Ace of Spades HQ

January 23, 2014

Bob and Maureen McDonnell's Grasping Graft
— Ace

It's important to note "and Maureen." Perhaps even Maureen's name should come first.

I didn't know the details of this until the podcast last night, but Maureen McDonnell was pretty open about her desire for pricey pretty things.

Cherchez la femme:

Maureen McDonnell hit up Williams [a pharmaceutical executive] to buy an Oscar de la Renta dress for her to wear to her husband's inauguration. She didn't ultimately wear the dress but many more grasping requests followed. The government's indictment described what followed from one of those requests:
"On or about April 13, 2011, JW accompanied Maureen McDonnell to several luxury stores in New York City, including Oscar de la Renta, Louis Vuitton, and Bergdorf Goodman. Maureen McDonnell informed JW that she needed dresses and accessories for her daughter's upcoming wedding and for her and Robert McDonnellÂ’s upcoming anniversary party. JW paid for the entire luxury shopping trip for Maureen McDonnell and spent approximately $10,999 at Oscar de la Renta, approximately $5,685 at Louis Vuitton, and approximately $2,604 at Bergdorf Goodman. As promised by Maureen McDonnell, JW was seated next to Robert McDonnell at the Union League Club event later that evening."

ABCNews has more. The requests for "gifts" was so extensive ABC could even make a Buzzfeed-style listicle out of it.

Apparently at one point Maureen noticed Williams wearing a nice watch. She inquired about its brand, and he told her it was a Rolex. She then told him he ought to buy one for her husband.

3. BLING, BLING: A CUSTOMIZED ROLEX
In August of 2011, Maureen McDonnell asked Williams to purchase a Rolex watch, bearing the engraving Â’71st Governor of VirginiaÂ’ on the back, for her husband. Â“MAUREEN MCDONNELL told JW that she wanted JW to buy a Rolex for ROBERT MCDONNELL. JW subsequently bought a Rolex for ROBERT MCDONNELL,Â” the indictment reads.
Maureen McDonnell later gave the watch to her husband as a Christmas gift.

Gabe thinks they might skate on this, because the law of graft requires a quid pro quo, and the indictment doesn't seem to mention any quo. Correction: That's not what Gabe thinks. See below.

Still, it's repulsive behavior. And no one gives away a hundred thousand dollars without thinking he's going to get some consideration in return.

They did all this, and threw the governorship away (substantially dooming Ken Cuccinelli), thus betraying the people who'd worked hardest to put them in the governor's mansion.

All for some pretty baubles. They behaved like stupid animals, like magpies decorating their nests with shiny things they stole from other nests.

There Was a Quo: My bad. Gabe told me to read the indictment, and I didn't.

Chris writes:

The indictment repeatedly mentions Mr. McDonnell writing the State medical bureaucracy to consider Mr. William's products for distribution. If that's nothing, what's Nike getting from Tiger Woods?

Okay I think I misrepresented Gabe's point then. There was a quid, and there was a quo, but the government may not be able to prove the explicit agreement to exchange the one for the other -- the pro.

Posted by: Ace at 09:00 AM | Comments (257)
Post contains 519 words, total size 4 kb.

1 foist!

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 23, 2014 09:01 AM (TIIx5)

2 ha!

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 23, 2014 09:01 AM (TIIx5)

3 The indictment repeatedly mentions Mr. McDonnell writing the State medical bureaucracy to consider Mr. William's products for distribution. If that's nothing, what's Nike getting from Tiger Woods?

Posted by: Chris Balsz at January 23, 2014 09:02 AM (5xmd7)

4 It's the VA GOP SOP. Dumbassery abounds.

Posted by: Anon a mouse at January 23, 2014 09:02 AM (gXRIG)

5 All Republicans are evil and all scandals are Rethuglikkkan scandals. All Democrats are pure and good and scandal-free. Democrats = good Rethuglikkkans = eeeeevil 4 legs good, 2 legs baaaaad.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:03 AM (7ObY1)

6 >>>The indictment repeatedly mentions Mr. McDonnell writing the State medical bureaucracy to consider Mr. William's products for distribution. If that's nothing, what's Nike getting from Tiger Woods? ah. Well, okay. I'm wrong. There is a quo. I guess then Gabe's point was there's no "pro" -- no explicit agreement of this FOR that. Just... coincidence, I guess.

Posted by: ace at January 23, 2014 09:03 AM (/FnUH)

7 Can I get this "JW" person to adopt me? I like nice things, too.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit [/i][/s][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:03 AM (0HooB)

8 Beware of pharmaceutical executives bearing gifts.

Posted by: King Priam at January 23, 2014 09:04 AM (8ZskC)

9 Maureen was once a 19-year-old single mother living in a trailer house, you h8er.

Posted by: Furious George at January 23, 2014 09:04 AM (yFb77)

10 7 Can I get this "JW" person to adopt me? I like nice things, too. Outta my way, sucka. Mama needs a new sugar daddy. These pink Nikes don't buy themselves.

Posted by: Abortion Barbie at January 23, 2014 09:05 AM (7ObY1)

11 This broad better be smoking hot or old Robbie is toast.

Posted by: Fritz at January 23, 2014 09:05 AM (UzPAd)

12 like magpies decorating their nests with shiny things they stole from other nests.

--

The difference being that magpies mean not malice, and have no knowledge of the concept of thievery.

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:05 AM (x3YFz)

13
I was told there was a nood McConnell.

??

Posted by: soothsayer, with arms akimbo at January 23, 2014 09:05 AM (gYIst)

14 Gabe thinks they might skate on this, because the law of graft requires a quid pro quo, and the indictment doesn't seem to mention any quo. **** A seat next to the Governor at a union dinner might be considered payment.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 09:06 AM (DmNpO)

15 The Rolex was only $6500? Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line.

Posted by: akula51[/b][/i][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:06 AM (Whlww)

16 I was told there was a nood McConnell. *** Dangit. Did I type McConnell instead of McDonnel?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 09:06 AM (DmNpO)

17 "Where's the quo?! THE GUYS GET QUO!!!"

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2014 09:06 AM (MNq6o)

18
ahh, the new Newt Gingriches AND Tom Delays in one.

It's All Bullshit

Posted by: soothsayer, with arms akimbo at January 23, 2014 09:07 AM (gYIst)

19 The difference being that magpies mean not malice, and have no knowledge of the concept of thievery.

And where do you get your expertise in the thought processes of magpies?

Posted by: King Priam at January 23, 2014 09:07 AM (8ZskC)

20 >>>The Rolex was only $6500? Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line. ... We have a thing called restraint, and a thing called decorum.

Posted by: Maureen "Mo Money" McDonnell at January 23, 2014 09:07 AM (/FnUH)

...and threw the governorship away (substantially dooming Ken Cuccinelli), thus betraying the people who'd worked hardest to put them in the governor's mansion.

-------

Not exactly - McDonnell was extremely lukewarm to Cuccinelli even before all this started to hit the fan.

Posted by: @JohnTant at January 23, 2014 09:07 AM (eytER)

22 All for some pretty baubles. They behaved like stupid animals, like magpies decorating their nests with shiny things they stole from other nests. --------------------------------- But enough about Barack and Michelle Obama! Let's talk about this Bob and Maureen McConnell thing, huh?!

Posted by: Empire of Jay Leno at January 23, 2014 09:07 AM (CJjw5)

23 The Rolex was only $6500?

Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line. Posted by: akula51

Yeah, that's not a "custom made Rolex", it's a Rolex with some engraving on the back.

Posted by: Dang at January 23, 2014 09:08 AM (MNq6o)

24 Barack Obama is a stuttering clusterf*ck of a malignant traitor.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 23, 2014 09:08 AM (PYAXX)

25 The Rolex was only $6500?

Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line.

Yeah, I didn't think they sold one that cheap. Maybe it was a Chinese knockoff.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 23, 2014 09:08 AM (8ZskC)

26 I am just going to leave this here. The link goes to The Weekly Standard:
http://tinyurl.com/ocr93o9

Posted by: museisluse at January 23, 2014 09:08 AM (HsXTx)

27 Hey, man. Our thing isn't their thing. We decorate our nest with pretty things to get laid. To. Get. Laid. I think that speaks for itself. Man, you think Wendy Davis is bad. Magpie bitchez are the worst. Not enough bottle caps, colorful pebbles, and shiny bits of foil to satisfy those bitchez!

Posted by: The Magpies at January 23, 2014 09:08 AM (0cMkb)

28
hey, remember when Axelrod and obama sold obama's Senate seat and then screwed over Gov Rod Blagojevich?

Posted by: soothsayer, with arms akimbo at January 23, 2014 09:08 AM (gYIst)

29 There are any number of Custom Rolex floating around my lower GI.

Posted by: Barney Frank at January 23, 2014 09:08 AM (cY4fD)

30 Okay I think I misrepresented Gabe's point then. There was a quid, and there was a quo, but the government may not be able to prove the explicit agreement to exchange the one for the other -- the pro. They got the bling. They ARE pros.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 23, 2014 09:09 AM (xZxMD)

31 Quid pro quo, Clareeece.

Posted by: Dr. Lecter at January 23, 2014 09:09 AM (RUvjp)

32 >>>>>>The Rolex was only $6500?
Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line.<<<

She regifted the watch. That's rather classy, don't you think?

