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Influence For Sale
Author: BobR
Date: 2015-01-07 11:39:25
It was Abraham Lincoln who so eloquently stated in the Gettysburg Address that we had a "government of the people, by the people, for the people". The notion was an extension of our founding fathers' grievances as stated in the Declaration of Independence, when we were merely colonies run by absentee landlords. The Constitution was crafted to ensure we were a nation of laws to prevent the aristocracy and royalty from governing by fiat, so that the poor common man would have a voice in how he was governed.
How far we have fallen from that ideal.
We live in an age where money is granted freedom of speech, and laws that try to retain the original ideal of preventing the monied from asserting undue influence are ruled unconstitutional. There is a boldness among the richest, as the banks write legislation and pass it off to those they fund to pass it, and favors are blatantly traded for gifts and contributions.
Occasionally, in an effort to placate the serfs, the courts make an example of those who make no effort to hide their favorable treatment of the grafters and sycophants bearing largess. Yesterday, former VA governor Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison for his obvious influence peddling on behalf of Jonnie Williams, who showered the governor and his family with gifts. Some have complained about that a 2 year sentence was lax. I disagree, when compared with the sentences for other crimes. Nonetheless, he was convicted and - barring appeals - will actually spend time behind bars.
That should give pause to NJ governor Chris Christie. The news channels have been showing video of the governor in the box of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones celebrating their win over the Detroit Lions in the playoff game. Governor Christie - oddly, a Dallas Cowboys fan - has a relationship with Jones that goes back several years. So one would think that on the surface, this is not a huge deal.
However - Christie didn't pay for his seat to the game, nor his airfare - Jones did:
This is important because:
This will only add to the hot water Christie is in over other issues:
When the Supreme Court ruled on Citizen's United, it seemed to open the Pandora's box for massive influence by Big Money. It seems the state and other lower courts, however, understand the difference between money talking and money finding its way into the garters of our elected officials.
How far we have fallen from that ideal.
We live in an age where money is granted freedom of speech, and laws that try to retain the original ideal of preventing the monied from asserting undue influence are ruled unconstitutional. There is a boldness among the richest, as the banks write legislation and pass it off to those they fund to pass it, and favors are blatantly traded for gifts and contributions.
Occasionally, in an effort to placate the serfs, the courts make an example of those who make no effort to hide their favorable treatment of the grafters and sycophants bearing largess. Yesterday, former VA governor Bob McDonnell was sentenced to two years in prison for his obvious influence peddling on behalf of Jonnie Williams, who showered the governor and his family with gifts. Some have complained about that a 2 year sentence was lax. I disagree, when compared with the sentences for other crimes. Nonetheless, he was convicted and - barring appeals - will actually spend time behind bars.
That should give pause to NJ governor Chris Christie. The news channels have been showing video of the governor in the box of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones celebrating their win over the Detroit Lions in the playoff game. Governor Christie - oddly, a Dallas Cowboys fan - has a relationship with Jones that goes back several years. So one would think that on the surface, this is not a huge deal.
However - Christie didn't pay for his seat to the game, nor his airfare - Jones did:
Christie officials acknowledged that Jones paid for Christie’s travel and tickets to recent Cowboys games. They assert that the gifts are legal under a separate executive order that aims to exempt gifts from “personal friends” of the governor.
This is important because:
... government documents show Christie personally pushed the Port Authority to approve a lucrative contract for a firm part-owned by Jones.
[...]
On March 19, 2013, Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a press release announcing their selection of Legends Hospitality LLC to operate the observation deck on the top floor of One World Trade Center. The next day, the Port Authority board -- which is appointed by Christie and Cuomo -- specifically cited the governors’ announcement in voting to approve the contract for the company, which is jointly owned by the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees and Checketts Partners Investment Fund.
The Port Authority press release announcing the vote quotes Dallas Cowboys executive Jerry Jones Jr. as saying: "We are humbled to have been chosen to operate the Observatory Deck."
The Wall Street Journal first reported the news that Jones has business with the Port Authority. That story followed an International Business Times report about how Christie’s acceptance of gifts from Jones may conflict with New Jersey ethics rules because the gifts followed Christie’s administration delivering big tax subsidies to the NFL.
This will only add to the hot water Christie is in over other issues:
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also looking into the potentially improper use of bondholders’ funds by the Port Authority on projects in New Jersey and New York unrelated to the agency’s legal mandate. The Securities and Exchange Commission and Manhattan District Attorney are also jointly investigating the same issue. A long paragraph in the Port Authority’s latest bond offering (PDF) details these simultaneous and sometimes overlapping investigations, all of which are united by a common theme: the extent to which Christie, his staff, and his appointees allegedly tried to influence the management and priorities of an agency that has a 1500 square mile territory and a 2014 budget in excess of $8 billion. The administration has denied any wrongdoing and insisted the projects were legitimate candidates for the agency’s support.
