News Arrest warrant issued for Tom Delay

[TRCSF]

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/10/19/national/w112706D64.DTL

I doubt we'll get a low-speed car chase, but at least we'll get mug shots.

 

[loseyourname]

Think he'll look anything like Nick Nolte?

 

[TRCSF]

Think he'll look anything like Nick Nolte?

No, Nolte was sort of a frat-boyish "man that was some party" hung over look.

I'm hoping for more of a Jeb Bush's daughter "I'll blow you for a cheeseburger" look.

 

[pattylou]

Woohoo!

My faith in the system, which was destroyed last november, is returning in bits and pieces.

Anyone who wants to see the US "reunited" might be happy that these events are heartening to (probably) half of their countrymen.

I worry that some may criticize me for being happy about this news. Keep in mind that what I am happy about is that it seems that members of the republican party are not above the law. I have had serious doubts over the last few years.

 

[Smurf]

whos tom delay?

 

[pattylou]

He was the house majority leader (ie the republican "in charge" of the house of representatives.)

He's from Texas.

He re-drew districts in Texas in order to assure a victory for re-election. He (probably) laundered money, he took money from sources that he shouldn't have, he was involved in getting money to oil companies in the recently passed energy bill.

He's been accused of unethical behavior and has tried to squirm out of it on technicalities. Think Rove, only in the House of Representatives instead of aid to the president.

SOS 2008 and others are up on the facts more than me, but as a "citizen on the street" that's what I know.

 

[loseyourname]

The charge he's been indicted for is improper campaign funding. Corporate PACs are not supposed to contribute directly to any single candidate in the state of Texas. What happened with his campaign is that several PACs contributed to a general fund in Washington, which then funneled money into the DeLay campaign. Such a move is definitely in violation of the campaign finance rules; the only question is whether or not DeLay was aware of this going on, or rather whether or not the prosecutor can prove that he was.

I wouldn't get my hopes up, because frankly, from what I could see, there wasn't much of a case here, unless the prosecutor is seriously holding out on us.

 

[TRCSF]

He's been indicted on separate counts of conspiracy and money laundering.

I doubt they'd have indicted him without a pretty convincing paper trail.

 

[wasteofo2]

All I know is I want a T-Shirt of Delay's mug shot.

 

[Pengwuino]

whos tom delay?

Well as already said, he was the house majority leader until a few weeks ago as he stepped down for his trial. Basically the democrats are on a witch hunt and most people say its just a political attack. They don't seem to have any evidence and the prosecutors history is pretty... to say the least. Plus of course, hte judge has a history of donating to the DNC and the liberal extremist group MoveOn.org.

Hopefully there will still be a shred of dignity left in the courts and he will be found innocent... unless of course Fitzgerald just surprises the hell out of people with some convincing evidence. I mean realistically, Pelosi did the exact same thing in '04 and no ones calling for her execution.

 

[edward]

There was an eight year long witch hunt on Clinton. 40 million dollars later he was finally found guilty of staining a blue dress. Bad Boy, Bad Boy, watcha going to do when the come for you.

The legal pendulum swings both ways.

 

[Pengwuino]

There was an eight year long witch hunt on Clinton. He was finally found guilty of staining a blue dress. Bad Boy, Bad Boy, watcha going to do when the come for you.

I didn't know lieing to a Grand Jury involved clothes.

 

[wasteofo2]

Hopefully there will still be a shred of dignity left in the courts and he will be found innocent... unless of course Fitzgerald just surprises the hell out of people with some convincing evidence.

It's not "the courts" that decide whether Delay is innocent or guilty, it's the jury. Whether or not a group of randomly selected citizens think the evidence is convincing enough or not to convince Delay, it has little to do with "the courts," unless jurors are being bribed or the judge completely ignores the jury's decision.

 

[Pengwuino]

It's not "the courts" that decide whether Delay is innocent or guilty, it's the jury. Whether or not a group of randomly selected citizens think the evidence is convincing enough or not to convince Delay, it has little to do with "the courts," unless jurors are being bribed or the judge completely ignores the jury's decision.

you know what i mean.

 

[wasteofo2]

you know what i mean.

Not really.

Judicial activism is something to blame on "the courts," when a high-level judge takes it upon himself to interpret the constitution in some ridiculous way to obtain a certain end.

Whether or not someone is convicted of a crime is almost totally in the hands of the jury, unless there is some sort of manditory minimum sentence, in which case it's in the hands of the jury and the state legislature that passed said minimum sentence.

