Investigate Murtha?

How DARE they!!

To paraphrase from an earlier era:

At long last, congressmen, have you no shame?

How sad that it is merely a rhetorical question.

I hope they can see the forest for the trees...lot's of trees

Congressional hand till interface. What a surprise.

Is Murtha under investigation or just the members of his committee? (Not that I'm a Murtha fan after he threw our Marines under the war crimes allegations bus in Iraq).

Funding. Funding makes the rocket go up. --John Glenn ( The Right Stuff )

Ah yes, the same Congress that says Health Care will be revenue neutral.

Scumballs. How many servicemen have died, been wounded or placed in jeopardy because of these assholes trying to get rich off them?

Suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself.
- Mark Twain, a Biography

It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress.
- Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar

a low-level staffer made a mistake and put some documents in a place where they could be accessed and someone noticed and leaked them to the Washington Post

Oopsie.

Yeah, it's ugly. But I will offer a little bit of a silver lining, at least the ethics committees are doing something. It won't only be crooked Democrats, but crooked Republicans too. The system is rife with scoundrels of all stripes, and a few high profile perp walks might keep a few easily-tempted members of congress honest. At least until they find another way to screw us.

re: #7 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Scumballs. How many servicemen have died, been wounded or placed in jeopardy because of these assholes trying to get rich off them?

I have nothing but disdain for the feds...but if what you allude to may be true, I will have to rethink my level hatred

re: #9 MandyManners

Oopsie.

There is a resume being updated even as we speak.

Wait! Congress has an ethics committee? Do they do anything?

re: #9 MandyManners

Oopsie.

"Oh Darn, I seemed to have dropped these papers, but I cannot pick them up for another 15 minutes due to a meeting elsewhere. I certainly hope no one comes by and makes copies using the Xerox in the office next door before I get back in 15 minutes."

re: #10 Existential_Donuts

Yeah, it's ugly. But I will offer a little bit of a silver lining, at least the ethics committees are doing something. It won't only be crooked Democrats, but crooked Republicans too. The system is rife with scoundrels of all stripes, and a few high profile perp walks might keep a few easily-tempted members of congress honest. At least until they find another way to screw us.

I wish I could believe you, but members of Congress have come before such ethics committees before and gotten slaps on the wrists. I fear that nothing will happen as a result.

Wait long enough... Karma is a dirty bitch and she is coming to get you!

All the rats in politics, regardless of ideology, will fall this way... People in this life typically get what they deserve, you just gotta wait it out sometimes...

re: #13 acwgusa

Wait! Congress has an ethics committee? Do they do anything?

yes, the collect dirty money

Who knew the plan to have the most transparent administration in Washinton history depended on staffers leaking re: #9 MandyManners

Who knew the plan to have the most transparent administration in Washington history depended on staffers accidently leaking information to the press?

Democrats called the GOP a culture of corruption and said that they would drain the swamp. They have instead turned it into their personal swimming pool and the ethics investigations have been dragging their feet buying time for tax cheats and ethically challenged members like Rangel and Murtha.

The committee is likely to give a wrist slap at worst, and that speaks volumes to the way Congress oversees itself. Moreover, there are questions about the committee's own ethics as several Democrats on the ethics committee received campaign contributions from Rangel (who has been a top Democrat fundraiser over his career).

re: #4 DaddyG

Congressional hand till interface. What a surprise.

Is Murtha under investigation or just the members of his committee? (Not that I'm a Murtha fan after he threw our Marines under the war crimes allegations bus in Iraq).

I took a quick look at another article, and IIRC he's under investigation too.

Dear Nancy Pelosi,

Where's that culture of corruption now?

Sincerely, Sharmuta

re: #20 subsailor68

I took a quick look at another article, and IIRC he's under investigation too.

Thanks it was hard to tell. It seems the entire committee is being watched for their connection to the lobbying firm. As a group they took almost $2 million in contributions but I didn't see a breakdown by individual congressman.

The link in the post isn't working for me.
Anyone else having a problem?

Other ethics investigations (Waters & Richardson) are underway, as well (both of my links are to the same story).

re: #12 MikeySDCA

re: #14 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

I have this sneaking feeling that it wasn't an accident.

Gomer time.

Shazayam!

re: #15 vxbush

I wish I could believe you, but members of Congress have come before such ethics committees before and gotten slaps on the wrists. I fear that nothing will happen as a result.

Rangle is an out and out crook and for 40 years congress has looked the other way...you have to ask yourself why

re: #21 Sharmuta

Same as it ever was...

The headline almost sounds like one from The Onion.

re: #21 Sharmuta

Dear Nancy Pelosi,

Where's that culture of corruption now?

Sincerely, Sharmuta

She waded into the swamp to drain it and stayed for a swim.

re: #23 reine.de.tout

The link in the post isn't working for me.
Anyone else having a problem?

Other ethics investigations (Waters & Richardson) are underway, as well (both of my links are to the same story).

Rather, 2 versions of the same story.

re: #26 albusteve

Rangle is an out and out crook and for 40 years congress has looked the other way...you have to ask yourself why

Don't we all know?

re: #18 DaddyG

Who knew the plan to have the most transparent administration in Washinton history depended on staffers leaking

Who knew the plan to have the most transparent administration in Washington history depended on staffers accidently leaking information to the press?

Well, to be fair, I see nothing involving BHO's administration in this Congressional corruption.

re: #15 vxbush

I wish I could believe you, but members of Congress have come before such ethics committees before and gotten slaps on the wrists. I fear that nothing will happen as a result.

