Big Bubba Diogenes and His Trusty Lantern
This evening I have been wandering through the internet, with my lantern, looking for Democrats involved in the Abramoff scandal. A few samples that certainly seem to represent most media sources are these articles: The Associated Press, ” Update 28: Top Republicans Give Up Abramoff Donations” By Pete Yost, 01.04.2006, 12:50 PM; Newsday.com, ”Probe's focus shifting to Congress“ by J. Jioni Palmer, Washington Bureau, January 4, 2006; The San Francisco Chronicle, ”Abramoff's web of corruption”, Robert Scheer, Wednesday, January 4, 2006. Then there is the Washington Post’s bias - pick a page, any page. It is no surprise that mainstream media is certainly on the side of the progressive liberal demoracists.
Most media sources are depicting this whole scandal as Republican from top to bottom, inside out. They take their cue from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi who said Abramoff's confession in court was "not a surprise because this Republican Congress is the most corrupt in history and the American people are paying the price." You have to look hard in the media to find any demoracists ties to the scandal.
I don’t think party affiliation is the most important point about the political contributions of scam artist and crook, Jack Abramhoff. Here are some names, without comment, that I have found.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., announced he would donate to charity $11,000
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., $69,000
Rep. Jerry Weller, R-Ill., said he would donate a $500 contribution to a local charity
Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., said the congressman would return a $2,000
Rep. Lane Evans, D-Ill., said he would give to a Rock Island, Ill., charity $2,000
Bush's re-election campaign is giving the American Heart Association $6,000
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, R-NY
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said it planned to return $2,000
Sen. Max Baucus, R-Mt
Byron Dorgan, D-ND
Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the minority leader, gave no indication that he'll give back a $5,000 contribution.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., won't return received contributions of more than $40,000
Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-RI, citing his support for American Indian causes, says he has no plans to return any of the $42,500 he took from tribes represented by GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
"He's proud to have their support," Kennedy chief of staff Sean Richardson said Wednesday. "He's got direct personal relationships with tribes. ... He looks at it as a human and civil rights issue, the fact that they're still not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."
Kennedy, D-R.I., was the top congressional Democratic recipient of Abramoff-linked funds, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign watchdog group that analyzed contributions from 1999 to 2005.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) topped the list (New York elected officials) at $36,000
Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-Rochester) at $7,000
Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Westchester) at $2,000 .
Sen. John Thune, R-SD, said he will donate $2,000 to charity
Democrat South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson, said he will return $8,250
Former minority leader Tom Daschle received Abramoff contributions
Other prominent Democrats receiving money from Abramoff include
Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Barney Frank (D-Mass)
Fritz Hollings (D-SC)
Look Here for a table breaking down the Abramoff contributions.
Before you go getting all judgmental on demoracist involvement be sure that you understand how to interpret their involvement. Ms. Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, cautions, "Do not fall into a Republican trap of equating technicalities on reporting, timing of reporting with not upholding an ethical standard of the House."
That would be Republicans B-A-A-A-A-D, demoracists GOOOD. Also remember that the demoracists love their Indian brothers and sisters and will do anything possible to help spread their money around for the common good even if it does involve occasional technical violations and/or poor timing of required reports. How could any progressive thinker believe that demoracist politicians who are known to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent could possibly be involved in this scandal? Even if progressive liberal demoracists were involved they have pure hearts and only want what is best, and more important know what is best for America. That just is not the same as Republicans who are motivated by greed and power. Republicans B-A-A-A-A-D, demoracists GOOOD.
What a crock. These people are getting to be so far out ridiculous they are even starting to believe theirselves. Jack Abramoff is a soon to be convicted felon because of his plea bargain. The plea bargain specified Abramoff’s guilt, the involvement of an elected official (probably Rep. Bob Ney, R-OH), and two low level staffers. At this point everything is idle speculation and wishful thinking on the part of the progressive liberal demoracists and their media allies. Regardless of which way this scandal goes make no mistake about it. There are progressive liberal demoracists fingers in the pie right along with Republican fingers. The bottom line will be what indictments will be forthcoming for who and will they be convicted.
