The League of Conservation Voters has renewed its demand that members of Congress return tainted campaign funds to recently indicted, former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, until legal issues regarding his campaign finance schemes are resolved.
The LCV has also reissued a report, “Tom’s Tainted Team“, that exposes the ten as financially beholden to DeLay and the powerful special interests that back him. For example, each of the ten have voted for a provision in the House energy bill that would protect makers of the fuel additive MTBE, even though they each represent districts with drinking water contaminated by the dangerous chemical, and where lawsuits are pending against MTBE polluters. All ten also voted for a change to House Ethics Rules intended to protect DeLay from further investigations.
“While this latest ethical cloud hangs over Congressman Tom DeLay, the decent thing for these members to do would be to return the money they took from him until this issue is resolved,” said LCV President Deb Callahan. “If they cannot be shamed into that, perhaps they could put the money in a trust and donate the interest to hurricane relief until Rep. DeLay’s case has worked its way through the courts.”
The 10 Members of “Tom’s Tainted Team” and their campaign contributions from Rep. DeLay are as follows:
Rep. Bob Beauprez (R-CO) – $30,000
Rep. Chris Chocola (R-IN) – $40,000
Rep. Phil Gingrey (GA-11) – $25,000
Rep. Katherine Harris (FL-13) – $20,000
Rep. Mark Kennedy (MN-06) – $29,500
Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-1) – $30,000
Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-3) – $30,000
Rep. Pete Sessions (TX-32) – $26,644
Rep. Clay Shaw (Fl-22) – $30,020
Rep. Heather Wilson (NM-1) – $46,959
“It’s worse enough that these members are siding with MTBE and big oil polluters over their constituents, but the fact that they continue to support one of the most ethically challenged members of Congress in history and take his ‘tainted’ money is unconscionable,” said Ms. Callahan.
There is a tendency with stories like DeLay’s indictment to focus on inside politics, but the scandal is not merely about how he illegally skirted campaign finance laws to help elect Republicans, it is also about how these politicians exercised the power of their offices in return. It is not enough to hold DeLay responsible for his actions, we most also hold responsible all those who benefited from his illegal activities.
Good idea. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath that the little grubby hands would return any of the loot.
That didn’t take long.
If the indictment actually had some facts in it, it might pass the smell test a little better. Instead, it looks a lot like a political vendetta.
Believe it or not, I’m kind of glad to see Delay get pushed aside. He was becoming an impediment to the Republican party. How much you want to bet that this whole thing is a Karl Rove plot?
I’m not a DeLay fan either.
But the LEFTIST PINHEADS are going to be pretty disappointed and look goofy as usual when they take a look at the indictment and consider what ACTUALLY happened.
It is very interesting that this type of allegation becomes so public and under the microscope. The prosecutor cannot possibly get DeLay convicted based on IT APPEARS these transactions may be related. It’s a stretch that does not reach. You LEFTIST PINHEADS really believe this one is BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT???? Good luck in your witch hunt. This one will backfire on you.
The interesting thing is that many environmental groups are known for playing completely unmistakable shell-games with money where PRECISELY the same amount of money goes into an account and comes out OF THAT SAME ACCOUNT THE SAME DAY!!! Without going into detail, these environmental groups have probably BLOWN their non-profit status as it was used to funnel “donations” that were “tax-deductible” thru the non-profit and into the coffers of LEFTIST PINHEAD political LOBBYISTS and politicians.
My guess is this DeLay witchhunt will blow the lid off a lot of these shell-games.
DeLay WILL walk. LEFTIST PINHEADS will shoot themselves in the foot…..again.
MTBE is harmless. I drink some every day. I love the smell of MTBE in the morning. It’s my freedom pick-me-up.
I am sure that Delay would welcome the cash back – it will be easier to pay legal bills.
You right wing extremists are gettin’ toasty!
The only thing Cynical really puts under the microscope is his penis— so he can stimulate himself with his velvet tweezers.
mr. coward@3
I think its funny how you talk about how ‘you’re not a fan of delay’, and then immediately jump into a normal frenzied defense/hatefest on his behalf.
While I’m sure we all think it would be good to have these folks return the money in a show of good faith and all that, I think we *all* know that thats not gonna happen.
That being said, its good to show where the dirty money went. People need to be aware of the extent of influence his money-laundering implies…
I’m not saying that he won’t be able to weasel his way out of a conviction, but the exposure of a tiny bit of his corruption and malfeasence is a good thing!
PS, coward, you never answered me in that thread down below. Ready to admit that you were WRONG yet?
Windie-
He’s just an arrogant blowhard prick. He won’t answer.
