Cornyn Questions Holder Over Death of Reddit Co-Founder Aaron Swartz

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ABOUT SENATOR JOHN CORNYN
Senator Cornyn was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002, and is currently serving his third term after being re-elected in 2008 and 2014.
He sits on the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees, where he helps craft legislation on behalf of 28 million Texans. From 2013 until 2018 Senator Cornyn was chosen by his colleagues to serve as the Republican Whip, the second-highest ranking position in the Senate Republican Conference.
A San Antonio native, Senator Cornyn has served the people of Texas for the last three decades, as a district judge, a member of the Texas Supreme Court and Texas Attorney General, before representing the Lone Star State in the U.S. Senate.

[@zentricky69]

The criminal in this case is Eric Holder.

[@majorphoto]

Holder: murdering liar. like many before him and more to follow

[@jandrews2735]

Holder, the smiling, lying assasin

[@ThePatsyMusic]

They could not risk the publicity of a trial, they had to silence him.

[@petergeoghegan5486]

America looses another genius to the oligarchy.

[@mohameds3354]

In fact the world

[@osvaldovaldes10009]

I'll pretend I am mad, you pretend you're sorry....roger!

[@nikolanebulus7259]

Yeah you can tell they are just laughing inside

[@ChaoticOrder883]

I was speaking about this today. he would be rolling in his grave if he saw what reddit has become. He was targeted and the government has a lot to answer to for his death. rip man you will be remembered and we keep fighting for what you believed in. you are loved.

[@ThenVersusNow_]

This is the real evil among us.

[@roguerose]

They added more charges after plea deals had been offered. How is that not bullying someone into taking a plea deal?

[@JaniceDewdney62]

Aaron thought about the offer of a short sentence as long as he admitted a felony. The way they really set up to make a case against Aaron, i believe it was to make a strong point against Aaron because he was a clever academic with technical skills way beyond anyone else when you put all his qualities together. He was also a great speaker as Aaron was away ahead of his time as a child with education. He was reading at 3 years old. I believe he was targetted in many ways. Jst after they offered Aaron the short sentence they interegated his girlfriend who was terrified as she has a young child. After this interegation they then offered the short sentence if admitted to a felony. Aaron was not gilty and a lot of people think he may have walked being found innocent. The internet would not be what it is. I am glad we have Aarons Law. He had moved from his obsession wth sites to being a physical activist and speaker. He was researching the lies about climate change. I believe they knew Aaron would have exposed what they did not want him researching. He was all over the news speaking about climate change. God bless him.xx

[@henokmillion9774]

It is, in fact, bullying. Good questions by Senator Cornyn.

[@notallrocknroll]

Thank you Senator Cornyn. I came here after watching Brian Knappenberger's documentary on Aaron Swartz, feeling low, but uplifted by your tenacity and integrity in his memory. Did you get that letter? Like you said, there is little recompense for Aaron [and Ted Stevens] now, but accountability is everything. Eric Holder - your people snuffed out Aaron's 'good future in front of him'.

[@jandrews2735]

Holder knew that while he lied through his teeth about all the govt had "offered." They offered him a felony conviction and conflicting reports of what the sentence was --- but it's the felony part to ruin his future that was upsetting. They "offered" nothing useful to him, just misery.

[@notallrocknroll]

@@jandrews2735 Ten years tomorrow, since Aaron Swartz took his own life. 11 January 1983

[@ItsDeanDavis]

I discovered Senator John Cornyn within the last year or two, watching him in the judiciary committee. He seems to have a superior awareness of realistic implications, dramatically apart from anyone else in congress. It's Aaron Swartz day, and I find this clip. Mr. Cornyn is really a unique human being, I am just astounded by his brilliance, and I'm so thankful for him.

[@room205studio]

Thank you for raising this issue Sen Cornyn. Eric Holder's testimony was disastrous throughout this hearing. From your questioning, to Senator Cruz's, to his refusing to answer about marijuana legalization, to his not responding to letters. I don't think Mr. Holder has the intelligence or respect for the American people necessary to do his job. I believe he is incompetent.