Most media sources are depicting this whole scandal as Republican from top to bottom, inside out. They take their cue from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi who said Abramoff's confession in court was "not a surprise because this Republican Congress is the most corrupt in history and the American people are paying the price." You have to look hard in the media to find any demoracists ties to the scandal.
I don’t think party affiliation is the most important point about the political contributions of scam artist and crook, Jack Abramhoff. Here are some names, without comment, that I have found.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., announced he would donate to charity $11,000
House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., $69,000
Rep. Jerry Weller, R-Ill., said he would donate a $500 contribution to a local charity
Rep. Don Manzullo, R-Ill., said the congressman would return a $2,000
Rep. Lane Evans, D-Ill., said he would give to a Rock Island, Ill., charity $2,000
Bush's re-election campaign is giving the American Heart Association $6,000
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, R-NY
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said it planned to return $2,000
Sen. Max Baucus, R-Mt
Byron Dorgan, D-ND
Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, the minority leader, gave no indication that he'll give back a $5,000 contribution.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., won't return received contributions of more than $40,000
Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-RI, citing his support for American Indian causes, says he has no plans to return any of the $42,500 he took from tribes represented by GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
"He's proud to have their support," Kennedy chief of staff Sean Richardson said Wednesday. "He's got direct personal relationships with tribes. ... He looks at it as a human and civil rights issue, the fact that they're still not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."
Kennedy, D-R.I., was the top congressional Democratic recipient of Abramoff-linked funds, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign watchdog group that analyzed contributions from 1999 to 2005.
Rep. Charles Rangel (D-Harlem) topped the list (New York elected officials) at $36,000
Rep. Tom Reynolds (R-Rochester) at $7,000
Rep. Nita Lowey (D-Westchester) at $2,000 .
Sen. John Thune, R-SD, said he will donate $2,000 to charity
Democrat South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson, said he will return $8,250
Former minority leader Tom Daschle received Abramoff contributions
Other prominent Democrats receiving money from Abramoff include
Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Barney Frank (D-Mass)
Fritz Hollings (D-SC)
Look Here for a table breaking down the Abramoff contributions.
Before you go getting all judgmental on demoracist involvement be sure that you understand how to interpret their involvement. Ms. Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, cautions, "Do not fall into a Republican trap of equating technicalities on reporting, timing of reporting with not upholding an ethical standard of the House."
That would be Republicans B-A-A-A-A-D, demoracists GOOOD. Also remember that the demoracists love their Indian brothers and sisters and will do anything possible to help spread their money around for the common good even if it does involve occasional technical violations and/or poor timing of required reports. How could any progressive thinker believe that demoracist politicians who are known to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent could possibly be involved in this scandal? Even if progressive liberal demoracists were involved they have pure hearts and only want what is best, and more important know what is best for America. That just is not the same as Republicans who are motivated by greed and power. Republicans B-A-A-A-A-D, demoracists GOOOD.
What a crock. These people are getting to be so far out ridiculous they are even starting to believe theirselves. Jack Abramoff is a soon to be convicted felon because of his plea bargain. The plea bargain specified Abramoff’s guilt, the involvement of an elected official (probably Rep. Bob Ney, R-OH), and two low level staffers. At this point everything is idle speculation and wishful thinking on the part of the progressive liberal demoracists and their media allies. Regardless of which way this scandal goes make no mistake about it. There are progressive liberal demoracists fingers in the pie right along with Republican fingers. The bottom line will be what indictments will be forthcoming for who and will they be convicted.
posted by BigBubba at 6:49 PM
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27 Comments:
This is just another excuse for the mr. duckies of the world to quack... an opportunity for idle speculation and to convince themselves of the veracity of their fantasies.
Were we to fast forward to the outcome of Abramoff's "testimony", all those hopes and dreams would be instantly crushed.
The Bush Haters live in a dream world. They get ALL their mileage out of "speculation" and nothing from the actual "outcome".
"If only Fitz could turn a Bushy...they'd reveal the conspiracy" they dream. Too bad there's nothing to reveal.