If these money swaps are really illegal the WEA/NEA are going to find themselves back in front of a judge.
Apparently, Jeb Bradley (NH-1) has already returned DeLay’s ill-gotten largesse. At least, that’s what Paul Hodes, Democratic candidate in NH-2 (and my college classmate), reports while excoriating the incumbent in NH-2 for refusing to toss back his contribution from the DeLay slush fund.
Cynical @ all over the place
Your posts suggest that you must be one of the most insightful students of politics that we might ever hope to meet. The depth and breadth of your understanding of current events, of history, and of human nature is astonishing. The confidence with which you can predict future developments is most enviable. Ah, if only I could so doubtlessly know who is right and who is wrong. I pine for your intellectual abilities and your forecasting prowess. To be so certain of yourself must be most comforting. Share with us, if you will, how we might attain your remarkable insight.
proud leftist@12–
Thank you for your heartfelt admiration of me. I can certainly understand why you are so in awe.
On this DeLay thing….DeLay will walk because there is no smoking gun that shows money given to the PAC that was then sent upstream to a “specific bank account” designated for corporate contributions was in turn redirected back AGAINST TEXAS LAW. It appears the money that was distributed came out of an entirely seperate bank account and there was a clear FIREWALL between these 2 accounts where no money was transferred back & forth between corporate and individual contributions. The FIREWALL is the key.
In order for you to develop my keen insight proud leftist, you first need some sort of education. 6th Grade isn’t enough dude…especially if it is from one of those Seattle Schools!
Second, I would recommend a CYNICISM about both major Political Party’s. You are a blind Party loyalist to the Dems. I am not a Republican. I often end up voting for the lesser of 2 evils.
I am appalled by the LEFTIST PINHEAD mentality…or more appropriately, the lack thereof. Way too much dependency on Guv’mint for this Libertarian. Always another program to improve our lives and suck the motivation out of another prospective contributor to society.
Bush’s fiscal policies and rampant spending are appalling to me.
However, none of that matters on this DeLay thing. DeLay will walk because no smoking gun. Your LEFTIST PINHEAD Prosecutor in Texas is the one who must be the Psychic…to know what the PAC’s intentions were without any proof.
Let’s call the Prosecutor MADAME RONNIE, shall we.
Why should MTBE manufacturers be sued by anyone? Tom DeLay’s legislation makes good sense. MTBE is an additive to gasoline to add oxygen to the fuel. Oxygenated gasoline is required by the EPA and many state’s equivalent agencies, especially during the winter, in order to reduce carbon monoxide emissions.
MTBE gets into the drinking water if gasoline stations have leaky storage tanks, or if people spill gasoline when pumping it. The issue of whether it will cause cancer in humans at low concentrations (less than 100 ppb) has yet to be determined.
If states don’t like MTBE, they can ban it. Ethanol can also be used to oxygenate gasoline, although it costs considerably more. But MTBE manufacturers are not responsible for users and sellers of gasoline spilling the product.
It would make just as much sense for gasoline manufacturers to be liable whenever someone uses gasoline to commit arson. Or for deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning when gasoline is used (or misused) as a fuel.
rujax–FYI
Are you folks all as prepared for the BIG ONE as I am?
LEFTIST PINHEADS are an important part of the food chain. In fact, they are a MAJOR part of my emergency preparedness plan.
You see, my emergency kit consists of a small bottle of water. Now you might consider that totally unprepared but………
I also have plenty of guns and ammo. I only have the bottle of water in case I get thirsty on my way over to rujax’s house to take all his preparedness shit!!! LEFTIST PINHEADS are the absolute best source of food when the big one hits!!!!
Comment by Mr. Cynical— 9/28/05 @ 9:04 pm
The Reagan and Bush I Administrations
Reagan administration era convictions in the Iran-contra scandal:
14 (two overturned on appeal)
Reagan officials convicted for illegal lobbying:
2 (Lyn Nofziger, White House political director, convicted to 30 days and $30,000 fine, overturned on appeal; Michael Deaver, White House deputy chief of staff, convicted and $100,000, given probation.)
