About Me

Name:Rick Amato
Biography
Loading...

Create Your Own Blog Find Other Townhall Blogs

Comments

Archives

Blog Search

Miscarriages Of Justice

This week The Washington Times and Townhall.com featured my article titled 'Miscarriages Of Justice'.

It is the first time the story of PFC Corey Clagett has been told to an audience on a national level.

CLICK HERE TO READ.

Judging from the tone and amount of email received across the country in response to the article, people are outraged at the treatment of Corey Clagett and other military members like him.

There is growing involvement among California lawmakers even though PFC Clagett is from South Carolina and not California.

The question is, where are South Carolina's lawmakers?

Why are they silent and oblivious to the treatment of one their very own constituents?

Contact South Carolina's lawmakers and demand that they initiate an investigation in to the government's treatment of PFC Corey Clagett!

Contact Lindsey Graham
Phone: 202- 224-5972

Contact Senator Jim DeMint
Phone: 202-224-6121

Contact S.C. Congressman James Clyburn
Phone: 202-225-3315

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Listen To Pre-Deployment Pep Talk


British reporter John Laurence was embedded with the 101st Airborne Division for 14 months in Iraq. The same division which PFC Corey Clagett served.

Afterwards John Laurence produced a documentary which was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

Prior to Tribeca, Laurence sent me the film's trailer- I presume to generate publicity- and I am told that portions of the pre-deployment pep talk given to Corey Clagett and others are contained in the trailer.

Remember, the pep talk was never admitted in to evidence and the commanding officer who gave the pep talk was never required to testify when asked to do so.

We firmly believe that a soldiers' state of mind is relevant when accused of murder and when facing a life sentence without parole.

Click here to view the trailer.


The pep talk included the message:

" Don't let them live to fight another day. They're going to breed, multiply . . .You'll be eaten unless you act like the dominant one on the food chain...rely on your training to do what's right, do not hesitate...you're the hunted... don't bring any of them back
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Great Week Nite Line Up Planned!


We have put together what we hope you will find to be a great line up for the week!

Monday: The night before Super Tuesday, with the republican party in an uproar and California becoming a toss up- our Guest is Ursula Kuster, The National Vice Chair of Women for Mitt Romney....plus your phone calls!

Super Tuesday: Our guests are San Diego County Democratic Party Chairman, Jesse Durfee...and San Diego County Republican Party Chair Tony Kravic....plus your phone calls!

Wednesday: Corey Clagett Fundraiser! Guests: Corey's mother Melanie Dianiska, Congressman Bob Filner, Congressional Candidate Bob Watkins (R-CA, 52nd), Bill Wells and Court TV contributor defense attorney Kerry Steigerwalt...PLUS your phone calls and donations!!!!

Thursday: Our scheduled guest is Tom Bevan the co-founder of realclearpolitics.com


Keep checking back for updates!

Remember you can catch Rick this Tuesday morning at 6:45 am On 'Good Morning San Diego' on KUSI Television!







Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Rick Amato's Letter To Clemency Board


Recently I received a hand written letter from Ft. Leavenworth prison written by American soldier Private First Class Corey Clagett.

The letter- dated on Christmas Day- wished me well and asked me to thank our radio audience for both their emotional and financial support.

Corey Clagett also informed me that he has an upcoming Clemency Hearing scheduled in the near future. He asked if I would be willing to send a letter of support on his behalf.

Below is a copy of my letter to the Clemency Board at Ft. Leavenworth, KS prison in support of PFC Clagett.

(Letters have also been written by House Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, Bob Filner and by San Diego resident Bill Wells):



January 28, 2008

Dear Members of the Clemency Board:

As a journalist who follows military justice issues closely, I am writing to appeal for clemency for Private First Class Corey Clagett.

I understand that PFC Clagett pled guilty to murder charges against him, even though he killed no one. His current attorney believes that he was given extremely poor legal advice from his JAG attorney who told him that he might spend the rest of his life in prison if he did not plead guilty. There were three insurgents who were killed in this case, and the other two defendants have admitted to killing all three.

In similar cases, military members who killed the enemy outside of the rules of engagement have often been given sentences of months. I understand that one of the other two defendants in this case, who killed one insurgent, was given a sentence of six months. His commanding officer was given immunity. Although he never fired his weapon, PFC Clagett was given a sentence of eighteen years.

PFC Clagett went to Iraq as ordered and served as required. As a result, he is facing a life in prison for an action he did not take. I urge you to grant clemency to Corey Clagett. I appreciate your attention to this critical case.