-FJ
Mr. Ducky, noted dimbulb, thank you for your presence. I can always depend on you for that little bit of just right mindless levity.
This piece was the result of my efforts last night cruising the internet for several hours looking for information about the Abramoff scandal. My impetus was curiosity over language used to sling mud on Republicans. It had all the tell tale signs of media bias in supporting progressive liberal demoracists.
I don't have to come back when I have something, Duck. I already have something. Progressive liberal demoracists as well as Republicans were involved - my point. What is particularly striking about the issue are the disingenuous, if not dishonest, comments by progressive liberal demoracists like Nancy Pelosi.
I never said that accepting contributions from Indian tribes was wrong. Rep. J.D. Hayworth, R-AZ, this morning on a Fox News interview, said essentially the same thing as Rep. Kennedy's spokesman. When comparing the two positions I am certain that Nancy Pelosi would say something similar to her classic, "Do not fall into a Republican trap of equating technicalities on reporting, timing of reporting with not upholding an ethical standard of the House."
Mr. Ducky, Please excuse me for not being surprised about human weakness and sinful nature regardless of who is involved. That is the way of the world. Are you equally surprised to discover wheels going round?
Mr. Ducky, regardless of who party functionaries are, President Bush will remain in office until 2008, the Republicans will remain in charge of Congress, and life will go on.
The malicious prosecutor, Ronnie Earle, will lose yet another malicious prosecution. Why don't the progressive liberal demoracists use the strategy of getting elected to office by the people rather than vain attempts at malicious prosecution to remove those who have bettered them at the polls?
That's what I like about the duck. He never hides his roots.
"Reward your friends and punish your enemies"-- Samuel Gompers
-FJ
"Justice is nothing more than the interest of the stronger."
--Thrasymachus
LOL!
-FJ
FJ,
"Justice is nothing more than the interest of the stronger."
--Thrasymachus.
ROTFL!
"Injustice, if it is on a large enough scale, is stronger, freer, and more masterly than justice."
--Thrasymachus
Uhhh...ROTFLMBAO?
norm,
So just how is it possible for wide scale injustice be stronger if justice is defined as the interest of the stronger? Wouldn't justice then be defined as the interest of injustice? It certainly poses a puzzlement if Thrasymachus made both statements and what he said were true.
BAO? Who knew.
-FJ
-FJ
Plato, "Republic"...
I am speaking, as before, of injustice on a large scale in which the advantage of the unjust is more apparent; and my meaning will be most clearly seen if we turn to that highest form of injustice in which the criminal is the happiest of men, and the sufferers or those who refuse to do injustice are the most miserable--that is to say tyranny, which by fraud and force takes
away the property of others, not little by little but wholesale; comprehending in one, things sacred as well as profane, private and public; for which acts of wrong, if he were detected perpetrating any one of them singly, he would be punished and incur great disgrace-- they who do such wrong in particular cases are called robbers of temples, and man-stealers and burglars and swindlers and thieves. But when a man besides taking away the money of the citizens has made slaves of them, then, instead of these names of reproach, he is termed happy and blessed, not only by the citizens but by all who hear of his having achieved the consummation of injustice. For mankind censure injustice, fearing that they may be the victims of it and not because they shrink from committing it. And thus, as I have shown, Socrates, injustice, when on a sufficient scale, has more strength and freedom and mastery than justice; and, as I said at first, justice is the interest of the stronger, whereas injustice is a man's own profit and interest.
Thrasymachus, when he had thus spoken, having, like a bathman, deluged our ears with his words, had a mind to go away. But the company would not let him; they insisted that he should remain and defend his position; and I myself added my own humble request that he would not leave us. Thrasymachus, I said to him, excellent man, how suggestive are your remarks! And are you going to run away before you have fairly taught or learned whether they are true or not? Is the attempt to determine the way of man's life so small a matter in your eyes--to determine how life may be passed by each one of us to the greatest advantage?
And do I differ from you, he said, as to the importance of the enquiry?
