LaHood Admits He Was ‘Playing Politics’ When He Asked For Intel Staffer To Be Suspended
LaHood Admits He Was ‘Playing Politics’ When He Asked For Intel Staffer To Be Suspended
This week, on the request of Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL), Intelligence Chairman Pete Hoekstra (R-MI) suspended a Democratic staffer’s access to classified information. Hoekstra said the suspension would remain in place pending a review to determine if that staffer leaked a classified National Intelligence Estimate to the New York Times.
Today on Fox News, LaHood said, “I’ll tell you why I did it. The reason I did it was because Jane Harman released the Duke Cunningham — who sat on our Intelligence committee — report.” That report, which detailed the misconduct of Cunningham, who is now serving a jail term, was not classified.
A Fox anchor asked, “So, it’s payback?” LaHood responded, “There are some of us on the other side who can equally play politics, and I’m not afraid to do it.” Watch it: Watch it:
Transcript:
LAHOOD: Well, look, we’ve had far too many leaks in the intelligence committee, and I’ve been on the committee eight years and I’m the vice chairman of the committee, and I’m sick and tired of leaks. And when I learned that this information was available to this staffer and a member, and then printed in the New York Times two days later, I really felt compelled, as a member of the committee that’s fed up with the leaks, to send a letter to the chairman and ask him to investigate it. And that’s what’s going on and given that fact that we, you know, we’ve tried to do things in a bipartisan way, this, you know, obviously clearly is a breach of that. So we just felt compelled to send the chairman a letter.
ANCHOR: Congressman, you wrote that letter nearly three weeks ago, and your letter is just surfacing now, at least to us in the media, you know a lot of Democrats are upset today, saying this is all happening just two weeks before the election, the timing is just suspect.
LAHOOD: Yeah, I’ll tell you why I did it, Jane. The reason why I did it is because Jane Harman released the Duke Cunningham — who sat on our Intelligence committee — report, in violation of the trust that she gave to Chairman Hoekstra, in saying that it would be released in a bipartisan way. She released it arbitrarily, and I’m furious about that. She betrayed the trust of the committee because that report was to be released in a bipartisan way. She released it to the media just to embarrass, 21 days before the election, Republicans on the committee. That’s the reason that I released my letter today.
ANCHOR: So it’s payback?
LAHOOD: Look it, this is–we’re in the political season, and if the ranking member on our committee wants to play politics, there’re some of us on the other side that can equally play politics, and I’m not afraid to do it.
Sort Comments By: Top Rated | Date
121 Responses to “LaHood Admits He Was ‘Playing Politics’ When He Asked For Intel Staffer To Be Suspended”
Topic Cloud
ArchivesBlog Roll
That has to be illegal - I hope the Dem staffer SUES his ass!
October 20th, 2006 at 4:52 pmNo wonder Congress' approval rating is under 20%. They all make me want to puke. I think the terrorists have won.
October 20th, 2006 at 4:53 pmEven LaHood has gone crazy now > where is a male Page to say he fondled him?
October 20th, 2006 at 4:54 pmOMG!
How old is this guy? He's acting like a 2 year old!
Miniblue was made fun of by a boy on the beach when she was 2. When he went away, she stomped on his sand castle.
October 20th, 2006 at 4:54 pm(she was with her Dad. Wouldn't have happened on my watch, but that's the way it is.)
This guy's reaction reminds me of my then 2 year-old's.
TrueBlue,
You know I have a 2 year old. And yup your right, this is 2 year old behavior. What a friken whack. This guy is desperate, and has reverted back to being a child.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:03 pmWell it's good to see that LaHood really doesn't take his job seriously. It should make for a good campaign commercial against him whenever he's up for election. I don't know why he would even defend a criminal like Cunningham, but then I'm sure he's probably aiding and abetting several more criminals on the Hill.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:05 pmI hope to see him crying and whining like a little brat when Dems control congress next year.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:05 pmI remember the "diaper break" you had to take recently!
October 20th, 2006 at 5:08 pmNice to see you.
These Repug's are incredible.
I'm thinking that they must have had some kind of early childhood trauma that feeds their hatred, shame, and hiding.
Well adjusted folks just don't do that.
whoa... "Watch it: Watch it:" ...pretty demanding, judd... heh...
boy, illinois is sure in the thick of all this...shimkus, hastert, lahood...
and blue - talk about recall... i can even imagine mini blue's dad getting a kick out of her little tantrum, laughing approvingly at his "little girl"...