Posted by: Fritz at January 23, 2014 09:09 AM (UzPAd)

33 The difference being that magpies mean not malice, and have no knowledge of the concept of thievery. Hey Heckle, do we have them fooled or what?

Posted by: Jeckle at January 23, 2014 09:09 AM (0HooB)

34
/johnny carson monologue voice: on

Yeah, yeah, the president of the United States can evidently sell a Senate seat.

I. did. not. know. that.

Posted by: soothsayer, with arms akimbo at January 23, 2014 09:10 AM (gYIst)

35 Click thru to the story. Maureen McConnell suffers from "resting bitch-face." Textbook case.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 23, 2014 09:10 AM (CJjw5)

36 as opposed to a no bid contract for a couple of hundred mill for a company with an exec who's an old pal of Mrs Let's Move.
Reminds of of an odd moment in the Watergate hearings in 1973 (I think) - when it was pointed out that LBJ had had done a lot of the things Nixon was accused of doing, the chairman's reply was "we're not here to investigate Johnson"

Posted by: Mallfly at January 23, 2014 09:10 AM (bJm7W)

37 Naaaa... I think they've got the pro, just on the fact of the quo. At least, I think they'll have enough circumstantial evidence that a jury will buy it.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 23, 2014 09:10 AM (PYAXX)

38 Hey, remember when known pederast Hairy Reid pressured the DHS on behalf of his son's casino project? Good times, good times.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:10 AM (7ObY1)

39 WHAT IS THIS, YOU IDIOT? I asked for a Rolex! A ROLEX!

Posted by: RJ Fletcher Jr at January 23, 2014 09:10 AM (/Crba)

40 It was your father's.

Posted by: Christopher Walken at January 23, 2014 09:11 AM (cY4fD)

41 #27 To. Get. Laid. I think that speaks for itself. Agreed. That comparison was unfair to magpies.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:11 AM (7ObY1)

42
oh this is beautiful

CNN just reported that Iran has no intention of dismantling anything and plans to go ahead and build nukes. The very next "news" story??

Live coverage of Justin Bieber's court hearing!

Posted by: soothsayer, with arms akimbo at January 23, 2014 09:11 AM (gYIst)

43 I bet this happensall the time. Many pols are better at hiding it though.

Posted by: DangerGirl Telecommunications at January 23, 2014 09:12 AM (EYfcP)

44 Look closely. It actually says FOLEX.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 23, 2014 09:12 AM (8ZskC)

45 I read a comment somewhere that Gov Tim Kaine had about 180K in gifts I assume he reported. Is that true?

Posted by: polynikes at January 23, 2014 09:12 AM (m2CN7)

46 As promised by Maureen McDonnell, JW was seated next to Robert McDonnell at the Union League Club event later that evening. Also, further evidence (or at least assertion) of the pro. The pro quo was not that Bob would necessarily do anything (or doesn't have to be), rather that the lobbyist was given such special access- and that's what Maureen seems to have promised in order to get the gifts. At the very least, the indictment seems very damning. But, then, it would.

Posted by: AllenG (DedicatedTenther) Ah, F It. at January 23, 2014 09:12 AM (PYAXX)

47 Totally off topic, but that planet Hillary button in the side bar makes her look like a Slag from alien nation. I think they captured her true essence.

Posted by: Berserker- Dragonheads Division at January 23, 2014 09:12 AM (FMbng)

48 43 I bet this happensall the time. Many pols are better at hiding it though. Posted by: DangerGirl Telecommunications at January 23, 2014 01:12 PM (EYfcP) or having the MSM cover their tracks

Posted by: MikeH at January 23, 2014 09:13 AM (136wp)

49 It is obvious that Planet Hillary has an extreme gravitational pull.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 23, 2014 09:13 AM (8ZskC)

50 Off, magpie sock.

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit [/i][/s][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:13 AM (0HooB)

51 I was told there was a nood McConnell. Posted by: soothsayer Of Mitch McConnell. Want pics?

Posted by: rickb223 at January 23, 2014 09:13 AM (xZxMD)

52 >>>I read a comment somewhere that Gov Tim Kaine had about 180K in gifts I assume he reported. Is that true? I read that too. I don't know if it's true.

Posted by: ace at January 23, 2014 09:13 AM (/FnUH)

53 It's all 'bout the Quan, Jerry!

Posted by: Show Me the Funny at January 23, 2014 09:13 AM (R6JT1)

54 JW shut down the bridges on Mrs. McDonnell's request. I know nothing about this!

Posted by: C. Christie at January 23, 2014 09:14 AM (m2CN7)

55 Question I have: Dem Va Gov. Tim Kaine took $180k in gifts. Repub Va Gov. McDonnell took $150k in gifts. What's the difference? Is McDonnell only busted cause he didn't report the gifts? If he had reported them would it have been fine? This appears, sadly, to be normal for Virginia governors of both parties.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:14 AM (ZPrif)

56 I said I wanted a customized FOUREX!!!! Bob hasn't had it up since the Reagan administration. A gal's gotta have her fun.

Posted by: Mo McDonnell had a farm at January 23, 2014 09:14 AM (7ObY1)

57 MFM feeding frenzy in 4. 3. 2. 1...

Posted by: Lloyd Loar at January 23, 2014 09:14 AM (9u2hL)

58

oh, and somehow Rush Limbaugh is brought in the Bieber case!

yeah, Bieb's lawyer mentioned Rush and Kelsey Grammar's drug use as a defense

Posted by: soothsayer, with arms akimbo at January 23, 2014 09:14 AM (gYIst)

59 You wingnuts don't understand the difference between graft and tribute. This was tribute.

Posted by: Maureen McConnell at January 23, 2014 09:14 AM (8ZskC)

60 We have a thing called restraint, and a thing called decorum. Posted by: Maureen "Mo Money" McDonnell at January 23, 2014 01:07 PM (/FnUH) ------------------------------ Agreed, dear. Hang on a sec... "Waiter! I need another glass of wine over h- General? Whatever. Bring me another glass of wine, General." Can you believe the attitude on the help at this event?

Posted by: Valerie Jarrett at January 23, 2014 09:14 AM (CJjw5)

61 I am the Great and Powerful Oz!!!

Posted by: Planet Hillary! at January 23, 2014 09:15 AM (0cMkb)

62 You call that a gift? Dominican Teenage Prostitutes - For when you care to send the very best.

Posted by: Bob Menendez at January 23, 2014 09:15 AM (cY4fD)

63 A seat next to the Governor at a union dinner might be considered payment.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 01:06 PM (DmNpO)

A seat that was promised. Of course, is this *really* graft? I mean, campaigns do this all the time with those paid meals, don't they?

Posted by: [/i]KG at January 23, 2014 09:15 AM (p7BzH)

64 Dem Gov Tim Kaine accepted an $18k Caribbean vacation at a 5 star resort as a gift. Yet he wasn't charged with anything.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:15 AM (ZPrif)

65 But, how many moons has Planet Hillary? America wants to know.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:15 AM (7ObY1)

66 Steal $100,000 and they put you in stir; Steal $17 trillion, they address you as Potus.

Posted by: MikeH at January 23, 2014 09:15 AM (136wp)

67 Rulers demand tribute.

Posted by: votermom at January 23, 2014 09:15 AM (GSIDW)

68 The Rolex was a stainless steel model. A 18K presidential band is more than 6K without a watch.

Posted by: jwest at January 23, 2014 09:16 AM (u2a4R)

69 Thank God we have a vigilant media that will root out political corruption and graft. Thank. God. Now, back to my pending IRS audit.

Posted by: krakatoa at January 23, 2014 09:16 AM (eCtnP)

70 Observation: When inaugurals cost eleventy dollars on the clothing front for everyone involved, we're doing it wrong. And I am not going to truck with the "Tim Kaine did it, too." stuff. Venal stupidity or stupid venality remains both.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 23, 2014 09:16 AM (659DL)

71 It is obvious that Planet Hillary has an extreme gravitational pull. Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 23, 2014 01:13 PM (8ZskC) ------------------------------ The Planet Hillary thing needs to be mainpaged.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at January 23, 2014 09:16 AM (CJjw5)

72 65: Just one, but it is a very LARGE one

Posted by: Lloyd Loar at January 23, 2014 09:16 AM (9u2hL)

73 Dem Va Gov Mark Warner accepted $190k in gifts.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:16 AM (ZPrif)

74 65 But, how many moons has Planet Hillary? America wants to know. --- I think one moon from that gigantic ass is enough.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:17 AM (/Crba)

Mrs. McDonnell walks into a bar and orders a bottle of Dom Perignon .