When the Supreme Court ruled on Citizen's United, it seemed to open the Pandora's box for massive influence by Big Money. It seems the state and other lower courts, however, understand the difference between money talking and money finding its way into the garters of our elected officials.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 13:34:09
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 13:34:09
But Bob, that was just a friend, showing another friend a good time. I'm sure that Gov. Christie will reciprocate and do something nice for Jerry Jones that is of equal value.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/07/2015 14:15:20
wickedpam on 01/07/2015 14:15:20
Morning 
Save for the on and off ramps from New Braddock Rd to the Fairfax County Parkway roads were nice and clear this morning. What a difference from yesterday when I couldn't even turn on to Rt28 to get out of Manassas.
Save for the on and off ramps from New Braddock Rd to the Fairfax County Parkway roads were nice and clear this morning. What a difference from yesterday when I couldn't even turn on to Rt28 to get out of Manassas.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/07/2015 14:18:22
wickedpam on 01/07/2015 14:18:22
You do have to give an appreciative nod to the old school corruption that is Christie. Let's see if he goes new school and throws his wife under the bus some how.
Comment by 
Raine on 01/07/2015 14:38:10
good morning!
It's free kin COLD pout there!
Raine on 01/07/2015 14:38:10
good morning! It's free kin COLD pout there!
Comment by 
BobR on 01/07/2015 14:52:29
BobR on 01/07/2015 14:52:29
Quote by wickedpam:
You do have to give an appreciative nod to the old school corruption that is Christie. Let's see if he goes new school and throws his wife under the bus some how.
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/07/2015 15:09:56
TriSec on 01/07/2015 15:09:56
Bah.
That is all.
That is all.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/07/2015 15:10:37
Scoopster on 01/07/2015 15:10:37
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 15:11:50
There is something about old timey bald faced graft, Mala.
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 15:11:50
Quote by wickedpam:
You do have to give an appreciative nod to the old school corruption that is Christie. Let's see if he goes new school and throws his wife under the bus some how.
There is something about old timey bald faced graft, Mala.
Comment by TriSec on 01/07/2015 15:36:40
Just coming to post on that. Coolest thing? The fact that Paul Revere's Great-great-great-great-great grandson was at the ceremony.
TriSec on 01/07/2015 15:36:40
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all..
The contents of the Sam Adams/Paul Revere time capsule have been revealed!
Just coming to post on that. Coolest thing? The fact that Paul Revere's Great-great-great-great-great grandson was at the ceremony.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/07/2015 15:41:52
Scoopster on 01/07/2015 15:41:52
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 15:45:13
REally in bad taste.
And WAY too soon. They haven't even gotten the pluckers who did this and may do more in PAris.
Raine on 01/07/2015 15:45:13
Quote by Scoopster:
Oh wow.. The Onion went way the fuck overboard on this one (NSFW/L!!!!)
And WAY too soon. They haven't even gotten the pluckers who did this and may do more in PAris.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 15:53:14
Raine, that is from 2012.
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 15:53:14
Quote by Raine:REally in bad taste.Quote by Scoopster:
Oh wow.. The Onion went way the fuck overboard on this one (NSFW/L!!!!)
And WAY too soon. They haven't even gotten the pluckers who did this and may do more in PAris.
Raine, that is from 2012.
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 15:56:37
oops.
Raine on 01/07/2015 15:56:37
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:REally in bad taste.Quote by Scoopster:
Oh wow.. The Onion went way the fuck overboard on this one (NSFW/L!!!!)
And WAY too soon. They haven't even gotten the pluckers who did this and may do more in PAris.
Raine, that is from 2012.
Comment by TriSec on 01/07/2015 16:12:32
TriSec on 01/07/2015 16:12:32
Listening to Momma's bits from yesterday. If Chris's speculation on the origins of the Palin pooch 'Jill Hadassah' are true, the she is truly a bitch.
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 16:18:05
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 16:18:05
w00t friends of mine made the newspaper covering marriage equality in Florida.
In the "Communities Celebrate" section, the photo album from Melbourne
In the "Communities Celebrate" section, the photo album from Melbourne
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/07/2015 16:28:46
Will in Chicago on 01/07/2015 16:28:46
Good morning from Camp Frostbite, aka Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.
Here is the weather advisory that includes Lake County, IN -- with some additions.
Here is the weather advisory that includes Lake County, IN -- with some additions.