October 20th, 2006 at 5:10 pmcorrect me if i'm wrong, but i've got one of each of those myself (an ex and a mini)!
fortunately, this mom's influence works better in the real world and won out!...
.
Bluedog,
Did you hear McCain (*jokingly*) threaten suicide if the Dem's win the Senate?
Can't you just see them all; stomping their feet and holding their breath?
October 20th, 2006 at 5:11 pmIt's really scary when the leadership in this country doesn't quite understand that political payback for an act is not illegal makes it clear once again that the Republican party does not work in the best interest of this country. This behavior also should make clear to everyone why it is SO hard for the Democrats to stand up to the Republican majority. There are NO moral ethics in the Republican Party so to act within the legal sphere does no good.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:12 pmI remember the “diaper break†you had to take recently!
Comment by trueblue
Heh, yeah that saved me, I was getting double teamed by you and Zooey, I was sinking fast. You guys thought I got mad and left. I have never seen so much backpeddling. You ladies are too nice.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:13 pmThe Democrats are going to win the majority back. My fear is what the Congress will do before the Democrats take their seats.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:13 pmHeck I'm not well-adjusted and I still don't do that. :)
October 20th, 2006 at 5:14 pmkaty,
That's exactly what happenned! OMG!
Dropped her off and was almost bragging about it!
That's funny. And, she has become more of a miniblue. Just last week when she heard "2 Girls For Every Boy" by the Beach Boys, she was pissed!
October 20th, 2006 at 5:15 pmLast night on Jack Cafferty's "Broken Government" special I was 1) stunned that CNN was letting him speak the truth about our government on the air, and 2) thrilled that at the end of the show he said "Democrats and Republicans alike - throw them all out. Vote against the encumbent. Send a message to our politicians that they have one-term to do their jobs or we will replace them."
October 20th, 2006 at 5:15 pmCouldn't this be seen as jeopardizing national security? Someone, like his opponent, should ask him this question.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:17 pmUnbelievable-
No! I missed a Jack Cafferty special?
I love him!
Do you have any idea if it will re-air?
October 20th, 2006 at 5:17 pmHeck I’m not well-adjusted and I still don’t do that. :)
Comment by ForTruth
Believe me, neither am I.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:19 pmI thought of that joke about the 'Functional Families Convention' while I was typing....
I saw the Cafferty special > I agree with him > throw out every last corrupt SOB in the Congress > at the moment more of them are Republicans!
October 20th, 2006 at 5:19 pmYou ladies are too nice.
Comment by ForTruth
:)
Sweet.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:25 pm"Play politics"? Uh, it was about Iraq. Of course he's playing politics. That's all the Republicans can do, since they don't have a strategy.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:26 pm.
I'm shocked, I tell you shocked! That he didn't finish with a Nanner-nanner phbbbbtttttt!
October 20th, 2006 at 5:27 pmDo you have any idea if it will re-air?
Comment by trueblue — October 20, 2006 @ 5:17 pm
I hope so. I'd like to see it again... but I don't know.
It was a breath of fresh air. A journalist acting like a journalist (I don't get Olbermann here), is a nice change of prime time media coverage.
I only have one Congressman up for re-election this year. He's a life long politician who used to be my state rep. He used to do a great job. I guess the move up the ladder went to his head...
October 20th, 2006 at 5:29 pmthat joke about the ‘Functional Families Convention’
can you tell it?
October 20th, 2006 at 5:29 pmThen again, this isn't much different than the time the Republicans rewrote a Democratic amendment to protect "sexual predators," who hadn't been mentioned in the original.
Same childish little Republicans. Explains a lot.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:29 pm.
how big of him.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:30 pmWhy! How dare she release the truth about a Republican scumbag!
It's, its, its well.....honest.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:30 pmChange his name to Ray "The Hood" because he's acting like a street corner thug. Just like the rest of the party goons that are advocating for a "permanant Republican majority".
-GSD
October 20th, 2006 at 5:34 pmWell, at least he's being honest about being a complete scoundrel.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:36 pmAmerica's Least Wanted
It's more like a teeshirt or postcard, katy.
The banner says "Functional Families Convention",
and there's one guy sitting among the dozens of empty seats, saying, "I'm Okay!"
