When it comes to covering corruption, is there a media double standard, one for weak black politicians and another for powerful white guys?
African-Americans like the hapless Sen. Tombstone, or Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, the Urkel of local politics, deserve the thwackings they get. When Burris or Stroger give a foolish non-answer, that or even a no-comment becomes news, evidence of their nefariousness. Not so with the much pinker bosses, like Mayor Richard Daley or Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Lisa's Daddy), two bullies who believe in democracy as long as they can play king.
Burris' few lies to a state impeachment committee are nothing compared with the hundreds of millions devoured by corruption in the Daley administration. And Madigan still hasn't been held to account for his flunky, state Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Madigan), holding onto the bombshell Burris affidavit--the one in which Burris revealed his earlier lies under oath--by slipping it into her desk drawer. The full analysis raises some interesting questions, but misses one biggie: How did Obama get a free pass? The best anybody could say about his connections to The Machine is that he somehow managed to tiptoe through the muck without getting his boots dirty. Where's the leader who is willing to turn the fire hose on the whole stinking mess?
In what sounded like a not-so-veiled threat, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs called on Sen. Roland Burris to "take some time over the weekend" to explain once and for all exactly what happened before his appointment to the Senate and to consider "his future." "Get under the bus, Rollie."
While not saying that President Barack Obama would join the swelling chorus for Burris to quit the Senate seat, Gibbs left the impression that something like that could happen if the White House is left unsatisfied with Burris's actions in coming days. I read it as a more Chicago-style threat ...
"The appointment of Sen. Burris and his taking the Senate seat was based largely on the fact that we needed another Dem vote to pass the Porculus Bill ... factual representations that he made to the people of Illinois through interviews and through his testimony to the impeachment committee," Gibbs said. "It has been reported extensively (that) some of the stories seem to be at variance with what's happened and that the president is supportive of an investigation that would get some full story out.
"I think it might important for Sen. Burris to take some time this weekend to either correct what has been said and certainly think of what lays in his future," Gibbs said. "I think his future involves a bus, and we'd prefer he dive under himself rather than having to be thrown under - The One's arm is getting tired."
Gibbs' statement came on the same day that Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn called for Burris to resign, one of an increasing number of Democrats worried they're going to get caught up in the Blago mess to issue such a call. Burris's political troubles arose after he lied through his teeth changed his story several times as to the number and nature of the contacts he had with former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and the former governor's inner circle.
After first saying he only expressed his interest in the Senate seat vacated by President Obama to Blagojevich's confidants, Burris has drawn heavy criticism after finally admitting this week that he offered to raise money for the former governor at the same time Burris was seeking the Senate appointment.
Burris has maintained that he never gave the former governor any money, but that argument has failed to quell the growing demands for his resignation. Many critics believe he would not have been seated to begin with if he had told the full truth when he testified before the Illinois lawmakers during the former governor's impeachment. Have some more popcorn. :-D
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/20/2009 16:56 ||
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#1
If he does resign, does Gov. Quinn have to appoint another African American? I mean, once an African American has sat in a seat, it becomes an African American seat for all time apparently.
If so, I nominate Alan Keyes.
Posted by: Rambler in Virginia ||
02/20/2009 18:40 Comments ||
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#2
Going after Burris allow the Obaministartion to demonstrate Hope and Change. While the media focus on the Burris situation, the rest of the Party that has No Name, Dodd, Rangel, Murtha, et al, get ignored.
Human rights violations by China cannot block the possibility of significant cooperation between Washington and Beijing on the global economic crisis, climate change and security threats such as North Korea's nuclear program, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Friday.
"We pretty much know what they are going to say" on human rights issues such as greater freedoms for Tibet, Clinton told reporters traveling with her on a tour of Asia. "We have to continue to press them. But our pressing on those issues can't interfere" with dialogue on other crucial topics.
Clinton's remarks are likely to dismay human rights organizations that have urged her to move human rights near the top of the U.S.-China agenda. Last week, seven prominent groups, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, wrote Clinton a joint letter calling for her to tell Chinese officials that China's relationship with the United States "will depend in part on whether it lives by universally accepted human rights norms."
The letter noted that in recent years "human rights concerns have been pushed progressively further to the margins of the US-China relationship" as Beijing has gained economic, military and diplomatic power.
Clinton suggested she was simply being realistic about China's stance on human rights, noting that the Chinese halted the broadcast of a tough speech she gave on women's rights in Beijing 13 years ago, when she was first lady.
"Successive administrations and Chinese governments have been poised back and forth on these issues . . . I have had those conversations for more than a decade with Chinese leaders," Clinton said. She said she did not mean to imply "a lesser concern" for human rights but will spend more time talking about areas where she senses a breakthrough, possibly including "the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis and the security crisis. We have to have a dialogue that leads to an understanding and cooperation on those" issues."
The Obama administration has high hopes of winning China's cooperation on reducing harmful greenhouse gases, in part through public-private partnerships. Clinton, who is ending her week-long trip with two days in the Chinese capital, is scheduled to visit a thermal power plant Saturday that was developed with General Electric technology. Accompanying her on the trip is Todd Stern, the administration's special envoy for climate change.
