S'wonderful.

Gut check time Bobby.

Hint:
Whip out the red pen.

It's only taxpayers money and there is lots more, where that came from.

Please.

This, from the people who elected Edwin Edwards four times?

They should appreciate having a decent fellow run the joint for a while.

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

Bobby Jindal Under Fire?

Is that some sort anti-Indian slur?

I think pay raises for our representatives should only be approved by referendum. As it is now, there seems to be a little conflict of interest.

Ya wanna bitch about pay raises? Go talk to Congress about middle-of-the-night pay raises, when actually they should be taking a BIG pay cut. Heck, they should be paying for the privilege of being a Congresscritter...

JAFLW

He's not the only politician under fire for pay raises, but Jindal needs to hold the line on fiscal responsibility for LA if he ever wants to have any credence. LA clearly needs leadership, and this is a prime example of where Jindal needs to draw the line.

No pay raises for the legislature, because they have not deserved them in the past, and clearly raising the pay isn't bringing in a better sort of legislator either.

re: #5 VegasRick

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

If you follow the link, you learn that they get all sorts of allowances and per diems on top of this, which is base pay. So they are actually making over $30K a year as it is. If this went through, it would bump their pay to over $60K.

But seriously, don't you wish that Obama supporters would be as outraged about him breaking his funds pledge as conservatives are about this.

I guess that's called morals.

re: #5 VegasRick

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

16.8K..per year? I know pay scales are less in rural areas but thats a little low...are we talking full time employees here? 16.8K for a full time employee, 35 hrs a week, I would say they need a bump.

re: #5 VegasRick

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

This is a part time legislature:

The legislature convenes in Baton Rouge at the Louisiana State Capitol for regular annual sessions and may convene for extraordinary or special sessions and for veto sessions. Regular annual sessions in even-numbered years are generally limited to 60 legislative days within 85 calendar days. Regular annual sessions in odd-numbered years are limited to specified fiscal-related subjects and certain other legislation and to 45 legislative days within 60 calendar days.

They are paid accordingly.

Besides, the state has more serious priorities than giving itself pay raises. I can think of a few items that deserve the money more - including a few levees down in NOLA that could use attention. Infrastructure before pay raises.

Never fall in love with a politician. They break your heart every damn time.

re: #13 Spider Mensch

re: #11 vxbush

If you follow the link, you learn that they get all sorts of allowances and per diems on top of this, which is base pay. So they are actually making over $30K a year as it is. If this went through, it would bump their pay to over $60K.

vxbush answered that one.

I've never seen the people of Louisiana this mad at the legislature in my entire life.

Jindal has disappointed on a number of other things, also. It isn't just his refusal to veto the exorbitant pay raise.

re: #11 vxbush

If you follow the link, you learn that they get all sorts of allowances and per diems on top of this, which is base pay. So they are actually making over $30K a year as it is. If this went through, it would bump their pay to over $60K.

thnxs vx. you answered my #13

Jindal has enemies.

Details from HotAir:

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters. (There are 39 state senators and 105 representative, so the total hike should be just shy of $3 million per year.)

How does this compare to other states, hm?

Jindal’s spokesman claims he’s not going to veto it so as not antagonize the legislature into digging in against the rest of his reform agenda

Which might be the smart thing to do.

but if this thing is leaking into national papers I wonder if he has any choice

lol

Please. If there's one thing that Louisianans don't give a damn about, it's courting the good opinion of yankees.

re: #5 VegasRick

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

How days is the LA leg in session.

In WA the leg is in session 60 days, they get $36k.

The Legislature approved an increase in legislators' annual base pay from $16,800 to $37,500, and the amount will rise each year with the Consumer Price Index.

Wow, every dollar split its cells to form another dollar and change.

re: #13 Spider Mensch

True- a better class of people (read conservatives) need to be attacted to politics- where they usually don't go because the pay is better elsewhere! Or after they are already rich (Romney) and want to do good.

re: #5 VegasRick

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

my question is why had it been only $16,800? Do they only meet one montha year?

re: #14 lawhawk

Louisiana has been running surpluses.

I agree, though, that legislators should come lower in the pecking order. Priorities is priorities.

re: #21 bosforus

Wow, every dollar split its cells to form another dollar and change.

[Link: www.thetowntalk.com...]
Here's a link for what I quoted.

re: #23 sattv4u2

re: #11 vxbush

If you follow the link, you learn that they get all sorts of allowances and per diems on top of this, which is base pay. So they are actually making over $30K a year as it is. If this went through, it would bump their pay to over $60K.

re: #23 sattv4u2

my question is why had it been only $16,800? Do they only meet one montha year?

Meet once a month, steal everyday.

re: #14 lawhawk

They are paid accordingly.

Besides, the state has more serious priorities than giving itself pay raises. I can think of a few items that deserve the money more - including a few levees down in NOLA that could use attention. Infrastructure before pay raises.

I'll wager that in the past couple of years they've met many many more times than 60 days, due to the aftermath of Katrina alone !

Whew, the updates at HotAir are something. Sounds like a hornet's nest down there.

re: #24 godfrey

And take a closer look at why they're running a surplus of late. I think it has something to do with the high price of natural gas and oil. It has nothing to do with what the Legislature has done. It's due to the severance taxes on oil and gas.

re: #20 jcm

How days is the LA leg in session.

In WA the leg is in session 60 days, they get $36k.

Yeah, and I wish they were in session ONE day, and go paid ONE dollar. They're worth every penny. All 100 of 'em.

JAFLW

re: #28 sattv4u2

They had special sessions, and per diems kicked in. As noted above, those are base salaries for a part time job - there are additional funds to members based on seniority and positions...

This is why Jindal has to stay in La. and prove his worth as a leader and manager before being crowned the next GOP hopeful for higher office.

The MA pols have no qualms whatsoever when it comes to giving themselves pay raises. Never have, never will.

