http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/cultureofcorruption/ en-us Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:25:36 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418579/posts MADISON, Wis. — The leader of the state's largest police union was cited for drunken driving last week after he left his apartment to help another union employee who had crashed her car into a shed, according to police reports obtained Monday. James L. Palmer II, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, faces one count of first offense driving while under the influence, a traffic violation akin to speeding. He issued a statement Monday saying he regrets his actions. "I am ashamed at this deplorable exercise of poor judgment, and I accept total responsibility," he said. "I offer... AP via Houston Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418579/posts#comment Thu, 31 Dec 2009 20:25:36 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418378/posts Two Cal Poly Pomona professors emeriti have called on the Legislature and Attorney General Jerry Brown to probe flawed investment choices by CalPERS in recent years. Professors Walter Coombs of Claremont and Ralph Shaffer of Covina called for the investigations in an opinion piece published in The Riverside Press Enterprise. To read their full commentary, click here. Here are their ending remarks: It's time for a thorough examination of CalPERS by the state attorney general and the Legislature. Recent investments smack of cronyism and outright conflict of interest. Were investment transactions based on proper research or did certain favored real... SacBee: State Worker http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2418378/posts#comment Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:52:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417880/posts ...Mayor Bill White on Tuesday announced a 21-member commission to study Houston's term limits and make recommendations by July 1. Any changes to the current limit of three, two-year terms for Houston's mayor, controller and 14 City Council members would be subject to approval by the council and by voters... In November 1991, after Kathy Whitmire had completed 10 years as mayor and some council members had served continuously for decades, 56.9 percent of Houston voters approved term limits that took effect in 1993. The panel appointed by White represents the first serious effort to change this system. “Houston has... Houston Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417880/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:50:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417825/posts Ford City, Pa. -- Rep. John P. Murtha's record of bringing home money from Washington -- at a current rate of $100 million a year -- has become the envy of Capitol Hill colleagues and a subject of grateful awe in a stretch of Pennsylvania desperate for new jobs. In Congress, Murtha beats everybody in loading legislation with earmarks, federal funds steered to chosen contractors without the usual reviews. But after two decades of Murtha-directed federal investment here, a look at the results shows the congressman's promises of jobs often fall short. In some cases, the federal government has spent... Washington Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2417825/posts#comment Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:30:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416941/posts 'There is not a liberal America and a conservative America -- there is the United States of America. There is not a Black America and a White America and Latino America and Asian America -- there's the United States of America." With these words at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, Barack Obama electrified a divided country, launching a victorious Senate campaign, and four years later, a triumphant presidential campaign. He took office amid the worst conditions facing any incoming president since Franklin D. Roosevelt -- a great recession, two wars, financial free-fall. In his first year he staved off depression,... Chicago Sun-Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416941/posts#comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 15:03:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416929/posts From President Barack Obama's historic inauguration to Tiger Woods' surreal fall from grace, 2009 has proved to be a tumultuous time in American history. As the year comes to a close, we take a look back at the political controversies, celebrity scandals, and public outrages that most defined the end of this decade. JanuaryOBAMA INAUGURATION STIRS RACIAL TENSIONS With the economy teetering on the edge of collapse, the nation's first African-American president is sworn into office under what many commentators consider the most difficult domestic circumstances since the Great Depression. His skin color continues to provoke debate: While Rush Limbaugh... The Week http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416929/posts#comment Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:42:03 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416459/posts Washington, DCJudicial Watch, the public interest group that investigates and prosecutes government corruption, today released its 2009 list of Washington’s “Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians.”  The list, in alphabetical order, includes: 1. Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT):  This marks two years in a row for Senator Dodd, who made the 2008 “Ten Most Corrupt” list for his corrupt relationship with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and for accepting preferential treatment and loan terms from Countrywide Financial, a scandal which still dogs him.  In 2009, the scandals kept coming for the Connecticut Democrat.  