggers objected, and moved to quash the deposition subpoena, arguing that the findings required for the discovery to be taken had not been made.

The trial court was required to find that:

allowing the petitioner to take the requested depositions may prevent a failure or delay of justice in an anticipated suit; or
the likely benefit of allowing the petitioner to take the requested deposition to investigate a potential claim outweighs the burden or expense of the procedure.

Neither of these findings were made. Petitioner had tried to argue that the findings were not necessary because he had gotten the agreement of Google to turn over the information.

But the court saw how that missed the point. It held that without the required findings, the discovery could not be taken in the face of objections brought by other interested parties (the parties whose identities were at risk of being revealed).

While many courts have evaluated this kind of question using a first amendment analysis (i.e., is the John Doe’s interest in speaking anonymously outweighed by the plaintiff’s right to seek redress), the court in this case looked to more general concerns of avoiding litigation abuse. Citing to a law review article by Professor Hoffman, the court observed that there is “cause for concern about insufficient judicial attention to petitions to take presuit discovery” and that “judges should maintain an active oversight role to ensure that [such discovery is] not misused”.

For Immediate Release

2011-04-15T23:29:00.012-05:00

AUSTIN -- The Texas Supreme Court unanimously granted an unusual writ of mandamus late Friday afternoon and ordered Beaumont trial judge Donald Floyd of the 172nd District Court to vacate his order that Google, Inc., disclose the identities of two anonymous bloggers.

The blogs, OperationKleinwatch.blogspot.com and SamTheEagleUSA.blogspot.com, publish satirical parody and other biting criticism directed at Beaumont private investigator and local media personality Philip R. Klein. Acting as Klein Investments Inc. and PRK Enterprises Inc., Klein filed suit to learn the bloggers' identities.

Klein alleged that John Does 1 and 2 were guilty of copyright infringement, defamation, conspiracy, and invasion of privacy. Floyd ordered Google to identify the bloggers in a decision on January 29, 2010.

After the Ninth Court of Appeals refused the original mandamus, Houston constitutional law attorney Jeffrey L. Dorrell filed with the Texas Supreme Court on behalf of the bloggers. The higher court stayed Judge Floyd's order in June 2010 to consider the merits of the bloggers’ argument that their right to criticize public personalities anonymously was constitutionally protected.

Today’s ruling disposes of Floyd’s order in favor of the blogs and orders the judge to grant the original motion to quash by the bloggers.

Among other things, Klein claimed the bloggers defamed him by publishing a parody of Dog Fancy magazine where he was depicted under the caption, “Fat Men Who Love Their Dogs Too Much.” The parody satirized an MSNBC network story on Klein entitled "The Pet Lover." Klein argued the blogs implied that he had “sex with animals.”

Representing the blogs, Dorrell argued that Klein is libel-proof because “facts exposed in the course of the plaintiff's two bankruptcies, at least 40 lawsuits, and constant vindictive, publicity-grabbing attacks on southeast Texas municipalities, school districts, elected officials, local television stations, local reporters, and others” had made Klein the object of public ridicule before the blogs began publishing.

“We are obviously pleased that the Supreme Court recognizes the First Amendment right to criticize public figures anonymously,” said Dorrell. “This is an American tradition that goes all the way back to Benjamin Franklin writing commentary as an elderly widow under the nom de plume of Silence Dogood. Satirical parody can be harsh, but if Saturday Night Live got sued every time it made fun of Sarah Palin or Barack Obama, television would be a pretty barren source of amusement.”

Klein has recently claimed on his own blog that prominent Beaumont attorney Brent Coon is the anonymous author of the blogs, a claim both Coon and the blogs have denied. Klein has threatened more litigation.

For more information, contact:

Jeffrey L. Dorrell
Escamilla, Poneck & Cruz, L.L.P.
201 Stratford
Houston, Texas 77006
Telephone: 713-807-1188
jdorrell@epc-law.com

BREAKING NEWS: WE WON! WE WON! WE WON!

2011-04-15T20:19:00.009-05:00

════════════════════════════
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF TEXAS
════════════════════════════
NO. 10-0366
══════════════════════════════
IN RE JOHN DOES 1 AND 2, RELATORS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════
ON PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS
════════════════════════════════════════════════════
PER CURIAM
In this mandamus proceeding we hold that a court may not order pre-suit discovery by agreement of the witness over the objections of other interested parties without making the findings required by Rule 202.4(a) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Philip R. Klein owns PRK Enterprises, Inc. and Klein Investments, Inc. The two corporations collectively “PRK”) operate or have operated a blog called The Southeast Texas Political Review. Two anonymous bloggers called Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle Weblog (collectively “relators”) have criticized Klein extensively. Relators subscribe to Blogger.com, a subsidiary of Google, Inc. collectively “Google”), which hosts them on the Internet. PRK petitioned the district court under Rule 202 to order discovery from Google of relators’ identities in anticipation of a lawsuit by Klein and PRK against relators for copyright law violations, defamation, and invasion of privacy. The alleged bases for such causes of action are contained in the following five sentences of the petition:

[Relators] have been engaged in a pattern of libel and defamation per se, invasion of privacy, and use of copyrighted images (both facial and voice image), without permission. The purpose of these websites are to disparage, harass and cause injury to [PRK], as well as to [Klein] personally. These websites host significant, false information, and invade the privacy of [PRK] throughout the website. For example, without limitation, the website Operation Klein Watch, contains false information on legal proceedings that do not involve either [Klein] individually or [PRK], falsely represent that judgments have been taken against [PRK] and/or [Klein] individually, falsely identify a bankruptcy proceeding, also identify lawsuits that do not involve [PRK] and/or [Klein] individually. Additionally, this website identifies all members of [Klein’s] family, for no apparent purpose other than to invade their privacy.

Klein did not join in the petition. The petition named Google and relators as defendants.

After being served, Google agreed with PRK that it would respond to a subpoena duces tecum (1). Accordingly, PRK did not ask for a hearing on the petition. Federal law generally prohibits a “cable operator” like Google from disclosing a subscriber’s personally identifiable information without its consent. 47 U.S.C. § 551(c)(1). But there is an exception if disclosure is ordered by a court with notice to the subscriber. Id. § 551(c)(2)(B). Google gave relators notice of its receipt of the subpoena. (2)

Relators moved to quash the subpoena, arguing that the petition’s allegations were insufficient to show that PRK had a cause of action against relators, and that their identities are constitutionally protected from disclosure. PRK responded, arguing that the information sought was not constitutionally protected, and moved to compel discovery. PRK argued that to obtain the requested discovery, it should not be required to do more than assert a cause of action. PRK’s motion was no more specific than their petition with respect to the bases for claims against relators. After a brief hearing, at which relators did not appear, the trial court denied relators’ motions and granted PRK’s. The court of appeals denied mandamus relief.

Relators argue that the trial court abused its discretion by failing to comply with Rule 202.
Rule 202.4(a), “Required Findings,” states:

The court must order a deposition to be taken if, but only if, it finds that:

(1) allowing the petitioner to take the requested deposition may prevent a failure ordelay of justice in an anticipated suit; or

(2) the likely benefit of allowing the petitioner to take the requested deposition to investigate a potential claim outweighs the burden or expense of the procedure.

TEX. R. CIV. P. 202.4(a). The trial court did not make either of these findings.

PRK argues that compliance with Rule 202 was excused because of its agreement with Google. It is true that “[e]xcept where specifically prohibited, the procedures and limitations set forth in the rules pertaining to discovery may be modified in any suit by agreement of the parties . . . .” TEX. R. CIV. P. 191.1. But PRK and Google were not the only parties to the proceeding. Rule 202.3(a) requires that “all persons petitioner expects to have interests adverse to petitioner’s in the anticipated suit” be served with the petition and given notice of hearing. TEX. R. CIV. P. 202.3(a). PRK asserted that relators would be defendants in the anticipated lawsuit, and by their motions to quash, relators made an appearance in the proceeding. PRK and Google could not modify the procedures prescribed by Rule 202 by an agreement that did not include relators.

Nor can the required findings be implied in support of the trial court’s order compelling discovery. For one thing, PRK made no effort to present the trial court with a basis for the findings. Not only are the allegations in its petition and motion to compel sketchy, they mostly concern possible causes of action by Klein, who is not a party to the proceeding. To justify noncompliance with the requirements of Rule 202, PRK relies entirely on its agreement with Google. More importantly, however, Rule 202 expressly requires that discovery may be ordered “only if” the required findings are made. The rule does not permit the findings to be implied from support in the record. The intrusion into otherwise private matters authorized by Rule 202 outside a lawsuit is not to be taken lightly. One noted commentator, Professor Lonny Hoffman, has observed that there is “cause for concern about insufficient judicial attention to petitions to take presuit discovery” and that “judges should maintain an active oversight role to ensure that [such discovery is] not misused”. Access to Information, Access to Justice: The Rule of Presuit Investigatory Discovery, 40 U. MICH. J.L. REFORM 217, 273–74 (2007). We agree.

The trial court clearly abused its discretion in failing to follow Rule 202. Rule 202.5 provides that use of a deposition may be restricted or prohibited “to prevent abuse of this rule”, but that remedy for noncompliance affords relators no relief from their complaint that their identities not be disclosed. Thus, relators are entitled to mandamus relief. In re Jorden, 249 S.W.3d 419, 420 (Tex. 2008) (orig. proceeding) (party to Rule 202 proceeding has no adequate remedy on appeal if court abused its discretion in ordering discovery that would comprise procedural or substantive rights).

The trial court is directed to vacate its order dated January 29, 2010, and to grant relators’ motions to quash. We are confident that the trial court will promptly comply, and the writ will issue only if it fails to do so.

Opinion delivered: April 15, 2011 (5:41 PM)
════════════════════════════════════════════════════
1 The subpoena duces tecum commanded production of documents described as follows:

“1. Any and all identifiers, user account IP addresses, user access Email Addresses, user entry logs, user posting logs, registered user information, account access IP addresses and/or any identifying descriptors for the following blogspots for the previous year:

a) http://samtheeagleusa.blogspot.com/

b) http://operationkleinwatch.blogspot.com/

c) http://www.notthisonetoojacques.blogspot.com/

“2. To identify all parties, persons, or entities responsible for the website http://operationkleinwatch.blogspot.com and http://samtheeagleusa.blogspot.com.“

3. Identify all persons, parties or entities who provide contributions of money or literary substance to these websites.

“4. Identify all persons, parties or entities who posted comments on these websites and/or have provided financial support to these websites.

“5. Identify all persons, parties or entities who are in any way affiliated with, or connected with in any capacity, these websites.”

2 We do not address whether Google complied with the federal statute.

NOTE FROM GUS (AKA John Doe 1): The emphasis is mine.

I'll have a great deal more to say about this, but I must admit that Philip R. Klein was absolutely correct: this did make case law. Unfortunately, the case wasn't Klein v. Google, but rather In Re John Does 1 and 2,and Philip just became the butt of a legal joke.

I have a constitutional, protected, and honored right to anonymously criticize fools who thrust themselves onto the public stage, and Klein can't compel disclosure of my identity with manufactured charges of copyright infringement, defamation, invasion of privacy and copulation with a ratty Pomeranian.

SPECIAL NOTE TO PHILIP R. KLEIN:

Overexposed?

2011-04-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

Formal Notice

2011-04-05T16:45:00.002-05:00

Brent Coon is not associated with this blog. Don't believe everything you read on the internet, especially from fat windbags with a history of making things up.

On Philip R. Klein's Credibility

2011-04-03T10:58:00.002-05:00

According to Philip's nonsensical version Klein et al. v. Google et al. on his Lawsuit page:

Klein announces the expansion of the suit to Google, Inc.

Meaning, the 202 is moved from an inquiry to a full lawsuit. Google, Inc. and their lawyers set a meeting in March to negotiate a settlement. The Texas Supreme Court holds to its stay of the information until oral hearings are held.

Meaning, Klein is attempting to avoid paying the proper fees to file a legitimate lawsuit by "expanding" a Rule 202 petition to a lawsuit.

Neither was a meeting was held with Google to "negotiate a settlement," and the Texas Supreme Court has never called for "oral hearings." See for yourself here. Philip has never referenced this Supreme Court page on In Re John Does 1 and 2 on his blog.

Judge Floyd kicked Klein's associated Motion to Compel out of court after hearing Google's arguments.

Our attorney, Jeffrey L. Dorrell, filed several documents in the past weeks regarding this "second amended petition." See the full documents here:

An item of particular interest in our Original Answer, Jury Demand, and Request for Disclosure is our Affirmative Defense that Klein is libel-proof:

Operation Kleinwatch (OK) pleads that plaintiffs are libel-proof because they have no reputation to lose. See, e.g., Swate v. Schiffers, 975 S.W.2d 70, 74-75 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 1998, pet. denied). Facts exposed in the course of plaintiffs’ two bankruptcies, at least 40 lawsuits, and constant vindictive, publicity-grabbing attacks on southeast Texas municipalities, school districts, elected officials, local television stations, local reporters, and others—using, in some cases, distortions of the truth, and in others, outright fabrications—have become well-known and are widely ridiculed. Plaintiffs’ antics (which have included at least two unsuccessful defamation suits) have been extensively reported in print and electronic media for over a decade, and are a permanent part of the recorded jurisprudence of this state.* If OK made any false statement about any of plaintiffs—which OK denies—such statement could not have damaged the reputation of plaintiffs who have been the objects of widespread public derision and contempt for many years.**
----------------------------
*See, e.g., Klein & Assocs. Political Relations v. Port Arthur Indep. Sch. Dist., 92 S.W.3d 889 (Tex. App.—Beaumont 2002, pet. denied) (holding that Klein’s admission that he was a public figure was fatal to his suit for defamation against the school district and its board members); Gillam v. Klein Investments, Inc.; Cause No. A-179,090; in the 58th District Court of Jefferson County (After Judge Tom Gillam, III, sued Klein in April 2007 for defaming him with false allegations of sexual misconduct, Klein was forced to issue a retraction.)

** In a particularly hysterical rant archived from Klein’s KOLE/AM radio talk show, Klein screams that because he “start[s] the debate” on many public issues, Klein is “bastardized in the media, …bastardized in the paper, …bastardized on the air, and …bastardized on the internet.” This appears to be accurate, as beaumontenterprise.com referred to Klein on June 10, 2008, as a “local gumshoe and occasional Bayou piñata” in reporting Klein’s retraction of his defamation of Judge Tom Gillam. Beaumontenterprise.com also noted Klein’s particularly distasteful habit of propagating false and defamatory claims while attributing them to information acquired from “tainted anonymous source[s].” [Emphasis in original.]

Philip R. Klein: A Waste of Taxpayer Money

2011-03-21T19:02:00.004-05:00

Philip R.Klein wrote on the Southeast Texas Political Review:

It seems that the State Board of Education wants to know who paid for the world renown singing choir from Ozen High School's trip to Austin this past week. It seems that it was not a school function or competition - get this - it was a political rally sponsored by....yes....the unions?

While the Ozen Choir did indeed perform during the Save Our Schools rally in Austin, the date was March 12, 2011, not "last week" as Philip claims.

Likewise, this was not a "union rally," as Klein claims, since the sponsoring organization was a coalition called "Save Texas Schools." See for yourself, instead of making up quotes like Philip R. Klein:

"What the union wanted is students of color from a minority school district. Some lady named Haynes I think was here name called and offered the choir and we jumped at the chance to have a fine group of young people help us make our case to the legislature," said a source with the teachers union in Austin.

He just made it up,

Read about the actual event here and form your own opinion, but this was not a rally "against the government" as Philip claims. Had this been a Tea Party Rally, I'm certain Klein would not have mentioned.

Here's an interesting thought - if Philip is truly concerned about taxpayer money, perhaps he should stop filing silly lawsuits that clog up the courts with motions of "Summery Judgement." According to Attorney Mark Faggard's sworn deposition:

"Plaintiff (Klein) was made aware of Defendant's (Faggard) displeasure with services rendered on two (2) occasion when Philip R. Klein advised Defendant that he pulled a gun on someone while attempting to serve a subpoena."

This certainly puts Klein's latest lawsuit against the City of Beaumont into proper perspective, where Klein stated the Beaumont Police Department have accused process servers of criminal trespass and stalking.

Considering that Philip's litigious history spans at least 40 lawsuits and other legal actions, how much time and money has Philip cost the taxpayers of Jefferson County and the State of Texas?

Please support the bipartisan bill, HB 2973, HB 2974, and SB 1565, which would help limit this abuse of our taxes.

Lindsey's Response:
Originally posted on March 9, 2011.

After Philip R. Klein libeled (note that's libel, not liable) Lindsey Brackin in his latest editorial on The Southeast Texas Political Review, Lindsey responded. Readers can decide for themselves who "got taken to the woodshed," but I suspect Philip will be eating while standing up for at least a week.

I would like to address some issues with the editorial; it is, as usual, filled with inaccuracies. My name is spelled Lindsey, not Lindsay, and it's Brackin, not Bracken. As much as Philip harps on people getting his own name correct, you'd think he could afford the same respect to those he decides to blast. Also, I am not a poor, starving secretary at an insurance agency in Jasper - I don't even work in Jasper and I'm certainly not a secretary. I would think his crack team of investigators could find that out for themselves.

Now, regarding my "first shot" at PRK- I think anyone with an 8th grader's reading comprehension could clearly tell that advocating the supply of free alcohol to Klein was intended as a joke. Thus, I understand why Philip became confused (he may have been drinking, I'm not sure). His claims of "not being a heavy drinker" are not supported by various photos of him drunk and drinking on both Operation Kleinwatch and The Sam The Eagle Political Review (STEPR).

As far as Klein being a cyber bully, I should think he himself has proved this. He even seems proud of it. Hiring someone to friend me on my Facebook to "read up" on me? No, that's not creepy and weird AT ALL. Using valuable "research teams" in Austin to find out vague personal information on me? That just seems like a misappropriation of funds. I'm sure there are many Private Investigator-related-things that he could use that money for, unless of course, he has already ruined his own credibility by picking internet fights with everyone that disagrees with his ill-written stories. He may not be able to understand my posts due to a personal vocabulary shortage, but at least everything I have ever written complies with basic grammar rules.

Then, there's the issue of Philip attacking a police officer's wife, whose image he plastered on his blog and claimed she had been "making fun of" the Review. Ms. H, as I will call her, had never said one derogatory thing about the Review - her only crime was to friend Operation Kleinwatch's Facebook page and to be married to a police officer whom Klein seems to have a personal issue with. Maybe attorneys didn't contact him regarding that particular instance; I assumed they had since the picture was removed within 24 hours, but maybe he just came to his senses. What I do know is that he has a propensity for trying to make life hell for those that he thinks don't like him.

How do I know he didn't keep archives of his posts? He stated so in his own reader mail:
From Kountze Texas : I was just informed of the article. I must say it was very interesting... I looked all over trying to find parts 1 & 2. Did I miss a link somewhere?? I'd REALLY like to read them also! Thanks so much!

Answer : They are floating around. We don't keep anything. Check the "Way Back Machine" - they sometimes post us.
I have since noticed that he has begun keeping archives of his posts. Good for him! Unfortunately, he still continues to slander Brent Coon, Nancy Beaulieu, Ron Hobbs, Judge Parker, and anyone else that he thinks will help improve his blog's viewership. And the spelling is "libel", not "liable", but that's besides the point.

And, to threaten me and my employer because I posted my opinion of him, when he keeps afloat by posting his opinions of EVERYONE, is the definition of hypocrisy. In order to bring forth any such lawsuit, he himself would have to have clean hands regarding defamation, and any one of his weekly posts shows that he wastes no time in dragging people's reputations through the mud (or at least trying to). What I do on my time with my First Amendment right to free speech is my business; why would one assume my employer would be concerned with how I spend my free time? I actually just posted back-to-back record months in my field of work, so my participation in free public forums obviously hasn't slowed down my work ethic. Thanks for asking.

All the silly name dropping is just that: silly. I know Ms. Delgado and the Makins very well (Mr. Makin, I'm still waiting on my Just Say No to Searches bumper sticker!). This little ploy to make himself look like the caring, educating father figure trying to set some confused girl on the right path is such a load of crap it makes Michael Jackson's father look like a saint. And then to expect that I would thank him for attacking me for FIVE-MONTH-OLD POSTS? The man lives in a fantasy world where he is allowed to trash everyone on the face of the planet, but he expects no retaliation or rebuttal. As I told him personally in a Facebook correspondence, all this post has done is make it obvious that he can dish it out, but he does not have thick enough skin to take his own medicine.

This is not the dictatorship of Klein; this is a free country where people who put themselves in the public spotlight, whether they deserve to be there or not, should expect opposition and criticism and, yes, even satire and gallows humor. Does Joan Rivers run around suing and threatening everyone that makes fun of her?

There are issues I can agree with him on: The Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission and the corruption of BISD. But even there I find problems, especially in his anger at how the ATF and Federal government is handling the Kountze Baptist Church fire. If there is evidence that this event is connected to the SETRPC, believe me, the Feds have it, and there is PROBABLY a reason the information is confidential. Unlike some people, they like to gather all their facts before creating a game plan. If the documents he posted were enough to indict people for the church fire, or to even tie them solidly TO the church fire, it would have been done LONG ago.

With the BISD issue, yes, there is something seriously wrong with how Butch Thomas and his board are running the district, but Klein's blatant racism disgusts me. I agree that prejudice plays a role in some of BISD's decisions, but stooping down to that level by commenting "nothing but the best for the childrens!" and such is just as vile as tearing down South Park Middle School- it tears the community apart. He isn't any better than Dr. Thomas, he's just a racist of a different color.

I don't know if his recent loss in court to Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle is to blame for his current psyche, or if he's going through a rough personal time. Honestly, I don't care. I read his Review for the entertainment factor, not the news factor, and I hope he keeps posting stories so that I can keep commenting on them. It's like a fist fight: you know it's wrong and you need to stop it, but you can't look away.

He is right about one thing, though: I'm not afraid of bullies.

Philip, check your fly: your pants are on fire.

Happy Birthday, Philip R. Klein

2011-03-20T08:46:00.002-05:00

Philip R. Klein will celebrate his 52nd birthday on Thursday, March 24, 2011.

This information comes from his iMDB biography, which doesn't mention PRK Enterprises, Golden Triangle Dairy Queens, Philip's multiple defamation suits as both defendant and plaintiff, and the Southeast Texas Political Review.

Ironically, March is National Ethics Awareness Month, National March Into Literacy Month, National Mental Retardation Awareness Month, National Brain Damage Month, and National Trisomy Awareness Month.

Other notable occurrences on Philip R. Klein's birthday:

In 1801, Alexander Romanov I was crowned emperor of Russia. In his later years, he became increasingly suspicious of everyone around him and eventually died under mysterious circumstances.
In 1930, Pluto was named a planet prematurely.
In 1937, a bus blew a tire, rammed into bridge, and killed 18 people in Salem, Illinois. The victims were members of a professional roller-skating unit, including a four-year old girl who may have been odiferous at the time of her tragic death.
In 1959, Prime Minister Gen. Abd al-Karim Qasim withdrew Iraq from the Baghdad Pact. This led directly to the first assassination plot by Saddam Hussein.
In 1962, Benny Paret was KOed in a welterweight title fight and died 10 days later.
In 1972, Great Britain imposed direct rule over Northern Ireland because of open hostility from the IRA, after British paratroopers killed 14 people during Bloody Sunday. This led to decades of violence.
In 1976, Argentine President Isabel Peron was deposed by the country's military
1982, the USS Jacksonville collided with a Turkish freighter near Virginia less than a year after the submarine was launched.
In 1980, the archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, was murdered during mass.

Sam Jaffe, Richard Widmark, Peter Lorre, and Jules Verne all died on this day. Notable people who share Philip's birthday include Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle and Clyde Barrow. Clyde later robbed the Beaumont National Guard Armory on College Street.

A new reader sent me some interesting documents concerning Klein v. Wide-Eyed Communications, which is indeed still in litigation. The case is being heard by Judge Thad Heartfield in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. I'll have more on that in a few days.

Klein Gone Wild

2011-03-17T20:59:00.001-05:00

From the Southeast Texas Record (emphasis is mine):

Klein Investigations sues city of Beaumont, claims police harassing process servers

Klein Investigations & Consulting is suing the city of Beaumont, claiming police officers are harassing the company's process servers.

Klein Investigations, which is owned by political commentator and local blogger Philip Klein, filed the suit March 14 in Jefferson Court District Court.

In addition to investigative work, the company deals in civil process serving, dishing out lawsuits and subpoenas to area residents.

"On more than one occasion, officers of the Beaumont Police Department have accused process servers of criminal trespass and stalking ... that is, the defendants are trying to impose penal sanctions upon a lawful business within the state of Texas," the suit states.

"The criminal trespass warning demonstrates that there is an actual case or controversy that can be subjected to declaratory judgment."

A criminal trespass warning issued by BPD is attached to the suit. The name of the recipient has been redacted.

On top of declaratory judgment, Klein Investigations is seeking an award of court costs.
Beaumont attorney John Morgan represents the company.

Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. B189-589

Perhaps Philip will confirm or deny the rumors that his son is the star of this video, posted on the SET Political Review channel via YouTube (UTUBE in Philip speak):

I've lost track of Philip's lawsuits. Counting this one, there are at least four (I think):

In Re John Does 1 and 2: I'm John Doe 1, Sam the Eagle is John Doe 2, and the mandamus is currently before the Texas Supreme Court.
Klein et al v. Google, et al: currently stayed by order of the Texas Supreme Court, pending disposition of In Re John Does 1 and 2. Klein ignored the order and recently filed a motion to compel against Google, but Judge Floyd tossed that out of court.
Klein et al. v. Wide Eyed Communications et al: I'm not sure about the status of this one, but I think this was moved to federal court.

