http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/ratcrime/ en-us Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:47:31 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2050190/posts Congressman Robert Wexler is answering questions after a news report alleges that he doesn't reside in his home district of Delray Beach. It is required that he keep a residence in the district he represents, but, according to the report, his primary residence is in Maryland, not Delray Beach. The Delray Beach condo he has claimed as his primary residence is actually owned by his in-laws, in a 55-and-over senior community. When questioned by a Fox News reporter Wexler insists he has done nothing wrong and is following the established guidelines for a residence in his district. Statement by Congressman... WIOD Newsradio http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2050190/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:47:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048544/posts HARRISBURG -- As the pivotal 2006 legislative election season began, top Democratic House aides, using state resources, undertook a wide-ranging opposition research campaign into both Democratic and Republican office seekers, e-mails show. The project was spearheaded by Eric Webb, director of the Democratic Office of Member Services, who, on Jan. 31, sent e-mails to state employees advising them to begin digging up information on 35 declared and potential candidates for the state House. "We are mainly looking for bad things: liens, bankruptcies, homicides ... you get the picture," Mr. Webb advised a dozen House colleagues via their state e-mail accounts.... Pittsburgh Post-Gazette http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048544/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:04:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046529/posts State police believe some people are so angry with the current state of the country that they took their frustrations out on a veterans' cemetery in Westmoreland County. Burned flags, broken holders and anti-American writing now litter the Hillview Cemetery in Hempfield Township... ThePittsburghChannel.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046529/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:03:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2043770/posts While aggressive evictions are making rent-stabilized apartments increasingly scarce in New York, Representative Charles B. Rangel is enjoying four of them, including three adjacent apartments in a sprawling penthouse overlooking Upper Manhattan, courtesy of one of New York’s premier real estate developers. ... Mr. Rangel is not the only prominent resident with a rent-stabilized apartment at Lenox Terrace. Gov. David A. Paterson told The New York Sun in May that he pays $1,250 for a rent-stabilized two-bedroom apartment in the complex that rents for $2,600 or more at market rates. ... New York Times via MSNBC http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2043770/posts#comment Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:09:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2043656/posts The vote fraud specialists at the radical group ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) have already gotten their fall vote fraud campaign underway. The Harrisburg Patriot-News reports that ACORN's recent activities in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, are under investigation by county detectives. ACORN National President Maude Hurd said she did not believe the former employee, who collected up to 150 questionable voter registrations, sought to register ineligible people. "While we don't think the intent or the result of his action was to allow any ineligible person to vote, this employee defrauded ACORN and the American public," Hurd said. So... Capital Research Center http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2043656/posts#comment Thu, 10 Jul 2008 22:55:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2041231/posts Denver—With a recent move to relegate peaceful protestors beneath the Denver homeless population, Re-create 68 has now vowed that there will indeed be “a bloodbath” at the Democratic National Convention should they try to keep them fenced in. The American Civil Liberties Union and several advocacy groups have filed an amended complaint to their lawsuit, stating that their First Amendment rights have been violated by security restrictions. “What the hell do they think we are? Barnyard animals,” asked Tom Mestnik, a member of The Re-create ’68 Alliance, an umbrella group organizing the protesters. “They’re giving the homeless a free pass... Elective Decisions http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2041231/posts#comment Sat, 5 Jul 2008 21:29:16 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2037009/posts Louisiana Democratic congressman William Jefferson has announced that he will seek re-election to a 10th term despite the fact that he is facing possible imprisonment if convicted on corruption charges. “I was reelected in 2006 after these charges were lodged against me,” Jefferson pointed out. “The notion that a representative of the people has to be ‘squeaky-clean’ is refuted.” Jefferson argued that his run-in with the law makes him “a suitable representative of an under represented segment of our society—the common criminal. You know, one percent of the population is in jail. If congress is to truly represent all of... AZCONSERVATIVE http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2037009/posts#comment Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:28:06 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034105/posts The FBI released its [1] preliminary crime figures for 2007 last week, and as is sometimes the case there was both good and bad news to be found in the report. Violent crime in the U.S. fell by 1.4 percent last year, a modest decline to be sure but a decline nonetheless after increases of 1.9 percent in 2006 and 2.3 percent