 

[faust9]

Well as already said, he was the house majority leader until a few weeks ago as he stepped down for his trial. Basically the democrats are on a witch hunt and most people say its just a political attack. They don't seem to have any evidence and the prosecutors history is pretty... to say the least. Plus of course, hte judge has a history of donating to the DNC and the liberal extremist group MoveOn.org.
Hopefully there will still be a shred of dignity left in the courts and he will be found innocent... unless of course Fitzgerald just surprises the hell out of people with some convincing evidence. I mean realistically, Pelosi did the exact same thing in '04 and no ones calling for her execution.

Wow, you don't read the news do you? How about you back your claims with some evidence please.

 

[TheStatutoryApe]

A judge can easily influence the manner in which court proceedings go, that's why it's their job to be impartial.

 

[edward]

I didn't know lieing to a Grand Jury involved clothes.

Actually it did. Without the DNA from the dress no lie could have been proven. But basically, that is all a 40 million dollar witch hunt came up with, a lie about how a stain got on a blue dress.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Woohoo!
My faith in the system, which was destroyed last november, is returning in bits and pieces. Anyone who wants to see the US "reunited" might be happy that these events are heartening to (probably) half of their countrymen.
I worry that some may criticize me for being happy about this news. Keep in mind that what I am happy about is that it seems that members of the republican party are not above the law. I have had serious doubts over the last few years.

I wouldn't say that faith is returning but perhaps there is a little hope. Next I hope they get that little weasel ROVE...and Cheney, and Rummy, and then impeach Bush and arrest his father for putting Saddam in power in the first place, and finally, throw out everyone appointed by Bush, and then we will have a start.

Now excuse me while I tap dance on the table.

 

[Pengwuino]

Actually it did. Without the DNA from the dress no lie could have been proven. But basically, that is all a 40 million dollar witch hunt came up with, a lie about how a stain got on a blue dress.

So when clinton came out in public and said he lied... he was just kidding?

Man... wrong time and place ot be telling jokes!

 

[Hurkyl]

Is this bickering really necessary? Shouldn't we just wait and see what the jury decides, instead of jumping to our favorite conclusions?

 

[Pengwuino]

Is this bickering really necessary? Shouldn't we just wait and see what the jury decides, instead of jumping to our favorite conclusions?

*points Hurkyl to the forum title*

 

[SOS2008]

*points Hurkyl to the forum title*

*Points Pengwuino back to the request made in post #16*

DeLay is a snake who has slipped away more than once before. But this is serious, and not just about him. Here is one source on the matter:

"Abramoff Probe May Threaten Leading Republicans as It Expands"
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=IN7A1S0UQVI9

I read an article about the investigation into Ney (R-Ohio) earlier today. Haven't caught much about Republican Senator Conrad Burns of Montana yet...

 

[Gokul43201]

whos tom delay?

Not a popular guy among the crowd here. https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=59237&highlight=de+lay

 

[Pengwuino]

*Points Pengwuino back to the request made in post #16*

Unless proving a negative is now something that can be done... I am rather stumped.

 

[faust9]

Unless proving a negative is now something that can be done... I am rather stumped.

No, you made some allegations. You have a history of stating things w/out proof. I asked for proof---real proof. You can start by digging up the Pelosi fiasco and maybe you'll see the difference when doing so. You're not being asked to prove a negative you are being asked to put your money were your mouth is or I guess we can say the proof is in the pudding.

 

[faust9]

Booked:
http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/20/Delay.booking/index.html

 

[Astronuc]

DeLay claims that the local prosecutor, Ronnie Earle, has a partisan or peronal vendetta against DeLay.

However -

On September 28, a grand jury indicted Delay and associates John Colyandro and Jim Ellis on a conspiracy charge on allegations they steered $190,000 in corporate donations to state legislative candidates in 2002 and disguised the source by sending the money through national Republican campaign committees. Texas law prohibits corporate donations to political campaigns.

from CNN

Now it could be that Earle simply consituted a grand jury of Democrats who all had a partisan vendetta against DeLay. Highly unlikely, I would imagine, but remotely possible, I suppose.

Does one suppose that DeLay has contempt for the system or rule of law, as well as contempt for democracy?

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Does one suppose that DeLay has contempt for the system or rule of law, as well as contempt for democracy?

I wonder how long Delay and his people debated the correct look for the mug shot.

 

[Astronuc]

I wonder how long Delay and his people debated the correct look for the mug shot.

The man has his priorities - himself.

 

[Smurf]

I think I'll be different:

I like Tom Delay.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

I think I'll be different:
I like Tom Delay.

Great! You can have him.

When can we expect you? That is, he may need a ride.

 

[Smurf]

Great! You can have him.
When can we expect you? That is, he may need a ride.

Didn't see that coming.