While I am usually off the meter with my own cynicism, the sheer number of people on this list leads me to believe this isn't business as usual. I am making no predictions, it is just as likely that they all skate. But this feels different to me.

re: #13 acwgusa

Wait! Congress has an ethics committee? Do they do anything?

Of course they do!

re: #10 Existential_Donuts

Yeah, it's ugly. But I will offer a little bit of a silver lining, at least the ethics committees are doing something. It won't only be crooked Democrats, but crooked Republicans too. The system is rife with scoundrels of all stripes, and a few high profile perp walks might keep a few easily-tempted members of congress honest. At least until they find another way to screw us.

Would you be so kind as to point out which Republicans are named in the article?

re: #32 MandyManners

Yep.

Too bad most of it went to campaign contributions... at least Congressman William Jefferson had the good sense to hide some money in the freezer... Unless your campaign contributions can roll into a legal defense fund...

re: #32 MandyManners

Well, to be fair, I see nothing involving BHO's administration in this Congressional corruption.

I didn't mean to implicate Obama with my statement. Pelosi and the Dems were promising transparency too. Although the White House isn't impressing me with their new level of openness either.

re: #22 DaddyG

Thanks it was hard to tell. It seems the entire committee is being watched for their connection to the lobbying firm. As a group they took almost $2 million in contributions but I didn't see a breakdown by individual congressman.

Here's the snippet from the article I saw:

The Post reported that more than 30 lawmakers and a few staff members were under scrutiny, including nearly half the members of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.

The previously disclosed inquiry involves lawmakers who steered appropriations to clients of a now-defunct lobbying firm and received campaign contributions from the firm and its clients.

The names included three lawmakers previously identified in the inquiry: the chairman of the defense subcommittee, Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa.; and Reps. Peter Visclosky, D-Ind., and James Moran, D-Va.

It does look like Murtha's one of them being looked at.

Article

I'm on my way out. There's a new bar in town that has something like 50 beers on tap and I'm meeting a friend (fellow beer enthusiast) there for the first time.

Have a great Friday everyone!

50%.

Those are the best numbers in American politics today.

re: #32 MandyManners

Agree, but will have to point out as well that Dubya was not involved with the corruption as well, but he sure was tar and feathered...

When you're at the top, your subordinates make you look like an ass... my only advice to President Obama is to not make promises you cant keep... Unforunately he can not spend the next 3 years saying nothing at all!

re: #19 lawhawk

Democrats called the GOP a culture of corruption and said that they would drain the swamp. They have instead turned it into their personal swimming pool and the ethics investigations have been dragging their feet buying time for tax cheats and ethically challenged members like Rangel and Murtha.

The committee is likely to give a wrist slap at worst, and that speaks volumes to the way Congress oversees itself. Moreover, there are questions about the committee's own ethics as several Democrats on the ethics committee received campaign contributions from Rangel (who has been a top Democrat fundraiser over his career).

I didn't see your comment until after I posted my crack about the culture of corruption, but I'm glad to see we're thinking alike. You're always bringing the links though, lawhawk.

It's a real mess on the Hill, and always has been. The electorate has to start putting their money where their mouth is when we say "vote the bums out". We can do this every two years if we wanted, but it seems we never do. Just as appalling as these violations is the electorate not draining the swamp themselves.

Vote the bums out- for real this time.

re: #42 jeremy0114

The corruption during his terms in office I should clarify...

re: #35 MandyManners

Would you be so kind as to point out which Republicans are named in the article?

Hi Mandy! From the other article I linked above:

The Post said others whose names were in the report included Reps. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla., and Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan.

Those are the only two I saw there.

re: #42 jeremy0114

Agree, but will have to point out as well that Dubya was not involved with the corruption as well, but he sure was tar and feathered...

When you're at the top, your subordinates make you look like an ass... my only advice to President Obama is to not make promises you cant keep... Unforunately he can not spend the next 3 years saying nothing at all!

Don't underestimate the Presidents proclivity for producing plattitudes.

re: #45 subsailor68

Hi Mandy! From the other article I linked above:

The Post said others whose names were in the report included Reps. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio, C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla., and Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan.

Those are the only two I saw there.

Thanks!

re: #32 MandyManners

He wasn't in the Senate long enough to get the stink up to the level requiring investigation. /snark

Actually, stuff like this does boost my confidence because it lets me know that the criminals may get caught. But I emphasize 'may'.

re: #46 DaddyG

That's a lot of words that start with the letter p... I would think he has better speechwriters than that!

re: #43 Sharmuta

I didn't see your comment until after I posted my crack about the culture of corruption, but I'm glad to see we're thinking alike. You're always bringing the links though, lawhawk.

It's a real mess on the Hill, and always has been. The electorate has to start putting their money where their mouth is when we say "vote the bums out". We can do this every two years if we wanted, but it seems we never do. Just as appalling as these violations is the electorate not draining the swamp themselves.

Vote the bums out- for real this time.

bottom line right there...the people are enablers, cheating on the responsibility of voting

The problem with "voting the bums out" is that congressional elections are a local game, and while most voters have great disdain for the congress as a group they tend to support their local mudslinger.

re: #51 albusteve

bottom line right there...the people are enablers, cheating on the responsibility of voting

There's a grassroots movement waiting to happen right there.

votethebumsout.org.

re: #35 MandyManners

Would you be so kind as to point out which Republicans are named in the article?

