Contained within a long WaPo piece on the process to choose DeLay’s successor (which, much to the chagrin of John Aravosis, had little to do with HAIRY MAN COCK and lots to do with the candidate’s conservative credentials) was this nugget that just left me aghast:
Some lawmakers, such as Zach Wamp (Tenn.) challenged Republican leaders to set a date for formal leadership elections instead of allowing party bosses to impose their choices. At the same time, conservatives such as Steve Buyer (Ind.) rose to say Republicans should have allowed DeLay to remain majority leader even with an indictment. Earlier this year, under pressure from Democrats and a few in his own party, Hastert reversed a rule designed expressly for DeLay that would have allowed indicted leaders to retain their positions.
Rep. Tom Feeney (Fla.) said afterward that the rules change “was like waving a red flag to Ronnie Earle,” the Texas prosecutor who pushed for DeLay’s indictment. Feeney said some conservatives may push for still another reversal, allowing DeLay to return even before his legal problems are resolved.
We are officially dealing with crazy people. I don’t care what you think about Ronnie Earle- I have my opinions. I don’t care what you think about the validity of the indictment. I don’t care if you think DeLay will be acquitted.
If you can not figure out why he should step aside from his leadership position, you are a crazy person.
Douglas
With Tom DeLay sidelined, maybe I won’t get so many calls from his high-pressure fundraising groups. Like the 3 calls announcing that I had been named one of the “Top 100 Businessmen in the USA”, and wouldn’t I like to come to a banquet in Washington in my honor, table for 10 only $25,000.
p.lukasiak
Like the 3 calls announcing that I had been named one of the “Top 100 Businessmen in the USA”, and wouldn’t I like to come to a banquet in Washington in my honor, table for 10 only $25,000.
hey Douglas, one would assume that to the Top 100 Businessmen in the USA, $25K would be chump change…. and the government contracts that Delay could send your way would cover the 25K anyway….
John S.
Didn’t these same Republicans change the ethics rules last year to protect Delay? Weren’t they forced to reverse course on the matter? Didn’t you vote for them last November?
I can’t imagine why you would be shocked or surprised, then. You know their record, and you still voted for them.
BarneyG
Delay has become the tipping point. The proof was revealed last night on the Hannity and Colmes show. When Dick Morris told Hannity that Delay was certainly guilty you just saw the first rat jump ship. The look on Hannity’s face was priceless.
docG
John notes:
Damn sexist Republicans! HAIRY WOMAN COCK has no opportunity to gain positions of influence! Though Aravosis is thought to have some strong suspicions about Condi Rice. Wonder if the “Top 100 Business-shemales in the USA” could be a revenue source for the GOP? Nah, sounds like Moveon.org territory.
bs23
Similarly, I found this piece to have some hilarious/shocking paragraphs:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/26/AR2005092601859.html
I particularly like the part about “A ‘Katrina Reconstruction Summit,’ hosted by Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) and sponsored by Halliburton.” (!)
DougJ
Why isn’t the media reporting all the *good* news about corruption in Congress? What about the thousands of jobs created by all the pork spending?
Mr Furious
So, John, what’s your “opinion” on Earle?
DougJ
All of Ronnie Earle’s information about Tom DeLay can be found by opening up Who’s Who. This thing is a tempest in a teapot.
DougJ
No one could have anticipated that breaking Texas campaign laws would be considered a crime.
Steve
Methinks Jeff doth protest too much. Personally, I think the jury is still out on whether Dreier was passed over because of his sexual preference.
Phaedrus
I am shocked — shocked! By this sign of good sense from someone on the right. Shocked, but pleased.
Mike
“DougJ Says:
Why isn’t the media reporting all the good news about corruption in Congress? What about the thousands of jobs created by all the pork spending?”
Good point.
Think of all those Alaskans that can build that bridge.
By the way, here’s a Table I found that shows the States with the worst “pork” spending per capita.
Congratulations John, WVA thanks to your buddy Robert Byrd is No. 4. My poor State (North Carolina) is No. 47. Clearly Lizzy Dole needs to get going on bringing useless government spending to the State. And Bush’s adopted State (Texas) is dead last.(http://www.cagw.org/site/DocServer/Pork_per_capita__2005.pdf?docID=1021)
DougJ
Mike, surprised NC is so low. Historically, it is proporational to representatives per capita, so the smaller the state, the more pork per capita.
