Friday, February 24, 2006
Sen. Dole and Her Lobbyist Husband
Former Senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole has been a big-time lobbyist in DC for quite a while now. And his wife has been a Republican Senator for a while now too. No doubt they have had conversations about legislative issues -- that's what they both do for a living.
But now we hear that Lobbyist Dole is the guy who got the United Arab Emirates port deal signed. The UAE government is paying Lobbyist Dole to keep Congress from screwing it up.
So this puts Senator Dole in the position of having a financial interest -- through her husband's earnings -- in keeping the deal intact.
Does that also put her into an ethical bind of having to choose between her husband's livelihood and her fiduciary duty to protect the citizens of the United States?
But wait. I'm talkling about Republicans as if they care about ethics. What was I thinking?
Never mind.
But now we hear that Lobbyist Dole is the guy who got the United Arab Emirates port deal signed. The UAE government is paying Lobbyist Dole to keep Congress from screwing it up.
So this puts Senator Dole in the position of having a financial interest -- through her husband's earnings -- in keeping the deal intact.
Does that also put her into an ethical bind of having to choose between her husband's livelihood and her fiduciary duty to protect the citizens of the United States?
But wait. I'm talkling about Republicans as if they care about ethics. What was I thinking?
Never mind.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Bush Port Deal Story Won't Go Away
Despite the best efforts of Karl Rove & Company, the story about the Bush Administration's deal to turn over management of six US ports to a United Arab Emirates-owned company just won't go away.
Bush is struggling to explain himself (what a shocker) and most Republicans have jumped ship.
The fact that Bush is still defending the deal makes me wonder what's really up.
It's really a shame, but given the history of lies and misrepresentations we have seen from Bush and Cheney, you just have to wonder why he's still hanging on to this deal.
Bush is struggling to explain himself (what a shocker) and most Republicans have jumped ship.
The fact that Bush is still defending the deal makes me wonder what's really up.
It's really a shame, but given the history of lies and misrepresentations we have seen from Bush and Cheney, you just have to wonder why he's still hanging on to this deal.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
White House Now Claims Bush Didn't Know About Port Deal Before It Was Finalized
The White House is now saying that Bush didn't know about the deal to turn over management of US ports to a United Arab Emirates-owned company until after it was done.
Are they trying to distance him from the growing bipartisan public backlash?
If so, Bush is now in a position of being seen either as a liar (saying he didn't know) or an incompetent (he didn't understand why it was a bad idea).
I am inclined to think he DID know.
Bush doesn't like to be challenged, so when he heard about Congressional efforts to derail the deal, he summoned the press pool to the front of Air Force One the other day to tell them he would veto any bill that limited the deal. And when he landed, he again defended the deal.
Bush seems to have a lot invested in the deal. Yes, he's a bully who lashes out at anyone who disagrees with him, but he seems too strident for someone who wasn't involved in the deal in the first place.
I suspect those involved in the deal will add some requirements, such as making the UAE report regularly to the Administration. And if Congress ends up passing anything, it likely will just be a non-binding resolution saying that US ports should be protected. And that would let Bush off the hook re: his veto threat.
Are they trying to distance him from the growing bipartisan public backlash?
If so, Bush is now in a position of being seen either as a liar (saying he didn't know) or an incompetent (he didn't understand why it was a bad idea).
I am inclined to think he DID know.
Bush doesn't like to be challenged, so when he heard about Congressional efforts to derail the deal, he summoned the press pool to the front of Air Force One the other day to tell them he would veto any bill that limited the deal. And when he landed, he again defended the deal.
Bush seems to have a lot invested in the deal. Yes, he's a bully who lashes out at anyone who disagrees with him, but he seems too strident for someone who wasn't involved in the deal in the first place.
I suspect those involved in the deal will add some requirements, such as making the UAE report regularly to the Administration. And if Congress ends up passing anything, it likely will just be a non-binding resolution saying that US ports should be protected. And that would let Bush off the hook re: his veto threat.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Growing Evidence of What Many Thought All Along: Cheney Has the Real Power
And he uses it.
Newsweek's cover story talks about Cheney's dark, secretive mind-set, and how he holds and uses power.
And as Rose Siding points out on Democratic Underground, the Newsweek piece discusses how the 9/11 Commission staff didn't believe Cheney's version of events -- specifically doubting he contacted Bush before ordering the shooting down of a civilian airliner (Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania).
The White House staff went nuts when they saw the Commission's draft and got it toned down. As Rose Siding says, they certainly couldn't let the world know Cheney gave the order on his own, as that would have revealed he is the real power behind the throne.
Newsweek's cover story talks about Cheney's dark, secretive mind-set, and how he holds and uses power.
And as Rose Siding points out on Democratic Underground, the Newsweek piece discusses how the 9/11 Commission staff didn't believe Cheney's version of events -- specifically doubting he contacted Bush before ordering the shooting down of a civilian airliner (Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania).