The bartender says, " That will be $1,950 madam"

Mrs McDonnell replies, " add it to the indictment"

Posted by: C. Christie at January 23, 2014 09:17 AM (m2CN7)

76 I'm in the wrong business.

Posted by: garrett at January 23, 2014 09:17 AM (cY4fD)

77 So the two previous Dem governors in Va took $180k and $190k in gifts, both more than McDonnell. How come they weren't charged with anything?

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:17 AM (ZPrif)

78 Maureen should have just said she was fucking JW. It would have explained the gifts and got her and the gov off the hook.

Posted by: jwest at January 23, 2014 09:18 AM (u2a4R)

79 I hate politicians. lying liars who lie. every last one of them.

Posted by: not the mama at January 23, 2014 09:18 AM (5dxeo)

I'm soooo ready

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at January 23, 2014 09:18 AM (GjPnA)

81 77 So the two previous Dem governors in Va took $180k and $190k in gifts, both more than McDonnell. How come they weren't charged with anything? All Rethuglikkkans are evil and all scandals are Rethuglikkkan scandals. All Democrats are pure and good and scandal-free. Democrats = good Rethuglikkkans = eeeeevil

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:18 AM (7ObY1)

82 The Rolex was only $6500? Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line. *** I thought it was $65k? I must have misunderstood it originally. A basic Oyster Perpetual Datejust must cost nearly $5k now if you buy it new.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 09:18 AM (DmNpO)

83 I've been staggering around nearly blinded after looking at the Planet Hillary image, crushed by the realization that I will be 71 after her 8 year term and in no condition to survive the camps.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at January 23, 2014 09:18 AM (l3vZN)

84 I mean, if politicians weren't trading promises for graft, there'd be no need for lobbyists and pols wouldn't become millionaires simply by being in congress.

Posted by: DangerGirl Telecommunications at January 23, 2014 09:19 AM (EYfcP)

85 77 So the two previous Dem governors in Va took $180k and $190k in gifts, both more than McDonnell. How come they weren't charged with anything? --- One is a sitting Senator from Virginia now who is a bigwig with the DNC. IIRC, he got elected in the same election cycle where the US Attorney's Office railroaded Ted Stevens by hiding evidence and leaning on the contractor to say that what Stevens did was illegal. Not that it makes the late Stevens any less of an asshole, but it was a setup to get Begich elected and it worked.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:19 AM (/Crba)

86 68 The Rolex was a stainless steel model. As is mine, which is why I can comfortably - and casually - wear it with sweatpants.

Posted by: akula51[/b][/i][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:19 AM (Whlww)

87 I've been staggering around nearly blinded after looking at the Planet Hillary image, crushed by the realization that I will be 71 after her 8 year term and in no condition to survive the camps. Posted by: Jinx the Cat
.........
That's ok.. you will only survive the first year of her first term.. so, not to worry.

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at January 23, 2014 09:19 AM (f9c2L)

88 I don't see the American flag on Planet Hillary. They must have put it on the back.

Posted by: Sheila Jackson Lee (D)umbass at January 23, 2014 09:20 AM (8ZskC)

89 Damn donut eating sock.

Posted by: polynikes at January 23, 2014 09:20 AM (m2CN7)

90
Wait, Bieber is Canadian!?!

Posted by: soothsayer, with arms akimbo at January 23, 2014 09:20 AM (gYIst)

91 James Murray gave Va Dem governor Tim Kaine an $18k Caribbean resort vacation on Mustique -- a private island for rock stars and royalty. Kaine, in return, appointed Murray to the Virginia Commission on Higher Education Appointments. No idea what that does or why somebody would want that, but Murray wanted that for some reason. $18k to get appointed to a govt job. quid meet quo meet DOJ indifference.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:20 AM (ZPrif)

92 82 A basic Oyster Perpetual Datejust must cost nearly $5k now if you buy it new. Blue face OPD was $5500 retail, 13 years ago. 20% off if you bought in the USVI.

Posted by: akula51[/b][/i][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:21 AM (Whlww)

93 87 I've been staggering around nearly blinded after looking at the Planet Hillary image, crushed by the realization that I will be 71 after her 8 year term and in no condition to survive the camps. Posted by: Jinx the Cat ......... That's ok.. you will only survive the first year of her first term.. so, not to worry. --- Does that mean any RWC members who die then would be considered a "first term abortion"? If I couldn't make dark jokes, I think I'd scream.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:21 AM (/Crba)

94 88 I don't see the American flag on Planet Hillary. They must have put it on the back. They put it in the dark side of her moon.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:21 AM (7ObY1)

95 And I am not going to truck with the "Tim Kaine did it, too." stuff. Venal stupidity or stupid venality remains both.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 23, 2014 01:16 PM (659DL)

You *do* know that's not what's being said, right?

Posted by: [/i]KG at January 23, 2014 09:21 AM (p7BzH)

96 A stainless steel Rolex? Big Oil would insist on a Vacheron or Patek Phillipe.

Big Pharma comes pretty cheap.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at January 23, 2014 09:21 AM (8ZskC)

Yeah...seems like this power couple are pretty corrupt.

BTW...whatever happened to Jon Corzine...remember him? Any federal grand juries investigating the ONE BILLION dollars that seems to have disappeared when he was in charge?

Didn't think so...he's a Democrat.

Posted by: VoteOutIncumbents at January 23, 2014 09:21 AM (HlQcB)

98 94 88 I don't see the American flag on Planet Hillary. They must have put it on the back. They put it in the dark side of her moon. --- Yeah, something tells me that very few people would attempt to put something in THAT crater.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:22 AM (/Crba)

99 Morning Ace. I read through a lot of this stuff yesterday. Obviously they need to prove these charges and that could be a problem since apparently Virginia law is loose about gifting or something. I don't know. But what I read convinced me these aren't people I'm going to waste time defending.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 23, 2014 09:22 AM (oFCZn)

100 It's good to be the American nobility.

Posted by: steevy at January 23, 2014 09:22 AM (zqvg6)

101 Frankly, this is a non story Ace.

Here is my prediction; they will not be convicted. While absolutely unethical it is not illegal. In fact, it has precedent in Virginia which aptly displays this a political hanging. Look at what his predecessor, Tim Kaine, a Democrat got in "gifts".

>>

McDonnellÂ’s legal team focused on gifts received by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat who was VirginiaÂ’s governor from 2006 to 2010. According to court records and published media accounts, those gifts included use of a private Caribbean island called Â“MustiqueÂ” from James B. Murray Jr., an investor who Kaine reappointed to a state commission on higher education board appointments.

A Kaine spokeswoman said the senator was confident he followed ethics laws.<<

YEs. Of course he did. So did McDonnell.

Posted by: Marcus T at January 23, 2014 09:22 AM (GGCsk)

102 And current Va gov McAuliffe is a fucking bagman for the DNC. His whole life has been a fixer arranging relationships between wealthy donors and Dem politicians.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:22 AM (ZPrif)

103 You *do* know that's not what's being said, right? See above--that is apparently what some are saying. This kind of crap has to be under the following heading: No.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 23, 2014 09:22 AM (659DL)

104 86 68 The Rolex was a stainless steel model. "As is mine, which is why I can comfortably - and casually - wear it with sweatpants." Absolutely. A Daytona is perfect before 5:00.

Posted by: jwest at January 23, 2014 09:23 AM (u2a4R)

105 You've got a Democrat AG and a Democrat media to make sure he's tried. Yet a trillion dollars in Stimulus Slush Fund won't get investigated by anybody bigger than James O'Keefe.

Posted by: --- at January 23, 2014 09:23 AM (MMC8r)

106 I don't see the American flag on Planet Hillary. They must have put it on the back. They tried, but the flagpole kept going soft.

Posted by: garrett at January 23, 2014 09:23 AM (cY4fD)

107 I don't see the American flag on Planet Hillary. They must have put it on the back. They put it in the dark side of her moon. By the large crack......

Posted by: rickb223 at January 23, 2014 09:23 AM (xZxMD)

108 Self help instructions for those who were unfortunate enough to view planet Klunton.

http://tinyurl.com/l7266bn

Posted by: Lloyd Loar at January 23, 2014 09:23 AM (9u2hL)

109 ever wonder if all this graft and corruption known about is how they keep leadership in line?

just waiting to pop out when you flinch?

Posted by: willow at January 23, 2014 09:23 AM (nqBYe)

110 The Rolex was only $6500? Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line. True fact: When the US sent bomb sniffing dogs into Ferdinand Marcos' palace post-revolution to see if it was safe, they found a crate full of Rolex watches. Marcos used to hand them out as political favors to District Governors. This in a country where it's not at all rare for a person to make $40 a month and be envied by all their relatives.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:24 AM (P7Wsr)

111 I'll truck with it. I have this crazy idea that we should be a nation of fucking laws. A sleazy act shouldn't illegal depending on what fucking party you belong to.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:24 AM (ZPrif)

112 95 And I am not going to truck with the "Tim Kaine did it, too." stuff. Venal stupidity or stupid venality remains both. That's not the point. The point is that the mutherfucking media acts like all scandals are Republican scandals. All we ask is that the traitorous, treasonous, mutherfucking media treat all scumbags equally regardless of which letter is after their name.