Reagan officials convicted in Housing and Urban Development department scandal:
16
Total Reagan era convictions: 32
Bush I pardons of those indicted and/or convicted of Iran-contra crimes:
7 (5 had been convicted, one was about to receive his sentence, and one, Secretary of Defense, Caspar Weinberger was about to stand trial)
Number of charges in untried indictment (pardoned) of Weinberger:
5
The Vindication of the Clinton Administration
Clinton administration officials indicted and/or convicted in connection with Whitewater:
0
Clinton administration officials indicted and/or convicted in connection with Travel Office allegations:
0
Clinton administration officials indicted and/or convicted in connection with alleged abuse of FBI files:
0
Clinton administration officials indicted and/of convicted in connection with Lewinsky matter:
0
Clinton administration officials indicted and/or convicted in connection with the Independent Counsel investigation of Interior Secretary Bruce Babbit:
0
Clinton administration officials indicted and/or convicted in connection with the Independent Counsel investigation of Labor Secretary Alexis Herman:
0
Clinton administration officials indicted and/or convicted in connection with the Independent Counsel investigation of Americorps director Eli Siegal:
0
Clinton administration officials indicted and/or convicted in connection with the Independent Counsel investigation of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown:
0 (Investigation abandoned upon Brown’s death in nation’s service)
Clinton Administration officials convicted in connection with the Independent Counsel investigation of Agriculture Secretary Michael Espy:
0 (Espy acquitted of all charges. Judge sharply rebukes Independent Counsel Donald Smaltz for bringing case in the first place.)
Other:
HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor for misstating to the F.B.I. the amount of money he gave his girlfriend;
Assistant Attorney-General Webster Hubbell convicted of embezzling funds from Rose Law Firm before his federal appointment; that is, stealing from his law partners, including Hillary Rodham Clinton;
Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker, a political rival of Bill Clinton’s, convicted on charges involving local television licensing, and nothing at all to do with Clinton;
Jim and Susan McDougal, convicted of crimes in Whitewater matter. In summation to the court, Independent Counsel declares that President Clinton is innocent of wrongdoing.
The First Criminal indictments of Bush II
David Safavian, former Chief of Staff for GSA and Chief Procurement Officer at the Office of Budget and Management, was arrested this week for obstructing an ongoing federal investigation into Jack Abramof’’s questionable business…
Who’s next?
Sorry people, I did not close all the bold html tags.
“Innocent until proven guilty”;
I did not make that quote up, so don’t credit it to me. I swear I read it “somewhere” though!!!
If in fact, what Tom Delay was indited for stickes (I am not his accountant and I doubt any of you are so none of us KNOW FOR A FACT what has happened), then I absolutely agree that these Congresspersons should volunteer to give that money back. If they don’t, that is between them and their constituents, not us. We have no right to tell anyone from Dalles, TX, Neeces, SC, Sturbridge, MA or anywhere else who they are allowed to have represent them in Congress.
This should lead to a full scale investigation of all 534 members campaign fundraising activities. I bet we will find that neither democrats or republicans can take the moral high ground on this one.
So now the fact that the WA State Democrats have been fined 2 cycles in a row for illegally transfering money between state and federal races, I am sure is a major concern for those on this blog.
I look forward to future threads that from Goldy, and comments from this group, that hold republicans and democrats accountible for campaign finance laws.
So…..
Did Delay push the ethical envelope? Most likely.
Did he stretch the truth about it? Probably.
But then again one need go no further than Washington state boundaries to find shining examples of core Republican truth, ethical and moral values.
I submit, for example:
George “Two Term & No more” Nethercutt
and
James “Gays are a perversion” West
But then again, Spokane may just be dark window on the seedy side of politics in an otherwise sqeaky clean world.
Curious @ 18: “But then again one need go no further than Washington state boundaries…”
You know, George, you’re right. In fact, why bother even leaving the Seattle city limits?
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/.....s29ww.html
And that is from today’s paper. The amounts may be different, but the Dems are pretty good at “death by a thousand paper cuts.”
Mark @ 19
That’s small potatoes compared to Governor Albert Rosellini during the construction of I-5. But that’s way off topic and another time.
And I never said the Dem’s were guiltless…. Just smart enough to not get caught. :)
Now George, I know you would not post about ethics and then print miss information, now would you?
In 1994 Nethercutt, Hastings and Metcalf all campaigned on term limits. The discussed them at 3 terms, not 2 as you “quoted” Nethercutt as saying.
I agree this is a minor detail, but by this blogs definition of lying (WMDs), presenting false information is a lie, whether you knew it at the time or not is irrelevent.
So by that logic, you are now a liar and have no room to challenge anyone on ethics.
By the way, you also seem to have forgotten that the WA State Democrats have been fined 2 election cycles in a row for illegally transfering money between state and federal candidate accounts.
Neither party can take the high road when it comes to illegal/unethical campaigning and financing.
George; your post about dems not being guiltless, posted while I was typing mine. I did not see it.
I withdrawl the last 2 paragraphs of my post.
P.I.E –
You are quite correct. Mea culpa.
