Cunningham and Abramoff: “Anything They Want To Know”
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The widening FBI investigation of congressional corruption is being fueled by two convicted Washington insiders, who federal officials and defense lawyers say are telling the FBI "anything they want to know."
Convicted Congressman Randall "Duke" Cunningham has begun serving his seven-year sentence and is now known as inmate #94405-198.
Convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has yet to be sentenced, is known as inmate #27593-112. The Federal Bureau of Prisons lists his current location as "in transit."
Both men pleaded guilty to corruption charges earlier this year and agreed to cooperate in the government’s ongoing investigation of congressional bribery and influence peddling.
Cunningham, currently being evaluated at the federal medical facility in Butner, NC,
"is cooperating fully," according to his lawyer, K. Lee Blalack, of O’Melveny & Myers. Cunningham is suffering from prostate and skin cancer, according to Blalack.
Blalack says Cunningham has also provided extensive documents to the House Intelligence Committee, which is conducting its own investigation of Cunningham’s activities when he was on the committee.
Cunningham’s bribes were described by prosecutors as the largest in the history of the United States Congress.
His information deals primarily with the defense contractors from whom he has admitted accepting bribes, according to people familiar with the investigation.
As for Abramoff, federal law enforcement officials say he has spent "hours and hours" with FBI agents detailing his relationships with dozens of members of Congress.
"What we’re going to do now is figure out if what Jack told us is the case," said one official.
Federal law enforcement sources told ABC News Wednesday that Abramoff has been questioned about his relationship with Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.
"He is very much in the mix," a federal law enforcement official told ABC News about Hastert. The official said Hastert is not considered a formal "subject" or "target" at this time.
Since our report, the Justice Department has twice denied that Hastert is under investigation or "in the mix."
Speaker Hastert called the ABC News report "totally untrue."
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The backpedaling begins!!!!
Posted by: Bob Vigoda | May 25, 2006, 12:20 pm 12:20 pm
I see that Hastert’s legal team has sent you a letter threatening legal actions for your false report. Are you still sticking to your story Ross?
I’ll be the first one to say it: Rossgate
Posted by: James Williams | May 25, 2006, 12:23 pm 12:23 pm
Just remember, Dan Rather also defended his story for a few days before finally having to admit the story was flawed. How long are you willing to hold Mr. Ross before you finally admit what is obvious to everyone by now, the story about Hastert was dead wrong.
Posted by: James | May 25, 2006, 12:29 pm 12:29 pm
Hey Brian Ross, I hear CBS is still in need of a replacement for Dan Rather.
I think you would be the perfect choice!
Your reputation for getting the story wrong is outstanding!
Posted by: steve | May 25, 2006, 12:40 pm 12:40 pm
Shame on you, ABC. This is a prime example of what is being called: “The drive-by media”.
Just apolgize and move on. The story, if a story, will resurface.
Posted by: Bill Bartlett | May 25, 2006, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
Our founding fathers strongly instituted a concept of Freedom of the Press, but that was based on the presumption that INTEGRITY was fundamental to that press. In your efforts to influence the public instead of serve the public, you have lost site of what those founders expected. Your zeal for hurting people is sad to watch.
Try a little honesty for a change.
Posted by: Steve McCoy | May 25, 2006, 12:44 pm 12:44 pm
The odd thing is that DOJ would either confirm or deny. That DOJ did deny in this instance smacks of politics on the part of DOJ.
Posted by: Bill Adkins | May 25, 2006, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
A new low in yellow journalism. Right out of the CBS playbook, “Fake but Accurate”.
ABC is continuing to ignore William Jefferson’s crimes while defaming Dennis Hastert in spite of two specific denials by the Justice Department.
Brian Ross you are irresponsible.
Posted by: Bob Costey | May 25, 2006, 12:46 pm 12:46 pm
And how about all the Rush Limbaugh references to ‘drive by media?’ This is news, Rush and his followers are trying to Swift Boat Ross here. I wouldn’t trust the oxycontin addict Rush for anything.
Posted by: Bill Adkins | May 25, 2006, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
Why not investigate William Jefferson (real investigtaion, real evidence) instead of trying to advance your agenda against someone whom the Justice Dept denies is the subject of an investigation? Why not spread lies about Nancy Pelogsi?
I heard the National Enquirer is looking for someone with your degree if integrity and credibility.