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:24 AM (7ObY1)

113 See above--that is apparently what some are saying.

This kind of crap has to be under the following heading: No.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 23, 2014 01:22 PM (659DL)

Or you could *actually* read. The point is the lopsided application of law, if the law was actually broken. The same as with David Gregory's felony handling of illegal magazine in D.C.

Posted by: [/i]KG at January 23, 2014 09:24 AM (p7BzH)

114 Does that mean any RWC members who die then would be considered a "first term abortion"? If I couldn't make dark jokes, I think I'd scream. Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 01:21 PM (/Crba) Que?

Posted by: RWC at January 23, 2014 09:25 AM (fWAjv)

115 They tried, but the flagpole kept going soft.

golf clap!

Posted by: BlueStateRebel at January 23, 2014 09:25 AM (7ObY1)

116 I talked a street vendor down and got my Rolex for $20 in Thailand a few years ago. Man they've gone up.

Posted by: Haywood Jablowme at January 23, 2014 09:25 AM (xrAgh)

117 Remember, this was an outspoken SoCon.

Posted by: Uniden at January 23, 2014 09:25 AM (13G+x)

118 109 ever wonder if all this graft and corruption known about is how they keep leadership in line? just waiting to pop out when you flinch? --- Sure sounds like how Hollywood works, where most of the big players have various secrets and you aren't "in" unless someone has something they can hold over you. That's why the Anthony Pelicano case from a few years ago was a big deal there, as people were trying to snoop on several individuals to find secrets and Pelicano got busted using illegal means to do so. Hiring Pelicano got Die Hard director John McTiernan to the pokey for a year.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:25 AM (/Crba)

119 What's good for the goose is good for the gander. Repubs should not do decades of hard time for acts that are not crimes when Dems do them. If you can't understand that then go to hell.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:25 AM (ZPrif)

120 Politicians on both sides do it,they almost all end up wealthy.It is why the establishment is so strongly defended by both parties.There is no loser in being a member of the ruling elite.Minority status does not keep the goodies from flowing.

Posted by: steevy at January 23, 2014 09:25 AM (zqvg6)

121 McConnell was a pos in office too wasn't he? Something about a pork laden transportation bill filled with tax increases and giving felons the right to vote.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 23, 2014 09:26 AM (oFCZn)

122 This is all evil Swift-boatery of these fine, upstanding, politicians that detracts from the essential truthiness of their personal narrative of being thieving and psychopathic dirtbags who have the misfortune of being Republicans . . .

Wait. I'm getting confused, here.

Posted by: Maggie "Sharkman" Carlson at January 23, 2014 09:26 AM (TM1p8)

123 Sorry McDonnell

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 23, 2014 09:26 AM (oFCZn)

124 114 Does that mean any RWC members who die then would be considered a "first term abortion"? If I couldn't make dark jokes, I think I'd scream. Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 01:21 PM (/Crba) Que? --- Not you... meant "Right Wing Conspiracy", given the ranting, raving harpy who would be in power coined the term during the Lewinsky affair.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:26 AM (/Crba)

125 how much did acorn get btw?
how about solyndra, lightsquare?
how about union deals /re insurance?
how about Rezko?

let's vote them all out.
right and left

Posted by: willow at January 23, 2014 09:26 AM (nqBYe)

126 Or you could *actually* read. The point is the lopsided application of law, if the law was actually broken. The same as with David Gregory's felony handling of illegal magazine in D.C. Posted by: KG at January 23, 2014 01:24 PM (p7BzH) Too busy prosecuting a guy for a faulty shot shell as well as the evil assault plastic sabots.

Posted by: RWC at January 23, 2014 09:26 AM (fWAjv)

127 The quid pro quo is such weak sauce it doesn't even rate on the hotness scale.

The standard of proof is much higher than what is being presented. They better have more than that or this is going nowhere fast. In fact, if it wasn't political, a decent judge would throw it out.

Posted by: Marcus T at January 23, 2014 09:27 AM (GGCsk)

128 Nobody is saying what McDonnell did was morally right. The question is whether it's a crime. And I don't count something as a crime when it's only illegal when a Republican does it.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:27 AM (ZPrif)

129 Not you... meant "Right Wing Conspiracy", given the ranting, raving harpy who would be in power coined the term during the Lewinsky affair. Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 01:26 PM (/Crba) I know. I was kidding. But that is where I got my nick. Used to spell it out until I got lazy.

Posted by: RWC at January 23, 2014 09:28 AM (fWAjv)

130 I'll bet she says she's a devout Christian, reads the Bible, opposes gay marriage....

Posted by: SFGoth at January 23, 2014 09:28 AM (VGDJR)

131 Marcos used to hand them out as political favors to District Governors. *** that's where I got mine.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 09:28 AM (DmNpO)

132 You *do* know that's not what's being said, right?

See above--that is apparently what some are saying.

This kind of crap has to be under the following heading: No.

Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at January 23, 2014 01:22 PM (659DL)

Say your kid and his friend got sent to the principal and your son subsequently got suspended for calling the principal a dick. Now the other kid called the principal a fucking dick but he did not get suspended.

Maybe you might be curious as to why the other kid was not suspended at the same time being able to punish you own kid for his behaviour.

Posted by: polynikes at January 23, 2014 09:28 AM (m2CN7)

133 Don't tell me Mooch pays for her wardrobe.

Posted by: Federale (@Federale86) at January 23, 2014 09:28 AM (NAlbk)

134 15 The Rolex was only $6500? Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line. Posted by: akula51 at January 23, 2014 01:06 PM (Whlww) I got my Rollexx from a street vendor for $25.00 He threw in a pair of Jimbe Chews pumps for the bubble too. Mo needs to know how to shop smarter.

Posted by: Hobo parts, especially the gizzard at January 23, 2014 09:29 AM (GeVLX)

135 McDonnell should come out as a fag. Watch those charges just fade away!

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at January 23, 2014 09:29 AM (oFCZn)

136 Planet Hillary? I thought that was Uranus.

Posted by: --- at January 23, 2014 09:29 AM (MMC8r)

137 19 The difference being that magpies mean not malice, and have no knowledge of the concept of thievery.

And where do you get your expertise in the thought processes of magpies?

Posted by: King Priam at January 23, 2014 01:07 PM (8ZskC)

really?

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:29 AM (x3YFz)

138 128 And I don't count something as a crime when it's only illegal when a Republican does it.Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 01:27 PM (ZPrif)
Why not? Only whites can be racist you know.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at January 23, 2014 09:29 AM (ZS1LI)

139 So how is this different from the Grifter-in-Chief and his grasping ugly wife?

Posted by: tcn at January 23, 2014 09:29 AM (fwcEs)

140 >>128 Nobody is saying what McDonnell did was morally right. The question is whether it's a crime. <<

Apparently, it is only a crime and unethical when a Republican does it...

Posted by: Marcus T at January 23, 2014 09:29 AM (GGCsk)

141 130 God didn't say there is anything wrong with shaking down big money constituents! Maureen McDonnel

Posted by: steevy at January 23, 2014 09:30 AM (zqvg6)

142 I'm with you willow. Get rid of all the scum, no matter what the party.

Posted by: DangerGirl Telecommunications at January 23, 2014 09:30 AM (U7Ivf)

143 I've been hoping that this is all prosecutorial overreach and playing Chicago style politics and there's some other reasonable explanation. Even reading this through my usual prosecutors are being shall we say less than highly candid goggles, I am not optimistic about the above.

Posted by: alexthechick - Skittle fueled Godzillette at January 23, 2014 09:30 AM (VtjlW)

144 Politicians on both sides do it,they almost all end up wealthy.It is why the establishment is so strongly defended by both parties.There is no loser in being a member of the ruling elite.Minority status does not keep the goodies from flowing. What's ridiculous is that there is a perfectly legal way for them to make a fortune. Insider trading. Congress can do it legally, out in the open, and the law says so. In their position, they get all kind of valuable information, like who's going to get that plum contract. Why would anyone take a bribe when all they have to do is make smart investments on the information they can legally use, that nobody else can legally use?

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:31 AM (P7Wsr)

145 135 Only if he switches parties as well.

Posted by: steevy at January 23, 2014 09:31 AM (zqvg6)

146 I think McDonnell should pork Monica Lewinsky or probe her with a cigar. Then deny it.

Problem solved. It worked for the last guy.