Welcome to my world, Louisiana.

re: #5 VegasRick

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the
bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

A state legislator only makes $16,800 a year? Hell, I make more than that & I can barely take care of myself. No wonder Louisana politicos are on the take - they'd be on welfare if they weren't.

re: #30 lawhawk

Righto.

Yesterday I learned the head of Planned Parenthood "earned" $900,000 on income of over $100,000,000.

Yes, much of this is taxpayer funded.

State legislators in NH make $100 per year.

Pay raise protest planned; recall notice filed

re: #13 Spider Mensch

16.8K..per year? I know pay scales are less in rural areas but thats a little low...are we talking full time employees here? 16.8K for a full time employee, 35 hrs a week, I would say they need a bump.

Read the HotAir Postings. It clears up the numbers. Hopefully Jindal will show some backbone.

re: #35 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

A state legislator only makes $16,800 a year? Hell, I make more than that & I can barely take care of myself. No wonder Louisana politicos are on the take - they'd be on welfare if they weren't.

Most legislators have other jobs, they've worked out the time away from their primary job or business to serve part time in the leg.

re: #32 lawhawk

I understand, and I know that politicians shouldn't be in it for the money. but this IS 2008. To attract more "qualified" people, I really have no problem with a state paying extra. Upthread someone posted that the TOTAL increase in the state budget for the year would amount to 3 Million. Thats a pittance in the larger scheme of things.
That said, if they DO get the raise, the good people of NO should expect better representation

I don’t have the link, but haven’t the legislators basically shut down the state until they get this bribe raise? It looks like they are afraid of the gov’s reform measures cutting into their graft. I hope the voters raise a loud enough ruckus and Bobby shows some backbone (a rare sight in a 21st century republican) on this one.

re: #32 lawhawk

They had special sessions, and per diems kicked in. As noted above, those are base salaries for a part time job - there are additional funds to members based on seniority and positions...

Here's what they really get.

LegeWatch

OT There is finally a reason for Saudi Arabia to vigorously clamp down on terrorists.

$30K means they:
a) are focusing on another job and are haphazard legislators.
b) are rich.
c) take bribes, graft and do other sorts of influence peddling.

No poor, honest person would take that job.

re: #19 godfrey

but if this thing is leaking into national papers I wonder if he has any choice

The MSM will not abide a conservative Obama.

re: #4 Cognito

Please.

This, from the people who elected Edwin Edwards four times?

They should appreciate having a decent fellow run the joint for a while.

you forgot to mention his last stint was done after a concviction that was up for appeal....the ONLY place more crooked that the state that brought us Huey P. is..........
ChiObacamagoland

Does this include the bonus $ they find in their freezer?

re: #49 calvin coolidge

Does this include the bonus $ they find in their freezer?

That's US Congresscritters (William Jefferson).

re: #43 sattv4u2

Forgetting LA for a second and speaking instead at a national level, one way to reduce Federal spending is to reduce the size of the misc. congressional staffs. All these staff folks think up ideas and those become programs. If we just cut back on those folks (who multiply like cockroaches) the rest of the spending cutbacks would happen in due course.

re: #5 VegasRick

It's not quite double; but what's a hundred bucks between friends?

re: #49 calvin coolidge

Does this include the bonus $ they find in their freezer?

You have to be elecetd to the US house for that, not the state house!

What this really shows is that the people of LA are fed up with government corruption. This issue isn't huge by itself -- but it's a last straw kind of situation.

re: #49 calvin coolidge

Does this include the bonus $ they find in their freezer?

ROFLMAO! Nope. Those proceeds have to be split with Nagin. Ya know, Obama and Nagin don't get along. Obama likes to throw people under the bus and Ray Nagin doesn't know where any buses are.....

badumpump

re: #49 calvin coolidge

Does this include the bonus $ they find in their freezer?

No. I believe that Louisiana law requires you to be elected to the US Congress before you are eligible for freezer money. State legislators may, however, store cash bribes in an ice cooler.

This can damage him.

No new taxes.

re: #43 sattv4u2

They aren't going to get better representation with a pay raise because for better or worse, the same legislators who were in line to get this raise were the same folks who were responsible pre Katrina. The money isn't going to change their outlook or improve their performance.

And recall petitions are now being proffered.

The legislators were originally trying to TRIPLE their base pay. After the outcry, they're only trying to double it.

re: #51 DeafDog

Forgetting LA for a second and speaking instead at a national level, one way to reduce Federal spending is to reduce the size of the misc. congressional staffs. All these staff folks think up ideas and those become programs. If we just cut back on those folks (who multiply like cockroaches) the rest of the spending cutbacks would happen in due course.

I have a better idea. Pick a $$$$$ number. Thats what a senator or congressman gets. If he/she wants to hire a staff of 100, and split the $$$$$ 101 ways,, OR, if he/she wants to to it ALL him/herself and keep the $$$$$.

The $$$$$ would be a cap, for EVERYTHING ,,, perdiem, franking, office supplies ,,, etc etc

re: #58 formercorpsman

This can damage him.

No new taxes.

the opposition likes to start detroying people early now too. This won't help.

re: #51 DeafDog

Forgetting LA for a second and speaking instead at a national level, one way to reduce Federal spending is to reduce the size of the misc. congressional staffs. All these staff folks think up ideas and those become programs. If we just cut back on those folks (who multiply like cockroaches) the rest of the spending cutbacks would happen in due course.

It's a pity we have no way to get them to do this.

Louisiana?

Doesn't that mean this is Bush's fault?

re: #47 Ben Hur

BEN HUR!

In case you want to buy me a belated birthday present....

re: #65 Ben Hur

Louisiana?

Doesn't that mean this is Bush's fault?

Duh!
/

re: #37 alegrias

I don't follow; that's not even a 10% return.

Jindal's once-rising star is suddenly dropping. If he signs off on this pay raise, he may be finished as a national figure on the Republican scene.

OT: Too funny not to post.

Borat's Dream Comes True....Enter the Mankini

re: #35 BeerDrinking_VictoryMonkey

It’s a bump from $16,800 a year to $37,500, seemingly a drop in the
bucket of even a poor state but evidently of huge import to voters.