Posted by: don | May 25, 2006, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
Hastert isn’t going to get much sleep for a few nights. His lawyers won’t be sleeping at all. They’ll be too busy throwing up a smokescreen of libel threats in public while they privately try to bargain with the Justice Department to keep Hastert from the long prison sentence he deserves. Thank God for the few honest non-partisan FBI agents and career Justice Dept. officials who have the guts to defy the disgrace of an Attorney General that Bush appointed to cover him.
Posted by: Kipling | May 25, 2006, 12:49 pm 12:49 pm
ABC,
You have a duty to the American people to reveal the truth no matter how much it may damage people or corporations. Please help to remind all that no person is above the law. Please continue spreading the truth no matter how many of these right wingers want it supressed. Remember, they are the ones who got us into this mess to begin with!
Posted by: Chris | May 25, 2006, 12:58 pm 12:58 pm
No wonder your news and prime time numbers keep dropping…our family will not watch anything on CBS because of what they did…now it appears you are headed down that same slipply slop. Where is the V-chip remote…no more ABC in our house!
Posted by: Alan | May 25, 2006, 12:59 pm 12:59 pm
Republican tactics:
Smear, lie and whine when it comes to your opponents.
Run away from your own responsibility when it comes to yourselves.
Reminds me of a bunch of seven year old boys.
Posted by: Henry Flower | May 25, 2006, 1:05 pm 1:05 pm
Your reporting reminds me of an old saying from the army, “ready, fire, aim”. How about getting facts (proven) before reporting it as news. The only defense against slander and libel is the truth.
Posted by: John Thompson | May 25, 2006, 1:09 pm 1:09 pm
This is sloppy, slanderous journalism and it makes me so angry. Put Brian Ross on leave, let him resign, or better yet – FIRE HIM! And while you’re at it, FIRE anyone who approved this going on the air. I will not watch ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, or PBS until the liberal bias is fumigated out of the newsrooms.
Posted by: Fred | May 25, 2006, 1:13 pm 1:13 pm
Steve McCoy needs to go back and study history. The “press” at the time of our founding fathers was a format for the most vile political mud-slinging ever. Full of innuendo, rumors, half-truths, the press unabashedly dragged their opponents into the gutter. What is a miricle is that the founders, in their wisdom, despite this lack of integrity, included Freedom of the Press in the Constitution.
Posted by: Glenn | May 25, 2006, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm
Hey..everybody can be right. I’d bet for a fact the FBI is RECEIVING information linking Hasert to the scandal. But they can say with a straight face (as straigth as it comes in the Bush administration) that they are not at this time ACTING on this information. Stayed tuned. DOJ will eventually backtrack.
Way to go Ross!!
Posted by: Tom/Seattle | May 25, 2006, 1:17 pm 1:17 pm
Desperate and pathetic. Both definitions fit.
Posted by: Jim | May 25, 2006, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
i only hope that the arrogance of brian ross and george stephanopolis lands them in big payments for the defamation of character, abc news is just as guilty for not retracting the statement and leaving on website after abc was served notice on the defamation of character, no wonder abc is in last place, oh well, who watches mainstream tv news anymore, maybe they should replace brian ross with dan rather or just let those two start their own network
Posted by: Frank | May 25, 2006, 1:18 pm 1:18 pm
What a feeble attempt to divert attention and ignore the congressman that was caught . . . on tape . . . with $90,000 in his freezer. So ABC posts a story about a congressman that is not the subject of an investigation. I have already quit NBC and CBS. What do I do now?
Posted by: Kent | May 25, 2006, 1:20 pm 1:20 pm
Hastert is guilty as sin. Im sure many others are ready to duck in Washington because the #@$! has hit the fan. Sleep with dogs and you get flees. You’re doing a fine job Mr. Ross. Keep up the great reporting. Its the only thing keeping this country honest.
Posted by: Greg | May 25, 2006, 1:22 pm 1:22 pm
BRIAN….there is a song written for just this kind of occasion…when you have a story you are convinced to be true and the ‘other side’ goes so far as to threaten legal action if you dont shove that story right back under the bumpy GOP story hiding rug…its called DONT BACK DOWN….
and I hope ABC doesnt back down…and that you did your homework and dotted ALL your i’s…
there is a reason Dennis Hasert went totally ballistic about Jeffersons office being searched by the FBI and you may well be the first media people to coincidentally connect the dots leading to the reason.