I'm also not sure if Klein is currently seeking any new judgements against disgruntled customers who won't pay for a private investigator that doesn't know the difference between trespassing and serving due process legally.

Bankruptcy and Philip R. Klein

2011-03-14T22:50:00.012-05:00

In recent weeks, Philip has reinvented his financial history again. From a self-written question on his Reader Mail Page:

Philip Klein has filed for bankruptcy. FALSE

This is an old one but good one meant to be put out on the net so that when perspective vendors or client's do a search this comes up. It is part of the lawsuit. I have never filed for bankruptcy.

In response, The Sam The Eagle Political Review published this document from July 1999 which revealed Philip's half-truth:

Philip R. Klein suffered a meltdown. He filed more motions in his silly lawsuit despite a stay issued by the Texas Supreme Court. In his new filings, he named more suspects and posted this editorial:

This morning a decision was made in our offices after review of a document that has been posted on a web site called "Sam The Eagle" web site. The document (1) reprints the Southeast Texas Political Review and 2) prints a PACER document purporting that "Philip Klein" has filed for bankruptcy. It further states that if you want to learn more about "Philip Klein's bankruptcies and his attempts to avoid creditors...." you can go to PACER and read more.

Here is the document that is posted with tags for the internet.

Klein's grainy and bloated image is omitted for bandwidth - see Sam's original page here.
PRK continued:

My first order of business to my legal counsel was to search PACER this morning for any bankruptcies that I have filed. As I already knew - I have never filed for bankruptcy. Never. And I have never avoided a creditor. I then ran a credit check on myself - and there are no bankruptcies on file and my credit is perfect. Further, the document filed was a document from a company called "PRK Enterprises, Inc." which is the parent company at the time of franchises for restaurants in Southeast Texas. There was an adversarial bankruptcy filing due to franchise fees and rights which PRK Enterprise won.

In lue [sic] of such, a monetary settlement was made and all creditors were paid. At the time, and before the buyout, I was one of five stockholders to the company. Since that point and time, I have bought the entire company and it is now the parent company of this web site.

Philip sold the Southeast Texas Political Review to PRK Enterprises, Inc., for the sum of one dollar shortly after he was sued for defamation by Tom Gillam. You can read those filings here. Notice that Brent Coon is one of two attorneys suing Klein, which puts his preoccupation with Brent in proper perspective.

According to his bankruptcy filing (99-10415) in March 1999, there were 900 shares of common stock in PRK Enterprises, Inc., PRK owned 400, his minor children collectively owned 200, and PRK's ex-wife number one owned 200 shares. The remaining 100 shares were held by PRK Enterprises, Inc.

You can do the math, but I don't believe that Philip's young children had much to do with running PRK Enterprises, Inc. Regardless of my opinion, the actual filing does not support Philip's claim:

For those of you in North Orange County - a business adversarial Bankruptcy case is when a company is told they owe a debt, they are put on a deadline to pay the debt, they disagree with the debt, and file suit on the debt in Federal Court. The reason it goes into the bankruptcy court is 1) because it is a business fight, 2) there is a deadline that "if" the debt is not paid that the company could be forced to close its operations. In order to stay alive - the company forces in adversarial fashion to bring the parties to the table after they refuse to negotiate in good faith.

See the original filing for more clarification:

Perhaps PRK confused another bankruptcy filed in December 1996.

Philip stated in his editorial:

Factually, Philip Klein, has never filed for bankruptcy and this posting is considered an act of deformation.

Factually, Philip R. Klein acted as President of PRK Enterprises when he signed the bankruptcy filing:

The document outlines the total amount of outstanding debt, both secured and unsecured:

Readers can comment on the nature of those debts (intelligently, please) after reading the petition, but I enjoyed this company asset:

I'm not sure why PRK Enterprises, which owned six Dairy Queens at the time, would need a corporate yacht according to the original filing.

Acting upon his previous claims that I am Brent Coon and Sam the Eagle is Michael Neil Harrison, Philip claimed:

This morning - I have authorized my legal counsel to move the original 202 filing in court to a lawsuit. This morning - our legal counsel is preparing a lawsuit to be filed against GOOGLE, Inc., Michael Neil Harrison as well as a local lawyer and his law firm. The law needs to be researched regarding the proper party - but as soon as I have that information I will pass it along to you.

I am not immune to criticism. I accept that. But this is a case of pure anger and hate. Sam The Eagle Web Site continues to call itself parody - they have now lost that argument. They are clearly attempting something far greater than parody. And they will now be held to the standards of the law they expect us to be held to.

Wrong again.

Hey, Philip. C'mon in!

2011-03-10T21:25:00.007-06:00

From the KFDM Forum:

Re: A Thread for Dannis (Re: Mr. Klein's postings)
posted at 3/10/2011 8:35 PM CST

guspillsbury

Posts: 7
First: 10/26/2010
Last: 3/10/2011

To Mousecatmama: I respect your opinions, especially since you and I agree on many things like ethical behavior.

My problem is with Philip R. Klein, who consistently distorts the truth or blatantly lies, many times to further his own personal agendas. This is intentionally misleading to the more weak-minded like Dannis and highly unethical for one who considers himself a "citizen journalist."

His latest editorial concerning Lindsey Brackin is simply perverse. This has nothing to do with politics in Southeast Texas; instead, it's a knee-jerk reaction to criticism by a Neanderthal.

In another age, Klein would have bared his yellowed and missing teeth, beat his blubbery chest, grunted loudly, and perhaps thrown his own feces at Lindsey.

Philip, please join the discussion, I know you're reading this.

To Dannis: Dannis, you seem to know more about Sam and I than even Philip R. Klein pretends. If you're certain that your preposterous allegations are true, expose our identities.

Philip has offered a $1,000 dollar reward for our identities in the past, so by all means, collect the money! And you can definitively prove that PRK really does pay his debts on time! We're rooting for you!

But, please don't parrot Klein's silly speculation, since Sam and I have already addressed this many times on our respective blogs. And don't try to weasel out by claiming we might sue you - we won't. We're not litigious, you have no idea who we are, and criticizing public fools anonymously is a basic right and tradition in our republic.

Sincerely,

Gus

Lindsey's Response

2011-03-09T18:39:00.008-06:00

I would like to address some issues with the editorial; it is, as usual, filled with inaccuracies. My name is spelled Lindsey, not Lindsay, and it's Brackin, not Bracken. As much as Philip harps on people getting his own name correct, you'd think he could afford the same respect to those he decides to blast. Also, I am not a poor, starving secretary at an insurance agency in Jasper - I don't even work in Jasper and I'm certainly not a secretary. I would think his crack team of investigators could find that out for themselves.

Now, regarding my "first shot" at PRK- I think anyone with an 8th grader's reading comprehension could clearly tell that advocating the supply of free alcohol to Klein was intended as a joke. Thus, I understand why Philip became confused (he may have been drinking, I'm not sure). His claims of "not being a heavy drinker" are not supported by various photos of him drunk and drinking on both Operation Kleinwatch and The Sam The Eagle Political Review (STEPR).

As far as Klein being a cyber bully, I should think he himself has proved this. He even seems proud of it. Hiring someone to friend me on my Facebook to "read up" on me? No, that's not creepy and weird AT ALL. Using valuable "research teams" in Austin to find out vague personal information on me? That just seems like a misappropriation of funds. I'm sure there are many Private Investigator-related-things that he could use that money for, unless of course, he has already ruined his own credibility by picking internet fights with everyone that disagrees with his ill-written stories. He may not be able to understand my posts due to a personal vocabulary shortage, but at least everything I have ever written complies with basic grammar rules.

Then, there's the issue of Philip attacking a police officer's wife, whose image he plastered on his blog and claimed she had been "making fun of" the Review. Ms. H, as I will call her, had never said one derogatory thing about the Review - her only crime was to friend Operation Kleinwatch's Facebook page and to be married to a police officer whom Klein seems to have a personal issue with. Maybe attorneys didn't contact him regarding that particular instance; I assumed they had since the picture was removed within 24 hours, but maybe he just came to his senses. What I do know is that he has a propensity for trying to make life hell for those that he thinks don't like him.

How do I know he didn't keep archives of his posts? He stated so in his own reader mail:
From Kountze Texas : I was just informed of the article. I must say it was very interesting... I looked all over trying to find parts 1 & 2. Did I miss a link somewhere?? I'd REALLY like to read them also! Thanks so much!

Answer : They are floating around. We don't keep anything. Check the "Way Back Machine" - they sometimes post us.
I have since noticed that he has begun keeping archives of his posts. Good for him! Unfortunately, he still continues to slander Brent Coon, Nancy Beaulieu, Ron Hobbs, Judge Parker, and anyone else that he thinks will help improve his blog's viewership. And the spelling is "libel", not "liable", but that's besides the point.

And, to threaten me and my employer because I posted my opinion of him, when he keeps afloat by posting his opinions of EVERYONE, is the definition of hypocrisy. In order to bring forth any such lawsuit, he himself would have to have clean hands regarding defamation, and any one of his weekly posts shows that he wastes no time in dragging people's reputations through the mud (or at least trying to). What I do on my time with my First Amendment right to free speech is my business; why would one assume my employer would be concerned with how I spend my free time? I actually just posted back-to-back record months in my field of work, so my participation in free public forums obviously hasn't slowed down my work ethic. Thanks for asking.

All the silly name dropping is just that: silly. I know Ms. Delgado and the Makins very well (Mr. Makin, I'm still waiting on my Just Say No to Searches bumper sticker!). This little ploy to make himself look like the caring, educating father figure trying to set some confused girl on the right path is such a load of crap it makes Michael Jackson's father look like a saint. And then to expect that I would thank him for attacking me for FIVE-MONTH-OLD POSTS? The man lives in a fantasy world where he is allowed to trash everyone on the face of the planet, but he expects no retaliation or rebuttal. As I told him personally in a Facebook correspondence, all this post has done is make it obvious that he can dish it out, but he does not have thick enough skin to take his own medicine.

This is not the dictatorship of Klein; this is a free country where people who put themselves in the public spotlight, whether they deserve to be there or not, should expect opposition and criticism and, yes, even satire and gallows humor. Does Joan Rivers run around suing and threatening everyone that makes fun of her?

There are issues I can agree with him on: The Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission and the corruption of BISD. But even there I find problems, especially in his anger at how the ATF and Federal government is handling the Kountze Baptist Church fire. If there is evidence that this event is connected to the SETRPC, believe me, the Feds have it, and there is PROBABLY a reason the information is confidential. Unlike some people, they like to gather all their facts before creating a game plan. If the documents he posted were enough to indict people for the church fire, or to even tie them solidly TO the church fire, it would have been done LONG ago.

With the BISD issue, yes, there is something seriously wrong with how Butch Thomas and his board are running the district, but Klein's blatant racism disgusts me. I agree that prejudice plays a role in some of BISD's decisions, but stooping down to that level by commenting "nothing but the best for the childrens!" and such is just as vile as tearing down South Park Middle School- it tears the community apart. He isn't any better than Dr. Thomas, he's just a racist of a different color.

I don't know if his recent loss in court to Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle is to blame for his current psyche, or if he's going through a rough personal time. Honestly, I don't care. I read his Review for the entertainment factor, not the news factor, and I hope he keeps posting stories so that I can keep commenting on them. It's like a fist fight: you know it's wrong and you need to stop it, but you can't look away.

He is right about one thing, though: I'm not afraid of bullies.

Philip, check your fly: your pants are on fire.

Open Letter to Lindsey Brackin

2011-03-08T10:58:00.003-06:00

Dear Lindsey;

Congratulations! Your recent postings have sent Philip R. Klein into meltdown mode as evidenced by his latest editorial here.

Please feel free to send me your response to Philip's editorial and I'll post it here on Operation Kleinwatch! Use the secret Klein Konspiracy password so that I'll know it's really you and not Philip masquerading as you, an FBI agent, someone from the Department of Homeland Security, or a sentient being.

I particularly liked this part of Philip's editorial:

This is Lindsey’s first shot – in which she suggests that I am a heavy drinker – and that I am drunk. I cannot write a sentence and I am incoherent. Further, that I am an idiot. And then refers to the two web sites that we are in litigation with to restore her faith in “humanity.”

Now we know many of you are laughing at this young lady – and those of you that know me know that I am not a heavy drinker – I can write a sentence and I am anything other than an idiot. As for the web sites – Lindsey it is time for your first lesson.

As you eloquently pointed out, Philip's skills in writing, comprehension, and drinking are debatable. Note this picture of the Casa Klein Kitchen:Sincerely yours,

Gus

Message from a "Scared Little Girl"

2011-02-23T19:06:00.003-06:00

From the Southeast Texas Record:

Judge denies Philip Klein's motion to compel Google to produce documents
2/23/2011 11:19 AM By David Yates

Beaumont blogger and political commentator Philip Klein on Tuesday had his motion to compel Google to produce documents denied by a local judge.

Through his companies, Klein sued the Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle blogs, as well as Google and its subsidiary, blogger.com, on Aug. 26, 2009, in Jefferson County District Court.

In his suit, Klein alleges Operation Kleinwatch and Sam the Eagle have engaged in a pattern of libel and defamation, invasion of privacy and use of copyrighted images.

Klein claims the bloggers defamed him by posting a parody of Dog Fancy magazine in which he was depicted under the caption, "Fat Men Who Love Their Dogs Too Much."

As the Southeast Texas Record previously reported, the Texas Supreme Court stayed the case against the bloggers in June.

Meanwhile, Klein filed a motion to compel Feb. 8, arguing that Google "has not produced any documents," court records show.

"Additionally, plaintiffs seek to compel the production of this information because the websites at issue continue to defame Mr. Phillip Klein," the motion states.

Google filed a response Feb. 21, stating that Klein's motion failed to inform the court that the Texas Supreme Court has stayed the court's order on the motion to quash while the mandamus proceeding is pending in the Texas Supreme Court.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, denied the motion Feb. 22.

Beaumont attorney John Morgan represents Klein.

Houston attorney Dennis Lynch represents Google.

Case No. E184-784

We also learned in court yesterday that Philip is having a hard time selling his stories from the Southeast Texas Political Review to other media. Klein alleges this is because Operation Kleinwatch and the Sam The Eagle Political Review have damaged Philip's credibility.

No comment necessary.

BREAKING NEWS: He Just Made It Up!

2011-02-17T19:46:00.005-06:00

In a posting on the Southeast Texas Political Review, Philip R. Klein wrote on June 1, 2010:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that initial censes [sic] figures show an almost 5% decrease in population in Jefferson County Texas. Meaning? That almost 12,000 people have left Jefferson County Texas in the past 10 years.

As promised, let's revisit Phillip's 2010 "Censes" report. KFDM reported on today's release by the U.S. Census Bureau:

They show the population in 2010 in Jefferson County was 252,273, an increase of 0.1% from 2000, when the population was 252,051.

When PRK next referenced the "Censes" report, 12,000 people in 10 years had evolved into 120 families per month (5,700 people annually).

Just the facts, please:

Here are the facts - people are leaving Jefferson County to the tune of 120 families a month...The perfect storm is on the horizon.

Oops, he missed again.

Philip isn't a rocket scientist, but he sometimes plays one on Channel 4. Here's what PRK, operating under the assumed name of Klein and Associates Political Relations, missed.

According to the Houston Chronicle:

Ethnic minorities accounted for 89 percent of the staggering growth in Texas over the past decade, according to figures released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau that support projections putting Hispanics on pace to soon outnumber whites in the nation's second-largest state.

The explosive Latino growth, confirmed by the long-awaited release of the local 2010 Census numbers for Texas, immediately sparked calls from Hispanic leaders for the creation of new Hispanic-dominated seats in Congress and the Legislature.

Draw your own conclusions, but don't believe Philip R. Klein's take. More to come.

IFRAMES not supported

Week 4 in Review

2011-01-30T11:55:00.004-06:00

Here's an interesting story from KBTV Channel 4, posted on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011:

Indictments Possible In Hardin County Alliance Case

Fox 4 contributor and publisher of the Southeast Texas Political Review Philip Klein was the first to publicly raise questions about the Hardin County Disaster Recovery Alliance.

He gaves [sic] us more than 500 pages of documents, including audit reports.

Those reports allege the Alliance's executive director had misappropriated public funds.

Federal dollars that were supposed to help rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Rita.

Last month, we spoke to its director Tony Thornton.

He said he borrowed the money and has paid it back.

He also told us the money he spent was not federal dollars, but private donations.

At the time of Hurricane Rita, Thornton was the pastor of First Baptist Church of Kountze.

There have been allegations records from the Recovery Alliance were inside, but Thornton denies those allegations.

Sources tell Fox 4 the case has been delivered to the U.S. Attorney's Office, and indictments could be imminent.

We're told they won't be pertaining to the fire, but involving financial crimes.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney told us the office does not comment on or confirm investigations.

A once-legitimate news operation has lowered their journalistic and ethical standards to those of the Southeast Texas Political Review. As an example, anonymous sources "gaves" Channel 4 the information that indictments "could be imminent." Sound familiar?

In the past weeks, Philip R. Klein devoted very little space to Tony Thornton. Instead, Philip claimed:

Then, on April 12, 2008, after panic had set in and Federal Investigators were about to begin asking questions - a fire irrupted [sic] at the First Baptist Church of Kountze Texas - in the offices of the Hardin County Disaster Recovery Alliance, Inc., and all documents and history including computers and any and all paperwork was lost.

The fire was ruled arson. And the ATF was called in as well as other federal agencies as they continue to piece together a case against some of the biggest names in Southeast Texas. Sources close to the investigation tell us they "are getting closer everyday." And "it is a matter of time."

Those in the cross hairs - the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission and an investigation of every political official in Jefferson and Hardin County that had anything to do with the Alliance.

Klein has distorted the original case beyond all recognition. We'll revisit this when and if any indictments are handed down. More below.

BISD EMPLOYEE

Philip added this story yesterday evening:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that a BISD Employee has been arrested by the FBI at BISD headquarters yesterday. The arrested employee is John Wesley Baptise, Jr. According to records, he was arrested on Federal Robbery Charges.

Most probably, the SET Political Review learned this from KFDM Channel 6, who posted the story several hours before Philip.

Klein never identified Baptiste's position at the Beaumont ISD, but Channel 6 noted:

FBI Special Agent Anne Figueiras tells KFDM 23-year-old John Wesley Batiste Junior was arrested at the BISD maintenance barn Friday afternoon. Batiste is a maintenance worker for the district.

I'm sure Philip will make a case concerning the "criminals' working for the Beaumont ISD, however I'm sure he'll not mention the convicted sex offender he once employed. If anyone would like to fill in the blanks, leave a comment.

Of special note:

The review attempted to confirm his employment this past Friday, however we were hung up on.

This makes the third arrest of a BISD employee for felony crimes in the past four months.

Apparently, FBI Special Agent Anne Figueiras isn't one of Klein's anonymous sources. Neither have three employees been arrested for "felony crimes."

More below.

NITWIT TIDBITS™

NEDERLAND EDC Meeting - Too funny. Now they say they don't have $5 million in the bank - they only have $2 million in the bank. But true - they only gave out $75,000 in awards - and it does have a $250k operating expense just to run a two person office. Really? This is government waste at its best.

EDC Director - Made the statement she is one of the most underpaid executives in the EDC system. Our response? SO! Get another job in this 20% unemployment Jefferson County.

Philip has had a longstanding feud with the Nederland Economic Development Committee (NEDC).

Apparently, it's more difficult to get low-interest loans for backyard swimming pools through the NEDC than the U.S. Small Business Administration.

KBMT - Great story this morning on kids suspended for watching a fight. Gezzz.

Philip has bigger priorities:

The Review has learned over the last twenty four hours of an investigation ongoing by Judge Ron Walker regarding gumballs being sold.

Gezzz.

Media Notes - When the US Attorney announces their Alliance indictments - what are they going to do in newsrooms all over Southeast Texas? Are they going to report it? We laid the story on their back doors months ago - Remember? You don't - here is the reminder :

[Photos of local media outlets]

We are wondering what the lead in will be : "KFDM has learned that..... or maybe at the Enterprise "Today it was announced.....,,,, gezz.

They have had the story folks for over six weeks AND DONE NOTHING. THE ONLY STATION THAT HAS DONE ANYTHING IS FOX 4 AND SAN JUAN HAS BEEN ALL OVER IT. Wow.

In reality, both KFDM and the Beaumont Enterprise has been following this story for the past three years.

As an example, the Beaumont Enterprise reported in 2008:

The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has turned its attention back to its investigation of the Kountze First Baptist Church fire, agency representatives said Tuesday.

Post-hurricane, the bureau has been getting things back in order in the Beaumont office, which suffered minor leakage, supervisor Larry Sanders said. There was no major structural damage.

"We were very fortunate, very lucky," Sanders said Tuesday afternoon.

In the arson case, agency personnel are attempting to find a motive for the fire and are prepared to be in it for the long haul.

"Sometimes in these arson cases, there is a lot of paperwork to go through and leads to follow," said Bureau Public Information Officer Franceska Perot.

So far officials are following leads and interviewing a variety of individuals and organizations in the area, including people in the Hardin County Disaster Recovery Alliance.

"Every day is a new day," Sanders said previously. "You never know when that one interview will be the one you need."

Likewise, the Beaumont Enterprise reported in April of 2008 that the ATF had seized a computer in the investigation. The computer belonged to FBC secretary Kristy Wade, not anyone associated with the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission:

Investigators on that day took a laptop computer from the home of the church's former secretary, Kristy Wade.

The computer does not belong to Wade, but to the organization she works for, said Larry Sanders, acting supervisor for the bureau's Beaumont field office, which is investigating the April 12 arson.

Sanders replaced Bart Mora, who was the field's resident agent in charge at the time of the fire. Sanders has been briefed on all events concerning the case, according to bureau officials.

For more, see the first item above.

Mad For Not Naming Names - Okay we get that from our readers. But there is a reason and the goal is to start cleaning up Jefferson County and those who run it.

The real reason is that if Philip revealed names, he would be liable for defamation.

Deshotel - Does not support the Voter ID Bill. Meaning he believes that anyone can vote without having proper ID to vote. Meaning that any person off the street being wanted felons and illegals should be able to simply walk in and give a fake name and vote. Too funny.

Meaning that Philip is an idiot. In reality, State Representative Joe Deshotel opposes changing the current law, which requires voters to register before voting. No one "off the street being wanted felons and illegals" can "simply walk in and give a fake name and vote."

From the Beaumont Enterprise:

The bill, expected to pass the Republican-controlled House in the next few weeks, was fast-tracked by Governor Rick Perry, who declared it an emergency issue.

Starting in 2012, it requires that Texans present a drivers license, Department of Public Safety-issued identification, military ID, passport or license to carry a concealed handgun before they can vote. Disabled or elderly voters over the age of 70 would be exempt from the new requirement and can continue to present a voter registration card.

Note that no cases of widespread voter fraud have been reported in Texas in the past half-century. Philip is using this non-issue to advance his own personal agenda against Joe Deshotel.

McGriff - Cannot get another tat or plastic surgery or handle money. BUT SHE CAN KEEP HER JOB AT BISD!!! Criminals around the CHILDRENS!!! LOVE IT!

While Klein has confused the issue by referencing "felons" working for the BISD, Tamraka McGriff was convicted of misdemeanor. Frmo the Beaumont Enterprise:

Tamraka McGriff, Beaumont ISD's coordinator of transportation, was sentenced Wednesday to three years of probation and must adhere to several specific guidelines after pleading guilty last year to a misdemeanor charge of theft of public funds.

As part of her probation, McGriff must write letters to the school board and Superintendent Carrol Thomas stating that she knew what she was doing when she accepted more than $15,000 in Social Security benefits for her son, money that she was not eligible for.

Gezzz.

Guidrey - Still employed at Beaumont PD. Still employed at Beaumont PD. Still employed at Beaumont PD.

Klein - still an idiot. Still an idiot. Still an idiot.

Tax Day - Pay up kids. Daddy needs your money. For those of you checking on us - we paid ours months ago.

I'm curious as to how Philip could pay his taxes months ago, even before the end of the 2010 fiscal year. I'm sure the IRS will have fun reading through Philip's tax returns - how about posting those for us, Philip?

NEDERLAND EDC WASTE

The Southeast Texas Political Review has been given financial records for the Nederland Economic Development Commission - and we are simply shocked by the numbers that we have seen. And folks - this is a CLASSIC EXAMPLE of why Southeast Texas is dying. It is about power, it is about control and it is mostly about people that have no idea what they are doing and why they are taking the peoples money and wasting it.

Philip made this claim:

Meaning there were two people or companies that got money from the EDC for 2008-09. They were GO BURGERS being Burger King and Hernandez Office Supply to expand their warehouse. Two! Only TWO! The rest went to government projects (non business) in road expansion and swimming pool rebuild.

Typically, Philip has deceived his readers by mistaking the facts. As one example, there were more than two businesses that received funding from the NEDC, including Allied Plywood & Lumber, Inc., and Sumrall’s Air Conditioning, Inc.

Philip's implies that the NEDC wasted money on "government projects (non business [sic])." Yet, in the same article, Klein claimed:

Two years ago, the City Council of Nederland voted to take money away from the EDC for infrastructure projects within the city because of their dissatisfaction with the board and how the EDC was being run. They took almost a million dollars to expand Beauxart Garden Road to four lanes which in fact has created a boom in that area of houses and business that feed the city.