There is no mention of any republican in the LA Times article. A mention is made of Rep Graves of Missouri in the Washington Post . The Graves probe was actually ending, he's clear. That is what makes me feel that nonpartisan vibe I was alluding to. There are a shitload of Democrats on that list. Literal crooks. I am a Democrat and I don't want crooks, I don't care who they are. Get them out.

Don't expect too much to come of this.

Over there in Nancyville you do things mighty strange...

From the story on breitbart.

A committee statement said that its security was breached through "peer to peer file sharing software" used by a junior employee who was working from home. The employee was fired.

It would appear that the staffer responsible for airing the dirty laundry has been sacked.

Don't let any Tea Party protestors know about this. They may mistakenly believe that this is curruption at the Federal level.

re: #55 Thanos

Don't expect too much to come of this.

Over there in Nancyville you do things mighty strange...

You just don't understand what it was like growing up with the Mob. /

re: #52 DaddyG

The problem with "voting the bums out" is that congressional elections are a local game, and while most voters have great disdain for the congress as a group they tend to support their local mudslinger.

well obviously...fucking idiots...intelligence stops at the booth, it always has, just look around

re: #54 Existential_Donuts

There is no mention of any republican in the LA Times article. A mention is made of Rep Graves of Missouri in the Washington Post . The Graves probe was actually ending, he's clear. That is what makes me feel that nonpartisan vibe I was alluding to. There are a shitload of Democrats on that list. Literal crooks. I am a Democrat and I don't want crooks, I don't care who they are. Get them out.

I believe Todd Tiarht is also mentioned, he's in the primaries here in Kansas running for Brownback's soon to be vacated seat.

Does anyone know or keep track of congresspersons and their former profession? I wonder how many of them percentage wise are lawyers... I know a couple of lawyers here locally candidly, and they always seem very confident that their knowledge of the law protects them from the law... Kind of like the police officer who speeds through the school zones... who is there to give him a ticket?

Just a theory why these guys may think they are above the law... Anyone have any data?

re: #53 Sharmuta

There's a grassroots movement waiting to happen right there.

votethebumsout.org.

EXTREMIST!

re: #54 Existential_Donuts

There is no mention of any republican in the LA Times article. A mention is made of Rep Graves of Missouri in the Washington Post . The Graves probe was actually ending, he's clear. That is what makes me feel that nonpartisan vibe I was alluding to. There are a shitload of Democrats on that list. Literal crooks. I am a Democrat and I don't want crooks, I don't care who they are. Get them out.

Thanks!

Does anyone else have the distinct feeling that there is no such thing as fiscally responsible politicians? Traditionally it was Republicans in favor of limited government (and limited spending) and Democrats in favor of expanded government and spending. In fact, those two positions are irrelevant. The ideology is guided solely on who's in power. When the Democrats are in power they spend like crazy and the Republicans cry foul, and when the Republicans are in power they spend like crazy and the Democrats cry foul.

This isn't a right/left thing. This is a power thing.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

re: #63 MandyManners

Thanks!

yes, once again, thanks to all who do the footwork for lazy butts like me

From the breitbart link I posted above, here are the names of those being investigated from the report.

John Murtha, D-Pa.
Peter Visclosky, D-Ind.
James Moran, D-Va.
Norm Dicks, D-Wash.
Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio
C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla.
Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan.

re: #46 DaddyG

Don't underestimate the Presidents proclivity for producing plattitudes.

Poppin' P's. Poetic.

re: #45 subsailor68

re: #54 Existential_Donuts

Hi E_D! Young and Tiarht were included in the article I linked in 45. It's breitbart, which Thanos also cited.

Tiarht's part of that C-Street, but then so is his opponent

the Feds...you cannot stop them, you can only hope to contain them

two party money cult

/echo from another swamp...

And what did they get in return? According to CQ MoneyLine, which ran the numbers earlier this year, the same House members who took responsibility for PMA’s earmarks in that spending bill have, since 2001, accepted a cumulative $1,815,138 in campaign contributions from PMA’s political action committee and employees of the firm.

Not a bad return for not using their greenbacks.

I live near Murtha's District. (Mine abuts his, that is.) His campaign slogan last year was "He brings it home to us." Shameless.

He's the poster child for Congressional term limits. 'Nuf said.

Seriously, how could anyone vote for Murtha after the video of him fishing for a bribe from FBI undercover agents came out? He's about as brazen a crook as there is, to the point where he stands out in the Washington crowd.

As evidenced by the scale of this probe, that's quite an impressive, if not dubious, accomplishment.

re: #70 albusteve

the Feds...you cannot stop them, you can only hope to contain them

To paraphrase Kyle Reese: "Listen, and understand. That Congress is out there. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until we are broke.

This is exactly what our Founders warned about concerning lobbyists. And it happens on both sides of the aisle. If they don't have the decency to resign, they don't have the decency to serve the people. Every one of them should be removed from office by the voters if nothing else. This should be completely unacceptable in American politics no matter where it happens.

re: #75 CyanSnowHawk

To paraphrase Kyle Reese: "Listen, and understand. That Congress is out there. It can't be bargained with. It can't be reasoned with. It doesn't feel pity, or remorse, or fear. And it absolutely will not stop, ever, until we are broke.

I always feel alone in the wilderness with my outrageous claims and hyperbole, I'll try to memorize that tidbit of reality

re: #9 MandyManners

a low-level staffer made a mistake and put some documents in a place where they could be accessed and someone noticed and leaked them to the Washington Post.