It's much more of a visual joke...
October 20th, 2006 at 5:38 pmdoesn't have the same punch written...
The most disturbing part of his comments for me is that he thinks bringing to light or participating in the investigation of a corrupt politician (Cunningham) is "playing politics." I guess we should just let them all get away with it......geeez.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:41 pmI have to admit I'm a tad tired of the "vote 'em all out" sentiment. I want the Repugs out because they abdicated their oversight role and this administration needs their reins pulled - HARD. The Repugs worked in lockstep and let things get out of control. If even one had been a consistent rebel, I'd say look hard before you toss him/her, but none were so they must go.
Give the Dems two years and if they don't do their jobs and keep their hands to themselves, then I don't know what can be done.
For now, the primaries are over, so if an incumbent Dem is on the ticket (except for maybe "money in the freezer" Jefferson), PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, vote for the Dem!
(I can't afford to expatriate right now...)
October 20th, 2006 at 5:41 pmI'd be voting for Independents if there were any in my area. We have some Libertarians on the ballot, but some of those people scare me... So, by default of voting against incumbents, as I live in the South, I will be voting for Democrats.
I'm also voting by absentee ballot. It's how I can assure that my vote comes with a paper trail.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:47 pmdetepe,
I heard on Stephanie Miller that some ballots printed (I think in Ohio) actually reversed the Dem/Rep affiliation next to the candidate's names, based on your assertion of "Just Vote Dem."
Isn't that awful? This is how low they have sunk.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:49 pmEveryone be careful when you go to the polls.
Repubs have been in control for 12 years. They've changed the rules over and over to their benefit. They've made sure, through their "K Street Project" that lobbying firms only hire repubs and industry pimps. They took away the minority party's right to subpoena and they've refused to do any serious oversight of the executive branch. After holding over 140 hours of hearings into the question of whether or not the Clintons used their Christmas list for political purposes, they have held 12 hours of hearings on Abu Garabe.
In '94, it was all about DEMOCRATIC corruption that they were going to clean up. There was no talk of bipartisan corruption... So just don't come up on me with that "vote them all out" crap.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:49 pmHeh, I am so enjoying this RWA implosion
October 20th, 2006 at 5:50 pmAnd this is OK with the voters in Illinois?
If these people crawl back to power in November, American Democracy is a foregone joke.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:50 pmLaHood is pissed that an unflattering report was leaked on one of his esteemed crooks…errrrrrr….jailbirds….errrrrr….colleagues, so he huffs…he puffs…heeeeeee….wants a workerbee punished……
Please…if there is a god….have a troll appear spouting something about the “adults being in chargeâ€â€¦â€¦please, please, please…..
October 20th, 2006 at 5:50 pmUnbelievable, why in the wide world of sports would you even consider voting for a libertarian? Tell me: how does a libertarian fight the war on terror if he is unwilling to provide any regulations on corporations? What do you do if you want Chemical corporations to beef up their security? Ask nicely?
October 20th, 2006 at 5:51 pmI wouldn't put it past them to 'lose' the absentee ballots, inbelievable.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:51 pmoops, Unbelievable.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:54 pmSorry.....
So just don’t come up on me with that “vote them all out†crap.
Comment by Bluedog49 — October 20, 2006 @ 5:49 pm
It's not crap, considering that the majority of the Dems haven't stood up to the Repugs in the last 6 years, so they are guilty by concession.
Just as Gore and Kerry didn't challenge their 'defeats', the opposition party has not been oppositional. So, in a lesser way it makes them responsible for allowing the Repugs to get away with their corruption. You know, how you are guilty of a crime to a lesser degree if you did nothing to stop it?
October 20th, 2006 at 5:55 pmtrueblue
I LIVE IN OHIO! The armpit of the body "election". I know the names of the Dems around here, but am sure MANY do not. I may have to jump off a bridge on 11/8 if my state brings back Mean Jean Schmidt (my rep.), and DeWine and votes Blackwell in for governor. Oy!
Amen Bluedog49.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:55 pmi see, blue - more of a cartoon...
but your desciption worked - i got a chuckle - funny one...
...
hey - cool! ... randi's talking to this guy right now... she's promised, on air, to give him the maximum amount - $2100 - to beat denny hastert:
October 20th, 2006 at 5:55 pmjohn06.com - she just invited him to be on the show monday also...
.
