Comments for Illinois Governor Arrested on Corruption Charges »
Posted By HOUSEMD 1 year ago in NewsIllinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested Tuesday morning in Chicago on two counts each of federal corruption charges stemming from allegations Blagojevich was trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat to the highest bidder.
The arrest is part of a three-year probe of "pay-to-play politics" in the governor's administration. The criminal complaint by the FBI says each man was arrested on two charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.
Read Full Story at foxnews.com »
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HOUSEMD1 year ago
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HOUSEMD1 year ago
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The charges also relate to allegations that Blagojevich and Harris schemed with previously convicted defendants and Obama associates Antoin Rezko, Stuart Levine, Ali Ata and others to arrange financial benefits in exchange for appointments to state boards and commissions, state employment, state contracts and access to state funds.
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nostalgia1 year ago
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GWHayduke1 year ago
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FSU's been in hiding licking his wounds over on trustserv.
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He rears his ugly head with an attempt to associate Obama with the scumbag Blago.
What is truly amazing is that President Obama has been able to keep clean and moral while the surrounding culture of corruption in IL rolls on. Speaks very highly of Obama's character. A pillar of politics.
By virtue of FU's logic, ANYONE who ever lived in Chicago or IL, must be associated in a negative manner with Obama.
Pity why FU and his cronies hate America so much. Someone smart with a plan comes onto the scene to undo the 8 years of idiotic foreign and dometsic policy and simply because he has a (D) behind his name he is chastized.
Why love the party and its failed ideology more than the country?
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PsychoHosebeastComment removed: Spammer, Abusive
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4thchance1 year ago
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We've seen some really down and dirty crap coming from our leaders, both Republicans and Democrats. But I have to say, this one takes the cake, hands down, no contest. This is the scum of the scum, and I'm proud to say, it was done by a DEMOCRAT!
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cushi1 year ago
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G. W. Bush, a career failure and a war for profit criminal is the scum of the scum, and everybody involved in his stank ass administration. Over 4,000 American soldiers killed and maimed? Hundreds of thousands of Iraqi citizens killed or maimed? Kiss my a sut sut!!
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lovemylibs1 year ago
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Here's a PDF file of the brief of the case:
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2008-1...
Interesting reading.
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hyperbola1 year ago
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As you read this, keep in mind that GW Bush received more from Rezko than Obama did. Also keep in mind that those indicted with Rezko contributed freely to GOP politicians. Time to clean out the ocrruption in BOTH parties.
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.... Here is the rundown on his fellow defendants, from FEC data via www.opensecrets.org, in descending order by amounts donated:
Stuart Levine: 210 donations for federal candidates, totaling $255,350, mostly to Republicans. Biggest contributions to Illinois Republican Party and to National PAC. One $5000 donation to the Illinois Democratic Party. Most individual donations to GOP candidates from GWBush on down....
.... P. Nicholas Hurtgen, former Bear Stearns manager in Chicago: 48 federal contributions from Hurtgen and his wife in recent years, totaling $47,787, almost entirely to GOP candidates--$5000+ to the Republican National Committee, $4000 to GWBush, most of the rest to other Republicans. The Hurtgens also donated $2000 to Rahm Emanuel.
.... Jacob Kiferbaum: Kiferbaum and close relatives have donated $27,000 since 2001, mostly to Republicans. Kiferbaum’s largest individual donation was $10,000 to Maria Pappas, another Democratic primary contender for the Senate seat won by Obama. Kiferbaum has also given $4000 to GWBush, $4000 to Joe Lieberman, $2000 to Jack Ryan—Obama’s GOP opponent for Senate, until he had to withdraw—and $3000 to Republican Congressman Mark Kirk of Illinois 10th District. Kirk has returned $2000 of the Kiferbaum donation. ...
http://www.margieburns.com/blog/_archives/2008/2/2...-
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hyperbola1 year ago
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GOP official tied to state corruption
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Identified as 'Individual K' in Levine plea deal
October 28, 2006
Robert K. Kjellander, a nationally powerful Republican with strong ties to the White House, emerged Friday as a key figure in an ongoing probe of corruption in Illinois.
Kjellander is identified as "Individual K" in a guilty plea by Stuart Levine, a political insider who describes an underworld of behind-the-scenes deal makers who wielded clout to bilk millions of dollars through two state boards.....
.... Besides outing Kjellander, Levine provides new detail about alleged actions by Kjellander's former business partner, state GOP powerbroker William Cellini. He says Cellini, identified in the plea as "Individual A," and others schemed "to defraud" Illinois taxpayers. ...
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/826826,CS...-
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hyperbola1 year ago
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Keep in mind that Kjellander was treasurer for the national GOP.
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Robert Kjellander
Robert Kjellander is a former lobbyist for the Carlyle Group and a major donor to the Republican Party. Kjellander became the treasurer for the Republican National Committee in 2005....
http://www.mahalo.com/Robert_Kjellander
and that the GOP tried to get Fitzgerald off the corruption investigation in Illinois.
GOP heavyweights reportedly tried to oust Fitzgerald
U.S. attorney allegedly targeted by Karl Rove, Bob Kjellander
http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/...-
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Codi69341 year ago
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This has nothing to do with corruption on both sides. Obama ran on change and look at everyone he called a friend, Ayers, Wright, Rezco, now Blagojevich. Just watch ,to what degree will the MSM/Democrats go to protect Obama from harm? This was tried on GW about 9-11, Cheney on KBR, Rove on the Plane outing. Two were threaten with impeachment, one with jail time. NOW, it is one of there own, "the chosen one" at that. This circus has just started and he has not taken the oath of office yet! Boy, we are in for a fun 4 years!
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StevieGee1 year ago
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Codi69341 year ago
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How come Obama has to distanced himself from almost everyone that he associates with? His judgement is coming into question here. If this was any Replubican, he would have been asked to resign by now. Yes, Obama did recommend someone, according to Axlerod, but Obama said he did not talk to the Governor! Which do you believe? It is up to Blagojevich to appoint someone for Obama's seat. But it proves,to me, that Democrats are more for themselves then for the country. We do need a change, but if this is the change that Obama is talking about, we don't need it nor him. My main point still stands, watch and see how Obama is protected. He is not starting off on a good footing. And he has not taken office yet!
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http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/qu...-
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Ratskii1 year ago
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You're the only one who keeps saying "almost everyone that he associates with." Most of say that a few people, many of whom he has only tenuous connections to, are involved in something questionable or criminal. When you actually look at the details, little or none of it washes off on Obama.
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Codi, you're engaging in wishful thinking and calling it a conspiracy of silence. Give it up.-
Codi6934Comment removed: Spam
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sinophil491 year ago
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Codi - Of courswe Obama distanced himself from all those who have proven unworthy or even criminal. Would you have preferred Obama seek to increase his association with Blagojevich?
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Quite unlike the Republicans who still hailed Tom DeLay at the Republican National Convention like a returning hero.
