Murder of Chandra Levy

Murder of Chandra Levy During the summer of 2001, the scandalous murder of twenty-four year old D.C intern, Chandra Levy, had been plastered all over the media. Levys 2001 disappearance formed into a national sensation, after the California native was romantically connected with former congressional representative Gary Condit. The Levy murder, after sixteen years, still remains as Washingtons most famous unsolved crime. There were very few people involved in the proposed scandal. One of the main individuals involved was congressman Gary Condit, a conservative Democrat. He was inconclusively linked to the disappearance of a federal intern, Chandra Levy. It is rumored the two were romantically involved, but Condit stuck heavily with his decision to not verify if this is true. Chandra Levy, native of Modesto, California was an intelligent being, who had a dream to save the world. She was known as a thrill seeker and wanted to become a modern version of Mata Hari, a WWI spy who infiltrated high levels of military commands. She graduated from the University of Southern California with a Masters degree in Public Administration. After interning for a few government members, she learned about the private world of high level politicians who had secret sex lives, Gary Condit for example. She was intrigued by this information, and could easily use her information to her advantage. The scandal between the notable congressman and the intern, was getting a lot of heat, tensions were on the rise. Rumors of Condits tenacious sexual appetite, and how Levy had been done away with, whether it was directly addressed or not by Condit, it is still a mystery. Their relationship could ruin his career and family. However, there are many different theories and versions of what actually happened between the two, although the facts tell the truth. Levy, was secretively an agent of an Israeli spy team called the MOSSAD that sees great importance of their relationships with the U.S, and would be unable to exist, without large amounts of help. The agency is dependent on critical intelligence information that is obtained through cooperation and or secretly. Levy was in the perfect position to gather top secret information, through her position of work and by using her female power of persuasion. Condit, being the senior member of the intelligence committee made him a prime target for such an operation. The seduction of such powerful government officials, provides foreign powers the added advantage of being able to bribe and control the unsuspecting targeted victims to acquire wanted information. After more than 14 months of investigation, Chandra Levys skull had mysteriously been found in Washingtons Rock Creek Park. on May 22st 2002 Although most of the incriminating evidence had been long gone due to the effects of time, it was clear that this was not an accident and had been declared a homicide. Ingmar Guandique, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was pinned as the murderer of Levy, all evidence pointed in his direction. Federal prosecutors could no longer prove a case against Guandique. The U.S. attorneys office of Washington concluded that it can no longer prove the murder case against Mr. Guandique beyond a reasonable doubt. (Hounding Gary Condit). The beginning and end of Condit and Levys scandal, took place from May of 2000 up until her disappearance on May 1st of 2001. All of the focus and attention this scandal received, had soon came crashing down along with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In March of 2002, Condit lost his bid for re-election, mostly because of his ties to the scandal, making this his first time ever losing an election. While the country was focusing on the scandal, the U.S and British forces had started war with Afghanistan. Lasting over thirteen years. There were enough surrounding events during the time of this case that could become more important to the public. Although Condit was never considered a suspect, rumors had circulated and had never been proven. There was no significant proof that he was involved in the disappearance and murder of Levy, which raised more than a few major red flags. Condit had been subject to a poly graph test at the request of Levys parents Robert and Susan Levy, after sources revealed that Condit admitted to having an affair with the intern. Although he failed to answer key questions it didnt effect the results. There was speculation that his results were tampered with. Andrew Schapiro, New York criminal defense lawyer mentioned that such friendly tests, only requiring three questions, arent considered reliable. Condits refusal to play by the new behavioral rules for public officials. Public officials must go through human ethics training it is an instrument for building integrity in state institutions and making sure there is a noble worth of governance. (What REALLY Happened To Chandra Levy). An online magazine writer, Mikey Kaus suggested that if Condit was normal, smart and aware of the rules of engagement (created in response to the Lewinsky-Clinton scandal) then he would have held a press conference the first week Levy was missing, admitted to having an affair with her, and would say that he was terribly sorry and didnt do anything to harm her. Since this is not what happened, he had been put in the impossible position of trying to establish his own innocence without the media being his ally. The government was not directly affected by this scandal, although small pieces within it were. The complicated and mysterious situation had affected the justice and equity and a sort of closure within Levy and Condits relationship. The laxity of the law enforcement system had been compromised. Since Condit had lost the chance of re-election, all of his campaign money was wasted, but the government did not suffer as much as it could have. Surprisingly, many people were effected by the events, and chilling facts of this case. Chandras parents and family were the most affected, losing a beloved daughter who had such a successful and happy life ahead of her. Soon after Levy had disappeared, her home town of Modesto, California and the Levy family had arranged a memorial for their daughter. A turn-out of twelve-hundred people had shown up to pay their respects to the young intern. Condits career and family life had suffered a large blow, but he was a protected person that could eventually rebuild his life unlike the Levy family, they will never be able to do. There is no perfect outcome from this tragic scandal, there is little justice for Chandra and her family. The conviction of Chandras supposed killer, was clearly made by weak assumptions and deceptive evidence. Ingmar Guandigue had not been convicted for the murder of Levy but had been sentenced for other criminal attacks on women. Condit had preserved his innocence and has been protected from ever being seen as the real villain. The defense attorney who worked on the case, had stated that Condit acted like a guilty man and received special treatment after authorities had ruled him out of being a suspect. Fifteen years following her murder, Condit had published a book called Actual Malice describing the unfortunate events that had occurred during his time knowing and being involved with Levy but also his side of the story. Gary had issued a statement through his lawyer saying that he was disappointed in the dismissal of his involvement in the case. The failure of authorities to bring formal closure to this tragedy after fifteen years is very disappointing but in no way alters the fact that Mr. Condit was long ago exonerated by authorities.Although he has had plenty enough media time to prove his innocence, millions of people whole-heartedly believe that Condit is completely guilty. The national sensation, although unfortunate, had gained millions of questions, and more than enough attention. Government scandals always seem to be covered up somehow, the truth is twisted to preserve ones innocence. Chandra Ann Levy, was someone who could change our world and create a safer place for our future children, her untimely death has made a numerous amount of people open their eyes to much more than what is put in front of them. Levys story, and even her murder has proven that no matter how intelligent, beautiful, and protected people can be manipulated in ways that can end their life.