It should have been George “6 years and no more” Nethercutt.
I beg your for giveness.
16
Commander Ogg- Yeah the repubs do not follow through and convict democrats even when they are caught red handed (well in Clinton’s case his hand wasn’t the thing was red). It also shows that the dems are good on getting repubs on ticky tac violations. Old news already.
I agree with Janet S that this is a Rove move now that Judith Miller has vindicated his good name. Goldy, where is the new Judith Miller story of Rove not being her source? Your previous speculation needs updating. I suggest taking two Fukitols and writing that post in the morning for all of us to read.
Goldy:
“It is not enough to hold DeLay responsible for his actions, we most also hold responsible all those who benefited from his illegal activities.”
Don’t you mean “alleged illegal activities”? He’s been indicted not convicted. You didn’t ask Hillary to pay back the $1.1 million in kind contributions that was in question when David Rosen, the finance director of her 2000 senatorial campaign, was indicted. Good thing, because he was acquittted on all charges. Apparently you don’t believe in due process. Sounds a lot closer to fascism to me than anything the “neocon Rethuglicans” have done.
Ah the League of Consevation Voters called me with a few “survey” questions tonite…
On Ron Sims, I said that I would “definitely NOT vote for” him and I added I wouldn’t even vote for him for dog catcher, either. They love those ‘Yes or No’, ‘Choose 1-4’ skewed toward the answer thye want questions… they got their answers… along with an earful about what I thought of Sims AND the LCV.
Goldy, your Karl Rove rants died on the vine, but I’ll give you the doubt benefit as the Plame Grand Jury dies the end of October; but what if this Tom DeLay thing dies too and it’s thrown out in October too? What will you animal hind parts leftists do next? Golly two of your greatest nemeses could walk by November voting time!!! Ouch! I’ll have the Fukitol pills waiting.
Since Ed Koch reported on Cindy Sheehan, I expect him to piece a column on Tom DeLay too.
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0905/koch.php3
ConservativeFirst @27,
You know, you make a good point, and in fact the thought occurred to me as I was writing the post that I should probably use the word “alleged” in there, but, well… you all know what I’m about, so why bother sullying my prose?
Curious @ 21
Fair enough. It’s just that the whole Biblical splinter/log/eye thing seems to be lost on politicians and partisans.
I will state, for the record, that if DeLay did something wrong, he should be punished appropriately — as should anyone from any party. I would also hope that IF he is convicted of anything, there isn’t a pre-signed pardon waiting for him.
What about the Greg Nickels scandal in todays news…??
OOPS!… snicker – we told you it was coming…throw mud and you get dirty too, boys and girls…
I wonder who’s next…
Old news……
I think DeLay’s prosecutor has some ‘splainin’ to do.
http://www.nationalreview.com/.....290811.asp
Where are the “real” Democrats?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9505859/
“The GOP has Rudy, Colin, Arnold, McCain and Condi – just to name a few: big, bold, controversial characters. Good copy if nothing else. The more or less official roster of titular Democratic leaders includes Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean and 2004 nominee John Kerry. ‘Nuff said.” – See smart people use my moniker. The Prosecution Rests
This is why we think the left is strange. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/09.....phron.html
THINK????
To my friends on the right: Looks like the donks don’t want more of their kind around for future elections. :P ;P
http://www.washingtonpost.com/.....00378.html
Sorry ProudAss, it’s late you know!!!
ProudAss: To view how they perform the strikeout, right click on the non-editable window above where you would enter your latest leftist cleansing prose and click “view source”. I sometimes bury my links, but I decided to place them upfront and impersonal!
Goldy@31—
You know, I think we should all be a little more careful with ALLEGATIONS.
For example….I apologize to you Goldy for times I called you a cocksucker. I should have called Goldy an ALLEGED cocksucker!
However, I will never apologize for calling you a LEFTIST PINHEAD. It takes a long series of unmistably PINHEADED LEFTIST POSTS for me to slam that label on one of you LEFTIST PINHEADS.
Goldy @ 31
“You know, you make a good point, and in fact the thought occurred to me as I was writing the post that I should probably use the word “alleged” in there, but, well… you all know what I’m about, so why bother sullying my prose? ”
Thanks, for the compliment. I didn’t realize “sullying” and the phrase “with accuracy in” had the same meaning.
Why are you lefties so obsessed with Delay and Rove? You are acting like the Reps during the Clinton era.