Here's what really happened:

Motion made by Billy Neal and seconded by Mike Guidry for the Nederland Economic Development Corporation to share with the City of Nederland all project costs associated with the Beauxart Garden Road improvement project, including road construction, utility relocation, engineering costs and inspection costs in an aggregate maximum amount of not more than one million eight hundred eighty one thousand three hundred thirty five dollars and forty seven/100 ($1,881,335.47), with the cost of said project to be shared by the City of Nederland at 50% of the maximum aggregate cost and the costs to be shared by the Nederland Economic Development Corporation to be at an equal 50% of the disclosed aggregate maximum of $1,881,335.47.
Motion Carried.
Ayes: Guidry, Kieschnick, Neal, Phillips, and Rogers.
Noes: None.
Absent: Debby Griffin and Erik Shaw.

At the beginning of the article, Klein made this claim:

According to financial statements for 2008 - 2009 the EDC was sitting on almost $5,000,000 (MILLION) dollars.

Halfway through the article, Klein changed the numbers:

We move on to 2009-10. Yes - the money comes flowing in from you the taxpayer. And the money pot grows again by over $500k brining [sic] the money pot to $550 million dollars.

This is a wonderful example of Idionomics according to Philip R. Klein:

$5,000,000 + $500,000 = $550,000,000

Remember this when PRK next claims, "We did the math."

Unbelievable

Just when you think you have heard it all......

The Review was turned on today on a column in the Port Arthur News written by ace reporter Sherry Kountze. The story? Well Bob Phillips of the Texas Country Reporter fame owns a production company that made a contract with the City of Port Arthur regarding promoting positive PR for the City.

Why? Well like all of the rest of the waste of your tax dollars - it is for pie in the sky liberal theories of people who spend your money on stupid things. Like - promoting a city?

In his interview on Channel 4 this week, Philip argued that this money should be spent on developing new elected leaders:

We need to get better leadership in Port Arthur and that's where I think the money should have gone. To recruit candidates that are willing, from the business community, that are willing to make the tough decisions and say "No." we're not going to spend money like that.

Spending taxpayer money to fund political campaigns is a clear violation of state and federal campaign laws.

Typically, Mike McNeil missed this during the interview.

ATF

This story underscores Klein's manufactured charges and blatant ignorance:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned from sources close to the US Attorney in Beaumont Texas that the ATF of Beaumont has forwarded a case against two individuals for prosecution regarding financial mismanagement with the recommendation of prosecution. According to our sources - the indictments will come against two individuals.

The Review - in a phone call to another source confirm that arrest warrants have not been issued - however - there is a possible agreement in the works between the government and a lawyer in Southeast Texas for one of the alleged accused to give testimony in lue [sic] of amenity regarding two individuals in Kountze Texas and one current employee of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission.

We attempted to confirm this information with our ATF source - however they were not available.

The Review further confirmed that the charges WILL NOT be arson - and will only be filed regarding financial mismanagement and racketeering.

Paraphrasing Philip, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms has been investigating a case concerning financial mismanagement and racketeering and forwarded these findings to the U.S. Attorney's office.
Philip apparently doesn't know that investigating financial mismanagement and racketeering is not within the BATF's area of jurisdiction.

In lieu of evidence to the contrary, Philip is apparently making most of this up.

The Review has been tipped the two names - however - we choose not to release the names because we do not want to hurt any deals that the one suspect may be willing to give the Government. And we have heard further that "one of the suspects knows all the skeletons."

According to Philip's past claims, the entire SETRPC is under investigation and Bo Alfred is guilty of felony theft.

THE FINAL: REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION MUST CLOSE

This is the final in our report on the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission - and to be honest we could write about 30 more weekly reports. And being even more honest - the sickness that surrounds the mind thought of the people who run the commission and those that they "are there to help" is simply a mechanic to give away free money.

Philip castigates the local media for ignoring his story:

And this week - in our final report week - we really show you how it works. You will not read about this in the Beaumont Enterprise, see it on KFDM who touts themselves as the "NEWSLEADER" - you will not see this story on either of the KMBT TV stations - you will hear about it on FOX simply because our editor will speak about it on Wednesday on FOX News at 4. You will not read about it in the Examiner. You will simply never hear about this corruption and free money being thrown around to "businesses" in the know. You will simply never ever hear about this criminal operation.

Presumably, the local media is waiting for real facts to report, rather than mangled math and unsubstantiated accusations.

Regarding the SETRPC, Philip made this claims over the past weeks:

The common theme in the bilking of money and stealing federal cash for personal use is one that is taboo and rarely will anyone investigate. It is the perfect cover story - being running millions through faith based non-profits that do nothing but get some people rich. And if you go after the money - they plead stupidity or you are racist or don't believe in God.

In the last 10 weeks - a poor spelling low tech web site has exposed the biggest criminal operation in Southeast Texas. When they even thought that investigators were coming - they burned a church down in Kountze Texas.

The ATF - and their dedication to their jobs seem to be the only true agency that has shown interest in getting the bottom of the Regional Planning Commission and those names around it.

We have shown you how the executive director breaks his own rules. We have shown you how cronies of political officials got money. Hell, we have shown you how ELECTED POLITICAL OFFICIALS RECEIVED MONEY!. We have shown you how an organized crime ring in Jefferson County Texas operates on your tax dollars. We have shown you how your tax dollars are thrown out the window. We have shown you how faith based organizations are nothing but a clearing house for big money that goes in political cronies pockets and back into political campaigns. We have shown you how Jefferson County operates.

Referring to the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission as an "organized crime ring" is defamatory and not supported by evidence. As pointed out last week, many of the documents that Philip posted in past weeks contradicted his own claims. Even

We'll revisit when those indictments are handed down.

ALL LEVELS

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned this morning in an interview with two high ranking legislators in Austin that the number of cut backs on the State and Local levels may reach 20% in total funding. Meaning - almost 20% of those that work for the government are in danger of losing their jobs.

How would a state legislator know that cutbacks in local governments "may reach" 20 percent? This is gibberish and has no factual basis.

For instance, Klein's invented source is also fluent in gibberish:

I think what once was going to be a career - is now not. We just ran out of money and the people are tapped out," said on legislator to the Review today.

While some of you may now not recognize any of Klein's signature grammatical trainwrecks, I'm sure if you think about, you'll find one or two.

Philip just made it up.

BO

Philip wrote:

If you follow the Review you will know a few things - which are : 1) Bo Alfred according to records took money from the Hardin County Alliance while serving as a director, 2) is connected to money given to BISD spokesperson Jessie Haynes and her home that she says was storm damaged but was determined not to be - as well Haynes lied on her application regarding how much money she made working for BISD and the application was rubber stamped, 3) rumors that Federal Agents want to talk with Alfred regarding his knowledge of Alliance funds going to Non-Profits that are run by supporters of Alfred's.

If you follow the Review, you will know that Philip frequently makes things up.

Week 3 in Review

2011-01-23T17:10:00.000-06:00

On Philip's KBTV Channel 4 appearance

During his weakly appearance, Philip repeated his claim that there "is a consideration ongoing that is being talked about behind the scenes that" Dr. Carrol Thomas is retiring and that Dr. Willis Mackey would be considered for his replacement. In the real world, Dr. Thomas received another four percent raise this week. See below.

Philip also claimed that the FBI is investigating the BISD, and that over 40 people have been interviewed. He also claimed that local non-profit organizations were "slush funds" for the BISD.

I suspect the only reason Philip and KBTV Channel 4 aren't sued over these outrageous and unsubstantiated claims is that Philip R. Klein has no credibility.

NITWIT TIDBITS™

Philip R, Klein writes on the Southeast Texas Political Review this week:

Sorry we were late today - but criminal activity comes first.

I'm confused - is Philip robbing convenience and liquor stores to make ends meet at Klein and Associates Political Relations?

Fired - The Review found out that with less than 12 hours into office that Judge Nancy Beaulieu fired 19 year clerk Penny Nguyen after telling everyone that she would keep them all. Penny got the axe and Nancy put a cronies in the office. Not a good start. She was the one that reported Judge Gilliam. Beaulieu was the only newly official to let go anyone go.

I suspect that if Nancy Beaulieu intended to put a "cronies" in her office, she would put a "cronies' in the position of Associate Court Administrator, rather than one of two clerks. Likewise, Klein offers no evidence whatsoever that any of this is true. For instance, Klein alleges that Nguyen "reported Judge Gillam," but doesn't explain what she reported.

Perhaps Penny was Klein's "source" in this incident, where Klein was busted for blatantly publishing a malicious and false rumor as fact. Sound familiar?

FBI - Said to be ready to act on the BISD thing. Hold your breath.

Because Philip said the FBI is investigating doesn't make this any more accurate. From 2006:

The Review has learned that the Attorney General and the FBI may be investigating the BISD and indictments will be handed down within the next three months.

Apparently, Philip has been holding his own breath too long.

Thomas - We all know that Thomas is a liar. But he is a high price liar. Seemingly he is the HIGHEST paid official in Texas. And get this - with one more raise he will be paid more than the President of the United States? Do what? Really? The entire school board has to go. Now.

I suspect Philip is simply envious because Dr. Thomas gets paid more for lying to the public.

We Broke The Story - KFDM - nothing, FOX -4 - nothing, KBMT - got the story and say they "obtained a copy of the letter." Uh.....really from where? Oh....how did you know about it? Oh.....it is way too funny folks. These people in the media just cannot stand it.

Philip is correct - nothing from KBTV Fox 4.

However, KFDM's story is here and KBMT had their story up before Philip. More below.

Speaking Of Which How About Some Headlines On Unemployment :
        FOX : Nothing Yet
        KBMT : "New Local Unemployment Vary With Towns"
        KFDM : "Jobless Rate In BMT-PA Holds Steady From Nov. to Dec.
        Enterprise : "Southeast Texas Stays at 11% Jobless In December

And now for the truth - Jefferson County is now the second highest county for unemployment in the state. And adding insult to injury PORT ARTHUR NOW HAS A 17% unemployment rate. Unreported near 21.4%. Beaumont has an unemployment rate close to 10% - with unreported at 13.4%. Now go back and look at the headlines. Our question? Why? Why doesn't the media just call it what it is? Why?

And now for the real truth: PRK is an idiot and functionally illiterate. He can't even get published information correct without manipulating the numbers. In this case, he's referencing the latest report from the Texas Workforce Commission, which includes the annual average for 2010.

Jefferson County isn't even in the top 10 in unemployment. Compare (in ascending order of unemployment):

Jefferson	11.1
Reeves	11.3
Cass	11.3
Zapata	11.3
Cameron	11.4
Jasper	11.5
Matagorda	11.5
Hidalgo	11.8
San Augustine	11.7
Newton	12.9
Morris	13.8
Willacy	13.7
Maverick	14.7
Zavala	16.2
Sabine	16.3
Presidio	17.9
Starr	18.0

Philip may mistakenly be referring to the monthly TWC Metro Survey Area (MSA) report. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the Beaumont/Port Arthur MSA is third:

McAllen/Edinburgh/Mission: 12.1
Brownsville/Harlingen: 11.8
Beaumont/Port Arthur: 11.0

The Beaumont/Port Arthur MSA is almost always third in the state, reflective of the nature of our local economy and job market.

Furthermore, a cursory review (pun intended) shows that the labor force grew by more than 5,000 since December 2009 while overall employment has stayed at about 168,000 and unemployment at just under 21,000. Since the labor force has grown substantially, Philip's premise that Southeast Texas is dying doesn't hold water.

Ironically, the sector with the greatest loss in jobs came through state and local government, which disproves another of Klein's frequent claims. Philip just made it up.

Carl Parkers Blog Speaks - Carl Parker the semi conservative. A must read on his blog (found on our front page). Here is his points :
Use the rainy day fund.
Do away with duplicate or unnecessary state agencies
Overhaul the criminal justice system.
Let the managers manage.
The Legislature should search, not only for waste, but for unfair tax breaks.
As for the rest - never mind. He went back to his lib roots like don't touch education. Really? How is it working out so far? Not really that good huh?

If Philip's education is representative of the quality of Texas education in general, our system is a dismal failure and those cuts in education over the past 10 years haven't worked. From The Texas Comptroller's website:

Texas was the only state in the nation to cut average per pupil expenditures in fiscal year 2005, resulting in a ranking of #40 nationally; down from #25 in fiscal year 1999.
Texas is #49 in verbal SAT scores in the nation (493) and #46 in average math SAT scores (502).

Read Carl Parker's blog here, rather than take Philip's interpretation at face value. Philip is easily confused by multi-syllabic words.

Blog Spread - We have gotten some mail regarding some of the "sites" again spreading rumors about what they know nothing about or even falsehoods again. We would answer the allegations but - how do you answer the allegations that are meaningless? So again - remember if they don't sign their names have an agenda.

Even people who sign their names sometimes have agendas. My agenda is simple: exposing Philip's agenda.

LIED TO PUBLIC

A furious staff member of the BISD called the Review to confirm that the BISD board knew about the letter and report (that we are trying to get as we speak) as the voted to give Dr. Thomas a 4% raise and lied to the public in open session on how great the bond issue was going and how the letter of the law was being followed. According to sources inside the district - investigators from Austin are on their way to Southeast Texas to dig into the books, credit card receipts and purchases of the district both in operations and bond operations.

I'm confused, are those investigators from the FBI or the TEA.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

The Southeast Texas Political Review has obtained a copy of a letter dated January 18, 2011, from the Texas Education Agency to Dr. Carroll Thomas questioning the financial management of the Beaumont Independent School District and the financial management of the bond funds for uses not approved by the taxpayers.

As noted above, KBMT-TV published their story hours before Philip posted this letter.

Philip also makes this claim with no evidence whatsoever:

Furthermore, in closed door meetings at the District with the trustees - Thomas has hatched a plan to get around the problem with TEA by using Hurricane insurance money from a slush fund of settlement money from damage to buildings during Hurricane IKE to build the events center. That too has drawn the attention of the TEA.

The facts belie Klein's inflammatory rhetoric. There is no "slush fund," nor is there a secret plan. The only issue is whether the district plans to use bond money to build Thomas' albatross. Publishing unsubstantiated falsehoods as fact only muddies up the real debate.

UH, OH...

Firstly, compare the inconsistencies in this article and Klein's Nitwit Tidbits™:

Jefferson County is almost 17% last month in reported and unreported unemployment.

[From Nitwit Tidbits™] Jefferson County is now the second highest county for unemployment in the state. And adding insult to injury PORT ARTHUR NOW HAS A 17% unemployment rate. Unreported near 21.4%. Beaumont has an unemployment rate close to 10% - with unreported at 13.4%.

Klein just made it up (see above).

And now with the layoff of over 1,200 people from the expansion project that has just occurred (didn't here about that huh?).

Probably the reason we didn't "here" about that was that it never happened. Philip made this sweeping pronouncement based on an anonymous source who reached this conclusion after observing parking lots.

Compare Philip's claim with this recent report before the Port Arthur City Council by Motiva representatives:

To date, 36 operators have been hired and the company expects to hire more. Of those, 16.4 percent are from Port Arthur area. Fifty-three people have been employed by Motiva — 30.19 percent from the Port Arthur area.

Currently, there 7,500 people on site. Of those, 3,500 are from the surrounding nine-county area, Joe Thompson, Bechtel Jacobs Program manager, said.

When the project hits its peak in April another 1,800 people are expected to be employed largely in electrical and insulation jobs.

To date, 100 percent of the 320 modules have been delivered. Only eight of those are left to be set in place.

Also left to do is the tie in with the existing facility.

“We are going to see a lot of activity in 2011. We are right on track, but have a lot to do,” , Nick Smallwood, Motiva CEP Project director, said. “We’ve still got cable to pull — so much that it will stretch from here to just about Chicago.”

Philip reprinted this statement from Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick:

"Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick says he's firmly against raising taxes. That's why he's paying close attention to the state's legislature. Texas is facing a $27 billion deficit, and Judge Branick fears lawmakers will transfer down some of the state's expenses to the counties. He says counties are already facing budget problems themselves. He says he and leaders from other Texas counties will fight against such a move, a move he calls indirect taxation."

As a service to his thousand's of readers, Philip translated Judge Branick's straightforward statement from English to Idiot:

What Branick just said was this - "I am getting ready for political cover. Either I am going to have to raise taxes on you and blame it on Austin - or I am cutting the h*** out of the budget and there are going to be massive layoffs at the county level.

Ironically, Philip still doesn't acknowledge the impact of the recent recession on Jefferson County.

We want you to remember that the ONLY JOB GROWTH IN THE PAST `10 YEARS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY HAS BEEN GOVERNMENT JOB GROWTH.

As noted above, the facts don't support Klein's wingnut opinions. Jobs in the government sector have actually decreased.

Throughout last year, Philip predicted:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that Jefferson County Judge Elect Jeff Branick will appoint current sitting commissioner Mark Domingue to an "Assistant to the County Judges" position this January.

Philip just made it up.

GOODBYE

In this article and repeated on Channel 4 KBTV, Philip predicted that Dr. Carrol Thomas would be terminated as BISD Superintendent:

Sources tell the Southeast Texas Political Review that discussions have begun behind closed doors regarding "the future of Dr. Thomas." Sources - three of them confirm - that some on the school board think that by changing leadership on the school board - it will stop the negative attitude that has now spread all the way to Austin.

As it turned out, Dr. Thomas got another 4 percent raise.

Sources go on to tell the Review that the FBI is getting closer in their investigation and possibly has learned about a Non-Profit organization that was being used as a slush fund (imagine that). As well sources tell the Review that billing practices such as billing companies submitting a bill and then that bill being inflated and the money distributed in kick backs to connected people in the name of "consulting fees." According to two sources with knowledge in the investigation - one of the targets may be a school board member or family member.

Like a one-trick pony, Philip dredges up another of his past targets:

And now for the best part of the story? If Thomas were to come to a deal ($1.2 million dollar taxpayer contract buyout) Dr. Willis Mackey - who is having SERIOUS PROBLEMS in the San Antonio area would be considered for the interim job.

Philip just made it up.

IN ONE ROOM

The Review's leader, Philip Klein, was to be in attendance at the event with cameras from FOX -4 for the evenings event to present documents to those on the commission board for comment - however - after consideration by legal counsel and a request by a high ranking legal planning commission member - and a local city council person - the Review has made the decision not to attend the Government Sponsored Event.

Philip just made that up, too.

In this article, Philip made the same unsubstantiated claims from past articles:

If you will recall, Alfred, who is in the middle of the investigation of the burning of the church in Kountze and his association with the Hardin County Alliance, as well as Mayor Bobbie Prince and her association with the same group, will be in attendance.

I think Bo Alfred should sue Philip. This is defamatory speech, not protected by the First Amendment. Philip R. Klein has presented no hard evidence whatsoever to support his claim that Bo Alfred was involved in the arson of the First Baptist Church in Kountze.

Here are some more lies:

In other events at the commission since the Review exposed the corruption and the Federal Investigation into the Church Burning - a high ranking official from the Planning Commission called the Review and told us that : "We are no longer allowed to look at your web site at our offices. They have blocked it from our computers. So we all race home and read what is going on this week or look at it from our phones and pass it around the office. I think Shaun is feeling the heat. All he did was crank up the anger," he said.

And more lies:

The Review has also learned by an employee at the SETRPC that a "federal agent" has approached them.
"I have been asked not to say anything and I am not. But I have been approached and I have pledged to answer any and all questions," said the source.

Philip's take:

Well - we know the ATF is investigating and has "created a huge file" on the church burning. And they are following the money. Our guess is that the walls are closing in and now the employees of the RPC have figured out it is a crime not to report a crime. And there are crimes - a bunch of them.

How's that investigation by the FBI into those Hatch Act violations going, Philip? ENT in Southeast Texas.

FUTURE

Vidor ISD is going down. They barley met payroll last month and there is question if they can make it this month. Further, there is serious questions if they can pay bills. And there is serious question if they can run business as usual. We think - they can. Like any major corporation - they are now faced with laying off over 60 people today. Jacking the unemployment rate even higher in Southeast Texas.

Philip's story is ostensibly about Vidor, but after a few paragraphs of similar nonsense, PRK veered completely off the track by reprinting an entire story from Salon about his native state, New Jersey.

And with that - here is a reprint from CBS Philly and Salon - and the story about Camden New Jersey - that could easily be called any town in Southeast Texas:

I bet New Jersey has a spot for a double-wide mobile home waiting for Philip R. Klein.

FEAR

In this story, Philip shows he has no talent for straight journalism:

According to sources close to the teacher (s) at Memorial High School, long time respected teacher Raymond Polk was in his classroom during a class change. He began to hear banging on the walls around his classroom and went out to investigate. As he exited his door her heard and saw five boys banging on the walls in what has been described as "rapping". Meaning banging on the walls to the tune of a rap. Sources (three) say that they were asked to stop and one of the boys made a racially sensitive comment about the teacher. The teacher then walked up to the student and asked him to repeat it to him again. So - the student did and tried to walk off. The teacher then told the boy that he was going to go to the office and tapped him on his shoulder telling him that he needed to come with him to the office. As soon as the teacher touched the boy on the shoulder - the boy turned around and punched the teacher in the face. The teacher, in defense held the boy in a head lock and took him to the ground. As soon as he hit the ground he told the boy that when he calmed down that he would release him from the head lock and kept telling the boy to calm down. The boy would not calm down and the three other boys that were "rapping" turned and jumped on the teacher hitting him in the face with their fists beginning a one minute beating of the teacher that did not end until another teacher jumped in and took the boys off of the teacher - helped by some other students.

Philip compounded his ignorance with blatant racism:

Happy Martian Luther King Day Doc Brown - and to the students.

More evidence that Philip is not of this planet.

End of story.

SURVIVE

More racism:

The school trustees of the Beaumont ISD who vote in lock step and protect Dr. Thomas in the name of the :"black race" have done exactly what they have accused the "white race" of doing. There is no inclusion unless you agree with them.

Fat, drunk, and ignorant is no way to go through life.

Week 2 in Review

2011-01-16T20:24:00.003-06:00

Nitwit Tidbits™

Credit - The Review breaks the story - everyone that wrote or spoke about the story on the BISD note to students abut MLK day credited the Review....except the Gator and KFDM. Funny stuff. If you look at the JPG - it is ours. Funny.

PRK claims credit for this KFDM story. See below.

Hogan's Kid - OCSO's PIO Chad Hogan's boy was hurt in an auto accident. The Review's thoughts and prayers to the Hogan family as well as the family of the young man that died.

From KFDM.com.

Jonathan Williams - Cop that is suing for his job. Some say he has a case?

Shrewd analysis from a self-described political consultant.

Speaking Of Lawsuits - Wow!!! Sixteen Million? Uh...message to cops? The people are not happy? Wow!

Message to Philip? You're an idiot? Wow!

Done With Crime - Port Neches has it going on. It seems they are done with all of the crime and are forming neighborhood watch groups. We applaud Port Neches. The Manager and Council. They have it going on.

If Philip ever had it going on, it got up and went.

KBH - Big News...well not so much. Seems that KBH is leaving office (if you didn't know that you are not connected). Dewhurst is the front runner. We will see.

Now you too can be as politically connected as Philip R. Klein:

PRK avoided misspelling Kay Bailey Hutchison's name by referencing her initials.

Melody Speaks - We are really starting to wonder. Again - Chappel makes it a race thing saying she is calling the DOJ about representation issues regarding redistricting. Really Mel? Really?

Philip once sued Melody Chappell for representing the PAISD trustees when they sued PRK for defamation.

Funny Story Out of Houston - A faith based organization in Houston has been ordered to stop feeding the homeless? Why? They need a permit? Government! You have to love it!!!

Jeffrey Dahmer didn't have a permit for feeding the homeless, either.

Item Last - No word from the Supreme Court this week. But we understand it might hit next week in the case Klein v. Google et. al. - who knows...but we are going to DC with it either way.

A legal question for Philip R. Klein: since the case before the Texas Supreme Court concerns our mandamus of Judge Donald Floyd, In Re John Does 1 and 2, how can Philip appeal Floyd's decision in Klein et. al. v. Google et. al, since it supports Klein's petition?

Or did Philip's "team of attorneys" miss that?

Howdy Doody

Philip and his sources
Like a scene from Howdy Doody - Peter Morrison has once again become the laughing stock of Texas - and he made some threats that some in Texas have now made the decision to spend some money and look into Morrison himself.

"It was only a matter of time. Morrison thinks he is a player - he is just some Howdy Doody with a web site," said one legislator from Austin to the Review.

Now he is spreading his venom through the republican ranks and threatening folks in the Legislature. And that has gotten some big names pretty mad - and they are going to come after him.

"Howdy Doody with a website!" Is this a description of Philip R. Klein?

PRK's opportunistic attack on Pete Morrison corroborates my point that Klein isn't a real conservative, but rather a fat man with an ego problem.

Philip called Pete Morrison out (PRK's offensive and vulgar language has been edited):

And as for your threat of March 6, 2012 - why don't you run for office. You threaten it all the time. So run big boy. But you won't because you know there are places....like this one.....that know all about you and will cut your political [edit] off before you can say boo.

Actually, Morrison previously held an elected office as a trustee of the Lumberton ISD. Klein often imitates a political consultant on TV.

Offensive Flyer

The Southeast Texas Political Review has been given what is being deemed an "offensive" flyer depicting police, fire and the military marching in the Martin Luther King Parade this Monday as "militaristic."

Philip posted his article a few hours after KFDM posted this story:

BISD School Board Trustee Tom Neild told KFDM a parent from Regina Howell dropped off the flyer at his office and was upset about it.

Neild wants to know who wrote the flyer and its intent. He said, "it states as if we're anti these groups, but it's the reverse, we're proud and supportive."

Employees Talk

In this article, Philip recounts an alleged meeting of the SETRPC:

On the demand of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs - five employees of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission have contacted the Review and have met with us over the past 48 hours after a "general employees meeting" was had this week. In that meeting, executive director Shaun Davis disparaged the Review and FOX - 4 TV.

Halfway through Klein's posting, the original meeting becomes two:

After the initial two meetings - we advised our sourced that if anyone wanted to speak with us they could. We heard from three more.

