J.W. Carney Jr. may very well be a grandstanding criminal defense lawyer who is working hard to stall justice on behalf of his infamous client, James “Whitey” Bulger.
But Carney raises a legitimate issue when he questions the impartiality of Richard G. Stearns, the judge who is presiding over the case of the notorious gangster, who is charged with 19 murders.
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The issue here isn't simply Bulger's guilt or innocence. The issue is the FBI's guilt or innocence and if Stearns can be impartial.
If there's the slightest hint of impropriety this judge must walk away from this. As far as Bulger's immunity - if he had it, why did he run for 16 years?
Send the judge a summons to be deposed.
Who cares? Did he kill people? Is he a monster? Has his family gotten away with everything but murder so far? Why don't we just sit him down, tie him up, and pull his teeth, as he did to one of his victims?
I read a blog over a month ago that that covered this issue. The blogger wrote: "Media outlets are reporting Stearns issued an eleven page order in which he said: "I have nothing of relevant or material nature to offer with regard to this case or any claim of immunity." Woah!!! Hold on a minute. Isn't that the issue? Isn't that why Carney filed to motion to put Stearns under oath to find that out? Imagine if everyone could do what Stearns just did. If you're subpoenaed you could just write a short note back saying, "I've got nothing of relevance or material to the matter." Here's the site: http://thetrialofwhiteybulger.com/the-exploits-of-whitey-bulger-a-unique-master-ciminal/flash-stearns-refuses-to-recuse/ I'm glad some in the media are catching up with this.
Boatwrote, despite the pompous, patronizing, sexist tone, writes in a naive manner about the Bulger era. Bulger did what he wanted when he wanted and the FBI "handlers" stood nearby and told Whitey stories. Meanwhile, during the same era, the Globe's Mike Barnicle wrote Robin Hood myths about this alleged mass murderer. Nobody that worked for the FBI should be anywhere near this trial and that includes Judge Stearns. The Bulger years are a stain on the city and the FBI and they do not need to be covered up anymore. Great column.