Sincerely,


Rick Amato
Radio Talk Show Host, KCBQ San Diego
Op-Ed Columnist, The Washington Times
Columnist, Townhall.com



Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Bob Filner's Letter In Support Of PFC Clagett


As reported here in a previous posting (A Break In The Case) Congressman Bob Filner- House Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee- announced that he would be sending a letter of support to the clemency board in the case of PFC Clagett.

We have obtained a copy of the letter and have displayed it below:


January 23, 2008

Dear Members of the Clemency Board:

As Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am writing to appeal for clemency for Private First Class Corey Clagett.

I understand that PFC Clagett pled guilty to murder charges against him, even though he killed no one. His current attorney believes that he was given extremely poor legal advice from his JAG attorney who told him that he might spend the rest of his life in prison if he did not plead guilty. There were three insurgents who were killed in this case, and the other two defendants have admitted to killing all three.

In similar cases, military members who killed the enemy outside of the rules of engagement have often been given sentences of months. I understand that one of the other two defendants in this case, who killed one insurgent, was given a sentence of six months. His commanding officer was given immunity. Although he never fired his weapon, PFC Clagett was given a sentence of eighteen years.

PFC Clagett went to Iraq as ordered and served as required. As a result, he is facing a life in prison for an action he did not take. I urge you to grant clemency to Corey Clagett. I appreciate your attention to this critical case.

Sincerely,

BOB FILNER

Member of Congress

BF/ss
2465343

Posted by
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Special State Of The Union Broadcast!

We will air a special edition of the radio show on Monday from 8pm-11pm (instead of our usual 9-11) immediately following the President's State Of The Union speech.

Scheduled guests include:

Congressman Bob Filner with the Democratic response.
Congressman Brian Bilbray with the Republican response.

Also scheduled to join us is local financial guru and tax expert Tracey Gaines and immigration attorney Jacob Sapochnick.

The president is expected to make the economy the focus issue of the speech.

Join us from 8pm-11pm on 1170 KCBQ or online at amatotalk.com.

Listener phone in line: 888-344-1170.

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Upcoming Media Appearances


Rick will be appearing on the following shows to discuss his latest Washington Times article 'Learning About The Three Sexes':


The Dennis Miller Show
January 24th
National (Click link above for a local listing in your area)


Good Morning San Diego
Thursday, February 7th @ 7:00 am
KUSI Television
Topic- Rick's Washington Times article on SB 777


Keep checking back for more updates.



Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Learning About The 'Three Sexes'


Rick's most recent Washington Times column exposes the influence which special interest groups hold over our elected officials at the expense of the vast majority of American people.

The article titled, 'Learning About The Three Sexes' discusses California's controversial new law SB 777.

Click here to read!



Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Legal Defense Fund For Private 1st Class Corey Clagett

We are now only $4500- away from our legal defense fund goal for Private First Class Corey Clagett!

Imprisoned American soldier PFC Corey Clagett and his mother are both very appreciative of the support they have been receiving from our Your support is saving the life of an innocent young man and his mother.

PFC Clagett -like any accused American soldier- deserves to receive quality, professional legal representation.

IT IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH YOUR HELP. To donate to his legal defense, click here.

No donation is too small!

You can also donate by mailing money to his mother directly at the following address:

Melanie Dianiska
6850 Burbage Rd.
Ravenell, S.C. 29470
(make check payable to Corey Clagett)

As always, you can also donate money by calling the radio show at 888-344-1170.

We have been told that receiving your letters is what gives him the strength to get through each day, as he continues to spend 23 hours per day in solitary confinement.


Below is the address for writing letters to PFC Clagett (please do not send money to this address):

PFC Corey Clagett/82477
1300 N. Warehouse Rd.
Ft. Leavenworth, KS 66027-230

Thank You,
Rick Amato

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Initiative To OverTurn SB 777

SB 777 the new law requiring California public schools to, among other things, allow students to 'choose their own gender' when deciding whether to use the boys or girls restroom and locker room is an example of the cultural assault taking place in America.

It is also another example of the influence special interest groups hold over our lawmakers, resulting in poor legislation that is out of touch and unrepresentative of the values of the majority of American people.

The group Save Our Kids will be introducing an initiative to over turn the mis-guided law.
You will soon be able to download and sign forms from their website.

Your support is needed as the referendum which took place over the Christmas and New Year holiday failed to reach the required number of signatures.

The law went in to effect on January 11th.

Ini
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Bob Watkins: Candidate For Congress


I have long said that one of the more intriguing California congressional races in '08 will be the 52nd district where Duncan Hunter is stepping down.

Many voters in the 52nd are not familiar with the names on the ballot. One such name on the ballot with a substantial and impressive resume of accomplishment is 64 year old Bob Watkins.