Administration officials want to press China to uses its close ties with North Korea to prod the reclusive nation to return to talks on its nuclear program and refrain from testing a long-range missile. On the economic crisis, Clinton wants to coordinate policies in advance of the G-20 crisis summit in April. Clinton is also bringing proposals to elevate a high-level economic dialogue, currently managed by the Treasury secretary, to a more comprehensive conversation that could be handled by her or even the vice president.
Clinton's willingness to break a diplomatic taboo — generally U.S. officials will always claim to seek progress on human rights, even if they don't mean it — appears to be part of a determined effort by the new administration to clear the linguistic fog of international diplomacy. She noted she had generated headlines this week with remarks on the failure of sanctions to influence the Burmese junta and a possible succession crisis in North Korea.
"I don't think it should be viewed as particularly extraordinary that someone in my position would say what is obvious," she said. "Maybe this is unusual because you are supposed to be so careful that you spend hours avoiding stating the obvious. But that is just not productive in my view. It is worthwhile being more straightforward. . . . That's how I see it and that's how I intend to operate." What do you think the reaction to this would be if, say, oh...Condoleezza Rice or Dick Cheney said it?
She said she was "somewhat fascinated" by the reaction to her remarks on the health of North Korea leader Kim Jong Il and whether there was a power struggle underway in Pyongyang. Her comments — that "there is an increasing amount of pressure because if there is succession, even if it is a peaceful succession, that creates even more uncertainty" — prompted front-page headlines in the South Korean press and were the central focus of many of the stories written by reporters traveling with her, largely because U.S. officials generally avoid the subject for fear of offending North Korea.
"To me it is the most obvious issue," Clinton said. "It has been in the news for months. I don't think that it is forbidden subject to talk about succession in the hermit kingdom."
Clinton said the question of Kim's continued hold on power has to be an important part of any policy review. "You have to be thinking down the road about what, when and where," she said. "Obviously it is a factor but I don't see it as news."
Activists 'shocked' at Clinton stance on China rights
WASHINGTON (AFP) Amnesty International and a pro-Tibet group voiced shock Friday after US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton vowed not to let human rights concerns hinder cooperation with China.
Paying her first visit to Asia as the top US diplomat, Clinton said the United States would continue to press China on long-standing US concerns over human rights such as its rule over Tibet. "But our pressing on those issues can't interfere on the global economic crisis, the global climate change crisis and the security crisis," Clinton told reporters in Seoul just before leaving for Beijing.
T. Kumar of Amnesty International USA said the global rights lobby was "shocked and extremely disappointed" by Clinton's remarks. "The United States is one of the only countries that can meaningfully stand up to China on human rights issues," he said. "But by commenting that human rights will not interfere with other priorities, Secretary Clinton damages future US initiatives to protect those rights in China."
Students for a Free Tibet said Clinton's remarks sent the wrong signal to China at a sensitive time. "The US government cannot afford to let Beijing set the agenda," said Tenzin Dorjee, deputy director of the New York-based advocacy group.
China has been pouring troops into the Himalayan territory ahead of next month's 50th anniversary of the uprising that sent Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama into exile in India.
"Leaders really need to step up and pressure China. It's often easy to wonder whether pressure makes a difference. It may not make a difference in one day or one month, but it would be visible after some years," Dorjee said.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had sent a letter to Clinton before her maiden Asia visit urging her to raise human rights concerns with Chinese leaders.
Before she left, State Department spokesman Robert Wood said human rights would be "an important issue" for Clinton and that she would "raise the issue when appropriate."
China has greeted President Barack Obama's administration nervously, believing he would press Beijing harder on human rights and trade issues than former president George W. Bush.
Well, sounds like they won't have to worry about that anymore...
#2
"Leaders really need to step up and pressure China. It's often easy to wonder whether pressure makes a difference. It may not make a difference in one day or one month, but it would be visible after some years," Dorjee said.
I doesn't make a bit of difference when we owe them a shitload of money.
Posted by: Deacon Blues ||
02/20/2009 20:42 Comments ||
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"The Obama administration has high hopes of winning China's cooperation on reducing harmful greenhouse gases."
Slave labor, infantcide, freedom of speech, computer hacking, Nork aggression, currency manipulation, arms trafficking, etc...be Dammed! As long as the ChiComs are in the fix for the Global Warming boondoggle...then things are oakeedoakee.
#4
Anything China did to reduce their CO2 production would also reduce the massive amount of pollution they put into the air breathed by everyone to their east... like western North America. It would not be a bad thing if they worked to reduce it a bit. Although as I think about it, the reduction in factory production due to the worldwide recession must have a significant impact on China's emission of pollutants. Well done, China! Secretary of State Clinton hasn't even arrived for discussions, and already you have made concessions of one of her key points!!
Accusing U.S. Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao of bowing to his Republican colleagues rather than supporting President Barack Obama' stimulus package, about a dozen African-American ministers and their supporters on Thursday formally kicked off their effort to recall the newly minted congressman.