15°
SNOW SHOWERS
Humidity: 85-92%
Precip: 40%
+
Extensive cloudiness, chilly with some light snow developing in the afternoon.
© 2014 Tribune Broadcasting Company, LLC
SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS IN CHICAGOLAND HIDE DETAILS
VIEW ON MAP
Wind Chill Warning
Counties affected: Benton; Jasper; Lake; Newton; Porter
Expires 6:00 PM on Thursday, January 8th 2015
Wind Chill Warning issued January 07 at 4:40AM EST until January 08 at 1:00PM EST by NWS Chicago
...DANGEROUSLY COLD WIND CHILLS TO LAST THROUGH THURSDAY
MORNING...
...WIND CHILL WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON CST /1 PM EST/
THURSDAY...
* WIND CHILL VALUES...AROUND 30 BELOW ZERO THIS MORNING WITH SOME
IMPROVEMENT TO 20 BELOW TO 25 BELOW EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. WIND
CHILL VALUES TONIGHT WILL FALL BACK TO 30 BELOW TO 40 BELOW ZERO
THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING.
* IMPACTS...FROST BITE CAN OCCUR IN A MATTER OF MINUTES ON
EXPOSED SKIN. EXTENDED EXPOSURE WITHOUT PROPER CLOTHING WILL
INCREASE THE RISK OF HYPOTHERMIA.
* PLEASE CONTACT THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IF YOU SPOT ANY WANDERING YETIS. YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITIES WILL ASSIST THE YETIS IN FINDING SHELTER FROM THE COLD. REMEMBER, THIS WEATHER IS TOO COLD FOR MAN OR BEAST OR ANY REASONABLE COMBINATION OF THE TWO.
* STRONG WINDS WILL ALSO CAUSE AREAS OF BLOWING SNOW...WHICH MAY
REDUCE VISIBILITY TO LESS THAN ONE MILE AT TIMES AS WELL AS
CAUSE DRIFTING OF RECENTLY FALLEN SNOW ACROSS MAINLY RURAL
ROADS.
* WE CAN NEITHER CONFIRM NOR DENY REPORTS OF GLACIERS FORMING ON LAKE MICHIGAN.
Comment by TriSec on 01/07/2015 16:47:50
TriSec on 01/07/2015 16:47:50
For Boston, it is advised that everyone except Boy Scouts should stay indoors. The Scouts will be heading to camp.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/07/2015 16:53:07
Your climate is somewhat more temperate than that of Chicago. Schools may be closed here again tomorrow.
Will in Chicago on 01/07/2015 16:53:07
Quote by TriSec:
For Boston, it is advised that everyone except Boy Scouts should stay indoors. The Scouts will be heading to camp.
Your climate is somewhat more temperate than that of Chicago. Schools may be closed here again tomorrow.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/07/2015 16:56:18
wickedpam on 01/07/2015 16:56:18
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
his twitter
Comment by TriSec on 01/07/2015 16:57:30
TriSec on 01/07/2015 16:57:30
We're looking at wind chills in the 30-below range overnight. I have been out in those conditions, but I can't say it was much fun. Have you ever seen Tabasco freeze?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 01/07/2015 17:02:00
Ah, we are having the same weather. I have never seen Tabasco freeze, but I am not surprised.
So, I imagine the schools by you are closed.
Will in Chicago on 01/07/2015 17:02:00
Quote by TriSec:
We're looking at wind chills in the 30-below range overnight. I have been out in those conditions, but I can't say it was much fun. Have you ever seen Tabasco freeze?
Ah, we are having the same weather. I have never seen Tabasco freeze, but I am not surprised.
So, I imagine the schools by you are closed.
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 17:07:37
Raine on 01/07/2015 17:07:37
So these are pretty stylish sunglasses Thom is wearing. 
(he had his eyes dilated at the doctor.)
(he had his eyes dilated at the doctor.)
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 17:09:47
Kirby Delauter is almost as the same level of lack of self-awareness as a certain Alaskan.
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 17:09:47
Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Kirby Delauter is almost as the same level of lack of self-awareness as a certain Alaskan.
Comment by BobR on 01/07/2015 17:28:24
A brilliant response
BobR on 01/07/2015 17:28:24
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
A brilliant response
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 17:33:16
I've read it.
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 17:33:16
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
A brilliant response
I've read it.
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 18:22:09
Totally had to make that my status update!
What a maroon!
Raine on 01/07/2015 18:22:09
Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Totally had to make that my status update!
What a maroon!
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/07/2015 19:05:34
livingonli on 01/07/2015 19:05:34
Another day, another dollar (more or less). Tonight we're supposed to go down to single digits with -15 wind chill. Wish I could stay under the covers.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/07/2015 19:51:07
meh!