Posted by: Marcus T at January 23, 2014 09:31 AM (GGCsk)

147 In the end they're all whores.

Posted by: Chris Vaughn at January 23, 2014 09:31 AM (h+2SD)

148 Governor Kaine - now sitting Senator Kaine - and former head of the DNC - took more in "gifts" than did Governor McDonnell. One of these two is under federal indictment. The government's case will fail. They are trying to get a scalp by a plea deal. But they are charging McDonnell with defrauding the people of Virginia by accepting gifts? Seriously? But there is what is legal, and what is seemly. The McDonnells were unseemly, and as ace is now picking up, that helped torpedo Cuccinelli's candidacy (the other thing that led to his demise was the establishment's Bob Bolling failing to endorse and threatening a third party run). Cuccinelli could have won absent those two conditions. The electorate of Virginia would have accepted his conservative postions - they (we) overwhelmingly elected McDonnell - if he had not been tainted by the brewing scandal, and also been told by Republicans that he was unacceptably conservative. RS McCain predicted it in July: http://alturl.com/a7j7m But had McDonnell resigned, it may have emboldened Bolling - the LT Governor - to go ahead with the 3d Party run.

Posted by: blaster at January 23, 2014 09:32 AM (W6bkf)

149 Are the same libs pissed about McDonnell that never heard of Blago?

Posted by: --- at January 23, 2014 09:32 AM (MMC8r)

150 I'm with you willow. Get rid of all the scum, no matter what the party *** I'll make it a third.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 09:32 AM (DmNpO)

151 Many moons ago I worked for a company that did a lot of business with the State of MA. The then Speaker used to have "meet and greets" every quarter at Jimmy's ( big seafood restaurant in Boston ) where anybody who was anybody was brought together to, well you know. Cost a pretty penny for my company to go to these little soirees, a hell of a lot more than the bar bill at Jimmy's, but any company that wanted to do business with the state was there and paid up. It was never done in secret and nobody batted an eye at this arrangement. The Dems that ran the state and still do never thought of this as graft, just the cost of doing business.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 23, 2014 09:32 AM (g1DWB)

152 OT - Wendy Davis continues to deliver. She was caught on video mocking Greg Abbott's physical state as a paraplegic, pretty much confirming the "walk in my shoes" comment wasn't an accident. Link at Instapundit.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:32 AM (/Crba)

153 As to Planet Hillary, I always call her Venus.

Posted by: Huma the Puma at January 23, 2014 09:33 AM (DrC22)

154 Of course,if the government didn't have so much influence over our lives no one would ply them with expensive "gifts".There was a time when there was no such thing as lobbying,at least not on the grand scale of recent times.

Posted by: steevy at January 23, 2014 09:33 AM (zqvg6)

155 "Apparently, it is only a crime and unethical when a Republican does it... " Not to stick up for McDonnell, but it did take a year before (some of) the press admitted the story about Sarah Palin running through New York stores, grabbing everything in sight was total bullshit.

Posted by: jwest at January 23, 2014 09:34 AM (u2a4R)

156 you h8er. You called

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at January 23, 2014 09:34 AM (R8hU8)

157
I'll make it a third.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 01:32 PM (DmNpO)

//looks up from building guillotine

Is it a 30 degree angle on the blade, or 25?

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:34 AM (x3YFz)

158 Mo needs to know how to shop smarter.

I got a ROREX right outside the front gate of Camp Coiner, Korea. Only twenee dolla Meesta!

Still works.

Posted by: Larry David[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:34 AM (d4ZzM)

159 OK, legal beagles, I gotta go do stuff. Y'all have fun and try not to trash the place, 'k?

Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit [/i][/s][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:34 AM (0HooB)

160 Who knew that Juan Williams had that kind of money?

Posted by: Judge Pug at January 23, 2014 09:34 AM (E4MKN)

161 VA governors only get one term. Got to get the goods while the getting is good or something like that.

Posted by: polynikes at January 23, 2014 09:34 AM (m2CN7)

162 Also, remember Senator Menendez? Phony scandal, right? The problem for Republicans is that we are all too happy to jump on the media bandwagon to demonize our side. They whistle, we come.

Posted by: blaster at January 23, 2014 09:35 AM (W6bkf)

163 What McDonnell did was reprehensible. You're supposed to wait until you are in the White House before pulling crazy shit like this, and somebody should have told him and his wife! http://washex.am/1cZO1Wn

Posted by: Crazy Joe Biden at January 23, 2014 09:35 AM (F58x4)

164

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber hit this on the head in "Evita" -

When the money keeps rolling in, what's a girl to do?

Skim a little off the top for expenses - wouldn't you?

Alas, there are a bitter few who envy such success;

Thank God for Swizterland!

Where a guy and a gal with a little petty cash between them

Can be sure when they deposit, no one's seen them -

Oh, what bliss to sign your cheques as "30127" -

Never been accounts in the name of Eva Peron!

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at January 23, 2014 09:35 AM (zF6Iw)

165 I'll bet she says she's a devout Christian, reads the Bible, opposes gay marriage....

Posted by: SFGoth at January 23, 2014 01:28 PM (VGDJR)

Yes, because married gay atheists never commit fraud, thankfully.

Posted by: A Balrog of Morgoth at January 23, 2014 09:35 AM (Q9qpj)

166
I got a ROREX right outside the front gate of Camp Coiner, Korea. Only twenee dolla Meesta!

Still works.

Posted by: Larry David at January 23, 2014 01:34 PM (d4ZzM)

Got one in Riyadh for 50 riyal ($12.50)

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (x3YFz)

167 It was never done in secret and nobody batted an eye at this arrangement. The Dems that ran the state and still do never thought of this as graft, just the cost of doing business. That's why businessmen from crooked countries in Asia do so well here. They know how this stuff works. My Dad taught a business class in China and his students factored in all sorts of payments to the local General and other people when creating business plans.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (P7Wsr)

168 Meh.... It's how the politics "business" is done. Why do you think that DC is full of Millionaires? Most of them up there aren't smart enough to string 2 sentences together, yet they are all getting rich. I wonder how.....

Posted by: Truck Monkey at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (32Ze2)

169 130 I'll bet she says she's a devout Christian, reads the Bible, opposes gay marriage.... Posted by: SFGoth at January 23, 2014 01:28 PM (VGDJR) MSNBC is accepting applicants....you're a shoe-in.

Posted by: [/i][/b][/u][/s] Tami at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (bCEmE)

170 155Not to stick up for McDonnell, but it did take a year before (some of) the press admitted the story about Sarah Palin running through New York stores, grabbing everything in sight was total bullshit.Posted by: jwest at January 23, 2014 01:34 PM (u2a4R)
A one woman flash mob?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (ZS1LI)

171 Planet Hillary Set course for the Dykoba System, R2.

Posted by: Luke at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (cY4fD)

172 Nobody is saying what McDonnell did was morally right. The question is whether it's a crime.

And I don't count something as a crime when it's only illegal when a Republican does it.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 01:27 PM (ZPrif)

That right there is exactly right.

Crucify the dirtbags; I'm okay with that. But make sure that every Donk who does this same thing crucified alongside them. Of course, if that were to happen, there wouldn't BE any Donk politicians.

Posted by: Maggie at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (TM1p8)

173 There was a time when there was no such thing as lobbying,at least not on the grand scale of recent times.

Posted by: steevy at January 23, 2014 01:33 PM (zqvg6)

Teapot Dome scandal and the Transcontinental RR comes to mind.

Posted by: polynikes at January 23, 2014 09:36 AM (m2CN7)

174 //looks up from building guillotine Is it a 30 degree angle on the blade, or 25? 17 for filet.

Posted by: rickb223 at January 23, 2014 09:37 AM (xZxMD)

175
A one woman flash mob?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at January 23, 2014 01:36 PM (ZS1LI)

ever see a woman shop for shoes?

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:37 AM (x3YFz)

176 164 Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber hit this on the head in "Evita" - When the money keeps rolling in, what's a girl to do? Skim a little off the top for expenses - wouldn't you? Alas, there are a bitter few who envy such success; Thank God for Swizterland! Where a guy and a gal with a little petty cash between them Can be sure when they deposit, no one's seen them - Oh, what bliss to sign your cheques as "30127" - Never been accounts in the name of Eva Peron! --- There is one particular exchange in the film that I thought was fucking HILARIOUS. At one point during Evita's world tour, the crowds were chanting at her that she was a whore and she complained about it to her entourage. One member of the military told her in response "Well, they still call me 'Admiral' even though it's been years since I've been to sea." I may have hated having to watch that for Spanish class, but that helped brighten my day a bit.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:37 AM (/Crba)

177 So, interesting that Republican governors who might be in the running seem to be facing Fedral investigations. Christie. Walker. McDonnell (absent this event he could have been a contender). Jindal's day in the barrel is coming.

Posted by: blaster at January 23, 2014 09:37 AM (W6bkf)

178 Got one in Riyadh for 50 riyal ($12.50)

You sweep it for explosives first?

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:37 AM (d4ZzM)

179 This is why only Rich People can be trusted to run for office. They've got their's already.

Posted by: Tom Servo at January 23, 2014 09:37 AM (8Fa5Z)

180

So are we in agreeance that the anal sex thing was just a sideshow which us, who are libertarians and perhaps purveyors, took offense to, bought the line wholecloth from leftist attack ad machines and liars?