Readers will note five of Klein's signature grammatical trainwrecks in this statement from one of Klein's purported sources:

We all did nothing wrong. It is the executive board members with Shaun that have done this. He made me very angry and I personally know one employee that has spoke to a lawyer..." said the source.

Klein's posting was an imagined response to Part Eight of his expose on the SETRPC:

Part 8 - The Alliance Dips Again

And now as we promised something to make all of you go to your toilets and throw up. It is back to Hardin County AGAIN. And back to our old friends at the Hardin County Alliance. You know - disaster relief? You wanted to see corruption - well here we go again.

I have a hard time taking anyone seriously who posted this as a headline. What's wrong with this picture:

Has anyone noticed that Philip is cherry-picking the documents by not posting the follow-ups? Where have we seen that before?

Drama

The Southeast Texas Political Review has been informed that due to our posting of Cody Guedry's pre-sentencing report, his sentencing hearing has been postponed. As well, accusations are flying that the Southeast Texas Political Review has violated criminal laws by posting it.

Actually, the sentencing hearing had already been postponed when Klein posted Guedry's pre-sentencing report.

According to popular rumor, Judge Stevens heard about Klein's posting and demanded that Jefferson County District Attorney Tom Maness prosecute Klein for violating the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Since this is a civil offense and not a criminal offense, Maness declined to prosecute.

Klein's poor sense of self is obvious here:

This past week, the Review received an envelope with the document in it. The review posted the document this past week. FOX - 4 interviewed the Review after verifying from the probation department that "a" report had been issued.

Philip R. Klein, AKA "the Review."

"The Review is a target of these guys," said a caller today from the Courthouse. "They are furious that you are getting these documents and making them public. You have **** off the mainstream guys that run this county," said one caller.

Philip's bottom line:

The bottom line - Cody Guedry is going to get what Cody gets.

More shrewd political analysis from a self-described political consultant.

One Room

It is back slapping time! And all of the players will get together this week at a local hotel to celebrate the great things that the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission has......well......done for the good citizens of Southeast Texas.

"I think everyone is very nervous right now. Really we are very nervous. Any minute we expect federal investigators to walk through the front door. We came in from the weekend and there were documents shredded. There were bags everywhere Mr. Klein. They have covered up. There are a group of us honest employees that know about a lot of the secrets. Like Mr. Davis's family member that got a job in the commission which is against the rules. We have known for a long time what goes on in here. All we need is someone to come talk to us. We are not going to jail for these people," said a source inside the commission.

The Review is entertaining the opportunity to go with a camera crew to the event to put the mike in front of the players and get them to answer questions on the record as they walk into the event. FOX 4 has made the offer for the Review to be there with a mike and to ask questions and get people on the record. We are thinking about it - and are getting legal questions answered.

This scenario of shredded documents never happened; neither did Philip's ambush.

Week 1 in Review

2011-01-09T18:18:00.005-06:00

Special Note to Philip R. Klein:

I noticed this item in Nitwit Tidbits™ this week:

Texas Supreme Court - We have been told this morning that we will get notice on either a verbal argument hearing or notice of decision by publication "in the near future" regarding Klein et.al. v. Google.

Caption this photo!

For the record, I'm calling you a big, fat liar (again).

Ask your "team of attorneys" what Ex Parte communication means.
The Texas Supreme Court is not considering your nuisance lawsuit, Klein et.al v. Google, but rather our mandamus against Judge Floyd, In Re John Does 1 And 2.
There is no such thing as a "verbal" argument, but oral arguments are extremely rare in mandamuses.

The bottom line is this: The SCOTX does not give litigants pre-notice on requests for oral arguments “in the near future” and I'm absolutely certain they would use the proper legal terminology.

In 2009, SCOTX received 255 mandamus petitions. Oral arguments were requested in only four, and decisions on three of those petitions are still pending today. The fourth was granted shortly before Christmas of 2010. The remaining petitions were all dismissed within weeks of filing the final arguments.

Furthermore, once a petition for mandamus has survived the first weeks after final arguments are submitted, the chances of a mandamus being granted increase to 81 percent. Finally, consider that another mandamus against Judge Floyd was granted early last year.

If your "team of attorneys" haven't explained this to you, then perhaps you're playing out of your league. While we may indeed get a decision "in the near future," the timing has nothing to do with your fictitious claim.

Nitwit Tidbits™

Quiet - It is very quiet over at BISD. We guess that can happen when the FBI comes calling. Oh....we hear get ready for an announcement from the FEDS. it will be a short story.

Another investigation. See this posting on all of the investigations that Klein "heard" about last year.

All The Criminals - The Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission will be having their end of the year bash to pat each other on their backs. Why do we say this? Well maybe you would like to attend? Oh - wait? You are locked out! It is invitation only at one of the local hotels. All of the criminals will be in one room at one time. Suppose our names will be spoken? Oh .... hint to you that are attending? Watch what is coming and who you associate with - just a hint.

Branding elected officials who serve on the SETRPC as criminals is defamatory speech, similar to claiming on local TV that a two police officers would be indicted by a grand jury "this thursday."

Branick Speaks - So the new county Judge has says he has goals? First, he wants to deepen the ship channel (government program spending), 2) restoring coastal dunes (government program spending), 3) keep the "TAX RATE" (buzz word) even or lower. Okay - is it just us? We have a county with high crime and high unemployment? And we want to spend and spend and spend and cut back cops buttttt keep the tax rate lower? Ugh....not a good start kids. Not a good start. This is what you get when you have someone in charge that has never met a payroll.

What Brannick didn't say:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that Jefferson County Judge Elect Jeff Branick will consider appointing current sitting commissioner Mark Domingue to an "Assistant to the County Judges" position this January.

Apparently, Klein is too dense to understand the significance of dredging the ship channel to the top economic driver in Southeast Texas.

Weaver Rumors - Stop it. He just got into off and hasn't even done a thing yet. Will he go GOPER with Alan Ritter? We will see. He was a conservative cop and we kind of like him. Let's watch this closely. If he doesn't he WILL get a candidate in four.

Remember this prediction:

Two are waiting in the wings to run the only GOPER for any seat - being Eddie Arnold...Arnold we are told is getting a fundraiser together with some local democrats;

Sooooooo KFDM Goes GAGA over the Mark Twain Thing - And so you wonder why? An astute reader found this on facebook from the leader of the News Room David Lowell:
What I find offensive is the attempt to sanitize literature. The loss is greater than the gain. Twain uses the offensive word offensively... to set up the great irony of the story. It is NOT a racist story...it is a great story of redemption.
We will let you make the decision. We are just not that smart.

Samuel Clemens, who began his literary career publishing anonymously under the pseudonym of Mark Twain, enjoyed poking fun at idiots who thrust themselves onto the public stage:

In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards.

Was Sam referencing Philip R. Klein and the Beaumont ISD Board of Trustees when he wrote that?

Kleiney Leaks - To funny. Everywhere we go we are asked when the next document dump is? And we are doing the media's work? We were just thinking - maybe if we faxed a press release?

I think Klein meant "too funny." Paraphrasing Sam, I think it's better for Philip to keep his mouth closed and let people think him a fool, rather than open it and remove all doubt. The media is charged with reporting the truth, not bizarre allegations from a wingnut.

Final Numbers On Shutting Down The SETRPC -

Philip stated on KBTV Channel 4 that over 70 percent of all residents in Southeast Texas want the SETPRC closed. I interpret this differently: 88 of Philip's readers apparently don't know that the SETRPC is mandated by the Texas Legislature. See this posting.

Items Last - Just a thanks again for having our last year the biggest. Final numbers are in and we had a 34.23% increase in readers and page hits. Man - thanks.

See this posting from the other Sam.

Shock

Little substance exists in this article, although Klein committed a crime by publishing a pre-sentencing report. From the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 41.12:

A report and all information obtained in connection with a presentence investigation or postsentence report are confidential and may be released only:
to those persons and under those circumstances authorized under Subsections (d), (e), (f), (h), (k), and (l) of this section;
pursuant to Section 614.017, Health and Safety Code; or
as directed by the judge for the effective supervision of the defendant.

In other words, a PSI is not considered subject to the Texas Open Records Act and Public Information Act. Anyone, whether a legitimate journalist or an irresponsible blogger, who publishes a PRI is subject to criminal prosecution.

Klein's take:

Wow. Really - wow. A jury is going to here this?

Another deep thought from Philip R. Klein.

Klein's allegations about Guedry's deposition are silly. Because Chief Coffin said Cody Guedry did the right thing doesn't change his guilty verdict from a Jefferson County jury. And this conviction still leads to Guedry's exit from the Beaumont PD, regardless of the expressed opinion of the chief.

Ironically, KBTV Channel 4 led with this story during their 4 PM newscast last week, complete with a sound bite from Philip R. Klein. How does Klein figure into this as a story?

As in most of Philip's postings, he invented a "source who demanded anonymity:"

"Add another zero onto this lawsuit against the city of Beaumont," said one local attorney. "This shows you the mentality in the leadership of the city and I have to tell you that this does not help the city of Beaumont. I am not involved in the suit but if I had a voice - I would tell them to write the check and go home. This needs to be nowhere near a courtroom," said the source.

How ironic that Klein's source would echo Klein's words from an earlier posting this week on the same subject ("Everybody Gets One"):

"I think this case will be settled fast. They do not want to bring this to a jury. It is not good," said one federal courthouse observer.

And we agree. Write the check and go to the house. This thing needs to end. There are too many good cops that are going to suffer.

Likewise, Klein's allegation that Chief Frank Coffin is retiring is entirely without substance. We'll revisit in a few months.

Media Whispers

Philip attacked KFDM in this posting.

First, and get this, it seems that there is some serious upset from the family of a young lady who was killed in a car wreck Monday. It seems that a picture got released or sent to a media outlet. The picture was of the wreck scene that some say someone in government or at the scene sent to the picture in. It was used on air. In fact - here it is :

[picture omitted]

The media outlet? KFDM TV. Now the questions started who would send in the picture that got that close to the scene. Could it be a fireman? Could it be a paramedic? Could it be a cop? What would be the contact? The rumors say a certain new judge. We ran it down this afternoon and have been told Judge Beaulieu was not at the scene.

Even though Klein tried to implicate Nancy Beaulieu, it's no secret that someone else at the scene submitted the photo.

We have said it before and will say it again - the leaks cannot start. If so it is going to piss off every media outlet. This is going to get ugly and already has.

According to Philip's logic, it's unethical for KFDM to post a photo submitted by a source, but it's okay for him to ignore Texas statutes and publish a confidential pre-sentencing investigation.

And last - and don't giggle too much. We understand from sources in Houston - and we dropped this last week - that KFDM might get bought by Nexstar? Oh yes - the bid is on we have heard. Meaning? It would be too frigging funny - really it would.

Longtime readers will remember when Klein claimed two years ago that the Examiner would buy the Beaumont Enterprise, so PRK is recycling old falsehoods again. Has he called Jeff Brannick the "Mad Hatter" yet?

If Klein's allegations are true, I'm sure it's because Nexstar's KBTV Channel 4 is such a horrendous under-performer that the company needs something to make money in this market. But since these deals are more hush-hush than the Manhattan Project in the early stages, would anyone in their right mind tell Phillip R. Klein anything about an acquisition like this?

Corruption : A Million Dollars!

Has anyone noticed that all of Klein's documents and spurious allegations concerning the SETRPC involve purported corruption in Hardin County?

This week we go back to Hardin County Texas. This time Silsbee Texas. And get this - a new group called the YYAFA! This stands for Youth Young Adult Fellowship Alliance! It is run by Reverend Mark Smith. A powerful political player in the City of Silsbee and Hardin County. Smith runs the ministers group. Smith is known to be connected to Joe Penland who are said to be friends.

Yet Philip's last statement in this long-winded diatribe is this:

Welcome to Jefferson County Texas - the most corrupt county in Texas.

In reality, the SETPRC's only oversight is making the grant available to non-governmental organizations after determining their legitimacy.

It is racked with missteps and issues - to the point where Goss asks the Regional Planning Commission to pay them directly. And the Regional Planning Commission - rather than shut the site down and end the missteps and misspending of government money - pays Goss directly. Millions.

Between the beginning and end of Klein's posting, he inflated the figure from $1.5 million to "millions." Neither did Philip didn't post the follow-up reports from Charles Reed, which portray a different story that the Klein's manufactured story.

Again - the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission is racked with illegal activities, federal dollars that are illegally spent on political friends of board members and get this - now setting up ANOTHER honey hole in Hardin County Texas. All while the area suffered and many have gone in debt millions to recover.

And this is week seven and no federal agents have come a knocking. And NO MEDIA FOLKS - NO - NOTHING! Why? Why to you think? Other than FOX 4 who ran with it for a couple of days - we plopped down the documents and NOBODY HAS DONE A STORY! Why? Bake sales?

After applying Occam's Razor to Klein's statement that "no federal agents have come a knocking," I suspect Chicken Little is running amok on Nederland Avenue.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm?

More deep thoughts from Philip R. Klein concerning the Upshur County Commissioners in Gilmer:

It seems they didn't like what people were saying at the commissioners court meeting. So - they shut down the comments section. They first tried to limit speech (rings a bell?) and then they cut it out all together when citizens showed up with tape on their mouths and sat in the front row and were removed from the meetings for causing a disturbance. Really - this if for real folks.

Well, the DA (giggle) got a complaint by one of those that sat there in silence with tape on their mouths that he was removed from a meeting for no reason and HIS FREEDOM OF SPEECH IN FRONT OF AN ELECTED BODY WAS HINDERED. You see - under the constitution you have the right to speak ABOUT ANYTHING YOU WANT AS A TAXPAYER TO YOUR COMMISSIONERS.

Exactly where is that found in the Constitution?

More importantly, Klein missed the point: Sheriff Anthony Betterton and two commissioners were indicted on misdemeanor charges of official oppression for forcibly removing a man with duct tape on his mouth, not because of the rules governing comment before the Upshur County Commissioners Court.

As I've already pointed out in my special message to PRK above, he has a hard time figuring out the real issues.

The New and Old Kids

Another defamatory statement by Philip R. Klein:

Alfred - Bo has problems right now. His mind is not in the game. He has the Feds looking at him. So let's be fair and take him out of the game. Ooopps...did we break some more news? That story later.

Klein has claimed that Bo Alfred is under investigation. Sound familiar?

2010 In Review

2011-01-02T21:25:00.003-06:00

I originally intended to list Philip R. Klein's Top 10 Lies of 2010 as the first article of the new year. After looking through his postings, I found isolating just the top 10 lies to be an almost impossible task.

Instead, here's a review (pun intended) of the low points of 2010. This list is not comprehensive, but my personal favorites.

The Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission

Most of Philip's postings in December were devoted to a contrived, but elaborate conspiracy involving the SETRPC.

The announcement that the ATF is looking to the First Baptist Church Fire in Kountze Texas - whereas two members of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission are suspects in starting the fire trying to burn up documents that could be traced to federal money being misspent or taken personally by one Jefferson County Elected official and one Hardin County Official.

In his most ambitious project ever, Philip weaved a number of leaked documents from the SETRPC into an elaborate conspiracy. I've had a hard time following his logic, since many of the documents actually contradict his prior statements. In other cases, Klein clearly invented his own circumstances to frame the documents according to his wingnut conspiracy theory.

If Klein's allegations are indeed true, then the numerous investigations he's purportedly documented by the federal government would have yielded something more than statements written in bad grammar from anonymous sources.

Specific to this arson, a former employee of the church was investigated, but no charges were ever made. Find documented facts on the story here.

2010 Jefferson County Elections

Editors Note : Each primary or election for the past 17 years, the Southeast Texas Political Review produces and publishes its predictions. We hover at around 80% correct.

This comes from the same idiot who predicted that Fred Thompson would win the 2008 Presidential race. In the 2010 elections, Philip hit a new low with only 29 percent correct. Read the full story here.

Judge Larry Gist

Philip exploited a personal tragedy to further his one-sided feud with Judge Layne Walker:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned from two sources inside the Jefferson County Courthouse - that Drug Impact Court Judge Larry Gist will lose his job - if he has not already. And his long time assistant and coordinator will be (or already has been) will be given the option to retire or leave.

According to our sources, who demand anonymity, Judge Gist learned of the impending dismissal as he was recovering in a hospital from a fall...behind the decision was Jefferson County Judge Layne Walker - who according to sources - was upset at the Judge's demands for an IAD investigation and the overturning of a sentence for a Port Arthur man.

Further, that serious concerns are now given by supporters of Gist to call in the Federal Government in a complaint against Judge Layne Walker.

The only truth in this claim is that Judge Gist's court coordinator was terminated, not because of a vendetta by Judge Layne Walker, but because of HR-related factors. Neither was Judge Gist's job ever in jeopardy, a federal complaint was never filed, and Judge Gist is suffering from congestive heart disease not a fall.

Philip R. Klein and the Race for County Judge
Read more in Symptom Five (A Series).

Port Arthur Rotary Club Speech

In September, Philip spoke before the Port Arthur Rotary Club on his favorite subject, Philip R. Klein. Among the points in his speech:

PRK claimed that Angel San Juan called just before the meeting to personally thank Philip for exposing the Curtis Guillory incident, since Channel 4 couldn’t report the story because of pressure from their sponsors. With this statement, Klein publicly acknowledged that Fox 4 KBTV biases its own newscasts, based on its advertising roster.
With a straight face, Klein claimed the mission of the Southeast Texas Political Review is to "report the truth." Since the SETPR doesn’t have sponsors, PRK can report the truth.
People call Philip regularly with offers to buy the Southeast Texas Political Review for millions of dollars.
Typically, Philip claimed that Jefferson County is the most corrupt county in history .
The Port Arthur unemployment rate is 20 percent, but Klein later told the club to invite him back in a year when the rate would rise to 14.9 percent.
Philip claimed to be the front man for President George H.W. Bush during his re-election campaign.
He told an anecdote about meeting "The Man" while riding on a “cart” with his children. In this case, cart meant an elevator when Klein couldn't remember the correct term for the device that moves people between floors in a multi-story building. “Remember that, Caroline?”
Klein claimed to have been on Air Force One several times.
Since losing President George H.W. Bush's reelection campaign, Klein claimed that he has assisted in several other campaigns as consultant. He didn't identify the campaigns, probably because if true, his candidates lost those elections, too. Perhaps Bugs Coe and Carl Griffith?
He claimed that he continues to talk to President George H.W. Bush regularly, even though there is an unsubstantiated rumor concerning Bush's appearance during the Spindletop Centennial. When asked about Philip R. Klein, the former president purportedly said, "Philip who?"
Philip also claimed that he talks to Karl Rove at least once a week.
PRK told the Rotary Club that he has to sit in the back of restaurants, because people engage him wherever he goes. I suspect the real reason is because the host or hostess placed him near the kitchen to keep him out of sight, and it's easier for Klein to see who's throwing the empty bottles.
The fat detective also claimed he was personally trained by both the FBI and CIA.
As a business consultant, Klein claimed that he helped an unnamed national business from going bankrupt. This may be true; I suspect he spent a lot of money during the recession on food from Kroger, HEB, and Dairy Queen.

PRK talked so much that the club had to cut him off when they ran out of time. Because Klein rattled on and on, there was no time for Q&A, where members could question Philip. After his speech, however, Philip got a standing ovation from one person. Roughly (my estimate) 10 to 15 other people offered lackluster applause.

Other Speeches

Philip received an invitation from the Golden Triangle Republican Women:

Golden Triangle Women's Association Speech - The boss will be speaking on to the GTRW on March 1st - wait - this just in - there is a bi-laws change issue (according to the new president who spoke to the boss yesterday) - so the invite has been recanted and he will not be speaking on March 1st. There was no reschedule. Giggle. No guts no glory.

After the group rescinded (not recanted) their invitation, Philip posted his speech anyway. Typically, the speech was about Philip R. Klein. Here's the main point of the speech:

What I want to say and what I will say will be the same thing. You see when you get me - you get me. I am who I am am and I say what I say - and I get what I get. It is that simple.

Philip also claimed to have been a guest lecturer at the University of Houston:

This past week I had the opportunity to speak to three classes at the University of Houston. The topic - "Bloggers And How They Affect The Political Process." They were a great group of young people that really were interested in politics. Most where kids with huge ambitions and a not so good knowledge of the political process. However, they wanted to learn and they wanted to hear from someone in the political system that has been there and done that - on their level - meaning the internet.

After several people tried to verify this with U of H officials, Klein abruptly pulled the editorial three days after posting and never mentioned the issue again. Read about the entire incident in Five Questions and a Pack of Lies.

The Beaulieu Family

More mud-throwing, aimed at Nancy Beaulieu and her family:

Beaulieu - a RINO Republican - has draw sympathy over the last two weeks after some bad news was facing her and family members. To simply review - her son is under investigation by a special prosecutor and her husbands TV station has an open investigation regarding his sitting on the news desk up until 15 days ago. Nancy has some high up friends at the DA's office that may try and push back any announcement of indictments until after the election - but the FCC is set to announce their investigation - to which they cannot control it.

The FCC investigation was bald-faced lie. Neither did the DA's office "push back any announcements of indictments until after the election," as later developments proved. This didn't stop Philip from making this statement on Channel 4 KBTV:

We broke a story last week where two, they had to get a uh, uhhhhhh, special prosecutor from out of the area to come in and indict two Beaumont Police officers, which will happen either Thursday this week or the Thursday next week.

None of this ever happened.

Jefferson County 2011 Budget

In April, Philip R. Klein claimed:

Budget Numbers - We hear pre numbers are? Get this - they want to spend MORE MONEY THIS NEXT YEAR IN THE COUNTY. The number? 146 million? Get that! Wow! Thank you Easter Bunny!

Klein's fabricated this claim, since Commissioners were already grappling with a projected shortfall in revenue. Philip finally figured this out three months later when he claimed the county was bankrupt:

Jefferson County Texas is bankrupt. And the real number is going to be $21.5 million. But don't say anything.

We told you. We told you. We told you. We told you. And we told you. And it has begun - the excuses for why government cannot cut back. Meaning - get your frigging check books out - residents of Jefferson County and Business are now witnessing the FINAL ACT of Jefferson County and its financial health.

Well - the Review has learned that the smart old guys that watch your money on commissioners court have come up with a plan. And it was what we told you months ago they were going to do. So here is the plan for you in the media that want to write your page six story - or your blurb story after the weather.

The Plan :
Cut into the "Rainy Day Fund" - take almost all of it.
Increase Fees and Taxes
Get rid of political foes and neuter their staffs.

The shortfall actually turned out to be about $6 million. As it turned out, Jefferson County Commissioners made cuts in programs and services (example: the County Library) and staffing (example: nine deputy constables) for a budget totaling $107 million. This is $39 million less than Klein's prediction and $14 million less than last year's budget. Jefferson County Commissioners cut expenses by 11.7 percent. The tax rate remained constant at 36.5 percent and no fees were increased.

Senator Robert Nichols

Oh boy. We all knew Port Arthur did not want the big biker rally. And frankly we do not understand why a biker rally would come to Port Arthur? Kind of silly huh? But the story has taken a bad turn this week when Austin political forces got an earful from State Senator Robert Nichols.

The short story? According to organizers, Senator Nichols did a motorcycle ride down to the rally this past week in Port Arthur. He crossed the bridge and came to the gate (s) where the event was held. He was wearing his nice leathers and had a cool jacket on due to the rain he came through. He was stopped by a police officer at the gate - one from reportedly chambers county. The officer - not knowing who the senator was - asked him if he had a weapon on him. He replied to the officer that he could not ask him that question - to which the officer said - no I can't but I don't have to let you in and "we don't like your kind around here."

Sources in Austin tell the Review that the senator has opened warfare on the City of Port Arthur. He has staff looking over issues that "cover Port Arthur." Meaning - it is going to be a rough time for those Port Arthur Delegates that will be going to Port Arthur Day in Austin this next year. If you know what we are saying.

Another bald-faced lie. Sate Senator Nichols hasn't been in Port Arthur for years. On the day of this bike rally, he was at his lake house. Philip made it all up.

Mark Derouen v. Robert Reid

In reality, Judge Walker took Robert Reid off the ballot, after Reid admitted that some signatures were improperly collected in his petition for a place on the ballot. Klein claimed that the Texas Ethics Commission was investigating a complaint and typically, that Reid would file a lawsuit:

Reid hires legal counsel and prepares a lawsuit and appeal in the 9th - which by all indications will throw Walker out on his ear and embarrass Derouen and his attorney's. Sources tell the Review that an appeal is being tendered to the 9th court of appeals and a complaint has been drafted against Judge Walker (like he cares)- away from candidate Reid.

None of that happened.

Another Investigation:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has been told that an investigation is ongoing regarding a county employee that was caught in Dallas County Texas this past month on a red light camera.

As it turned out, the employee was on county business and driving a county-owned car. The employee paid the ticket and there was never an investigation.

Racist Statement of the Year:

You white people are fixing to get a true education on the black man and what he can do with money and lawyers. Lie, cheat and knock buildings down. What a great example for our "childrens" of the district.

We know we live in a county...where the black community is changing history in front of the publics [sic] nose by lying and cheating.

No comment necessary.

Klein V. Google

See this article. We await a decision on whether Judge Floyd from the Texas Supreme Court. Klein filed his original 202 petition in August 2009. .

Carrol Thomas Stadium

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned from a City of Beaumont source and an internal source at the BISD - that the new Carroll Thomas stadium may have serious structural problems and may be sinking into the ground.

Ah yes.....folks.....we said a total of $2.5 million. And that as our source said is a drop in the bucket.