 

[pattylou]

http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/stupidquotes/a/tomdelayquotes.htm?nl=1

Tom Delay Quotes:

1) "I AM the federal government."
Tom DeLay, to the owner of Ruth's Chris Steak House, after being told to put
out his cigar because of federal government regulations banning smoking in
the building, May 14, 2003

2) "So many minority youths had volunteered that there was literally no room
for patriotic folks like myself."
Tom DeLay, explaining at the 1988 Republican convention why he and vice
presidential nominee Dan Quayle had not fought in the Vietnam War

3) "Now, tell me the truth boys, isn't this kind of fun?"
Tom Delay, to three young hurricane evacuees from New Orleans at the
Astrodome in Houston on Sept. 9, 2005

4) "We're no longer a superpower. We're a super-duper power."
Tom DeLay, explaining why America must topple Saddam Hussein in 2002
interview with Fox News

5) "Nothing is more important in the face of a war than cutting taxes."
Tom DeLay, March 12, 2003

6) "Guns have little or nothing to do with juvenile violence. The causes of
youth violence are working parents who put their kids into daycare, the
teaching of evolution in the schools, and working mothers who take birth control
pills."
Tom DeLay, on causes of the Columbine High School massacre, 1999

7) "A woman can take care of the family. It takes a man to provide
structure. To provide stability. Not that a woman can't provide stability, I'm not
saying that . . . It does take a father, though."
Tom DeLay, in a radio interview on Feb. 10, 2004

8) "I don't believe there is a separation of church and state. I think the
Constitution is very clear. The only separation is that there will not be a
government church."
Tom DeLay

9) "Emotional appeals about working families trying to get by on $4.25 an
hour [the minimum wage in 1996] are hard to resist. Fortunately, such families
do not exist."
Tom DeLay, during a debate in Congress on increasing the minimum wage, April
23, 1996

10) "I am not a federal employee. I am a constitutional officer. My job is
the Constitution of the United States, I am not a government employee. I am in
the Constitution."
Tom DeLay, in a CNN interview, Dec. 19, 1995

More quotes here:

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Tom_DeLay

 

[loseyourname]

Tom Delay Quotes:
1) "I AM the federal government."
Tom DeLay, to the owner of Ruth's Chris Steak House, after being told to put
out his cigar because of federal government regulations banning smoking in
the building, May 14, 2003

Mace Windu: In the name of the Galactic Senate of the Republic, you are under arrest, Chancellor.

Palpatine: I am the Senate.

 

[Moonbear]

3) "Now, tell me the truth boys, isn't this kind of fun?"
Tom Delay, to three young hurricane evacuees from New Orleans at the
Astrodome in Houston on Sept. 9, 2005

Most (9/10) of those quotes are horrid and really show someone very out of touch with reality, who has no interest other than self-interest. This one though (not by any means a defense of DeLay, just this one stood out as different, so I'm commenting), I'm not so sure it's in the same category as the others. Seeing those kids in the SuperDome, then Astrodome, I might have said the same thing...not because I was oblivious to the conditions, but only in an attempt to protect the children from feeling the severity of the situation by trying to get them to think of it as a big adventure...a camping trip with the rest of the city. But, it's hard to know his intent with that comment.

All of the others really show a common theme, that he doesn't view himself as "one of us." He clearly believes he is above other men (and women). And, despite his efforts to smile in his mug shot to make it harder to use it against him, I actually think it speaks to exactly the same point...it's of course an entirely fake appearing smile, more a smirk, but my first reaction to seeing that mugshot was that he clearly believes himself to be above the law, so much so that he's laughing at the idea of being arrested...it makes me want to see him go down even harder. I know that's an entirely emotional response, and not a logical evaluation of the facts in the case, but it is the reaction it invokes to me.

 

[pattylou]

I can also imagine scenarios where I would say #3, in an effort to create a camaraderie with some of the displaced people. It depends on context.

From the wiki link, this one:

My friends, there is no Palestinian-Israeli conflict. There is only the global war on terrorism."

Is also absurd, but depending on context could seem less so. Ex: I could say something like "There is no war, only life and philosophies struggling to survive." As a philosophical statement ... well it's kooky but could be argued. As a representation of the state of the world, it's inaccurate.

I wonder what the context was for the "kinda fun" comment.

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

"I don't believe there is a separation of church and state. I think the
Constitution is very clear. The only separation is that there will not be a
government church."

What (the first amendment to) the Constitution actually says:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

Sounds to me like Delay got that one right. To be specific, you can't take tax money and give it to a church. You can pray in a public school, but you can't turn a public school into a church.