No one is naive enough to say that everyone a politician meets is a shining beacon of morality and ethics. It is what the individual politician does after the corruption of his associate is uncovered that shows the character of the individual.
Republican senator Howard Baker is a glowing example of a person of character. After evidence of Nixon's cover-up was found and Nixon stubbornly refused to provide the requested tapes, Baker turned on Nixon.-
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Codi69341 year ago
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Yes but Obama ,so far, is being held to a different standard. He will be protected by the MSM/Democratic party. He will be taken at his word and it will go no farther. This would haunt any republican until the day they died or left office. My earlier comment that was "spammed" compared the standard Rep lawmakers were held to versus Dem lawmakers. Obama has alot of question to answer , even more now with this issue. But don't worry, all will fade away in a week or less. Because he is "the chosen one" and he will not be allowed to fail.
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StevieGee1 year ago
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Yes he is being held to a different standard. You are sitting and watching and hoping that he does something wrong and when he does you are ready to pounce and say "See, I knew it! I told you guys! " You will then try your hardest to destroy him and his Presidency and our country right along with it. All of this so that you can say, "Hey look I was right, eat s**t you leftist bastards." God help us if he ever gets a blow job.
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Codi69341 year ago
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Obama had better be held to a standard!! Unlike the democratic party in general that does not have any standards at all. I don't wish or hope failure. If he fails there is more at stake then his name. My concern is the nation as a whole. But we are finally seeing the real Obama? That is a question that was not asked during the campaign. Who else will he throw under the bus? Who else will he distance himself from? Time will only tell!
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PatrioticAmerican1 year ago
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so we want to do exactly what you here on prop did and still do to bush??? when you think he makes a mistake you run him thru the dirt tar and feather him then hang him out to dry. but its okay for you guys to try and destroy Bush but we better not even utter a wrong word about your god Barrak HUSSEIN Obama???
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Whats good for the goose is good for the messiah BHO as well-
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StevieGee1 year ago
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The difference here is that I gave Bush a chance. When elected I gave him my support. I genuinely thought that he could be a good President. He ran as a "compassionate conservative." He turned out to be neither compassionate nor conservative. You have completely dismissed Obama and he's not even in office yet. He seems to be assembling a bipartisan cabinet. He's trying to unite the country. He is doing what he's promised us during his campaign so far and you have dismissed him with prejudice.
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Codi69341 year ago
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I dismiss him because of the company he keeps, his ideals and issues. You have elected a man that thinks American is the problem. You have elected a man that wants to spred the wealth around. You have elected a man that sees small buisness/corporations as the enemy, not 19 men that turned 4 aircrafts into cruise missile nor a mad man that was waiting his time to get sanction lifted to re-start a WMD program. You have elected a man that WILL pull punches on energy indepents. The far left is complaining saying his cabinet is too hawkish. Almost all of them are former Clintonites. Where is the change? And unity, where was the unity when GW needed it?
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hyperbola1 year ago
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Republican powerbroker Cellini indicted by feds as part of corruption investigation
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A federal grand jury Thursday indicted Bill Cellini, longtime Springfield-area political fundraiser and a key player in Sangamon County and state politics for decades, on charges of conspiracy and extortion....
http://www.macombjournal.com/archive/x1157504987/T...-
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pc251 year ago
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LOL
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keep spinning HYPER.......they got those warrants to tap Blagojevich's phone because of Rezko's cooperation with the Feds during the pre sentencing phase of his conviction........he cut a deal.......you know sooner or later Blagojevich is going to tell what he knows about what was going on in the state. who is in who's packet, who owes who and so on.........-
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hyperbola1 year ago
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Well, we have already seen several top GOP figures indicted and that the connections go directly into the national GOP and the Bush White House. As I said at the top of this thread: time to clean out the corruption in both parties.
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b-happy1 year ago
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Hyperbola.
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When an article comes on Propeller talking about a Republican getting arrested, we will be looking for your comments on how the Democrats do the same thing and how terrible they are since you are Mr. fair and balanced. You know, kind of the opposite of what you are doing here.
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DropkickaLib1 year ago
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Apparently, someone switched the appraisal on the property that Obamanation bought from Rezko. Try covering the messiah's tracks by throwing dirt at the "zioncons". This may be the end for B.O., a product of the corrupt Chicago political machine.
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UnusualSuspect1 year ago
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pc251 year ago
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Beau78901 year ago
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There are many corrupt and dishonest politicians in Chicago--I'll be the first to admit it, even though so many of them are Democrats. But there are also honest ones.
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And this is true for other locales that are well known for corrupt politics. Are you a fan of Sarah Palin? Alaska's politics are also extremely corrupt. How about Bobby Jindal? Louisiana's political system is notoriously corrupt--some would say more so than Chicago's.-
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cushi1 year ago
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Thanks, Beau7890. It's nothing but pure hypocrisy in full effect! It is impossible to work in any kind of public arena and not encounter corruption from time to time. The thing that matters is whether or not you go along with it, and it certainly appears from the defendant's own mouth, that Obama did not.
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Beau78901 year ago
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You're missing the point. I'm NOT stating anything about either party being more corrupt.
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The point is, just because an individual comes from a place where there is a lot of corruption does not prove that the individual is corrupt.
Obama has never been charged with wrongdoing, and thus has not been convicted--even though he comes from Chicago. Same as Alaska's Palin and Louisiana's Jindal.
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tchef1 year ago
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Is there any more corrupt machine than the current administration? Now they are claiming that the intelligence they used to justify their invasion of Iraq was bad, it wasn't bad, it was out right lies put together by them with the full knowledge that it was lies. Where is your outrage about that?
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sinophil491 year ago
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pc - Sorry to burst your bubble. Just tonight on Nightline, the FBI spokesman quoted from wiretaps on Blagojevich that Obama refused to accede to the guv's demands for a cabinet position or some other high paying job in return for appointing Obama's choice for senatorial replacement.
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The governor called Obama a motherf**ker and cussed him out in some other choice words as well.
Obama may not be pristine pure, but he certainly is innocent of this mess.
Now where were we?
Oh yeah, let's talk about the disgraced Nixon whom Republicans still revere, criminals Tom DeLay and Dennis Hastert, and constitutional shredder himself, Mr George Walker Bush. Nixon and Bush are truly the ultimate in political criminals. Guilty of unmitigated arrogance, usurpation of power, circumvention of legal statutes, ignoring Geneva conventions, lying about evidence, and for Bush specifically, launching an illegal and immoral war.
You know, pc, just get over the loss of Republican power and clout. Sit back. Watch Obama get to work. Marvel and enjoy, okay?
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Beau78901 year ago
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How many times do I have to tell you?
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It has been widely reported in many papers (and I gave the link countless times during the election) that Rezko used an appraiser who undervalued the property, and Obama got an independent appraisal that was a fair market price and paid 2-1/2 times more than the deal Rezko offered.