By the way, that should read "a low-level EX-staffer...".

re: #76 Sharmuta

This is exactly what our Founders warned about concerning lobbyists. And it happens on both sides of the aisle. If they don't have the decency to resign, they don't have the decency to serve the people. Every one of them should be removed from office by the voters if nothing else. This should be completely unacceptable in American politics no matter where it happens.

another two bit banana republic...except for the Beamers and Brooks Brothers suits

Seriously, what punishment stacks up to this kind of complete dereliction of duty? It's not like they're running a local fruit stand, they're taking money from us that's meant to protect our men and women in harm's way.

re: #66 CyanSnowHawk

From the breitbart link I posted above, here are the names of those being investigated from the report.

John Murtha, D-Pa.
Peter Visclosky, D-Ind.
James Moran, D-Va.
Norm Dicks, D-Wash.
Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio
C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla.
Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan.

Karma's a bitch, ain't it?

Well, since the report was leaked through a hack of a staffer's computer files, I guess it takes care of the old line

"In cyperspace, no one can hear you scam."

Take that congresscritters!

re: #71 wrenchwench

two party money cult

/echo from another swamp...

I hate to say it, but if the shit fits, Congress should wear it.

re: #80 brent

Seriously, what punishment stacks up to this kind of complete dereliction of duty? It's not like they're running a local fruit stand, they're taking money from us that's meant to protect our men and women in harm's way.

Penal battalions to clear enemy tunnel systems and caves.

so do you think there might be anything scandalous involving the health care bill, for example?...give me one reason to trust the feds about anything

re: #84 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Penal battalions to clear enemy tunnel systems and caves.

wearing bright orange cammos

Are the type that sees Half the Pentagon Spending Committee Under Investigation or the type that sees Half the Pentagon Spending Committee Under NOT Investigation?

re: #87 Baier

Are the type that sees Half the Pentagon Spending Committee Under Investigation or the type that sees Half the Pentagon Spending Committee Under NOT Investigation?

PIMF

Are the type that sees Half the Pentagon Spending Committee Under Investigation or the type that sees Half the Pentagon Spending Committee NOT Under Investigation?

We already knew that Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel was under investigation for failing to report some of his real estate holdings and rental income, and a few other goodies, on his financial disclosure forms. And that the Ethics Committee was studying Pennsylvania Democrat John Murtha's ties to defense contractors.

Now it turns out that those two were just the tip of the iceberg.

If those under investigation are able to prolong the process long enough, global warming will melt this iceberg as well.

re: #85 albusteve

so do you think there might be anything scandalous involving the health care bill, for example?...give me one reason to trust the feds about anything

You mean the section that "permits" but does not "require" congress people to participate in the plan the rest of us will be stuck with? Something like that?

Your distrust is not misplaced my friend!

re: #57 ulmsey123

Don't let any Tea Party protestors know about this. They may mistakenly believe that this is curruption at the Federal level.

Because this is an open society with a functioning democracy, they can read about it in the papers, or on the internet. If they can read.

I these folks wanted me to trust them, they would not be f(cking around with healthcare. The words economy and jobs should be all these jokers are talking about. Not that they can do anything, but at least I'd like to know that they "got it".

If I have a job, insurance does not scare me. It's pretty simple stuff. Oh yeah, and dont' take money from lobbyists under the table to undermine me and my country. That's it.

If a member of congress were to tell me that the sun rises in the east, I'd get up early to make sure.

re: #93 MandyManners

If a member of congress were to tell me that the sun rises in the east, I'd get up early to make sure.

There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.

re: #94 solomonpanting

There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.

Know what I'm saying.

You would think that if someone went to DC to enrich themselves, of all the potential committee assignments out there, this one has to look pretty nice. This is not shocking.

I'm glad the report got out because I would bet this is business as usual for the Pentagon Spending Committee, but it's normally pretty easy to sweet under the rug.

re: #94 solomonpanting

There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don't know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don't know we don't know.

Which is why, when in doubt, I always vote Know.

There's a lot of good information on the C-street band in that video I posted above, regardless of Maddow's political leanings. Also note that there are Dems in the C street band as well, and that they scratch each other's backs, the Republicans must be RINOs.

re: #96 Soundboard Fez

I'm glad the report got out because I would bet this is business as usual for the Pentagon Spending Committee, but it's normally pretty easy to sweet under the rug.

But what do you do when everything goes sour?

re: #97 subsailor68

Which is why, when in doubt, I always vote Know.

Ah! A member of the Know-Nothing Party.
;'O

re: #85 albusteve

so do you think there might be anything scandalous involving the health care bill, for example?...give me one reason to trust the feds about anything

So if there was scandal about a stretch of highway being built with federal resources, would you not drive on it? ;-)

re: #97 subsailor68

Which is why, when in doubt, I always vote Know.

There is no theater like noh theater.

re: #99 CyanSnowHawk

But what do you do when everything goes sour?

Blame the corrupt culture of the previous administration. Duh.

And if the allegations are proven true, what will the consequences to the members be?

I'm estimating exactly bupkis, but that may be high.

re: #102 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

There is no theater like noh theater.

[Video]

That's it... you've both reached the limit of the know-ledge and you are about to fall over.

re: #105 DaddyG

That's it... you've both reached the limit of the know-ledge and you are about to fall over.

I thought the pun threads were a know-noh...

re: #104 Gearhead

And if the allegations are proven true, what will the consequences to the members be?

I'm estimating exactly bupkis, but that may be high.