In ‘94, it was all about DEMOCRATIC corruption that they were going to clean up. There was no talk of bipartisan corruption… So just don’t come up on me with that “vote them all out†crap.
Comment by Bluedog49
They [fundies] made the same mistakes of many groups thru History, in order to gain power they must become corrupt, sin is power, ergo the evangelicals and 'liberty' graduates became even more sinful/corrupt than that what they wished to eliminate..Power does that. =)
Ergo Conservatism is and has to be an hypocrisy.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:56 pmUnbelievable, why in the wide world of sports would you even consider voting for a libertarian?
Comment by Bluedog49 — October 20, 2006 @ 5:51 pm
Re-read my post. I called them scary. Said I wouldn't vote for them.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:56 pmI wouldn’t put it past them to ‘lose’ the absentee ballots, inbelievable.
Comment by trueblue — October 20, 2006 @ 5:51 pm
I still think it's better than my vote being changed to go for the other guy/gal... : )
October 20th, 2006 at 5:59 pmSorry, detepe,
I didn't know you were in Ohio.
Well, I guess you can look at it as a 'Head's Up'!
Let your friends and family know, and they can pass it on from there.
Again, this was from Stephanie Miller. I'm no expert.
(She has an *awesome* show, BTW, and you can listen online.)
October 20th, 2006 at 6:01 pmhttp://www.stephaniemiller.com/
I hope they count it, Unbelievable!
October 20th, 2006 at 6:03 pm:)
unbelieveable: "It’s not crap, considering that the majority of the Dems haven’t stood up to the Repugs in the last 6 years, so they are guilty by concession."
I hope you know what's been going on in congress. Repubs have drastically changed the rules. They, for the first time in history, took subpoena power away from the minority party. They've left Dem committee members out of meetings and not even allowed Dems to hold meetings. In addition, our corporate media holds Dems to a different standard than it does Repubs. Every challenge is either ignored or criticized. The Dems stood on the capitol steps with a large plan for America a few months ago and the media just ignored them.
Unbelieveable, the only way to put a stop to what Bush and his enablers in congress are doing is to vote for the Dem wherever you can, period.
October 20th, 2006 at 6:04 pmPlease…if there is a god…
Comment by peterh — October 20, 2006 @ 5:50 pm
Sorry you had to find out this way... But it is better that you know the truth now...
October 20th, 2006 at 6:05 pmLater guys, I gotta run...
October 20th, 2006 at 6:06 pmBye, Unbelievable.
October 20th, 2006 at 6:09 pmtrueblue -
Thanks for the sympathy. I've been a little "sorry" about my home state for several years now. I live in a very red county to boot - how else could Jean Schmidt get elected as ANYTHING?
I may call the board of elections Monday and see if I can get any info. I'll picket the TV stations if our ballots are misprinted!!! Grrrr...that Blackwell and his evil ways of running the elections!
Got a call from the local Repugs asking if Blackwell could "depend on my support". I told the guy, "No, I think he should be in jail." He then asked if Schmidt could "depend on my support". I involuntarily laughed a sort of hysterical laugh and finally stopped and said, "I don't think so." Poor fellow sounded stunned as he thanked me for my time.
October 20th, 2006 at 6:10 pmUnbelieveable, the only way to put a stop to what Bush and his enablers in congress are doing is to vote for the Dem wherever you can, period.
Comment by Bluedog49 — October 20, 2006 @ 6:04 pm
Seriously - read what I wrote in my post above. There is no other option for me to vote anything but neocon, scary-in-a-bad-way libertarian or Dem where I live.
I blame the Democrats for failing to stand up to the Republicans. They've allowed them to change the rules by passively sitting by and refusing to change it.
Besides, do the math. If we voted out the incumbents, the Republicans would lose the majority...
I really have to leave now.
Have a great evening everyone!
October 20th, 2006 at 6:10 pmwhat is this "playing politics?" Cunningham was an unabashed crook...
October 20th, 2006 at 6:10 pmin illinois and many other states, we can VOTE EARLY... now till 11/2...
i have heard that absentee ballots are the first to get pitched, uncounted...
maybe THIS year will be different... lots of watchers on this one...
cafferty's right though: "Send a message to our politicians that they have one-term to do their jobs or we will replace them.â€
October 20th, 2006 at 6:10 pmit's for sure the dems know they have to get it right this time...
and the only way to get oversight, AND subpoena power, is a DEM congress... humongous numbers of democratic votes...