I have a beef with a quote that has been making the rounds: "The Constitution grants freedom of religion, not freedom from religion." The way I read it, I get both.

 

[TRCSF]

Oh, those quotes are obviously taken out of context by the crazy liberal media. Tom DeLay's a wonderful human being, he must have said something more like this:

1) "I AM the federal government. And by that I mean that I'm just a federal employee and am only a representative of the people. I apologize, I thought this was the smoking section and was unfamiliar with the new regulations, let me put this out."
Tom DeLay, to the owner of Ruth's Chris Steak House, after being told to put
out his cigar because of federal government regulations banning smoking in
the building, May 14, 2003

2) "So many minority youths had volunteered that there was literally no room
for patriotic folks like myself. At least that's what my black friend Tyrone told me. I've got lots of black friends. They love me. Maybe I should have asked the Army if they were all fulled up. Hey, I was just a goofy kid"
Tom DeLay, explaining at the 1988 Republican convention why he and vice
presidential nominee Dan Quayle had not fought in the Vietnam War

3) "Well boys, you've just lost your house, your grandma's dead, your dog is missing. Your parents are now unemployed. You haven't had food or water for a couple of days. And you've got nowhere to live. Now, tell me the truth boys, isn't this kind of fun? Now smile for the camera. Smile like you've been indicted"
Tom Delay, to three young hurricane evacuees from New Orleans at the
Astrodome in Houston on Sept. 9, 2005

4) "We're no longer a superpower. We're a super-duper power. And we're going to find those weapons of mega awesome destruction any day now."
Tom DeLay, explaining why America must topple Saddam Hussein in 2002
interview with Fox News

5) "Nothing is more important in the face of a war than cutting taxes. And making sure you have a good reason. Tax cuts for me, and a good reason. Naturally."
Tom DeLay, March 12, 2003

6) "'Guns have little or nothing to do with juvenile violence. The causes of
youth violence are working parents who put their kids into daycare, the
teaching of evolution in the schools, and working mothers who take birth control
pills.' Is just the sort of thing I'd say if I were on the NRA payroll, an utter sexist, forty years behind the times, and have my own weird sexual hangups. Thank God I'm a modern intelligent human being. How could I represent the millions of working moms in my constituency if I actually believed any of that? Plus, it'd be pretty hypocritical of me to criticize single moms and or/birth control given that in my youth I was a real playboy, and had the name "Hot Tub Tom.""
Tom DeLay, on causes of the Columbine High School massacre, 1999

7) "A woman can take care of the family. It takes a man to provide
structure. To provide stability. Not that a woman can't provide stability, I'm not
saying that . . . It does take a father, though, unless it doesn't. Because a woman can provide stability, I'm not making any sense, am I? What I mean is that single mom families are perfectly legitimate."
Tom DeLay, in a radio interview on Feb. 10, 2004

8) "I don't believe there is a separation of church and state in the second Amendment.. I think the
Constitution is very clear. It's in the first amendmentThe only separation is that there will not be a
government church. And a churchy government"
Tom DeLay

9) "Emotional appeals about working families trying to get by on $4.25 an
hour [the minimum wage in 1996] are hard to resist. Fortunately, such families
do not exist , in the future. Minimum wage will be higher. Plus there will be robots.."
Tom DeLay, during a debate in Congress on increasing the minimum wage, April
23, 1996

10) "I am not a federal employee. I am a constitutional officer. My job is
the Constitution of the United States, I am not a government employee. I am in
the Constitution. Give up? It's "What is the Bill of Rights?" I totally nailed that one from kids Jeopardy last night."
Tom DeLay, in a CNN interview, Dec. 19, 1995

 

[pattylou]

I see. What a fun loving kidder ol' Hot Tub is.

 

[Informal Logic]

TRCSF -

$10,000 in bail - pft - that was priceless!

 

[faust9]

More money problems for DeLay...
http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/10/26/delay.defense.fund.ap/index.html

 

[Gokul43201]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/04/delay.election/

Tom DeLay calls it a day !

 

[Astronuc]

Well, it's bloody well about time.

DeLay says he'll resign (CNN) - http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/04/04/delay.election/index.html

U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay, the once-powerful Texas Republican, plans to resign from Congress and will drop his re-election bid, citing a desire to keep his House seat in Republican hands. "I refuse to allow liberal Democrats an opportunity to steal this seat with a negative personal campaign," DeLay said in a video announcement released today.

DeLay to Announce Resignation From House - http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060404/ap_on_go_co/delay
By DAVID ESPO, AP

WASHINGTON - Succumbing to scandal, former Majority Leader Tom Delay intends to resign from Congress within weeks, closing out a career that blended unflinching conservatism with a bare-knuckled political style.

