A former Interior Department official pleaded guilty yesterday to accepting $15,000 in kickbacks from an insurance company in exchange for arranging meetings with government officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Edgar A. Johnson, 60, of Bowie, left his position at Interior's Office of Insular Affairs last year. He was charged in November in U.S. District Court in Washington with one count of honest services wire fraud.
Johnson, who is scheduled for sentencing April 10, faces 12 to 18 months in prison. He did not return phone calls seeking comment. His attorney, Stephen O'Neal Russell, declined to comment on the case.
A confidential informant who was a former fraternity brother of Johnson's introduced him in December 2006 to representatives of a New Jersey firm looking to sell insurance to government agencies, according to court documents. "I'm the Virgin Islands desk officer for the government," Johnson told the men, according to the documents. "I know people but I got to be careful there for the whole idea of what we can do."
The insurance company, which is not named, offered to pay Johnson and a "relative" working in Detroit's city government for helping set up insurance contracts. In exchange, Johnson would get a 10 percent cut and the relative would get 15 percent, prosecutors said in the documents.
The Detroit deal fell through, but Johnson told his old friend that he could introduce the firm to high-level Virgin Islands officials, adding that it was his job to "spur economic development" in the territories. Johnson was given $5,000 in $100 bills in February 2007 and another $10,000 in cash in August 2007, according to the documents.
Johnson held federal jobs for nearly 30 years and had a salary of $121,000 when he retired. He told prosecutors that he was struggling to pay private school tuition for one of his children and that he was looking to "maintain his lifestyle" after his retirement.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/01/2009 00:00 ||
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MARION, Ky. -- In some parts of rural Kentucky, they're getting water the old-fashioned way -- with pails from a creek. There's not room for one more sleeping bag on the shelter floor. The creative are flushing their toilets with melted snow. not a good story for the MSM to cover because it doesn't seem to scream "global warming"
At least 42 people have died, including 11 in Kentucky, and conditions are worsening in many places days after an ice storm knocked out power to 1.3 million customers from the Plains to the East Coast. About a million people were still without electric Friday, and with no hope that the lights will come back on soon.
Local officials were growing angry with what they said was a lack of help from the state and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The ONE Dozed, White People Froze
In Grayson County, about 80 miles southwest of Louisville, Emergency Management Director Randell Smith said the 25 National Guardsmen who have responded have no chain saws to clear fallen trees. "We've got people out in some areas we haven't even visited yet," Smith said. "We don't even know that they're alive."
Smith said FEMA has been a no-show so far. "I'm not saying we can't handle it; we'll handle it," Smith said. "But it would have made life a lot easier" if FEMA had reached the county sooner, he said.
#1
First - This should not be a national-level issue - it is a local issue, that is well within the capability of local authorities to handle. Winter weather and ice storms are routine, recurring phenomenon.
With that said - and in light of the Katrina albatross that was hung with glee from President Bush's neck, the hecklers should absolutely CRUCIFY Obambi for utter negligence, absent leadership, incompetence, cowardice, racism, dereliction of duty, and any other failings that can be imagined. The opposition should grind his face into the slush until he gurgles.
And - the Obamination should be heckled every week for the next 203 weeks about his failed performance during "ice storm gate", and his personal responsibility for each death. The protest posters should show Obama and his aides in shirtsleeves in the overheated Oval Office, with an inset picture of white schoolchildren huddled and shivering in some Appalachian church.
#2
Maybe the One should tell the Kentuckians that they should show Chicago flinty resolve to overcome this.
On the other hand, the Lone Ranger is absolutely right: 1) this is not a Federal Government issue and 2) Because the president has a D after his name, rather than an R, the press will suddenly remember fact 1).
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia ||
02/01/2009 0:38 Comments ||
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#7
the 25 National Guardsmen who have responded have no chain saws to clear fallen trees.
No chain saws, when the problem is power lines downed by ice-covered tree limbs? There are an awful lot of tree companies up here in Cincinnati; why had no one hired them to help down there?
#11
While I have to agree that this is NOT a "federal" issue, it IS a state issue. They've only called up 25 National Guardsmen? The nearest WalMart has gas-powered chain saws. Why hasn't the state's emergency management people just gone to Wallieworld and pick up a half-dozen? A few chain saws and 50 sacks of cat litter can help a bunch.