.
Sorry you had to find out this way… But it is better that you know the truth now…
Comment by unbelievable
Do people have souls UB?
October 20th, 2006 at 6:12 pmDog_named_Boo,
That's a touchy subject.
Not for a Friday night.
I know I've posted this before, so forgive me, regular's.
I have a button. (I collect them.)
It says,
Militant Agnostic.
I Don't Know And You Don't Either.
Why not have a chuckle and let's leave it at that?
October 20th, 2006 at 6:21 pm:)
Typical Republican scum!
October 20th, 2006 at 6:24 pmEveryday I just laugh louder at the stupidity in Washington. Unfortunately, they are playing with our rights, our constitution, our way of life. Things have got to change!
Trueblue: "Militant Agnostic.
I Don’t Know And You Don’t Either."
Here, here! Many people pretend to know. They call it "faith."
October 20th, 2006 at 6:26 pmDo people have souls UB?
Comment by Dog_named_Boo — October 20, 2006 @ 6:12 pm
i think you should rephrase that to, "do YOU believe people have souls?"
October 20th, 2006 at 6:26 pmi mean, you know... just sayin' ... but maybe that goes without sayin'...
.
ugh... still with the dalyed posting of comments here...
you're right, trueblue... it's a touchy one...
Militant Agnostic.
I Don’t Know And You Don’t Either.
i like that one, too!
October 20th, 2006 at 6:28 pm.
d e l a y e d ... duh...
October 20th, 2006 at 6:29 pmBluedog49,
October 20th, 2006 at 6:29 pmI can't take credit for it. It's a button I own.
But I did think it was pretty funny!
Totally OT:
The button propped on my keyboard right now reads:
The Early Bird is
an Obsessive
Workaholic
Oviously
in Need of
Therapy.
Friday Night fun for TP'ers...
October 20th, 2006 at 6:34 pmLa Hood...aaa aaa 'just kidding'.....
October 20th, 2006 at 6:49 pmSorry if I cleared the room.............
October 20th, 2006 at 6:49 pmtest
October 20th, 2006 at 7:17 pmDo people have souls UB?
Comment by Dog_named_Boo
which people?
October 20th, 2006 at 7:17 pmtrueblue - such an emotional one, you are!
October 20th, 2006 at 7:20 pmyou really shouldn't take it personally...
;-)
Here, here! Many people pretend to know. They call it “faith.â€
Comment by Bluedog49
Every 3 seconds, a person dies of hunger in this world. Wheres that God, again?
October 20th, 2006 at 7:20 pmOh so....just because someone gave information on a corrupt representative and he was a republican than the republicans can fire or suspend someone whether they have done any thing or not in retaliation.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:21 pm[...] LaHood Admits He Was ‘Playing Politics’ When He Asked For Intel Staffer To Be Suspended [...]
October 20th, 2006 at 7:23 pmSorry if I cleared the room………….
Comment by trueblue
Never... :)
October 20th, 2006 at 7:24 pmI made another comment that was cleared. TP must not have liked it.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:30 pmHey, a republican that tells the truth. We make not like the truth, of course. But it has been awhile since I heard a republican state the facts. No spin there.
I don't really approve of what the man did; but I love how he spoke the truth of what he did. A rare thing with the current crop of republicans.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:33 pmWith the looming midterm elections and the imminent report from James Baker's Iraq Study Group facing them like a double-barreled shotgun, Congressional Republicans are beginning to cut and run on President Bush's failed Iraq strategy. But it is Kay Bailey Hutchison from the President's home state of Texas who is now performing the greatest pre-election turnabout. And in seeking cover from the woes of President Bush, Senator Hutchison has paradoxically lauded President Clinton's intervention in the Balkans, a policy she once vehemently opposed.
For the story of Hutchison's flip-flop, see:
October 20th, 2006 at 7:34 pm"Hutchison Backs Iraq Partition, Endorses Clinton Balkans Policy."
Yeah, katy,
Always thinking I'm to blame!
Guess my pathos is showing!
Juan,
October 20th, 2006 at 7:39 pmNice to see you again.
Thanks for your kindness.
:)
Thanks for your kindness.
:)
Comment by trueblue
Nice to see you too!