That is like a 125% increase. Drop in the bucket?

A state legislator only makes $16,800 a year? Hell, I make more than that & I can barely take care of myself. No wonder Louisana politicos are on the take - they'd be on welfare if they weren't.

That's right at a year's salary at minimum wage—dishwasher wages. And then Social Security takes a chunk. The IRS probably wouldn't bother.

This is very disturbing. I always thought politicians were in government for purely altruistic reasons and for the public good. Hey, wait, it sounds like I am an Obama voter/lemming!

What is more disturbing is that our " Mr. Change" has reneged on his pledge to accept public financing in the general election, and has already raised the "race card". How do you say, normal Chicago pol?

All you Kossians, while you long for your Leftist Messiah, you are only really getting Jimmah Carter in a bicycle helmet. Sucks to be you.

re: #65 Ben Hur

Louisiana?

Doesn't that mean this is Bush's fault?

The mayor of Gloucester, MA tried to blame Bush for the pregnancy boom. She claimed lack of federal funding and the No Child Left Behind Act were the reasons that these stupid ass girls got knocked up.

What she failed to mention is that MA lost a huge chunk of federal funding because the governor refused to allow abstinence education alongside sex education.

re: #54 Charles

What this really shows is that the people of LA are fed up with government corruption. This issue isn't huge by itself -- but it's a last straw kind of situation.

I grew up in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, so I know Louisiana politics.

I believe that Katrina changed more than just the physical landscape of that state...and Katrina did affect the whole state in one way or another.

BUT this is Louisiana and well, it's Louisiana.

re: #70 WriterMom

OT: Too funny not to post.

Borat's Dream Comes True....Enter the Mankini

EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW

re: #74 loppyd

No sperm-no preggy!

re: #38 loppyd

State legislators in NH make $100 per year.

To ensure only rich and connected people run for office?

re: #60 SeafoodGumbo

The legislators were originally trying to TRIPLE their base pay. After the outcry, they're only trying to double it.

Oh, boy, THAT gives me a warm fuzzy. not.

Give a politician an inch, and they'll find a way to screw the pooch AND you as well...

JAFLW

re: #76 loppyd

It's FASHION!

re: #11 vxbush

If you follow the link, you learn that they get all sorts of allowances and per diems on top of this, which is base pay. So they are actually making over $30K a year as it is. If this went through, it would bump their pay to over $60K.

Pay should somehow be tied to average income in the state. Pols only get an increase if their state average increases.

re: #69 Ceemack

From what I read, he isn't going to sign off on it, nor is he going to veto it. He is just going to let it sit there and when the deadline for a veto passes, it becomes law and goes into effect.

re: #76 loppyd

EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Pass that eye bleach over this way when you're done with it Loppy.

re: #81 DistantThunder

Pay should somehow be tied to average income in the state. Pols only get an increase if their state average increases.

I like that idea!

BTW, folks, remember this is a PART-TIME job.

re: #68 Dianna

I don't follow; that's not even a 10% return.

* * *
It's supposedly a non-profit "healthcare" concern, PP is.

And $900,000 is more than the President of the USA makes, isn't it?

re: #82 Bubblehead II

From what I read, he isn't going to sign off on it, nor is he going to veto it. He is just going to let it sit there and when the deadline for a veto passes, it becomes law and goes into effect.

Coward.

re: #81 DistantThunder

Pay should somehow be tied to average income in the state. Pols only get an increase if their state average increases.

That, or the standard of living, or the state's GDP, etc. etc. There are any number of better ways to make the politicians realize that their salary may only increase if the state and the state's population does well.

Sorry...OT

This needs to posted and ties in with the previous thread on child rape.

What in the f**k is wrong with Rep. James Fagan, a Democrat, from Massachusetts?
Is this what we have to look forward to with BHO and the liberal left in the future? How does slime like this ever get elected?

A Massachusetts politician and defense attorney has touched off a firestorm with his shocking public vow to torment and "rip apart" child rape victims who take the witness stand if the state legislature passed stiff mandatory sentences for child sex offenders.

Rep. James Fagan, a Democrat, made the comments during debate last month on the state House floor.

"I'm gonna rip them apart," Fagan said of young victims during his testimony on the bill. "I'm going to make sure that the rest of their life is ruined, that when they’re 8 years old, they throw up; when they’re 12 years old, they won’t sleep; when they’re 19 years old, they’ll have nightmares and they’ll never have a relationship with anybody.”

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

re: #74 loppyd

The mayor of Gloucester, MA tried to blame Bush for the pregnancy boom. She claimed lack of federal funding and the No Child Left Behind Act were the reasons that these stupid ass girls got knocked up.

What she failed to mention is that MA lost a huge chunk of federal funding because the governor refused to allow abstinence education alongside sex education.

The mayor needs sex ed.......
Lack of funding = pregnacy?
What a maroon!

re: #80 WriterMom

It's FASHION!

Man, you have a quirky idea of fashion!

JAFLW

re: #61 sattv4u2

I think they do something like that now. The problem is that so many of those congressional staffers actual work for the various committees. It is an incestuous arrangement and they all want a new program to justify their existence.

The commercial strategy for the Republicans should be to put Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams in a bunch of commercials talking about economic principals, and what needs to happen in our country.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4....and if people only catch the 3rd commercial they can check the website for the other 3.

Economic principals are fascinating, and most people know very few, if any.

So much for Jindal being the savior of the GOP.

re: #84 wolfie

I like that idea!

BTW, folks, remember this is a PART-TIME job.

I think good people then should do it for free. I think that would be a GREAT way for people who have done well in society to give back.

I guess I need more information before I can come down on either side. How many days are they in session down there? Here in Texas it's only 140 days every other year (they next meet in Jan. 2009). I can see where he might want to grease the skids for his reform agenda, but there's no guarantee that even a pay raise will get their cooperation.