Is rural Kentucky absolutely axe-free? An axe takes longer than a chain saw, but it works without having to have either gas or electricity. I know the kind of havoc ice storms can cause. I lived through a couple in Louisiana, and one in Germany where the local government completely shut down road travel for 36 hours. They can be a killer. At the same time the best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your arm. I can remember being 15 and helping clear broken limbs and whole trees from the road we lived on after a really bad ice storm. I have little sympathy.
Local people should be angry that the State government isn't providing assistance (or sufficient assistance), but there's a lot they could do for themselves.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/01/2009 15:08 Comments ||
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#12
latest on Fox said ALL NG were called up
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/01/2009 15:38 Comments ||
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#13
Stay safe, 3dc. He's down in Kan-tuck-ee right now.
Posted by: Alaska Paul ||
02/01/2009 15:44 Comments ||
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#14
While I would like to lay this at Obama's feet, as far as I know the Govornour of Kentucky has not asked for Federal help and until he does there is nothing the US, or Obama, can do. This is not like New Orleans where Bush contacted the Louisiana Govourner and she told him she didn't need the Feds and then screemed bloody murder when she and the locals were not able to handle the situation.
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
02/01/2009 18:37 Comments ||
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#15
This seems like a larger natural disaster than Katrina. State and local response is inadequate and national response is very poor. Lots to criticize, but few have taken up the gauntlet. Once again the public is ill-served by MSM. N o suprise there.
Posted by: Richard of Oregon ||
02/01/2009 18:47 Comments ||
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#16
Hard to believe folks in rural Kentucky do not have chain saws.
Tractor, shotgun, chainsaw. Rural folks can usually look after themselves.
#17
Hell you ought to see my "Survival closet" chain saw fuel and oil (In pickup sealed back toolbox) air mattress, gasoline lanterns, Propane lanterns, Coleman gasoline cook stove (Two burners) Tarpaulins (2) and hand saw (two actualy one plain handsaw and one woods saw with a 30 inch bandsaw type blade, (No axe yet I'm lazy) two claw hammers, many different sizes of nails and screws, I suppose I should include my pickup, a Small Isuzu that'll go wherever I want it to, Backwoods, or interstate. Extra 5 gallon gas can (Full of course).
Much more, books on construction and survival I guess I'm just a big Boy Scout.
Served me well about 15 years ago when we had a freak snowsorm and an snow filled Huge pine cut my house in half (2 1/2 feet across through the living room and 50 feet from the stump)
Let it snow.
Posted by: Rednek Jim ||
02/01/2009 21:07 Comments ||
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#18
PS, those huge pines went to the sawmill right after the roads opened, never again.
Posted by: Rednek Jim ||
02/01/2009 21:10 Comments ||
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#19
good kit, RJ. When I went to Mexico in my FJ40, I carried extra fanbelts, hoses, and a fuel pump. Just in case. I thought I was doing well......
Posted by: Frank G ||
02/01/2009 21:18 Comments ||
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#20
Frank G
the best kit is one you never need to use, you did good.
Posted by: Rednek Jim ||
02/01/2009 22:22 Comments ||
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#21
On Friday morn -- an interview with the Lt Gov of KY said, "Yes, we have contacted the White House, we have requested disaster designation, and are in conversation with the White House."
Not sure when that request was made --- but it has been made. At the least, it was on Thursday, cause this was early Friday morn, and The One isn't an early man into the office.
#22
Every couple of years KY has a good ice storm. The KY national guard is very prepared for this as are most of th local folks. I question this reporters intent. KY can take care of its own and they don't need any help from Wash DC.
Posted by: 49 Pan ||
02/01/2009 23:01 Comments ||
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Allegations that the CIA station chief in Algiers drugged and raped Muslim women may hurt efforts by President Barack Obama to improve U.S. relations with the Muslim world, Algerian dailies said on Saturday. "Sex, rape and video at the U.S. embassy in Algiers," wrote Algeria's most influential French-language newspaper El Watan in a front page headline.
The explosive allegations could potentially deal a major blow to the U.S. image abroad at a time when Obama has called for "a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect" with the Muslim world.
The case "will be seen as the typical ugly American," ABC News quoted former CIA officer Bob Baer as saying. "My question is how the CIA would not have picked up on this in their own regular reviews of CIA officers overseas."