The real cost, according to the Beaumont Enterprise:

In fact, it might even be cheaper than the $275,000 unhappy school board members allocated for the job on June 17, Ed Caillouette, Parsons program director, said.

Philip just made it up.

Cyberstalking

In recognition of his skill as a bully, the Stark Foundation hired Philip R. Klein to intimidate Facebook patrons. Read the whole story here.

Beaumont Underground (The Trog Blog)

Klein made this claim numerous times through the year:

On Friday Afternoons we try and read Trog from where we left off the week before. We must say that we are blamed for almost 50% of the posts on site. Smart readers get it that this is a chance for those in the media to dump on this site. We thought about dropping it - but you know.....it really shows.....so we will leave the connection to it. As you can assume - we DO NOT write on Trog unless we post it here also and place a watermark in the paragraph. So keep reading. And Enjoy - thanks to Trog for allowing me to post.

The operator of the blog, known only as Trog, tracked Klein's IP addresses on these signed comments and cross-referenced them with a number of unsigned lewd and libelous postings. These generally involved the genitalia of a local female TV personality and racist comments. Trog exposed Klein in an article here.

Afterwards, Klein wrote a purported affidavit where he claimed to have a secret IP address that spoofed his IP address - this is gibberish. Read more here.

The Search for Patrick McDermott:

On March 30, 2010, Klein announced that he had ended his search for the missing lighting technician who was 48 years old when he disappeared on June 30, 2005, from a fishing charter boat off San Pedro, California:

Investigators have concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. McDermott is alive. We have received both documentation and voice imprints from McDermott and from a "lawyer" that states he represents him. Mr. McDermott's wishes, according to his counsel, is not to be "hounded" any longer by investigators or the media. In return for our agreement to end our search - McDermott and his lawyer have sent our firm "proof of life." As we are now in the process of confirming the information provided to us this week - we will hold our investigation. If we find truth to what we have been provided - we will announce such.

This firms intentions, if the information is found true, will produce such to his family first, the US Coast Guard second, and lastly we will produce to the public in the form of a upcoming book : THE HUNT FOR PATRICK KIM MCDERMOTT - THE TRUTH BEHIND THE MAN.

From Associated Content:

I don't know who Klein works for or if he has taken this investigation on of his own accord, but reports last year had indicated McDermott was wanted for questioning in Texas in connection with the issue of his life insurance policy. Now the website is saying that McDermott "is not and has not been accused of a crime. He simply is wanted for questioning regarding his disappearance."

For my part, I'm just guessing, but I'd say they have bupkis. Why bother to come out with the story before confirming that the "evidence" you are satisfied with is the real thing?

During this time, Patrick McDermott's former wife, Yvette Nipar, filed a complaint with the Los Angeles Police Department alleging that Philip was stalking her. I'm looking forward to getting a first edition of Philip's forthcoming book.

Another Investigation

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned late this afternoon that the Jefferson County Commissioners, especially elected member Eddie Arnold may have violated the Fair Labor Standards act and that serious consideration is being given to filing a federal lawsuit against the county for the violation (s). An investigation has been called.

That never happened.

Jeff Brannick

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that incoming county judge Jeff Branick may step into office post the primary elections "as early as April of 2010" according to sources very close to the commissioners court.

Well - the conventional wisdom of the power structure in Jefferson County is that when Walker steps down, his number 2 and now candidate for Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick would be the shoe in for the replacement - or at least someone that would be in retirement or headed that way would take over and let the two candidates - Branick and former congressman Nick Lampson fight it out and take over at the end of the term.

That never happened either. This is still to be determined:

Jefferson County Judge Elect Jeff Branick will consider appointing current sitting commissioner Mark Domingue to an "Assistant to the County Judges" position this January.

SET Political Review

Numbers For The Review - The crack staff at our web site holder have forwarded us the final stats for the Review this past year. There were 343,928 direct hits on our front page, with 3,291,117 page views for all pages...Never - ever - did we dream it would ever be this big.

Wow - what a good week again for the Review. Another record page view week. The biggest in our history over 17 year history. We thank all of you for reading and now on to Tidbits!

You people at home that read this site - all 20,000 per week - get ready.

Snicker. No comment necessary.

Beaumont Chamber of Commerce

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned of a meeting over the weekend by two different high powered groups - being represented by some of the biggest names in business in Southeast Texas to affect change in the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.

That never happened either.

The Rhonda Dugas Conspiracy

And the filing fee was $1,500. Right? And that is a campaign expenditure? Right? And so.......what? Where is that as a listing on her campaign expenditure report and ....the bigger question - is where did the money come from? So we called a source at the democratic office who tells us it was a "cashiers check" for $1,500 filed.

Support - [Rhonda Dugas] has the support of the Walker clan that wants Carolyn Guidry out. They know that if they put a forth person in the race it may just break the vote enough to .......have two of the challengers win the race.

And Finally - Stillllllll......no.......campaign contribution report on Rhonda Dugas. Now she is over 12 days late - which is a clear violation of State Ethics law. You can read all about and watch it on your local TV news....oh...never mind. What the built they have aborted.

However, when you are in politics - you have to play by the rules. So - we here at the Review will file our complaint post checking the status of her campaign contribution report (s) at 5 p.m. And we will post it.

Klein never produced any evidence whatsoever that "the Walker clan" Rhonda's filing fee. Furthermore, a quick look at the campaign filings showed that Rhonda submitted all of her required campaign reports in a timely matter. Klein never filed a complaint.

KFDM

KFDM - the News Leader was ninth (in the top ten not bad). We are starting to think a metered market might show differences in the "book."

KFDM - Keep your ears open next week. Here come the changes. Watch for a mass exodus.

Speaking Of - God help us - the banks own KFDM and management is going to be replaced and restructured? Ouch? And layoffs are coming.

KFDM is going to lose out in the news race. Both KBTV and KBMT are coming on strong. Blame Uncle Larry, blame corporate, Channel 6 is not the same old " News Leader.."

None of those mass layoffs ever happened, although Fox 4 KBTV, also known as Klein TV, laid off six employees from the station's news operation. Decide for yourself which station is in trouble.

Tom Maness

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned this afternoon that Jefferson County District Attorney Thomas Maness has filed for an office that - according to the Texas Legislature - does not exist. Meaning - he filing illegally and should be dropped from the race effective immediately.

Actually, Klein was referencing a document where someone in the County Clerk's office mispelled the Jefferson County District Attorney's name. The investigation that Klein promised in subsequent postings never happened.

In a related story:

Klein endorsed Cornelius Williams

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned through five sources close to Cornelius Williams, you know, THE Cornelius Williams US Attorney - that he is in the final stages of deciding to run against the corrupt Jefferson County District Attorney TOM MANESS?

A source very close to Williams tells the Review : "I think it is time to flush the toilet bowl called Jefferson County and bring in a honest man into the District Attorney's office in Jefferson County."

Another source tells the Review that Williams is "as honest as Judge John Stevens" and is a man of "integrity."

We are speechless. Simply speechless. Where do we give money and what can we do to help?

As it turned out, there were numerous problems with the Williams' candidacy. From The Examiner:

Candidate for Jefferson County District Attorney Cornelius Williams Jr., who is a former prosecutor in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has refused to answer questions about why he has a probationary law license from the State Bar of Texas, telling a local television station the matter wasn't "germane" to the election.

"And it is not germane to the campaign," Williams told KFDM-TV6.

Information obtained by The Examiner from public records at the Jefferson County Elections Division revealed Williams had a November 2008 General Election mail ballot sent to him in "Patient Room 1303" at Memorial Hermann Hospital's Prevention and Recovery Center, located at 3043 Gessner Road in Houston, on Oct. 22, 2008.

"Known around the nation as 'The PaRC,' Memorial Hermann Prevention & Recovery Center is a drug and alcohol abuse treatment center located in Houston, Texas," states the center's Web site. "We have a 28-year history of successfully treating drug addicts, alcoholics and their families by helping them understand and manage the disease of addiction."

Klein never withdrew his endorsement.

Another bald-faced lie

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that courthouse security will be tightened in anticipation of crowds at the Jefferson County Commissioners Court as a public hearing is held on the budget. The meeting is to be held on Wednesday (tomorrow) and sources at the courthouse have told the Review that the Jefferson County Sheriffs Department has had a request by commissioners for extra security in the room and in the hallway.

Jefferson County Commissioners never scheduled a public hearing on the budget at the time Klein indicated. After the date passed, PRK never commented on why no one showed up for a meeting that never happened.

Judge Lupe Flores

So get this - a county court at law judge is going to run for re-election. So he gets some supporters to .... well write him a letter of support. So they do! And guess what? Well they violate election laws by using the seal of the County in an election ad that makes the letter look official. Don't believe us? Okay - here it is! An investigation has been called.

State campaign law specifically states:

Only officeholders may use the state seal in political advertising.

Although Klein accused Judge Flores of a Class A misdemeanor, no investigation ever happened.

David Bellow

We were then referred to the Texas National Guard PR Department who told us that : "We are aware of the situation down there. It is creating a stir," which the source demanded anonymity...he could face a court marshal. Meaning jail time and maybe a dishonorable discharge.

David Below may have lied to the military regarding his current status as a "full time student" which may land him in jail - or better yet to the front lines in Iraq within "the next two weeks." "We are aware of the situation down there. It is creating a stir," which the source demanded anonymity.

The Command Sergeant Major in David's National Guard unit wrote a letter soundly debunking Klein's lie.

David was later elected to the State Republican Executive Committee. Philip remains a liar to this day.

LL Melton Family YMCA

Philip R. Klein made this claim:

There is a movement inside city hall for the City of Beaumont to PURCHASE THE LL MILTON YMCA! Oh yes there is....and it has the votes? So now NANNY GOVERNMENT is going to get into the frigging YMCA business.

That never happened. In October, the Melton Y filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, but PRK missed that.

Eddie Arnold

Eddie's Mess - We just love it when you hit a politico in the tummy and he/she reacts. It is better than that - Eddie on the offensive which we love. So here is the story - Eddie sends an email to the GOP Chairman Shane Howard. And Howard, not thinking, sends the email (which is political in nature and has nothing to do with county business on a county computer on county time) as instructed to the JCRP and GTRW members. Two things happen - first we get a copy of the email from ten people laughing telling us to keep the heat on him.

Meaning that Klein isn't included on the JCRP mailing list.

Patrick Swain

PIR Launched - We sent our PIR to Patrick Swain. Paddie has yet to send the information. Tick Tock. It is only a test of time.

Speaking of time, Klein has never produced any documents related to his open records request.

Hatch Act Violations

Shook Up - We have been talking to the AG's office regarding the Hatch Act. Seemingly there are three that should resign today in order to comply with the law. We are digging a little deeper right now and will have a story next week. We have made the decision to expose the violations and leave it up to the media to follow up on.

So we called Washington DC - and asked the question at the United States Attorneys office. "The Hatch act clearly states that if federal funds are being used by a government agency any employee is precluded from running for office unless they take a leave or quit," said the spokesperson.

The bottom line - now that we know - IF YOU RUN FOR OFFICE IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AND YOU ARE AN EMPLOYEE OF A GOVERNMENT AGENCY IN EITHER AN ELECTED FORM OR HIRED FORM YOU MUST RESIGN FROM YOUR POST WHILE YOU ARE RUNNING FOR OFFICE IF YOUR OFFICE AND OR COUNTY RECEIVES A DIME IN FEDERAL FUNDS.

See here for the full story.

Funny posting

FROM: Philip R. Klein, Editor
TO: Philip R. Klein, Editor
DATE: March 5, 2010
RE: Newsroom announcements

Philip R. Klein has been promoted to Spellcheck Supervisor. Philip, who has been a great contributor to our daily news operation, will now oversee our spelling operations to ensure that we meet our daily quota of misspelled words and mangled grammar.

Philip R. Klein has assumed new duties as Research Editor, shifting his primary focus from finding unsubstantiated rumors to manufacturing our own content on a regular basis.

Philip R. Klein has joined our editorial staff as Assistant Editor of Editorials, where he will strengthen our efforts at providing fresh gibberish and nonsense under the guise of our biweekly "edtitorials."

We are also in the processing of hiring a new reporter. Our leading candidate is Philip R. Klein, who has extensive experience operating Dairy Queens in Nederland and has coordinated an international search for Patrick McDermott.

Keith Hawkes

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned this afternoon that Jefferson County Assistant Auditor Keith Hawkes may drop out of the race for County Treasure [sic].

According to sources that contacted the Review late this afternoon - Hawkes was upset about an article written by the Review this past week in stating that Hawkes background will be known for his relationship with County Auditor Patrick Swain.

Philip just made this up, too.

Vidor Fire Department

The OCESD / Vidor Fire department union simply wants the best man for the job. They do not believe that the chief is as qualified or holds the qualifications necessary to do the job. So they have consulted legal counsel and will file a suit.

That never happened, either.

Jesse Haynes

Resignation - We are hearing that "The Mad Hatter" as she is now being called - Ms. Haynes - may resign her position. The heat is on inside BISD. She has gone too far.

The only person calling names is Philip R. Klein, since "Mad Hatter" is another of Klein's signatures; he made the same claim against County Commissioner Mark Domingue on September 11, 2009, and others before that. Jessie never resigned.

Happy New Year!

Breaking News: Off The Air (Again)?

2010-12-29T23:39:00.005-06:00

Over the past several months, Philip R. Klein wrote:

Bill Leger got on the air and said ON AIR that Beaulieu was leaving the set until after the election to insure that there was no conflict of interest in the election. That got tongues wagging - and we have learned that the law may have been breached. According to two lawyers we spoke with over the last week - an FCC investigation has been launched regarding Larry staying on the air past his wife's filing back in January.

To simply review - her son is under investigation by a special prosecutor and her husbands TV station has an open investigation regarding his sitting on the news desk up until 15 days ago. Nancy has some high up friends at the DA's office that may try and push back any announcement of indictments until after the election - but the FCC is set to announce their investigation - to which they cannot control it.
Media Needs - FOX 4 is KILLING the others over breaking stories. What is up with that?
Popular - Sources tell us at FOX4 that our segment is so popular every Wednesday that people are tuning in at the Jefferson County Court House on the new cable system put in for TV. Huh?
Popular 2 - We hear that we are so popular that some politicos are so mad that they are going to demand a boycott of FOX4. Uh....they are watching? Right? Makes no sense other than a bunch of mean bad ugly democrats. Okay - that was overboard. Just p[**]d.
KFDM - Keep your ears open next week. Here come the changes. Watch for a mass exodus.

From the Beaumont Enterprise blog, The Bayou:

Our tribute to the soon-to-be defunct Fox4 morning zoo. Wonder what else over there will soon be “defunct” — might be the whole darn station (hint: there were more than a half-dozen layoffs TODAY, including a noted on-air personality who’s name does NOT rhyme with Peldra Mingham or Mangle Fan Ron). Pink slips with your eggnog. Happy holidays!

Perhaps the name of the "noted on-air personality" roughly rhymes with "Slime?"

PRK On Christmas

2010-12-18T08:23:00.010-06:00

Season's Greetings from
Operation Kleinwatch!

The Same Old Think

2010-11-29T15:40:00.004-06:00

After reading the effluvia that Philip vomited forth in the past 12 days, I'll have to play catch-up over the next week. As an example, Philip's big "expose'" concerning the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission is typically riddled with inaccuracies, speculative and unsubstantiated claims, and misleading half-truths. For the record, Port Arthur Mayor Bobbie Prince is not a member nor does she have anything to do with the Hardin County Disaster Alliance, Inc.

On another subject, the Sam The Eagle Political Review conducted an investigation and discovered that even though PRK's swimming pool cost $39,400, the pool is listed with a value of $5,000 for tax purposes. Read about that here.

Regarding Philip's latest postings, he claimed in a posting "City Hall Whispers:"

One source, very close to the city council of Beaumont tells the Review : "After this trial - we are going to have to look at some changes to the Beaumont Police Department. We have really great police officers. But we also have some that need to leave. And we need a command change in my view. I have seen the video, I have seen other videos that you have posted as well as other sites. I just see a pattern of how our officers look at the citizens. My belief is they are there to serve and protect. I just see a culture that has arisen in our police department and that needs to change."

Philip was for the cops before he was against them. The turning point during one of Klein's investigations, when a victim complained that Klein's investigators were trespassing:

In his latest posting "Tick Tock," Philip threatens Brent Weaver:

As well, [Tea Party Activists"] will be watching newly elected Brent Weaver and his voting record on spending. Weaver - who has gone all but silent during the last election cycle is seen as a Hawk when it comes to spending - but who knows? He is still a democrat according to many in the Tea Party.

"I think Weaver has surrounded himself with supporters that put into his head he has a mandate. He should have looked around a little. If he had a republican that ran him he would have lost," said our source in the Tea Party movement.

I think Weaver hasn't taken office yet; Klein is suffering from premature expectation again.

OK On Holiday

2010-11-21T14:46:00.003-06:00

Part One - SETRPC (Part One)

2010-11-17T20:48:00.004-06:00

In his latest posting, Philip R. Klein presents the first of a 10-part series on the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETPRC):

To give you an example of one taste of the corruption - to start this multipart story over the next 10 weeks - we wanted to start with something simple before we get to the real good stuff over the next weeks.

Klein offered this simplistic description of the SETRPC:

Many years ago - a quasi government clearing house was created. It is called the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission. It's job is to apply, accept and distribute that money to the places to which it needs to go to help in disaster relief or funding for projects through non-profits. And when you get a bunch of money - well here come the politicos. In fact - politicos run the SET Regional Planning Commission and are assigned to its board and leadership.

Here are the facts, according to Chapter 391 of the Texas Local Government Code:

The Texas Legislature created the Southeast Regional Planning Commission in 1970 as one of 24 regional planning commissions that cover the state. These regional planning commissions are voluntary associations of local governments. Klein's description of the commission as a "quasi-government clearing house" underscores his ignorance.
As such, § 391.006 clearly states that at least two-thirds of each commission must be composed of elected officials from the region. This is distinctly different from Klein's claim that "when you get a bunch of money - well here come the politicos."
The primary purpose of the SETPRC is not to provide disaster relief or funding for nonprofit organizations as Klein claims. Instead, § 391.001 directs these regional planning commissions to join and cooperate to improve the health, safety, and general welfare of their residents, and plan for the future development of communities, areas, and regions. While disaster recovery falls under the purview of the SETRPC, it's not the primary purpose as Klein claims.

One would expect a self-proclaimed political consultant to understand the basic concepts.

Klein's premise in 33 words is that Bo Alfred, Bobbie Prince, Suzanne Simmons, and Jimmy Grimes conspired to defraud the Hardin County Disaster Recovery Alliance, Inc., of $15,000 to illegally remodel a home belonging to Jessie Haynes, a resident of Jefferson County.

Typically, Klein claimed that an anonymous agency with the "Federal Government in Texas" is investigating:

What started as a place for help - has turned into a political piggy bank for political officials which has drawn two investigations by the Federal Government that has been on going for the past two years, according to sources close to the Federal Government in Texas.

I'm skeptical that this unnamed agency chose to reveal this investigation only to Philip R. Klein and the Southeast Texas Political Review. If PRK's dubious claims are true, a two-year investigation into this incident with no official indictments speaks volumes about Klein's credibility.

Regarding the Hardin County Disaster Recovery Alliance, Inc, Klein claimed:

After the storm - both federal and private funds were placed into grant system for the citizens of Hardin County Texas. It is called the Hardin County Disaster Recovery Alliance, Inc. It is managed by the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission. It is funded - big time - more than $15,000,000 (yes we said millions).

Compare Klein's claims of $15 million dollars with the corporation's Form 990s (annual contributions are in parentheses):

2008 Form 990 ($1,635,889)
2007 Form 990 ($3,506,306)
2006 Form 990 ($240,511)

While the 2009 Form 990 isn't online yet, the nonprofit reported income of $780,893. The income over the existence of this nonprofit totaled $6,163,599, not $15,000,000 as Klein claims.

Neither is this nonprofit managed by the SETRPC. The principals in the corporation are Treasurer Joe Penland, Secretary Rita Peterson, Executive Director Tony Thornton, Director Fred Williams, Director Lance Harmond, and Director Fred Ariline.

After this, Klein's conspiracy theory crosses into the Twilight Zone:

According to records and interviews given to the Review - Jessie Haynes made contact with Bo Alfred regarding some funding for her home that "was damaged" by the hurricane. She needed some money because her insurance company was...well...let's just say not paying. Why? There were questions regarding if the damage was from the hurricane or simply on old house that was falling down and she wanted a remodel job?

The three documents that Klein posted do not support these unsubstantiated allegations. I'm reminded of Klein's claim last week that Judge Gist was fired, then rehired after the Southeast Texas Political Review exposed a conspiracy involving Judge Layne Walker and Bigfoot, currently living in Colorado.

To be continued - I'll have more tomorrow!

This History Lesson that Philip Missed

2010-11-15T19:03:00.005-06:00

Philip R. Klein wrote this tripe in his latest article on the Southeast Texas Political Review:

And so it is written - and so it is done. History will take place today, November 15, 2010. Shane Howard will be sworn into office as Tax Assessor Collector. And with that - history will have been made in Southeast Texas. Jefferson County now has a county wide elected official in the courthouse.

Factcheck: Jefferson County has had "countywide elected officials in the courthouse" since 1836 and the first election as one of the original counties in the Republic of Texas.

If Klein meant a Republican countywide official, that's happened before, too, but not since Jefferson County Judge W.A. Cushman won election in 1876. Do your own research and leave a comment if I missed someone.

Philip issued this thinly-veiled threat to Shane Howard:

Well - not anymore. Welcome to the Tea Party Mr. Howard as you swear in today. Enjoy your day - them remember why we all put you there. And it was not to spend our money - we want smaller government and less taxes. And tell your new found friends in the courthouse the message - or expect some changes.

Klein is confused about the duties of a county tax assessor collector who collects money. The county commissioners spend it through the county budget.

I have my own advice for Shane Howard and all county officials: avoid Philip R. Klein and the lunatic fringe, please. I suspect most of us want the most efficient government at the best price possible.

Symptom Six (A Series)

2010-11-14T19:59:00.002-06:00

Last week, Philip R. Klein wrote on the Southeast Texas Political Review:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned from two sources inside the Jefferson County Courthouse - that Drug Impact Court Judge Larry Gist will lose his job - if he has not already. And his long time assistant and coordinator will be (or already has been) will be given the option to retire or leave.

According to our sources, who demand anonymity, Judge Gist learned of the impending dismissal as he was recovering in a hospital from a fall...behind the decision was Jefferson County Judge Layne Walker - who according to sources - was upset at the Judge's demands for an IAD investigation and the overturning of a sentence for a Port Arthur man.

According to sources, Officer Beaulieu and Officer Heilman of the Beaumont Police Department may have signed a confession that they lied in a sworn affidavit to the court as well as the accusations of money missing from a drug bust.

Philip also wrote a letter to himself about his editorial on the passing of his father:

You and I have had words before and you know how I feel about your web site. I am going to say that your editorial was one of the best things I have ever read. It came from your heart young man. I printed a copy and gave it to my children. Thank you for sharing him with us and lighten up on us democrats a little.

There are several of Klein's signature grammatical train wrecks. For example, note the present participle in passive voice followed by an infinitive in the second sentence, and the missing capitalization of Democrats. Philip has a hard time determining capitalization for Democrats, Republicans, and a democratic republic. Neither is this the first time that Philip has written congratulatory messages to himself under the guise of reader mail.

From his so-called editorial:

My son and I were at our annual opening weekend deer hunting trip. It seems my sons birthday falls on opening weekend every year - so Charley and I go for a little bit of father and son time. Something that I never did with my dad - but I swore that I would do things like that with my son.

As I woke my son up at 12:30 a.m. Sunday morning to tell him the news, as we Klein's do it, we just say it straight. After Charley laid back down to sleep - I sat on the edge of my bed and thought about my time with my father and what he taught me about life and politics. And I smiled. Why did I smile?

Maybe it was the time when some very hurtful things were said by political web sites in Southeast Texas about my family, myself and my businesses. He told me that the people writing that stuff were some of my best readers and should be thanked for being so loyal and to thicken up a little and stay in the game and hit harder.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines Narcissistic Personality Disorder (301.81) as:

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following [symptoms]:

(6) is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends

To be continued. Read the rest of the articles in this series:

Enterprise

2010-11-14T19:26:00.005-06:00

In lieu of real content, Philip R. Klein dredges up a familiar theme in his latest posting:

The Southeast Texas Political Review was leaked numbers from the Beaumont Enterprise and their current circulation. And frankly - it is beyond not good - it a a true crash in readership.
According to the numbers shared with us by insiders at the Enterprise - well we will let you decide :

Daily 2010 :    26,542
Daily 2009 :    30,901    = Down 15%

And it is not any better on the weekend :

Sunday 2010 :    31,911
Sunday 2009 :    36,125    = Down 12%

The Beaumont Enterprise circulation according to Nationwide Newspapers:

Daily: 51,296
Sunday: 58,692

From Oct. 13, 2008:

The Review has learned that the building that the Enterprise enjoys may be going on the sales block as early as next week. "I have been told that if drastic measures are not taken here we will be out of business in the next 60 days," said one employee of the Enterprise that demanded anonymity.

From Dec. 11, 2008:

Sources inside the Beaumont Enterprise tell the Review that the gong is getting ready to be rung. According to our sources - layoffs, non-hiring and a "drop dead" day for the Beaumont Enterprise has been given to management

From Jan. 15, 2009:

Backroom sources say that Hearst will try to sell off the paper within the next year after getting their numbers stabilized and at least hitting bottom on the decrease of subscribers. In the wings are the owners of the "Examiner" we are told.

From February 10, 2009:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that Hearst will make "whatever announcement they will make" no later than April 14, 2009. Our sources is a high level source with Hearst. At stake is whether or not the Enterprise will continue to be printed.