Louisiana has a loooong history of corruption and graft; good luck to him in trying to fix that.

re: #95 Ward Cleaver

I guess I need more information before I can come down on either side. How many days are they in session down there? Here in Texas it's only 140 days every other year (they next meet in Jan. 2009). I can see where he might want to grease the skids for his reform agenda, but there's no guarantee that even a pay raise will get their cooperation.

Louisiana has a loooong history of corruption and graft; good luck to him in trying to fix that.

It shouldn't be so high on the agenda, that's obviously part of the problem.

re: #88 jorline

Sorry...OT

This needs to posted and ties in with the previous thread on child rape.

What in the f**k is wrong with Rep. James Fagan, a Democrat, from Massachusetts?
Is this what we have to look forward to with BHO and the liberal left in the future? How does slime like this ever get elected?

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

Someone needs to investigate to find out who he's raped.

/sarc?

Louisiana is notorious for political (and police) corruption.

I hate to say it, but paying legislators (and cops) peanuts encourages what might be called "entrepreneurial" activity.

You gotta pay them something, or only the exceptionally rich or corrupt will work those jobs.

re: #92 DistantThunder

The commercial strategy for the Republicans should be to put Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams in a bunch of commercials talking about economic principals, and what needs to happen in our country.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4....and if people only catch the 3rd commercial they can check the website for the other 3.

Economic principals are fascinating, and most people know very few, if any.

I wish our side had a Soros type who would dedicate himself to doing that sort of thing on a more or less regular basis, not just at election time.

re: #80 WriterMom

It's FASHION!

What really kills me is all of these pussified looking men they use as models...and the mens fashions themselves.

I love a nice suit on a guy as much as the next girl does, but to all of the models have to look like metrosexual pussies?

Give me a manly man in a suit.

Personally, I'd laugh in the face of any man who'd actually wear a mankini (ewwww) in public.

I dare him to say no to the pay raises. I do see how $16k a year will not get the best of hired help, but he said what he said. Let's see if he does what he said. That's the kicker.

I would like to see the general populace get a chance to vote on Congressional and Senatorial pay raises. I would also like to see an option for pay cuts on the ballot for both houses at every Presidential election. Think we will ever see that?

/I'm turning blue.....

re: #95 Ward Cleaver

See #14 above.

Child rapists should NOT receive the death penalty. It would give them added incentive to kill their victims, and somehow in their minds they would construe it as self-defense.

re: #93 Killgore Trout

So much for Jindal being the savior of the GOP.

No one individual is going to be the "savior" of the GOP.

I can't fault Jindal for making a hard political decision here.

re: #62 paxnhymn

You read my mind.

I would go as far as to say, just the presentation of the pay raise by the legislature could be designed to make him contradictory.

Germany 3. Turkey 2.

re: #104 DistantThunder

Child rapists should NOT receive the death penalty. It would give them added incentive to kill their victims, and somehow in their minds they would construe it as self-defense.

Of course they should. Many rapists kill their victim anyway, regardless.

re: #100 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

Personally, I'd laugh in the face of any man who'd actually wear a mankini (ewwww) in public.

/What if I keep it in my murse?

re: #98 looking closely

Louisiana is notorious for political (and police) corruption.

I hate to say it, but paying legislators (and cops) peanuts encourages what might be called "entrepreneurial" activity.

You gotta pay them something, or only the exceptionally rich or corrupt will work those jobs.

I disagree. I think that many average people willingly of their time and efforts in many, many ways, often at a cost of personal sacrifice. If it was a volunteer only position, like hospice, I think you'd attract many good solid people, especially if this is part time.

It makes me sick when I hear that the US Congress meets for a few minutes a day, and votes on naming post offices.

How do we all like the 300 BILLION dollar package our congress is passing to bail out Veep Vetter Jim Johnson's, and Senator Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad's mortgage company, Countrywide?

Texas Rep. Hensarling tried to derail it, but porkbarreling democrats want to grandstand while helping their friend Angelo Mozilo.

re: #77 WriterMom

No sperm-no preggy!

That's what I was always told.

re: #66 loppyd

BEN HUR!

In case you want to buy me a belated birthday present....

I was thinking something that covers less.

re: #97 Oh no...Sand People!

Someone needs to investigate to find out who he's raped.

/sarc?

I think not.

re: #13 Spider Mensch

16.8K..per year? I know pay scales are less in rural areas but thats a little low...are we talking full time employees here? 16.8K for a full time employee, 35 hrs a week, I would say they need a bump.

who gets by with working 35 hrs a week?

If it is state legislatures, it is part time. There was a time when the positions were volunteer and completely unpaid. Paying them was supposed to bring EQUALITY to the legislature.

re: #104 DistantThunder

Child rapists should NOT receive the death penalty. It would give them added incentive to kill their victims, and somehow in their minds they would construe it as self-defense.

I am inclined to agree with you, but that is the sort of thing that our elected representatives should decide in assembly.
(It is, of course ENTIRELY IRRELEVANT to the question of consitutionality.)

re: #111 alegrias

How do we all like the 300 BILLION dollar package our congress is passing to bail out Veep Vetter Jim Johnson's, and Senator Chris Dodd and Kent Conrad's mortgage company, Countrywide?

Texas Rep. Hensarling tried to derail it, but porkbarreling democrats want to grandstand while helping their friend Angelo Mozilo.

AAAAGH! Where is the 300 Billion Bailout for the 9 out of 10 businesses that fail in the first year?

re: #56 wolfie

State legislators may, however, store cash bribes in an ice beer cooler.

The fix is in.

re: #78 David IV of Georgia

To ensure only rich and connected people run for office?

It's been that way since the 1800's.

re: #85 alegrias

OK, quick lesson on nonprofits:

If the asset market value is $100 million, income of $900 thousand is an insanely bad return. Their income should be about $4 million - never mind any capital gain. Beyond that, a non-profit must pay out 5% of the market value of their assets every year.

They can't do that for very long on $900,000 income.

So I don't understand what you're saying.

re: #70 WriterMom

OT: Too funny not to post.