__________
For those of you here who'd like to link Blagojevich to Obama on the simple basis that they're both Democrats of the same generation coming out of Chicago, I posted a comment on an earlier version of this story:
As a senator, Obama naturally had to work with the governor. But they have not been close. At the Democratic convention this past summer, Blagojevich was not given any privileges other than delegate and was not given the opportunity to speak. The governor eventually decided not even to attend.
http://www.propeller.com/story/2008/12/09/feds-tak...
Blagojevich is an idiot--he knew he'd been under investigation for months, and he still schemed to sell Obama's Senate seat.-
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Endoscopy1 year ago
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Daley is much smarter than to do dumb things like that. Obama was closer to Daley than Blagojevich. Daley learned from his father how to keep his hands clean. It is still corruption city and Obama spoke and voted to keep it that way.
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hyperbola1 year ago
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Feds Probing Carlyle Group's Payments to RNC
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Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2005
CHICAGO -- Federal prosecutors investigating corruption at a state pension fund have subpoenaed records concerning $4.5 million in fees a Washington-based investment firm is paying the new treasurer of the Republican National Committee, government sources confirmed Tuesday.
The subpoena calls for documents related to the fund, the Carlyle Group and Robert Kjellander, said sources familiar with the investigation who spoke only on condition of anonymity, saying prosecutors want details of the probe kept secret....
Kjellander, a lobbyist who headed President Bush's re-election campaign in three states, was named the RNC's treasurer over the weekend. ...
http://archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2005/... -
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injest1 year ago
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hyperboy
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“As you read this, keep in mind that GW Bush received more from Rezko than Obama did”
Really?
In 2003, Obama announced he was running for the U.S. Senate, and Rezko -- a member of his campaign finance committee -- held a lavish fund-raiser June 27, 2003, at his Wilmette mansion
Did Rezko hold a lavish fund-raiser for GW Bush re-election?
Rezko’s wife show up just in time, cash in hand, to buy a vacant lot she didn’t need or want but did close the deal for the Obama’s home?
A few months after Obama became a U.S. senator, he and Rezko's wife, Rita, bought adjacent pieces of property from a doctor in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood -- a deal that has dogged Obama the last two years.
The doctor sold the mansion to Obama for $1.65 million -- $300,000 below the asking price. ($1.95 million total)
Rezko's wife paid full price -- $625,000 -- for the adjacent vacant lot. (the “lot” was part of the mansion Obama bought)
The deals closed in June 2005. Six months later, Obama paid Rezko's wife $104,500 for a strip of her land, so he could have a bigger yard.
Basically Obama paid $1,1 million for a mansion listed for $1.95 million. Rezko’s wife covered the rest.
Did Rezko basically give Bush $750K ?
No he didn’t.
How bout political contributions!
http://www.newsmeat.com/ceo_political_donations/To...
$11,065 Republican 15%
$61,750 Democrat 84%
$1,000 Independent 1%
total: $73,815
George W Bush (R)
President
BUSH-CHENEY '04 (PRIMARY) INC $4,000
primary 12/09/03
Barack Obama (D)
Senate - IL
OBAMA FOR ILLINOIS INC $10,000
primary 10/03/03
DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF ILLINOIS (D) $5,000
primary 10/19/00
DNC SERVICES CORPORATION/DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE (D) $15,000
primary 03/21/00
NATIONAL REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE CONTRIBUTIONS (R) $250
primary 08/16/96
Opps, dang. Apparently hyper boy your claim that “GW Bush received more from Rezko than Obama did” is a flat out lie.
Would ya like ta try again?
BTW did ya figure it out that Rod’s hair is a wig?-
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Dionys1 year ago
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" The doctor sold the mansion to Obama for $1.65 million -- $300,000 below the asking price. ($1.95 million total)
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Rezko's wife paid full price -- $625,000 -- for the adjacent vacant lot. (the “lot” was part of the mansion Obama bought)
The deals closed in June 2005. Six months later, Obama paid Rezko's wife $104,500 for a strip of her land, so he could have a bigger yard.
Basically Obama paid $1,1 million for a mansion listed for $1.95 million. Rezko’s wife covered the rest. "
Now here's the perfect reason more money should go towards education and basic math programs.-
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nostalgia1 year ago
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The freshman Democratic senator received a discount. He locked in an interest rate of 5.625 percent on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, below the average for such loans at the time in Chicago. The loan was unusually large, known in banker lingo as a "super super jumbo." Obama paid no origination fee or discount points, as some consumers do to reduce their interest rates.
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http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=MzF... -
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sinophil491 year ago
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injest - OK. So you rehashed all the details about the Rezko real estate deal. And how exactly did Rezko profit politically from that deal? What does that have to do with Blagojevich?
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The situation with the Illinois governor would have profitted only himself. It has nothing at all to do with Obama. Obama would not have profitted in any way by acceding to Blagojevich's monetary demands. Why would Obama give in to his demands if there was no advantage to do so? It is quite illogical.
You just like to shout out guilt about any and all democratic politicians and try desperately to link it to Obama. Oh yes, Blagojevich is guilty and should be kicked out of office. But please explain lucidly, if you can, how Gov B's guilt has any association w/ Obama?
Just so you know, on Nightline tonight, the FBI has already said Obama was not involved in any way. This was simply a case of a greedy, over-reaching governor trying to enrich himself. -
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DropkickaLib1 year ago
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mesodude1 year ago
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Endoscopy1 year ago
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mesodude1 year ago
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y_soitenly1 year ago
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mesodude1 year ago
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Then I guess it's a good thing I'm not a prosecutor. I think Fitzgerald is and he goes out of his way to tell cons to stop with your desperation and spinning. Obama is not the focus of this investigation just because you cons are bitter about your extremely disgraceful and humiliating loss on Election Day--when McCain, Sarah Palin and the GOP were slapped down to size by the American public. Just because the con movement is in flames doesn't mean you can just lie and manufacture guilt where none exists. Just saying... ;-(
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mesodude1 year ago
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As I said above, like chimpanzees, you cons have been wildly flinging crap since Obama began running and none of it has stuck. It hasn't stuck because crap is all cons have to work with. Aren't you worn out from flinging crap now that President Elect Barack Obama WON DECISIVELY last month (and will become the 44th President of the United States)? ;-)
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gsmittle1 year ago
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"You have your chance to do worse and so far, B.O. is!"
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How? He isn't even sworn in yet, and somehow all the nation's ills are his fault? Or are you bitter because he's building consensus with his Cabinet picks--choosing people with opposing viewpoints to make sure he gets more than one view?
I'll reserve judgment until after Jan. 20.
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BigBadJohn666Comment removed: Spam
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BigBadJohn666Comment removed: Spam
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sinophil491 year ago
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BBJohn - Oh boo hoo hoo. How could it be? The FBI spokesman on Nightline tonight said that Obama refused to agree to Blagojevich's demand, in return for appointing Obama's choice for senator, to give the guv a cabinet position or some other high paying job. The governor called Obama a motherf**ker.