Posted by: KnotIookin | May 25, 2006, 1:26 pm 1:26 pm
Yeah – well we know Hastert has called ABC out before. Remember when his spokesman remarked how “the speaker is dismayed and disappointed that ABC News continues to place their bets on the wrong team.”
Oh wait, that was the gaming industry. Never mind.
Posted by: raisin | May 25, 2006, 1:32 pm 1:32 pm
ABC’s coverage of this story was irresponsible, unprofessional, and is further evidence of an obvious bias. You should be ashamed.
Posted by: Mike | May 25, 2006, 1:34 pm 1:34 pm
I guess the false reporting by CBS and RatherGate means nothing to you.
I’m done for good with ABC for ALL my news I’m going to Fox. Fair, Balanced and the TRUTH…Jeff Valovich
Posted by: Jeff valovich | May 25, 2006, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
To all the other posters,
This is not about prime time numbers, Jefferson (talk about arguing things you don’t have a clue about-that matter is a constitutional one and has nothing to do with this argument), or CBSing it.
This is about integrity. If ABC knows that what was told to them by this ‘Justice Department official is incorrect (a lie) then that officials name and position should be released for the good of the Justice Department and our nation (and ABC’s integrity). In this instance it goes beyond the need to keep a source (unamed).
If the statement was true, then stick by your guns.
I am really questioning the Justice Department coming out with the statement that what was told to you was FALSE. If the justice department is POLITICALLY being challenged here (or anywhere) then I am afraid the the correctness of this story is the LEAST of our collective PROBLEMS. The proper statement from the DOJ should have been “NO COMMENT”.
I fear that you are about ready to be set up Mr. Ross. Be careful out there!!
them swifty’s care less about the truth then those at ‘We Report, You Decide’.
Posted by: Dan | May 25, 2006, 1:35 pm 1:35 pm
It is all over the internet that last night’s story about the Dennis Hastert investigation was completely wrong. Since the DOJ denies any investigation, it makes me wonder what are your sources. Now would be a good time to reveal them. This is very shoddy work for ABC’s Chief Investigative Correspondent.
Posted by: Terry Martinez | May 25, 2006, 1:36 pm 1:36 pm
Now Ross writes:
“He is very much in the mix,” a federal law enforcement official told ABC News about Hastert. The official said Hastert is not considered a formal “subject” or “target” at this time.
That’s quite a bit different from “Under Investigation” isn’t it Ross? Even though the justice department denies the “in the mix” part as well. Whatever “in the mix” means.
I would like to know the name of the brave “hiding under his desk” law inforcement official Ross has been talking to. If he is as brave as the liberals seem to think he is he should have no problem being identified and questioned by some real reporters.
Posted by: Robert | May 25, 2006, 1:40 pm 1:40 pm
May 25, 2006
Dear Mr. Ross, Bravo for your story revealing the possible crimes of House Speaker Hastert! Kennedy’s Profiles In Courage is about men like you. It takes courage to write the truth, to stand up to the bullies with the facts from the FBI and Hastert’s own signed letters, incriminating himself with Jack Abramoff’s crimes against the American People. Where corrupt presidential elections twice blocked the will of the people, our criminal laws are bringing justice to this corrupt Republican Congress and Presidency. Most Americans support freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and honest government. Thank you Mr. Ross. You are an example to journalists everywhere not to be held hostage by fear of corrupt governments, ignorant public opinion, and revengeful business executives. Most Americans can handle the truth and support your superb reporting. Bravo!
Tom Galvin, Veteran
Posted by: Tom Galvin, Veteran | May 25, 2006, 1:41 pm 1:41 pm
Hastert was one of the first to complain about the FBI going into Jefferson’s office in that probe. So what else is new. This entire administration is one of deceit, denial, and disengagement. Why should Congress be above examination? Does their congressional status make them exempt from the law? These are the same people who tell us, with respect to NSA spying on Americans, that we shouldn’t mind being spied on if we have nothing to hide.
Posted by: Gail Farley | May 25, 2006, 1:44 pm 1:44 pm
Hope all of you have seen where Speaker Hastert has come out blasting the DOJ for ‘leaking’ information to the media because he is questioning them about Jefferson.
He said, “This is one of the leaks that come out to try to, you know, intimidate people,” Hastert said on WGN radio Thursday morning. “We’re just not going to be intimidated on it.”