From May 29, 2010:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned of internal "talk" and "planning" to stop the printed product of the Beaumont Enterprise - and only have a paid subscription on the internet to the Newspaper.

From July 23, 2010:

Building For Sale - We hear the Beaumont Enterprise building will go up for sale "pretty soon." Got that from a realtor...Downsizing still.

Philip reaches this conclusion in this posting:

People continue to move to our web site and others to get there [sic] political and other news - as well as commentary that does not support the status quo or the power base. They want to read what the real story is....and it is....here.

So - now for the big news? The Southeast Texas Political Review will crest one half a million direct log ins this week - as well as hitting well over 3 million page views (all pages).

Why? Because people just have had enough of the left wing crap that is spewed from the Enterprise and those left wing whack jobs that simply don't get it but are willing to go down with the ship rather than put out a fair and balanced product.

Speaking of "whack jobs," consider these numbers.

Friends on Facebook:

The Beaumont Enterprise: 9,066
The SET Political Review: 194

Daily page views according to Website Outlook

The Beaumont Enterprise: 15,250
The SET Political Review: 173

World rank according to Sitelogr.com:

The Beaumont Enterprise: 116,717
The SET Political Review: 6,887,636

See more about Narcissistic Personality Disorder here.

Nitwit Tidbits™

2010-11-14T11:06:00.009-06:00

I intended to give Philip R. Klein a pass in the past week out of respect to his father's death. After Philip exploited the illness of Judge Larry Gist as collateral damage in his personal and one-sided feud with Judge Layne Walker, I changed my mind.

See here, here, and here. Also, see the special notice at the end of this article.

Here are the real facts:

Judge Gist is suffering from congestive heart disease, not a fall as Klein originally claimed.
Judge Gist was never fired as Klein originally claimed.
Philip R. Klein did not save Judge Gist's job as Klein now claims.
Both Judges Layne Walker and John Stevens jointly oversee the Drug Impact Court, yet Klein never mentioned Judge Stevens.
Judges Walker and Stevens helped with Judge Gist's docket to keep the court operating. This is commonplace in circumstances such as this, regardless of Klein's claims.
Judge Gist returned to Jefferson County through the efforts of Judge Bob Wortham, who sent his own plane to Colorado to pick up Judge Gist.
The court coordinator for Judge Gist was terminated, but not because of the reasons stated in Klein's fictitious account. Neither did Klein never comment on Susan Beck's connection to the Beaumont Police Department.
Klein has not offered any evidence whatsoever that these officers lied, falsified court documents, and stole drug money. Nor were they indicted a month ago as Klein stated on his weakly Channel 4 commentary. These are defamatory statements, since our judicial system operates under the assumption that all are innocent until proven guilty.
KBTV Channel 4 is complicit in this defamation, who issued no disclaimer to Klein's slanderous statements. Neither were Klein's statements challenged by morning anchor Mike McNeil. Klein's unsubstantiated claims do not constitute credible evidence.
Officer Brad Beaulieu is the son of Larry Beaulieu, who manages Channel 6 KFDM, the area's top TV station and Channel 4 KBTV's primary competitor. Channel 4's news director, Angel San Juan, has editorial control over content and is a former employee of Channel 6.

At the same time, Philip R. Klein exploited the passing of his father in a transparent ploy for sympathy. His long-winded "editorial" and the comments in his Nitwit Tidbits™ this week are more about Philip R. Klein than Fred Klein.

It's indicative of Klein's personality disorder that as a public figure, he would include these personal observations about his family on a "controversial political blog" (his words) and not expect comment.

Editors Note : There is no way to express my thanks to the readers that I know - and don't know personally that have written to myself this week regarding the death of my father, Fred Klein. I stopped counting sometime Tuesday.

Presumably, Philip ran out of fingers and toes to count, since his father's obituary generated only three comments as of this morning.

Gator Bye Bye - Rumors seem to be true? It seems Gators other half has bailed out of the Enterprise and is moving up north? Will the Gator pack the gator bag and go too? We will find out in the next week we are told.

Rather than "bailing out," Kris Worrell made a career move to become editor of a newspaper near her home town. Ironically, Philip illegally posted an internal memo from Hearst, which contradicted his own claim. He also missed this jewel:

Please join Bill and me in expressing our very best wishes to Kris and her family as they begin an exciting, if undoubtedly chillier, next chapter in their lives."

The person referenced here is Bill Offill. In May 2010, Bill was appointed Publisher of the Beaumont Enterprise after serving as Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at the Houston Chronicle. In September 2010, Klein claimed:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that the Beaumont Enterprise slashed pay 20% to their employees and the new sales guru has left the Enterprise and gone back to Houston, according to sources inside the paper.

Sources tell the Review that "a mass exodus" can be anticipated over the next two weeks as the editors in Houston and in New York now contemplate moving the Enterprise under the wing of the Houston Chronicle sometime by the end of the year, again. according to sources inside the paper.

For the record, employee salaries weren't cut, a mass exodus "over the next two weeks," didn't occur, and Bill Offill is still in place. While we're not at the end of the year yet, I strongly suspect that the Beaumont Enterprise will still be operating after January 1, 2011. To be revisited.

The King Spoke - Oh...now he wants more classrooms - right after the hotel and confernce center? You have to be kidding us!

Philip has yet to comment on the controversial decision by Judge Donald Floyd, who refused to enforce a restraining order preventing the Beaumont ISD from moving forward with its plans to build a hotel and convention center near the new athletic complex. Apparently Philip supported Judge Floyd's decision.

No Charges - Orange PD escapes a big political bullet. Well...maybe not yet. It seems the civil lawyers are circling. We will see.

I wonder if Philip has personally solicited business from this family with claims of a cover-up and how he can expose the corruption in the Orange Police Department, or is this Klein's standard operating procedure for murder-suicides only?

KFDM - Now is upset with us for exposing the story of the court clerk for Gist getting fired? They are getting calls? Good.

Philip just made this up. After spending some time in past weeks reading the KFDM Community Forum, the station considers Klein an ankle-biter. On a related issue, how's that FCC investigation into Larry Beaulieu coming along, Philip?

Garth House - The Garth House has their 20th Anniversery this year. Maybe it is time to participate for all of you that might have a few bucks left over? A great cause.

Perhaps Philip will donate all of that money collected through his non-existent charity, The Gadfly 2001 Trust, Inc (AKA The Gadfly Foundation), under the guise of Jacob's House. Philip called this a charity; I call it fraud.

BISD Sued Again - Non payment of funds for the bond construction. Imagine that.

Philip just made it up. Imagine that. Read the real story here.

Gist - We are told he is doing better. A great family. Wonderful.

From a source inside the Gist family: "Phil Klein is a liar." While I try hard to avoid quoting "anonymous sources who demand anonymity," I couldn't resist this one.

Special Notice:

As of now, the Operation Kleinwatch Facebook page is no longer open to the public. I'm concerned that those readers who defied Philip R. Klein don't fully understand the implications of going after the devil with a rusty fork.

In this latest case, Philip again pirated more Facebook content from Lindsey Brackin, a reader of Operation Kleinwatch. As in the last instance, he included Lindsey's photo:

Quote Of The Week - This was sent to us by a reader that was upset. Our only comment - let it go - she is very young and not real mature - this was her comment on the death of our editors father :

Lindsey Marie Brackin Probably from embarrassment... too soon?
November 8 at 3:42pm

Typically, Klein missed the greater truth in Lindsey's statement. Most responsible parents try hard to teach their children that lying, stalking, bullying, self-aggrandizement, intimidation, and psychotic behavior are not morally and ethically acceptable.

Special message to Lindsey: Welcome to the conspiracy! We meet monthly at 1825 Calder. Email me for the secret handshake and password.

Moronic One-Word Titles

2010-11-11T19:55:00.015-06:00

The title of Philip R. Klein's latest posting "Lies" is quite appropriate, since he was caught in a blatant falsehood concerning Judge Larry Gist. See here and here for the back story,

In his new version, Philip substantially changed his story and is now claiming credit for saving Judge Gist's job:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned early this morning that TV Station KFDM was lied to regarding the status of Judge Larry Gist.

Or did KFDM put a spin piece on the entire situation?

According to six sources, including a source very close to the judge himself - until the Review broke the story early this week - the presiding judges position was going to me removed by the criminal courts with the approval of the county judges office.

Furthermore, the judge was to be informed of the decision upon his return post hospital stay, however, due to the amount of phone calls and media attention the decision was reversed.

Occam's razor suggests that Philip is an idiot, rather than an elaborate conspiracy between the local media, the Beaumont Police Department, the Jefferson County Judiciary, the Jefferson County District Attorney's office, a special prosecutor from Brazos County, Operation Kleinwatch, and the Bavarian Illuminati.

In this paragraph, Philip R. Klein manipulated the real truth to further his own personal agenda against Judge Layne Walker:

[The court coordinator] began the task of arraigning to have the judge flown back on a private jet because she was told that he could not survive a commercial jet flight. The coordinator got in her car and drove the 19 hours to Colorado to make the arraignments for a doctor and a private jet to get him back to Southeast Texas.

Factcheck: Judge Bob Wortham flew Judge Gist back to Jefferson County in his personal plane. Oops, I think Philip missed again.

Judge Gist's coordinator was indeed dismissed, but not under the circumstances that Klein claims. Since this termination is an HR issue between an employee and employer, I'll not comment except to say: Philip lies.

Here's a question for Philip: is there a connection between the Beaumont Police Department and this employee? If so, doesn't this disprove your conspiracy theory?

Philip made this offer to disgruntled county employees:

Message to county employees - CALL US - WE WILL LISTEN and we WILL KEEP YOU SAFE AND TELL YOUR STORY.

I'm reminded of the purported whistle blower who informed Philip R. Klein that Judge Gillam was allegedly having sex on his desk in his office. After Judge Gillam sued Klein for defamation and produced security videotapes that disproved PRK's bizarre story, Philip gave up his purported source to save himself.

As part of the settlement, Philip was forced to print this retraction on June 8, 2008.

Questions have been raised on a story the Review covered this past year in March. So the Review made the decision to take another look at the original story and do some follow ups.

In March of 2007, sources called the Review telling us there was an incident of an encounter between a Judge and somebody – and an employee that may have been witness to the event and slammed a glass door and broke it. The Review published the story and it appeared on this website in March and again in April of this past year. It was further discussed on the Political Review Radio show on KOLE Radio.

Since that time, the Review has conducted a full and complete investigation into the claims. We have discovered numerous inaccuracies from witnesses and at least one of the original sources to the story has been found to have been lying to the Review. As well, this witness may have had a political agenda towards the judge in an attempt to run for the Judge’s office. The Review has had an opportunity to view the surveillance videotape which leads support to Judge Gillam’s side of the story.

Evidence that we now have obtained indicates that the Review must side with Judge Gilliam and his denial of the incident. Seemingly, Judge Gillam is a victim in an attempt to smear him in the court of public opinion and that is not fair to him, his family, supporters and any other public person that may choose to serve their community. In the Review’s opinion, Judge Gillam is innocent of the accusations against him.

Judge Gillam is due an apology from those that attempted to smear his name by using this web site and the media in general in an attempt to garner office.

As I pointed out at the time, an ethical journalist would have investigated the story before printing hearsay as fact. Philip never personally apologized for this. Had Gillam not sued Klein for defamation, PRK would never have retracted that story.

I'm also reminded of another incident where Klein claimed:

They have kept it very quiet from the media. But now they are ready to talk. And as one of the first media groups, being a blog, two members of the Port Arthur Fire Department are speaking with the Review.

The Fire Department and the City have reached an impasse according to the sources and it looks like their fight is headed to mediation. At stake? Two main issues - being money and a program called "boot strap" or as some in the fire department call "black strap."

This prompted a response from the Port Arthur Firefighters Association posted on the front page of their website (emphasis is mine):

Building Bridges Not Burning Them
Updated On: Jun 22, 2008 (14:15:00)

On Tuesday June 17, 2008, a blog from the Southeast Texas Political Review website, written by Phillip Klein, was circulated around City Hall. The blog alleged that two members of the Port Arthur Fire Department had come forward to speak on matters concerning the ongoing contract negotiations between Local 397 and the City. The blog is completely unfounded, baseless, and without merit.

None of the information or statements in his blog is true or correct. Local 397 and the City have not reached complete impasse, however a date for mediation has been set. Neither side in the negotiation process has ever mentioned the implementation of a "Boot-Strap" program, nor has the City offered in any of its proposals anything less than four percent for wages. Furthermore, the City Council has not provided any input into the negotiating process indicating an agenda that preferred the hiring of minorities over any other qualified individuals.

Port Arthur Professional Fire Fighters Local 397 and the City of Port Arthur are working together to achieve a complete contract with language that is acceptable to both parties. Negotiations thus far have been positive and have contained constructive dialogue. Local 397 is optimistic that a complete contractual agreement will be obtained prior to reaching complete impasse.

It is the position of Local 397 that Mr. Klein's blog is a complete fabrication. No member of our organization would ever participate in such an irresponsible act as to offer such erroneous "insight" into the bargaining process. Local 397 also rejects the tone and language used in Mr. Klein's blog and considers it sensational and inflammatory in nature. This blog in no way represents the views or opinions of Local 397.

Only authorized statements or media releases provided by the principle officers of Local 397 represent the positions, viewpoints, or opinions of the Port Arthur Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Klein's blog, "The Fight Is On", is an egregious use of media charged with falsehoods that can only distract from the truth. It is our hope that the irresponsible actions of this individual can be overlooked and that both parties in the bargaining process will continue to move forward.

As it turned out, the firefighters and the city reached an agreement less than two weeks later, and none of the issues that Klein mentioned played a part in the negotiations.

I'm still waiting for Philip's thrice-promised follow-up article to his claim concerning a purported announcement from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. According to PRK, the ATF is "investigating" the Regional Planning Commission for the arson of the First Baptist Church in Kountze to cover up evidence of fraud.

That never happened. Neither did most of these events concerning Judge Larry Gist, at least not in the way that Klein describes.

Untouchable

Klein posted this story about the Beaumont ISD today, after I published the article immediately below, entitled "What? No Comment?" His posting has no substance, but as noted in my origianl article, Klein failed to mention this decision (from an article on the Southeast Texas Record):

Judge Floyd said since no contract has been signed and there was only possible discussions between the district and contractors, then he could not issue the restraining order at this time.

Also as noted, an official request for qualifications seems evidence of intent and constitutes more than "possible discussions," at least in my opinion.

In his response to my article, Klein did not reference Judge Floyd, who signed PRK's improper subpoena for information regarding the Google accounts of Sam The Eagle and me.

Administrivia

One of the anonymous servers I use to house images on Operation Kleinwatch (www.imagechicken.com) is apparently having problems. Rather than relocating the images to another server and recoding the pages, I'll leave the images as they are for the time being.

If the server is down permanently, I'll fix in a few days. In the meantime, I apologize for not meeting the high standards originally set by the Southeast Texas Political Review (snicker).

What? No Comment?

2010-11-11T05:57:00.003-06:00

Philip R. Klein has avoided comment on the latest round in the proposed Beaumont ISD Hotel and Convention Center. From the Southeast Texas Record, dated Nov. 10, 2010:

Judge Floyd allows BISD to press on with possible $50M event center & hotel

The Beaumont Independent School District can carry on with discussions about possibly building a hotel and events center -- a speculative $50 million project -- near its new football stadium, thanks to a local judge's Nov. 8 ruling.

Despite contradictory testimony from a board member, Jefferson County Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, found that Superintendent Carrol Thomas was following the direction of the BISD school board when he began requesting qualifications for potential builders.

On Oct. 27, Beaumont residents Sonny Sherman, Chester Sherman and Michael Neil filed and obtained a temporary injunction against BISD, hoping to stop the district from constructing a proposed 8,000-seat multipurpose event center and 200-300 room hotel at the site of the Carrol A. "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center on Interstate 10.

Beaumont attorney Michael Getz is representing the plaintiffs.

After hearing the arguments, Judge Floyd found that the Beaumont ISD could proceed:

The plaintiffs in the case maintain the proposed building site, according to the $389 million 2007 bond, can only be used for the construction of new school buildings.

They allege BISD misled voters in 2007 by not declaring that they intended on building an events center and hotel with taxpayer money.

They further claim the athletic complex has already "ballooned" over budget by $15 million.

Judge Floyd said since no contract has been signed and there was only possible discussions between the district and contractors, then he could not issue the restraining order at this time. He said the matter could come up again in the future, however.

In my opinion, an official request for qualifications is evident of intent and constitutes more than "possible discussions." Since Klein has ignored this, perhaps he should explain why.

Target Next

2010-11-10T20:48:00.001-06:00

As promised yesterday, here's an update on Klein's claim that Judge Larry Gist was fired by Judge Layne Walker, according to statements given to Channel 6 KFDM:

"I've been diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension, which isn't good," Judge Gist told KFDM News during a telephone conversation Tuesday night from his room at Baptist. "But the good news is that it's treatable with medicine. I expect to spend a few more days at Baptist. Then within a couple of weeks I'll be back on the bench. That's the plan."

252nd Court Judge Layne Walker told KFDM News he and Criminal District Court Judge John Stevens will help fill the void created by Judge Gist's absence by handling some of his cases until he returns to court.

"The docket will move forward," said Judge Walker. "Lord hopes he can come back and continue. Until he reaches that point we'll help with the day to day functions. His health is the primary concern. He would want the court to run in his absence to ensure justice is carried out."

In his latest article, Klein detailed another conspiracy involving the Jefferson County Republican Party (JCRP) Executive Committee and the Southeast Texas Tea Party:

The SET Political Review has learned that the JCRP Executive Committee, along with Tea Party activist, have targeted the City of Beaumont city council races this spring.

"Our next target will be the City of Beaumont City Council. We have four people that have told us they want to run for the offices and clean up the city council," said our source.

The targets are those city council persons that have voted for all of the crazy spending in ditches in downtown as well as have supported the city of Beaumont Police Chief. According tot he sources the city of Beaumont police department needs new leadership. As well, the Tea Party members and the GOP have grown increasing concerned with current Mayor Becky Ames and her tax and spend polices on quality of life issues in Beaumont.

"Ames is on the table. We have a great well known candidate that is not scared to engage the community regarding BISD and how it has hurt Beaumont. We need a leader - not simply someone that tries to manage our lives and give us parks to play in. Beaumont has really high unemployment and businesses have been over taxed. It is time to change that," said the source.

In recent weeks, Philip has become the self-appointed spokesperson for the Southeast Texas Tea Party and the JCRP Executive Committee. While municipal elections in Texas are nonpartisan, the Beaumont City Council already has four Republicans.

Regardless of what Philip says, I don't believe the JCRP Executive Committee is talking trash about four of its elected officials. Longtime readers may remember this 2008 comment from Philip, attributed to "anonymous sources within the Jefferson County GOP":

Two are waiting in the wings to run the only GOPER for any seat - being Eddie Arnold...Arnold we are told is getting a fundraiser together with some local democrats;

In reality, Jefferson County Commissioner Eddie Arnold ran unopposed in the primary. Since he was unopposed in the General Election, he won reelection by default. Neither did Arnold hold a fundraiser with local Democrats.

Typically, Philip R. Klein missed the most pressing issue: with four Republicans and three Democrats, who will be appointed to fulfill Councilmember (and Republican) Nancy Beaulieu's term when she assumes her new duties as JP after the first of the year?

Special Statement: The reader and master of satire who invented "Philip R. Kliar" deserves a special meritorious mention. Have you considered blogging and ridiculing idiots on the public stage as an enjoyable hobby?

Gist Out

2010-11-09T19:15:00.003-06:00

In "Gist Out," Philip R. Klein wrote on the Southeast Texas Political Review:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned from two sources inside the Jefferson County Courthouse - that Drug Impact Court Judge Larry Gist will lose his job - if he has not already. And his long time assistant and coordinator will be (or already has been) will be given the option to retire or leave.

According to our sources, who demand anonymity, Judge Gist learned of the impending dismissal as he was recovering in a hospital from a fall.

Comparing congestive heart disease to "a fall" is disingenuous and constitutes exploitation of a sad event.

Out of respect to Judge Gist, I'll revisit this after a statement is made by a credible source. Philip, his bias from petty personal agendas, and his pack of anonymous sources are not believable, but the truth is common knowledge throughout Jefferson County.

Likewise, there is no truth whatsoever in this bizarre conspiracy theory:

As well, Gist learned that his clerk would be dismissed or retired. Behind the decision was Jefferson County Judge Layne Walker - who according to sources - was upset at the Judge's demands for an IAD investigation and the overturning of a sentence for a Port Arthur man.

According to sources, Officer Beaulieu and Officer Heilman of the Beaumont Police Department may have signed a confession that they lied in a sworn affidavit to the court as well as the accusations of money missing from a drug bust. Both Beaulieu and Heilman are still on the job - as a grand jury has been hearing testimony regarding the case and a special prosecutor has been assigned from Brazoria County Texas.

Shane Phelps serves as First Assistant District Attorney in Brazos County, not Brazoria County. Imagine that, a self-proclaimed political consultant can't even keep up with the players.

If not true, the deliberate implication that Officers Beaulieu and Heilman "signed a confession that they lied in a sworn affidavit" is defamatory speech and actionable under civil law.

Channel 4 KBTV is complicit in this defamation. In a televised commentary, Klein claimed the officers would be indicted on Thursday, October 27, 2010:

Philip R. Klein: We broke a story last week where two, they had to get a uh, uhhhhhh, special prosecutor from out of the area to come in and indict two Beaumont Police officers, which will happen either Thursday this week or the Thursday next week. They, uh, I just don't know how to explain to you Mike - you're from outside the area but you're getting oriented to it.

None of this happened and now PRK raises the possibility that the officers will be no-billed, due to pressure from the Jefferson County District Attorney:

Sources also tell the Review that pressure from District Attorney Tom Maness to the special prosecutor to wait until after last weeks elections - has now spread to the grand jury being pushed to no bill the officers.

To be revisited. Furthermore, Tom Maness has no influence in this case, regardless of Philip's wild and fictitious claims. The Jefferson County District Attorney's office was recused from the case, so show me the money, Mr, Klein.

In the background, Gist, who was one of the people behind the scene that was outraged at the conduct of Brad Beaulieu and Eric Heilman received the call from a third party informing him of the pending termination. Further, that serious concerns are now given by supporters of Gist to call in the Federal Government in a complaint against Judge Layne Walker.

By my count, Klein has claimed that Judge Layne Walker has been the subject of federal complaints, lawsuits, and investigations five times in the past three years. Here's my favorite, but none of these ever happened.

Nitwit Tidbits™

2010-11-07T11:44:00.002-06:00

Deer season tidbits. Time to go....

Mike Getz - We got a tip that he is running for City Council. Either Beaulieu's seat or at large. We will see. The man is a hero. And can you imagine the pressure he would bring to council? Tea Party people are happy this morning.

I got a tip that Philip just made this up. We will see. The man is an idiot.

Numbers - Like we said - it came down to election day and the democrats stayed home.

Like Philip also said: "So if you believe our numbers - the Democrats came out in the last three days and really made a difference in the vote." Close, but no banana for Mr. Klein.

Trial Time - Dr. Thomas has to be at the black educators conference somewhere in the United States - so the courts....get this....move IT UP! The hearing will be Monday. Who is the judge? Oh...boy we can't miss the black educators convention can we?

I'd pay money to see "we" attend a black educators convention. Wouldn't you?

65 - The number of seats switched to GOP. We said 53-56. Thank God we were wrong.

From Wikipedia.org: Republicans made a net gain of 64 seats from Democrats and retook control of the chamber which they lost in the 2006 midterm elections.

Funny - A Galveston County race was won by a GOPER that spent nothing more than ..... the filing fee? No signs no nothing. Wow.

Wow. And which race was that?

Election Night Coverage - All three did pretty good. KFDM's dynamic duo tried to keep a straight face - that was fun to watch.

Spoken by someone who knows nothing about the media, according to an exclusive interview by an anonymous source who demanded anonymity.

Press Club - No speaking invitation to the Review guy. "If he speaks nobody will cover it or come." Too bad. We had some nice words to say.

Klein still has a hard time keeping his stories straight. From a few weeks ago: "The Review is considering an invitation to speak to the Press Club."

Kill Deer - Here we go...let's kill deer! The cost to the hunter? Now well over $75 for a permit? Wow!

The cost of resident hunting license is $25.00 and no special permits are required to hunt Whitetail Deer. Either Philip made this up, or Philip was required to buy three licenses since he takes up that much space in a deer stand.

I'm reminded of a story Klein once told on his now-defunct KOLE radio show, where he described his deer hunt using a .50 caliber sniper rifle. I'm sure Klein made that up, too.

The PRK Caption These Photos Contest

2010-11-05T05:46:00.004-05:00

Fox 4 KBTV posted Philip R. Klein's post-election roundup in a special two-part video this week. For a good laugh, see them here and here. Mike McNeil claimed that Philip called 11 elections correctly, but he's using Philip's system of scoring. See the real story directly below.

Caption these photos.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Winners of the last photo caption contest:

Honestly, I know every
buffet in town.

How come Fox 4 doesn't have toilet
paper in the bathroom?

Klein's Prognostications: A New Low

2010-11-03T19:14:00.002-05:00

As I pointed out in Part 1, Philip R. Klein revised his predictions several times over the past weeks. The most recent came from Saturday night, when PRK predicted that no Republicans would win Jefferson County races:

Okay - the early numbers are in. And there is good news and there is bad news. The good news is that there is a very strong GOP turn out in the areas that the GOP seemingly has control. The bad news - the Democrats came out in the last few days of early voting. And they have the advantage in the early vote.

