http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/graft/ en-us Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:24:07 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414549/posts A walking path along the Naugatuck River. A better public safety communications system in Enfield. More than $28 million to support local homeless assistance programs in Connecticut. Those are just some of the projects for which U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd recently helped win federal funding. And that laundry list of goodies doesn't even include the possibility of $100 million for a new University of Connecticut hospital that was slipped into the health care overhaul bill last weekend. The politically vulnerable Democrat has been criticized for using the promise of federal money to bolster his chances of winning re-election in 2010.... Courant.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2414549/posts#comment Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:24:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413976/posts At least 10 states are now raising questions about the legality of the deal that Senator Ben Nelson, a Democrat, cut for his home state of Nebraska during the health care negotiations. Under the agreement, which is on the verge of being approved Thursday by the Senate, Nebraska is permanently exempt from paying for its expansion of Medicaid, shoving that cost onto taxpayers in every other state. Mr. Nelson was able to exercise such leverage because in exchange, he was providing the magical 60th vote that Democrats needed to advance their health care bill. The deal has enraged other Senators,... New York Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2413976/posts#comment Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:13:54 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2412596/posts Taking advantage of a lull in the healthcare debate, the Senate Thursday began considering a nearly $450 billion fiscal 2010 spending omnibus package in an effort to complete most of the fiscal year's appropriations business in the next few days. Senate action on the measure -- which includes six fiscal 2010 appropriations bills but not the Defense bill -- came after the House passed the package 221-202 earlier Thursday. The Senate will consider the legislation this weekend because Republicans are blocking a consent agreement to complete the measure early next week. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., Thursday evening filed... Government Executive http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2412596/posts#comment Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:58:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2408493/posts Responding to calls among rank-and-file Democrats for more infrastructure spending, House leaders Tuesday unveiled a plan to add almost $50 billion in spending on highways, housing, and school repair as part of a year-end plan to create jobs. The measure is aimed at keeping the fragile economic recovery on track with money for teachers, the unemployed and small businesses. A vote is planned for Wednesday. The Senate, however, won't act until next month at the earliest and has less of an appetite for another costly round of economic stimulus measures. All told the measure tops $150 billion once additional help... Business Week http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2408493/posts#comment Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:29:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2371750/posts The nation's pre-eminent seniors group, AARP, has put the weight of its 40 million members behind health care reform, saying many of the proposals will lower costs and increase the quality of care for older Americans. But not advertised in this lobbying campaign have been the group's substantial earnings from insurance royalties and the potential benefits that could come its way from many of the reform proposals. The group and its subsidiaries collected more than $650 million in royalties and other fees last year from the sale of insurance policies, credit cards and other products that carry the AARP name,... Denver Post http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2371750/posts#comment Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:17:47 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2371389/posts Here is a video, released today by the Washington State DOT, of a computer simulation of what is expected to happen if a magnitude 7.0 quake hits the area near downtown Seattle..... YouTube video This video focuses on the effects such a quake would have on the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the seawall on the waterfront. Make no mistake about it...this video is designed to scare the heck out of anyone who uses the viaduct. Why release it? According the the WSDOT, a private citizen, name withheld, made a public disclosure request through the FOIA. Washington DOT via KOMO News & YouTube http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2371389/posts#comment Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:41:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2370965/posts The House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee dispensed $636 billion this year to the Pentagon. Its members must look on the $103 million they earmarked for favored projects as mere crumbs from the table. Outside the defense budget, however, $100 million a year is a tidy sum, and getting a piece of the action is a regular part of Washington's political culture. At the center is a mutually beneficial connection between members of Congress, their former staff members turned lobbyists, and corporations or non-profits seeking federal money -- what some social scientists call "relationship circles." In this instance, it's better described as... Charleston Post and Courier http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2370965/posts#comment Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:15:33 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2365719/posts BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Mayor Larry Langford, who could be tossed out of office and go to prison if convicted of federal bribery charges, recently offered some advice to a new Birmingham City Council member. "The illusion of power is the most dangerous drug on the planet," Langford said. "A little bit of power — nothing intoxicates like it." Last week's comment may sound a lot like the government's opening argument against Langford, 61, the most recent in a long line of prominent names in the state Democratic Party to face corruption charges. Jury selection