ABC news was the first to report that two Algerian women had complained they had been separately drugged and sexually abused by the CIA officer at his official residence in September 2007 and February 2008.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/01/2009 00:00 ||
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#1
how do they figure that? i had always supposed that Obama's plan was to undermine and diminish the US internationally and this seems go right along to that end
Posted by: Abu do you love ||
02/01/2009 1:00 Comments ||
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#2
"My question is how the CIA would not have picked up on this in their own regular reviews of CIA officers overseas."
Answering this question may reveal more than the agencies ailments, it may reveal or further hihglight a systematic problem within the entire governmental service.
#4
Were these women wearing burkas and veiled? If not, why not? I was under the impression men of the Islamic faith could treat women in any manner they choose. Rape is always the fault of the woman...yes?
The president of Madagascar said Saturday that he was still in charge of the country and insisted calm had returned to the Indian Ocean island after a wave of anti-government protests that left 43 dead.
President Marc Ravalomanana was responding to claims that the capital's mayor, Andry Rajoelina, had taken over control of the government. "I remain the president of this country," he said in a short statement while meeting with Cabinet ministers. "I know the situation is very serious before, but now it is OK. We managed the crisis in Madagascar."
Ravalomanana said Rajoelina had to "respect the law" of the country.
Earlier Saturday Rajoelina, who has grown increasingly critical of Ravalomanana and has called for him to stand down, addressed a crowd of about 4,500 people in the capital's main square. "Until the establishment of a transitional government, it is me who gives the command," he said. "I send a call to the forces of law and order that it is me who gives the command."
Rajoelina has made similar claims in the last week, saying he is ready to take over an interim government. But the constitution requires a president be at least 40, and Rajoelina is 34. The rally ended peacefully after some protesters threw stones at police in the morning. Police withdrew from the area and protesters set up a barricade of barrels and trash cans around the square.
Unrest began Monday when protesters set the government broadcasting complex ablaze, along with an oil depot, shopping mall and a private TV station linked to Ravalomanana.
Posted by: Fred ||
02/01/2009 00:00 ||
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Armed miscreants have unleashed a reign of terror in the rural areas of Naria upazilla in Shariotpur district. Local sources said, armed extortionists and terrorists have been increased resulting to murder, abduction, extortion and dacoity under the protection influential quarters.
There is no reason of denying the fact that people of Naria upazila of the district are held hostage by the armed terrorists who are demanding illegal toll at gun point and carrying out murders or grave injury in defalcation. They are creating panic by threatening their lives. As a result, a large number of residents of different villages fearing more violence already left their homes looking for peace and security.
Meanwhile, Md Moazzem, son of Alef Khan, Sayem Baperi, son of Motin Baperi, Monir Hossain, son Kolomali Khan of village Atipara under Sadar upazila left their homes and took shelter elsewhere of the country as the terrorists demanded illegal toll.
A local Police official while talking to this correspondent seeking anonymity over the situation said, the number of cadres multiplied, along with criminal activities. The gangs are equipped with the latest firearms and have intensified their misdeeds. A local BNP leader said, a reign of terror had literally been let loose and they were living in constant fear and uncertainty. A local portfolio leader of Bangladesh Awami League said, several gangs of terrorists have made the population of the district captive.
The police role in wiping out terrorism has given rise to many questions. According to a leading lawyer of the district, the law-enforcing agencies are not sincere enough to destroy roots of crimes which are perhaps in their knowledge. Police reportedly remain silent when they are informed of whereabouts of the terrorists, he alleged. A rickshaw-puller said, some areas of Naria upazila is now a trouble spot of bush war, and noteworthy to mention extortion, kidnapping and murder were the order of the day.
A local business magnet said, it is now impossible to do business without paying tolls and protection money to various groups. He alleged that sometimes the outlawed groups fixed toll rates for carrying different commodities. The toll for every common business commodity has been set out clearly, so that there could be no confusion. According to contractors, who undertake construction work on roads and buildings and bridges have to pay a hefty toll of seven to eight percent of the total cost. Being tired of torture, the people of the area urge the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to arrest the real terrorists and free the society from terrorism.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/01/2009 00:00 ||
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A wave of protests swept across Russia yesterday in one of the first signs of mass discontent with the Kremlin's handling of the financial crisis. More than 2,500 people attended a demonstration in Vladivostok against the government's decision to raise import tariffs on cars.
In Moscow, about 2,000 gathered at protests uniting civil rights activists, communists and pensioners disgruntled at rising food and utility bills. There were smaller demonstrations in other cities. It was the first time such diverse groups had co-ordinated activities to direct their anger at president Dmitry Medvedev and prime minister Vladimir Putin.