In 2009, Judicial Watch filed a Senate ethics complaint against... judicialwatch.org http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416459/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:50:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416294/posts It has been more than four years since Jacob Kiferbaum pleaded guilty in a kickback scheme involving a hospital that needed state approval for a construction project, one of the earliest corruption scandals under former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Kiferbaum, though, has yet to spend a day in prison. The north suburban construction magnate is one of 12 men convicted in Illinois political corruption cases who still await sentencing months -- in some cases, years -- after their convictions. The lone exception among them: Tony Rezko, who was a major campaign fund-raiser for Blagojevich, among other politicians. Like the others, Rezko... Chicago Sun-Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416294/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:57:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416027/posts Veteran Civil Rights Division attorney Christopher Coates is no longer chief of the Voting Section, according to the division’s Web site. There was no official announcement of the personnel change in the long-troubled section, which most recently has been embroiled in the controversy over the New Black Panther Party voter intimidation case. Main Justice noticed the change on the Voting Section Web site. Taking over for Coates in an acting role is Chris Herren, a deputy chief of the section, according to the Web site. Alejandro Miyar, a spokesman for the Civil Rights Division, wasn’t available for comment Sunday. Coates... MainJustice.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416027/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:42:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416238/posts Rasmussen's latest tracking poll shows 46% strongly disapprove of Obama's performance as president. That is compared to 43% who strongly disapproved of George W. Bush at the end of his presidency. But how much worse would Obama's numbers be (and how much better Bush's) if not for this Rasmussen finding: One bright spot in the numbers for the President is that 51% of voters still say former President George W. Bush is more to blame for the nation’s economic woes. Just 41% point the finger of blame at the current President. In fact, the mortgage meltdown was overwhelmingly a Democrat... Flopping Aces http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416238/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:36:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416139/posts Feingold, McCain, Lieberman Introduce Resolution to Reverse FEC’s Action to Gut Corporate Jets Provision. WASHINGTON, DC – A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation to reject a Federal Election Commission regulation that would effectively gut Congress’ work to crack down on Senators accepting rides on corporate jets. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI), John McCain (R-AZ) and Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) introduced a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the FEC’s decision and require it to redraft the regulation. In the regulation published in the Federal Register on December 7, the FEC undermined Congress’ decision in 2007 to... U.S. Sen. John McCain, RINO-Ariz. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2416139/posts#comment Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:54:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415618/posts PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona Sen. John McCain is criticizing passage Thursday of the health care overhaul bill saying sleazy deals were cut behind closed doors. In an interview with Phoenix radio station KTAR-FM, McCain said "the lobbyists and special interests have won. The American people have lost. But the battle isn't over." (snip) He predicts Democrats will pay a very heavy price for passage of health care overhaul that he estimates will add another $2.5 trillion debt on future generations of Americans. AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415618/posts#comment Sun, 27 Dec 2009 05:18:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415304/posts WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) announced Wednesday that North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison and seven other Arkansas hospitals will be protected under an amendment she secured in the revised Senate health plan. Her proposal prevents scheduled Medicare payment cuts proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) that put 250 hospitals throughout the United States at a disadvantage, including hospitals in Mountain Home, Forrest City, Blytheville, Helena, Jonesboro, Batesville, Paragould and Harrison. The move is expected to spare North Arkansas Regional Medical Center $1,078,857 in Medicare cuts. Harrison Daily Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2415304/posts#comment Sat, 26 Dec 2009 15:14:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414642/posts White House Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton said Thursday that Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel's job is "very safe" in the wake of a letter penned by a surprising political couple requesting the Justice Department to investigate him. Liberal blogger Jane Hamsher of Firedoglake.com and Grover Norquist, the head of the conservative Americans for Tax Reform, yesterday penned a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder asking for an investigation for Emanuel for his role on the board of Freddie Mac earlier this decade. The couple allege that Emanuel's position is a reason why Justice has not investigated the public-private... The Hill http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414642/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 20:04:18 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2414580/posts Beware of the Sleeping Giant– Sarah Palin warned the big government democrat-socialists: Tomorrow’s Health care Takeover vote Will cause the sleeping giant to awaken and take action. “Average” Americans will take action as light shines on big government growth and corruption. The democrats have bribed enough senators and will vote tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM EST to take over health care. May December 24, 2009 be the beginning of the end of big government socialism in America. We Will Never Forget. Gateway Pundit http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2414580/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:20:08 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414214/posts My, how times have changed. In 2006, Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats won majorities in both chambers of Congress by running against the “culture of corruption,” pledging to operate openly and honestly on Capitol Hill. Two years later, Barack Obama rode to victory by pledging to change the way Washington DC operates, declaring that he would lead the most open and transparent government ever. Now Rep. James Clyburn, as House Majority Whip the third-ranking Democrat in the House, has declared that Republicans should join Democrats in buying and selling votes rather than complain about the corruption on Capitol Hill: U.S.... Hotair