So ABC you seem to be onto something here. It would seem that the DOJ’s insistance today that Hastert is ‘not in the mix’ is the real LIE…
Betcha this goes up to Gonzales (sp?) and then from there ???hm.
Posted by: Dan | May 25, 2006, 1:45 pm 1:45 pm
Brian Ross is reporting information that was given to him. Why would he lie? It was not even a report on Hastert being a target. Just saying he was in the “mix”, and showing a letter he co-wrote with deLay..well…its just the facts. The attacks were so SWIFT and so baseless, that one wonders if RNC people were mobilized to write such swift-boat comments?
Not one denial had any actual relevance to the report. bravo for your courage, Mr. Ross.
Posted by: VAL | May 25, 2006, 1:46 pm 1:46 pm
The rightwingers are at it again in these posts, “Swift” with their nasty messages. They bemoan the Dan Rather, CBS story, which actually had the essentials of the story completely right. That’s what irritates them, so. They hate it when corruption and scandal is uncovered, but only when it applies to their own righty leaders. It’s not that they hate the corruption and scandal itself. Don’t worry about them, Ross. The corrupt are falling like flies. Stay tuned. More to come.
Posted by: Gene | May 25, 2006, 2:09 pm 2:09 pm
That the same people who vote raises for themselves would claim outrage at the JD for obtaining evidence in government offices is too much. Time for an alternate political party. The demo and repub emperors(esses) have no clothes. Their indignant, high and mighty protests sicken me. Time to throw all the bums out.
Posted by: WD | May 25, 2006, 2:14 pm 2:14 pm
re most of the comments:
There are bigger fish to fry …
Gezzzz, try to stay focused people
Posted by: mango | May 25, 2006, 2:18 pm 2:18 pm
I commend Brian Ross for doing his job. Keep up the good work. These right-wingers and their tactics of smearing people is old.
Posted by: Jay | May 25, 2006, 2:26 pm 2:26 pm
Mr. Ross,
Please ignore the obvious astroturf comments.
Posted by: Clem | May 25, 2006, 2:36 pm 2:36 pm
A Reuters release reported that Ross stated “The people we’re talking to feel very strongly about what they told us,” — What is this FEEL stuff? What about facts?
This is a very weak story on Ross’ part — I’m cannot for the life of me understand ABC’s focus on Hastert (weak and denied allegations) as opposed to Jefferson (actual video taped evidence and cold cash). Somebody help me understand — please!
Posted by: Elaine | May 25, 2006, 2:46 pm 2:46 pm
Sure are a lot of people attacking Brian Ross here. Instead of name calling, etc. would all of you please tell us what YOUR investigation has determined in this matter? You seem to be very sure of your position. Why?
Posted by: Don | May 25, 2006, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
“What a feeble attempt to divert attention and ignore the congressman that was caught . . . on tape . . . with $90,000 in his freezer. So ABC posts a story about a congressman that is not the subject of an investigation. I have already quit NBC and CBS. What do I do now?”
Another Fox only viewer. Mr. Ross, you are not losing any viewership here. This right wing retards never watched ABC in the first place.
Posted by: Spudge_Boy | May 25, 2006, 2:48 pm 2:48 pm
There is not one honest person left in Washington D.C. And if my memory serves correctly…the same was true at Sodom and Gomora.
Posted by: G.A.S. | May 25, 2006, 2:57 pm 2:57 pm
Shame on ABC. (1) Ross reports story. (2) DOJ says it’s not true. (3) ABC still not willing to accept the truth. You only want to further your left-wing agenda and protect your own. Shame,shame,shame!
Posted by: Garygee | May 25, 2006, 3:00 pm 3:00 pm
Brian, ignore the wackos and just continue doing your job. It is refreshing, to say the least, to see someone in the MSM not cowering under the Bush admin’s (and Right-Wingnuts’) pressure. Bush & Co. have had their way for far too long, with bullying and intimidation stifling any attempt by the media to tell us citizen/taxpayers what they’re up to. Too many “secrets” and not enough accountability.
Posted by: Janet Peters | May 25, 2006, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
This country is starved for investigative journalism– heck even just journalism will do.
Thank you for seeking out stories on this secretive administration.
Something tells me that the primary reason the members of the Bush Administration are so secretive is because they are up to no good.
“Sunshine is the best disinfectant.”