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Gasp!! Obama is innocent???What is the world coming to?
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DaneL1 year ago
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BigBadJohn6661 year ago
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Endoscopy1 year ago
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Lets look at
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Obama's history.
1. He was known favorably to Rezco before he became a lawyer and turned down a job with him to go to Harvard.
2. Graduating Harvard Law School after being in charge of the Harvard Law Review he could have gotten a job anywhere. But he chose the law firm representing Rezco.
3. Starting his political career he was boosted by Rezco. Mysteriously all of the other people running were disqualified for not having enough signatures. They ALWAYS get much more than needed because of a challenge like this.
4. Obama wrote letters supporting Rezco to the state agencies.
5. Obama opposed the bipartisan group that tried to stop the Chicago corruption. He spoke against it and voted against it.
6. Rezco held a big fund raising party for Obama to kick off his US Senate bid.
He was part and parcel of the Chicago machine of which Rezco was a big player in. Why do you think he got that sweetheart deal on his house? Would you spend that much money ending up with an almost worthless piece of land just for a friend?-
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mesodude1 year ago
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Thanks but none of this qualifies as compelling evidence that Obama is involved IN THIS CASE in any way or that he should be "taken down." I don't have time to name all the criminal activity by Bush and Cheney and cons re-elected these people like silly disgusting sheep. You just gave seven-felony CONVICT Ted Stevens a STANDING OVATION in the Senate. The GOP is up to its virtual neck in crime and corruption so you have NO legs whatsoever to stand on. Sorry to tell you this but someone needs to slap you people upside the head with a reality check. ;-(
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tchef1 year ago
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How about someone make Bush liable for his crimes? He lied us into a war that has cost us more than 4000 of our soldiers lives and trillions of dollars. He also outed a CIA agent. That alone is treason. Why aren't you upset about any of this?
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Beau78901 year ago
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Endoscopy:
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Your last senttence? This one?
Saying things does not make it so.
That applies to the rest of your comment.
Some, but not all, Democrats will prematurely and unjustly accuse Republicans of wrongdoing, and some, but not all, Republicans will prematurely and unjustly accuse Democrats of wrongdoing.
Grow up and stop using the same tactics you complain about.
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sinophil491 year ago
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endo - "we can have fun talking about the unconstitutional things that the Obama criminals are going to do."
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If you said "going to do," you implicitly are saying that up to now Obama and his associates are innocent of doing anything unconstitutional. So if they have not done anything wrong, how does that make them criminals BEFORE the fact?
Why are you so agitated about possible unconstitutional crimes that have yet to be committed and salivating at your future enjoyment, yet you fail to express the slightest indignation at the massive criminality tha Bush, et al., have ALREADY committed? He lied about WMD evidence, he launched an illegal war, he failed to bring OBL to justice, he bankrupted our nation, he subverted the DOJ and the constitution, etc. etc.
Foolish con. Saying things does not make it so.
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pc251 year ago
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seems REZKO'S pre sentencing cooperation with the FEDS has already netted one Illinois politician.........I WONDER WHO'S NEXT?...........also the the US Atorney who is in charge of this case and who handled todays news conference iss none other than Patrick Fitzgerald. The news that has been coming out of Chicago is that Fitzgerald is looking at possible RICO charges against ACORN for their involvement in the 2008 elections and also their direct tie to the BHO campaign.
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KEEP SINGING TONY!!!!!!!! -
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mesodude1 year ago
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"Fitzgerald went on to say during the press conference that "people should not cast aspersions on people who are discussed on wiretap or bugged tapes or conduct when other people are scheming to figure out how to approach them for different things." Fitzgerald continued: "We hope you'll bear that in mind and not cast aspersions on people for being named or being discussed or if you learn they're being interviewed."
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http://mediamatters.org/items/200812090012?f=h_top
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JohnGault1 year ago
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Living in Massachusetts, I'm offended by that comment. I thought we were the most corrupt.
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After two bribery arrest in the past month, One for taking a $1000 and another taking $2000.
I don't know if I should be happy that my reps are not that greedy or be upset because their so cheap.
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nostalgia1 year ago
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Woflie
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FTA:
FBI Special Agent-in-Charge in Chicago Robert Grant said he was asked by reporters when he first started the investigation "whether or not Illinois is the most corrupt state in the United States."
"And I didn't answer that question, yes or no, and I can't answer that question today. I don't have 49 other states to compare it with.But I can tell you one thing: If it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, its certainly one hell of a competitor," he said
Seems to rank near the top along with New Jersey and Louisiana
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TweekerchickQC1 year ago
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BigBadJohn6661 year ago
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pc251 year ago
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http://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/blago...
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Blagojevich, Obama, Rezko, Illinois governor, Governor in middle of case, Chicago Tribune, May 17, 2008, Rezko trial, Political corruption
If you have been following the Tony Rezko corruption trial, several names are mentioned over and over. Obama, Stuart Levine and Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich are mentioned in the same sentence as Rezko and Chicago and Illinois corruption. Governor Blagojevich has not been indicted yet but many believe his indictment is probable. -
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pc251 year ago
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that's the problem.........it was big news in chicago and no where else......which should be expected with the OBAMA LOVING LEFTY LIBERAL PRESS.......and by the way PROGRESSIVE hate to tell you YOU AINT.......and the latter half of Oscar Wild's comment describes you to a T
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pc251 year ago
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http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/...
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Blagojevich tries to deflect Rezko heat to Obama, others
With Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s federal corruption trial looming, Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday tried to deflect the heat he’s been getting over his former adviser and top fundraiser by pointing out he’s not the only politician who has received help from Rezko.
Blagojevich ticked off a list of elected officials who also have ties to the indicted developer. While not naming them, he made reference to everyone from Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to House Speaker Michael Madigan, his political nemesis, and Madigan’s daughter, Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan.
WHAT WAS THAT QUOTE ABOUT HONOR AMONG THIEVES?-
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sinophil491 year ago
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You know, pc, endo, BBjohn and others. You cons are just so petty, mean-spirited, and close minded.
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Remember the big bruhaha about Obama's citizenship? The state of Hawaii produced the birth certificate; and you guys said it was a forgery. The Supreme Court refused to waste its time.
You said Obama was a radical, black militant because of Jeremiah Wright. Obama disavowed Wright and Wright renounced Obama.
You said he was a secret Muslim and a terrorist sympathizer. Well he denounced the terrorists. Al Qaida broadcast a statement denouncing him for rejecting the faith of his father and aligning with the enemies of Islam.
You said Obama was too liberal. Well, the cabinet he is assembling has made the radical left complain he is too right.
You said he is too inexperienced. He has had the most temperate and calming personality in the campaign and in the inter-regnum in talking about the financial crisis. He has made intelligent decisions in choosing the brightest and most competent cabinet and staff he could find. Not to mention the fact that he has been the quickest in history in assembling his administration.