I think that would normally be true, because investigations are usually secret. But now we know. :) ... They will have a hell of a time justifying bupkis consequences next fall.

re: #52 DaddyG

Or, as my dad says, "He's a crook, but he's our crook!"

re: #100 solomonpanting

Ah! A member of the Know-Nothing Party.
;'O

I think so, but I don't know where I left my membership card, so I really don't know for sure.

But then, as Socrates said: "I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing."

re: #81 Honorary Yooper

Karma's a bitch, ain't it?

I can't remember if it was Sharmuta or Mandy who said "Karma is a rabid bitch with PMS" Great line.

re: #106 Gearhead

I thought the pun threads were a know-noh...

Know this, the avalanche has already started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote.

Is there less of outrage because the money goes into "campaign funds".

Fuck, at least William Jefferson decided to do it right.

re: #109 subsailor68

I think so, but I don't know where I left my membership card, so I really don't know for sure.

But then, as Socrates said: "I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing."

Spoken like someone in the know.

OT to Sharmuta:

I need to say a word of personal thanks, as I have to attend an 80's theme Halloween party tomorrow night, and had no ideas until I logged on to LGF about a week ago...

We will be having a smurfy Halloween. :-)

re: #112 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Is there less of outrage because the money goes into "campaign funds".

Fuck, at least William Jefferson decided to do it right.

He was a bit too literal with the cold cash thing though.

re: #106 Gearhead

I thought the pun threads were a know-noh...

The more you know...

re: #111 CyanSnowHawk

Know this, the avalanche has already started. It is too late for the pebbles to vote.

HALLOWEEN!

Ka- BOO -ki

re: #114 abbyadams

OT to Sharmuta:

I need to say a word of personal thanks, as I have to attend an 80's theme Halloween party tomorrow night, and had no ideas until I logged on to LGF about a week ago...

We will be having a smurfy Halloween. :-)

Smurftastic! Have fun!

re: #109 subsailor68

I think so, but I don't know where I left my membership card, so I really don't know for sure.

But then, as Socrates said: "I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing."

He was probably in his cups.

re: #109 subsailor68

I think so, but I don't know where I left my membership card, so I really don't know for sure.

But then, as Socrates said: "I know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing."

Descartes disappeared in a thoughtless moment. /

Here's the full committee also showing those who are clean not currently under investigation

MAJORITY
Chair: John P. Murtha (PA)
Norman D. Dicks (WA)
Peter J. Visclosky (IN)
James P. Moran (VA)
Marcy Kaptur (OH)
Allen Boyd (FL)
Steven R. Rothman (NJ)
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA)
Maurice D. Hinchey (NY)
Carolyn C. Kilpratrick (MI)
David R. Obey (WI), Ex Officio

MINORITY
Ranking Member:
C.W. Bill Young (FL)
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (NJ)
Todd Tiahrt (KS)
Jack Kingston (GA)
Kay Granger (TX)
Harold Rogers (KY)
Jerry Lewis (CA), Ex Officio

re: #114 abbyadams

OT to Sharmuta:

I need to say a word of personal thanks, as I have to attend an 80's theme Halloween party tomorrow night, and had no ideas until I logged on to LGF about a week ago...

We will be having a smurfy Halloween. :-)

I am going as a member of an 80s hair band. Lycra pants. Zebra striped midriff muscle shirt. Converse high tops.

And about 40 extra pounds of hair laden gelatinous flab peeking out.

It was the scariest costume I could come up with.

Well all, must head out. There's a party tonight with cold beer, elk chili, and venison jalapeno-cheese sausage, and I'm game!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

re: #123 subsailor68

Well all, must head out. There's a party tonight with cold beer, elk chili, and venison jalapeno-cheese sausage, and I'm game!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

A cannibal theme?

re: #123 subsailor68

Well all, must head out. There's a party tonight with cold beer, elk chili, and venison jalapeno-cheese sausage, and I'm game!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Cannibalism thread?

re: #121 Gearhead

I thought Murtha was under investigation.

re: #125 Decatur Deb

Cannibalism thread?

No, the meat is too stringy.

Must type faster.

Bolded the investigated listed earlier...

MAJORITY
Chair: John P. Murtha (PA)
Norman D. Dicks (WA)
Peter J. Visclosky (IN)
James P. Moran (VA)
Marcy Kaptur (OH)
Allen Boyd (FL)
Steven R. Rothman (NJ)
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA)
Maurice D. Hinchey (NY)
Carolyn C. Kilpratrick (MI)
David R. Obey (WI), Ex Officio

MINORITY
Ranking Member:
C.W. Bill Young (FL)
Rodney P. Frelinghuysen (NJ)
Todd Tiahrt (KS)
Jack Kingston (GA)
Kay Granger (TX)
Harold Rogers (KY)
Jerry Lewis (CA),

Time for a term limits constitutional amendment.

What is good for the executive branch should be good for the legislative.

re: #126 karmic_inquisitor

I thought Murtha was under investigation.

I wasn't clear. That's the entire committee. Those under investigation are:

John Murtha, D-Pa.
Peter Visclosky, D-Ind.
James Moran, D-Va.
Norm Dicks, D-Wash.
Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio
C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla.
Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan.

per Cyan Snowhawk's #66

re: #131 Gearhead

thanks.

re: #128 Decatur Deb

Must type faster.

I have many years practice as a terrible punster. Don't be too hard on yourself.

re: #122 karmic_inquisitor

Your costume sounds like half of my graduating high school class. :-)

We almost took the California Raisins route...but the Salvation Army came through for the smurf costumes.