Borat's Dream Comes True....Enter the Mankini

That's.......really disturbing.

re: #111 alegrias

It makes me want to puke.

re: #94 DistantThunder

I think good people then should do it for free. I think that would be a GREAT way for people who have done well in society to give back.

* * *
It's good to have people from different levels of American life in our government, not just those who have done well financially.

For example, rich people don't need school vouchers, and might not KNOW or care enough to lobby on behalf of poor people who want choices for their children, not just crappy public schools.

re: #104 DistantThunder

That implies that the child rapist had some sense of consequences to the deviant behaviour. If that were the case, they probably wouldn't be engaging in a criminal, evil act anyway .

re: #80 WriterMom

It's FASHION!

Will Versace come out with their own Obama mankini?

re: #113 Ben Hur

I was thinking something that covers less.

A solar bra, to go with her talking bra?

re: #88 jorline

He is just as much a child predator as those he defends.

I will leave it at that, lest I really say what I think, and get banned.

re: #112 loppyd

That's what I was always told.

No pee-pee, no v.p. That was the motto around our country for many years.

re: #122 wolfie

Sorry. I thought it was funny. This is 'fashion'. I mean gimme a break.

re: #114 Ward Cleaver

I think not.

"I think not." as in "It should be investigated for it isn't really a sarcastic statement"?
or "I think not." as in "He shouldn't be investigated."?

Just curious and not sure how to read the "I think not."

re: #110 DistantThunder

I disagree. I think that many average people [donate] willingly of their time and efforts in many, many ways, often at a cost of personal sacrifice. If it was a volunteer only position, like hospice, I think you'd attract many good solid people, especially if this is part time.

Attract, sure. . .
But this is political office we're talking about.
In *Louisiana*.
Do you believe that State politics is an endeavor that generally attracts the bestest, brightest, and most noble people, then successfully puts them into elected office?
I'd say empirically, it ain't so.

re: #93 Killgore Trout

So much for Jindal being the savior of the GOP.

* * *
In the past, Jindal saved gazillions on Medicare/Medicaid in his state, that ought to count for a lot.

re: #97 Oh no...Sand People!

What was the context? Was he claiming that this is how defense attorneys thought?

re: #88 jorline

Sorry...OT

This needs to posted and ties in with the previous thread on child rape.

What in the f**k is wrong with Rep. James Fagan, a Democrat, from Massachusetts?
Is this what we have to look forward to with BHO and the liberal left in the future? How does slime like this ever get elected?

[Link: www.foxnews.com...]

I thank God I do not live in Massachusettes.
Loppy, time to do some campaigning

re: #130 Oh no...Sand People!

"I think not." as in "It should be investigated for it isn't really a sarcastic statement"?
or "I think not." as in "He shouldn't be investigated."?

Just curious and not sure how to read the "I think not."

Meaning maybe it shouldn't be sarcastic. He's probably not a child predator, but he is a total slimeball.

re: #100 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

You know it.

No real man wears a speedo for fashion, and would never even consider wearing that.

I think the models checked their balls at the door to put them on.

re: #89 jcm

The mayor needs sex ed.......
Lack of funding = pregnacy?
What a maroon!

She is probably losing a lot of sleep these days - MA law requires teachers, school nurses, school guidance counselors, etc to report evidence of a crime being committed against a student. Most of these girls were under 16 and walking around with 'bumps' and not one call to DSS.

And she thought she had budget problems before. Get ready for the lawsuits beyotch.

re: #92 DistantThunder

The commercial strategy for the Republicans should be to put Thomas Sowell and Walter Williams in a bunch of commercials talking about economic principals, and what needs to happen in our country.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4....and if people only catch the 3rd commercial they can check the website for the other 3.

Economic principals are fascinating, and most people know very few, if any.

* * *
Paul Gigot does an excellent weekly half hour Wall Street Journal editorial report on Fox News that does a better, snappier job explaining economics.

re: #128 Russkilitlover

No pee-pee, no v.p. That was the motto around our country company for many years.

company! PIMF

Just a guess, but I bet that the Lousiana Legislature is controlled by the Democrats. Oh, not really a guess:

LOUISIANA LEGISLATURE.; EVERY MEMBER SAVE NINE IS SOME KIND OF DEMOCRAT.

He should veto it, then shout to the rooftops if they override about tax-and-spend Democrats.

re: #131 looking closely

Attract, sure. . .
But this is political office we're talking about.
In *Louisiana*.
Do you believe that State politics is an endeavor that generally attracts the bestest, brightest, and most noble people, then successfully puts them into elected office?
I'd say empirically, it ain't so.

I just think that if money/salary weren't involved, it would attract a different type of person.

re: #109 looking closely

Is there something really called a murse?

re: #133 Dianna

What was the context? Was he claiming that this is how defense attorneys thought?

He should be happy that SCOTUS came down against capitol punishment for child rapists, otherwise his clients would really be in a world of shit.

re: #134 Eowyn2

I thank God I do not live in Massachusettes.
Loppy, time to do some campaigning

He's not in my district - not that my reps are any better.

Was this raise voted on in the dead of night like they do here in Connecticut?

re: #133 Dianna

What was the context? Was he claiming that this is how defense attorneys thought?

He was saying if Jessica's Law passed he would do this to victims on the stand because his clients would be facing such severe penalties.

re: #133 Dianna

What was the context? Was he claiming that this is how defense attorneys thought?

re: #133 Dianna

What was the context? Was he claiming that this is how defense attorneys thought?

It's hard to tell. I do believe in 'innocent till proven guilty', but in the context of this statement, it appears he is a complete bastard almost to the point of, "me thinks thou doth protest too much."

re: #143 Ward Cleaver

Hi Ward!

re: #141 DistantThunder

I just think that if money/salary weren't involved, it would attract a different type of person.

Couldn't agree more on that one.

re: #120 Dianna

OK, quick lesson on nonprofits:

If the asset market value is $100 million, income of $900 thousand is an insanely bad return. Their income should be about $4 million - never mind any capital gain. Beyond that, a non-profit must pay out 5% of the market value of their assets every year.