You cons simply can not see the historical importance of Obama's election. This is the ultimate, finest, and most persuasive example we can show to the world that we are the only TRUE democracy where race does not matter and anyone can really be elected president. Think what a positive impact that is and will continue to be in the eyes and minds of the skeptical muslims in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Obama's election has had and will continue to have a much greater power of persuasion on Muslims to follow our political example than any invasion, rhetorical speechifying, or diplomatic wrangling that Bush has ever done. It has electrified the 3rd world nations.
In this historical moment, all you guys can do is prattle endlessly about "associates" and Rezko and real estate deals and ACORN.
Bah, humbug on you. History is leaving you behind in the dust
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smithichie1 year ago
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Here is the exact quote from the indictment filed.
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In a conversation with Harris on November 11, the charges state, Blagojevich said he knew that the President-elect wanted Senate Candidate 1 for the open seat but “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them.”
Last I heard, "appreciation" isn't criminal.-
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Progressive1 year ago
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Right. Here's a partial transcript of the tapes:
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http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/200... -
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Harbeas1 year ago
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tadair9191 year ago
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After Eliot Spitzer's ousting earlier this year, this marks at least 2 politicians this year that the powerful bankers have politically assassinated.
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The Illinois Gov suspended all business with Bank of America and was about to obtain a Retaining Order from a Federal Judge against BOA in the defense of workers' rights.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2RHhmIHJ444-
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tadair9191 year ago
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the real question is, how gullible are you?
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"The reporter, Jack Conaty, said Tuesday:
We did receive a tip this morning that perhaps all of this came together so quickly because the Governor may have reached out to Rahm Emanuel, the president-elect's chief of staff, in attempting to leverage filling the Senate seat. And it may have been Rahm Emanuel who tipped the scale and made this move as quickly as it did."-
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nostalgia1 year ago
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I don't have a clue. It was reported last night that Emanuel denies contacting the Feds
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I was merely pointing out that first Tadair claimed the governor was taken down because he threatened BofA
Then Tadair turned around and posted the quote regarding Emanuel tipping off the Feds
Tadair can't seem to decide why the governor was arrested yesterday-
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wtagg1 year ago
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There is much to be learned from the whole piling on and attempted associating. McCain was infinitely more associated with criminal activity than Obama is to this instance. Now I am about as far away from Obama as you can get, but there is no evidence suggesting he had anything to do with this.
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Seems so many want to deny or prevent the possibility of success. That wasn't the United States of America that I grew up believing in. I could care less if it is a dem or rep president in office. I want to see our country regain its respect for itself and and from others. There is much to do and wasting 4 years crying about who won the election will certainly not help the country and quite frankly is unAmerican.
Spend time communicating with your representatives with what you want and how you can help achieve it. That is American.
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memestryker1 year ago
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The proletariat/subjects have been making this argument since the beginning of time.
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I remember when some really dirty things were happening in Washington, DC, and a WaPo reporter lamented that nothing would probably happen because the accused and the judges all lived, worked, and played in the same neighborhood. They ended up getting hands slapped, whereas you or I would have served prison time.
Look at Bloomberg--the people voted term limits, but he's so corrupt, he got his wealthy buddy Lauder to buy him a chance through the Council (overriding the voice of the people) to run for a 3rd term--but to make it temporary so it wouldn't "confuse people."
Money and contacts are everything to corrupt bullies.
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Beau78901 year ago
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Yes. Blagojevich contacted Obama's close adviser Valerie Jarrett to offer her the Senate seat and attempt to extract some sort of quid pro quo, maybe an ambassadorship.
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That was shot down, however, as neither Obama nor Jarrett wanted to be associated with Blagojevich. -
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nostalgia1 year ago
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The feds arrested Blagojevich today on corruption charges including allegations that he put a "for sale" sign on the former Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama. The criminal complaint prosecutors filed today, based heavily on taped conversations between the governor and his aides, lists several potential price tags floated by Blagojevich and co. It includes a cabinet appointment, up to $1 million in campaign contributions and lucrative employment for the governor and his wife.
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http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/20... -
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k9kssr1 year ago
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GehlLady1 year ago
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I watched the presser on CNN and got the impression there will be more charges against more people. It was said that they are using wiretaps from 2004 to the present in this investigation. Fitzgerald said repeatedly there were no allegations of Obamas involvement or knowledge. My natural skepticism finds no knowledge hard to believe if this is as widespread as implied, but I have to believe if there was any proof it would have been outed by now.
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memestryker1 year ago
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I think that Obama is a very gullible and naive person in many respects. I think he really didn't "get" what an extremist Wright was, or see the issues with his corrupt and terrorist associates--he was focused on the business at hand. Notice that he had no platform during the primaries--he just beat his "change" drum, and later adopted Clinton's as a departure point. As he learned about the issues, he moved to support some key Bush policy.
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Judging by his websites over time, including the current iteration of change.gov, he continues to be a pawn of Soros and Bloomberg--but I don't think it's evil--I think he looks up to these guys and doesn't see their smelly underbellies.
His selection of Lawrence Summers is certainly a slap in the face to NOW, who lobbied for him and sold him to their members. His other selections are a combination of the old boys' club (including some old girls) and some I think are wise, such as Gates. Gates is popular with subordinates, and thus quite effective, whatever people may think about him. Keeping him will help Obama when he needs things to turn on a dime.
The only pre-election promise I see Obama tends to plan to keep is to undercut the second amendment in as many ways as possible, via bans and release of private information to those who should not have access (Bloomberg and his vigilantes, for example).
But I don't think Obama is dirty, and I don't think he'll get caught up in this.
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jordan111 year ago
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nostalgia1 year ago
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"You didn't like the link that shows factual corruption in the republican party"
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Pointing to other corrupt behavior excuses the governor's corrupt behavior???
When are you going to understand that the majority of politicians are corrupt - even Democrats-
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jordan111 year ago
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Pointing to other corrupt behavior excuses the governor's corrupt behavior???d>>>
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Nope, & if the goof balls hadn't 'spammed' my comment, you would have seen that I was speaking specifically to those who seem to think corruption belongs to democrats. I stated that I was sick of corruption, and he needs to go to jail for a "loooong time" if found guilty. So get off your high horse. -
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memestryker1 year ago
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People really don't get the reality that power of any kind corrupts. Government officials, police, celebrities--you name it.
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But bait and switch seems to be one of the most popular tools used here when people feel heat, so we'll always see it--from both "sides" and also the middle.
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TweekerchickQC1 year ago
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Hey. Everyone has to be good at something, apparently, corruption is our "thing".
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Being a Chicago-an, I haven't seen anyone here look even the LEAST bit surprised. The only thing that even gives any of us pause is the amount of arrogance it took to do something like this.-
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y_soitenly1 year ago
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Centinel,
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re: "I left Chicago 4 years ago because I will not tolerate fascism. The politicians and law enforcement are far TOO arrogant. I left before I went on the war path and started hunting down the evildoers!"
