Tom DeLay is free at last, free at last. Well, not quite. Even though the U.S. Justice Department has chosen not to indict the former House majority leader after a six-year investigation, he still faces state charges.
At Mother Jones, Sid Mahanta writes:
The Justice Department has chosen not to prosecute Jack Abramoff associate and former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay, the ex-congressman's attorney said Friday.
Here's a quick refresher on the gerrymandering, permanent majority-buildling, bug-zapping, Clinton-impeaching, samba-dancing, power-buying, Texas Republican's misdeeds. In brief: DeLay was indicted on conspiracy and money laundering charges in 2005 for allegedly conspiring to launder corporate money during the 2002 elections in an effort to guarantee a GOP majority in the Texas State House. His ties with Abramoff were the focus of a six-year-long investigation by federal authorities that is now apparently closed. |
At the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, Executive Director Melanie Sloan says:
It’s a sad day for America when one of the most corrupt members to ever walk the halls of Congress gets a free pass. As we continue the work of building a Washington that is worthy of the American people, the Justice Department’s decision not to prosecute Mr. DeLay for his actions sends exactly the wrong message to current and future members. The fact that Jack Abramoff and Bob Ney (R-OH) are the only two people who went to prison for one of the worst corruption scandals in congressional history is shocking. The Hammer belongs in the slammer. Mr. DeLay still has crimes to answer for in Texas – generally not considered the best place to be a criminal defendant. |
As for the man himself? He told reporters Monday:
"The thing that bothers me the most, I think, is not that people think I’m corrupt,” Mr. DeLay said. “It’s that they think I’m stupid." |
No doubt. Corruption and getting away with it is a badge of honor in certain circles.
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At Daily Kos on this date in 2008:
I'm impressed that Bush can say this sort of thing with a straight face.
"Bullying and intimidation are not acceptable ways to conduct foreign policy in the 21st century," the president said. "Only Russia can decide whether it will now put itself back on the path of responsible nations or continue to pursue a policy that promises only confrontation and isolation.
Bush certainly knows about acting as an irresponsible nation, pursuing policies that promise only confrontation and isolation. |