Scoopster on 01/07/2015 19:51:07
meh!
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 19:52:11
Nice use of Bugs Bunny.
Called him a maroon....
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 19:52:11
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Totally had to make that my status update!
Nice use of Bugs Bunny.
Called him a maroon....
Comment by TriSec on 01/07/2015 20:33:40
TriSec on 01/07/2015 20:33:40
Ah yes, and now the genius brigade is flooding the newspaper comments sections laughing off climate change. Because it never gets cold in January, right?
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 20:48:01
I am so happy you got the reference! I had that voice in my head! 
Raine on 01/07/2015 20:48:01
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Totally had to make that my status update!
Nice use of Bugs Bunny.
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 20:48:58
Whassupbuttahcup?
Raine on 01/07/2015 20:48:58
Quote by Scoopster:
Whassupbuttahcup?
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 20:49:49
One day I hope people will finally understand the difference between Climatology and meteorology.
A gal can hope.
Raine on 01/07/2015 20:49:49
Quote by TriSec:
Ah yes, and now the genius brigade is flooding the newspaper comments sections laughing off climate change. Because it never gets cold in January, right?
One day I hope people will finally understand the difference between Climatology and meteorology.
A gal can hope.
Comment by BobR on 01/07/2015 20:51:03
The sun is shining. I guess there's no night.
BobR on 01/07/2015 20:51:03
Quote by Raine:Quote by TriSec:
Ah yes, and now the genius brigade is flooding the newspaper comments sections laughing off climate change. Because it never gets cold in January, right?
One day I hope people will finally understand the difference between Climatology and meteorology.
A gal can hope.
The sun is shining. I guess there's no night.
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 20:56:54
Perfect!
I must remember this one!
Raine on 01/07/2015 20:56:54
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:Quote by TriSec:
Ah yes, and now the genius brigade is flooding the newspaper comments sections laughing off climate change. Because it never gets cold in January, right?
One day I hope people will finally understand the difference between Climatology and meteorology.
A gal can hope.
The sun is shining. I guess there's no night.
Perfect! I must remember this one!
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 20:58:12
It isn't much better down here, Liv.
Too cold. Too January and too cold. brrr…..
Raine on 01/07/2015 20:58:12
Quote by livingonli:
Another day, another dollar (more or less). Tonight we're supposed to go down to single digits with -15 wind chill. Wish I could stay under the covers.
It isn't much better down here, Liv.
Too cold. Too January and too cold. brrr…..
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 21:00:16
Check out his most recent tweet!
Raine on 01/07/2015 21:00:16
Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Check out his most recent tweet!
THE OFFICIAL PERMISSION FORM. Use it or else. https://t.co/aJtpC4McSe #KirbyDelauter
— Kirby Delauter (@KirbyDelauter) January 7, 2015
Comment by Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 21:11:34
At first I thought he might be in on the joke at this point. He's not, he thinks the media needs to get permission to use his name in print. He is dumb as bag of hammers.
Mondobubba on 01/07/2015 21:11:34
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Check out his most recent tweet!THE OFFICIAL PERMISSION FORM. Use it or else. https://t.co/aJtpC4McSe #KirbyDelauter
— Kirby Delauter (@KirbyDelauter) January 7, 2015
At first I thought he might be in on the joke at this point. He's not, he thinks the media needs to get permission to use his name in print. He is dumb as bag of hammers.
Comment by Raine on 01/07/2015 21:27:00
I want him and Palin to run for president together!
Raine on 01/07/2015 21:27:00
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Check out his most recent tweet!THE OFFICIAL PERMISSION FORM. Use it or else. https://t.co/aJtpC4McSe #KirbyDelauter
— Kirby Delauter (@KirbyDelauter) January 7, 2015
At first I thought he might be in on the joke at this point. He's not, he thinks the media needs to get permission to use his name in print. He is dumb as bag of hammers.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/07/2015 21:29:04
I thought that too for a bit, that he got the he was being made fun of and was embracing the joke to get ahead of it. But alas I see he doesn't get it at all that he's being trolled, hard.
wickedpam on 01/07/2015 21:29:04
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER KIRBY DELAUTER
his twitter
Check out his most recent tweet!THE OFFICIAL PERMISSION FORM. Use it or else. https://t.co/aJtpC4McSe #KirbyDelauter
— Kirby Delauter (@KirbyDelauter) January 7, 2015
At first I thought he might be in on the joke at this point. He's not, he thinks the media needs to get permission to use his name in print. He is dumb as bag of hammers.
I thought that too for a bit, that he got the he was being made fun of and was embracing the joke to get ahead of it. But alas I see he doesn't get it at all that he's being trolled, hard.