Ha Ha! ...Sure you did. HaHaHah! That was way too funny.
Thanks for the laugh.
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RedRiverJ1 year ago
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I lived in Illinois too........ First Jim Ryan a republican now Rod Blagojevich a democrat. At least we don't discriminate, we prosecute both parties.
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I saw some of the nations governors on TV talking about Blagojevich saying he was a loner, arrogant, he didn't need the other governors to meet with and share thoughts on how to help his state. No doubt, looks as if doing good for his state wasn't on his agenda. His agenda seemed to be to promo Rod, not Illinois.
I may be wrong but looks like if Obama was deeply involved in this, it would have surfaced today. He seems clear. Just MHO.-
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y_soitenly1 year ago
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RedRiverJ,
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re: "I may be wrong but looks like if Obama was deeply involved in this, it would have surfaced today."
Some of it surfaced today...
When asked earlier today... Obama claims that he never talked with Blagojevich, as mentioned, on ABC's Nightline tv program. But when Axelrod, Obama's advisor, was asked about Obama's connection to the Governor, Axelrod mentioned that Obama did speak with Blagojevich on several occasions and that Obama was allegedly connected with the Governor.
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memestryker1 year ago
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My niece and her husband (young newlyweds) moved to Chicago when he landed a great job, and they were only there a few months when she intimated she had no idea government could be so corrupt! When he got an opportunity later that year, they moved to Baltimore, MD to get away from it! LOL!
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Baltimore is right up there in the corruption department with Chicago--Bloomberg visits often and pulls Mayor Dixon's strings and she just gushes to create a little NYC in Baltimore! She's such a tyrant she's already enacted illegal laws (against state law), but she knows ordinary citizens don't have the money to fight them through the courts, on a tip from her good buddy Bloomie, although they know they'd win!
Party doesn't matter one iota. They slither into whatever hole gives them a vantage point. Government is thick as fleas with corrupt tyrants who prey on the well-meaning.-
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amazed1 year ago
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It is because we, the people, not only allow career politicians, we just about INSIST on it.
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Take Caroline Kennedy, for example, no one is questioning whether, in this country of over 250 million people, we couldn't maybe find someone from another family to take Hilary's seat, the people who are against her are using the "No Experience" excuse to try to deny her claim.
Some business person, who sick of just siting around bitching about how bad gov't is tries to run for Congress, and for the most part, unless he's a multi-miliionaire, every one rips him as too inexperienced to be governor or rep or senator.
Personally, I'd like to see some of these "inexperienced" people take over -- for a short bit and then go back to their real lives -- as our founders envisioned it.
We have a ruling class in this country. We, the people, make sure that it remains harder than hell to enter that ruling class and then we act all surprised when our ruling class acts against the interests of "normal people" and uses their power corruptly. -
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Beau78901 year ago
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I can think of three who were convicted since the '60s, and Blagojevich who certainly will be:
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Otto Kerner (D)
Dan Walker (D)
George Ryan (R)
Oh...and Jim Thompson (R), who should be convicted for his role in Conrad Black's looting of Hollinger International. (He was the member of the board of directors in charge of the audit committee, which approved all of Black's sleazy transfers of funds from Hollinger International to Hollinger Inc., Black's private holding company. At Black's trial, Thompson pleaded incompetence in order not to incriminate himself.)
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Centinel1 year ago
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Hey Red,
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Been absent for a while. How have you been?
Blaboyavich is following orders from King Richard and is now the scapegoat. King Richard doesn't have mob connections; he is the DON!
The real Illinois State Capital is... Chicago? Or is it supposed to be Springfield? What is the reality?-
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HOUSEMD1 year ago
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ah, trying to help out the failing economy i see....
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don't work just ask for a bail out.
if you wait long enough i hear there are jobs opening up in Illinois. One senate seat for sale and one governors coming soon!
Hang in there pard.
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tadair9191 year ago
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This is why they took him down:
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http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2RHhmIHJ444
Same reason as Eliot Spitzer.-
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nostalgia1 year ago
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The governor just made that statement yesterday about the BofA
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The Feds have been investigating him for 3 years according to the article:
The arrest is part of a three-year probe into the governor's administration
Are you telling me the Feds are clairvoyant and knew what he was going to say about the BofA??
They were afraid he was going to decide to accept an offer for the Senate seat. Then what do you do with a Senator who bribed a governor to get the seat??
Can you even imagine the mess?
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Progressive1 year ago
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Here's Obama's statement:
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http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/20... -
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cushi1 year ago
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Meanwhile, continue to languish of that prison of your own making...narrow, confined walls... locked away from the real world...with nothing for company but a bunch of malevolent thinking creatures like yourself!
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Beware of wishing ill on others. It may very well creep back and bite you where it really smarts!
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Progressive1 year ago
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Here's a copy of the U.S. attorney's statement:
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http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2008/pr12...-
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GehlLady1 year ago
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Progressive, I don't understand (or care) the neg, but are we truly supposed to believe a man that moved in those circles, that rose out of those circles of influence, really didn't know the governor was corrupt? smithichie comment above leaves open the possibility it was known. It says to me that the possibility is good that Obama wasn't a part of it, and as I said, if there was any proof, it would have come out by now. To be blunt, a man so naive and out of touch enough not to have known what was happening isn't bright enough to be President. It can't be both ways.............
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Progressive1 year ago
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My bad, GehlLady. I've pos'd both of your remarks. I neg and pos primarily as a place holder, rather like voting "present", so please don't take it personally. However, I find the fact that the President-elect has not been in touch with the corrupt governor comforting and the only naivete evident here was on the part of the Governor in underestimating Obama's staff.
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cushi1 year ago
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Many, many, many brilliant people have been fooled or taken in by someone they assume to be of the same or better character than they are! That does not make them unfit for anything, it makes them good people who are quick to give other people the benefit of the doubt of being decent, honest people, until they prove themselves otherwise.
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Obama does not look for bad in people, he looks for good, and that can sometimes backfire in his face because the reality is, many people in powerful positions did not get there honestly or by being "nice."
Still, I'm glad that he does not think bad of anyone from the jump street. It's very refreshing. The problem is we need more like him in politics, not less.
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memestryker1 year ago
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Look at the NYC mayor's situation--he convinced his good buddy Lauder to convince the council to overturn the vote of the people so he can run for a 3rd term--but only make it temporary, because it might confuse the voters. Talk about corruption.
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pc251 year ago
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http://citizenwells.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/acorn...
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You remember Patrick Fitzgerald, the federal prosecutor in the Tony Rezko investigation and trial of corruption in Chicago and Illinois. The same Fitzgerald that has indicted Stuart Levine, Dr. Robert Weinstein and is now involved in getting Tony Rezko to talk. The same Patrick Fitzgerald that is scrutinizing Governor Rod Blagojevich for possible indictment. What do all of these people have in common? Barack Obama.