begins Monday. Prosecutors claim a... AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2365719/posts#comment Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:43:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2354493/posts While Michelle Obama fruitlessly pimped (oh ok, shilled, promoted) her corrupt, broke and now nationally known violent, native town, as a site for the 2016 Olympics, for the first time in her life she was seemingly proud of it. Her neighborhood "of working families -- families with modest homes and strong values.Sports were what brought our community together. They strengthen our ties to one another." It was also, and still is, a relatively high crime neighborhood. It is a testimony to Michelle and her parents that she emerged relatively unscathed except with a huge, but somewhat understandable, chip on her... The American Thinker http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2354493/posts#comment Sun, 4 Oct 2009 10:19:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2338194/posts Two sources with knowledge of the situation told the Tribune today they have been notified that Christopher Kelly, a key figure in the federal corruption probe into former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is dead. The Cook County medical examiner’s office today confirmed that a body identified as Christopher Kelly was brought to the morgue from Stroger Hospital. The office would not provide any details, including his age, address and manner of death, because the family had not yet arrived at the office. Kelly’s attorney, Michael Monico, declined to comment today when reached by a Tribune reporter. Kelly is a former confidant... Chicago Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2338194/posts#comment Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:57:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2330837/posts NEW YORK (AFP) – A prominent Democratic fundraiser charged with defrauding Citibank to the tune of 74 million dollars and quickly returning his ill-gotten gains, engaged in yet another fraud to do so, prosecutors said Wednesday. New York financier Hassan Nemazee was charged August 25 with using fake documents to secure a 74 million dollar loan from Citibank. At the time, the authorities said that Nemazee, 59, promptly returned the funds. But in a letter to federal Judge Michael Dolinger in New York, prosecutors say his apparent contrition was faked, alleging that he all he really did was scam a... AFP on Yahoo http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2330837/posts#comment Thu, 3 Sep 2009 00:04:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2314871/posts WASHINGTON -- Rep. Nick Rahall (D., W.Va.) is island-hopping this week in the Pacific. Rep. Keith Ellison (D., Minn.) is tweeting from Kenya. Sen. Richard Shelby (R., Ala.) is preparing for a three-week trip to Europe with his wife. More * Congress Retreats Over Jet Purchase 8/11/09 * Opposition Emerges to House's Jet Spree 8/10/2009 * Lawmakers' Global-Warming Trip Hit Tourist Hot Spots 8/8/2009 * Pentagon Takes Aim at Jets for Congressional Travel 8/8/2009 * Congress Gets a Plane Upgrade 8/7/2009 Journal Community * Discuss: How much of the official travel by members of Congress is justified? These are among... Wall Street Journal http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2314871/posts#comment Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:25:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2310879/posts WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- Two key Democrat senators were cleared by the Senate Ethics Committee on Friday from year-long investigations about whether mortgages they obtained from Countrywide Financial Corp. violated the senate's rules on gifts. The bipartisan committee, which supported the decision unanimously, did scold the senior lawmakers, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., and Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., for not being more careful in their dealings. "While the committee finds no substantial credible evidence as required by committee rules that your Countrywide mortgage violated Senate ethics rules, the committee does believe that you should have exercised... Market Watch http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2310879/posts#comment Fri, 7 Aug 2009 21:35:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2307211/posts (CNSNews.com) - At a recent National Press Club luncheon, House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) sarcastically said he is “a supporter of Sarah Palin” and “one of her great advocates.” Palin, the GOP vice presidential candidate in 2008, recently resigned as governor of Alaska. “As a supporter of Sarah Palin for taking over the Republican Party, I’m one of her great advocates,” said Conyers. “I mean, what an attractive, young, neoconservative reactionary! Wow! There’s never been one like her.” cnsnews.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2307211/posts#comment Mon, 3 Aug 2009 17:15:32 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2305258/posts Two Democratic Party senators, Chris Doss and Kent Conrad have been "caught" receiving Sub-Prime "VIP" Loans from lender Countrywide Inc. The Loans were at favorable interest rates. Despite the fact that the lender has testified that both men knew that they were getting a sweetheart deal, Senator Dodd claims he didn't know he was getting favorable rates. This revelation came from Robert Feinberg, the official who handled their loans in testimony to congress. According to the Washington Post:Dodd got two Countrywide mortgages in 2003, refinancing his home in Connecticut and another residence in Washington. Conrad's two Countrywide mortgages in 2004... Brietbart/The Lid http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2305258/posts#comment Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:51:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2278821/posts Tammany Hall and its Influence Today In what would become one of the most influential political organizations in American history, Tammany Hall began life as the Tammany Society, founded by William Mooney a Revolutionary War Veteran, on May 12, 1789[i]. Mooney’s creation would become a political powerhouse in New York City and State beginning in the earliest years of the United States. From its founding until it ceased to exist in the 1960’s Tammany Hall shaped New York Politics and profoundly influenced what is today the Democrat Party; its tactics and organizational genius would eventually spread nationwide. Many of the... Examiner.