But like I said, I’m here to talk about the *good* news about corruption in Congress. Did you know that in an unprecedented and possibly dangerous move, Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, and Bill O’Reilly are going to spend a week on the Hill, so that they can observe and report back about all this *good* news? Frankly, I think it’s a bold and courageous move on their part.
skip
Hey, a Grand Jury had to hand down Earle’s indictment. Just a few days ago everyone was saying this wouldn’t lead anywhere, but it has.
Cynical Nation
Couldn’t agree more. I’m perfectly willing to allow that the Earle indictment may very well be crap, but DeLay has been much more of a liability than a benefit for years now. The GOP got a self-inflicted black eye when they changed their own rules to protect this guy, then unchanged them, having already taken the political hit for doing so, but still leaving DeLay unprotected.
And why? For what? Granted, this guy is legendary at whipping the caucus into line to get the “big vote,” but when the “big vote” is (say) a pork-laden transportation omnibus, then what good is he?!?
srv
In the mean time, oracles of conservatism like Bill Bennett have sugguestions for solving crime:
http://mediamatters.org/items/200509280006
Charlie (Colorado)
Okay, so let’s ask the next questino. If it’s so obvious, why is it the Democrat Caucus rules don’t have the same restriction?
(For extra credit, ask why the GOD attempt to make its rules like the Democrats was covered with so little attention to the Democrat rules?)
Shygetz
Charlie, Charlie, lets count the reasons.
1.) The Democrats are not a majority, and thus have essentially ZERO say about what goes on in the House.
2.) The Republicans adopted the rule only in 1993, when they were trying to win the House away from what they claimed (and were at least partially correct in doing so) were corrupt Democrats–now that this rule might actually do something, they tried to change it. So, they change the rule to win political points, and then try to change it back so they can be corrupt without drawback.
Are you not outraged that this party that claims to represent you and your values would do something like this? No, you’d rather try to play silly games of political tag.
Gamer
So, if you don’t have any power, you don’t have to stick to the high standard. Sounds useful for when you are trying to get power.
So don’t expect the Dems to make such a noble gesture to enforce a culture of lawfulness in their own ranks.
DougJ
Charlie, tell me you don’t really call the GOP the *GOD*. I know you guys love Jesus and all that, but come on.
BoDiddly
Shygetz:
You certainly contradicted yourself succinctly. You first say that the Dems don’t have such a rule because they’re not in the majority, then claim that the Republicans adopted the rule as they were trying to gain the majority, meaning that they were in the minority when they passed the rule. This isn’t a House matter, it’s a party matter. The Republicans wanted to show that they wouldn’t tolerate corruption within their ranks, so they passed it. They then saw that they had created for themselves an Achilles’ heel, realizing that an endictment was an easy target anytime their opposition wanted to unseat their leader. My only fault with them is that they caved to the pressure to not change the rule after their mistake had become obvious. The Democrats on the other hand have a long record of embracing and rewarding corruption, and one needn’t look farther than one of Ted Kennedy’s tirades on “ethics” to see exemplified their perverted definition of the word.
Are you not outraged that the political party whose talking points you mindlessly parrot have been chronically corrupt without impunity? No, you’d rather use illogical and contradictory memes to play your own silly games.
Lines
Because, you know, Ted Kennedy put his foot on Mary Jo’s head and shoved her down when she tried to swim up. Ted has also given blow jobs to Abramoff while taking kickbacks from the Black Caucus.
Damn Teddy! He’s the reason Delay is such a crook.
DougJ
BoDiddly, we’ve got a rule about the use of the words “memes” here.
SeesThroughIt
This is one of my favorite absurdities of electoral politics. It’s somewhat appalling that politicians have the huevos to grandstand about how squeaky-clean they are, and it’s yet another sad commentary on the populace that so many people are stupid enough to actually buy any sort of “they are corrupt; we are not” argument.
Anytime I see some politician get on his soapbox about he’s going to clean out all the corruption in the White House/on Capitol Hill/in the seventh grade student council/whatever, I have to laugh. You’re a politician; the only thing you’re going to do with corruption is add to it. Get off your fucking high horse.
gorillagogo
Mike
That list looks kinda fishy to me. No sources listed whatsoever, no description of how the rankings were compiled, just a list of states followed by a dollar amount and a population figure. I’d like to see how Citizens Against Government Waste categorizes spending as pork before I put any credence in that list.