[@kdtarvin]

If all they are after is max 5-6 months, why charge as they did. Had the case gone to trial and had there been a conviction, would they not have been bound by mandatory sentencing guidelines putting Aaron in prison for an extraordinarily lengthy prison term. The best light that can be put on this is that the gov. Grossly overcharged and attempted to save face with a low sentencing rec. The case was already handled by the state prosecutor. This was about ruining a man.

[@nlcrme]

ratdvek I agree with your assessment. As a matter of fact I believe there were only 5 charges and after an article, I can't remember which one, gained traction in favor of Aaron, they decided to add several more charges. Then they put a plea offer on the table, which was not a real plea at all. If I am not mistaken this plea stated that he could not work with computers, etc. For a certain length of time...and for a developer/programmer/genius that is clearly not a just plea agreement. If I'm not mistaken his attorney's felt very positive about going to trial and winning. The attorney's for Aaron were so upbeat about winning that I believe the government put additional pressure knowingly on Aaron that it pushed him to the point of despair. Aaron could no longer visualize a way forward much less a way out. Mentally, Emotionally and Physically abused to the point of taking his own life. It's beyond heartbreaking. I would like to see every one that was in charge of his case held accountable in some way. Even if it is to simply apologize and a promise to actively work towards policy and legislation that something like this could never happen again. The punishment our government was seeking most certainly did not fit the crime. Some believe his actions were crimeless. The truth is there were crimes committed but the injured party withdrew their complaints and said they were not interested in prosecuting Aaron. Quite frankly it should have dropped right then and there. But the government was aggressive, too aggressive in this particular case and the loss is too great for his family, friends and all of humanity.

[@ht-si1lr]

It all SMELLS

[@big120treez]

They drove him to take his life. Aaron was a kind soul of the likes not often found in the wealthy tech world.

[@foxinhenhouse3156]

If these plea offers were really made, there would be fax copies of the plea going back and forth. Order those fax documents to be produced. I think this is a lie and Carmen Ortiz needs to be removed from public office along with Eric Holder

[@britevision]

I believe the offers have been publicly proven. However, that is ENTIRELY beside the point. Aaron didn't want to, nor shouldn't have had to, settle for months in prison and the label of a felon. Holder, in this video, is trying to convince listeners that Aaron was treated fairly. Don't be manipulated by his tone. Aaron did not deserve even one month in prison. And the government should be held accountable for terrorizing him.

[@anniem.8803]

Fox Inhenhouse plea was made, but there is still no reason for 3-4 months to become 35 years, and he had to plead guilty to felony, which he was refusing.

[@quantumleaper8396]

You bet

[@ArsArcanum]

good deals my ass! He was still going to be labeled as a convicted felon with the pleas.

[@anniem.8803]

Why would he have accepted jail for it? And how can 3 months become 35 years plus 1 million$ fine? They had no good reason for it, even the company from which he took the files from didn't want him charged, but prosecutor did anyway. Its a shame, but I believe he was scared, considering if government wants you jail, there's tiny chances to win against them.

[@ellipszia]

murders

[@Simon-pl2zi]

00:58 too little too late Mr Holder 01:26 the plea offer was a coercive threat, being _"take three months or get 35 years"_. In the USA the attorney general's use of corrupt plea bargaining is so effective that more than 90 percent of defendants waive their right to a jury trial 01:49 That’s a lie, because the press release released by the federal prosecutor stated that Swartz “faces up to 35 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, restitution, forfeiture and a fine of up to $1 million.” Later in 2011 they added even more charges, with a maximum of 50+ years jail.

[@loopsruby]

Aaron was a hero & his story should be heard. Please watch Aaron Schwartz ‘The Internet’s Own Boy’.

[@dgalahad]

......I meant who would commit suicide if they could get a 3 month probation?

[@rockquarry365]

“If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on Earth.” Ronald Reagan, from his speech, “A Time for Choosing,” October 27, 1964

[@quantumleaper8396]

Holder sold guns to the Mexican Cartel

[@johnwatwood7620]

Holder, and about 20 million other kakistocracy criminals should be indicted and looking at possible death penalty for what they have done, and are currently doing.