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2278821/posts#comment Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:06:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2230938/posts U.S. President Barack Obama arrives to make remarks on a proposed high-speed rail system in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, April 16, 2009. President Obama outlined his plan for developing "long overdue" high-speed rail on Thursday that would rival air travel, create jobs and help curb the U.S. transportation system's appetite for oil. U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to audience members after delivering remarks on a proposed high-speed rail system in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, April 16, 2009. Vice President Joe Biden reacts to the audience after making remarks, with President Barack Obama, on expanding... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2230938/posts#comment Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:43:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2217623/posts California consumer affairs chief resigns Carrie Lopez, director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs, resigned Friday in the wake of disclosures about expenses she charged to taxpayers. Carrie Lopez quits when shown results of a state audit that found questionable expenses she incurred. The findings went beyond those reported earlier this month by The Times, an official says. By Michael Rothfeld March 28, 2009 Reporting from Sacramento -- The director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs resigned Friday in the wake of disclosures about expenses she charged to taxpayers, including for transportation to attend a Justin Timberlake concert... Los Angeles Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2217623/posts#comment Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:38:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2197262/posts imgae courtesy of our FRiends at Tom McMahon (The Strategy of Bingo. The Excitement of Chess.) You can't make this stuff up! I was checking USA Toady for the latest news from The Obama Crash & Depression, and on the front page is this story about PACs spent a record $416M on '08 federal election. Well, that's interesting, sez I, so I click on it, and lo & behold! According to USA Toady fiction writer John Fritze, Obama, the 46 Year-Old Political Virgin, is going to have trouble with those Nasty Special Interests on Capitol Hill, even though The Messiah... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2197262/posts#comment Mon, 2 Mar 2009 15:42:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2188428/posts DETROIT (AP) - Billions of dollars in government loans to prop up General Motors and Chrysler won't be enough. The companies, which have received $17.4 billion so far, filed plans with the government more than doubling that request to a staggering total of $39 billion. The requests, made in government-required restructuring plans filed Tuesday, were accompanied by plans for thousands more job cuts, slashing of models and brands, union concessions and the prospect of even further expense cuts. In a dramatic acknowledgment that conditions in the U.S. auto industry have grown significantly worse in just two months, GM alone said... AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2188428/posts#comment Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:52:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2186046/posts Reporting from Washington -- Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk) has collected tens of thousands of dollars in personal income by charging double-digit interest on money she lent her campaign 11 years ago and soliciting donations from Washington lobbyists at "debt retirement" fundraisers. LA Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2186046/posts#comment Sun, 15 Feb 2009 11:43:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176602/posts When the Massachusetts Port Authority needed help drumming up business in China, officials signed a relatively small $15,000 contract with consultant Jiansheng Li that was supposed to end after a couple of months work. Counting the costs That was eight years ago. Since then, Massport has paid Li more than $1.5 million in compensation and expenses, all without competitive bids, including $11,000 airfares to Beijing, rooms at luxurious hotels, even a night of karaoke. Boston Globe http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2176602/posts#comment Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:26:22 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2173054/posts They're both selling their wares (or repaying their debts) for political reasons. The "Stimulus" is mostly nothing more than a payback for Obama's supporters. Example: $50 million for grants through the National Endowment for the Arts. We're in a bad recession, maybe worse, and they have THIS in a STIMULUS package....among other things? Call your Senators and Reps.....esp. Republican's and tell them they better NOT vote for the Stimulus. Main Stream Media http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2173054/posts#comment Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:12:23 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2160816/posts DECATUR, Ala. — "A federal judge ordered an Alabama sheriff locked up in his own jail Wednesday after holding him in contempt for failing to adequately feed inmates while profiting from the skimpy meals. ...Sheriffs in 55 of Alabama's 67 counties operate under the system allowing them to make money operating their jail kitchens. The law pays sheriffs $1.75 a day for each prisoner they house and lets the elected officers pocket any profit they can generate." AP/Fox news http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2160816/posts#comment Thu, 8 Jan 2009 11:25:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2160551/posts Chicago public school bureaucrats skirted public competitive bidding rules to buy 30 cappuccino/espresso machines for $67,000, with most of the machines going unused because the schools they were ordered for had not asked for them, according to a report by the CPS Office of Inspector General. That was just one example of questionable CPS actions detailed in the inspector general's 2008 annual report. Others included high school staffers changing grades to pump up transcripts of student athletes and workers at a restricted-enrollment grade school falsifying addresses to get relatives admitted. In the case of the cappuccino machines, central office administrators... The Chicago Sun-Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2160551/posts#comment Wed, 7 Jan 2009 23:13:45 GMT