Posted by: Katie O | May 25, 2006, 3:05 pm 3:05 pm
I don’t know whether or not Hastert did anything illegal, but I would be shocked if his name didn’t come up in the investigation. Jack Abramoff was a powerful Republican lobbyists who was well-known to be close to the House Republican leadership. Several former aides to Tom Delay came to work for Abramoff, two of whom have already plead guilty and at least one or two more under investigation. Hastert worked closely with Delay’s office; when he became Speaker several of Delay’s former staff went to work for him.
Given all of that, the FBI would have been derelict in it’s duty if they didn’t ask Abramoff about his relationship with Hastert. That’s just basic investigative work — if someone admits to bribing Congressmen, you start by looking at the Congressmen he is closest to and Hastert would be on that list. If the DOJ insists that his name hasn’t come up at all, that would be the real scandal.
As the most recent story noted, the FBI is in the process of reviewing everything Abramoff has told them. Hastert could be “in the mix” without being subject to investigation right now because Abramoff made statements implicating Hastert and the FBI is in the process of going through all of the allegations Abramoff made, comparing it with what other witnesses have told them and the evidence they already have before deciding whether or not to pursue each lead. Or maybe they are going over the various allegations with lawyers to see which ones are potential crimes and which are merely unethical or slimy. Either way, Hastert wouldn’t be “under investigation” until that process was completed.
None of this means that Hastert is guilty or committed any crime. But you would have to be extremely naive to think that Abramoff didn’t have interactions with Hastert that deserve scrutiny.
Maybe Hastert wasn’t aware that Abramoff was doing anything illegal. Maybe Abramoff is making stuff up about Hastert to get a lighter sentance by giving the FBI the biggest fish he can. Or maybe he’s bitter that his former friends in the Republican leadership who were glad to take his money, eat at his restaraunt, spend time in his luxury boxes, etc. abandoned him when he got in trouble. but it should be investigated.
Posted by: Ed | May 25, 2006, 3:21 pm 3:21 pm
Brian, stick to it and make the facts known…
Posted by: dave | May 25, 2006, 3:23 pm 3:23 pm
Great reporting job, Brian! It is a fact that Speaker Hastert accepted over $60,000 in funds from Jack Abramoff, which were hastily returned when the charges against Abramoff were made public. Unfortunately, at that time, most of the attention was paid to Tom DeLay’s acceptance of even more money from Abramoff and DeLay’s own problems. Why would Hastert NOT be “in the mix” of investigation, whether by DOJ or another law enforcement agency? Please continue your excellent investigative reporting and don’t be intimidated!
Posted by: chuck | May 25, 2006, 3:25 pm 3:25 pm
Cry and whine and blame the media, right wingers, the chickens are coming home to roost.
The GOP’s next excuse for further ballooning the deficit will be the unexpected cost of building more Federal prisons to house all their corrupt politicians in.
Posted by: sps | May 25, 2006, 3:30 pm 3:30 pm
Wait until Hastert stands on the dock. These righties *still* will deny he’s part of the investigation…
Posted by: Wisco | May 25, 2006, 3:31 pm 3:31 pm
Another reason why I don’t count on network news for honest reporting. I watch all of the networks including cable before I make an educated decision about a news story, but I think you are going down a dangerous road of hoping a story may be true. These actions are truly a dis-service to your viewers who count on ABC for honest reporting. Remember the story about the miners in West Virginia who were pronounced “alive” by the media? Classic example, enough said.
Posted by: Jonathan Watkins | May 25, 2006, 3:42 pm 3:42 pm
Wow! I’ve never seen such a mess of red state blue state comments. Brian Ross said that Hastert is “in the mix.” The official response from the DOJ is that Hastert is not being investigated. You’re telling me both can’t be true? The Official he quoted said both comments. Amazing. Stop seeing what you want and see what is there.
Wouldn’t you throw Hastert (and anyone else who hung with Abramoff) “in the mix?” If yo uwant to get to the bottom – follow the money and power trail. You’ll find it.
Posted by: Dave | May 25, 2006, 3:54 pm 3:54 pm
Dave,
Ross’ intial report used the term “under investigation”. He then changed it to “in the mix” after being criticized. My question is why did Ross intially use the term “under investigation” when he knew that was not true.