[@captainmorgen486]

They killed him and reddit is trying to delete him from history

[@NuyoricanJoseph]

This applies to EVERY plea deal. Coerce people into pleading guilt of felonies and bypass trial because the charges being presented are overly outrageous and they (whether state or federal) know they have the tools and resources to make ANYTHING stick, no matter how false or outrageous. So regardless of your innocence, they make sure they get a 100% conviction rate. And if you try to fight it and force the case to go to trial.. THEY WILL MAKE AN EXAMPLE OUT OF YOU. How DARE you plead your innocence in a "court of law"

[@OliverMorales]

Eric Holder with your action, you killed a brilliant young man. for what? for a books, a sevices of suscription is a service, no the ownership of the knowledge in this papers.

[@PhillipLWilcher]

Freedom is sacrifice; a measure of caring that is the leaven of love. Rest in peace Aaron, for all that you were to freedom, and for who you were in life : an ambassador for truth at its finest.

[@sheamusosullivan97]

Could someone add an Aaron Swartz's section on Eric Holder's Wiki page? Seems odd that Aaron's name isn't found anywhere on his page. 🤔

[@shelleythompson2049]

Until we openly discuss, acknowledge, strategize and work towards solving adult and workplace bullying then we will always have bullies that make their way into positions of power that will screw over all of humanity as they act out their LITTLE shows of power.

[@katosellers257]

AARON'S BLOOD IS ON YOU HOLDER!!!!

[@nyxxys8982]

So did Holder ever respond to Cornyn's letters?

[@bobbobson7188]

Prosecutors always come forward with outrageous maximum sentences against a defendant . They rarely get even a tiny part of their pre trial sentencing declarations except in cases of murder and the like. imho all sorts of attorneys and supporters should have contacted Aaron as soon as he heard the draconian , insane punishment the prosecution put forward . They should have told Aaron he would not serve much time or none at all and supported, been by aaron's side 24/7 and explained this to Aaron . imho Aaron would not have had to serve any time in prison for his offense if you can even call it that .

[@MaximC]

5:41 - f**king exactly!

[@RM-gd8gu]

I thought Holder was Oprahs longtime pal Stedman...Time for new glasses!

[@dgalahad]

Mr. Holder seems almost dismissive in his response. He's giving "talking points" and Senator Cornyn very politely and gentlemanly persists. Well done Senator. Mr. Holder's explanation makes no logical sense. 35 years vs. 3-6 months plea bargain? That's like giving Charles Manson the choice between life and maybe 1 year hard labor.

[@Canyon2023]

Under the Obama administration. Is everyone still in love with Mr. Popularity?

[@christophlieding734]

could not watch it to the end; just words, no tears this is how you talk away something not right. Just talk, talk until its talked away. That lady prosecuter I don't even know what to say= No Aloha

[@wugy07]

What scares me most is how many democrats are involved with issues that don't involve money.

[@basic2892]

why did they do this to him for over some articles and books?

[@elysusa2088]

Aaron Swartz had a great purpose no matter how bad or good it was he could have worked for the government shame on them

[@PylesOfPepe]

Really a 30+ year sentence offered down to 0-6months...hmmm sounds like aaron knew something in his favor. Seen this far to many times. Over charge a "criminal" so they can plea down in court to the original charge they may have been guilty of. Actually I witnessed this first hand an the only reason the person is free...is bc I said "if all you say is 100% true,dont take ANY plea. Go to the box/trial" sure enough they said the individual was looking at 5+ years. There will be no plea bargain given. The trust the person had wasnt what did it...they knew they were ACTUALLY INNOCENT. 2 days before trial they offered a plea of iirc, 2 or 3 years. Individual denied. The day before trial they offered 0-6 months, also denied. The first day the judge dismissed the case. An this is happening to innocent people. Maybe not perfect but by law innocent of what they are accused of. This video will probably be important one day. Very important,unless youtube wipes it for unknown reasons. First we had knowledge gatekeepers, now Tech emperors...

