Wednesday, June 15, 2022

NOTICE: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY? SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT...ONCE AGAIN


"Truth against the World!"


Battle cry of Queen Bodicea



CAVEAT LECTOR: I don't expect that this report will be of interest to some readers, as it addresses issues which probably don't concern them. The point is that they are of great concern to me. Just another NOTICE which I find it important to document for the public record.


Could I be the subject of a case of mistaken identity? I often wonder. So many people, who apparently believe I am someone – or something – I am not. What's more, I seem to be a lightning rod for exploitation, for misrepresentation, for defamation, and for false accusations, from the ludicrous to the reprehensible. (Why me, Lord?)


At least once a year I find it necessary (even imperative) to set the record straight concerning the purpose of this website, my policies on various issues, and the numerous and diverse falsehoods which are published on the Internet in connection to the name of Barbara Hartwell. This false information by far exceeds any truthful, factual, accurate information, which has caused tremendous frustration and outrage, at the cumulative damage to my good name, as well as the larger issue of falsehoods being substituted for the truth. False information about any subject or person is damaging not only to that person, but also to anyone who believes it, much more to the society at large.


I dread even the thought of putting my name in any search engine, but though I don't, I still find a plethora of falsehoods on a regular basis when conducting a search, even for unrelated subjects.


Much of the false information is the result of a massive smear campaign, which has continued for decades, engineered by my enemies in the intelligence services, for the purpose of discrediting my reports and vilifying my name. Libel, slander, character assassination, spread far and wide, on high traffic, commercial sites, on radio/podcast platforms and social media. I know I have seen only a small fraction of what is out there. And since I am “locked out” of most social media sites (never being a member – heaven forbid!), I know I will never see some of the worst of it.


In some cases, I make a point of refuting the defamatory falsehoods, and exposing the offenders as the liars, hacks, frauds, shills, government stooges, and criminals they are. Mostly, I ignore them. I simply don't have the time to get to them all and have far more important issues to deal with.


It is important to state that I consider ALL false information to be defamatory, even if that was not the intent of the offender (and I use that term in the specific sense of civil law). It is defamatory because it misrepresents persons and places them in a false light. The same applies to the name of Barbara Hartwell being grossly exploited, falsely associated with so many persons or issues where there is in fact no connection, no relevance whatsoever. I do not care what the motive is. I do not care if they “mean well”, or act without malice. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions and the damages occur just the same.


To complicate the situation, there are people who are acting on the false information they have heard or read, by parroting it in a public venue AS IF it were a statement of fact, the gospel truth.


Then, in the same vein, there are those who are attempting to make contact with me. Some are requesting investigative services or private consultations. Strangely, some are acting on the false belief that I am a licensed attorney, though I have always made a point of clearly stating that such is not the case.


These letters are sent by the post, as I don't have a public e-mail address or other published contact information. At least 2 or 3 times a month, these letters arrive. This has continued for at least 2 decades, despite the fact that I have repeatedly published NOTICES clearly stating that I do NOT offer such professional services to the general public, and requesting that people please NOT send me case files, legal briefs or their personal testimony. Since I do not respond to these letters (which I also have stated in my NOTICES), I often receive repeated requests from the same person, asking if I have received their letters, speculating as to why I may not have received them, and providing e-mail addresses and phone numbers, and apparently expecting a response.


Some are acting under the false impression that I myself am seeking assistance of one kind or another, and have made various offers of such. Though I appreciate their kindness, I don't accept such offers. Some are acting under the mistaken notion that I am seeking interaction (social or professional). Again, I am not. None of the above.


In addition to the plethora of false information published on the Internet, it appears that many people are simply making unwarranted assumptions, engaging in speculation (often of the extreme variety) and/or projecting their own subjective values, beliefs or proclivities on me. What's worse, they are actually publishing all of this, which does great harm to me, through gross misrepresentation.


In order to set the record straight (yet again...), I have divided the issues of concern to me into categories for easy reference. I can hope this will set the record straight, though I know from past experience that is unlikely. At least, I know I have documented all this to plainly state the facts for the record, and in defense of my honor and integrity, and provided the opportunity for those who wish to know the truth.