The Hillbuzz blog has another connection between Patrick Fitzgerald and Obama. Here is an exerpt from an article dated October 9, 2008:
“Today, it was announced that ACORN is being investigated in 10 states. -
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pc251 year ago
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http://209.157.64.201/focus/f-news/2101148/posts
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BREAKING: Word in Chicago: Patrick Fitzgerald heading RICO investigation of ACORN and BHO campaign
Tonight we talked to someone who works in the federal courts here in Chicago.
The buzz in those corridors is that federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald has been leading a team of FBI investigators in 10 states working on a RICO case.
Today, it was announced that ACORN is being investigated in 10 states.
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ningyo1 year ago
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"im shocked to find that my senate seat is being sold to the highest bidder "..
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"heres your cut of the senate seat sale proceeds barry"
thank you ...and may i say im sad to see this sort of corruption
SAD...SAD..!! thats the best he could do?? how about a little outrage..or something...like this wasnt any real big news -
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vettenut1 year ago
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As a person living in another state, but less than 100 miles from Chicago, I am not surprised at these developments.
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Not in the least.
And as a person who did not support BHO in his candidacy, I doubt that BHO will be tied to this in any meaningful way, for several reasons:
1. BHO is a pragmatist. We are beginning to see that by the makeup of the pool of persons he has announced as appointments in his soon-to-begin administration. I believe that ever since he first seriously considered running for POTUS, he has tried his best to "keep his nose clean," and not get involved in the "dirty dealings" that characterize Chicago "Democrat Machine Politics." His ego and desire for election and re-election OVERRIDE EVERYTHING ELSE!
2. I believe BHO has multiple times more character than Gov. Blago or Mr. Mayor Daley. Sincerely! (Of course, one could say that this statement does not say a whole lot.....)
3. Lastly, and regretably, IF BHO indeed has/had any connections to this mess, I believe that by now, his own behind-the-scenes "image people" saw this one coming, and have had plenty of time to sanitize, scrub, and otherwise destroy/remove any and all evidence of said connections.
So , in any eventuality, I do not believe the P-E will be seriously implicated.
I do sincerely hope that BHO is not implicated, because if he were, that would be quite injurious to this country.
AND, if he IS implicated, I will take NO joy in that implication, because it would only reveal the EXTENT that US voters were deceived or otherwise hoodwinked by one of the slickest political campaigns in the past half-century, if not the entire history of the USA......-
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DeadXXXManXXXTalkin1 year ago
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''hoodwinked by one of the slickest political campaigns in the past half-century,''
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slick political campaign? Hoodwinked? Wha..?
come on, how slick did it have to be, following an administration like W's, a dynamic figure like McCain, and a horrowshow [and not in a Clockwork Orange-y way] like Palin...
the financial crisis right at crunch time? hell, Kerry came pretty close to beating Bush, he of the wooden-headed charisma-and that was before 4 more years of death reports out of Iraq, crazy gas prices, the aforementioned financial crisis, etc etc
the GOP was doomed, hoodwinking had nothing to do with it. Partly a cyclical thing and partly a historic thing-historically, the party in power during an economic downturn hasn't kept the WH in like 108 years...
the only slick thing I saw about Obama's campaign was keeping the positive tone in the face of some serious mud-slinging...the constant tying of Mac to Bush was a no brainer, the harping about his anti-war stance, etc, all easy calls.
Obama's demeanor of calmness and assuredness in the debates, if calculated, could be called 'slick' I guess, and he did show some finesse when answering questions about 'being wrong about the surge', and 'the threat of Iran'[I liked neither of his answers]
The perception of 'slickness' mostly has to do with Obama's speaking abilities, but hey, again, look at the act he was destined to follow
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ningyo1 year ago
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barry and blago have been joined at the hip for years--even as investigations and coming indictments swirled around this guy--and barry knew nothing??--he's either lying or the most naive incompetent senator ever..he isnt even in office yet and the stink from his past is coming to light..if you liked the corruption of clinton ..you'll love obama..unfortunately he has the economy in the grimy grasp of this socialist bunch
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jovial1 year ago
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FITZGERALD: I should make clear the complaint makes no allegations about the president-elect whatsoever, his conduct. This part of the scheme lost steam when the person that the governor thought was the president-elect's choice of senator took herself out of the running. But after the deal never happened, this is the governor's reaction, quote: "They're not willing to give me anything but appreciation. Bleep them."
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So let's stop the Obama is getting deported to Kenya, connected to Rezko Illinois governor conspiracy crap. House found a good story. Stop wet-dreaming!
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kfolive1 year ago
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stop it you lame brains! If I had a dime for ever corrupt person in the government under bush, including bush himself, I would be a rich person. You can not prevent idiots from being in our government but that doesn't mean Obama is one of them. Stop putting down the only person that has the ability to save us from the mess you repubs made of the last 8 years!
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Centinel1 year ago
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You should stop it! Listening to Mr. Obama's supporters, the less than free thinkers would believe that he is the second coming of the Messiah.
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Let him get into office and act before we crown him the savior of our country!
Evil is in control and is extremely strong. They hold the best hand and we are at their mercy unless we citizens and patriots start showing some courage. I won't be holding my breath though. Too many are too cowardly to risk their jobs. The country and its people are at the mercy of the employers. It like the coal miners of appalachia in the thirty's.-
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kfolive1 year ago
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You have to have a leader that can run things and although yes we need to be vigilant in our forward thinking, we are not cowardly if we choose a leader that actually may help us make changes.
"Evil" is not in control, stupidity and greed is and Barak Obama is not stupid or greedy. herein lies the difference between what we have now and what we have chosen for the next 4 years. Yes I look to a future of change with the correct choice I made for the President of my country.
I for one would love to do away with the waiting process until January and start having the ability once again to not only think free but live free.
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lhurley271 year ago
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Nostalgia....the problem with your "guilt by association" theory is just this. Obama merely worked with these people...he didn't do what they do!!! You are an American, therefor YOU associate with all of them too!!! You are , but your theory, GUILTY of associating with dishonest people. At least that's how people from other parts of the world see us Americans. Is this the kind of backward thinking you want to propagate??
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lhurley271 year ago
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Nostalgia....the problem with your "guilt by association" theory is just this. Obama merely worked with these people...he didn't do what they do!!! You are an American, therefor YOU associate with all of them too!!! You are , but your theory, GUILTY of associating with dishonest people. At least that's how people from other parts of the world see us Americans. Is this the kind of backward thinking you want to propagate??
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dotsie_d1 year ago
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I live in Louisiana, and we corner the market on our crooked politicians. When I heard about this, it was just kind of a "...state governor was arrested today..." and I thought maybe Bobby Jindal had a serious, SERIOUS lapse in judgement. Then when I heard who it REALLY was, I thought, "Maybe he has family in Louisiana!"
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tobamerican1 year ago
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Oh, but there's more: On October 11, 2006, Blagojevich fundraisers and businessmen Antonin "Tony" Rezko and Stuart Levine were indicted for participation in a scheme to obtain kickbacks from investment firms seeking business from two state boards. Levine pleaded guilty two weeks later and agreed to testify against Rezko. Is he the one who blew the whistle on Blagojevich?