COnservativeFirst: If you remember David Bonior of Michigan in the late 80’s when Fort Worthless Jim Wright was taken down on his sleazy book deal, told Newt Gingrich he would take him down in the future. Yes I don’t forget much stuff. Now with the Dems out of power so long, and their message is rejected at the ballot box except in liberal WA state, they have to resort to other tactics. Who cares about the truth (Goldy) it’s the end that counts!!! If DeLay did something wrong get him. Download the .PDF of the indictment. You’ll go what?
re 43: The difference is that members of the irresponsible and reckless right wing of the Republican Party actually are crooks– and provably so. Real Republican conservatives should start distancing themselves from these reckless fools immediately!!!
Do you think McCain has forgotten what that deserter GWB did to him in the primaries? Stay tuned you JOHNNIE-ONE-NOTE righties! The main course is yet to come….
Yes, we wait to see where the Hammer falls on McDermott for Federal Wiretapping laws right s-choir?
I’m sure that what McDermott did is entirely justified under the PATRIOT ACT. You do agree with the PATRIOT ACT, don’t you? After all, it has the word PATRIOT in it!
Can’t you guys come up with a new trick?
“But the democrats..!” Is pretty tired.
Delay is notorious, and its a good lesson to politicians of all stripes to have him get nailed, if even just a little bit, for his improprieties. HOpefully the lesson will go home.
notes:
1) I know he’s just indicted, but its a start.
2) Believe it or not, we have the right to believe and say that we think he’s guilty, if we do. Stupid first amendment.
3) Its fun to see you rightie trolls squirm, defending the indefensible.
Delay is “notorious” at being EFFECTIVE… that’s what galls the loopy left and the “Dollars for Dismissals” PAY ME Prosecutor.
I wonder what candidacy he’s trying to appear relevant for?
Delay is an amoral pschopath who is in the pocket of the corporate special interests. He’s a crook.
dictionary.com
windie @ 48
‘3) Its fun to see you rightie trolls squirm, defending the indefensible.’
I’m actually having fun this week. What, though, is indefensible? The hard/soft money laundering? The targeting of funds to strategic races? Or, just Delay’s effectiveness in steamrolling the dems?
puddybud:
Yes, we wait to see where the Hammer falls on McDermott for Federal Wiretapping laws right s-choir?
Wiretapping? I see no wires on my cellphone.
The Gingrich cellphone conversation was recorded over the air, by people entirely unrelated and unknown to McDermott.
NoWonder it’s fun EVERY week … reminds me of a cat ‘playing’ with a drunken mouse…
or a bunny butt!
proud leftist @ 12
Cynical’s psychic too.
Mr. Cynical
I think someone’s talking to the prosecutors/grand jury about De Lay. If so, proving conspiracy could be a LOT easier. While the GOP foot soldiers will take a bullet for the boss, the corporate guys who were strong-armed into providing cash for the PAC won’t.
Cynical is PSYCHIC??? WOW! Cyn.. tell me my fortune!
N in Seattle: do you understand the newer wiretapping laws? Wires not needed.
You’re right, Curtis. They’ll think,”Hmmmmn! Should I make a deal with the prosecutor that protects me, or lie to protect Tom DeLay.”
Once again, you have it ASS BACKWARDS, sweet cheeks.
Curtis Love-‘..corporate guys who were strong-armed into providing cash…’
You are mixing thing up. The strong-arm was used for the “dismissal for dollars” part of the case.
Puddybud:
N in Seattle: do you understand the newer wiretapping laws? Wires not needed.
Puddybud, do you understand that the cellphone conversation was intercepted in 1997? At which time, the legislation included:
(Sec. 202) Revises the definition of “wire and electronic communication” for purposes of provisions prohibiting interception thereof to include the radio portion of a cordless telephone communication that is transmitted between the cordless telephone handset and the base unit. Imposes a fine of up to $500 upon any person who intentionally intercepts such communications.
McDermott didn’t record the phone call. It was some people in Florida, who sent him the tape. Even if he had, under the wiretap law effective in 1997, the penalty was a civil fine of $500.
PROUD @56–
Good news for you today. Madame Cyncial sees great financial opportunity for you the next 7 days….fear not…do your homework, trust your sound instincts and ACT.
How is that….??
As for you CURTIS LOVE
Not such good news. Your trend of becoming a PROGRESSIVELY bigger fucking idiot each and every day will unfortunately continue. Also masturbating 6 times per day will finally take it’s toll on your vision. Go see your opthomologist today and be honest about your habit!!
Mr. Cynical’s is so small all he’ll ever need is some over the counter reading glasses and a velvet pair of tweezers.
s-choir@73–
Great news for you from Madame Cynical, the psychic:
Your testicles will drop out of your throat back into their home in the next month!! In addition, your overwhelming homsexual urges will retreat when you watch that gay porno tape hidden under your mattress!!