PURPOSE OF THIS WEBSITE: Barbara Hartwell Vs. CIA


My site is FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. It is an archive of my reports, generally over the past quarter century. It is not a “news” site. I am not a “news reporter”. I am an advocacy journalist, who has worked in terrestrial radio/cable TV as host and producer as well as in print journalism, formerly in hard copy periodicals (including mainstream media), and since 1995, on the Internet, for a total of over 40 years.


I do not run a high-traffic, commercial site. No advertising, nothing to sell. I do not seek publicity nor engage in any form of self-promotion. I do not post my reports or other information anywhere else. I want to make this clear because I have been a victim of plagiarism, forgery, fraud and identity theft many times over. Some of these offenders have set up fraudulent message boards exploiting my name; have sections of websites dedicated to defamatory content against Barbara Hartwell, and even a fraudulent Facebook page for Barbara Hartwell Vs CIA. And the devil knows what all else is out there...


It is nearly impossible to track these reprobates down, as they invariably use pseudonyms, or are entirely anonymous. So I need to make it clear that anything found outside this website, exploiting the name of Barbara Hartwell, did not come from me, is unauthorized, is fraudulent, and should be disregarded.


The issues I choose to cover are those which are important to me, including for personal and professional reasons. In general terms, I focus on exposing government corruption and tyranny, defending liberty and pursuing justice. And I am passionate about putting bad guys (government or not) out of business, and criminals behind bars, where they belong.


I do not run an interactive site, nor do I provide a platform for others to air their views. My site is a closed system, for the sole purpose of publishing information, which the readers may take or leave, like or dislike, agree or disagree, and make of it what they will. Unlike most others, I do not seek 'input' or 'feedback'. None of this is of any concern to me.


I take no part in the Internet culture, which I find to be a hotbed of busybodies, gossips, attention-seekers and salesmen, most sticking their noses where they don't belong. Especially social media, which I have never used and never will; aside from being a government data extraction operation and surveillance system, it is a cesspool of sensationalism, vulgarity and idiocy, as far as I am concerned.


I do not have a “comments” section on my site, nor engage the readers (or the general public) in discussions, arguments, debates, nor do I answer questions. If the readers have questions, they will either find the answers in the published content on this site, or they will not. I do have a 3-part FAQ in the NOTICES section, though it is limited to the issues I find most important.


Since no one is authorized to speak for me, no accurate answers (or factual information) may be found elsewhere, only just subjective opinions and speculation, which is entirely worthless to anyone seeking the facts and the truth.


I understand that there is no way to stop the hordes of cyber-junkies from promoting their wild speculation, unwarranted assumptions, erroneous suppositions, or outright defamatory falsehoods; it is the nature of the beast. But I won't ever open a door and provide the means or the opportunity for these unprincipled and intrusive characters.


The same applies to radio/podcast interviews. I do not appear on live programs, where there is a chat section where the audience is invited to make comments, ask questions, or where they can call in to join the discussion. If the recorded interview is posted on YouTube, or other platforms, I tell the host beforehand to please disable the comments section. If I do find a podcast where comments have been enabled, despite my wishes, I will not promote the podcast, nor will I appear on that program again.


I say what I mean and mean what I say. I am very serious about this, and that is my prerogative, though I am aware it is unusual. Most who run websites and/or host radio/podcasts engage the audience; that is how they gain followers, fund their platform and make a profit. And/or, they may enjoy the interaction. I don't criticize them for this, it is not my business. But I don't seek “popularity”, I don't share their viewpoints or policies; my policy, in all cases, is DO NOT ENGAGE.


I have made every effort to clearly state my policies and purposes in a number of NOTICES which are prominently displayed in a section at the top of this site. Yet, no matter how many times I have stated these policies, they are regularly disregarded or ignored. I must say, it is a shame that so many people would have so little respect for the privacy and personal boundaries of an individual, especially when I have made my position crystal clear.



THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY:


7 WORDS: MY LIFE IS NOT AN OPEN BOOK.


The prevailing culture, especially on the Internet, has become a free-for-all, where anything goes, where proper manners and standards of decency and morality have plummeted. It is a surveillance society, engineered by the Marxist/progressive takeover, where snoops and snitches have free rein, and privacy has been all but expunged.


I will take no part in it. I am a fierce defender of my privacy. My life is NOT an open book, for all and sundry to peruse. I maintain a public website, of which I am the sole editor and administrator. That said, I am a very, very private person.