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The governor's wife, Patricia Blagojevich, was a business partner of Rezko's for at least a decade. In 2004, she received over $38,000 in real estate commissions from him. -
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NoWayMan1 year ago
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Obama isn't even mentioned in the case, so...you still lost the election cons.
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and as far as Blagojevich is concerned, this liberal says lock him up and throw away the key, no matter what party he belongs to.
now I wish some of you cons would have the balls to come out and blast all the corrupt republicans, cause there are so many of them that need blasting, and some of them are currently in the white house. -
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xddy4u21 year ago
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Obama doesn't have (S)HIT to do with this. All you pundit (A)SSHOLES know this, but you all want Obama to fail so bad until anything that happens in the whole State of Illinois is his fault.
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In Illinois you can't be a dog catcher without talking to some crooked politician. All you want is a job, and he's the (B)astard that's over the hiring. He hires you, does that make you a part of his inner crooked circle? Obama is NOT a part of this rotten scheme. -
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DebraJMSmith1 year ago
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This is democracy in action. Our U.S. Constitution guarantees us a republican form of government. A democracy follows the law of ‘mob rule’. A republic follows the law of the land. It is not a shock to me that a democrat would behave the way that the Illinois Governor has behaved. I bet he didn’t even think he was doing anything wrong. The party believes that it can buy anything. Hence, it stands to reason that it believes it can BE bought, as well. The party believes in having its pockets’ lined. Therefore it stands to reason that people in the party, would look for such.
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Debra...
www.InformingChristians.com -
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grechero1 year ago
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What a surprise? The only surprise is that the story spins it to "Chicago politics." Every elected official is in it for the money, the patronage and the power. Not one of them cares a fig for their "duty" their community of their country. They care about winning the lottery and either through "lobbying" "fund raising" patronage, nepotism, bribery, influence peddling, gifts, off-shore accounts that is their number one business and priority. The country is going down the drain from the weight of neglect and skimming tax money and nobody cares.
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Hhussk1 year ago
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I've been following the story for about 24 hours.
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This is not the final story. This is the beginning of a rather large, wide-reaching, investigation. I have no reason to believe our President-elect has done anything wrong, but what he needs to do now is come forward with full disclosure. Because of his background in Chicago and Illinois, he will be involved in the investigation, even if he is innocent. -
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Hhussk1 year ago
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I forgot to add:
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Obama was an early supporter of Blagojevich for his governer race.
Governor Blagojevich was an ealy supporter of Obama's 2004 Senatorial Campaign.
Tony Rezco is a close associate to Blagojevich and was a close associate of Obama's. It was the Rezco case which opened the door to this case against Blagojevich.
Overall, I'm saying this will put a "pall" on Obama's administration. I'm not saying Obama is guilty, merely that his past associations will not help his appearance. -
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Leemck021 year ago
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Outraged are we? Remember the 2000 and 2004 Presidential elections? Dibold the machine of choice to throw these and mid-year elections. The presidency in question and where are the FBI tapes and stuff on the CEO of Dibold who promised to deliver the election to 'W' and the Republicans?
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Was there a rush to compare, consider or use the TruVote machines that offered a paper receipt where Dibold did not? Dibold was shown as subject to tampering where the vote could be switched no matter what the voter selected. If a Senate Seat is important what about the Commander and Chief spot?
What Jack Abramoff and the "K-Street" did in the buy-off of America, by lobbyist, makes Illinois look like a second rate yard sale. This is not to mention 'W's' "Friends and Family" Sole Source Opportunities Act. Let the naysayers say "Iraq contractors"; remember the bridge that was contracted by Cheney's companies before it was blown up? If a city's contracts are something to rage about (they are) what about the National Treasury?
Send Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris off where crooks should go, and start investigating those others that DoJ gave a pass to with the "Friends and Family" plan.
This bailout in some large or small way is related to contracts that went to payback and the same stuff this governor did, where if it would have been fairly and competently awarded, more working people, distributed would likely be better off, even if we did come to this poor economy. All I can say is clean it all up, including Newt, Cheney, 'W' and the other congress that walked and have sold America for favors and lining their own pockets. By all means, get the ones that stole elections by tampering. ACORN is a second rate wanna-be compared to where that Dibold tampering leads. -
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Leemck021 year ago
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When I say "We are not alone", I am not talking about the 'X' Files. What happened in Illinois is not unique to that state, subject or that level of government. Go to City or County government meetings and see the miniature scale of the same thing. One-by-one, special favors that go to Main Street and ignore "Your Street" is another stake in the Middle Class's heart.
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The greater challenge is not to view Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris as an isolated event. Call for your federal representative and U.S. President to make policy for access to DOJ for interventions at the local level in a "Hot Line" and "Whistle Blower" program. Let the FBI put taps on all of them.
The poor and working class places drag on the economy (looking at GM and the other Blue Chips, they do it with style) but the "Bottom" need a level playing field to lift themselves up, that is the point. Every time your local government favors "old Money" that run the town or the "Main Street" crowd (Banks and established businesses that have special preference) and meanwhile will not make policy or enforce policy that creates more small businesses that compete for market share, in fair commerce, then these elected officials are no better than the Illinois gang we are appalled by here. Open your eyes and demand that your locals are ethical. "Sweep around your own front door."-
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Leemck021 year ago
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Hhussk, with all this conflict of interest and graft, I don't like where thing are or where they are going very much either. I am aware of the resistance to solid ethics and oversight attempts that has teeth. As far as the government, please tell me which state has a functional consumer protection agency? I know these people in office heartfelt concerns are for votes to get into office. Volatility in the process that favor the advantaged is held on to, so I am not that optimistic that change will come from government, without public insistence. No, make that a public demand. This blog allows us to share and ask others to consider other opinions. If enough of the public will think about issues, and in their own way push for change, something will get better. At worst, we won't gasp with shock and awe at the Illinois governor knowing the same thing, on some scope and scale, is happening or is possible in our own City Hall or County Commission, on our Main Street. That's a lot of streets, and is where Americans live too.
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CRYMTYPHON1 year ago
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When a crook in high position is forced to answer for their dishonesty like any other citizen, it is a good thing. It affirms our system.
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Those who comment here in the hope that it tarnishes our next President, - might want to see the moral; that dishonesty makes people look foolish.
Check the motto of the poster, HOUSEMD , at the top of the page.
It is: everyone lies .
It is, of course, a lie. -
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BB641 year ago
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So let me get this straight. The seat was for sale and Blagojevich forgot to cut in Daley? Was that why he's been charged? Is this how Obama got his shot at the senate? Paid a little, got Ryan's sealed divorce records released and magically the Trib printed them. Then again, this is Illinois. Where voters vote early & often. They have the most loyal voters too. Many people are dead for year but still continue to vote.
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