Answer from the DA. It’s 9:00 PM here, and I need to get this in the mail in fifty minutes. We used to lock in from 9:30 PM to 10:30 PM, and were let back out until 11:30 PM. Now we stay out until 10:00 PM and must have our mail done by then!

My headphones died the other day, so I had to plop down $29.95 for a set of Koss all-plastic headphones that would probably cost $15 on the street. Anyhow, they are a noise reducing type of headphone, so I can pretty much disappear into a world of NPR classical music and write this letter with a minimum of distraction.

I received the answer from the DA and he was supposed to get an affidavit from my lawyer, but she declined to provide one! I’m not sure if that is good or bad.

The DA did argue about an issue I did not even raise. Hmmm, could it be I have finally gotten to the point where I am going to get a decent shot?

They spent three pages pointing out that I do not have an issue of double jeopardy. Since federal and state are considered two different sovereigns, they can both prosecute. I knew that, and did not raise it.

The federal issue is that I am guaranteed effective assistance of council. Had my lawyer been effective, she would have raised the issue of double punishment, and I would not have been punished in NY State. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

This letter jumps around a lot, but I wanted to get something in the mail, and this is now the last forty minutes in which to do it. The main problem is the lack of anyone to share my feelings with. Isn’t life grand! Sorry it is so messy, between the time crunch and the need to share so much with you, but anyhow.

On the "you have a life too" front: sorry about the demise of your hard drive, but I’m glad for your fortuitous backup. (Note I have a wonderful Roget’s II New Thesaurus and certainly think you may disagree with the word "fortuitous".) I’m also glad warranties work. As they say, don't you just love it when a plan comes together?

Okay, back to my narcissist self. Yeah, I am supposed to be working on that too!

They say confession is good for the soul, and I believe that might well be true. Your renewed vigor with respect to your letter writing is a gift more than I can say, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Yes, some of it brings pain, but as I said at the start, it confirms to me that I am still a person. Thanks again.

A typewritten letter will follow.

Peace,
Pete

P.S. The jokes you sent are making the rounds.
  ¶ 8:52 AM