warpedskydiver 0 #1 June 16, 2006 Congressman William Jefferson D-La., speaks at the swearing in ceremony for Mayor Ray Nagin at the... House Dems Strip Jefferson of Panel Seat Friday, June 16, 2006 6:21 AM EDT The Associated Press By DAVID ESPO Listen to Audio WASHINGTON (AP) — Add political banishment to the list of problems confronting Rep. William Jefferson, ensnared in a bribery scandal that fellow Democrats hope to turn to their election-year advantage. "Democrats are determined to hold a high ethical standard," the party's leader, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, said Thursday night after engineering a 99-58 vote of the rank and file that stripped Jefferson of his seat on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee. "This isn't about proof in the court of law. This is about an ethical standard," Pelosi said. "I wish that the White House would do the same." Democrats long have accused Republicans of nourishing a "culture of corruption" in Congress, and signaled their desire to make ethics a key issue in their drive to win control of the House in the November elections. The vote came despite a final plea from Jefferson and persistent complaints from members of the Congressional Black Caucus, which said the Louisianan was being sanctioned without a rule or a precedent to justify it. For his part, Jefferson conceded to reporters he faced "serious allegations" in connection with an investigation that has netted two convictions. The congressman maintains his innocence and has not been indicted, although the FBI says it found $90,000 in bribe money several months ago stashed in a food freezer in his home. With the action of the Democratic caucus subject to ratification by the full House, Jefferson publicly left open for the first time that he might be willing to give up his committee seat voluntarily. "I don't want to speculate," he said. Within an hour of the vote, Jefferson disclosed he had offered on Wednesday to step aside on two conditions. They were that the caucus establish a rule covering cases like his and that his seat on Ways and Means go temporarily to a fellow Louisiana Democrat, Rep. Charles Melancon. Pelosi, who controlled the votes to prevail in a showdown, declined the offer. "So it was her decision to expose the rift in this caucus and to move forward with this unjust action," Jefferson said in a statement. The vote in a closed-door meeting of Democrats marked the culmination of Pelosi's effort to stake out the high election-year ground on ethics. The issue was a difficult one for many Democrats, and some members of the black caucus have privately appealed to Jefferson in recent weeks to step aside voluntarily. Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina, a member of the Democratic leadership as well as the black caucus, said the rank and file had confronted "two competing interests — the legal interest and the political interest." While the vote was not close, it also underscored the concern among Democrats that Jefferson was being sanctioned arbitrarily. The chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Melvin Watt of North Carolina, said after the vote that by taking the action they did, fellow Democrats chose "political expediency" or some other unacceptable factor over precedent. "Even at the end of the meeting, we don't know what the standard has been," he said. Watt said that constituents of some lawmakers will adopt the view that race was a factor in the decision. "I think there are people who will say that's the basis," he said. Blacks are among the Democrats' most loyal voters. Democrats earlier in the evening rejected a call to sidetrack the proceedings until a rule had been adopted to cover situations like Jefferson's. Rep. Steven Rothman, D-N.J., said he sought the step because without rules, the action was "extraordinarily arbitrary." Quote All lip service as usual Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gravitymaster 0 #2 June 16, 2006 What is so pathetic, is that Pelosi is trying to do the right thing albeit for political reasons and all Jefferson and the Black Caucus can do is try to play the race card instead of recognising the impact this will have on the Dems in November. Of course, as usual I take pleasure in the Dems self-destructing but I do have to give Pelosi credit here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rushmc 23 #3 June 16, 2006 Got tp agree with you here. He has not even been charged."America will never be destroyed from the outside, if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gravitymaster 0 #4 June 16, 2006 QuoteGot tp agree with you here. He has not even been charged. It's not about whether he's been charged with anything. It's about his ability to effectively represent his party in an ethical manner. Similar to a police officer who is put on administrative leave pending an investigation. Of course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rushmc 23 #5 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteGot tp agree with you here. He has not even been charged. It's not about whether he's been charged with anything. It's about his ability to effectively represent his party in an ethical manner. Similar to a police officer who is put on administrative leave pending an investigation. Of course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. Can't argue with that either"America will never be destroyed from the outside, if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skydyvr 0 #6 June 16, 2006 QuoteOf course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. The decision today not to indict McKinney only adds fuel to that fire. . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,150 #7 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteOf course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. The decision today not to indict McKinney only adds fuel to that fire. Then there's Karl Rove...... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skydyvr 0 #8 June 17, 2006 QuoteThen there's Karl Rove... Comparing Rove to a racist asshole like Cynthia McKinney seems non-sequitor. I don't see any real likeness between the two. . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,150 #9 June 17, 2006 QuoteQuoteThen there's Karl Rove... Comparing Rove to a racist asshole like Cynthia McKinney seems non-sequitor. I don't see any real likeness between the two. The both have not been indicted. Weren't you paying attention?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skydyvr 0 #10 June 17, 2006 QuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,150 #11 June 17, 2006 QuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Maybe we can have a thread about her not being indicted, just like we have one about Rove not indicted.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites akarunway 1 #12 June 17, 2006 QuoteWhat is so pathetic, is that Pelosi is trying to do the right thing albeit for political reasons and all Jefferson and the Black Caucus can do is try to play the race card instead of recognising the impact this will have on the Dems in November. Of course, as usual I take pleasure in the Dems self-destructing but I do have to give Pelosi credit here. I never understood why people use the word>ALBEIT<. Isn't >BUT< easier to say and type or write. Does it make you look smarter if you use the word?I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Lefty 0 #13 June 18, 2006 If they meant the same thing, you'd have a point. Dictionary.com for the win.Provoking a reaction isn't the same thing as saying something meaningful. -Calvin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Gravitymaster 0 #14 June 18, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhat is so pathetic, is that Pelosi is trying to do the right thing albeit for political reasons and all Jefferson and the Black Caucus can do is try to play the race card instead of recognising the impact this will have on the Dems in November. Of course, as usual I take pleasure in the Dems self-destructing but I do have to give Pelosi credit here. I never understood why people use the word>ALBEIT<. Isn't >BUT< easier to say and type or write. Does it make you look smarter if you use the word? Albeit means "even though" or notwithstanding. Now don't you think using albeit is easier? Don't you feel smarter, now? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites akarunway 1 #15 June 18, 2006 English [edit] Etymology contracted form of al be it, "even if it be so that" [edit] Pronunciation IPA: /ɔːlˈbiːɪt/ [edit] Conjunction albeit although; even though but He has a very good idea, albeit a strange one. [edit] Translations Dutch: alhoewel French: bien que German: wenngleich Finnish: vaikka, vaikkakin Portuguese: se bem que Spanish: aunque, no obstante Swedish: dock Norwegian: dog >It's SOOOOOOOOO much easier. And the dumb people know what you meanI hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mnealtx 0 #16 June 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Maybe we can have a thread about her not being indicted, just like we have one about Rove not indicted. Or Berger not being indicted for stealing and 'losing' classified docs...Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Royd 0 #17 June 19, 2006 QuoteIt's SOOOOOOOOO much easier. And the dumb people know what you mean Something tells me that you are not a proponent of the dumbing down of America. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites waltappel 1 #18 June 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Cynthia McKinney is black. I thought racism was strictly a white-collar, white male thing. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites kallend 2,150 #19 June 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Maybe we can have a thread about her not being indicted, just like we have one about Rove not indicted. Or Berger not being indicted for stealing and 'losing' classified docs... So how come he was fined and sentenced to community service? I haven't been indicted, have you? We could have a thread about our non-indictments.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. 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Gravitymaster 0 #2 June 16, 2006 What is so pathetic, is that Pelosi is trying to do the right thing albeit for political reasons and all Jefferson and the Black Caucus can do is try to play the race card instead of recognising the impact this will have on the Dems in November. Of course, as usual I take pleasure in the Dems self-destructing but I do have to give Pelosi credit here. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 23 #3 June 16, 2006 Got tp agree with you here. He has not even been charged."America will never be destroyed from the outside, if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #4 June 16, 2006 QuoteGot tp agree with you here. He has not even been charged. It's not about whether he's been charged with anything. It's about his ability to effectively represent his party in an ethical manner. Similar to a police officer who is put on administrative leave pending an investigation. Of course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rushmc 23 #5 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteGot tp agree with you here. He has not even been charged. It's not about whether he's been charged with anything. It's about his ability to effectively represent his party in an ethical manner. Similar to a police officer who is put on administrative leave pending an investigation. Of course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. Can't argue with that either"America will never be destroyed from the outside, if we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." Abraham Lincoln Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydyvr 0 #6 June 16, 2006 QuoteOf course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. The decision today not to indict McKinney only adds fuel to that fire. . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #7 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteOf course we all know it's really about the Dems desire to use ethics as a political tool in November and Jefferson being a hinderance to that strategy. The decision today not to indict McKinney only adds fuel to that fire. Then there's Karl Rove...... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydyvr 0 #8 June 17, 2006 QuoteThen there's Karl Rove... Comparing Rove to a racist asshole like Cynthia McKinney seems non-sequitor. I don't see any real likeness between the two. . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #9 June 17, 2006 QuoteQuoteThen there's Karl Rove... Comparing Rove to a racist asshole like Cynthia McKinney seems non-sequitor. I don't see any real likeness between the two. The both have not been indicted. Weren't you paying attention?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydyvr 0 #10 June 17, 2006 QuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #11 June 17, 2006 QuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Maybe we can have a thread about her not being indicted, just like we have one about Rove not indicted.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #12 June 17, 2006 QuoteWhat is so pathetic, is that Pelosi is trying to do the right thing albeit for political reasons and all Jefferson and the Black Caucus can do is try to play the race card instead of recognising the impact this will have on the Dems in November. Of course, as usual I take pleasure in the Dems self-destructing but I do have to give Pelosi credit here. I never understood why people use the word>ALBEIT<. Isn't >BUT< easier to say and type or write. Does it make you look smarter if you use the word?I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lefty 0 #13 June 18, 2006 If they meant the same thing, you'd have a point. Dictionary.com for the win.Provoking a reaction isn't the same thing as saying something meaningful. -Calvin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #14 June 18, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhat is so pathetic, is that Pelosi is trying to do the right thing albeit for political reasons and all Jefferson and the Black Caucus can do is try to play the race card instead of recognising the impact this will have on the Dems in November. Of course, as usual I take pleasure in the Dems self-destructing but I do have to give Pelosi credit here. I never understood why people use the word>ALBEIT<. Isn't >BUT< easier to say and type or write. Does it make you look smarter if you use the word? Albeit means "even though" or notwithstanding. Now don't you think using albeit is easier? Don't you feel smarter, now? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
akarunway 1 #15 June 18, 2006 English [edit] Etymology contracted form of al be it, "even if it be so that" [edit] Pronunciation IPA: /ɔːlˈbiːɪt/ [edit] Conjunction albeit although; even though but He has a very good idea, albeit a strange one. [edit] Translations Dutch: alhoewel French: bien que German: wenngleich Finnish: vaikka, vaikkakin Portuguese: se bem que Spanish: aunque, no obstante Swedish: dock Norwegian: dog >It's SOOOOOOOOO much easier. And the dumb people know what you meanI hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #16 June 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Maybe we can have a thread about her not being indicted, just like we have one about Rove not indicted. Or Berger not being indicted for stealing and 'losing' classified docs...Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Royd 0 #17 June 19, 2006 QuoteIt's SOOOOOOOOO much easier. And the dumb people know what you mean Something tells me that you are not a proponent of the dumbing down of America. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
waltappel 1 #18 June 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Cynthia McKinney is black. I thought racism was strictly a white-collar, white male thing. Walt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #19 June 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteWeren't you paying attention? Yes -- I was just looking for an excuse to call Cynthia McKinney a racist asshole. Thanks. Maybe we can have a thread about her not being indicted, just like we have one about Rove not indicted. Or Berger not being indicted for stealing and 'losing' classified docs... So how come he was fined and sentenced to community service? I haven't been indicted, have you? We could have a thread about our non-indictments.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