N @ 61
“McDermott didn’t record the phone call. It was some people in Florida, who sent him the tape. Even if he had, under the wiretap law effective in 1997, the penalty was a civil fine of $500.”
Perhaps but McDermott passed on a recording of an illegally recorded private conversation to others, the NY Times being one, which is a violation of federal wiretapping laws. McDermott won the original case in US District Court in 1998, here’s what the judge said:
“The First Amendment prevents the government from punishing the disclosure of truthful, lawfully obtained information of public significance. It is unfortunate that a United States Representative, who had chosen a position that supposedly illuminated him as a beacon of ethical behavior,(9) should so eagerly seek to capitalize on the skulduggery of would-be party operatives to win petty, partisan victories in the press. The First Amendment is largely blind to motives, however, and it offers protection not only to the noble, but also to the ignoble. Thus, Rep. McDermott’s actions are protected under the Amendment, and the Court must grant his motion to dismiss. ”
This ruling was appealed and the Supreme Court sent the case back to the District court for reconsideration. McDermott lost his case in US District Court on reconsideration, and has appealead. The appeal will be heard by the DC Circuit Court of Appeals in November. I’m sure the losing side will appeal to the Supreme Court.
Unless overturned, McDermott is guilty of violating federal wiretapping laws and is liable for $10,000 in stauatory damages, $50,000 in punitive damages, and ~$500,000 in attorney’s fees.
To all Righties: We appreciate your input but we think we are mentally and emotionally better equipped to run the country. So , if you right wing extremists get burned in the process, it’s just the cost of doing business. We all know how carefully y’all phrase things and DeLay’s mantra that he ,”did nothing wrong” speaks volumes. Note: He did NOT say he didn’t do anytheing illegal.
Hey #16
What about this:
Clinton Legacy: Most Convictions, Crookedest Cabinet, 31 Deaths
Please note that, much as with the Census, the collection of such data is a daunting task, made all the more difficult by the failure of the corporate media to show any interest in it.
Notes: Some of the data have not been updated recently and thus understate conditions. In certain areas, such as anomalous deaths, the Progressive Review has used an extremely conservative count. It is important in considering these incidents to bear in mind the following:
1. The fact that anomalies need to be investigated further carries no presumption of how a death actually occurred, only that there remain serious questions that require answers.
2. The possibility of foul play must be taken seriously in a major criminal conspiracy in which more than two score individuals and firms have already been convicted and more than 100 witnesses have pleaded the Fifth Amendment or fled the country.
3. If foul play did occur in any of these cases, that fact by itself does not carry the presumption that the White House was involved. Given the footprints of organized crime, drug trade, foreign espionage and intelligence agencies on the trail of the Clinton story, such an assumption would be ill advised.
The Progressive Review welcomes corrections and additions and plans to publish a more definitive version on the occasion upon the departure of the Clinton administration. It is also planning a list of those journalists and public officials who performed best and worst during this egregious period of American history. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated.
Administration Records Set
– The only president ever impeached strictly on grounds of personal malfeasance
– Most convictions and guilty pleas
– Most Cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation
– Most witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify
– Most witnesses to die suddenly
– Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions
– Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions from abroad
Historical Context
– Number of independent counsel inquiries since the 1978 law was passed: 19
– Number that have produced indictments: 7
– Number that produced more convictions than the Starr investigation: 1
– Median length of investigations that have led to convictions: 44 months
– Length of Starr-Ray investigation (7/00): 67 months.
– Number of Starr-Ray investigation convictions to date (including one governor, one associate attorney general and two Clinton business partners): 15
– Median cost per Starr investigation conviction: $3.5 million as of 3/00
– Total cost of the Starr investigation (3/00) $52 million
– Total cost of the Iran-Contra investigation: $48.5 million
– Number of Clinton Cabinet members who came under criminal investigation: 5
– Number of Reagan cabinet members who came under criminal investigation: 4
– Number of top officials jailed in the Teapot Dome Scandal: 3
Crime Stats
– Number of individuals and businesses associated with the Clinton machine who have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to crimes: 47
– Number of these convictions during Clinton’s presidency: 33
– Number of indictments/misdemeanor charges: 61
– Number of imprisonments: 14
– Number of congressional witnesses who have pleaded the Fifth Amendment, fled the country to avoid testifying, or (in the case of foreign witnesses) refused to be interviewed: 122 (9/99)
Smaltz Investigation
– Guilty pleas and convictions obtained by Donald Smaltz in cases involving charges of bribery and fraud against former Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy and associated individuals and businesses: 15
– Acquitted or overturned cases (including Espy): 6
– Fines and penalties assessed: $11.5 million
– Cost of investigation: $22.2 million through 9/99
– Amount Tyson Food paid in fines and court costs: $6 million
– Amount Tyson Food still has in annual government contracts: $200 million
– Reasons individuals other than Espy went free: Concealing knowledge of gifts to Espy and his girlfriend (1), providing illegal gratuities to Espy(4), illegally supplementing the salary of a government official (2), concealing receipt of illegal funds on behalf of Espy (1) (Espy’s chief of staff was sentenced to prison in this case)
Crimes for Which Convictions Have Been Obtained
Drug trafficking (3), racketeering, extortion, bribery (4), tax evasion, kickbacks, embezzlement (2), fraud (12), conspiracy (5), fraudulent loans, illegal gifts (1), illegal campaign contributions (5), money laundering (6), perjury, obstruction of justice.