I'm going as a middle aged father on a sugar high.

re: #135 DaddyG

I'm going as a middle aged father on a sugar high.

I'm going with the idea a friend of mine posted on facebook. Going as a LOLcat.

I was just thinking... how'd you like to be the poor bastard at the CBO that people keep coming to every other day with an over thousand page bill to comb over to assess cost?

Glad it ain't me.

re: #137 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I was just thinking

you'll need a nap now !!

re: #138 sattv4u2

You ain't kidding!

OT:
Numbers to keep in mind for next week's NJ governor's election:

There are more Democrats than Republicans — 1.77 million to 1.06 million. But Republicans have closed the gap a bit, adding some 5,000 voters since last year. Meanwhile, the number of Democrats dropped by a similar amount.

Nearly half of the voters — 2.51 million — are registered as "unaffiliated."

It will take serious dissatisfaction by the Democrat voters in the state to send Corzine packing. Thankfully, polling shows that everyone is upset with Corzine - the question is whether it will be enough. I have no idea what turnout will be since it's an off year election and there aren't any big referendum items on the ballot either (just an open spaces bond act item).

If you want to see Corzine banished, you've got to get out there and vote...

Murtha epitomizes the culture of corruption that Pelosi so loved to talk about. Strangely, not so much now...///

re: #137 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I was just thinking... how'd you like to be the poor bastard at the CBO that people keep coming to every other day with an over thousand page bill to comb over to assess cost?

Glad it ain't me.

It's job security... /

re: #131 Gearhead

Those under investigation are:

John Murtha, D-Pa.
Peter Visclosky, D-Ind.
James Moran, D-Va.
Norm Dicks, D-Wash.
Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio
C.W. Bill Young, R-Fla.
Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan.

Down with the sleazy politicians of both major political parties. Pffiibbittth.™

Someone else can reference the Modern Whig Party here, but I note that none of thioe names is followed by a W.

re: #143 Ojoe

thioe = THOSE

PIMF

SCIMF

re: #142 lawhawk

Oh, but, I get frustrated when asked to do something that I know makes absolutely no sense and has no purpose in the real world.

Maybe that's why I didn't get a job as a public servant, huh.

re: #140 lawhawk

It's Joisey.. if Corzine can't buy this one, the democrats are truly in trouble.
Robert Gibbs is not worried, though. Now that the democrats aren't clearly winning, he says 'these races don't portend much'.
I wonder if he's been studying at the Baghdad Bob School of Public Relations in his spare time?

re: #69 Thanos

Where was I in July?!? I had not heard of C Street.

Sharlet: I wouldn’t call them a cult. They’re not quite a cult, but they have a lot of cultish tendencies.

When you vote for someone, you want to know that they are their own man, you want to know they make decisions for themselves. More important, we want to see to what end this group applies its beliefs.

Doug Coe, David Coe’s father and leader of The Family fellowship going back to the mid ’60s, likes to call The Family “The Christian Mafia.” I knew Coe when I was part of The Family. He explained what it means to be a chosen politician.

Talking to another man, he said, “Let me explain to you the concept of ‘chosen.’ Suppose I hear you raped three little girls. What would I think of you?”

The man says, “You would think I was awful, a monster.”

And Doug Coe said, “No, I would not, because you’re chosen, and when you’re chosen, the normal rules don’t apply.”

I think that’s important for the voters of Nevada to know.

I also saw that Sharlet went on Alex Jones's show. How's his credibility? (Not Jones, I know he has none.)

re: #143 Ojoe

Maybe because none of them were elected as (W's)?

I had a dream. IN that dream we had a president who was really serious about cleaning house. Despite the fact that it would likely cost him the re-election, (s)he bravely decided to use the FBI and the other organs of law enforcement to make examples of leading congressmen and senators.

Over 100 were sent to federal prison.

20 of their replacements went to prison too.

This put the fear of G-d into the congress. It actually began to do its job.

Then I woke up.

They gave away $300M of taxpayer money in return for $1.8M in campaign contributions. Economically that's worse than the guy who smashes car windows to steal radios, doing hundreds of dollars of damage for something worth $50 on the street.

re: #140 lawhawk

Nearly half of the voters — 2.51 million — are registered as "unaffiliated."

This does not even count those not registered.

They all need a center party IMHO.

re: #148 tradewind

One would hope that it would at least take several decades for any new mainstream party to reach the corruption level of the two current major parties.

re: #149 LudwigVanQuixote

Then I woke up...

...to the nightmare.

re: #146 tradewind

Gibbs might say that because a bunch of Obama's staffers are working the Corzine campaign and have been helping Corzine close the gap between him and Christie. Of course, spending 3x as much as Christie out of Corzine's personal fortune doesn't hurt.

If Corzine goes down - as he should because of his tax and spend ways that have put the state's fiscal situation in a very precarious position - Obama takes a hit - no coattails and all of Obama's visits didn't help in the slightest (Obama has been here 3x and so has President Clinton and a bunch of Obama Cabinet members).

re: #153 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

In Bed. On Elm Street. /booga booga!

re: #61 jeremy0114

They tend to believe that diplomatic and congressional immunity are synonymous.
///

I detect a certain amount of Murtha round here.

re: #154 lawhawk

And Gore Vidal says Obama is ' too intelligent for America'.
Yet not, evidently, for VA and NJ.

The influence of Lobbyists [and their campaign contributions + boondoggles + sweetheart jobs after the lobbied persons leave their elected positions] in the US governmental process is, IMHO, completely out of hand.

