So, Rep. William Jefferson (D — LA) was caught on tape taking a $100K bribe. Then, that exact same money (damned those recorded and matching serial numbers) was found in his freezer at home. Hidden. In food boxes and wrapped in tin-foil.
You know — because that’s where and how most honest people would safe guard $100K in legally-earned cash. In the freezer. In a bag of frozen peas.
Of course the good Congressman claims he’s innocent, and that there are “two sides to every issue”.
You’re right, Congressman. There are two sides:
- The Truth — You are a crooked, selfish, and dishonest man, and you have been caught red-handed.
- The Lies — Everything that comes out of your mouth.
Tom Delay, a Republican, has resigned after an indictment from a campaign finance investigation. Why hasn’t Rep. Jefferson stepped down yet? Why hasn’t the Democratic leadership demanded it?
***
Perhaps the most telling indictment of the pervasiveness of the Culture of Corruption that has become business-as-usual in D.C. is the way that members of both parties in the House reacted when the FBI searched Rep. Jefferson’s office. (hint: they’re appalled).
John Bambenek at Stop the ACLU:
Any right-thinking person can see why a congressional office shouldn’t be an impregnable veil against those who investigate and punish criminal activity. Apparently, congressional leaders of both parties thing there are more important things than stopping criminal activity, at least if one of their own is involved.
Glenn Reynolds adds:
If anything, it ought to work the other way. I think if you searched 435 randomly selected American homes, and 435 Congressional offices, you just might find more evidence of crime in the latter. . .
I don’t doubt that for a second.
at the University of Illinois and a columnist for the Daily Illini. He blogs at Part-Time Pundit Unpartisan.com Political News and Blog Aggregator linked with FBI Agents Search Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson’s Office UrbanGrounds linked withCulture of Corruption — Rep. William Jefferson
Katrina relief efforts Congressman Jefferson had two trucks, one helicopter, and several members of the national guard take a laptop, several suitcases, and a refridgerator type object out of his house. VIDEO – .WMV UrbanGrounds linked withCulture of Corruption — Rep. William Jefferson… FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog linked with Representative William Jefferson Watch: “There are Two Sides to Every Story†Unpartisan.com Political News and Blog Aggregator linked with FBI Agents Search Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson’s Office…
at the University of Illinois and a columnist for the Daily Illini. He blogs at Part-Time Pundit Unpartisan.com Political News and Blog Aggregator linked with FBI Agents Search Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson’s Office UrbanGrounds linked withCulture of Corruption — Rep. William Jefferson
Tom Delay, a Republican, has resigned after an indictment from a campaign finance investigation. Why hasn’t Rep. Jefferson stepped down yet? Why hasn’t the Democratic leadership demanded it?
They have:
Dean He also said Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., who is accused of improperly using his influence to direct business toward a favored company, should resign immediately that if indicted.
Along with the liberal blogosphere:
Memo to Dem Caucus: Demand Jefferson’s resignation
I’d say the distinction between Rep. Jefferson and Rep. DeLay is pretty stark.
(Not even to mention the fact that Mr. Jefferson’s alleged scheme was for personal enrichment while Mr. DeLay’s alleged scheme was for personal enrichment and illegal political manipulation.)
Wow this is rich:
The Republican leadership is sticking up for the rights of corrupt legisalators to be secure from investigation!!!
House Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), on what Speaker Hastert might do to “protect the interests” of the legislative branch.
Well, I have got to believe at the end of the day it is going to end up across the street at the Supreme Court. I don’t see anything short of that.
He continued, later, speaking of the executive branch:
“They take the same oath, so somebody better start reading the Constitution down there.”
As a commentor on DailyKos mentioned:
These are the interests of the legislative branch they want to protect?
Bush nullifies 750 laws they’ve passed, and Boehner wants to protect them from FBI corruption investigations?
FYI- I have a previous comment in limbo…