October 20th, 2006 at 7:43 pmKindness???? Its the truth. The bluetruth. :)
I need to leave @ 8:00pm to watch a show with my daughter.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:51 pm(I couldn't care less about it, but she likes it, so I get to have her snuggle with me, which I love!)
Be back @ 9:00!
Juan: "Wheres that God, again? "
Doesn't seem that interested. Must be hard work creating and maintaining the cosmos. It's so damn big.
October 20th, 2006 at 7:51 pmDoesn’t seem that interested. Must be hard work creating and maintaining the cosmos. It’s so damn big.
Comment by Bluedog49
I know. Seems like a lot of work. (BTW, that wasnt aimed at you, just following the lines of the discussion)
October 20th, 2006 at 7:58 pmplunger, the doctor will see you now.
October 20th, 2006 at 8:17 pmCheney, Rumsfeld, Bush, all of them are ON ISRAEL’S PAYROLL.
All of them were directly involved in 9/11, and many foreign intelligence
services have them dead-to rights, and are blackmailing them.
Plunger, that seems like the craziest stories of them all. Probably it is true. Lets start with a premise: Governments dont give a f**ck about people.
October 20th, 2006 at 8:33 pmDo people have souls UB?
Comment by Dog_named_Boo
which people?
you,since you ask, do you have a soul?
October 20th, 2006 at 8:46 pmyou,since you ask, do you have a soul?
Comment by Dog_named_Boo
Since there is no way to prove or disprove the existance of the soul, all that can be given on that subject is opinion, not matter what anyone claims.
My opinion? What the ancients called the soul or the Ka, Some people seem to have it, some do not. Those who do not seem to devoid of any "human" qualities, such as compassion for their fellowman, able to put themselves in the shoes of another.
The kind of person the Rupukes call a "bleeding heart" and try to make it a derogatory term. Bleeding heart means you care about someone other than yourself.
Those that care for no one but themselves and have no understanding of compassion at all, IMHO have no soul. They are defects in the human condition.
But then again, I am not christian, but a student of the mysteries and philosophy.
October 20th, 2006 at 9:18 pmI'm a Militant Agnostic.
October 20th, 2006 at 9:43 pmYou can't prove the existence of God, or his/her/its nonexistence. Anyone who claims that one way or the other is being arrogant.
And bad things happening in the world is only an argumant against God if you believe God is Good.
The Hinus don't believe that. Their three-in-one godhead includes a destroyer.
Hey Militant Agnostic,
October 20th, 2006 at 10:14 pmWhy do you need to prove the existence of God? Thats what faiths all about. Another thing I don't understand, is when people equate human action to devine intervention, or the lack there of. Why would you think that human actions around the world are somehow controlled by a higher power. Why would God say that you need faith, if God was to intervene every step of the way.
GOP must be changed to COP: Closeted Old Perverts!
October 20th, 2006 at 10:43 pm[...] The Peoria area media really don’t do a great job of reporting on the politicians’ activities once we send them to Washington or Springfield. That’s my most Peorians won’t learn about this news development unless thay happen to have been watching FOXNews at the exact time they had U.S. Rep. RayLaHood (R-18th) on the phone. Basically, LaHood admitted he had a Congressional staffer suspended and and subjected to a possible criminal investigation more out of spite and political payback than because there’s any real evidence the staffer leaked a classified National Intelligence Estimate to the New York Times. Today on Fox News, LaHood said, “I’ll tell you why I did it. The reason I did it was because Jane Harman released the Duke Cunningham — who sat on our Intelligence committee — report.†That report, which detailed the misconduct of Cunningham, who is now serving a jail term, was not classified. [...]
October 20th, 2006 at 10:45 pmLAHOODLUM
INCOMPETENCE
INCOMPETENTS
GOP Congress:
the end is near.
October 20th, 2006 at 10:45 pmThis is the same gentleman who was all over the airwaves just at the break of the Foley scandal blaming the pages and saying that the program should be dropped and I think, he also added that the dems were behind it all.
October 20th, 2006 at 10:48 pmI had never even heard of him before then but remember joking that he sounded so ridiculous he must be gullible enough to defend the indefensible, and yet another one who is not willing to have his party members accept responsibility for their actions by always blaming it on others.
Did anyone use the Lahoodlum,,,, ahhh damn....
October 20th, 2006 at 11:30 pma most excellent maher tonight... barney frank kicked some wall street journal republican ass... must see!...