[@petergeoghegan5486]

Holder is at best incompetent at worst absent from his office.

[@ht-si1lr]

WoW a conversation between two liars! WoW they had NO IDEA what the ~internet~~ was doing in MILWAUKEE just days before???

[@snotchy2]

So chatgpt put this all in vain

[@Flashyfinancier]

wow..i agree with a texas Republican

[@thebullgator]

This is why most Americans are for limited government and why all Americans should be libertarians. The government institutions are not protecting our rights they are protecting the elite.

[@Flashyfinancier]

@@thebullgator Libertarians are as dumb as a bag of rocks though

[@thebullgator]

Flashyfinancier no the Libertarian party is complete joke but there are absolutely brilliant people who are libertarian.

[@Flashyfinancier]

@@thebullgator id disagree with that. The entire ideology of libertarianism is non-sensical.

[@thebullgator]

Flashyfinancier this idea is nonsensical? “Libertarianism is a political philosophy and movement that upholds liberty as a core principle. Libertarians seek to maximize political freedom and autonomy, emphasizing individualism, freedom of choice and voluntary association. Libertarians share a skepticism of authority and state power, but they diverge on the scope of their opposition to existing economic and political systems.”

[@solarpanel8195]

they're both in on it in some fashion... they always give the public their hero's. it'll never be a shitty leadership and no one fighting it. they pretend to fight it. we need to actually fight it, which is what Aaron was accomplishing. it's fuckin easy we just don't realize our potential until we sacrifice and DO.

[@raymondstauffer2026]

Can't access this file.

[@gracechapel2464]

Not much has changed.

[@treymilligan6229]

"Such a tragedy *farts* but ya ortiz did a great job threatening life in prison then trying to cut (bully) a deal to accept 13 felonies that the original victim isn't even asking to prosecute. Nah we handled that good, we no overreach, yu feel me?"

[@ericpleasant7225]

Malarkey, Cornyn is full of it, he wanted Swartz in jail himself.

[@matthewroth1]

5:30 They can say they’ll do their best to support and treat them fairly… After they already died or have been extradited and are no longer a problem.

[@tulipsontheorgan]

What did you expect holder to say? CYA

[@BayMacDre415]

His face looks like it's photoshopped

[@ralgia]

Aaron Swartz was killed

[@revelgirl1742]

On this we agree.

[@quantumleaper8396]

MEERKAT

[@bobbobson7188]

If Aaron had to serve 4 to 6 months in prison he would not been given the soft treatment that Paris Hilton got in a nice cozy semi psychiatric minimum security "prison" . Hilton was a dangerous drunk driver . Aaron wasn't at all a danger to society. Aaron was such a good person even 4 months in prison would have destroyed him emotionally or even got him killed . He would have been easy prey for the violent offenders he would have been in prison with.

[@fineartfreeagent]

I respect Mr. Holder but on this issue I wholeheartedly disagree and feel his logic overtook his humanity. This is an issue I side with Senator Corryn with whom I do not share a party with.

[@digitalelectronswebsolutio6524]

eric holder is not the bad guy here. Looking back on this I think he spoke in the matter well. Another person might have not done the same at this hearing. Could have freely took disrespectful shots at Aaron too. sheesh some comments are always sensational on the internet. so yeah, unfortunately there was a day were Aaron went above and beyond a normal day of being a student. I understand the sentiment behind hus actions, well for the most part and still don't agree with it. Secondly, it's the intelligence companies and partly wall street that share a strong partnership with the research database companies Aaron took a crack at. Naturally, they react to suprises they don't like. Perhaps the nature of reaction from the establishment was lacking in empathy and patience, cause I think the reaction started off fairly quick. But Aaron let us down a little with his rash behavior of making a change on this one. I still wonder if someone was putting an sensational idea in his head before he did that act, or if he was just personally ego-tripping and his thoughts were out of balance. Either way, R.I.P Aaron. you did a lot for people, regardless of your mistake

[@lukapookawooka88]

grow a backbone he did a heroic act selfless for humanity. that's never a mistake.