The Secret of Ella and Micha Chapter 24

Ella â€Å"Are you sure you want to do this?† I ask Lila for the thousandth time. She piles the last box into her trunk and slides her glasses over her eyes. â€Å"Hmmm†¦ let me think. Go back to a home where I'm nothing but a burden? Or go back to the campus with you and have some fun?† I pick some dirt out from underneath my fingernail. â€Å"I'm just making sure, before you get too committed.† She takes my hands and gives them a swing. â€Å"I want to go with you, okay, so go say good-bye to your dad so we can hit the road.† â€Å"Okay, I'll be right back.† I head across the front lawn for the door when Ethan's truck pulls up in my driveway. I walk up to his window and rest my arms on it. â€Å"So you got my message I take it?† He looks like he just came from work, grease on his face and clothes, and his dark hair has some shavings of rust in it. â€Å"Yeah, I figured I'd come and say good-bye to both of you.† I slant my head to the side and pierce him with an accusing gaze. â€Å"Don't try and pretend that you're here for me.† He places his hand over his heart, faking hurt. â€Å"My heart is breaking and you're making jokes. Wow, you really are evil.† â€Å"Yeah, yeah,† I back up so he can open the door and climb out. â€Å"I'll give you two a minute.† â€Å"I think you've overestimating what's going on between the two of us.† â€Å"Well, I wouldn't have to if one of you would tell me what's going on.† He shrugs and then rounds the back of the truck. Rolling my eyes, I walk into the house to tell my dad I'm leaving and that I plan on coming back in a couple weeks to meet up with Dean. After a long talk on the phone with him – and I'm sure a lot of persuading from Caroline – we decided to meet up here, when Dean can take off work, and give my dad an ultimatum. It's probably one of the hardest things I'll have to do, because I know there will be things said during the conversation that will hurt me. I'm going to push through it, though, because now I understand what I can handle. I find him on the couch, eating a microwave dinner, with a six-pack on the table in front of him. He's watching the television, with a cigarette in his hand, and he barely notices me enter the room. â€Å"Hey Dad,† I say from the doorway. â€Å"I'm getting ready to leave.† He rips his eyes from the television, startled, and I wonder if he was even watching it or if he was dwelling in his thoughts. â€Å"Oh, okay, well drive safely.† I rub my sweaty palms together and walk into the room. â€Å"Dean and I are going to be coming back in a few weeks.† He sets his tray down and grabs a beer. â€Å"What for?† I pat my hands on the sides of my legs uneasily. â€Å"We want to talk to you about something.† He sets the beer down. â€Å"I thought Dean was still here.† I shake my head, feeling guiltier about leaving. â€Å"He went home a week or two ago†¦ but Dad, can you try and take care of yourself a little bit better?† I take a deep breath and throw a hint out into the open. â€Å"And maybe stop drinking so much?† He glances at the row of beers in front of him like he just realized they were there. â€Å"Oh, I don't drink that much, do I?† I sigh and sit down on the couch beside him. â€Å"You didn't used to, but now it's kinda all you do.† He bobs his head up and down. â€Å"Alright, I'll try to cut back.† I know he won't, but hopefully Dean and I will be able to convince him to go to rehab where he can get the help and counseling that he needs. I give him a hug, even though he winces. Then I walk away, hoping he'll be okay, but knowing that until he makes the decision to change all I can do is try to help him.