Perhaps next time, instead of cutting the throat of the first AG to stand up and fight obamacare, perhaps we will reflect on the attacks and rally behind our candidate.

Or are we on the you don't like sodomy like I do and you're done for good taliban GOP bandwagon.

I keep hearing this shit that we have to like and support RINOs that agree with us 80% of the time. Yet a conservative perhaps takes an ill-advised stance on one issue (which I hotly dispute), and that issue is BUTT FUCKING, and we are ready to bring out the long knives???

Yeah, that makes sense.

Posted by: prescient11 at January 23, 2014 09:38 AM (tVTLU)

181 What's ridiculous is that there is a perfectly legal way for them to make a fortune. Insider trading. Congress can do it legally, out in the open, and the law says so. In their position, they get all kind of valuable information, like who's going to get that plum contract. Why would anyone take a bribe when all they have to do is make smart investments on the information they can legally use, that nobody else can legally use? Posted by: bonhomme at January 23, 2014 01:31 PM (P7Wsr) This reminds me of why pretty much everyone in Ohio was peeved when Traficant got sent away. Oh, sure, sure, sure, he took the money and stuff but he was going to do what he did anyway! I should hope it's obvious I'm joking. In utterly random news, I mean even more so than usual, does anyone know of a good non-Wiki primer on metallurgy?

Posted by: alexthechick - Skittle fueled Godzillette at January 23, 2014 09:38 AM (VtjlW)

182 167 My Dad taught a business class in China and his students factored in all sorts of payments to the local General and other people when creating business plans.
Posted by: bonhomme at January 23, 2014 01:36 PM (P7Wsr)
Sounds like Rodney Dangerfield in "Back to School"

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at January 23, 2014 09:38 AM (ZS1LI)

183

I'll bet she says she's a devout Christian, reads the Bible, opposes gay marriage....

Posted by: SFGoth at January 23, 2014 01:28 PM (VGDJR)

No that was Governor McCreevy's wife.

Posted by: polynikes at January 23, 2014 09:39 AM (m2CN7)

184 Bob fucked up, he should have just gotten his wife a cushy no show job for $300K/year. No one would have said a word.

Posted by: Joe at January 23, 2014 09:39 AM (QFnhZ)

185 Hey, I gotta diamond encrusted 9-iron in my pants!!

Posted by: the guy that has everything in his pants at January 23, 2014 09:39 AM (NpXoL)

186 It is fucking evil when the weight of Feds hammer is systematically brought down against members of one political party and not the other. The story here is corruption -- corruption of the federal prosecutors and judiciary.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:39 AM (ZPrif)

187 So, what kind of rehab do they go to?

Posted by: Justamom at January 23, 2014 09:40 AM (Sptt8)

188 It's almost as if someone is going down Mitt Romney's VP list. You know if ORCA seemed like Dems had infiltrated it....

Posted by: Teleprompter Feed Crew at January 23, 2014 09:40 AM (RJMhd)

189 >>That's why businessmen from crooked countries in Asia do so well here. They know how this stuff works. Yep. In my experience India and the middle east are the worst. China we avoid like the plague.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 23, 2014 09:40 AM (g1DWB)

190 Why would anyone take a bribe when all they have to do is make smart investments on the information they can legally use, that nobody else can legally use?

It's not about the money, it's about the power trip. You can make or break your supplicant. Hit of dopamine.

Posted by: HR at January 23, 2014 09:40 AM (ZKzrr)

191 Rolex? How booshwah. Anyone knows an Oris is a much mo' so-fisty-cated understatement.

Posted by: OK, thanks, bye at January 23, 2014 09:41 AM (RPDkq)

192 5. This X 1 million!!!!!!!

Posted by: Navycopjoe at January 23, 2014 09:41 AM (mL7EQ)

193

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 01:37 PM (/Crba)

EVITA:
Did you hear that? They called me a whore!

They actually called me a whore!

ITALIAN ADMIRAL:

But, Signora Peron, it's an easy mistake - I've had that trouble too;

I'm still called an admiral, yet I gave up the sea long ago!

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at January 23, 2014 09:42 AM (zF6Iw)

194 In utterly random news, I mean even more so than usual, does anyone know of a good non-Wiki primer on metallurgy? Posted by: alexthechick - Skittle fueled Godzillette at January 23, 2014 01:38 PM (VtjlW) In what context? There a plenty of general ones whichI will find post haste. If your looking for lawyer type stuff on a particular set of alloys, it's harder. If you are trying to make the ultimate polearm for self defense, I can help more.

Posted by: Hobo parts, especially the gizzard at January 23, 2014 09:42 AM (GeVLX)

195 So has Menendez of NJ commented on this??

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at January 23, 2014 09:42 AM (N8oJ5)

196 So how did this become public knowledge? Skimmed the article at the link like a lazy ass--I ain't seeing it.

Posted by: Teleprompter Feed Crew at January 23, 2014 09:42 AM (RJMhd)

197 PIERS MORGAN: What do you regret, though? I mean do you have feelings like Glenn Beck? ANN COULTER: I just told you! MORGAN: They're not proper regrets. Got that, wingnutz? Your regrets had better be PROPER. Or it's off to the camps.

Posted by: The MFM at January 23, 2014 09:43 AM (7ObY1)

198 Whew! Only allegations of graft? I thought he was caught doing something more serious like doinking some underage girl or somebody's wife.

Posted by: Marcus T at January 23, 2014 09:43 AM (GGCsk)

199 This isn't really about McDonnell and gifts/loans. What it is about is taking down, hard, any Republican politician who is at all popular, ie Christie or McDonnell. McDonnell was a very popular governor who was elected despite the major screeching from the Washington Post painting him as a bible thumping doofus. The "machine" now has a salt the earth scheme for someone like McDonnell- not only prevent him from running against Warner, but from running for governor or any other office after this.
While difficult to defend Maureen McDonnell's behavior, I do understand her clothing requests. She is a rather dumpy middle aged woman who was in desperate need of a make over, especially when she moved to the Governor's mansion and was dealing with all of the Richmond blue blood women. The first ladies' luncheon she attended was awful- she clearly had no idea of how to fir in with this crowd. I suspect she thought going for high end designer goods would make things perfect for her. Rather sad, but it doesn't excuse the stupidity.

Posted by: museisluse at January 23, 2014 09:43 AM (HsXTx)

200 This just goes to show why cats are better than women

Posted by: Navycopjoe at January 23, 2014 09:43 AM (mL7EQ)

201 ...no one gives away a hundred thousand dollars without thinking he's going to get some consideration in return.

Well, Ace, there's this little matter of all Choom Boy's golf vacations, Moooooo-chelle's little out o' town jaunts.... Oh, and her $300K "job" for that Chicago hospital.

All we've gotten for all the money we've thrown at hate-filled America-hating President Historic FirstÂ© and his grasping, America-hating wife is a load of grief. And it ain't over yet!

Posted by: MrScribbler at January 23, 2014 09:44 AM (ff7/5)

202 196 So how did this become public knowledge? Skimmed the article at the link like a lazy ass--I ain't seeing it. Posted by: Teleprompter Feed Crew at January 23, 2014 01:42 PM (RJMhd) Colonel Mustard in the kitchen with a cell phone

Posted by: MikeH at January 23, 2014 09:44 AM (136wp)

203 Yeah, who'd give that kind of money without expecting something in return??

Posted by: Warren Buffett at January 23, 2014 09:44 AM (MMC8r)

204 Remember, though: He's a Republican.

If he was a Democrat, this very likely wouldn't even be a story.

Posted by: tsj017 at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (4YUWF)

205 This just goes to show why cats are better than women

She was a Redskins cheerleader.

He was blinded by the boobehs.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (d4ZzM)

206 That's why businessmen from crooked countries in Asia do so well here. They know how this stuff works. My Dad taught a business class in China and his students factored in all sorts of payments to the local General and other people when creating business plans. Posted by: bonhomme at January 23, 2014 01:36 PM (P7Wsr) My dad used to work for a business that had plants in South America. Some eager young go getter accountant started to question the more nebulous line items on the budget and my dad had to haul him aside and explain that was the slush fund for "cost of doing business" needs.

Posted by: alexthechick - Skittle fueled Godzillette at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (VtjlW)

207 Rosa Delauro, quite possibly the ugliest woman in America and a champion of income inequality crap, lists her assets at close to $25,000,000. Not bad for a lifetime pol and daughter of Italian immigrants. Wonder how many Rolexes she can afford.

Posted by: JackStraw at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (g1DWB)

208 China we avoid like the plague. I read a paper on what to do if you're a visiting businessman. One of the action items was to dedicate a laptop to China only. It never gets used out of country. Don't power it up, don't connect it to your network. Another one was never ever ever drink. It's too easy to be set up for a honeypot trap if you do.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (P7Wsr)

209 If someone's giving that much money, there's a payoff!

Posted by: Jeffrey Immelt at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (MMC8r)

210 Can we get that alien invasion now? Or maybe a local zombie apocalypse?

Trillions of galaxies, gazillions of planets. *Someone* has to want to kick our ass.