Watkins
appeared on the show recently and listeners got to know him personally and professionally while the first time candidate demonstrated he is still working on becoming comfortable communicating. in the political arena.

A likeable and charismatic person, I am delighted to announce that Bob Watkins donated $250- towards Corey Clagett's legal defense while on the show.

Click here to hear my interview with Congressional candidate Bob Watkins.

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Corey Clagett Fundraiser A Success!

We continue to raise money and awareness on behalf on wrongly imprisoned 24 year old soldier PFC Corey Clagett. This past week his mother- Melanie Dianiska- joined us, as did military medical doctor Dr. Horvath (who spoke as a civilian).

San Diegans pledged over $800- towards for the legal defense for the native South Carolinian...and we are now only $4500- away from achieving our goal!

If you missed the show you missed a special one as it was very dramatic and emotional.

PFC Clagett- like all accused U.S. military members- deserves a fair trial with professional, experienced legal representation. In the case of PFC Clagett, like many others, this is only possible with our financial help.

No donation is too small. To donate click here.

The 61 year old Dr. Horvath is off to Iraq in a couple weeks. We would like to wish him a safe tour.

We would also like to thank California congressional candidate Bob Watkins, who appeared as my guest the following night, and pledged $250-.

To hear the dramatic fundraiser show, click here.


Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

The Broken System


We have covered the pathetic story of our nations broken immigration system very closely on The Rick Amato Show as many of you already know.

Recently we welcomed immigration attorney Jacob Sapochnik as our new 'Legal Contributor on Immigration Issues' to the radio show. Sapochnick has offices in San Diego, Tijauna, Tel Aviv and advises both individuals and employers alike.

He updated us on a recent news story which illustrates just how broken our nation's system is:

On January 3rd the U.S. government reached itis quota for the year on issuing H2B Visa's!

H2B Visas are issued to those temporary workers who come to America to work legally and by the rules.

Once again, those who are trying play the games by the rules- and the employers who hire them- are being punished. Restaurants, hotels and construction companies typically hire those with H2B visas.

You can hear my interview with immigration attorney Jacob Sapochnik by clicking here

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Tony Steigerwald On The Politics Of Money


On the eve of the New Hampshire primary last week, with campaign promises and candidate pledges in full swing, I thought it would be a good idea to call on my old friend financial expert Tony Steigerwald, for a no B.S. look at financial matters impacting the American middle class. He joined me as my guest on the radio show.

Steigerwald, is founder and president of Dunhill Insurance. Based in San Diego Dunhll acts as the "advisor's advisor" to financial professionals (financial planners, estate planners and the like) nationwide. In other words, they are a resource providing sophisticated, conservative strategies for planners who in turn implement them with their clients...people like you and me.

Tony informed us there is current pending tax legislation, which most people are unaware of and the candidates not speaking about:

The taxation of the cash value of your life insurance policy!

We will keep you updated on the status of the democrat-sponsored legislation.

...And speaking of life insurance, Tony told us of an effective strategy which- again- most people are unaware of:

A secondary market for life insurance policies.

In other words, your life insurance policy trades in a secondary market- much like a stock or a piece of real estate- and could be worth more than the policy owner realizes...resulting in an unexpected source of cash.

To hear my interview with Tony click here.


Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Lessons In Health From The Campaign Trail

Do you ever wonder how they do it? The presidential candidates are not exactly spring chickens...McCain is 71, Hillary 60 for example...yet they all gruel through long hours, criss-crossing states, plane fights, bus rides, speeches...all the while finding a way to keep their energy high and to keep smiling for the television cameras.

We recently posed the question to our Fitness, Health & Nutrition Contributor, Cindy Whitmarsh:

How do they- at their age- do it and what can we everyday people learn from the candidates?

Cindy- who is a book author, well known nutritionist and whose husband is Mike Whitmarsh the Olympic Pro beach volleyball player-gave our listeners these "high-energy" health tips on Thursday night's show:

1. Eat complex carbs (like oatmeal) within 30 minutes of waking up every day.

2. Plan. Plan. Plan. Plan your meals for the day. If you know you are going to have a challenging schedule, by planning in advance, you avoid hunger spikes and the energy loss that accompanies it...and you further avoid eating bad foods to make up for the hunger, and you also avoid the temptation of junk food.

3. Drink plenty of water. Water equals energy.

4. Limit your caffeine intake to less than a couple cups in the morning. Coffee dehydrates the body which causes energy loss.

Bottom line: Plan and enjoy high energy levels and avoid falling in to a spiraling cycle of low energy- caffeine- dehydration-etc.

To learn more about Cindy's nutrition tips click here.


Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive
« Previous1234567891011Next »