A Brief Note On The Louisiana Territory Impacted The...

Sonny Boddie Period 3 Mrs. McQuade Research Paper Outline In 1803, the Louisiana territory impacted the United States of America with the acquisition of land all across North America. â€Å"Immediately after the ratification of the present Treaty by the President of the United States†¦the commissary of the French Republic shall remit all military posts of New Orleans and other parts of the ceded territory to†¦the President to take possession†. The Louisiana territory was purchased from the French for fifteen million dollars. This was after the Spanish had sold the territory to France. Unlike the United States, France had not realized the great significance of this land and all the opportunities it could have potentially opened to their own†¦show more content†¦The Louisiana Purchase allowed more efficient methods of trading goods through a boost in new opportunities. New Orleans, a piece of property that came with the purchase, became a major shipping port for the United States. â€Å"The treaty gave American tra ders a place to unload their flatboats and a bateaux near the port of New Orleans so they could transfer their cargoes to ocean-going vessels† . Being able to transfer goods to ocean-going ships facilitated the process of trade. New Orleans opened trading access to the Mississippi and the rest of the world. By controlling the New Orleans port, the United States had the capability to trade with overseas nations. Previously, states further inland had to transport their products all the way to the East Coast which took several weeks due to the poor transportation routes which included crossing or going around the Appalachian Mountains. The US economy was now able to grow at a much greater rate. Furthermore, as part of the Louisiana Purchase treaty, the United States was given full control of the Mississippi River. â€Å"Americans living on the frontier west of the Appalachians were dependent on shipping their agricultural goods†¦to New Orleans. Thus, they needed the Mississ ippi†. Being on the west of the Appalachian Mountains made it difficult to transport products, however now with occupation of the Mississippi, crops and goods could be transported west of the mountains in a more efficient manner.

