Posted on 10/16/2005 9:50:41 AM PDT by Brian Mosely
WASHINGTON - A Republican senator from Idaho is the latest to invoke Louisiana's reputation for political corruption as Congress considers whether to spend billions of dollars on hurricane recovery.
Sen. Larry Craig told his home state constituents that fraud is as much a part of the fabric of Louisiana as it is in Iraq and that flooded sections of New Orleans should be abandoned.
"Fraud is in the culture of Iraqis. I believe that is true in the state of Louisiana as well," Craig was quoted as saying in the Lewiston (Idaho) Morning Tribune on Thursday.
He was also quoted in the McCall (Idaho) Star News, saying "Louisiana and New Orleans are the most corrupt governments in our country, and they always have been... . A rookie cop in New Orleans, they pay him or her $17,000 starting pay and then wink and say you better make the rest of it on the street."
As a member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Craig is in a position to back up his words with actions by withholding support for hurricane-related spending.
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., blasted Craig's comments as "old stereotypes" and "ignorant remarks." But Louisiana's sleazy political past has clearly become part of the hurricane recovery debate in Congress.
Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., has urged his colleagues not to let Louisiana politicians get their hands on the $62 billion appropriated so far because of "mind-boggling incompetence" in dealing with the storm and Louisiana's "long history of corruption."
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, was slightly more circumspect, but just as worried. Collins, chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, urged Senate leaders to quickly take up legislation to strengthen oversight of hurricane-related spending. She said it is becoming "increasingly evident" that federal relief efforts are "vulnerable to widespread abuse and waste."
As Craig toured his state during the congressional recess, he also had some thoughts on redeveloping New Orleans that may be worrisome to people in flood-ravaged neighborhoods contemplating rebuilding.
The Morning Tribune quoted him saying there is growing Senate support for abandoning whole sections of New Orleans flooded by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He mentioned the Lower Ninth Ward as an example.
"I'm not humorous when I suggest we should turn it back to what it was, a wetland," Craig was quoted as saying.
The comment echoed a remark by House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., in the days after the Aug. 29 storm. He said whole neighborhoods of the city should be bulldozed.
Landrieu conceded that the state has a decidedly checkered political past but also took note of other states with ethically challenged politicians. She mentioned the indictment last month of House Majority Leader Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, on money laundering and conspiracy charges.
She called Craig's references to the Ninth Ward "absolutely offensive."
"I remain hopeful that these hurtful remarks were not reported as he intended," Landrieu said.
But a Craig spokesman said the senator stood by the comments. The spokesman added that they weren't intended to reflect on Landrieu personally.
Yet another slur against the Iraqi coalition government.
---a glimmer of light in a dark, dark place---
This is actually insulting to the new Iraq.
LA may be more corrupt than the old Iraq (oil for food),
but if there was widespread corruption in the new Iraq,
I'm sure the Legacy Media would be all over it (Bush's
fault, etc.).
But sure, not one dime for LA/NO until all current and
prior dimes are accounted for.
Landrieu conceded that the state has a decidedly checkered political past but also took note of other states with ethically challenged politicians. She mentioned the indictment last month of House Majority Leader Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas, on money laundering and conspiracy charges.
She called Craig's references to the Ninth Ward "absolutely offensive."
"I remain hopeful that these hurtful remarks were not reported as he intended," Landrieu said.
But a Craig spokesman said the senator stood by the comments. The spokesman added that they weren't intended to reflect on Landrieu personally.
Nothing personal Mary....
Hey, Mary...you and your family are the problem, not the solution to Louisiana's corruption. And BTW, you don't think threatening to punch the president of the United States is not "hurtful". Why don't you and your little Miss Priss attitude go straight to he!!.
Landrieu is part of the "old stereotypes". Vitter is the "new stereotype".
Tancredo and others speaking with him are correct. I doubt that taxpayers want their funds in the pockets of the inept because it will not help anyone.
Well I just got back from New Orleans and after seeing things down there first hand and having the lies of the MSM dispelled(such as Blacks could not get out because of the lack of cars, when in fact there are flooded out cars all over the 9th ward, most stayed so their homes would not be looted), I am heavily considering a run for the House in 2008. I am sick and tired of Republicans/Conservatives being blamed for the failures and corruption of Liberals/Democrats.
That was my first reactioin as well. This is a VERY unfortunate time for some loud mouth Senator to disparage the Iraqis with the charge of fraud. The silent implication is that the election just held is likely rife with fraud.
Directions:
1: Put brain in gear
2: Open mouth...
Yet another slur against the Iraqi coalition government.That was my first thought when I read the headline of this piece!
Woo Hoo!!!!!!. Not too soon to get started, say the word and we'll pass the hat for seed money. I'm sure there are many FReepers who will be ready to offer both moral and monetary support for your efforts. God bless and God speed!
Regards,
GtG
As she should...since she and her family are quite a part of it.
I remember reading many years ago that the Mafia is the cleanest organization in Louisiana. Certainly far cleaner than the government.
Posted on 10/15/2005 10:06:54 AM PDT by abb
Idaho senator says fraud part of La. culture
"I am heavily considering a run for the House in 2008."
This is the only good news I've heard today.
Lemme know where to send my campaign contribution. *~*
LOL
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