You appear rather, I replied, to have no care or thought about us, Thrasymachus--whether we live better or worse from not knowing what you say you know, is to you a matter of indifference. Prithee, friend, do not keep your knowledge to yourself; we are a large party; and any benefit which you confer upon us will be amply rewarded. For my own part I openly declare that I am not convinced, and that I do not believe injustice to be more gainful than justice, even if uncontrolled and allowed to have free play. For, granting that there may be an unjust man who is able to commit injustice either by fraud or force, still this does not convince me of the superior advantage of injustice, and there may be others who are in the same predicament with myself. Perhaps we may be wrong; if so, you in your wisdom should convince us that we are mistaken in preferring justice to injustice.
And how am I to convince you, he said, if you are not already convinced by what I have just said; what more can I do for you? Would you have me put the proof bodily into your souls?
Heaven forbid! I said; I would only ask you to be consistent; or, if you change, change openly and let there be no deception. For I must remark, Thrasymachus, if you will recall what was previously said, that although you began by defining the true physician in an exact sense, you did not observe a like exactness when speaking of the shepherd; you thought that the shepherd as a shepherd tends the sheep not with a view to their own good, but like a mere diner or banqueter with a view to the pleasures of the table; or, again, as a trader for sale in the market, and not as a shepherd. Yet surely the art of the shepherd is concerned only with the good of his subjects; he has only to provide the best for them, since the perfection of the art is already ensured whenever all the requirements of it are satisfied. And that was what I was saying just now about the ruler. I conceived that the art of the ruler, considered as ruler, whether in a state or in private life, could only regard the good of his flock or subjects; whereas you seem to think that the rulers in states, that is to say, the true rulers, like being in authority.
Think! Nay, I am sure of it.
Then why in the case of lesser offices do men never take them willingly without payment, unless under the idea that they govern for the advantage not of themselves but of others? Let me ask you a question: Are not the several arts different, by reason of their each having a separate function? And, my dear illustrious friend, do say what you think, that we may make a little progress.
-FJ
From what little footnotes I read, yours is the most famous quote--but apparently there is Thrasymachus, and there is Plato/Socrates's Thrasymachus, and not a lot of consistency as far as his views of justice.
The B was my tribute to uptownteeheesteve. Like I say, sometimes I almost get nostalgic for the FPM hurlyburly.
me too. almost.
I enjoy the "pressure" of a great challenge. That's why I love seeing mr. ducky and you here.
...but I also miss uptown, mr. uu, the notorious "Socrates", and the others too. I suffer from occassional FPM "relapses".
You know what they say about neuronal brain connections. Use 'em or lose 'em.
All of Plato's characters are meant to be representative types and are fictional, Socrates being no exception. Plato wrote fiction. That's why there is so much truth in it.
-FJ
...and it would appear that you are beginning to delve into the Republic in earnest???
I threw the Thrasymachus quote at mr. ducky... only because I had spent some time at Always on Watch's site... she had a posting on it from one of her students.
That's why she was laughing at my post.
-FJ
My wife and I both.
I'm surprised at how much it does read like fiction.
FJ,
When I gave that essay assignment, I didn't know much about Thrasymachus. Of course, neither did the students. That the SAT-essay way. One doesn't have to know about Thrasymachus to write the essay, but quotes like that often throw the students for a loop.
Mr. Ducky, I have interacted with both MHSA and OHSA on a management level. I doubt seriously if you know anything at all about safety issues and either MHSA and OHSA.
I would count irritating low grade morons, imbeciles and mindless twits as a serious accomplishment no matter who is responsible. They certaimly seem to get your feathers ruffled.
Cheer up, Duck. Hanoi John will be in the chase soon giving you plenty of opportunities for idle speculation and wishful thinking about his possible presidency. Possible right up to the moment the Swifties cry out to man the boats.
Bubba the Wahabi Duck was on my site comparing Abramoff to Sammi Al Arian and Israel to Nazi Germany. The birdbrain even ditched Aflac for Progressive insurance.