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (x3YFz)

211 199 This isn't really about McDonnell and gifts/loans. What it is about is taking down, hard, any Republican politician who is at all popular, ie Christie or McDonnell. McDonnell was a very popular governor who was elected despite the major screeching from the Washington Post painting him as a bible thumping doofus. ********** Ya--it literally looks like someone is going down mitt's considered for VP list.

Posted by: Teleprompter Feed Crew at January 23, 2014 09:45 AM (RJMhd)

212 This is why the right always loses. Had this been a Democrat, nobody on the left would have said a bad word about him. He would have been defended no matter what. On the right....get the firing squad ready.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at January 23, 2014 09:46 AM (0LHZx)

213 And it's totally not acceptable to say that Repubs know they have to be purer than the driven snow so this isn't a big deal. Fuck that. Nation. Of. Laws. Either Kaine and Warner need to be sent to jail for 20 fucking years alongside McDonnell or none of them do. If it's a crime for a Republican to take a $6k Rolex, then it should be a crime for a Democrat to take an $18k Caribbean resort vacation. Equal treatment under the law is not a small thing to ask for. This is basic civil rights.

Posted by: Flatbush Joe at January 23, 2014 09:46 AM (ZPrif)

214 I'm sure Governor Terry McAuliffe is completely on the up and up, though!

Posted by: tsj017 at January 23, 2014 09:46 AM (4YUWF)

215 15 The Rolex was only $6500? Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line. Posted by: akula51 at January 23, 2014 01:06 PM (Whlww) Mostly stainless steel instead of gold? My sister's was gold, and it cost over 10 grand. She's an insurance agent in a Detroit suburb. Needless to say, she isn't making that kind of money anymore.

Posted by: nerdygirl at January 23, 2014 09:46 AM (wVAX5)

216 My dad used to work for a business that had plants in South America. Some eager young go getter accountant started to question the more nebulous line items on the budget and my dad had to haul him aside and explain that was the slush fund for "cost of doing business" needs. --- The accountant must not have had the education I got, then. I only had 2 accounting courses, a business ethics course, and a business law class, but they went out of their way to explain that, in international business, "grease" payments are legal as a cost of doing business but that paying bribes in order to obtain contracts is not.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:47 AM (/Crba)

217 The Washington Post says this is what started it: A simple allegation from a Virginia chef catalyzed a criminal investigation about former Gov. Robert McDonnell. There's supposedly a video there that explains more. And-- new post.

Posted by: Teleprompter Feed Crew at January 23, 2014 09:48 AM (RJMhd)

218 Mostly stainless steel instead of gold? My sister's was gold, and it cost over 10 grand. She's an insurance agent in a Detroit suburb. Needless to say, she isn't making that kind of money anymore.

Posted by: nerdygirl at January 23, 2014 01:46 PM (wVAX5)

I'm a watch guy. I have 2 I wear. 1 was ~$1700 and the other ~$2500. I still feel guilty for spending that much money, but I'll have them until I die.

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:48 AM (x3YFz)

219 215 15 The Rolex was only $6500? Rather cheap tastes, I say. I know mine was in that ballpark and it's not exactly top of the line. Posted by: akula51 at January 23, 2014 01:06 PM (Whlww) Mostly stainless steel instead of gold? My sister's was gold, and it cost over 10 grand. She's an insurance agent in a Detroit suburb. Needless to say, she isn't making that kind of money anymore. --- She probably needed it for the image if she was hustling insurance to high-end suburbs like Gross Pointe. Same deal with realtors driving a Lexus, BMW, etc, in order to project success to potential clients.

Posted by: Brandon In Baton Rouge at January 23, 2014 09:49 AM (/Crba)

220 I saw a Ralux in Singapore that was only $50, $40 if you wanted to haggle a bit.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at January 23, 2014 09:49 AM (AskuI)

221 My dad used to work for a business that had plants in South America. Some eager young go getter accountant started to question the more nebulous line items on the budget and my dad had to haul him aside and explain that was the slush fund for "cost of doing business" needs. Buddy of mine just went to Honduras! for business. Highest murder rate in the world. He had two guards with automatic weapons at all times. And he's a nobody. Most Americans have no idea what it's like in most of the world, including America.

Posted by: bonhomme[/i][/b][/i][/b][/s][/s] at January 23, 2014 09:49 AM (P7Wsr)

222 TangoNine, the zombie invasion will be from Planet Hillary...

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at January 23, 2014 09:49 AM (N8oJ5)

223 Rosa Delauro, quite possibly the ugliest woman in America and a champion of income inequality crap, lists her assets at close to $25,000,000. Not bad for a lifetime pol and daughter of Italian immigrants.

I thoroughly enjoyed making sure her nephew never got an invitation to try out for the Army's parachute team after reeving a "Congressional inquiry" from her on said topic.

Good times. Good times.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:49 AM (d4ZzM)

224 I spent the best part of my corporate life practicing the fine art of bribery, but it certainly didn't resemble this. If I had given or even hinted of being willing to give gifts like this directly to the people I was doing business with, they would have been insulted and would have reported it immediately. However, I did spend hundreds of thousands each year influencing them. The key to corporate relations in this vein is that when the principles or the targeted individuals are with you, everything seems to go right. It's a subliminal thing. That restaurant that no one can get into magically has a table when you drop in at the last second. There always seems to be a cab nearby when it's raining. Everyone else needed to call ahead 3 months for a tee time but, by luck, one opens up for you. Finesse. After a while, the effortless way things fall into place when the customer is around you gives them a feeling that everything will go well if the business is placed with you.

Posted by: jwest at January 23, 2014 09:49 AM (u2a4R)

225 If O'Donnell was leading a "War on Women," he shoulda started by backhanding the crap out of his greedy wife.

Posted by: Oschisms at January 23, 2014 09:49 AM (a1Yin)

226

It's true Republican politicians are held to higher standard than their Democratic counterparts, and that the MSM will smarm them at the slightest whiff of even the smallest infraction or whisper of malfeasance. The unfairness of that level of press scrutiny aside, I think GOP politicians should be held to a higher standard--by us. Take Bill Clinton as an example of contrast. Bill Clinton's widely known sexual indescretions and peccadillos were ignored by even the most ardent feminists, which completely discredited them (in my eyes, anyway). His behavior was tolerated for the sake of what the Left viewed as the greater good.

Me, I don't buy into that rationale. It isn't too much to ask of a Republican elected official that--at least for the duration of his or her term in office--he or she not take favors or outright graft, not sleep around, not tell lies, not act like a Democrat. They want high office and the power that goes with it? Fine. They are our representatives, a reflection of our views and character and an instrument of our will. In exchange for that office, all we ask is that they behave like decent, principled human beings.

Posted by: troyriser at January 23, 2014 09:50 AM (2jF2B)

227 On the right....get the firing squad ready. Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at January 23, 2014 01:46 PM (0LHZx)

Morality really is never a consideration for you, is it?

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:50 AM (d4ZzM)

228 Can we get that alien invasion now? Or maybe a local zombie apocalypse? *** Earl Dibbles Jr. Â™ ‏@EarlDibblesJr 15h If zombies attack go to Sam's Club. There's cement walls, years of food & tons of supplies. Plus, zombies can't get in without a membership.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at January 23, 2014 09:51 AM (DmNpO)

229 In utterly random news, I mean even more so than usual, does anyone know of a good non-Wiki primer on metallurgy?

Posted by: alexthechick - Skittle fueled Godzillette at January 23, 2014 01:38 PM (VtjlW)

http://www.anvilfire.com/

The better to make those ~~torture devices~~ party adornments for your prisoners in the dungeon permanent guests being entertained in the basement?

Posted by: Country singer at January 23, 2014 09:51 AM (L8r/r)

230 The better to make those ~~torture devices~~ party adornments for your ~~prisoners in the dungeon~~ permanent guests being entertained in the basement?

Fixed

Posted by: Country singer at January 23, 2014 09:52 AM (L8r/r)

231 222 TangoNine, the zombie invasion will be from Planet Hillary...

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at January 23, 2014 01:49 PM (N8oJ5)

yargh! that image soooo disturbing.

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:52 AM (x3YFz)

232
I've been staggering around nearly blinded after looking at the Planet Hillary image, crushed by the realization that I will be 71 after her 8 year term and in no condition to survive the camps.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at January 23, 2014 01:18 PM (l3vZN)

There's a rifleman's prayer cited by one of the other Morons awhile back that ended something like "If peace fails and I die as a result, let my body be found on a mountain of expended brass."