They can't do that for very long on $900,000 income.

So I don't understand what you're saying.

* * *
What I said was your taxdollars contribute to the
$900,000 salary "earned" by the head of pregnancy terminator, Planned Parenthood. Big business all right.

'nuff said.

re: #148 loppyd

Hi Ward!

Hey Lopps!

re: #146 loppyd

Good heavens! What a dreadful man!

re: #151 Ward Cleaver

Hey Lopps!

What's shaking?

re: #150 alegrias

You didn't say that was the salary!

Now, I understand.

Thanks.

re: #150 alegrias

* * *
What I said was your taxdollars contribute to the
$900,000 salary "earned" by the head of pregnancy terminator, Planned Parenthood. Big business all right.

'nuff said.

They make money selling birth control to teenagers, then when the birth control fails, or they don't take it, they make money selling them abortions. What a racket. Slime of the lowest kind.

re: #136 formercorpsman

You know it.

No real man wears a speedo for fashion, and would never even consider wearing that.

I think the models checked their balls at the door to put them on.

Speedos ought to be outlawed, except for olympic divers and swimmers.

Otherwise, (this is for the hairy backed smarmy dude that hung around our community pool last year) please don't subject us to your small package and fat belly. You don't make me want you...you make me want to vomit. Or become a lesbian.

re: #141 DistantThunder

I just think that if money/salary weren't involved, it would attract a different type of person.

I don't think so. As you know, politics intrinsically attracts certain types of people.

Meanwhile, at only $17k a year money practically *isn't* involved already, and LA has one of the most notoriously corrupt State systems in the country.

Take out *ALL* money to serve in political office and you guarantee that your candidates will necessarily be independently wealthy, or intrinsically corrupt.

Idealism is good, but entire political systems based on it don't do well.

re: #142 formercorpsman

Is there something really called a murse?

Prolly. And if there is it was prolly invented by some Euroweenie.

re: #152 Dianna

Good heavens! What a dreadful man!

Yep. He's a criminal defense attorney (not that that makes him a bad person) and has been very outspoken about the bill since it was first discussed.

He appeared on a local radio show today and did not apologize for his comments.

re: #153 loppyd

What's shaking?

Not a whole lot. The kids are in vacation bible school this week (in the evenings), and June is volunteering there (exhausting), so it's pretty quiet around the house in the evening.

re: #156 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

Speedos ought to be outlawed, except for olympic divers and swimmers.

Otherwise, (this is for the hairy backed smarmy dude that hung around our community pool last year) please don't subject us to your small package and fat belly. You don't make me want you...you make me want to vomit. Or become a lesbian.

That is...just, ugh!

It sound like my ex.

re: #160 Ward Cleaver

Not a whole lot. The kids are in vacation bible school this week (in the evenings), and June is volunteering there (exhausting), so it's pretty quiet around the house in the evening.

Kick back and watch some ball....

re: #159 loppyd

Yep. He's a criminal defense attorney (not that that makes him a bad person) and has been very outspoken about the bill since it was first discussed.

He appeared on a local radio show today and did not apologize for his comments.

He's trying to keep his pervert clients from having to stay in prison too long. Boo freakin' hoo.

re: #162 loppyd

Kick back and watch some ball....

Been catching up on shows on the DVR.

re: #158 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

Prolly. And if there is it was prolly invented by some Euroweenie.

Some sitzspinkler.

re: #161 Dianna

That is...just, ugh!

It sound like my ex.

The thing is, this guy thought he was teh hawtness.

re: #163 Ward Cleaver

He's trying to keep his pervert clients from having to stay in prison too long. Boo freakin' hoo.

Yeah - he calls the sentencing Draconian. Whatevah.

I posted on another thread that in MA, the Commonwealth can move for a sexual dangerousness hearing prior to the release of someone who has been convicted of a sex crime. If you are found to be sexually dangerous you go back to jail for five years and must go through the same process again and again and again.

I'd bet my next car payment that he is against that as well.

Well, gotta make the trek home in the rain...which means even worse Texas drivers. (Except for you oldlinetexan!)

re: #131 looking closely

Attract, sure. . .
But this is political office we're talking about.
In *Louisiana*.
Do you believe that State politics is an endeavor that generally attracts the bestest, brightest, and most noble people, then successfully puts them into elected office?
I'd say empirically, it ain't so.

A guy I know came up with a pretty good plan.

A lottery. Every taxpaying citizens name is put into a lottery. They serve one year on the state / federal legislature. they are paid the exact wage (plus travel) that they would be paid at their current level. They form into groups and each group attempts to tackle a problem related to their forte'. Legal people look at legal things, current and past welfare recipients look at the underlying problems with the welfare system. Medical professionals look at medical problems etc.

Once you serve a year, you are exempt for 10 years unless you volunteer.

re: #168 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

Well, gotta make the trek home in the rain...which means even worse Texas drivers. (Except for you oldlinetexan!)

Worse than MA?

One drop of rain and people forget how to drive.

re: #154 Dianna

You didn't say that was the salary!

Now, I understand.

Thanks.

* * *
You're right I didn't say that very well. Just offended someone makes $900,000 doing what she does, from taxpayers and "grants" of taxpayer money. That is more than our President earns & he is responsible for all of us and our LIVES.

re: #137 loppyd

She is probably losing a lot of sleep these days - MA law requires teachers, school nurses, school guidance counselors, etc to report evidence of a crime being committed against a student. Most of these girls were under 16 and walking around with 'bumps' and not one call to DSS.

And she thought she had budget problems before. Get ready for the lawsuits beyotch.

I caught part of the interview with one "couple" he was 20, she was 16. If she was 15 when the "act" occurred crimes where committed.

re: #172 jcm

I caught part of the interview with one "couple" he was 20, she was 16. If she was 15 when the "act" occurred crimes where committed.

The DA is looking into it and I wouldn't be surprised if a grand jury were to be convened.