http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414214/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:45:14 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414191/posts The gist: With his antics, U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson is making a mockery of his office and letting down constituents. * * * In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, the 8th District Democrat asked that a Lake County woman behind a Web site critical of Grayson be investigated, prosecuted, fined and imprisoned -- for five years. * * * Being the target of rough criticism is an occupational hazard for public officials, especially those as high-profile as a U.S. congressman. Any politician who pursues legal action against critics, even critics who may not have followed the letter... Orlando Sentinel http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414191/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:53:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414162/posts Self-Evident Truths: Sen. Dianne Feinstein says it comes under the Commerce Clause. Rep. Steny Hoyer says it's mandated by the "general welfare" clause. Despite liberal wishes, health care is not a right. The "living Constitution" that Democrats and their court appointees have given us may be the death of our freedoms. Their constitution adapts to the times and serves the whims of the elitists. The Constitution is supposed to limit government powers. It does not allow government to do anything it feels like doing. Cass Sunstein, the head of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, is the author of... Investors.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414162/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:08:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414128/posts Violating its own guarantee of unprecedented transparency, the White House is blocking an investigation into the controversial firing of an inspector general who exposed one of President Obama’s political supporters—a California mayor—for misusing federal funds. First Lady Michelle Obama was reportedly behind the contentious June dismissal of AmeriCorps Inspector General Gerald Walpin and congressional investigators want to interview the aide (Jackie Norris) who may have given the order. At the time Norris was the First Lady’s chief of staff but the White House counsel’s office has blocked investigators from interviewing her, according to a national news report. Norris is currently... Judicial watch http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414128/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:08:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414015/posts December 23, 2009 Reid: Real People Understand The Urgency For Health Reform Washington, D.C.—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor this afternoon. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery: “The health care votes we have held this week have been procedural in nature. Each has been a party-line vote. And much of this debate has focused on politics. “But health reform is not about procedure, or partisanship, or politics. “It is about people. People like the thousands who write us every day. A small, small fraction of those letters are right here on... democrats.senate.gov http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414015/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:08:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413940/posts Just in ... C-SPAN Live Senate proceedings http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413940/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:24:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413888/posts Al Franken, the Democrat from Minnesota who won election to the Senate after a successful career as a comic and author, has begun to show the sharp-tongued side of his personality by ripping into GOP staffers behind the scenes. Franken has worked diligently to keep a low public profile in Congress while focusing on wonky policy debates. But he has been unable to completely repress the fiery passion that made him a hero of the Democratic Party’s liberal base. Franken has teamed up with GOP colleagues to introduce a variety of legislation, something that may surprise fans who read his... The Hill http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413888/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:10:59 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413843/posts A retired Florida couple would appear an unlikely source to have given $83,000 in campaign donations over a five-year period to members of Congress from all over the country. Both in their 80s, they lived in a $118,000 Daytona Beach house they didn't own; they each voted only twice since 1992; and they seemed to lack the financial means to make the contributions. Yet, both were listed as having given dozens of donations to lawmakers, nearly half of which went to members of the House Appropriations Committee - legislators who were especially important to their then-son-in-law, superlobbyist Paul Magliocchetti, who... Washington Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413843/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:17:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413314/posts Politics: Sen. Mary Landrieu was the new "Louisiana Purchase." Sen. Ben Nelson got the federal government to pick up his state's future Medicaid tab. Maybe we should just put Senate votes up on eBay. Nelson, the 60th vote in the middle-of-the-night Senate party line vote on health care reform, will go down in American political history as the inventor of the permanent earmark. His seemingly principled stand against including federal funding for Tea Party Nexus http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413314/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:10:52 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413294/posts White House Blocks Testimony by First Lady's Ex-Top Aide in Walpin Case Republican efforts to interview a former top aide to Michelle Obama in the controversial case of a fired inspector general have been stymied by the White House, the the top Republican looking into the case said Tuesday Republican efforts to interview a former top aide to Michelle Obama in the controversial case of a fired inspector general have been stymied by the White House, the top Republican looking into the case said Tuesday. The White House counsel's office has blocked Republican investigators from interviewing Jackie Norris, former chief... FOX http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413294/posts#comment Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:44:45 GMT