They added that his vote signaled opposition to the hundreds of jobs and billions of dollars in tax cuts and infrastructure projects that the stimulus bill is expected to deliver to Louisiana. "We have terrible roads. We have potholes. This district needs money," said the Rev. Toris Young, who as president of the Louisiana Ministerial Alliance of Churches for All People said he represents 165 churches across the state, with 480 pastors who minister to 20,000 members. How will this recall effort compare to the ministers' effort to recall Cao's predecessor, Cold Cash Jefferson? Oh, wait a minute.
Supporters of the recall said they are not worried about a report last year by a Congressional attorney that states that "the United States Constitution does not provide for nor authorize the recall of United States officials such as United States Senators, Representatives to Congress, or the President or Vice President of the United States."
"It doesn't matter what the Constitution says," Young said. Theres a lot of that going around these days. It's such a silly old document.
Posted by: Matt ||
02/20/2009 00:24 ||
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Between Eric Holder and these scumbag "ministers", race relations have been set back about 20 years this week.
Posted by: Ricky bin Ricardo (Abu Babaloo) ||
02/20/2009 1:17 Comments ||
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It's such a silly old document.
Well, it *was* written by a bunch of dead white guys, after all.
However, as P.J O'Rourke said, "The U.S. Constitution is less than a quarter the length of the owner's manual for a 1998 Toyota Camry, and yet it has managed to keep 300 million of the world's most unruly, passionate people safe, prosperous and free."
#3
No worries Rev., Congressman John Conyers has you covered.
Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act (Introduced in House)
HR 40 IH
111th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 40
To acknowledge the fundamental injustice, cruelty, brutality, and inhumanity of slavery in the United States and the 13 American colonies between 1619 and 1865 and to establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, subsequently de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans, and the impact of these forces on living African-Americans, to make recommendations to the Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
January 6, 2009
Mr. CONYERS (for himself and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
#5
Commission to Study Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act
If it doesn't include a revocation of their US citizenship and a one-way ticket to the sub-Saharan craphole of their choice, get ready for Civil War II.
Posted by: Ricky bin Ricardo (Abu Babaloo) ||
02/20/2009 8:54 Comments ||
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I know of a bunch of Rhodesians farms they can have. Just leave their passports at the ports of exit.
Posted by: ed ||
02/20/2009 8:57 Comments ||
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"It doesn't matter what the Constitution says,"
The Constitution does not prohibit recalling a Congressman, and the details of electing them have been the responsibility of the States, so by the Tenth Amendment, I would conclude recalls are not un-Constitutional.
Stupid and wrong, yes, but not un-Constitutional. Cao seems like a good guy, but he was never going to be more than a one term Congressman anyway. His election may have been a key reason New Orleans was omitted from Porkulus - payback, and a warning - it is the Chicago way.
#16
...the Rev. Toris Young, who as president of the Louisiana Ministerial Alliance of Churches for All People said he represents 165 churches across the state, with 480 pastors who minister to 20,000 members.
20000/480=....41.6 congregants per "reverend".
Not too impressed with your organization there, "reverend".
"It doesn't matter what the Constitution says," Young said.
Remember you said that the next time the cops pull you over for "driving while black"...
#17
Republicans in La. (there must be a few) need to file complaints with the IRS as soon as these clowns start preaching from the pulpit about who to vote for.
Pull their tax-exempt status and baksheesh non-stimulus money will be the least of their worries.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/20/2009 14:01 Comments ||
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With all this talk about BLACKS, BLACKS, BLACKS, and the "reparations" "due" them, I'm amazed that no one is considering the plight of the Irish and other indentured servants, the Chinese railroad workers, and the Native American peoples who had it as bad or in may cases worse. How about the white southerners who were caught in the crossfire of the Civil War, and haven't recovered yet from it? What about the poor kids in the Appalachian Mountains, who have it super bad. How about me? I want a pony.
Posted by: Barbara Skolaut ||
02/20/2009 17:12 Comments ||
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After reading his background, I'd say Ahn Joseph Cao is one pretty smart guy. What, the ministers don't like a hard-working, self-made legal immigrant that doesn't want a handout?
Now back to TV and one of my favorite old movies "Sgt. York" (and course reading the remainder of posted articles at Rantburg).
#25
Rev. Toris Young, who as president of the Louisiana Ministerial Alliance of Churches for All Potholes said he represents 165 contractors across the state, with 480 pavers who minister to 20,000 miles.
Potholes before assouls, no doubt.
(CNN) -- A spokesman for Illinois Sen. Roland Burris resigned Thursday in the wake of new disclosures about requests that Burris raise money for disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich while seeking a U.S. Senate appointment.
"I initially began helping the senator on a temporary basis because he is a long-term friend who I served several years when he was [Illinois] attorney general," Jason Erkes said in a written statement to CNN. "It is now time for me to get back to focusing on ... my newly formed strategic communications business."
The statement did not comment on the new disclosures.
Posted by: Steve White ||
02/20/2009 00:00 ||
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Have some sympathy for the poor guy, prolly afraid his lips would fall off if he kept at it.
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.
In what sounded like a 
