It seems that Roland Burris committed perjury over his senate seat appointment

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around allegations of perjury against U.S. Senator Roland Burris regarding his testimony related to his appointment to the Senate and fundraising efforts for former Governor Rod Blagojevich. Participants explore the implications of Burris's changing statements and the potential legal consequences of his actions, with a focus on the nature of his testimony and the context surrounding it.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Burris's new affidavit contradicts his earlier sworn testimony, raising questions about the truthfulness of his statements.
  • Others argue that proving perjury requires evidence of intentional deceit, suggesting that Burris may have simply misspoken.
  • Several participants highlight the ambiguity surrounding Burris's awareness of the fundraising's purpose, questioning whether he understood it to be related to bribery.
  • Some contributions mention Burris's changing accounts of conversations with key figures, suggesting a pattern of memory refreshment only after evidence is presented.
  • There are calls for evidence, such as transcripts of Burris's testimony, to clarify the context of his statements and the seriousness of the allegations.
  • Participants express differing views on the potential political consequences for Burris, with some suggesting he should resign while others believe he may remain in office despite the controversies.
  • Speculation arises about the historical perspective on this political period, with participants reflecting on how future generations may view the events surrounding Burris and Blagojevich.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether Burris committed perjury or merely misspoke. There are competing views on the implications of his testimony and the likelihood of political repercussions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in the discussion include the lack of definitive evidence regarding Burris's intent during his testimony and the varying interpretations of his statements. The context of the conversations and the nature of the questions posed during his testimony remain unresolved.

  • #31
Astronuc said:
It's going to be interesting to look back in 3 or so decades (assuming I'm alive) and see how the history books treat this period. It all seems so surreal. I keep asking myself - "how much more stupid is this whole socio-politico-economic fiasco going to get?"

I'd like to be around a century or two from now just to see what future generations make of us now.

This has traditionally been a country of peaceful revolution and now it's become a country of peaceful civil war.

As a civil war, the functioning of government isn't always the #1 priority. In fact, Republicans and Democrats shut down the federal government in 1995 by failing to pass a budget bill, and by failing to extend the government's authorization to spend money until a bill could be passed. That was just the beginning and there's been a long string of incidents since that had no benefit for anyone other than the Republican or Democratic Party.

A century from now, we'll be nothing more than a third world cargo cult.
 
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  • #32
Illinois Gov: Burris Should Resign
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/02/20/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4815691.shtml
 
  • #33
Oops. The drumbeats are getting closer. My initial guess that he would survive is looking more problematical.
Burris Should Think About His Future, Obama Aide Says
By Roger Runningen and Andrew Harris

Feb. 20 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. Senator Roland Burris’s statements about his appointment appear to be inconsistent and he should take time this weekend to think about his future, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.

“The people of Illinois have been through a very trying time,” Gibbs told reporters at a briefing today in Washington. “The president is supportive of an investigation that would get some full story out.”
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aHaU0VRc_e3E&refer=us
 
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  • #34
Proton Soup said:
i'm not sure it matters whether he did or not. i think certain people are going to do everything they can to unseat him so that they can insert Triple J.

Burris is a long time associate of Jesse Jackson...I don't see this helping Jr. Had Burris enjoyed a quiet and distinguished service in Obama's seat, with the Blago mess in the past, a fair election of Jr. could have been supported by Burris...but now?

Do you really think the new Governor is willing to risk a JJJ appointment...let's not forget Jr. was supposedly referred to on the still unheard tapes. I think Jr. needs to quietly wait out the election and hope the new appointee doesn't do too outstanding a job.
 
  • #35
Quinn is already on record supporting an Illinois Senate resolution to determine any new appointment by popular vote.
Apparently he doesn't want anything more to do with it.
 
  • #36
WhoWee said:
Burris is a long time associate of Jesse Jackson...I don't see this helping Jr. Had Burris enjoyed a quiet and distinguished service in Obama's seat, with the Blago mess in the past, a fair election of Jr. could have been supported by Burris...but now?

Do you really think the new Governor is willing to risk a JJJ appointment...let's not forget Jr. was supposedly referred to on the still unheard tapes. I think Jr. needs to quietly wait out the election and hope the new appointee doesn't do too outstanding a job.

yes, i really do think so. it doesn't matter that JJJ is mentioned on the tapes. his supporters will get on TV and gush and coo, and public opinion will be swayed that he is simply a victim in all this.
 
  • #37
Proton Soup said:
it doesn't matter that JJJ is mentioned on the tapes.

Well, if he is in fact "Senate Candidate #5," that might be a real problem. Senate Candidate #5 was the one who had absolutely no problem with ponying up some cash to be the next senator.
 
  • #38
I think the new Governor would be wise to either push for a special election or find someone outside of the Loop.
 
  • #40
Burris is looking shadier all the time. According, to the Chicago Sun Times, Blago appointed Burris' son to a job as counsel for the state's housing authority. Burris II has been hit with IRS liens on unpaid taxes stretching back several years, and is losing his house in a foreclosure.

Burris II had resolved two federal tax liens in 2005 before being hit with the $34,163 lien in July. That lien against his property seeks unpaid taxes for 2004, 2005 and 2007.

A month after the IRS filed the lien, Burris II's lender filed its foreclosure suit. Since Burris II and his wife got the $372,000 mortgage on July 18, 2006, they've paid less than $3,000 on it, the suit alleges. The balance due is $406,685, including interest and penalties.

The fact that Burris II faces foreclosure but is working at a housing-related state agency "reeks of hypocrisy," said state Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), who was the first to call on Sen. Burris to testify before the impeachment panel.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/burris/1450607,CST-NWS-burris26.stng
 
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  • #41
Looks like he will only serve a 2 year term at best.
Daley leaning toward Illinois Senate bid
By Reid Wilson
Posted: 03/05/09 01:31 PM [ET]
Former Commerce Secretary William Daley is leaning toward running for the Senate seat President Obama once held, sources close to Daley tell The Hill. They characterize the decision as all but finalized.

Daley would likely be an instant front-runner in the race to replace Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.). Though the White House may be loath to get involved in a primary, it would be hard to overlook the fact that Daley was a co-chairman of Obama’s presidential campaign and the transition team.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/daley-leaning-towards-senate-bid-2009-03-05.html
 
  • #42
Burris on tape offering a check for Blagojevich

Burris on tape offering a check for Blagojevich

A transcript of a secretly recorded phone call between the brother of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and U.S. Sen. Roland Burris was released in federal court today, a call in which Burris, then seeking the Senate seat, was recorded offering the Blagojevich campaign a campaign check.

"I know I could give him a check," Burris said. "Myself."

But in the same call, Burris tells Robert Blagojevich he is concerned he and Rod Blagojevich will "catch hell."

"And if I do get appointed that means I bought it," Burris said.

"And, and God knows number one, I, I want to help Rod," Burris says later in the call. "Number two, I also wanna, you know, hope I get a consideration to get that appointment."

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/05/prosecutors-seek-release-of-burris-tape.html

Transcript:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-new-burris-full-transcriptmay27,0,5357249,full.story

Washington Post says "told you so" and calls for Burris to resign.

Sen. Roland Burris (D-Blago)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/07/AR2009060702018.html

I too, say, "told you so".
 
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  • #43
LowlyPion said:
Looks like he will only serve a 2 year term at best.

Confirmed.

MSNBC is reporting Burris has announced that he will not seek a full term in 2010.
 

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