F-105 Thunderchief in the Vietnam War

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was an American fighter-bomber that earned fame during the Vietnam War. Entering service in 1958, the F-105 underwent a series of mechanical issues that led to the fleet being grounded on multiple occasions. These were largely resolved and due to its high-speed and superior low-altitude performance, the Thunderchief was deployed to Southeast Asia in 1964. From 1965 onward, the type flew the bulk of the US Air Forces strike missions in Vietnam as well as frequently conducted Wild Weasel (suppression of enemy air defenses) missions. The F-105 was largely retired from frontline service after the war and the last Thunderchiefs left reserve squadrons in 1984. Origins Design of the F-105 Thunderchief began in the early 1950s as an internal project at Republic Aviation. Intended to be a replacement for the F-84F Thunderstreak, the F-105 was created as a supersonic, low-altitude penetrator capable of delivering a nuclear weapon to a target deep within the Soviet Union. Led by Alexander Kartveli, the design team produced an aircraft centered on a large engine and able to achieve high speeds. As the F-105 was meant to be a penetrator, maneuverability was sacrificed for speed and low-altitude performance. Design and Development Intrigued by Republics design, the US Air Force placed an initial order for 199 F-105s in September 1952, but with the Korean War winding down reduced it to 37 fighter-bombers and nine tactical reconnaissance aircraft six months later. As development progressed, it was found that the design had grown too large to be powered by the Allison J71 turbojet intended for the aircraft. As a result, they elected to utilize the Pratt Whitney J75. While the preferred power plant for the new design, the J75 was not immediately available and as a result on October 22, 1955, the first YF-105A prototype flew powered by a Pratt Whitney J57-P-25 engine. Though equipped with the less powerful J57, the YF-105A achieved a top speed of Mach 1.2 on its first flight. Further test flights with the YF-105A soon revealed that the aircraft was underpowered and suffered from problems with transonic drag. To counter these issues, Republic was finally able to obtain the more powerful Pratt Whitney J75 and altered the arrangement of the air intakes which were located at the wing roots. Additionally, it worked to redesign the aircraft fuselage which initially employed a slab-sided look. Drawing on experiences from other aircraft producers, Republic employed the Whitcomb area rule by smoothing the fuselage and slightly pinching it in the center.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Repubilc F-105D Thunderchief GeneralLength: 64 ft. 4.75 in.Wingspan: 34 ft. 11.25 in.Height: 19 ft. 8 in.Wing Area: 385 sq. ft.Empty Weight: 27,500 lbs.Loaded Weight: 35,637 lbs.Crew: 1-2PerformancePower Plant: 1 Ãâ€" Pratt Whitney J75-P-19W afterburning turbojet, 26,500 lbf with afterburning water injectionCombat Radius: 780 milesMax Speed: Mach 2.08 (1,372 mph)Ceiling: 48,500 ft.ArmamentGuns: 1 Ãâ€" 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon, 1,028 roundsBombs/Rockets: Up to 14,000 lbs. of ordnance including nuclear weapons, AIM-9 Sidewinder, and AGM-12 Bullpup missiles. Weapons carried in the bomb bay and on five external hardpoints. Refining the Aircraft The redesigned aircraft, dubbed the F-105B, proved able to achieve speeds of Mach 2.15. Also included were improvements to its electronics including the MA-8 fire control system, a K19 gun sight, and an AN/APG-31 ranging radar. These enhancements were required to allow the aircraft to conduct its intended nuclear strike mission. With the alterations complete, the YF-105B first took to the sky on May 26, 1956. The following month a trainer variant (F-105C) of the aircraft was created while the reconnaissance version (RF-105) was canceled in July. The largest single-engine fighter built for the US Air Force, the production model of F-105B possessed an internal bomb bay and five external weapons pylons. To continue a company tradition of employing Thunder in its aircraft names, which dated back to World War IIs P-47 Thunderbolt, Republic requested that the new aircraft be designated Thunderchief. Early Alterations On May 27, 1958, the F-105B entered service with the 335th Tactical Fighter Squadron. As with many new aircraft, the Thunderchief was initially plagued by problems with its avionics systems. After these were dealt with as part of Project Optimize, the F-105B became a reliable aircraft. In 1960, the F-105D was introduced and the B model transitioned to the Air National Guard. This was completed by 1964. The last production variant of the Thunderchief, the F-105D included an R-14A radar, an AN/APN-131 navigation system, and an AN/ASG-19 Thunderstick fire-control system which gave the aircraft all-weather capability and the ability to deliver the B43 nuclear bomb. Efforts were also made to restart the RF-105 reconnaissance program based on the F-105D design. The US Air Force planned to purchase 1,500 F-105Ds, however, this order was reduced to 833 by Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. Issues Deployed to Cold War bases in Western Europe and Japan, F-105D squadrons trained for their intended deep penetration role. As with its predecessor, the F-105D suffered from early technological issues. These issues may have helped earn the aircraft the nickname Thud from the sound the F-105D made when it hit the ground though the true origins of the term are unclear. As a result of these problems, the entire F-105D fleet was grounded in December 1961, and again in June 1962, while the issues were dealt with at the factory. In 1964, the issues in existing F-105Ds were resolved as part of Project Look Alike though some engine and fuel system problems persisted for another three years. Vietnam War Through the early- and mid-1960s, the Thunderchief began to be developed as a conventional strike bomber rather than a nuclear delivery system. This was further emphasized during the Look Alike upgrades which saw the F-105D receive additional ordnance hard points. It was in this role that it was sent to Southeast Asia during the escalation of the Vietnam War. With its high-speed and superior low-altitude performance, the F-105D was ideal for hitting targets in North Vietnam and far superior to the F-100 Super Sabre then in use. US Air Force F-105 Thunderchiefs during Operation Rolling Thunder. US Air Force First deployed to bases in Thailand, F-105Ds began flying strike missions as early as late 1964. With the commencement of Operation Rolling Thunder in March 1965, F-105D squadrons began bearing the brunt of the air war over North Vietnam. A typical F-105D mission to North Vietnam included mid-air refueling and a high-speed, low altitude entry and exit from the target area. Though an extremely durable aircraft, F-105D pilots usually only had a 75 percent chance of completing a 100-mission tour due to the danger involved in their missions. By 1969, the US Air Force began withdrawing the F-105D from strike missions replacing it with F-4 Phantom IIs. While the Thunderchief ceased to fulfill a strike role in Southeast Asia, it continued to serve as a wild weasel. Developed in 1965, the first F-105F Wild Weasel variant flew in January 1966. F-105D Thunderchief cockpit. US Air Force Possessing a second seat for an electronic warfare officer, the F-105F was intended for a suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) mission. Nicknamed Wild Weasels, these aircraft served to identify and destroy North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile sites. A dangerous mission, the F-105 proved highly capable as its heavy payload and expanded SEAD electronics allowed the aircraft to deliver devastating blows to enemy targets. In late 1967, an enhanced wild weasel variant, the F-105G entered service. Later Service Due to the nature of the wild weasel role, F-105Fs and F-105Gs were typically the first to arrive over a target and the last to leave. While the F-105D had been completely removed from strike duties by 1970, the wild weasel aircraft flew until the wars end. In the course of the conflict 382 F-105s were lost to all causes, representing 46 percent of the US Air Forces Thunderchief fleet. Due to these losses, the F-105 was ruled to no longer be combat effective as a frontline aircraft. Sent to the reserves, the Thunderchief remained in service until officially being retired on February 25, 1984.