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 23, 2014 09:52 AM (TIIx5)

233 Wow...super snarky in here today...me likey.

Posted by: dananjcon at January 23, 2014 09:52 AM (NpXoL)

234 What the hell, man. Leave me out of it.

Posted by: Magpie at January 23, 2014 09:52 AM (jlm/B)

235 This is pretty good stuff Alex if you are interested in steels. http://www.imetllc.com/metallurgyofsteelprinciples.html

Posted by: Hobo parts, especially the gizzard at January 23, 2014 09:53 AM (GeVLX)

236 Nood up!

Posted by: rickb223 at January 23, 2014 09:54 AM (xZxMD)

237 "If peace fails and I die as a result, let my body be found on a mountain of expended brass."

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 23, 2014 01:52 PM (TIIx5)

http://www.rangerup.com/brass.html

The T-shirt.

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 09:54 AM (x3YFz)

238 I thoroughly enjoyed making sure her nephew never got an invitation to try out for the Army's parachute team after reeving a "Congressional inquiry" from her on said topic.

Good times. Good times.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at January 23, 2014 01:49 PM (d4ZzM)

Would the nephew have qualified on his merits? Not the kid's fault his aunt is a self-important asshole. Just sayin'.

Posted by: troyriser at January 23, 2014 09:54 AM (2jF2B)

239

A really ruthless GOP might consider letting one of their own twist in the wind, while taking down two or more of the opposition guilty of similar charges.

Result ... Net gain of seats, and image of Party of Fair Play.

Nah. Too nasty. The tactics are beneath them.

Posted by: ScoggDog at January 23, 2014 09:55 AM (ePQIH)

240 AlextheChick, looking for late 1500s European metallurgy or Samurai Ginzu quality?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at January 23, 2014 09:55 AM (N8oJ5)

241 165
I'll bet she says she's a devout Christian, reads the Bible, opposes gay marriage....

Posted by: SFGoth at January 23, 2014 01:28 PM (VGDJR)
Yes, because married gay atheists never commit fraud, thankfully.
Posted by: A Balrog of Morgoth

Yes, because married gay atheists don't invoke religious moral principles directly contrary to what they're doing.

Posted by: SFGoth at January 23, 2014 09:58 AM (VGDJR)

242 Would the nephew have qualified on his merits? Not the kid's fault his aunt is a self-important asshole. Just sayin'. Posted by: troyriser at January 23, 2014 01:54 PM (2jF2B)

Yes, he would have. I had specifically told him I would get him an invite, but he needed to complete MOS training and go to his next unit. There was no way to send him for a tryout. While he was sitting there, I called his next unit commander and gave him the lowdown. The next day I called the Golden Knights and gave them the sketch.

Two weeks later I got a Congressional from DeLauro.

Called the kid in and asked him WTF? He basically told me I hadn't done enough.

So I called everyone back and told THEM what had happened - and he never got an invite.

Sucks to be him. Spent his entire tour in the Rigger Shed at the Airborne School.

Posted by: Sean Bannion[/i][/s][/u][/b] at January 23, 2014 09:59 AM (d4ZzM)

243 Trillions of galaxies, gazillions of planets. *Someone* has to want to kick our ass. Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 01:45 PM (x3YFz) Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake.

Posted by: RWC at January 23, 2014 09:59 AM (fWAjv)

244 Chris Christie, and now this? With all these Republican scandals how can the media focus on the all important issue of income inequality?

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at January 23, 2014 10:00 AM (9eDbm)

245 When a politician is concerned, the more usual crime is extortion or coercion, not bribery. The desire to keep something, or not lose something, is a powerful motivation in contributing to a politician.

This widespread corruption could be easily rectified in some cases. For instance, barring lawyers from appearing in front of judges to whom they contributed. Or barring employees from contributing political donations to political employers.

But the easy stuff is never addressed, which means the more difficult stuff will never be addressed.

The only solution, which is not foreseeable, is to reduce government.

Posted by: Tonawanda at January 23, 2014 10:03 AM (mE1l+)

246 Sean Bannion, maybe you should have... he either would have grown up plummeting to earth or been a streamer.

Shove the would-be prince with the silver spoon out the door and scream, "What's in your pack!?"

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at January 23, 2014 10:07 AM (N8oJ5)

247 Well done Bannion . Dude obviously missed the class that taught young soldiers , never fuck with the Sarn't Major. Yeah, I know you were an officer but the overall concept still applies in that case , right ?

Posted by: awkward davies at January 23, 2014 10:08 AM (WK8VM)

248 Spent his entire tour in the Rigger Shed at the Airborne School.

Posted by: Sean Bannion at January 23, 2014 01:59 PM (d4ZzM)

My platoon had a month-long SD working heavy drop at the rigging shed at Bragg. I hated every minute of it. Reminded me too much of factory work: inside all the time, endlessly repetitive tasks. The only good thing about it was the almost civilian 8-5 nature of it.

Posted by: troyriser at January 23, 2014 10:10 AM (2jF2B)

249 "That's not a moon"

Posted by: Obi Wan Kenobi at January 23, 2014 10:10 AM (LSDdO)

250 This is all an extended personality conflict between...get this - the wife and the chef.

Posted by: akula51[/b][/i][/s] at January 23, 2014 10:10 AM (Whlww)

251 The real point is that if the gifts were not illegal in Virginia, there doesn't have to be a "pro" or a "quo" at all. This is more about damaging Gillespie like Cuccinelli was damaged by the connection to McDonnell.

Holder's Justice is never about justice.

Posted by: Adjoran at January 23, 2014 10:27 AM (473jB)

252 You reich-wingers don't understand the prerogatives of the correct persons who rule, regardless of what party they affiliate with at the moment. They are entitled to these things for their hard work of reforming society. Chris Christie is a member of the ruling elite, as is our wise and multiracial President Barack Obama and his beautiful wife Michelle. Your duty is to shut up and provide what your rulers deserve.

It is only stupid true believers like Cruz and Palin who need to be mocked and driven from public life. They are not correct persons.

Posted by: Mary Cloggenstein from Brattleboro, Vermont at January 23, 2014 10:41 AM (jWvfJ)

253
http://www.rangerup.com/brass.html

The T-shirt.

Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 01:54 PM (x3YFz)

That's it. Knew one of you reprobates would pull it up somewhere.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at January 23, 2014 11:18 AM (TIIx5)

254 Dumb Dumb Dumb. In Illinois, you would have had a meeting and then gifts would have miraculously shown up at your place of business unbeknownst to you, with no return address.

Posted by: Jeffrey Carter (@pointsnfigures) at January 23, 2014 12:05 PM (Y89qe)

255 There was a quid, and there was a quo, but the government may not be able to prove the explicit agreement to exchange the one for the other -- the pro.
Yet Ace has been claiming that studying Latin is a waste of time!

Posted by: [/i]andycanuck[/b] at January 23, 2014 12:27 PM (vuh7l)

256 "Cherchez la femme" I guess the opportunity was too good to pass up. The French have an interesting perspective on women. I think that's why they liked to lock them up in convents if they couldn't marry them off. One of them wrote a book blaming women for starting every world conflict up through his era in the early 1800s. btw. I ran across an article a few ago. The author cited some study that found that 55 percent of French husbands cheat and 35 percent of the wives. Apparentely, that cavalier attitude towards marriage explains why they didn't protest over Holland's Madame du Berry uproar.

Posted by: I'd rather be surfin at January 23, 2014 02:34 PM (lt4yL)

257 "ever see a woman shop for shoes? Posted by: tangonine at January 23, 2014 01:37 PM (x3YFz)" Starving hyenas who will chew their own foot off to grab their favorite shoe. Something must provoke some primal hunger, and the insanity ensues. "101 Frankly, this is a non story Ace." Outside of the demands of his corporation, my father served voluntarily as an elected local official without reinbursement for over 30 years. Every Christmas, expensive presents would arrive- but nothing like the governor's watch. My siblings and I would beg to keep them but he would ignore our pleas and call a local children's home to collect the gifts; followed by a notification to the gift giver of his actions. He explained to me as I grew older that if a politician keeps gifts, they open themselves to accusations of that their actions were unfairly influenced, while the expectation of the gift-giver would be that such a payoff would happen. What appalled me later were encounters with the mulitude of corrupt officials, bureaucrats, and politicians who demanded bribes to prevent them from obstructing local business. City engineers were flown off to expensive vacations and such. My father, being that rare jewel: an honest public official and businessman, would refuse to play ball and pay the bribes. To overcome those bloated spiders took more time and greater efforts, but God broke the stubborn mode with my Dad. But not paying them off made anything involving the local and state government far more difficult. Many businesspeople don't want to spend the time and effort and just pay them off. Everybody knows its there but no one wants to confront the elephant in the room, especially when it has the power to cause major trouble. It's legal, but it's corrupt.

Posted by: I'd rather be surfin at January 23, 2014 03:18 PM (lt4yL)

Hide Comments | Add Comment | Refresh | Top

Comments are disabled. Post is locked.

206kb generated in CPU 0.3797, elapsed 0.489 seconds.
64 queries taking 0.4307 seconds, 385 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.