October 21st, 2006 at 12:00 amAnd he was all pround, to boot. What a dicknozzle.
October 21st, 2006 at 12:31 am1. Scummy enough to DO it-
October 21st, 2006 at 1:04 amRevealing the truth about Republican misconduct in an unclassified report compiled with the public's tax dollars = playing politics. They are utterly incapable of distinguishing between their interest and the public interest. They richly deserve the fate that awaits them.
October 21st, 2006 at 1:17 amThey are amart. (-------?????????----------///////////) The enemy.
Rumsfeld about why its anyway superflous to change the US tactic because the enemy is so adaptive that the risk changing it would mean automatic overkill of US forces.
At least he says so.
October 21st, 2006 at 1:22 amI got the newest Mo Do up: Obama's Project Runway. Enjoy it while you can. My "fan" may make sure it'll be the last one for a while. Unless blogger's bluffing about censoring my blog.
October 21st, 2006 at 1:32 amI got the newest Mo Do up: Obama's Project Runway. Enjoy it while you can. My "fan" may make sure it'll be the last one for a while. Unless blogger's bluffing about censoring my blog. Sorry if this is multiple-posted. I keep getting a blank page instead of an updated one.
October 21st, 2006 at 1:34 amCODE OF ETHICS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE
Any person in Government service should:
1. Put loyalty to the highest moral principals and to country above loyalty to Government persons, party, or department.
http://www.house.gov/ethics/Ethicforward.html
October 21st, 2006 at 1:57 amThis is a pure distraction ploy sponsored by Fox News. By putting Ray the hood on the screen with the Big R-Il next to his name and running a story of ass whacking the Democrats he becomes the replacement or back up GOPer to Hastert. Remember it's all about depth of the bull pen not who's on the mound. Read the quote along with his party's affiliation and look at his smiling face. This is pure reassurance that those leaky Democrats will not prevail.
October 21st, 2006 at 7:35 am1. Scummy to _do_ it.
October 21st, 2006 at 7:49 am2. Scummier to crow about it.
3. Reprehensible for FoKKKs "news" to broadcast it- they have sunk to a new low, if possible.
Bottom line...Cunny stole taxpayer money and gave it to his friends and himself for their benefit. He's a thief and a crook. We don't have right to know that?
October 21st, 2006 at 9:00 amThe essence of this is that Cunny stole American taxpayer (i..e., our) money and gave it to his friends and himself. He is a thief and a crook. We have a right to know that. LaHood and his cohort are not fit to serve their constituents. We truly do need to "drain the swamp" on Nov 7.
October 21st, 2006 at 9:03 amdo you have a soul?
Comment by Dog_named_Boo
Whats a soul, Dog? I mean, besides the religious idea of something inside us that motors human beings which has never been proved to exist. Oh, but if the churches says we have a soul, then there must be one, right?
October 21st, 2006 at 9:11 amWhat a bunch of whining sniveling little whimps the Republicans have turned out to be. I used to respect them even if I disagreed with them. Because I knew that regardless of what different paths were taken, they were honestly looking towards what was best for America. Just like the Democrats.
Now? They snivel and whine. They are cowards who will willingly forsake anything in the pursuit of power. They cower in fear (and stridently demand that others do so too) instead of standing up to terrorists. They freely want to give up what we value to appease the terrorists and make us into their image.
They obstinately stomp their feet and hold their breath and call it integrity. They misrepresent everything the Democrats stand for and call it debate. They are gutless and rudderless. They smear proud honorable veterans who oppose them for political gain... who doesn't think that each and every service person serving today isn't a potential "Swift Boat" victim in the future? I despise them so much!
I am slandered as an appeaser of terrorism because I demand that America live up to the laws and the ideas I served for by people with multiple deferments. They can slander my, but I cannot question their integrity?
There really will be an opportunity for "TRANSPARENCY" come Nov. 7th. But this time it will be the Republicans and the President that will have a lot to answer for. The power of a subpoena is a wonderful thing!
October 21st, 2006 at 9:26 amIt doesn't say much for the people who elected this prize schmuck.
Cry babys like this guy are the greatest advertisement for the use of condoms.
LaHood???...More like LaAsshole!
October 21st, 2006 at 11:05 amanother GOP double standard...you have to love them.