Privacy is an integral part of my liberty. The right to live in peace, to be free from intrusions, from unwanted, unsolicited contact. The right to protect personal/privileged information which is not the concern or the business of anyone unless I choose to reveal it, either under confidence, or to the general public.


I do not have a public e-mail address, nor a listed telephone number or physical address.


As stated above, I do not use any form of social media, nor do I solicit any form of social or professional interaction.


Anyone who wants to contact me, for any reason, may easily do so using the postal mailing address prominently displayed on this website. If that is too much trouble to take, then I can't imagine it would be all that important.


In any case, contact by the post weeds out most of the curiosity seekers, busybodies, salesmen and crazies. With few exceptions, it is mostly effective in preventing the harassment and threats I used to get when I had a public e-mail address (not since 2003). As for death threats, most of the criminals know better than to send such a thing in writing by post.


Although I may be considered a “public figure” by virtue of a long career as an advocacy journalist and public speaker, I am not a “public servant”. I hold no public office, nor am I a candidate for such. I have no criminal record. I am law-abiding and respect the privacy, personal boundaries and rights of others, on principle, even though in many cases, they don't respect mine.


I am not employed by any person or entity. I have purposely avoided getting licensed in any area of my professional work, for the purpose of remaining entirely independent and free from all restrictions and government control. I can't be “fired” from a job where I am not employed, and a license which I don't hold cannot be suspended or terminated, as no one has lawful authority over me or my work. Nor can I be held in check by such threats.


One example: Since I was already trained as an investigator, I considered becoming a licensed private investigator, as a way to have some income, as do many former law enforcement and intelligence professionals. I went through an additional formal detective training course, as it would have made it easier to qualify for a license. But then, I decided against it, for the simple reason that in the state of Maine, where I lived at the time, all licensed private investigators were under the authority of the police. No way!


The point of explaining all this? No one, from the government, nor the general public, has any right, nor any legitimate reason, to pry into my business, to invade my privacy, or to wield any influence or control over me, as long as I am law-abiding. Case closed.


So, busybodies and control freaks (from the government, or not), take heed. You invade my privacy, there will be consequences!


Another important issue: I do NOT use intermediaries, for any reason. There have been people who wanted to contact me, but instead of honoring my policies as given in NOTICES on this site, they have contacted “known associates”, usually those who have promoted my work on their websites and/or talk show hosts with whom I have done interviews. They request that these individuals pass messages to me by e-mail or by phone. As stated in my NOTICES, I do not wish to receive, nor do I respond to third party communications. Again, the one way to contact me is by my postal mailing address.


Lastly, I am a true introvert by nature, and a recluse, by intent. My dream is to live in a monastery in some remote location, far from the World, and the Good Lord willing, I would be there now.


MY POLICY ON DONATIONS


I no longer solicit donations from this website, nor from any other venue. However, I do accept them, with gratitude, with the proviso that they are given free and clear, no questions asked, no strings attached, as 'Christian charity' or 'gifts'. All donations are to be used at the sole discretion of Barbara Hartwell, to support my work, including, but not limited to, this website, and to cover other expenses as they are necessary. Donations are NOT tax-deductible.


I do not use any form of electronic payment, but do accept checks, money orders or cash, sent by post to the mailing address:


PO Box 22

Rhinebeck, NY 12572


I do not offer subscriptions, nor do I seek supporters or followers. I am unable to offer any special benefits or exclusive content in connection with donations, as many do.


I am a senior citizen on disability benefits, which do not even begin to cover my monthly living expenses, much less the expenses related to my work. From those who find value in my work (including this website), and would like to make it possible to continue, your donations are greatly appreciated.


Lastly, please do read the NOTICES at the top of this site before sending notes, letters or donations. Hopefully that will prevent you from wasting your precious time, and prevent me from being a case of mistaken identity inasmuch as this is possible.


For those reading this who do respect the privacy, personal boundaries and rights of others, thank you for your consideration.


Barbara Hartwell

The Truth in the Record

IN THE WORLD, NOT OF THE WORLD

June 15, 2022

 

ADDENDUM


Please see PART 2 

NOTICE: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY? SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT...ONCE AGAIN


http://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2022/06/notice-case-of-mistaken-identity_30.html