Posted by: James | May 25, 2006, 4:04 pm 4:04 pm
Headlines make headlines. Doesn’t matter if the story is true or not, or if parsed properly the story is mostly true, or almost mostly accurate according to our legal team. This is a prime example of the News Media in a feeding frenzy. Its a sad state when the MSNBC headline is “ABC is reporting…”
Posted by: Longgun | May 25, 2006, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
ABC, keep up the good work. In fact, be more aggressive as there is a lot more yet to come.
One important point that you need to be aware of is that there is something deeper and underneath what is happening. I was in a family for more than 26 years who is part of it. Out of every 10 involved, 3 are Democrats and 7 are Republicans. It shouldn’t be ANY surprise why Hastert is reacting this way either. I live in Illinois and am well aware about Hastert and a few other of his interesting “things”.
For now, corruption is the focus, but beware, there are other levels of more serious crimes waiting to surface. If you think what is happening is shocking, better install seatbelts on your computer chairs for what’s up ahead.
Posted by: Marty Didier | May 25, 2006, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
Jonathan,
It was one of the rescue people that first pronounced the miners ALIVE. The media just reported that…’nuff said’?
Posted by: Dan | May 25, 2006, 4:15 pm 4:15 pm
I am appauled and saddened to find my hero, “A Legend of Airpower”, Navy Aviator and teacher of air combat tatics can get or become corrupt and do the things Duke ha done. Now, the questions are why and how??
Just so others may learn from Duke’s mistakes.
Thanks,
Posted by: Pete Chestnut | May 25, 2006, 4:26 pm 4:26 pm
MR. JONATHAN WATKINS!
In regards to your comments: “Remember the story about the miners in West Virginia who were pronounced “alive” by the media?”
“Miscommunication between rescuers and state and company officials” led to that media report. Please, practice what you preach about honest reporting…
Posted by: JayRamos | May 25, 2006, 4:27 pm 4:27 pm
I’m going to have to go with Dave on this one. Commendations go out to Ross, who showed more guts than most out there to get an investigative report published against a tough, and at times intimidating, Republican base.
However, it would be a fallacy to accuse only the Republicans of such racketeering. Both sides of the proverbial aisle are responsible and have profitted from special interests.
Regarding why Ross is isn’t reporting on Jefferson: They’re different stories! Had this article been entitled “The Political Corruption Blotter”, then shame on ABC. But as far as I know, this article was about Abramoff/ Hastert. I’m sure you can find plenty about Jefferson, no doubt.
As Dave said, take off your red- or blue-lensed sunglasses, and see what’s really there. If Ross is found to have been lying, then by all means take action. But don’t fire a journalist for doing his job. Many out there are paranoid of politicians. Others direct their paranoia to the media. You see aspects of both these types all over the comments of this blotter
Posted by: Brian | May 25, 2006, 4:44 pm 4:44 pm
REading all of these comments, I just can’t help but feel sad for the rush to judgment on both sides. Republicans bash ABC and Ross, Democrats love ABC and Ross. How about everyone just relaxes, allow the judicial process to proceed as it will, and those who should be exonerated will be. Those who are guilty will be found to be so. Justice is not a political issue folks.
Posted by: Chris | May 25, 2006, 4:50 pm 4:50 pm
It is absolutely amazing to me how many people want the press to back off of these politicians. As long as the politician is a Republican, that is. If the politician is a Democrat, then hanging is too good for them. Can you imagine what this bunch, writing these comments, would have done if the Speaker of the House was a Democrat? They’d be calling for hearings, impeachment, firing squads. Yes, as long as they are Republican and have, of course, a direct phone line to Jesus, it doesn’t matter what they do, say or how many young soldiers they get killed… as long as they can keep their insider deals, their friends in the green and themselves in power. Shameless.
I say out with the bunch of them and lets see how many Republicans versus Democrats Abramhoff gets sent up the river….
Posted by: Terry Hill | May 25, 2006, 4:55 pm 4:55 pm
ABC just spilled the beans. The paper shredders will be running 24/7 in Denny’s office.
Posted by: Adam | May 25, 2006, 5:33 pm 5:33 pm
Republicans have a direct line to Jesus?! Wow…here I have been a Republican and a Christian all this time and I never knew that! Can you give me the phone number, e-mail address, or whatever means it is by which I can use this direct line? And how is it that you, an apparent Democrat, knew about this direct line and I didn’t? This is great stuff! I’ll spread the word at church just as soon as I hear back from you on how to use the direct line to Jesus.
Give me a break.
