A post by Pat
I almost feel sorry for those AIG executives. Here their company gave all that money to Dodd and Obama and then they got set up as fall guys for one of the biggest political farces of all time. Now Dodd and the White House are pointing fingers at each other. That part I like.
Those bonuses weren’t as much a surprise to Capitol Hill as the teeth gnashing led us to believe. An amendment was inserted into the stimulus bill to exempt payment of such bonuses. It’s known as the Dodd Amendment but the amendment’s namesake was surprised by the wording. Chris is upset about somebody inserting a date when he wasn’t looking and besides the administration forced him to do it in the first place.
Republicans tried to put a cap on the bonuses but nobody pays any attention to them any more. Why do they show up for the photo ops? Now the best excuse is nobody had any time to know what was in the stimulus bill.
Sen. Baucus says, “We shouldn’t be here.” Boy, is that right.
In Dodd we do not trust nor the rest of the lying, duplicitous, back-stabbing, country-ruining clown troupe running the country.
***UPDATE*** Dodd in his usual belligerent manner did a CYA that no one believes while Obama with his usual aplomb finessed the stark deceit.
Dodd: Administration pushed for language protecting bonuses
Dodd:
Dodd also said in the statement that his comments on Tuesday and Wednesday to CNN did not conflict. “I answered a question by CNN [Tuesday] night regarding whether or not [an exemption before] a specific date was aimed at protecting AIG,” he said. “When I saw that my comments had been misconstrued, I felt it was important to set the record straight — that this had nothing to do with AIG.”
Obama:
We’ve got a lot on our plate. But it is appropriate when you’re in charge to make sure stuff doesn’t happen like this,” he said. “So we’re going to do everything that we can to fix it.”
And yet, these frackin idiots will continue to hold power and/or be elected. TERM LIMITS on anyone in politics!
All these lies and finger pointing…..distraction perhaps to Baraqos falling popularity? These idiots that grilled Liddy with such contempt and loathing, had they actually READ the friggin bill that THEY SIGNED………….but that’s too much to ask. Will they haul Chris Dudd up there for some extra grilling?
All these useless, comical idiots in Washington, it would be funny if it weren’t so horrific.
The whole lot of them need to be tarred and feathered.
All I can say is: Git a rope!
I don’t feel sorry for the AIG executives. What we are hearing from Democrats right now reminds me a lot of what we heard from them about Senator Roland Burris, earmarks, deficit spending, transparency in government, etc. I believe that 95% – maybe 100% – is bluster and posturing for the government-backed media.
I am not a lawyer, but it appears to me that the executives who got the bonuses have the law on their side. Breaking the contracts that gave the bonuses could turn into a messy legal process that could expose what Democrats prefer to keep hidden. My guess is that little if any of the money will be returned.
In a few days I expect that Democrats will start attacking Rush again, or demonizing Republicans as the Party of No (even though Democrats have overwhelming majorities in Congress and can push through whatever they want), or seeing the Religious Right under every bed, or sounding the alarm about global warming, or whatever handy excuse pops up. Democrats have proven that they cannot govern – only campaign.
I’ve known “Barney Buns” since before he was even a state representative.
Hardly a “profile in courage”, he didn’t come out until he was going for or just in Congress. No matter how politely he’d be approached, he was always on the defensive. He knocked Elaine Noble, the first openly lesbian, out of her position – before he was out. Folks just watched it happen.
I got a kick out his mastering Joe McCarthy’s tactics regarding the list of bonus recipients.
I remember his shouting how he’d “out” all gay Republicans that crossed him. With his obvious ‘machtlust’ he embodies Torquemada, Andre Vishinskii and Joe McCarthy.
But, whose partner, Hans Moses, was involved in Fanny (maybe Freddie)? I didn’t know it at the time. All I remember about him is his public snits about not being invited to Congressional Spouses gatherings.
And the unpaid volunter repairman of AIG had to sit there while these clowns tried to make a fool of him.
Alas, Friends, we know who defined themselves for what they are though, don’t we.