Other Matters Investigated by Special Prosecutors
and Congress or Reported in the Media
Bank and mail fraud, violations of campaign finance laws, illegal foreign campaign funding, improper exports of sensitive technology, physical violence and threats of violence, solicitation of perjury, intimidation of witnesses, bribery of witnesses, attempted intimidation of prosecutors, perjury before congressional committees, lying in statements to federal investigators and regulatory officials, flight of witnesses, obstruction of justice, bribery of cabinet members, real estate fraud, tax fraud, drug trafficking, failure to investigate drug trafficking, bribery of state officials, use of state police for personal purposes, exchange of promotions or benefits for sexual favors, using state police to provide false court testimony, laundering of drug money through a state agency, false reports by medical examiners and others investigating suspicious deaths, the firing of the RTC and FBI director when these agencies were investigating Clinton and his associates, failure to conduct autopsies in suspicious deaths, providing jobs in return for silence by witnesses, drug abuse, improper acquisition and use of 900 FBI files, improper futures trading, murder, sexual abuse of employees, false testimony before a federal judge, shredding of documents, withholding and concealment of subpoenaed documents, fabricated charges against (and improper firing of) White House employees, inviting drug traffickers, foreign agents and participants in organized crime to the White House.
Unexplained Phenomena
– FBI files misappropriated by the White House: c. 900
– Estimated number of witnesses quoted in FBI files misappropriated by the White House: 18,000
– Number of witnesses who developed medical problems at critical points in Clinton scandals investigation (Tucker, Hale, both McDougals, Lindsey): 5
– Problem areas listed in a memo by Clinton’s own lawyer in preparation for the president’s defense: 40
– Number of witnesses and critics of Clinton subjected to IRS audit: 45
– Number of names placed in a White House secret database without the knowledge of those named: c. 200,000
– Number of persons involved with Clinton who have been beaten up: 2
– Number of women involved with Clinton who claim to have been physically threatened: 5 (Sally Perdue, Gennifer Flowers, Kathleen Willey, Linda Tripp, Elizabeth Ward Gracen)
– Number of men involved in the Clinton scandals who have been beaten up or claimed to have been intimidated: 9
Arkansas Sudden Death Syndrome
– Number of persons in the Clinton orbit who are alleged to have committed suicide: 7
– Number known to have been murdered: 2
– Number who died in plane crashes: 11
– Number who died in automobile accidents: 3
– Number killed during Waco massacre: 4
– Number of key witnesses who have died of heart attacks while in federal custody under questionable circumstances: 1
– Number of medications being taken by Jim McDougal at the time he was placed in solitary confinement shortly before his death: 12
– Number of unexplained deaths: 3
– Total of above deaths: 31
– Number of northern Mafia killings during peak years of 1968-78: 30
– Number of Dixie Mafia killings during same period: 156
Arkansas Alzheimer’s
– Number of times Hillary Clinton said “I don’t recall” or its equivalent in a statement to a House investigating committee: 50
– Number of paragraphs in this statement: 42
– Number of times Bill Clinton said “I don’t recall” or its equivalent in the released portions of the his testimony on Paula Jones: 271
– Total number of facts or events not recalled before official bodies by Bill Kennedy, Harold Ickes, Ricki Seidman, Bruce Lindsey, Bill Burton, Mark Gearan, Mack McLarty, Neil Eggleston, John Podesta, Jennifer O’Connor, Dwight Holton, Patsy Thomasson, Jeff Eller, Beth Nolan, Cliff Sloan, Bernard Nussbaum, George Stephanopoulous, Roy Neel, Rahm Emanuel, Maggie Williams, David Tarbell, Susan Thomases, Webster Hubbell, Roger Altman, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton: 6,125
– Average occurrence of memory lapse by top administration figures while before official bodies: 235
Arkansas Money Management
– Amount of an alleged electronic transfer from the Arkansas Development Financial Authority to a bank in the Cayman Islands during 1980s: $50 million
– Grand Cayman’s population: 18,000
– Number of commercial banks: 570
– Number of bank regulators: 1
– Amount Arkansas state pension fund invested in high-risk repos in the mid-1980s in one purchase in April 1985: $52 million through the Worthen Bank.