We are still waiting for the trial.

 

[BobG]

I'm thinking a plea bargain may be in the works. If it were just the polls and the bad publicity, deciding not to run for re-election would be a reasonable response. Deciding to resign before his term has expired means he has some bigger problems than just losing the election.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

One more step in the right direction.

Back from The Hammer to the exterminator - a fitting job.

 

[Astronuc]

Facing Long Odds in Texas, DeLay Opts Out
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5323575

All Things Considered, April 4, 2006 ·

Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay plans to give up his seat, one week after one of the Texas Republican's top aides pleaded guilty in the corruption investigationof lobbyist Jack Abramoff. In addition to a tough battle for re-election, DeLay is facing corruption charges in Texas.

Announcing his resignation at the Capitol, DeLay, once one of the most powerful Republicans in Washington, said he will give up his seat because he doesn't like the nasty turns of his battle for re-election -- a race he once said he was confident of winning.

Gauging Effect of DeLay's Resignation on Elections
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5323581



DeLay DeParts DeCongress by NPR's Political Junkie, Ken Rudin
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5325201

NPR.org, April 5, 2006 · It had nothing to do with the Abramoff investigation, said the man whose former deputy chief of staff had, only three days prior, pleaded guilty to influence peddling -- a plea that, for the first time, puts ethical misconduct directly into the office of Congressman Tom DeLay.

Whatever, the biggest surprise about the announcement by the former House majority leader -- that he will not only drop out of his race for re-election but resign from Congress as well -- is perhaps that it came as a surprise. It was one thing to be indicted in Texas on what may or may not have been a bogus charge by Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle. Republicans claim Earle is hopelessly partisan, and regardless, they were confident the indictment would be thrown out. But when you find yourself in the middle of an investigation by the federal government, as part of a wider scandal involving former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, then it's not to be dismissed as a mere nuisance. It did not shock or awe anyone when DeLay dropped his goal of regaining his post of majority leader earlier this year -- a position he had to forfeit following his indictment in Texas -- once Abramoff pleaded guilty and started talking to prosecutors. It was at that moment when it appeared his long political career was reaching the end of the line. So perhaps his resignation shouldn't come as a surprise, either.

DeLay insists that his reason for stepping down is not about any ethics investigation. It's that he didn't have the appetite for a "negative, personal campaign" -- which is what his bid for a 12th term had become. He says he could have defeated his Democratic rival, former Congressman Nick Lampson, but not without a price. It would have taken too much out of him, his constituents, and his party. And so by stepping aside, he argues, a stronger Republican can come forward to fight for the seat. On that count, he's probably right. It's a district that President Bush carried in 2004 with 64 percent. And while Texas' 22nd Congressional District has become more Democratic -- an outcome that DeLay is responsible for, having ceded some of his GOP bastions to help increase Republican representation in neighboring districts -- his relatively weak showing two years ago, against an unfunded and unheard-of rival, is attributed more to his own ethical shortcomings than anything else.

Read more at NPR, including -

While anyone may call for the impeachment of the president, only a member of Congress can introduce such legislation. Currently, Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) has introduced House Resolution 635, which would create a select committee to investigate grounds for recommending the impeachment of President Bush. According to various pro-impeachment organizations, Conyers has 29 co-sponsors, all Democrats (except for Sanders of Vermont, an independent): . . .

This should make for interesting times if the Democrats regain control in one or both houses of Congress - particularly the house - later this year.

 

[SOS2008]

Riiight...

The fact of the matter is, the arrogant SOB has two aids providing testimony against him. Despite his incredible delusion, he has had to face the fact that he has been caught RED HANDED, and it is simply friggin' over with. (Like he ever gave a s**t about anything other than himself and his own power game.)

If only we could kill two birds with one stone and give him (and a few others. uh-hem, Bush) along with the state of Texas to Mexico to resolve the so-called (also delusional) Reconquista' movement.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

 

[Astronuc]

So, SOS, tell us how you really feel.

Meanwhile, make some space in you PM folders.

 

[Art]

Riiight...

The fact of the matter is, the arrogant SOB has two aids providing testimony against him. Despite his incredible delusion, he has had to face the fact that he has been caught RED HANDED, and it is simply friggin' over with. (Like he ever gave a s**t about anything other than himself and his own power game.)

If only we could kill two birds with one stone and give him (and a few others. uh-hem, Bush) along with the state of Texas to Mexico to resolve the so-called (also delusional) Reconquista' movement.

Yeah, that's the ticket.

And if you move all of the illegal immigrants to Texas that solves that problem too.