OK let’s review: AIG donated money to liberals’ elections (Dems and Reps). Liberals confiscated our money (or actually the next generation’s money printed out of thin air that’s going to cause massive inflation) and gave money back to AIG. AIG used our money for salaries (I think “bonuses†is a misnomer here). Now the big threat from the libs like Schumer is that they are going to tax this money 100%: our money, that was already taken in the form of taxes. Man, Bernie Madoff has nothing on these people. Where do I sign up for that kind of return!
Now I’m going to go back to tuning this crap out; I’m thinking of taking up watching Entertainment Tonight and reading US Weekly.
I do feel sorry for Liddy. I am totally disgusted by the hypocritical loons on the hill who stand in their mighty pulpit to lynch private companies and scoff at death threats of private citizens! Congress works for the taxpayers so why aren’t they held accountable for their role in this economic debacle. I’d love to see Congress in the hot seat and answer to the American Taxpayers. Why doesn’t Congress return THEIR raise? Instead, they are out on a witch hunt, pointing fingers, pounding fits and obfuscating. They ARE the problem! Government IS the problem!
I’m from CT and I’m outraged. With all the finger pointing going on, someone’s going to lose an eye! 2010 is going to be a long year for most of these people. And speaking of them . . . tar, feathers, politician, rail – some assembly required.
It’s as if the Keystone Cops are running the country. To see Barney Frank outraged as if he’s so above the fray is hysterical.
UNBELIEVABLE: http://tinyurl.com/d3aknl
WASHINGTON – Acting with lightning speed, the Democratic-led House has approved a bill to slap punishing taxes on big employee bonuses from firms bailed out by taxpayers.
The vote was 328-93.
Said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: “We want our money back and we want our money back now for the taxpayers.”
Republicans called it a legally questionable ploy to paper over Obama administration missteps.
Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, said the bill was “a political circus” diverting attention from why the administration hadn’t done more to block the bonuses before they were paid.
The bonuses, totaling $165 million, were paid to employees of troubled insurer American International Group, including to traders in the unit that nearly brought about the company’s collapse.
When the Democrats came for the AIG bonuses,
I remained silent;
I was not an AIG employee.
Then they locked up the SUV’s,
I remained silent;
I did not own a SUV.
Then they came for the ammunition,
I did not speak out;
I did not own a gun.
Then they came for the Republicans,
I did not speak out;
I was not a Republican.
When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out for me.
by Andy from Nutria-ton
Surely, we’ve been indulging people, on both sides of the aisle, who seemed to be thinking, “Get it when I can.”
It reminds me of the early American politician, George Washington Plunkett, “I sees my opportunites and took em.” He was telling the truth.
Remember, our chatting about all this is only the reaction. They know that, too. Don’t doubt for a minute, that they have thier lawyers and political architects busy to propel them further.
I think ASHLEYMAT is acting on behalf of his sanity, “Now I’m going to go back to tuning this crap out; I’m thinking of taking up watching Entertainment Tonight and reading US Weekly.”
Good point. Clear our heads and then look at what the real picture is…then blink…Look again…Then watch a cartoon and, maybe read something like a cookbook; the ingredients will be clear.
I am starting to view this administration and this government as the perfect storm. Honestly, it is as if we are being pulled, inexhorably, to economic disaster.
Is there nothing straight-forward or honest about Senator Chris Dodd? In his Congressional Directory biography it is stated that he served in The United States Army from 1969 to 1975. And amazingly, he did this while in law school and as a private practice attorney. NOT SO! He was either a reservist or in the National Guard. In the late 60′s and 70′s the US rarely sent part-timers into combat zones – not like today. Part-timers were truly “weekend warriors” then, most of which joined the part time services to avoid Viet Nam. As a U.S Air Force veteran, I resent his attempt to fool us into thinking he had been a full time member of the U.S. Army. But it’s not surprising. Small point, I know, but typical of Dodd. I respect almost anyone who has served the US in the military, but not this guy.
C’MAN, you’re on to something even more serioius;
“Honestly, it is as if we are being pulled, inexhorably, to economic disaster.”. And have you ever seen what happens in other countries when they have to engage “Emergency Powers”?
Sure, I know how I sound.
Let’s counter that card carrying group “AC__” to
“ACSC – American Citizens Sovereignty Campaign”.
(or something in that line).
No dues, no listing, no banquets, speaking events restricted to members, BYOLunch etc, contact links no more than 5, (guest lawyers must be approved by two members but not allowed membership).