The White House staff went nuts when they saw the Commission's draft and got it toned down. As Rose Siding says, they certainly couldn't let the world know Cheney gave the order on his own, as that would have revealed he is the real power behind the throne.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Was Cheney Drinking?
I have no information that Cheney had been drinking before he shot his fellow quail hunter. But questions have been raised, and Cheney's usual arrogance and refusal to be open about what he does fuels speculation.
Think about it:
Think about it:
- Cheney has two DUIs.
- He told Republican-friendly Brit Hume that he "had a beer at lunch."
- After sending his shot friend to the hospital, according to ranch owner Ms. Armstrong's comments to CNN, Cheney "fixed himself a cocktail."
- "Why didn't the Cheney go to the hospital with his friend? Did he need time to sober up?"
- "Why did Cheney wait until the following morning to alert the media? Did he need time to sober up?"
- "In many states, hunters are required to take a blood alcohol test after any accidental shooting. Why didn't Cheney?"
- "Why isn't the media talking about Cheney's two DUIs?"
- "Why won't Cheney hold a press conference? Does he have something to hide?"
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Cheney Shooting Story Won't Go Away
Dick Cheney went on Republican-friendly Fox News and kinda took responsiblity for shooting his hunting companion -- but not completely -- he still makes a point of repeating that the guy got in his way.
Cheney chose Republican-friendly Brit Hume to chat with in an age-old public relations strategy -- go on national TV and tell your story, then when reporters ask again you can say "that has already been addressed" and not answer. Nothing to see here. Move along.
But the strategy isn't working. More questions are being raised as the story shifts. Was alcohol involved? Folks at the ranch say beer had been available. Cheney, who I understand has two drunk driving convictions, said he "may have had a beer at lunch."
As Nixon taught, but no one seems to learn, its not the crime, it's the coverup that gets you in trouble.
Cheney chose Republican-friendly Brit Hume to chat with in an age-old public relations strategy -- go on national TV and tell your story, then when reporters ask again you can say "that has already been addressed" and not answer. Nothing to see here. Move along.
But the strategy isn't working. More questions are being raised as the story shifts. Was alcohol involved? Folks at the ranch say beer had been available. Cheney, who I understand has two drunk driving convictions, said he "may have had a beer at lunch."
As Nixon taught, but no one seems to learn, its not the crime, it's the coverup that gets you in trouble.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Cheney's Secrecy, Arrogance Now Concerns Repubs Facing Election
Dick Cheney has always had a screw-you attitude. The shooting incident has provided another example of his power and the fact that he has the whole White House intimidated.
Now Republicans facing election this November are upset with Cheney's actions, as the Washington Post points out. But I wonder how many Republicans in Congress will have the courage to say anything in public.
Check out Hoffmania's insight on Cheney's bravado.
Now Republicans facing election this November are upset with Cheney's actions, as the Washington Post points out. But I wonder how many Republicans in Congress will have the courage to say anything in public.
Check out Hoffmania's insight on Cheney's bravado.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
White House Apparently Afraid of Cheney
When Cheney shot his fellow hunter in Texas last week, the White House deferred to him on telling the public.
The Washington Post points out:
Cheney has everybody running scared -- afraid to cross him.
And they better be careful. Cheney's got a gun, and he ain't afraid to use it.
The Washington Post points out:
The White House typically releases information immediately on incidents involving the president's personal life, such as bike-riding accidents, to avoid the appearance of covering up embarrassments. It is highly unusual, if not unprecedented, for the White House to allow a private citizen serve as its de facto spokesman.
But current and former aides said the White House rarely imposes its practices, especially on press matters, on Cheney. The vice president's office often operates autonomously in a manner that many top White House officials are reluctant to challenge.
Cheney has everybody running scared -- afraid to cross him.
And they better be careful. Cheney's got a gun, and he ain't afraid to use it.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Cheney Shoots Fellow Hunter
Dick Cheney is a very experienced hunter. But Saturday afternoon he apparently couldn't tell the difference between a six foot tall man wearing a bright orange vest and a two inch tall bird.
Although Cheney shot the man on Saturday, it was not until nearly 24 hours later that the Administration admitted the incident occurred. Given Cheney's insatiable desire for secrecy, this is not surprising. It was only after the local newspaper reported it -- probably acting on a tip from someone at the hospital -- that the Cheney folks came clean. But even then they just referred calls to the owner of the ranch on which Cheney was hunting.
Republican-friendly Fox News this morning was blaming the guy who was shot, saying he should have told Cheney he was nearby. I guess it's part of being a Republican -- you talk about responsibility and accountability, but you never actually take responsibility yourself for anything.
Although Cheney shot the man on Saturday, it was not until nearly 24 hours later that the Administration admitted the incident occurred. Given Cheney's insatiable desire for secrecy, this is not surprising. It was only after the local newspaper reported it -- probably acting on a tip from someone at the hospital -- that the Cheney folks came clean. But even then they just referred calls to the owner of the ranch on which Cheney was hunting.