Charlie Rangel and Clinton must have become Republicans . Wait if Rangel or Clintooooon do it its just the vast right wing conspiracy.
Farmer John’s Plato Quote,
“you thought that the shepherd as a shepherd tends the sheep not with a view to their own good, but like a mere diner or banqueter with a view to the pleasures of the table; or, again, as a trader for sale in the market, and not as a shepherd. Yet surely the art of the shepherd is concerned only with the good of his subjects;”
The words of the Good Shepherd,
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
John 10:14
I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
John 10:12
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
Great parallel, BB. The Congress is being filled with "hirelings".
-FJ
I usually check Drudge for news items several times a day. He was doing nutrolls over Broke Back Mountain for days on end. The way Matt was presenting it you would think there was a sea change in America. Pathetic.
Mr. Ducky, "we" have already taken back our government, but, it is an ongoing process. The progressive liberal demoracists keep digging that hole deeper, and deeper. When you find yourself at the bottom of a hole stop digging!
Mr. Ducky, why did the progressive liberal demoracists stop lying about the economy? Is something wrong with the economy? Are the progressive liberal demoracists having trouble figuring out how to give William Jefferson Clinton credit for the economy?
Gosh durn it! It's a beautiful day here in Republican Texas. Sun is shining, birds are singing, President Bush is in the White House, Hanoi John is in Taxachusetts. Life is good!
Never mind being shamed by your hate, Mr. Ducky, better to worry about your ignorance.
I am getting ready to call the 2006 elections to be strongly contested/won by the Republican Party. Deciding factor will be the unmitigated ignorance displayed by knee jerk progressive liberal demoracists. The claims and allegations are beginning to be so outrageous that the only people believing them are the progressive liberal demoracists.
They didn't get away with claiming Hanoi John was a war hero. Seems like they should have learned that the American people are not gullible.
Mr. Ducky, you don't consume and you are sane? Just curious.
Gentlemen of the Left,
Savor well the fleeting fruits of your success in exacting a pound of flesh from Tom DeLay. I can tell from your comments that your lust for political blood is far from satiated.
Again Republicans maintain the time honored tradition of resigning their posts for the sake of their country, an act we have yet to witness from a modern so-called "progressive". I think that fact alone speaks volumes to the American people.
And wielding the courts as a weapon can be a two way street. The leadership on the Left is far from invulnerable. Past practices and base "habbits" might prove a veritable legal gold-mine for an entrepeneureal Republican legal activist. You know the unscrupulous type that might own a court or two ala Ronnie Earles.
-FJ
Funniest line of the week...
"For years, at the expense of the American people, the House Republicans have enabled and benefited from the Republican culture of corruption engineered by Tom DeLay. The culture of corruption is so pervasive in the Republican conference that a single person stepping down is not nearly enough to clean up the Republican Congress."--House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California.
gee - Nancy got $3K (okay, so its' only 1/10th what DeLay got) from Abramoff's tribes. Wonder what "charity" she'll donate it to? LOL!
-FJ
Recent pearls uttered by the queenbee herself...
"Today, Jack Abramoff admitted to conspiring to bribe to Members of Congress – a despicable action that strikes at the heart of our democracy. Sadly, it is not a surprise because this Republican Congress is the most corrupt in history and the American people are paying the price.
“The Republicans’ culture of corruption – in which Members of Congress cozy up to lobbyists and cronies – has resulted in the American people paying higher prescription drug prices, higher gas and home heating costs, and has produced the failed Republican efforts to provide relief to survivors of Hurricane Katrina."
“The House Ethics Committee must get to work immediately to investigate pending ethics and corruption cases in the House, including those involving Members with ties to Jack Abramoff. This is a necessary first step to restore a high ethical standard to the Congress.
“Democrats are committed to a Congress that represents all Americans, not just the special interests.”
--mewonders when the investigation to into Nancy's ties to Abramoff will begin?
Mr. Ducky, sadly you are a prisoner of your own ignorance. Pessimism, Godlessness, lack of faith are brutal taskmasters for those who have turned their back on the loving kindness of God.
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