October 21st, 2006 at 11:17 amThese do nothing, say anything incumbent Republicans stoop to any level to trash anyone who disagrees with them. When they get caught on boy look out, they will go afraid you like a crack fiend who needs a fix. The act like mad dogs going after a steak. My question to them is, where is the love? Why do they hate their fellow Americans so much. I think it's simple, they claim to love America, but they clearly hate Americans.
October 21st, 2006 at 11:51 amJuan+C
And a large number of them do it in the most miserable ways possible, in the most religious countries (Which are normally the poorest ones too) on Earth. Tells you something about this God person doesn't it?
Anyway, to the topic of independents:
If you cannot bring yourself to vote Democrat, if you honestly believe them to be no better, then vote independent, Green, or Libertarian. For you the worst case scenario is more of the same vile, corrupt maladministration that America has suffered under the Republicans, the best case scenario is a move towards the political landscape which most Americans, left and right, agree is needed. Do not leave the left to being the only political position which has the balls to actually vote for what it believes in rather then what it will settle for.
To vote Republican, as this last six years of war, debt, and destruction can attest, as this last six years of torture, kidnapping and sheer incompetence can attest, to vote Republican after all of that, is to vote against America. It is to vote for a state which tortures without conscience, kills without thought, and steals your money to do it. It is to vote for a nation without laws, but only edicts. You do not have to vote for the Democrats in this next election, but you can vote independent or for one of the smaller parties in good conscience.
October 21st, 2006 at 12:04 pmAnd a large number of them do it in the most miserable ways possible, in the most religious countries (Which are normally the poorest ones too) on Earth.
Comment by Bruce+Gorton
You nail it. Let God aside...THAT tells you a lot about the religious institution! Sorry to the other posters, it was Off Topic.
October 21st, 2006 at 3:45 pmTypical Republican the party of partisan dirtbag's and perverts.
October 21st, 2006 at 4:05 pm11. So well stated.. what's a civilized person to do ? Go crazy or go volcanic..
October 21st, 2006 at 11:23 pmI am off topic here, but I thought a few people may find this funny.
A man came to my door today and handed me a well written pamphlet promoting a local church. Three of the Four pages of the pamphlet stated that their church was not affilliated with any political party like the other "Well Known False Religion". He explained that his church was an alternative to corrupt faith organizations that mingle with even more corrupt politicians. I asked him if he could provide details, at which point he asked me if I owned a TV. I said yes. He said that I should turn it on and tune into Fox News and I would be able to see the corrupt politics and the false relgion in a matter of minutes.
I told him he could be comfortable spelling it out for me, and that I would not be offended no matter what he said, at which point he shot back "Fox News is affiliated with the Republicans and Evangelicals and we are not like any of them". I laughed my butt off. I don't have anything against any religion, I just thought it was funny that a Church was promoting themselves by saying that they are very unlike the Republican Party, the Evangelicals and Fox News.
October 22nd, 2006 at 1:07 amDo people have souls UB?
Comment by Dog_named_Boo — October 20, 2006 @ 6:12 pm
Define 'soul'
October 22nd, 2006 at 2:40 pmYou can’t prove the existence of God, or his/her/its nonexistence. Anyone who claims that one way or the other is being arrogant.
Nonsense. It would be like you saying that anyone who says there are no such thing as flying invisible unicorns is being arrogant.
It's not arrogance, it's an awareness of reality to see a lack of intelligence in the sytem, and therefore, know that because it couldn't have been created by anything intelligent (as intelligence would be required to creat anything intelligent), that an intelligent designer cannot exist. Simple.
And bad things happening in the world is only an argumant against God if you believe God is Good.
The Hinus don’t believe that. Their three-in-one godhead includes a destroyer
Comment by pbg — October 20, 2006 @ 9:43 pm
One of my bestfriends is a Hindu. To them, their gods are not the same as the definition of god to Christians. They are more like guides or how the pagans see their gods.
October 22nd, 2006 at 2:43 pmI just thought it was funny that a Church was promoting themselves by saying that they are very unlike the Republican Party, the Evangelicals and Fox News.
Comment by Funny Joe — October 22, 2006 @ 1:07 am
If more religions behaved like that one, religion wouldn't be such a dangerous thing...
October 22nd, 2006 at 2:47 pm[...] An astoundingly candid interview by Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL).read more | digg story Links [...]
October 22nd, 2006 at 3:38 pm