In Moscow, one of the leaders of the Other Russia movement, Eduard Limonov, was surrounded by riot police as he arrived at a central square. As he was arrested, Limonov said: "The government is bailing out its friends in banking corporations but doing nothing to help ordinary Russians survive this crisis."
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/01/2009 00:00 ||
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Czech President Vaclav Klaus took aim at climate change campaigner Al Gore on Saturday in Davos in a frontal attack on the science of global warming.
"I don't think that there is any global warming," said the 67-year-old liberal, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union. "I don't see the statistical data for that."
Referring to the former US vice president, who attended Davos this year, he added: "I'm very sorry that some people like Al Gore are not ready to listen to the competing theories. I do listen to them.
"Environmentalism and the global warming alarmism is challenging our freedom. Al Gore is an important person in this movement."
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, he said that he was more worried about the reaction to the perceived dangers than the consequences.
"I'm afraid that the current crisis will be misused for radically constraining the functioning of the markets and market economy all around the world," he said.
"I'm more afraid of the consequences of the crisis than the crisis itself."
Klaus makes no secret of his climate change scepticism -- he is also a fierce critic of the European Union -- and has branded the world's top panel of climate experts, the UN's IPCC, a smug monopoly.
Newly elected chairman of the Republican National Committee Michael Steele said he is focused on three races in his effort to rebuild the GOP after it endured worrying losses in November's elections that gave Democrats control of Congress and the White House.
Steele, Maryland's former lieutenant governor and the first black to head the RNC, said one of the most critical battles for the GOP is to capture New York's 20th congressional seat formerly held by U.S. Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y. "It is the first of a series of races that are coming up that are going to be incredibly important," Steele said in remarks Saturday to the Republican House Retreat in Hot Springs, Va.
Steele said he will be in New York next week for a meeting with Republican state leadership to "map out the strategy to take that seat."
"That win will send a powerful signal to the rest of the country and especially those folks in the elite media who think they know so much more than the rest of us," he said. "Our game is not up ... our message still rings true with countless Americans, specifically with those in the 20th congressional district," he added.
The Republican chairman said the GOP's second focus will be on winning the governorship in both Virginia and New Jersey, along with other state offices. "That is our fight," he said of the two races.
Steele also stressed the importance of winning "reapportionment races at the state level."
"We got a lot of work ahead of us," he said. "We've got to map a strategy to preserve what we have, take what we want and continue to move forward ... (and) reaffirm and reestablish with the American people a sense of trust, a sense of commitment, a sense of opportunity."
Steele was elected as the RNC chairman on Friday, defeating the incumbent party chief and three other challengers over six rounds of voting to become the first black to lead the GOP. "As a little boy growing up in this town, this is awesome," said Steele, the most moderate candidate in the field.
Steele, who had been considered an outsider by some because he was not a committee member, struck a tone of inclusiveness in his brief acceptance speech Friday. "We're going to say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of us, we want you to with be with us, and for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over," he said.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/01/2009 00:00 ||
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#1
"for those who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over"
Me likee. :-D
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/01/2009 0:47 Comments ||
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#2
How about concentrating on changing redistricting laws in all 50 states, Mr. Steele, requiring that all congressional districts have the smallest, most easily recognized outside boundaries as possible? That would end gerrymandering districts to "protect" a seat, and make them more competitive. Republicans are NEVER going to win the gerrymandering fight, because they're just not as crooked as Democrats. Changing the laws governing redistricting is the best way to instill better government at all levels.
Posted by: Old Patriot ||
02/01/2009 15:18 Comments ||
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A multi-volume chronology and reference guide set detailing three years of the Mexican Drug War between 2010 and 2012.
Rantburg.com and borderlandbeat.com correspondent and author Chris Covert presents his first non-fiction work detailing
the drug and gang related violence in Mexico.
Chris gives us Mexican press dispatches of drug and gang war violence
over three years, presented in a multi volume set intended to chronicle the death, violence and mayhem which has
dominated Mexico for six years.
Rantburg was assembled from recycled algorithms in the United States of America. No
trees were destroyed in the production of this weblog. We did hurt some, though. Sorry.
Armed miscreants have unleashed a reign of terror in the rural areas of Naria upazilla in Shariotpur district. Local sources said, armed extortionists and terrorists have been increased resulting to murder, abduction, extortion and dacoity under the protection influential quarters. 