in 2005. This nationwide trend is largely attributable to the even more dramatic drop in crime seen in AmericaÂ’s largest cities: there was a 9.8 percent drop in murders in cities with populations of greater than one million.... PAJAMAS MEDIA http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2034105/posts#comment Fri, 20 Jun 2008 22:27:04 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2033565/posts One of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson's sisters pleaded guilty Wednesday to concealing a crime for her role in alleged scheme to defraud the federal government. Brenda Jefferson, 52, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony. Prosecutors have charged three other Jefferson family members with pocketing more than $600,000 in state and federal grant money intended for charitable and educational projects. New Orleans tax assessor Betty Jefferson, her brother, Mose Jefferson, and her daughter, Angela Coleman, are scheduled to appear in court Friday on charges that include federal program fraud, identity theft and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Brenda Jefferson, also... FOXNews http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2033565/posts#comment Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:24:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031963/posts <p>The latest on the triple-default, single-foreclosure Democratic congresswoman from Long Beach: "Rep. Laura Richardson initially failed to disclose economic interests -- including a loan from a strip club owner -- when she served on the Long Beach City Council, public records show," the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports.</p> Los Angeles Times LA Land Blogs http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2031963/posts#comment Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:07:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030833/posts WILK-FM http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2030833/posts#comment Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:00:48 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028111/posts Another New Jersey school principal -- the third educator in a month -- has been indicted on car arson charges in Essex County as prosecutors crack down on suspected insurance fraud. The charges against Amanda Wright-Stafford, principal of the Lincoln Avenue Elementary School in Orange, come as cases of auto insurance fraud are growing nationally, according to experts who blame the souring economy. Wright-Stafford, 51, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted on charges she faked the theft of her 2000 Honda Passport, which was found burning in East Orange in 2006. An indictment handed up in Superior... star ledger http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028111/posts#comment Mon, 9 Jun 2008 01:04:26 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028082/posts With Schumacher Furs and Outerwear gone, animal-rights activists say they are working to drive downtown Portland's last remaining fur salon out of business. Saturday protests led by a fledgling group called the Portland Animal Defense League outside Nicholas Ungar Furs at 1137 S.W. Yamhill St. have intensified in recent weeks. The next one is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. today. Unlike the rancorous 15-month campaign against Schumacher's, which activists insisted was about education and outreach, the group says the prime objective this time is ridding downtown of "an outdated industry." "Basically 20 years ago, there were about 20 full-service fur salons,"... The Oregonian http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2028082/posts#comment Mon, 9 Jun 2008 00:05:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027267/posts News Channel 3 has confirmed the Internal Revenue Service is after former Senator and current prisoner, John Ford. The IRS says Ford owes more than 220,000 in unpaid federal income taxes. The IRS would not comment on specifics but did say the taxes are from 2003, 2004 and 2005. Ford is currently in a federal prison on bribery charges prosecuted under Operation Tennessee Waltz. Ford is serving 5 years in prison. A June 24 trial is set for Ford in Nashville on allegations he took $800,000 in illegal payments. WREG-3 (CBS-Memphis) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027267/posts#comment Fri, 6 Jun 2008 20:04:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027127/posts MSNBC pundit Keith Olbermann, who spotlights misbehavior nightly with his "Worst Person in the World" recognition, owes New York state for unpaid business taxes, according to a tax warrant notice. Olbermann, the host of "Countdown," owes New York $2,269.50, according to a tax warrant obtained by The Associated Press. State Tax and Finance Department spokesman Tom Bergin said the debt recorded against the TV host's Olbermann Broadcasting Empire Inc., based in Los Angeles, is still open. AP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2027127/posts#comment Fri, 6 Jun 2008 16:21:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2025514/posts GRAND RAPIDS -- Kent County Republicans continue to claim a recent break-in at their Grand Rapids headquarters was politically motivated And one party leader publicly blamed unnamed Democrats in a mass e-mail sent to supporters. "We knew the Democrats would do anything to win, but we didn't expect this!" wrote Kent GOP Chair Dave Dishaw in a note asking for money to help cover "costs" and support candidates. Grand Rapids Police on Tuesday confirmed they are investigating an early morning break-in that occurred last Thursday at the GOP's offices at 264 Leonard St. NW, near U.S. 131. Lt. Ralph Mason... Mlive.com http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2025514/posts#comment Tue, 3 Jun 2008 22:24:11 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022722/posts PORTLAND, Ore. – Tre Arrow, a radical environmentalist who was once one of the FBI's most-wanted fugitives, has announced