So if you believe our numbers - the Democrats came out in the last three days and really made a difference in the vote.

So unless the numbers in the heavy blue pct's vote for the GOP (uh no) we will see close races - but no banana.

The common cliché is "no cigar," but I thought Klein's fruit metaphor was appropriate for a nut. In reality, three Republicans were elected to county offices.

Let's examine The Philip R. Klein Election 2010 Predictions in detail. This is his predictions from last week:

US House Of Representatives – District 2: Ted Poe will win the seat at 70% of the vote or more.

Miss: Ted Poe won the seat with almost 90 percent of the vote.

Governor: Perry will win this race. We predict at the end of the night a 56 and whatever win for Perry.

Hit: Perry won with 55 percent.

Lt. Governor: Dewhurst by as many numbers as you can count. This will be a 60 – 40 race.

Hit: Dewhurst won 62.2 percent, although Chavez-Thompson polled 32 percent of the race.

Comptroller: Not much to this race. Really – the democrats could not even come up with a candidate...Susan Combs with 60-68% of the vote.

Major Miss: Combs got almost 84 percent of the vote and Edward Lindsay received 6.3 percent of the vote, enough to guarantee the Green Party access to the ballot for the next two years. This will further dilute Democratic strength during redistricting. Philip missed the significance of this race.

As for Patterson, Staples and Porter – they will beat their opponent by around 5-9 points depending on their race.

Miss, Miss, and Miss: Patterson: 62 percent over 34 percent (28 percentage points); Staples: 62 over 35 (27 percentage points); and Porter: 60 over 36 percent (24 percentage points).

Jefferson County Tax Assessor – Collector: So our prediction is this – as the numbers for the GOP are hovering at 57% for the early voting – we will drop that by 6 points – making it advantage Howard – but by a nail. So we call it a pick it. Pick your candidate and don’t be surprised for a close night.

Miss. In spite of Klein's gibberish, Shane Howard won the race by 10 percentage points. Most people saw this coming, but Philip missed it.

Jefferson County Treasurer: We see a win by Guillory.

Major Miss. Not only did Tim Funchess beat Guillory by 11 percent, most people saw it coming. I wrote on Oct. 5, 2010:

Georgine Guillory won the Democratic primary with only 60 percent of the vote, leaving a potential of 6,300 votes that could conceivably go to Tim Funchess. Putting this into perspective, that's six times the total membership of the Southeast Texas Tea Party. It doesn't take a shrewd political analyst to see how this race will turn out.

Philip R. Klein is an idiot.

JP Number 7 – Mid County: Man – we just don’t know.

Miss. Brad Burnett won the race by 11 points (55.46 percent to 44.54 percent). Most people saw it coming.

JP Pct 1 Place 2: We see Nancy Beaulieu winning this race with around 59% of the vote.

Major hit. Beaulieu won 58.85 percent of the vote.

Hardin County will see Billy Caraway come home to about a 59% victory and anyone with an R next to their name will sit pretty.

Major Miss and miss. Judge Caraway captured 73 percent of the vote to Russell Wright's 27 percent. Most people saw it coming, but Philip missed the landslide.

Likewise, Democrat Kathy Simpson beat Republican David Lisenby in the race for JP, Precinct 2, by 24 percentage points.

Orange County – some of the people with D’s next to their names will get nervous after seeing the results. They are thanking their lucky stars that they have not that many running them right now. That changes in two years. Look for a mass defection.

Miss, especially since Philip didn't know the candidates in the Orange County races. Note that Republican Jody Crump won his race for Precinct 4 County Commissioner by 20 percentage points.

The House of Representatives will see a 54 seat win for the GOP. That could go higher – not lower.

Hit. With 10 races still undecided, Republicans won 239 seats in the House, a gain of 61 seats. This makes the largest loss by the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives since 1938, when Roosevelt's Democratic Party lost a net of 72 seats to the Republican Party. Like the modern-day Tea Party, the minor Progressive and Farmer-Labor Parties also supported the 1938 Republican Party.

In the Senate – we will look for a 47 seat win for the GOP.

Major Hit. At this time, the GOP won six seats for a total of 47.

In The Governors races – Brown will win California, all others lien GOP. Look for a number being 28 Governorships going to the GOP. The wave is coming up on top of the ticket.

Major miss. In spite of my lien on Klein's credibility, Republicans won 27 races, while Democrats won 12 races. Democrats now hold 26 governorships and Republicans hold 24.

Remember – our numbers have been off of the last two cycles. We used to be up in the high 90’s – in predictions. Now we are around the 80%. So we will see.

Actually, Philip's predictions were accurate only about 37.5 percent of the time. In this cycle:

17 races called
12 misses
5 hits
29 percent correct

A new low.

Klein's Prognostications: Low-Hanging Fruit

2010-11-01T21:02:00.013-05:00

Special Statement: I'm not devoting any more space to Philip R. Klein's unethical actions last week out of concern for this loyal reader. PRK pirated and posted a Facebook photo without permission on the Southeast Texas Political Review and implied that this picture would be included in a lawsuit against Operation Kleinwatch (OK). Klein's victim had simply befriended the OK FB page.

Reiterating Friday's posting, I'm touched by the show of support (!), but I do not actively solicit followers on Facebook. Since Philip has a history of harassing FB patrons, I encourage readers to read my blog directly, because all content from this blog is fed via RSS into my Facebook page.

Leave your anonymous comments here for plausible deniability ("Gus did it."). Use the anonymous links above to visit the Southeast Texas Political Review.

I've ignored most of Klein's postings concerning tomorrow's elections before now. There were several reasons:

It's harder to hit moving targets, since Klein changed many of his predictions regularly.
I didn't want to give him a chance to change mistakes before the election.
Early voting wasn't over, so many statements couldn't be verified.
I suspect that Philip was typing while drunk (TWD) when he wrote his predictions.

As an example, PRK could not have known the daily breakouts from early voting, since the results aren't released until tomorrow evening. All of his information came from Jefferson County Clerk, who posted the daily turnout on her website, despite the wild claims he made concerning voting totals.

But tonight is election eve and the low-hanging fruit is ripe.

So we call it a pick it.

Pick your candidate and don’t be surprised for a close night.

But the vote is not today. So we say pick em.

We will see. So pick it kids.

With this insightful commentary, Klein's sobriety is already suspect. Here are more:

Who knows that is who and who is “Open for Business.”

Who knows what this gibberish means? Not I.

Lt. Governor...we have Lt. Governor Dewhurst v. Linda Thompson.

PRK meant Linda Chavez-Thompson.

Jefferson County Tax Assessor – Collector... Marion Johnson bails out of the office...

PRK meant Miriam Johnson.

Jefferson County Treasurer...Georgina Guillory is good at one thing...

PRK meant Georgine Guillory.

JP Number 7 – Mid County...that is Mark DeRoune.

PRK meant Mark DeRouen. Note that Derouen is running in Precinct No. 2.

Typically, Klein made up a number, attributed to a credible source:

Governor...This has been a dog race...Real Clear has the race at +12 for Perry – and some of the polls have it in the red tide going to maybe 15%.

The RCP Average at the time Philip published this (10/26) was about 8.5 percent, not "+12" percent as Klein claims. See for yourself in the Flash chart on this page.

Condescension based on ignorance is never pretty:

She is a RINO Repub. For those of you that don’t know what that is – it is someone that runs as a GOPER but is really a democrat in a RINO skin.

RINO means Republican In Name Only.

Likewise, Klein's fuzzy math is reflected in the simplistic spreadsheet he posted Saturday night.

The Review ran some numbers today and we came up with a formula based upon (1) past votes counted in 2008 and (2) a GOP up skew of 11%

PRK's purported analysis followed no known statistical model, his modifiers made no sense whatsoever, and the data set is incomplete to support Klein's methodology and conclusions.

For the mathematically-impaired, why would one apply a "GOP up skew" of 11 percent in a strongly Democratic box like the Port Arthur Sub-Courthouse? Rather these modifiers would differ by box, depending upon several factors not included in Klein's calculation.

The dead giveaway is Klein's simple arithmetic: unless calculus is used to crunch the numbers, it's impossible to determine a reliable confidence interval and margin of errors. PRK's calculations are closer to middle school math than college-level statistics.

In his predictions, I think this is Philip's biggest blunder before the election. This comment is highly representative of Klein's expertise:

Comptroller...Background : Not much to this race. Really – the democrats could not even come up with a candidate.

The Comptroller's race is the most controversial race behind the gubernatorial election. Here's why.

Incumbent Susan Combs sits on the Legislative Redistricting Board and has no Democratic opponent as Philip noted. The Libertarian candidate, Mary Ruwart, could normally expect up to 20 percent of the vote.

However, Green Party candidate Edward Lindsay may pull as much as ten percent in this race, primarily from Democrats who will not vote for Combs or Ruwart.

Why is this important? The Green party can gain ballot access in Texas for the next two years if they can exceed five percent in any statewide office. They gain four years of access if they can break two percent in the Governor's race. The party has not had access to the ballot for at least 12 years.

As a brilliant strategy, the Republican Party funded the Green Party's ballot petitions program, qualifying them for the ballot in this year's off-election. (See here, here here and here). If the Green Party gains ballot access, this will further dilute the strength of the Democratic Party during redistricting.

Read more here:

Dallas Morning News: Another GOP operative’s name comes up in Texas Green Party ballot case
Houston Chronicle:White, Democrats pound Perry on ethics
Texas Tribune: Democrats suspect new GOP tie to Green Party
Austin American-Statesman: More GOP-Green Party ties found
Lone Star Project: Perry Consultant named in Ballot Scandal

Philip missed the whole thing.

Nitwit Tidbit™

2010-10-29T21:09:00.006-05:00

From the Operation Kleinwatch (OK) Facebook (FB) page:

FB Patron: I'm wondering why Mr. Klein felt the need to paste the profile picture of one of the group's members, a housewife who minds her own business, bigger than life in his Nitwit Tidbits?

Is he going to post the pictures of everyone who thinks he consistently lies and forges sources and documents? If so, he's definitely going to need a large page...

OK: Hi, FB. The short answer: Philip is big bully. I'm very sorry that Philip posted this picture, even though I have no influence over Klein's bad taste.

I'll have more on this as a regular posting on my blog in the next day or so. Klein's actions raise many issues, including internet stalking, copyright violations, and felonious stupidity. I'd like to consult with several people, including my attorney, before I post anything of substance.

As a warning, I've previously documented similar cases of Klein's internet stalking and thuggish intimidation in this article.

IMPORTANT NOTE to everyone who views this page: if you identify yourself, you are subject to harassment by Philip R. Klein. Comments on this page are fed from my blog, so you can leave anonymous responses there.

Backstory: A few brave souls have befriended the Operation Kleinwatch page on Facebook. Philip R. Klein posted a photo of one in his Nitwit Tidbits today, pirated from this patron's FB profile without permission.

He included this caption:

Who Is This Taking Shots At The Review ? - Welcome to the big leagues young lady. When you put yourself out there....we call it exhibit KW172.

As previously noted, Philip R. Klein is a bully who is now stalking fans of this website to intimidate them.

Ironically, I also received this notification from Facebook about 45 minutes after Klein posted this Nitwit Tidbit™. Apparently, someone tried to hack my into my FB account.

----- Original message -----
From: "Facebook"
To: "Gus Pillsbury"
Date: Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:35:43 AM -0700
Subject: Security Warning From Facebook

Dear Gus Pillsbury,

We have detected suspicious activity on your Facebook account and have temporarily suspended your account as a security precaution.

You can regain control of your account by logging into Facebook and following the on-screen instructions.

Please be sure to visit the Facebook Help Center (http://www.facebook.com/help/) for further information regarding these security issues and let us know if you need assistance.

Thanks,

Facebook Security Team

I've decided to leave the OK FB page active at this location, at least for the near future. I strongly advise those who follow me on FB and who don't want their pictures posted on the Southeast Texas Political Review site to unlike my page. All content on my FB page is mirrored from this site, including anonymous comments. Please feel free to leave your comments here.

As an observation, this is the party with which Philip R. Klein most closely associates himself:

This is not politics by Philip Klein or Tim Proffitt, it's jack-booted thuggery.

More to come.

The PRK Caption These Photos Contest

2010-10-28T18:19:00.004-05:00

Channel 4 KBTV posted Philip R. Klein's weekly nine minutes from Oct. 28, 2010. In his weakly segment, Mr. 37-Point-5 percent reiterated his Election 2010 Predictions.

Leave your own captions for either or both photos in the comments section:

Photo 1

Photo 2

Disclaimer: I have no prizes, so your chances of winning are 0:0.

Election 2010 – Philip's Predictions (Pt I)

2010-10-27T19:24:00.002-05:00

Philip R. Klein writes in his latest posting on the Southeast Texas Political Review (emphasis is mine):

We are doing it different this year – we are laying out the race – our thoughts and then the prediction (s). So – we hope you enjoy and understand we have not been doing so well over the last two cycles hovering in the high 80% on the predictions. So with that – we hope you enjoy!

See Mr. 37-Point-5 percent here. To be revisited on November 4, 2010.

Truly Pathetic

2010-10-26T18:49:00.001-05:00

Read more about Philip's latest editorial here in "Five Questions and a Pack of Lies."

There is something pathetic about someone who has such low self-esteem that he has to write himself fan mail. Consider the latest posting on Philip R. Klein's reader mail page (emphasis is mine):

I was in attendance at your talk to the Port Arthur Rotary Club where I have been a member for many years. You were entertaining and your message rings so true. I encourage other groups to have you come speak and hear the truth of what has happened to Southeast Texas. The more they scream the more guilty they look. Thanks again for speaking to us!"

There are so many of Klein's grammatical signatures in this purported question from a reader that I'm absolutely certain Philip wrote this himself. I'll comment on two of them.

Notice the awkward sentence structure with stacked prepositional phrases in Klein's opening:

...I was in attendance at your talk to the Port Arthur Rotary Club...

Most people would write something like this:

I saw you speak at the Port Arthur Rotary Club...

"Scream" is another of Klein's signatures. Here are a few examples:

Of course the teachers Union screams...

The Gang of Seven screams that they need to lock down the courthouse...

The Fire Department is screaming foul...

The guy was seen hanging out his window screaming he loved Beaumont...

You - the public of Jefferson County should be screaming right now...

He is BORING! You just want to scream WAAAAAKKEEEE UPPPPP!

We expect each of them to scream from the highest mountain...

Everyone but the media who should be screaming at the top of there lungs...

The waste and the misuse of tax dollars would make me scream...

It is kind of fun to see the cockroaches run and scream when you bring up history...

And we all scream GREAT!

It just makes us want to scream RHINO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Leading many in the democratic party screaming dirty tricks and infuriating the black communities.

Watch the libs scream...

Other elected officials in Jefferson County Scream about keep jobs local

Sometimes you just want to SCREAM! Seriously SCREAM!

Ace nut counter Patrick Swain screamed the county was in financial crisis!

Maybe the clinic kids can come out and give free flu shots for the citizens as they march around screaming...

So tax dollars will be spent to study whether or not to accept citizens funds for a project

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh......(us screaming).

It makes us just want to scream Mayor.

There will be a scream like never heard before.

We would like to have a show on that station. Every morning at 7 a.m. and scream....GOOOD MORNINGGGGG PORT ARTHUR!

And the business community screams YES!

We had people calling - crying - screaming.

And we hear at the Review just want to throw up and scream.

They will scream and cry and call you names...

A true root Republican should be screaming from the highest point at the courthouse...

Sometimes we just want to scream.

The similarities in Philip R. Klein and Theodore Kaczynsk's writing styles are striking:

Throughout the manuscript,..Kaczynski capitalizes entire words in order to show emphasis. He always refers to himself as either "we" or "FC" (Freedom Club), though he appears to have acted alone. Donald Foster, who analyzed the writing at the request of Kaczynski's defense, notes that the manuscript contains instances of irregular spelling and hyphenation, as well as other consistent linguistic idiosyncrasies (which led him to conclude that it was indeed Kaczynski who wrote it).

For those familiar with the SET Political Review, this sounds eerily familiar. I would not be surprised to read in the Beaumont Enterprise one morning that Philip R. Klein crashed a black SUV into the Jefferson County Courthouse.

UPDATE: Twofer Tuesday

2010-10-26T10:02:00.011-05:00

Read more about Philip's latest editorial here.

Philip R. Klein's latest posting on the Southeast Texas Political Review is entitled "En Masse," but a more appropriate title would be "Bad Math:"

We have taken a look at the early numbers since their release this past evening. And it looks from what we can see that a GOP wave of about 57% has hit Jefferson County.

Rogers Park - with over 5,800 votes had another big day with Nederland having another big day too.

Philip prefers to keep his readers in the dark, but you can take a look at the early numbers, too. See this link from the County Clerk.

Philip calculated this figure of 57 percent by adding the total votes cast at the Roger's Park and Nederland Recreation Center voting locations. Of 18,255 votes cast thus far, Rogers Park generated 5,021 and Nederland had 2,754 for a total of 7,775 votes.

According to basic arithmetic, this is a percentage of 42.6 percent, not 57 percent. Klein's claim is further predicated on an assumption that all votes cast in those two locations were for Republicans. This clearly shows that Philip has less insight than the average person who actually reads the source documents.

This is not credible commentary; rather, it's gibberish from a self-described political consultant whose main priority is self-aggrandizement:

As we prepare in the office this morning to publish out [sic] prediction issue tonight at 6 p.m.

I hope Klein's predictions in 2010 are more accurate than his predictions from 2008, where he guessed three of eight correctly for a score of 37.5 percent.

After the Election (Philip will still be an idiot)

In this posting, Klein made this claim:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that indictments of two Beaumont Police Officers will be held until after the Election on November 2, 2010. Sources close to the Jefferson County District Attorney's office tell the Review that the charges "are likely" however in the fairness to the electoral process - they are going to hold the indictments or even ask the grand jury for charge until then.

"It is not fair. We have to think about what is fair to the family," said our source close to the Jefferson County District Attorney's office.

Fair? Really? Fair? What about the other 200,000 people in Jefferson County - remember the taxpayers?

What is all of this - it stinks. Waiting to act by the DA's office again? Because of politics.

Oh...did we mention that Beaulieu is a FOT? You know - a friend of Tom? Maness that is...the District Attorney of Jefferson County Texas?

This is another of Klein's blatant lies.

The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office has nothing whatsoever to do with this investigation, after they were recused and a special prosecutor from Brazos County was appointed. From the Beaumont Enterprise:

The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office has been recused from the case and a special prosecutor, First Assistant District Attorney for Brazos County Shane Phelps was appointed.

"Sources close to the Jefferson County District Attorney's office" tell Operation Kleinwatch that Philip R. Klein is an idiot. More likely, Klein is trying to divert attention from his earlier claims on Fox 4 KBTV and the Southeast Texas that both officers would be indicted two weeks ago.

In a related issue, Philip has never provided any details or information on a purported announcement by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms that the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission burned the First Baptist Church of Kountze to cover up evidence of fraud.

I'm sure Philip will claim that the Jefferson County District Attorney's office dropped the ball on that investigation in Hardin County, too.

Five Questions and a Pack of Lies

2010-10-24T20:25:00.005-05:00

Charles Dickens wrote:

Take nothing on its looks; take everything on evidence. There's no better rule.

And there's no better place to apply this rule than Philip R. Klein's latest editorial:

This past week I had the opportunity to speak to three classes at the University of Houston. The topic - "Bloggers And How They Affect The Political Process." They were a great group of young people that really were interested in politics. Most where kids with huge ambitions and a not so good knowledge of the political process. However, they wanted to learn and they wanted to hear from someone in the political system that has been there and done that - on their level - meaning the internet.

Fact check: Klein did not speak to three classes at the University of Houston this past week or at any other time this semester. To verify, start with the University of Houston Director of Academic Program Management at (713)743-0882.

Philip's claim lacks credulity. Why would UH seek a third-rate blogger, failed fast food impresario, and self-proclaimed political consultant who can't string together enough words to form a coherent and grammatically correct sentence as a speaker?

For further evidence, Klein's most recent video posted to YouTube has generated only 550 views since Oct. 11. 2010, even though Klein claims thousands of readers every day. According to a reliable source, a video of a boy making farting noises generated twice the traffic as Klein's video.

Houston has several world-class political bloggers on all sides of the political spectrum who have much greater influence on Texas Politics than Philip R. Klein. These bloggers include UH faculty members, so Klein's claim is not simply not credible.

Philip further claims:

After the talk was over - a very nice young lady who was political science major came up to me and asked if I could spend 30 minutes with her. She had a project due called "five questions." She told me that she had been having problems with project - however after hearing what I had to say - she wanted to ask me the five questions. So I agreed to do it only if she took two hours and did some research on me on the net. She did and we did the interview. Today I would like to share the questions she asked today because I though they were great questions.

Fact check: There is no class in the UH Political Science department that has such a sophomoric assignment. To confirm, start with the Department of Political Science at (713)743-3890. Klein's juvenile claim is more reminiscent of middle school homework than a college-level assignment.

As with most of his letters to his "Reader Mail" page, Philip wrote these five questions and answered them, too. All of the questions contain Klein's grammatical signatures. Presumably, political science majors understand the proper use of punctuation, sentence fragments and run-on sentences, and other elementary grammar rules.

For example, Klein's idiomatic language is clearly evident in the first question (emphasis is mine):

1) In your talk today you told us the place in East Texas from where you are based. You called it the "Most Corrupt County In Texas." If it is that bad why don't you move to another part of Texas that has your political beliefs and morals?

Most people with basic grammar skills would write (emphasis is mine):

In your talk today, you told us about the place in East Texas where you are based.

The missing commas and awkward sentence construction echo Klein's past postings. Here are three such examples:

Meaning - Hilton Kelley should go back to from where he came.

As some of the GOP women run to the courthouse to see if Beaulieu has crossed over - or maybe is crossing over now from where she was - the letter seemingly is making its rounds.

On Friday Afternoons we try and read Trog from where we left off the week before.

Let's examine some of Philip's specific claims:

When we went to the web in March of 1996 - not many people read web sites. So some thought I had gone away. In fact, in 1997 I began to get calls from people asking me why they were getting their faxes.

Fact check: Klein first registered the Southeast Texas Political Review in 1999, not 1996. From the INTERNIC Whois records for SETpoliticalreview.com:

Domain Name: SETPOLITICALREVIEW.COM
Updated Date: 01-oct-2008
Creation Date: 29-jun-1999
Expiration Date: 29-jun-2012

Neither does the Internet Archives show any postings for the Southeast Texas Political Review before 1999.

Philip makes this claim concerning his history as a radio talk show host:

I can remember when I did a show in 1994 at an AM radio station during drive time for two years.

Fact check: Philip never did a "drive time" radio show in 1994, 1995, or 1996. This, too, is a blatant lie; During that time period, Klein was too busy running a DQ franchise into the ground to host a "drive time" radio show. More on this below.

Perhaps Philip is confusing his stint as a Saturday morning part-time announcer on KOLE-AM in 2005. That show lasted approximately 18 months until the station changed hands and Philip's show was discontinued. A cursory listen to Klein's show will show why.

Since Klein was never a "drive time" radio host, this entire story is fiction:

A local bank owned by Jack Brooks was a sponsor of the radio station and told the station that as long as I was at the station they would not advertise. So...they had a choice - drop me or the advertiser. Lucky for them they dropped the advertiser and got two others to replace them and they made more money. You see having guts rather than cutting and running turns out to be something great sometimes. It always is a good thing when you do the right thing. Brooks lost that year. As I love Jack Brooks and will never forget the time he personally took me through his office that I called a museum - it get why he did it. He lost - I won. It was my first big political win and message of my arrival and the Review's arrival. I guess what I have learned from my relationship with FOX nationally and local is simply this - stand up for what you believe in and controversy sells. Rather than worry about what you have - focus about what you don't have.

For more on Klein's "relation with FOX nationally," see his iMDB listing.

On question two, readers will find conclusive proof of evolution in PRK's description of his bankruptcy:

In the late 1990's we got into a huge war in the federal courts over franchise rights and advertising rights to which demands were being made to our company outside of a franchise agreement. As CEO of the company, I knew a huge legal fight was coming. There was millions on the table. So I interviewed maybe 10 attorney's from Beaumont to handle my case. All of them said no - that I was too politically hot and no judge would rule for me. So I went to Houston and hired a great lawyer. Paid him big bucks. And it was worth it. The company won, We settled in the end - the company made a bunch of money - the other company got what they wanted and at the end the judge looked at everyone and said that for the first time in a while the right thing happened. Because it was a family business deal there was bad blood - and really only I was happy - but it worked out.

Philip didn't explain why a lawsuit concerning "franchise rights and advertising" was filed in the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Verify for yourself through PACER:

PRK Enterprises (No. 99-10415)
PRK Enterprises (No. 99-01053)

No other lawsuit by Philip R. Klein that matches this bizarre description can be found in the public record. Neither did Klein "go to Houston and [hire] a great lawyer. Paid him big bucks. And it was worth it."

Instead, Beaumont attorney Mark Faggard represented Klein in this bankruptcy. Philip later sued when Mark tried to cut PRK a break on his legal expenses. For verification, see Klein's Motion for Summery [sic] Judgment.

PRK also claimed:

Every single Radio program, TV Program or interview I do my detractors read and comment. And if you look at it - it boosts readership or viewing or listening to that station. So...ignore me or get smart and put me on and increase your viewers. And the more I am on - the better it is for all businesses I own and that are owned. You just have to stand the detractors that try stifle free speech?

Christine O'Donnell gets a lot of press, too. On stifling Klein's protected speech, read a different perspective here.

Philip comments on his party identity confusion in question three:

I am a conservative first, a republican and tea party person second? Now if you believe that I have land in Louisiana I want to sell you. What people don't understand is that if you are a true conservative you are already a member of the tea party. I worry sometimes about the tea party being simply another name for conservatives...Look - I am a conservative first and a republican second. End of story.