Their practice of hiding behind the 1st amendment right of “free speech” appears to be specious, at best [inherently harmful to the functioning of this republic, at worst] … which reminds me of this relevant quote …

“ln Roman times, when a fellow tried to bribe a public official, they would cut off his nose, sew him in a bag with a wild animal, and throw that bag in the river.”

- Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness in “The Untouchables”

re: #143 Ojoe

Pffiibbittth.™

That would make a great t-shirt for the Whig gear store.

re: #152 Ojoe

One would hope that it would at least take several decades for any new mainstream party to reach the corruption level of the two current major parties.

One could hope. But we have entered the age of the professional Politician; politics is now a career, not something people dabble in on the side as the Founders envisioned. Hell, we're well on our way to establishing political dynasties - the Kennedys, the Clintons, the Bushs and several other families increasingly sport little but members who engage solely in politics, not even bothering to waste time taking the formerly obligatory dip into private enterprise but instead diving straight into office at an early age.

The result will be that whoever runs under a new banner will be one of these existing Old School politicians, well versed in how corruption works and in the latest methods of obfuscating their involvement in it, but corrupt nonetheless. I'd give it a year, maybe two, until the first mud gets tossed that sticks.

re: #160 Gearhead

Is that how you really spell it?

LOL

re: #152 Ojoe

If you're counting on the formation of a viable third party to compete with the two established big boys, I hope you don't have any serious money down.

re: #157 Spare O'Lake

I detect a certain amount of Murtha round here.

Which is a relief after the Rangel-ing of late.

re: #161 SixDegrees

I have suggested to the MWP that any current office holder could not join the MWP until they had been out of office for as long as they had held office.

Kind of a detox.

re: #135 DaddyG

I'm going as a middle aged father on a sugar high.

I'm going as a militant member of the Salvation Army

re: #163 tradewind

I have totally no money in it.

re: #165 Ojoe

I have suggested to the MWP that any current office holder could not join the MWP until they had been out of office for as long as they had held office.

Kind of a detox.

A good idea. I hope you're successful in implementing it. The rapid emergence of a political class within our society is troubling and needs to be stopped before it goes any farther.

BBL

re: #154 lawhawk

Gibbs might say that because a bunch of Obama's staffers are working the Corzine campaign and have been helping Corzine close the gap between him and Christie. Of course, spending 3x as much as Christie out of Corzine's personal fortune doesn't hurt.

If Corzine goes down - as he should because of his tax and spend ways that have put the state's fiscal situation in a very precarious position - Obama takes a hit - no coattails and all of Obama's visits didn't help in the slightest (Obama has been here 3x and so has President Clinton and a bunch of Obama Cabinet members).

I have to admit to mixed feelings about next weeks elections.

I have no love for the mendacious Democrats who came to power in congress by simply harping on the POTUS who was fighting a war. No claim/attack/hyperbole was off the table. They declared the war lost and compared the people running/fighting the war to Pol Pot (as Dick Durbin did and later apologized for).

Well Republicans are set to gain as the Dems implode. But the Republicans seem bent on playing the same desck of cards.

And many of the candidates that the Republicans are priming for the 2010s are creationist/SoCon morons. So out with the old and in with the paleocons.

The Dems have it coming, but the Republicans won't deserve the fruits of the elections, and the SoCons will feel vindicated in calling for the purge of the RINOs.

It will all result in an indifferent reelection of Obama

re: #167 Ojoe

I should hope. I meant that as a figure of speech, not literally.
It would take (warning, offensively over-used cliche coming up) a paradigm shift of epic proportions to make that happen with any hope of changing the system.
Ugh, hope/change...dammit!, two over-used cliches in one post///.

re: #168 SixDegrees

A good idea. I hope you're successful in implementing it. The rapid emergence of a political class within our society is troubling and needs to be stopped before it goes any farther.

fergetaboutit...American voters are not interested in stopping this runaway beast, let alone shrinking the govt...look who's president now, and how did that happen?

OT
I'm curious ... What does 'BBL' mean in blog shorthand ?
I see it a lot, and I'm clueless.

It's stuff like this that makes you go hmmm?Of course, if you're Chris Matthews, it sends a really big tingle right up the old leg...
[Link: www.politico.com...]

re: #173 Pass The Moonbaticide

Be back later/

re: #173 Pass The Moonbaticide

OT
I'm curious ... What does 'BBL' mean in blog shorthand ?
I see it a lot, and I'm clueless.

Big Blue Liederhosen.

This shit is getting old, lobbyists, PACs, and dozens of special interest groups funding election campaigns and then expecting a quid-pro-quo. Why don't we just change the election laws so that no one can contribute to a campaign except those that live in that district?

It would put a stop to this nonsense permanently...

re: #175 tradewind
Thanks ! I learn something new every day !

re: #177 ausador

This shit is getting old, lobbyists, PACs, and dozens of special interest groups funding election campaigns and then expecting a quid-pro-quo. Why don't we just change the election laws so that no one can contribute to a campaign except those that live in that district?

It would put a stop to this nonsense permanently...

congress makes it's own rules of conduct...pretty sweet deal eh?

re: #177 ausador

Because...
What would George Soros do for fun then?

re: #173 Pass The Moonbaticide

OT
I'm curious ... What does 'BBL' mean in blog shorthand ?
I see it a lot, and I'm clueless.

Big-Balled Louie.

re: #180 tradewind

Because...
What would George Soros do for fun then?