Steve S
What’s interesting is how vapid the Republicans claiming Delay is innocent sound. The moonbats can’t even keep a straight face, they are so certain of his guilt. So they go on the attack against Earle.
But Earle didn’t indict Delay, the Grand Jury did based on evidence Earle presented.
Chat Gregory Clussman
Charlie, I think you make a valid point. I hope the Democrats will create a similiar rule, following the same argument the Republicans made in 1993. I think it will benefit them in the 2006 elections and I think it will benefit their constituents.
Defense Guy
I make no claims of knowing if he is guilty or not. Under our system he does have the presumption of innocence until found guilty in a court of law. I’m sure you know this.
Grand Juries are often the playthings of prosecutors. Was it a one sided presentation of the ‘facts’, or did Delay have representation there. I honestly don’t know, and no one knows what went on in there because the transcript is secret and Earle isn’t saying.
Robert
What do you expect from people who think that evolution is a theory?
Chat Gregory Clussman
It’s not all that easy to get an “endictment” (sic) and there will be huge repercussions if the charge against Delay isn’t legit. You know that. You’ll be one of the people screaming for Earle’s head no doubt.
So the Democrats are evil for not having a similar rule and the Republicans shouldn’t have the rule to begin with because it can be abused. One can follow your logic to a natural conclusion: Democrats should be abused whenever possible.
Do you expect to win anyone over with this kind of partisan hackery or do you just like reading your own words that much? I’m surprised to find someone like you so far from your usual echo chamber. This site seems to be entirely too moderate for you, no?
Sorry, I just had to laugh when I read this one.
Hey Bo, aren’t you outraged that your political party is so chronically corrupt? Doesn’t it make you mad that, WITH impunity, they’ve gotten away with it for so long? I suppose you’d rather spout illogical, contradictory and poorly stated talking points to further a partisan political agenda.
ET
Then answer to your question (rhetorical though it was) is YES.
John S.
DG-
Are you serious with this BS?
Have you ever actually sat on a jury? I have, and while it wasn’t a Grand Jury, I can assure you that the prosecution is usually fighting an uphill battle rather than the cakewalk you describe.
DougJ
I wonder if the Bushies will be using the expression “the jury is still out on evolution”, “the jury is still out on global warming” (which they call “climate change”), etc.
DougJ
This post on Volohk is *really* interesting
http://volokh.com/posts/1128005111.shtml
Defense Guy
John S
Yes, I have sat on a jury. You do know the difference between a trial jury and a grand jury yes?
There is no uphill battle in a grand jury. It is a prosecutorial tool for bringing indictments.
John S.
DG-
Please spare me your little digs:
I stated as much in my previous post. I understand that a grand jury rarely acts in a manner contrary to the wishes of the prosecutor, but that doesn’t mean that the prosecutor can just roll in with whatever bullshit he wants and expect an indictment.
Perhaps you agree with Sol Wachtler who felt that “a grand jury would indict a ham sandwich”, but I happen to have faith that a runaway grand jury can – and will – happen when the jurors believe that the prosecutor himself has been improperly influenced.
And isn’t that precisely what Delay’s supporters are all crowing about?
TallDave
If you can not figure out why he should step aside from his leadership position, you are a crazy person.
True, but it’s sort of amusing that the Dems have no such requirement.
but that doesn’t mean that the prosecutor can just roll in with whatever bullshit he wants and expect an indictment
Apparently you don’t know the old saying about ham sandwiches.
Defense Guy
There is a cliche I am looking for, right on the tip of my tongue, something about heat and kitchens. Perhaps you know of it.
John Gillnitz
I’m surprised anyone can bring themselves to defend DeLay. He is the most obviously corrupt politician in the country. One has to wonder what those corporations were getting for their money.
John Mize
Poor pathetic little Tom. The vast left wing conspiracy has framed our young hero. I suspect Hillary Clinton and Geena Davis, with help from Barbra Streisand, Joe Hill and the Dealey Plaza tramps.
Steve S
John Gillnitz – Sometimes partisanship get’s in the way of rationale thought.
jg
Just because its fairly easy to get an indictment doesn’t nescessarily mean Delay is innocent, it just means there is enough evidence to give the appearance of guilt. Its the same as how its pretty easy to serve articles of impeachment but its a whole different ballgame when it comes to trial in the senate.