– Number of days thereafter that the state’s brokerage firm went belly up: 3
– Amount Arkansas pension fund dropped overnight as a result: 15 percent
– Percent of Worthen Bank that Mochtar Riady bought over the next four months to bail out the bank and the then-governor, Bill Clinton: 40 percent.
– Percent of purchasers from the Clintons and McDougals of resort lots who lost the land because of the sleazy financing provisions: more than 50 percent
The Media
– Number of journalists covering Whitewater who have been fired, transferred off the beat, resigned or otherwise gotten into trouble because of their work on the scandals (Doug Frantz, Jim Wooten, Richard Behar, Christopher Ruddy, Michael Isikoff, David Eisenstadt, Yinh Chan, Jonathan Broder, James R. Norman, Zoh Hieronimus): 10
Friends of Bill
– Number of times John Huang took the Fifth Amendment in answer to questions during a Judicial Watch deposition: 1,000
– Visits made to the White House by investigation subjects Johnny Chung, James Riady, John Huang, and Charlie Trie: 160
– Number of campaign contributors who got overnights at the White House in the two years before the 1996 election: 577
– Number of members of Thomas Boggs’ law firm who have held top positions in the Clinton administration: 18
– Number of times John Huang was briefed by CIA: 37
– Number of calls Huang made from Commerce Department to Lippo banks: 261
– Number of intelligence reports Huang read while at Commerce: 500
Political Fallout
– GOP seats gained in House since Clinton became president: 60
– GOP seats gained in Senate since Clinton became president: 11
– GOP governorships gained since Clinton became president: 14
– GOP state legislative seats gained since Clinton became president: c. 500
– Democrat officeholders who have become Republicans since Clinton became president: 439
– Republican officeholders who have become Democrats since Clinton became president: 3
And then to think that Hillary Rodham Clinton is aiming for the White House in 2008. God help us all if that occurs!
Need I say more?
Heh.
The Bush-dolt and his ‘Pube masters worked SO HARD to steal all three branches of govt. – and they really didn’t get much done !!
Country bankrupt = no more tax cuts.
Bush weaker & dumber every day = ‘Pube agenda derailed.
Discount Army led by airheads = crisis in enlistment.
Starved FEMA = two swift, brutal kicks below the bible belt.
Arrogance & ignorance = no international deals or friends.
Feeble, incompetent cabinet = approval rating dropping daily.
fleischer, rove, delay, ashcrack, powell, etc. = bye bye.
Rabid desire to destroy democracy = govt. size grows by 1 million people.
Saudi Prince cock in Bush’s mouth = SUV clowns crying as their precious tax cut is pumped into their silly gas-tanks.
Fatty foods & mental retardation = no gains on the Supreme Court.
Thinly disguised bigots = no progress with Black voters.
so many failures, so many conservative buffoons & god-lickers …
I’m totally delighted, totally !! Can’t believe it – but they actually succeeded in inserting their own heads into their own rectums. Other than the smell – I really don’t see much damage !
If this is the best they can do when in total control — we don’t have much to worry about.
9/11 handed them a golden goose – and they killed it !!! hahahaha wow
I always knew their dopeyness would defeat them eventually – but I had no idea how quickly and completely they’d crash.
Normal people always have to remember that the ‘conservative’ disease is self-defeating. They can’t help but fail.
When we return to power (sooner rather than later, apparently) we won’t have much trouble sending them to the back of the bus for another 50 years, just like last time.
God is definitely a Democrat !! No doubt about that. We always win.
Look at the last three oafs they’ve given us: a Gimp, a Wimp, and a Simp.
Now we have three more years to watch them roast like swine on a spit, and we don’t have to take responsibility for anything that happens. We can piss on their heads any time we want. Can his ratings actually go negative? Will he start drinking again?
I don’t know – but it’s all good.
It’s laughable that the “League of Conservation Voters” is calling for all Republicans to return contributions from DeLay’s PAC.
Yeah, like they’re a grassroots non-political organization… Gimme a break. The whole organization is run by Democrat politicos from the top down.