Monday, July 07, 2008

Sailfish, beagles, and...

...turtles. Oh my.

Tom Watts-Fitzgerald is prosecuting a business for selling small turtles. From Vanessa Blum's article last week:

There's a new salmonella threat in South Florida and this time it's tiny turtles, not tomatoes.Federal prosecutor Thomas Watts-Fitzgerald filed misdemeanor charges last week against a Hollywood-based reptile business. The business is accused of violating a public health law banning the sale of turtles with shells less than 4 inches long.Strictly Reptiles, which claims to be the nation's largest wildlife importer/exporter, illegally supplied 400 undersized Mississippi map turtles and 600 Yellow-bellied sliders that turned up for sale at flea markets, kiosks and pet stores, prosecutors allege.Congress enacted the ban in 1975, after public health investigations identified small turtles as a major source of human salmonella infections, particularly in children who liked to put the critters in their mouths.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Whadda mean Tom Watts-Fitz is at it again? Are you implying he is a overzealous? If you are, truth is, he is a decent guy and way far better than most AUSAs and in fact a pleasure to deal with ...almost always anyway. And, he does have a sense of humor. Pick on someone your own size.

David Oscar Markus said...

That's not what I meant at all. I meant that he's prosecuting another case involving animals. But I will change the language of the post so that you can't make any such assumptions.

Anonymous said...

David leave your post the way it is. I made no assumptions reading it. If 5:01 has a problem with it so what? Let him start his own blog.

Anonymous said...

If you did not mean to imply what I inferred, why is the case or prosecutor's identity worthy of note? Further, why mention that the crimes are misdemeanors, or use the introduction (still there) "Oh my."

If a prosecutor does environmental crimes, wouldn't many or most of his/her cases involve animals?

As for the other writer, one who blogs is fair game for any commentary, even those showing critical, not anti-Government analysis.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you changed your post to appease Ed Williams. Grow a backbone.

Anonymous said...

Ed, you are right...one who blogs is fair game....You Sir...are an ASS HOLE!

David Oscar Markus said...

My dear readers:

The purpose of this blog is to keep up with this District's news in a fun way. Yes, I poke fun at what's going on in our courthouse, but I try to do it in a way that doesn't hurt anyone's feelings. Of course, every now and then I cross the line, and when I do, I try to fix it. I am probably too sensitive to people's feelings. I usually only change the blog or delete a comment if it is really offensive. And I probably should not have changed this post (even if it was only a couple of words) -- I really don't think it was mean-spirited or offensive. But like I said, I am sensitive to these issues, so I am over-inclusive on what I delete. So, keep commenting and keep sending me tips. Peace!

Anonymous said...

"I am probably too sensitive to people's feelings"

how did you write that with a straight face?

Commodore said...

Then why leave the Ed Williams is an ASS HOLE comment up?

Anonymous said...

who is Ed Williams and why does a single person care what he thinks, about anything?

Anonymous said...

Who is Ed Williams? WHOOOOOOOO is he???

Anonymous said...

I hope Ed Williams runs into Benson.

Anonymous said...

Toms Next Case???

Make sure you read the type under the photo.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/tv/sfl-aaaaaaamisery20080701121332,0,3184791.photo

Anonymous said...

Commodore, you are a jerk. David left it up because the blog is about free speech, even for those that would criticize some unknown guy that has courage to use his own name, or the guy/gals like you who criticize David for not removing such posts.

Anonymous said...

10:43, Those who know David know he is a man who DOES cares about the feelings of others especially if a comment is left behind that is considered offensive or untrue.

Anonymous said...

Apologies to all (almost). I am old and tired (and some say long dead).

I was reading without my glasses. The language of the actual article writer was anti Tom W-F, not blogger David. I guess the press was accusing one heck of a good Federal prosecutor of goofiness? If so, he should be defended. Tom W-F never prosecuted anyone who didn't deserve it, except of course my clients (in a previous century).
All I write is meant in good fun, but if it causes some personal or professional introspection for you young stud attorneys who are bright but still wet behind the ears, in the practical and common sense, so be it.

Oops, got to go. Social Security check is in.

Anonymous said...

David have you been baking in the sun?! I can't believe someone like you would change your post on account of someone whining about it.

As the commodore stated,

Then why leave the Ed Williams is an ASS HOLE comment up?

That is not considered offensive?

Anonymous said...

BTW, as 11:45 stated, the blog being about FREE SPEECH. David you must not agree with that statement otherwise you would NOT have changed your wording! Grow a pair.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous, grow a pair yourself and post your real name. The blog is good. So DOM changed a couple words... WHO CARES!

Anonymous said...

another blog post with 20+ comments. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
too bad you couldn't uncover the blecher was rumpole. that would really spark the blog. keep it up davey boy. the blog is rocking. don't listen to these idiots.

Anonymous said...

8:08, brilliantly said.

Anonymous said...

Why is everyone getting upset over something so trivial and meaningless? A few words, as someone stated were changed. What's with the David bashing? Get a life people!

Jodi Alison said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I got salmonella from a turle when I was a small child. I was handling my brother's turtles then put my hand in my mouth. I was too young to know better - I don't even remember it. It is actually very serious.

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