on his Web site he has accepted a plea deal on federal arson and conspiracy charges. Arrow had entered a not guilty plea. His attorney, Paul T. Loney, confirmed on Wednesday Arrow “is changing his plea” and a hearing date has been set for next Tuesday. The U.S. Attorney's office in Portland did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Arrow, 34, who has legally changed his name from Michael Scarpitti, is charged in a 14-count federal indictment with helping to... San Diego Union Tribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2022722/posts#comment Thu, 29 May 2008 00:38:31 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2020013/posts Invoking the Red Scare of the 1950s, some environmentalists claim the federal government is committing something similar against the green movement of the 2000s. Of course, it could simply be vigorous enforcement of laws against violence and property damage. According to court documents, Briana Waters, convicted in the 2001 arson at the University of Washington Center for Urban Horticulture, is afraid that by remaining in prison she will lose her deep connection with her three year old daughter, Kalliope. She has justification to be worried about her sentencing on Friday, May 30. Throughout the grand jury process, the indictments,... Crosscut Seattle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2020013/posts#comment Fri, 23 May 2008 01:08:12 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2018919/posts Ald. Richard Mell forgot to re-register his guns (which reportedly include a Walther PPK like this one). No problem -- he'll just write a new law. Chicago Sun-Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2018919/posts#comment Wed, 21 May 2008 00:19:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017084/posts SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- We're finally hearing from the woman at the center of the child pornography case against former KGO Radio host Bernie Ward. Until now, you haven't seen her face and didn't know much about her except that she went by the screen name "Sexfairy" and called police when Ward sent her child porn. Please note: Understand that before reading this story or watching the interview that the topic is graphic and may be disturbing to some. KGO http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2017084/posts#comment Fri, 16 May 2008 22:17:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013756/posts May 9, 2008 By DAVID B. CARUSO Associated Press Writer NEW YORK (AP) - Big corporations give him money. Presidential candidates seek his endorsement. He has influential friends in Congress and the governor's mansion. The Rev. Al Sharpton has emerged over the past decade as perhaps the nation's most prominent civil rights leader, a status that was demonstrated again this week when he led protests against police brutality that briefly shut down six of Manhattan's major bridges and tunnels. But he still carries baggage from his early days as a fire-breathing agitator: Government records obtained by The Associated Press indicate... Associated Press http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013756/posts#comment Fri, 9 May 2008 21:05:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013266/posts SAN FRANCISCO -- Bernie Ward, a prominent radio talk show host and reporter in the Bay Area for more than two decades, admitted today to distributing child pornography in a plea deal that will send him to federal prison for at least five years. Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker was prepared to accept Ward's guilty plea at a hearing in San Francisco to one count of distributing child pornography, but agreed to hold off at the request of Ward's attorney, Doron Weinberg. Had the guilty plea been officially submitted today, Ward could have been sent to prison immediately. Instead,... San Francisco Chronicle http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2013266/posts#comment Thu, 8 May 2008 22:07:51 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2012704/posts The lack of logic from this guy stating that abortion is a right, and that you don’t have a right to challenge it is astounding. Obviously the right to free speech is trumped by the right to kill babies in this idiot’s mind. Typical liberal thinking... See video here. Stop the ACLU http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2012704/posts#comment Wed, 7 May 2008 23:19:15 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012708/posts Jefferson trial venue questions renewedLatest request cites Supreme Court case Wednesday, May 07, 2008 By Bruce Alpert WASHINGTON -- Attorneys for Rep. William Jefferson, D-New Orleans, asked a federal judge Tuesday to reconsider his ruling against a change of venue in the corruption case against the congressman. They had argued that the case should be tried in Washington, D.C., and that the government chose suburban Virginia because there is a smaller pool of African-American jurors to consider the charges against Jefferson, who is black. Their latest request to Virginia District Court Judge T.S. Ellis III was based in part on... NOLA http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2012708/posts#comment Wed, 7 May 2008 23:25:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008877/posts Franken owes $70,000 in back taxes in 17 states By PATRICIA LOPEZ, Star Tribune April 29, 2008 DFL U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken, frontrunner in the race to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman, owes $70,000 in back taxes in 17 states, where he earned income going back to 2003. Franken on Tuesday told the Associated Press that he never intended to avoid paying taxes and that on the advice of his accountant, had paid taxes to the city and state where he lived. Franken has been under fire since early March, when a Republican operative revealed that Franken had... Startribune http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2008877/posts#comment Tue, 29 Apr 2008 23:35:09 GMT