Fact Check: Many "true conservatives" such as Karl Rove and Charles Krauthammer have distanced themselves from Tea Party extremism. Tea Party Republicans have turned their backs on great Republicans like George H.W. Bush, Eisenhower, Taft, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, who were all rational and inclusive. They instinctively avoided the fringe and sought the center of any controversy.

Klein's logic breaks down completely in question four, which concerns Philip's nuisance suit against Sam the Eagle and me (AKA John Does 1 and 2):

Well, I have to be careful here. We are in litigation so what I say and you print will be brought up some day.

Klein's grandiose claim belies the significance of a simple class assignment. He made the same claim concerning a Channel 4 appearance. Occam's razor corroborates that Philip just made it all up.

I am aware of the sites. I hired an internet investigation firm in Houston and a law firm in Austin to monitor what is said. Why? Well I don't want to read them because if I do it will influence how and what I write. So that has angered them.

Cinnamon Girl (View from an American Idiot)

2010-10-20T18:17:00.003-05:00

One of Philip R. Klein's obsessions is showing in his latest posting on the Southeast Texas Political Review:

"A dreamer of pictures" is the best way many are describing Nancy Beaulieu in her run for JP in Jefferson County.

Fact check: Only Philip R. Klein describes Nancy Beaulieu as a "dreamer of pictures." His moronic imagery is readily obvious.

For the fifth time in as many weeks, Klein raises the same outrageous and irrelevant claims:

Beaulieu - a RINO Republican - has draw sympathy over the last two weeks after some bad news was facing her and family members. To simply review - her son is under investigation by a special prosecutor and her husbands TV station has an open investigation regarding his sitting on the news desk up until 15 days ago. Nancy has some high up friends at the DA's office that may try and push back any announcement of indictments until after the election - but the FCC is set to announce their investigation - to which they cannot control it.

Fact check: There is no "open investigation" concerning KFDM-TV and Larry Beaulieu.

Likewise in his Fox 4 KBTV appearance on Oct. 13, 2010, Klein claimed that Brad Beaulieu would be indicted by a Grand Jury last Thursday.

That didn't happen either, so PRK now claims that Nancy Beaulieu and the Jefferson County District Attorney's office have conspired to delay the announcement. Klein apparently forgot that the DA's office is recused and a special prosecutor from Brazos County is in charge of the case. Ironic that a political consultant would miss that.

Sometimes a picture is truly worth a thousand words:

Gonged Again

2010-10-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

In this latest posting today, Philip R. Klein comments on a redistricting panel held yesterday at Lamar University. Philip didn't actually attend the event; rather he pirated the story from KBMT-TV:

God.....it was like you were waiting for Chuck Barras from the Gong Show to come out and hit the gong watching the "Redistricting" public hearing yesterday at Lamar University. Really - it was hard to watch all of the whining crying democrats cry about how they just don't have representation? It made many in the audience simply giggle and walk out. And some on the panel had to be sitting there knowing that not only was it not going to go the democrats way this cycle - it was fixing to get worse. And all the GOP members could do is sit there and look at their watches.

Philip meant Chuck Barris and no one "simply giggled and walked out."

Nowhere in Klein's juvenile rant does he address the subject of this panel: while the Southeast Texas metro of Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties has three state reps, no U.S. House representative actually lives here. This was a direct result of the 2003 redistricting, the second in one decade.

Instead, Philip R. Klein ridicules the speakers with personal insults:

The first contestant was a democrat named Paul Entrekin - he wants proper representation back...And Jefferson County is owned and operated by the Jefferson County Democrats? Hey Paul - what representation are you talking about? More democrats? You don't like Ted Poe? Or maybe.....Gong. Sorry buddy. Your argument means nothing.

Then came Gilbert Adams - gong. We like him but gong. Gong Gong. Where is Nipsy when you need him....speaking of which...here comes the NAACP.

Here comes Paul Jones with the NAACP. He just doesn't want party interest to .... well....muck up the process. GONG! The NAACP has never supported a republican candidate. So go sit down Mr. Jones - you just looked stupid.

Speaking of arguments that mean nothing and looking stupid, don't miss PRK's weekly filler tomorrow morning on Fox 4 KBTV.

On a closing note, Philip and Chuck Barris both have some things in common. In his book "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind," Chuck once claimed to have worked for the CIA.

Poll Watcher

2010-10-18T20:20:00.007-05:00

On the first day of early voting for the November 2010 election, Philip R. Klein made this claim concerning voter irregularities in Jefferson County. His posting has racial overtones:

The Southeast Texas Political Review has learned that a request to all in the Republican Party has been made for a group of poll watchers to be formed to watch the voting in the Southend [sic] of Beaumont and all over Port Arthur - after concerns of voter irregularity this morning.

According to sources, there were some early voting locations that were not asking for ID's and that voters had no ID's but were allowed to vote.

"We are concerned I have to say to you after this morning," said one high ranking GOP source.

"I am not saying anything illegal is going on - I am saying that there might be some people voting where they shouldn't be. We are going to have to watch this closely I think.

So we will be asking for poll watchers later today and this week. The election must be fair," said the source.

Fact check: Voters don't need an ID with a valid registration card. During the early voting period, citizens can vote at any location. The Texas Legislature has debated the voter ID issue for at least four years.

Klein offered no substantiating evidence, but I wonder if this is one of the suspect voters in Philip's claim.

My take? Philip just made it up.

Nitwit Tidbits™

2010-10-17T07:55:00.005-05:00

Not much of interest here.

Popular - Sources tell us at FOX4 that our segment is so popular every Wednesday that people are tuning in at the Jefferson County Court House on the new cable system put in for TV. Huh?

The gap in Klein's credibility is obvious: few employees are working at the Jefferson County Courthouse that early in the morning.

Popular 2 - We hear that we are so popular that some politicos are so mad that they are going to demand a boycott of FOX4. Uh....they are watching? Right? Makes no sense other than a bunch of mean bad ugly democrats. Okay - that was overboard. Just p[**]d.

Not to mention the "mean bad ugly" Republicans that Philip has libeled in the past. For the record, Philip's segments on Channel 4 are the best comedy series on TV since Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Watch out, Philip, here comes the judge!

Tim Kelley - The Guru of the Beaumont Enterprise - doesn't even live in Beaumont or Jefferson County? Do what? Too funny!

Klein doesn't live in Cabo either, but he's managed to scam a number of free trips with his hunt for Patrick McDermott. By the way, Klein's investigation is officially closed with no conclusive evidence that McDermott is indeed alive. Watch for the book!

Numbers - Lot's of people asking the Review what the numbers will come out to be. Here is how we see it. Senate - 52 democrats the rest is the rest, 63 seats to the GOP for house control. Six GOP governor wins with California on the edge. Boxer will win in the Senate in California.

Anyone who asks Mr. 37-Point-5 percent in earnest for race predictions deserves to have their voter registration card revoked. More probably, Philip just made it up.

Charlie Cook with the National Journal offers a more realistic forecast:

At this juncture, I am still sticking with a 1994-level outlook: Eight Senate and 52 House seats are the over and under, with a 50 percent chance that Republican gains will be higher and a 50 percent chance that they will be lower. House gains in the 60s, 70s, or even 80s seem unlikely, as do Senate gains of 11 or 12, which would require the GOP to capture or hold 100 percent of the 18 or so Senate seats that could change hands. .

To be revisited.

Turn Out - Very low for the Democrats this past Thursday night. What used to draw thousands drew less than 60. Not good.

Typically, Philip drops an arcane reference without explanation in an effort to bolster his flagging credibility. As such, it's gibberish.

Picking - No we are not picking on KFDM nor the Beaulieu's. One is running for office and is in politics. One is the head of what they say is the number one TV station. And one is a cop that is looking at time. They are all three stories. Our take? TOUGHER SKIN! The more you whine the more everyone jumps on you.

I'm waiting on an Klein's update regarding the FCC investigation of Larry Beaulieu. The only person whining is Philip Klein. And what about that purported announcement from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms that the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission burned the First Baptist Church of Kountze to cover up fraud?

This Just In - Nothing - making fun of the media in Jefferson County.

Gibberish.

Crazy Talk - Gator has gone crazy? Tax on Soda? Too funny!

More gibberish, but I'll note that Klein is still crazy after all these years.

Right (Another Moronic One-word Title)

2010-10-14T20:10:00.004-05:00

In his latest SET Political Review posting, Philip Klein launched another sophomoric tirade against the Beaumont Enterprise and gubernatorial candidate Bill White:

THE BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE HAS LOST IT! They have simply lost it. They list nothing but campaign slogans.

The Beaumont Enterprise posted this editorial endorsing Bill White several days ago on Oct. 9, 2010, so apparently Philip moves his mouth while reading.

Consider Klein's campaign slogan comment when reading his main points:

Point: First, the Enterprise takes off in defense saying that they are endorsing White not based upon ideology. Then - they go into .... wait for it.....ideology? That is about half funny. That is POLITICS! IDEOLOGY! What a bunch of crap they are spewing. And then they talk about.....the strongest nominee in years? What?

Second, a fiscal conservative? Has ANYONE at the Beaumont Enterprise seen the growth of Government in the city of Houston? Almost 23%? That is a fiscal conservative? Oh...wait....we live in Jefferson County where the growth of government is over 30%? So we guess that 23% looks small...or conservative. YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING!

Third, no cronies who know how to write large checks? Again HAS ANYONE AT THE ENTERPRISE SEEN WHITE"S DONATION LIST? REALLY? YOU ARE SPEWING THAT CRAP!

Next - boarder security? What does the man have to do? Get on his knees and beg for the military? Beg for more Boarder Patrol? Beg for more money? We think the man has done all of this only to be shut down? Really? Really? Someone wake the hell up over there?

And last - scornful attitude being take it or leave it? Oh...we guess we must be touchy feely? Someone stop it now. Really - stop it now. The Enterprise has lost its mind. The entire opinion looks like a Bill White ad. It is too frigging funny.

Scornful attitude? Boarder [sic] Patrol? Spewing crap? Did someone say "bumper sticker mentality?"

Fact Check: The only evidence proffered by PRK is his statement concerning the growth of government by 23 percent during the five-year administration of Bill White. This growth extrapolates to 4.6 percent per year.

During Governor Rick Perry's administration, the Texas budget grew from $101.8 billion in 2000-01 to $182.2 billion in 2010-11, or 79 percent. This extrapolates to 7.9 percent per year.

As political commentary, compare Philip's rant with the manifestos of Joe Stack or Theodore Kaczynski:

Throughout the manuscript,..Kaczynski capitalizes entire words in order to show emphasis. He always refers to himself as either "we" or "FC" (Freedom Club), though he appears to have acted alone. Donald Foster, who analyzed the writing at the request of Kaczynski's defense, notes that the manuscript contains instances of irregular spelling and hyphenation, as well as other consistent linguistic idiosyncrasies (which led him to conclude that it was indeed Kaczynski who wrote it).

The Romper Room: #1055

2010-10-13T20:51:00.007-05:00

This posting marks the 1,055th on Operation Kleinwatch, after my first article on Apr. 15, 2007. Consider this an anniversary of a publishing milestone. At the time I published article #1000 (On Philip and Mike: Laurel and Hardy Redux), I missed the significance.

Fox 4 KBTV has a standing offer: Anyone can appear on their morning show after Philip throws mud on their reputations with his contrived and inane claims. Once the home of Dialing for Dollars, Channel 4 is now Blackmailing for Guests.

My favorite in the years I've been poking Philip R. Klein with a cattle prod: 27,000 cases to be "refilled" by David Sheffield in Hardin County. However, PRK's latest that the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission burned the First Baptist Church in Kountze to cover up fraud holds great potential.

As an aside, my favorite grammatical train wreck was this description of a sushi restaurant, written while Klein was typing while intoxicated:

The dead fish enjoy yourself eating joint.

Playing catch up, KBTV posted Philip's two latest editorial commentaries.

Click me

Instead of wearing that same blue blazer every week, I think Klein should dress more appropriately:

Nancy's Problems

2010-10-12T20:15:00.008-05:00

While Philip R. Klein doesn't claim that members of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission burned down a church to cover up fraud in his latest posting, he offers this shrewd insight into the race for Jefferson County Precinct 1, Place 2, Justice of the Peace:

Now - we have two that are running for office. One - a loud mouthed democrat left wing lawyer and two - a quiet mouthed politically gun wielding RINO republican which the only thing republican about her is the "R" on the ballot next to her name. And we mean that.

The rest of this posting displays the same perspicacity:

This past week - Bill Leger got on the air and said ON AIR that Beaulieu was leaving the set until after the election to insure that there was no conflict of interest in the election. That got tongues wagging - and we have learned that the law may have been breached. According to two lawyers we spoke with over the last week - an FCC investigation has been launched regarding Larry staying on the air past his wife's filing back in January. Meaning, as Larry did the right thing in October, he should have done it back in January.

These are blatant lies.

No such regulation exists that prohibits a media personality from making a living while a spouse runs for public office, nor is the FCC investigating Larry Beaulieu. If you believe Philip R. Klein is more credible and has more integrity than Larry or Nancy Beaulieu, you're obviously reading the wrong website. Try here (and please don't come back).

Regarding PRK's attack on the Beaulieu family, the case concerning Officer Brad Beaulieu has no relevance to the race by Nancy Beaulieu for Jefferson County JP, Precinct 1, Place 2. I'll review (pun intended) Klein's statements about that case in the future, based on its own merits.

Of special note:

Nancy is what she is. She is a liberal democrat. She hangs with liberal democrats. She is supported by liberal democrats...So that leaves voters in the West End with a choice - voting for a democrat or a closet democrat with TONS of baggage. The joke running around the West End GOPERS is which democrat they are going to be voting for.

Fact check: the real joke "running around the West End GOPERS" is Philip Klein. See for yourself.

Nancy Beaulieu and Eddie Arnold are both Republicans; Philip R. Klein is a radical wingnut who's in "political love with Christine O'Donnell." Regarding the other candidate, Anne Bradley, Philip's biases are showing again:

A loud mouthed democrat left wing lawyer...

And the joke that the loud mouth might be a better qualified judge with no baggage...

The loud mouth attorney is lurking around giggling right now...

Pop Quiz (Multiple choice):

According to Philip R. Klein, which of the following should be seen and not heard:

Lawyers
Women
African-Americans
Democrats
Liberals
All of the above

For those who prefer factual and unbiased coverage, see this story on KBMT Channel 12. Klein's juvenile opinions are not representative of true conservatism, they're mean-spirited demagoguery with no substantive content.

Klein's Crude Language Omitted

2010-10-11T20:14:00.004-05:00

Philip R. Klein made a number of charges against Jefferson County and the Beaumont Police Department in his latest posting on the Southeast Texas Political Review:

1) Obvious misdealing with the finances of Jefferson County Texas. Too obvious.

Klein has made similar accusations in the past, including a charge that County Auditor Patrick Swain committed a felony by falsifying records. This is not protected speech and constitutes defamation.

Show me the real evidence, please. Klein's unsubstantiated histrionics don't count.

2) The beating of a two men pulled over in the North End. One officer is convicted - another is pending trial next week and will all certainty will be convicted also.

Philip always supports the cops, except when his personal agenda gets in the way.

3) The announcement that a special prosecutor will ask for an indictment on two well known police officers whose parents are well connected in the community.

Klein denigrated the entire Beaumont Police Department later in the article.

But these two guys are and example of what many in many parts of the city have begun to complain about. The absolute "Hitler" mentality being that you are guilty until proven innocent.

Klein always supports the cops, except when's calling them Nazis. In this case, Klein is guilty of the very thing he's complaining about: he's already tried and convicted these two officers, despite the suspects own guilty plea. From the Beaumont Enterprise:

The allegations against the officers arose from a case heard in Judge Larry Gist's drug impact court in May. A Beaumont man, 32-year-old Bryan Sostand, was indicted in October 2008 for possession of a controlled substance. Based on statements made by Beaulieu and Heilman, the arresting officers, and testimony from Beaulieu, Sostand pled guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Later Morrison located a witness to the incident and filed a motion for a new trial, on the grounds that the witness would testify the officers falsified and left details out of their reports.

I wonder why Stella Morrison let her client plead guilty, if Sostand was truly innocent? Any comments, Philip?

Bottom line: Philip has never explained why the families of these officers are relevant. If so, then perhaps Klein should also mention Lisa Beaulieu, who gave her life in the line of duty.

And if the families are indeed relevant, then perhaps a drug bust inside the Klein family is relevant as well.

4) The obvious signs at the Port Arthur Economic Development Commission where money cannot be accounted for and the absolute misuse of company funding.

See Item 1. Show me the evidence, please.

5) The announcement that the ATF is looking to the First Baptist Church Fire in Kountze Texas - whereas two members of the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission are suspects in starting the fire trying to burn up documents that could be traced to federal money being misspent or taken personally by one Jefferson County Elected official and one Hardin County Official.

I've seen no such announcement from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms as of Monday, Oct. 11, 2010 from the ATF concerning this fire which took place in 2008.

Show me the evidence, please, and Klein's anonymous sources don't count. To be revisited, I'm sure.

6) Cops pull over a BISD official for DUI and he walks by not one - but two police agencies?

Klein failed to mention that two officers were suspended without pay and the BISD official resigned. Klein always supports the cops, except when his personal agenda gets in the way.

7) A lawyer making a speech gets arrested during the public speaking portion of a board meeting? CAN YOU SAY CIVIL RIGHTS? We wonder if he was black what everyone would say. Yes - we said it.

Philip's racism is evident. Notice Klein's racial profiling from his article yesterday, which is obvious despite the rest of the gibberish in his statement:

Looking at the numbers - if Port Arthur Citizens and the South-end of Beaumont stay home - or only come out at 10% - Jefferson County will elected two republicans for a county wide race - for the first tie in the history of Jefferson County.

Since the demographics in Port Arthur and Beaumont's south end are predominantly African-American, Klein's racial bias is obvious.

As one reads Klein's juvenile posting, the real reason for this attack becomes obvious:

Want more - well here is a portion of another friendly Beaumont Police Officer with two of our employees of our sister company. Threatening the employees with arrest - until he is challenged and then cannot come up with a charge.

Despite Klein's blatant lie that the officer "cannot come up with a charge," the officer very clearly says that a trespassing complaint was lodged, and that the person who made the complaint has a witness. See for yourself:

This complaint sounds quite familiar, doesn't it?

Enough (Philip's Demagogy)

2010-10-11T08:30:00.007-05:00

Philip R. Klein wrote in his latest posting on the Southeast Texas Political Review:

We have preached until we are blue in the face that bigger government breeds high crime, high taxes and high unemployment. Why? Because to give to someone you have to take from someone. And when you take from someone who has - that person cannot spend, invest or create jobs. It is that simple. There is not much more to it. Government does not create wealth. It takes wealth and re-distributes it to the people after taking its part to grow.

Fact check from USA Today:

Tax bills in 2009 at lowest level since 1950

Amid complaints about high taxes and calls for a smaller government, Americans paid their lowest level of taxes last year since Harry Truman's presidency, a USA TODAY analysis of federal data found.

Some conservative political movements such as the "Tea Party" have criticized federal spending as being out of control. While spending is up, taxes have fallen to exceptionally low levels.

Federal, state and local income taxes consumed 9.2% of all personal income in 2009, the lowest rate since 1950, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reports. That rate is far below the historic average of 12% for the last half-century. The overall tax burden hit bottom in December at 8.8.% of income before rising slightly in the first three months of 2010.

Fact check: here are the current effective tax rates for Jefferson and surrounding counties: (per $100 valuation):

In conclusion, Vote for Philip R. Klein for Jefferson County Judge.

As one of the leading businessmen in Southeast Texas, Philip will bring his experience in the private sector to Jefferson County and fire any elected official who disagrees with him.

Nitwit Tidbits™

2010-10-09T08:54:00.004-05:00

If I have time this week-end, I'll address two of Klein's stories concerning local sales taxes and Klein's allegations concerning the Beaumont PD.

Meanwhile, Philip writes in this week's Nitwit Tidbits™.

Wings To Go - Crime is down in Beaumont and Jefferson County - anyone for some Wings and Brew? Gezz...media gaga.

KFDM, the Beaumont Enterprise, the Examiner, and KBMT covered this story, where four armed suspects pistol-whipped an employee, threatened at least six customers, and robbed the restaurant. Readers can decided for themselves whether this is newsworthy, but I think it is.

Fox 4 KBTV did not mention this crime. Was this because of pressure from the station's clients, or because Philip is now serving as the station's assignments editor?

Vidor - Wait - a budget shortfall? And government cuts back? We LOVE IT! They still have a way to go...

Readers may remember that Philip predicted a $146 million budget for Jefferson County. After Commissioners cut expenses by 11.7 percent, the actual budget totaled $107 million and solved this year's budget deficit. Yet, Klein claimed the county was bankrupt.

The Vidor ISD tendered offers of early resignation for several employees to address a $3.5 million deficit, yet Philip described this as a simple "budget shortfall." His hypocrisy is showing again.

Special Prosecutor - Sources close to the prosecution tell the Review the case is a slam dunk. The problem? IF the BPD officers are indicted - it opens up the door to a very big civil rights lawsuit.

To be revisited.

"Where Are The Feds?" - With all of the controversy and issues with corruption in Southeast Texas many are asking where the US Attorney is in the Eastern District of Texas? Out to lunch? We say naaaaa.....when they are quiet they are usually working. Watch listen and learn we are told.

Philip has been predicting federal investigations in Jefferson County for years. From December 2006:

The Federal Investigation of BISD - It is who you are depending on for your news. We depend on the sources that we have put together and believe us - it is happening. And guess what - the oversight group - called the School Board? They could care less? Or are they....... STAY TUNED FOR THIS ONE!

So, how did that investigation turn out?

White Polling Numbers - Actually went down when he went negative. Funny stuff.

This is especially funny since Philip just invented this charge concerning negative campaigning. White has been attacking Perry for the now-defunct Trans-Texas Corridor, his special interests with the insurance lobby, and his failure to debate since winning the gubernatorial nomination in March. See this article for a more realistic analysis.

National Weather Service - It is junk science. Nobody really knows. End of story. Hurricane estimations WAY WAY OFF. Global warming? Oppss...we mean Global Climate Change?

Klein's logical fallacy, a red herring, is obvious; the accuracy of hurricane predictions has nothing to do with the issue of climate change.

Unemployment Surprise - Revised figures (giggle) for Jefferson County - to 10.9%. Oh....and sales tax down? Double digits? How is that big government working for you?

Another great cosmic irony - Philip R. Klein quotes Sarah Palin, even though he just made up this charge concerning "revised figures.' The August rate of 10.9 percent is the same released by the Texas Workforce Commission on September 17.

To be revisited.

New Poll Out Texas - 69% are angry or very angry at the Democrats in how they have run the United States. 11% have no opinion. Do the math. Funny.

New poll Out Jefferson County - 69 percent of all residents think Philip R. Klein is an idiot. Another 30 percent have never heard of Klein. Do the math. Funny.

Let's Do A Blogger Report? Shall We :

Sure. The Southeast Texas Political Review this week is riddled with falsehoods, half-truths, and self-aggrandizing statements by Philip R. Klein. Nothing new to see here - keep moving, please.

Operation Kleinwatch 2011

We Beat Philip R. Klein!

Special and Important Notes

Philip R. Klein: SLAPP Suit Stooge

A Real Lawsuit Update:

Google

Brent Coon and Shon Hodgkinson

Michael Neil Harrison

Strike Three

Case Law (Pt 3): Philip R. Klein

The Texas Lawyer

Case Law (Pt 2): Philip R. Klein

The Southeast Texas Record editorial

Southeast Texas Record news story

The SLAPP’’ED IN TEXAS Blog

Other links

Under Subpoena: Philip R. Klein

Case Law: Philip R. Klein

The Beaumont Enterprise

The Supreme Court of Texas Blog:

Internet Cases

For Immediate Release

BREAKING NEWS: WE WON! WE WON! WE WON!

Overexposed?

Formal Notice

On Philip R. Klein's Credibility

Philip R. Klein: A Waste of Taxpayer Money

Happy Birthday, Philip R. Klein

Klein Gone Wild

Bankruptcy and Philip R. Klein

Hey, Philip. C'mon in!

Lindsey's Response

Open Letter to Lindsey Brackin

Message from a "Scared Little Girl"

BREAKING NEWS: He Just Made It Up!

Week 4 in Review

Week 3 in Review

Week 2 in Review

Week 1 in Review

2010 In Review

Breaking News: Off The Air (Again)?

PRK On Christmas

The Same Old Think

OK On Holiday

Part One - SETRPC (Part One)

This History Lesson that Philip Missed

Symptom Six (A Series)

Enterprise

Nitwit Tidbits™

Special Notice:

Moronic One-Word Titles

Untouchable

Administrivia

What? No Comment?

Target Next

Gist Out

Nitwit Tidbits™

The PRK Caption These Photos Contest

Winners of the last photo caption contest:

Klein's Prognostications: A New Low

Klein's Prognostications: Low-Hanging Fruit

Nitwit Tidbit™

The PRK Caption These Photos Contest

Election 2010 – Philip's Predictions (Pt I)

Truly Pathetic

UPDATE: Twofer Tuesday

After the Election (Philip will still be an idiot)

Five Questions and a Pack of Lies

Cinnamon Girl (View from an American Idiot)

Gonged Again

Poll Watcher

Nitwit Tidbits™

Right (Another Moronic One-word Title)

The Romper Room: #1055

Nancy's Problems

Klein's Crude Language Omitted

Enough (Philip's Demagogy)

Nitwit Tidbits™