One of the girls claims she had sex with a 24 yr. old HOMELESS man to get pregnant.

re: #133 Dianna

What was the context? Was he claiming that this is how defense attorneys thought?

Massachusetts politician and defense attorney has touched off a firestorm with his shocking public vow to torment and "rip apart" child rape victims who take the witness stand if the state legislature passed stiff mandatory sentences for child sex offenders.

Rep. James Fagan, a Democrat, made the comments during debate last month on the state House floor.

"I'm gonna rip them apart," Fagan said of young victims during his testimony on the bill. "I'm going to make sure that the rest of their life is ruined, that when they’re 8 years old, they throw up; when they’re 12 years old, they won’t sleep; when they’re 19 years old, they’ll have nightmares and they’ll never have a relationship with anybody.”

re: #156 The Pulchritudinous Patriot

Yes, and only in those 2 examples.

Fate pretty much catches everyone sooner or later, and we lose the beautiful shape of our teens.

Dads become more hairy, belly gets bigger, dome starts to show.

Moms breast get to know Newton, pregnancy veins pop out, and the saddle bags find there way out from underneath the banding.

I am not a prude, and I actually give the female persuasion more of a pass for fashion obviously.

No man should ever wear anything less than shorts.

Never.

Oh, and open toe sandals. I forgot that one.

re: #175 formercorpsman

No man should ever wear anything less than shorts.

Never.

Oh, and open toe sandals. I forgot that one.

Bless you. LOL

Flip flops are cool in my book, though.

re: #170 loppyd

Worse than MA?

One drop of rain and people forget how to drive.

Here in TX they drive the same in the wet as they do when it's dry.

On Sunday, here in Plano, some guy from Metairie, La, ran a red light in a rent car and killed five people (husband, wife, daughter, and two little girls who were foster children) as they were on their way home from church in their minivan. The guy was supposedly on his way to his ex-wife's house, to pick up their daughter for a visitation.

He was going so fast that the minivan he hit rolled over. Linky.

re: #102 maddogg

I would like to see the general populace get a chance to vote on Congressional and Senatorial pay raises. I would also like to see an option for pay cuts on the ballot for both houses at every Presidential election. Think we will ever see that?

/I'm turning blue.....

How about we just get rid of pay for federal legislative service altogether? Most of these people go to Congress with a few hundred thousand dollars in their pockets and leave ten or twelve years later as multi-millionaires while supposedly making only $100 k a year. They're getting money somehow (magic?), so why should the taxpayers openly give them money when they are just taking whatever the hell they want to anyways?

Might be a good idea to get mad at him AFTER he's approved the payraise, and not before he's done anything. That's kind of Kos-like, don't ya think?

re: #173 loppyd

The DA is looking into it and I wouldn't be surprised if a grand jury were to be convened.

One of the girls claims she had sex with a 24 yr. old HOMELESS man to get pregnant.

Now you know why she couldn't deny his charms.

re: #140 Iron Fist

Just a guess, but I bet that the Lousiana Legislature is controlled by the Democrats. Oh, not really a guess:

He should veto it, then shout to the rooftops if they override about tax-and-spend Democrats.

I hate to tell ya, but the pay raise is a bipartisan disaster. There are a number of Republicans who are (after the fact) saying that they won't accept the pay raise, but that's only because they don't want to lose their jobs.

re: #177 Ward Cleaver

Here in TX they drive the same in the wet as they do when it's dry.

On Sunday, here in Plano, some guy from Metairie, La, ran a red light in a rent car and killed five people (husband, wife, daughter, and two little girls who were foster children) as they were on their way home from church in their minivan. The guy was supposedly on his way to his ex-wife's house, to pick up their daughter for a visitation.

He was going so fast that the minivan he hit rolled over. Linky.

That is so incredibly sad....

Was the driver who hit them killed as well?

re: #140 Iron Fist

Just a guess, but I bet that the Lousiana Legislature is controlled by the Democrats. Oh, not really a guess:

He should veto it, then shout to the rooftops if they override about tax-and-spend Democrats.

That NYT article is from 1892!

re: #180 Oh no...Sand People!

Now you know why she couldn't deny his charms.

I can't turn the sound up here, but it looks funny!

re: #173 loppyd

The DA is looking into it and I wouldn't be surprised if a grand jury were to be convened.

One of the girls claims she had sex with a 24 yr. old HOMELESS man to get pregnant.

That claim is probably to keep her dad from killing (figuratively) her boyfriend.

The issue is sex ed doesn't teach consequences.

Three rules for staying out of poverty.
Don't get pregnant until married.
Finish high school.
Wait till at least 20 to get married.

They don't teach that kids are 24/7/365 for at least 18 years. I kid is someone that gives unconditional love (they do at least early) a kid is a demanding creature. A kid means "me" gets put aside.

My pet peeve in the whole thing is we don't hold the "sperm donor" responsible. I'm sick and tired of as a taxpayer of supporting kids whose "sperm donor" just walks away. If these guys, KNEW, we were going to hold them responsible come hell or high water, a lot more pants would be staying zipped.

re: #185 jcm

I dare say the girls in Gloucester know they will get more $$$ if they are not married....and I dare say a lot of them learned it from their mothers.

On that note, I'm off to food shop.

Have a good night everyone!

re: #185 jcm

The problem is that a lot of these losers are on welfare. The solution is to allow the state to take the father's welfare payments and give them to the mother in the event that the father is a *****.

re: #182 loppyd

That is so incredibly sad....

Was the driver who hit them killed as well?

He was in critical condition on Sunday, and is still alive AFAIK. His black Pontiac hit a fire hydrant before he hit their Ford Windstar, and then hit a pickup. Plano PD is trying to decide on charges. The mother of the two little foster girls was interviewed on TV last night. They had been taken away from her due to abuse and neglect. Now they're gone. They were cute little girls, too, aged five and six.

Actually the state would probably be better off if the legistature would stay home for a couple of years.

re: #187 paradox42

The problem is that a lot of these losers are on welfare. The solution is to allow the state to take the father's welfare payments and give them to the mother in the event that the father is a *****.