Watching Delay step down reminds how all the republicans wanted to do was impeach Clinton, they figured he’d step down from the embarrasment and they wouldn’t have to go to trial. Clinton called their bluff. Up to that point I didn’t care for the man, but that was pretty cool. Giving Congress the finger like that after a decade long witchhunt. Priceless
John S.
There is a proverb I am looking for, something about not ascribing to malice what can be explained by stupidity. Perhaps you have heard of it.
jg
I don’t know who Sol Wachtler is but the phrase:
has been uttered on Law & Order many times.
John S.
Sol Wachtler would be the man who coined the phrase.
He was the former Chief Justice of New York State and has been credited with a lot of interesting quotes over the years.
jg
Cool info, thanks.
Sinequanon
Do any of you actually know anything about Tom Delay and his career? Let me tell you, it is a doozie. Tom Delay was the most corrupt and contemptible elected Texas legislator and now an even more corrupt member of Congress. His shenighans in Texas are infamous. I’m only disappointed they didn’t nail Craddick at the same time.
Are you just being sarcastic? The exterminator’s resume is an underground political sheet of corruption and under the table deals which is only espoused to those in the inner circle of right-wing Republican politicos in Texas as he is known to get anything done at any and all costs and ofcourse, for the right price, and more importantly, to his own or his current owner’s benefit. And believe me, the guy is owned.
Delay is corrupt, has been since he was originally elected to the State House and doing the nightly Capital prostitution pray meetings to his “Hairy Man Cock.” That’s his religion – corruption by corporation through machine politics and taking advantage of any possible benefit coming his way. And specifically the accumilation of power and dirt. Dirt on others from the dirt king himself. He is like the Texas State thug for anyone who needs dirty work done. His district, Sugarland, is absolutely the most disgustingly narrow tribe on the planet next to the KKK in Vidor, Texas. It’s basicallt the armpit of Texas.
Sounds like alot of people need to brush up on Delay history. And, Ronnie Earle for that matter – who is a decent and in my opinion, very brave guy – and has proven to be clean and non-corruptable. TMRPAC (now defunct) has been after Earle for a long time themselves – done just about anything to get him thrown out of his position and discredit him. ANd, believe me when I tell you Earle has been seriously pressured to drop the TRMPAC corruption investigations and other matters of this nature. Earle has been working on these indictments for about 3 years now, possibly more.
If you don’t understand the history of even the past few years in Texas and Delay’s hideous influence, then you need to keep up or do some research. I guarantee you the reports in the papers the last two days don’t even cover the brazeness, bad ethics, illegality and absolute corruption of Delay.
Oh, and by the way, there is plenty of evidence against Delay and the grand jury has been handing down indictments on the guys for the past few months – I suspect they recieved evidence that convinced them to indict Delay. He has intimate ties with the others indicted as well …. connect the dots. The corruption started with Delay – the last guy to get indicted – and, ends with Delay.
Robert
Another Partisan Fanatic
Grand jury foreman defends DeLay indictment
Foreman William Gibson [says] he did his duty and that bound him to look at Tom Delay as just another Texan accused of criminal conspiracy . . . “I like his aggressiveness and everything, and I had nothing against the House majority man, but I felt that we had enough evidence, not only me, but the other grand jury members,” Gibson said . . .
Gibson is a former sheriff’s deputy and a former investigator for what is now the Texas Department of Insurance.
http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=146685
John S.
That Gibson sure does sound fanatical to me:
The guy might as well have issued a fatwah.
/sarcasm off
John Mize
Seems like little has changed in Texas. Tom DeLay’s style reminds me of the bad old days of Lyndon Johnson, but perhaps Tom doesn’t have quite the same golden opportunities that ol’ Lyndon had. I find it interesting that a lot of people who attack Tom give Lyndon a pass, and a lot of people who attack Lyndon find excuses for Tom. I also find it entertaining that the same loyal Republicans who whined and moaned about the Democrats’ attacking Ken Starr are now busy sliming Ronnie Earle, since Earle has dared to indict their boy. As for me, I don’t have a dog in this fight. I agree with my old buddy, Friedrich Nietzsche. “Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.”
DoubleD
I will prove that DeLay sacrifices human babies to Baal when it’s timely.
Sinequanon
Wouldn’t surprise me in the least.