Posted by: Chris | May 25, 2006, 5:34 pm 5:34 pm
911 FBI Whistleblower, Sibyl Edmund, on her website http://www.JustACitizen.com long ago stated in an interview reprinted on her site that Hastert had taken some very, very large bribes and that when it came out some Congressmen would be going to prison. The interview is over two years ago, I believe.
What is happening with Russel Tice’s testimony last week to Congress on the continuing NSA scandal which is even worse than has been reported.
Posted by: Saz | May 25, 2006, 5:57 pm 5:57 pm
Another Denny’s gets busted!
Posted by: JusticeJustice | May 25, 2006, 6:07 pm 6:07 pm
It seems that the people who are claiming a 33% approval rating for George W. are the same people, who are at this website defending Rep. Dennis Hassart, and slaming Brian Ross, for his stellor, and gutsey reporting of this (tip of the iceberg) Washington D.C. scandal. The Administration has tried to put a stop to the Valarie Plame issue, tried to sidestep the illegal wiretapping of it’s U.S. citizens, created a ton of false evidence to support an attack and occupation of Iraq, endangering and killing our young men and women of this country. And NOW want, to go after the country of Iran, with already having placed troops within that country, and still ignore the country of Korea, for developing Nuclear power, only because Korea has a Military, whereas Iran (Iraq) does not. It’s just amazing to me how the NEO CONS are crying foul, and unfair, when this country is under total CONTROL by an administration, who sought to get rid of Saadam for being a Dictator, when it’s clear we live under a Dictator’s Rule. (no constitutional checks and balances) Just 6 and a half years ago, the NeoCons were trying to give the Clinton Administration the BOOT for nothing more than a Whitehouse sex scandal. Whereas this President, as broken more laws than can ever be counted… Yet the NeoCons, to keep from being caught for Arson, start a fire elsewhere, to misdirect the Fire Department, so that they can continue their foul deeds, of deception, and dispicable conduct. The Administration, has broken the promise it made 5 and half years ago, when it swore to “Preserve, Protect, and Defend the Constitution of the United States of America”. They’ve ignored the Constitution, in every instance, and continue to do so. If Marshall Law is ever declared by this Administration, it wouldn’t be a surprise to me, and then it wouldn’t be any different than Saadam’s control over his country. Then we would know, how the people of Iraq felt. It’s SAD to see, that more people know what’s going on out in TV Land concerning “American Idol” than they do, outside their own doors, at the seat of U.S. Government Power. The Democrats have no power in Congress, but hopefully, after the elections of November,they can concern themselves with the ousting of this President, the 33% seem to approve of. We as voters can change the way this Administration does business, by going to the polls and voting our convictions in November, but doing it on a machine, not made by Diebolt. I am sure, now that I’ve written this, by phone will be tapped, if it isn’t already.
Posted by: Rob Crawford | May 25, 2006, 7:08 pm 7:08 pm
Mrs. Pownall of Philadelphia asks, “What have you wrought?” Franklin replies, “a republic, Madam, if you can keep it.”
Red, Blue–it doesn’t matter. We are in a fight to keep our republic. If ABC News received what they believed is a reliable tip, it’s reportable. More to the point, why is so much of our government above the law? Reclassification of documents, signing memorandums, no-bid contracts–both Dems and Reps are complicit. Why are so many millions spent on jobs that pay about $100 grand (don’t bother to answer–it’s a rhetorical question). Your fellow citizen is not the problem. The ruling elite is the problem. The neo-cons wanted to be able to drown the federal government like a baby in a bathtub. They have spent us into a hole that we’ll not climb from in our lifetimes, and now they’re filling it with water. Meanwhile, we’re focused on reporters and news media as if we’re soccer fans of rival teams—this isn’t a game. If it were, I’d tell both sides to watch the ball!
Posted by: Bob McCoy | May 26, 2006, 1:10 am 1:10 am
when the royal uncle made 500,000,000 profit with the ability to predict when and where the united states would start a war, as enron destabilized california to elect a republican, as delay excelled in the art of public corruption, while the president can’t even make complete sentences and the courts move ever closer to legalizing sterilization since there is now no right to privacy. go ahead and be distracted by gay marriage, your grandchildren will remember you for granting them a life of intense poverty. provided by the mango republic of the united states, where the rich are RICH and you can be completely ignored.so be sure and defend them child molesters in congress and their sickening collective greed.
Posted by: jim | May 26, 2006, 3:16 pm 3:16 pm