I'm hardcore.
The mom must finger the father or zero support.
The father must support the child, if he balks his pay get garnished.
If he doesn't want to work he goes to a work camp and gets to sweep streets pick up litter something of value added to recompense society for taking care of his offspring.

Louisiana Legislature Perk:
Tulane University Scholarships

re: #17 SeafoodGumbo

I've never seen the people of Louisiana this mad at the legislature in my entire life.

Jindal has disappointed on a number of other things, also. It isn't just his refusal to veto the exorbitant pay raise.

Yes, you are absolutely correct. The legislative pay raise issue is but one of the problems with Jindal.

I've posted a couple of not-well-received comments in various threads about Jindal. I've not been pleased with what I've seen, nor with what I've heard is going on with his administration. He seems to have isolated himself amidst aides who do not have a good grasp of how government should work, and he seems to actively dismiss any attempts by knowledgeable people to would like to inform him or even discuss things with him.

He talks a good talk - but his lack of desire to connect with anyone outside of his inner circle is problematic.

re: #190 jcm

This would also be an answer to the so called labor shortage and could minimize the so called need to import labor. Father a child,support it .If you cant find your own job,we have one for you picking cantalope

re: #192 reine.de.tout
I recall some of your previous comments. Who better to know than a resident of the state. Keep telling it!

#45 SeafoodGumbo 6/25/08 1:16:25 pm

Thanks for linking to LegeWatch - that's my site; I was in such a rage last Monday when they passed it that I had to do something and it just took OFF.

#192 reine.de.tout 6/25/08 2:33:14 pm
Yes, Jindal's failure to call the legislature out for gutting his ethics reforms was... disappointing. The fact that he went on Leno and bragged about the (gutted) ethics reforms was worse.

For y'all who aren't sure that these guys are paid fairly... a few things to keep in mind. It's part time, by decree of our state Constitution. They don't have the right to just declare themselves full time and expect to get paid accordingly. This session - which was kind of slow - they submitted over 2000 bills. Fewer than 500 made it through, or were even intended to make it through. All year round they have these BS bills like trying to establish an official State Cocktail (yes, really!) and have meetings and committees and rack up per diems. So they are artificially inflating the job because they directly profit by doing so. If they were required to practice some time management the way the rest of us do, they'd find they have plenty of time to take care of the necessities.

Then you've got benefits (for a part time job!) - taxpayers pay for their family health insurance up to $750/month. Mileage, unvouchered expenses, housing... an extensive compensation package ensures that they don't lose anything by this job. And perqs out the wazoo. And then to top it all off you've got lobbyists who do everything they can within the boundaries of our newly unenforceable ethics laws.

So don't fall for the $16,800 nonsense, please. This is a stealth attempt to subvert our constitution and to create a full time political class. Voters have had ENOUGH and we're going to put a stop to it.

As opposed to the non-causal spontaneous generation of the universe hoax I suppose.

re: #178 BGOH

How about we just get rid of pay for federal legislative service altogether? Most of these people go to Congress with a few hundred thousand dollars in their pockets and leave ten or twelve years later as multi-millionaires while supposedly making only $100 k a year. They're getting money somehow (magic?), so why should the taxpayers openly give them money when they are just taking whatever the hell they want to anyways?

Thats my point, after a few pay reductions, you eventually get to zero, which is exactly what most of them are worth.

re: #14 lawhawk

They are paid accordingly.

Besides, the state has more serious priorities than giving itself pay raises. I can think of a few items that deserve the money more - including a few levees down in NOLA that could use attention. Infrastructure before pay raises.

DITTEAUX! Wrong time, wrong place, wrong group of part-time legislators for a 125%+ pay raise.

Bobby needs to man up and veto this.

Rumor has it he may very well veto it, and if he does, obviously I'll be glad. But it will be a very deflating end to the strangest 8 days I've ever spent. We went from sheer incoherent rage to a brand new website, to a massive volunteer signup, to a statewide coordination of effort, tons of press interviews all over the state, the Greedy Gator Legislator symbol (we were going to start selling shirts tomorrow), the rally, charter buses, arrangement for billboards starting in two days, a professional TV spot we're scheduled to film on 7/1, and I just got word that CNN has been in touch with our spokesman for Anderson Cooper....

Not too shabby for a week and a day's work by people who are not political operatives and still went to our day jobs every day!

So if he vetoes it, good... chalk one up for the proles! and if not, we're still ready to proceed.

I hope Mr. Jindal takes a strong stand against this pay raise. It'll put him even more in my 'support' column for any possible run for the White House he might have.

I haven't been following all the posts on ID because a lot of it seems to do with the movie 'Expelled', which I didn't get to see. (I'll have to wait for the DVD.)

But it's been very disappointing to see the nastiness on a site that I always support and recommend to others.

There is no ID hoax.

They are in session for TWO MONTHS of the year. So it's not $30K a year it's $15K a month for two months of grandstanding and good 'ol boy fun. If they do twice as much as the legislature in Maryland the state would be insolvent by now.

Be happy they aren't doing any more "good things" for your state.

Any raise by an elected official should be voted on by the people that elected them. Hell, I would love to go tell my boss I'm giving myself a raise. That would go over like a lead balloon. Most people that tried that one would get a raise to unemployement.

He should veto it, definitely. IT's kind of funny how they're angry with him before he does anything. I have an idea the media in Louisiana isn't being too kind to him.

Okay after a few minutes of searching my local County Council members make just under $100K a year!

re: #204 Mostly Annoyed

Okay after a few minutes of searching my local County Council members make just under $100K a year!

Then you need to elect new County Council members, ones that aren't so greedy. I bet it's a part-time job...

Are there any such in your neck of the woods?

JAFLW

I agree: Has this become "beat up on Bobby time"?re: #4 Cognito

re: #185 jcm
These girls knew about birth control and chose not to practice it. After all: if you can choose an abortion, you can choose NOT to have an abortion.

It looks like Jindal has vetoed the Louisiana Legislature's pay raise.