[Link: www.newsweek.com...]

re: #178 Pass The Moonbaticide

You're welcome (YW). Speaking of BBL, I either have to go start assembling an ark, or succumb to the nap-inducing beating rain on the roof...

re: #177 ausador

This shit is getting old, lobbyists, PACs, and dozens of special interest groups funding election campaigns and then expecting a quid-pro-quo. Why don't we just change the election laws so that no one can contribute to a campaign except those that live in that district?

It would put a stop to this nonsense permanently...

You would make Senator Patty Murray(D-Boeing) cry.

re: #182 MandyManners

Sumbitch.
You're ruining my nap.
///
:)

re: #181 MandyManners

Big-Balled Louie.

Bankrupt Bureaucracies Linger

re: #180 tradewind

Because...
What would George Soros do for fun then?

Surely he could stay busy destroying the economies of small nations in Asia.

re: #185 tradewind

Sumbitch.
You're ruining my nap.
///
:)

That'll give you nightmares.

re: #181 MandyManners
Or Bee Boppa Loola.

re: #188 MandyManners

Can't he do something worthwhile, like put together MRE's for Darfur, or fund a zillion vaccinations in the SubSahara?
Look up definition for ' ungrateful meddler' and you get Soros.

re: #177 ausador

A lot of reforms go nowhere for a variety of reasons -

First, you are dealing with a legislature. They craft the laws and then craft the exceptions. They are incapable of curbing themselves.

Second, you have free speech issues and state sovereignty issues. Both create complications when you attack campaign financing.

The only way to affect true reform is via Constitutional amendment. Only then do the issues of free speech, state sovereignty and self regulation go away.

What is needed is a simple amendment such as "no person may serve as a representative for more than 6 years nor as a senator for more than 18 nor among both houses for more than 20."

That curbs seniority-based leadership which is what encourages the financial infrastructure that is so vested in incumbency.

re: #190 tradewind

Can't he do something worthwhile, like put together MRE's for Darfur, or fund a zillion vaccinations in the SubSahara?
Look up definition for ' ungrateful meddler' and you get Soros.

[Link: a1.vox.com...]

re: #177 ausador

This shit is getting old, lobbyists, PACs, and dozens of special interest groups funding election campaigns and then expecting a quid-pro-quo. Why don't we just change the election laws so that no one can contribute to a campaign except those that live in that district?

I'm game.

Mutha and Rangal need to be relived of their chairmanships, sooner not later, and I would love to see those who represent me no longer beholden to anyone but those who they represent.
(yes, Blanche Lincoln, I'm talking about you and your butt load of insurance industry cash and complete refusal to admit that a majority of voters in Arkansas support the option of a public option.)

Vote non incumbent. At least the rookies are less bought out! Less influenced.

re: #194 Rightwingconspirator

Agreed ... with one adjustment ... vote for non incumbents that pledge to not accept any favors or money from lobbyists.

about time. the crooks should all have been under investigation a long time ago.

When you're sitting watching a river of money flow by, it's hard to resist dipping your canteen into it.

re: #197 The Sanity Inspector

When you're sitting watching a river of money flow by, it's hard to resist dipping your canteen into it.

They need to be careful they don't get swept away by the current, see?

Our Congress (both sides of the aisle) are corrupt to the core. There is a pervasive culture of corruption where shady dealings and backroom deals are understood to be the norm and are accepted.

I think that there is an unspoken doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction in Congress, where "we won't call out your corruption if you don't call out our corruption!" Both major political parties have enough dirt on their opponents to bring down the other party, that's why no one dares to say anything. It's only when someone gets caught red-handed by the public (Blagojevich, Foley, etc.), does anyone suffer any consequences for their actions.

re: #172 albusteve

fergetaboutit...American voters are not interested in stopping this runaway beast, let alone shrinking the govt...look who's president now, and how did that happen?

More people voted for him, that's how it happened. Neither party wishes to shrink the government. They're just at odds about what ways to grow it.

Since citizens can't initiate Constitutional amendments on Term Limits or anything else, it behooves responsible voters to find out where candidates stand on the issue beginning during primary season. Also, do what you can to have your state legislature term limited -- that usually can be done by voter-initiated amendment of state constitution. One of two ways to amend the US Constitution is via 2/3 of state legislatures proposing a Constitutional Convention for the purpose, something more likely to happen with term-limited state legislatures. (It would be amazing if 2/3 of both houses of Congress ever voted in favor of such an amendment.) Then it takes approval of 3/4 of states to put an amendment into effect. Founders never envisioned "politician" as a career choice nor political parties either despite the example of Tories and Whigs in England. Whether Democrat, Republican, or unaffiliated, I think we all should stand up for a citizen Congress.

I hope they get to the bottom of this and put the ones responsible in prison for life.

Take heart all we will get change and we will get a smaller government. Global Warming stuff will get passed and so will the next stimulus along with the health care insanity, then the government will be spending so much money that they will no longer be able to borrow any money from China or Europe in one to two years.

Without any money and in great deficits without any ability to borrow the federal government will be force to shrink to 5-10% of its size. Otherwise the whole economy and federal government will implode. Communists tried it, socialists tried it, but you just can get around the hard facts of the economy. Eventually you go bankrupt.

re: #32 MandyManners

Well, to be fair, I see nothing involving BHO's administration in this Congressional corruption.

MandyManners -

Give them time, they have only been in for 9-10 months. The real crime regarding the current Administration and the Military is cutting the F-22.

-S-