Republican-friendly Fox News this morning was blaming the guy who was shot, saying he should have told Cheney he was nearby. I guess it's part of being a Republican -- you talk about responsibility and accountability, but you never actually take responsibility yourself for anything.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Rove Pressuring Senators, Trying To Avoid Bush's Impeachment
My January 24 post noted that Insight magazine, sister publication to the conservative, White House-friendly Washington Times, ran a piece about the Administration preparing for Bush's impeachment because of his warrantless spying program. I speculated that Karl Rove may be trying to intimidate Senator Arlen Spector and others not to push too hard for the details of the spying program, as impeachment may be an unintended consequence.
It seems Rove is kicking it up a notch. And threatening to kick Republican butt if they cross him.
Insight reports that Rove is threatening to cut off political and financial support from any Senator who votes against the president.
The White House is running scared over this warrantless spying. Attorney General Gonzales was very evasive in his Senate testimony this week, not wanting to even come close to admitting Bush broke the law. Now Rove is using hardball intimidation tactics to threaten Senators.
And the really interesting thing is that Insight -- a right wing rag with ties to the White House -- is publicizing all this.
It seems Rove is kicking it up a notch. And threatening to kick Republican butt if they cross him.
Insight reports that Rove is threatening to cut off political and financial support from any Senator who votes against the president.
The White House is running scared over this warrantless spying. Attorney General Gonzales was very evasive in his Senate testimony this week, not wanting to even come close to admitting Bush broke the law. Now Rove is using hardball intimidation tactics to threaten Senators.
And the really interesting thing is that Insight -- a right wing rag with ties to the White House -- is publicizing all this.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Boehner Opposes Reform Efforts
Not surprisingly, new House Republican Majority Leader John Boehner doesn't want to reform too much.
Conventional wisdom in the lobbying community around town was that if Blunt had won, not much of anything would have changed. Blunt is close to DeLay, who chose him to keep the seat warm until he beat the money laundering charges.
Boehner also is close to Republican lobbyists, but we thought he would make at least a few cosmetic changes. It appears he doesn't even want to do that. The Washington Post reports that Boehner opposes efforts to ban lobbyist-funded trips for Members of Congress.
I am sure the Republicans will put together a bill so they can tell constituents they are doing something, but I am equally sure any such bill will have a minimal impact at best.
Conventional wisdom in the lobbying community around town was that if Blunt had won, not much of anything would have changed. Blunt is close to DeLay, who chose him to keep the seat warm until he beat the money laundering charges.
Boehner also is close to Republican lobbyists, but we thought he would make at least a few cosmetic changes. It appears he doesn't even want to do that. The Washington Post reports that Boehner opposes efforts to ban lobbyist-funded trips for Members of Congress.
I am sure the Republicans will put together a bill so they can tell constituents they are doing something, but I am equally sure any such bill will have a minimal impact at best.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Boehner Beats Blunt for House Repub Leader; Voting Irregularity on First Ballot
Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) beat Acting Majority Leader Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) to take the place of Tom DeLay, who was forced to step down because of his indictment on money laundering charges.
Blunt was close to DeLay. After Boehner announced he would challenge Blunt, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Arizona) announced he would run also. The strategy (not stated in public) seemed to be to give anti-DeLay/Blunt members an alternative and to assure that no one would win a majority on the first ballot.
The strategy worked.
Blunt got the most votes on the first official ballot -- 110 to 79 for Boehner and 40 for Shaddag. But because Blunt didn't get a majority, he had to face Boehner in a runoff, and the Shaddag people voted for Boehner.
Interestingly, although perhaps not surprisingly, the first ballot had to be thrown out -- declared null and void. I was not in the room, of course, but I am told that on the first ballot they had more ballots cast than members present. It appeared that someone literally was stuffing the ballot box.
Republican corruption is everywhere -- even when they are just choosing among themselves.
Blunt was close to DeLay. After Boehner announced he would challenge Blunt, Rep. John Shadegg (R-Arizona) announced he would run also. The strategy (not stated in public) seemed to be to give anti-DeLay/Blunt members an alternative and to assure that no one would win a majority on the first ballot.
The strategy worked.
Blunt got the most votes on the first official ballot -- 110 to 79 for Boehner and 40 for Shaddag. But because Blunt didn't get a majority, he had to face Boehner in a runoff, and the Shaddag people voted for Boehner.
Interestingly, although perhaps not surprisingly, the first ballot had to be thrown out -- declared null and void. I was not in the room, of course, but I am told that on the first ballot they had more ballots cast than members present. It appeared that someone literally was stuffing the ballot box.
Republican corruption is everywhere -- even when they are just choosing among themselves.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Bush Hasn't Told Truth (surprise) About Abramoff Meetings
Check The Huffington Post for the story of how indicted Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff set up meetings for clients with Bush.
The White House still is claiming Bush never met with Abramoff, but only saw him at a couple of holiday parties.
Why does anybody believe anything Bush says?
This country deserves better.
The White House still is claiming Bush never met with Abramoff, but only saw him at a couple of holiday parties.
Why does anybody believe anything Bush says?
This country deserves better.
