Tom Davis (R-Va.) vs. Rafael Palmeiro

[Grins]

On March 17, Rafael Palmeiro appeared before Congress and, pointing a finger in the air, said under oath, "I have never used steroids. Period."

Now, Republican (of course) Congressman Tom Davis, chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, is considering whether Palmeiro should be charged with perjury. Said Davis: "As a practical matter, perjury referrals are uncommon. Prosecutions are rare. But this is a high-profile case, so I think it will get an honest look-see. I don't think anyone can avoid it. If we did nothing, I think we'd look like idiots, don't you?"
<http://news.public.findlaw.com/criminal/ap/o/624/08-03-2005/93a7000999596cf3.html>

Then I guess you are idiots. As proof, I offer the Congressman the executives of the tobacco industry.

According to a letter from Congressman Meehan, “…evidence uncovered through these activities (hearing and investigative reports) strongly suggests that tobacco company witnesses committed perjury while giving sworn testimony before Congress on April 14, 1994.”

Excerpt of the Prosecution memo: “The evidence indicates that tobacco company representatives, acting in their official capacities, committed perjury in oral and written testimony before the United States Congress in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1621.

“The tobacco companies have misrepresented material facts in order to maintain and increase their profits, and the misrepresentations have resulted in the passage of money to the companies.”
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/settlement/timelines/meehan.html>

Headline: The Justice Department Expands Its Probe of Tobacco Companies
<http://www.ndsn.org/oct96/jdprobe.html>

They can go after Rafael Palmeiro AFTER they go after these guys.

[getmeouttahere]

1. Definitely...I don't care whether Raffy is charged w/perjury...

it's just a shame he had to lie about the whole thing. But these tobacco fuckers can go to hell!

[GracieM]

2. If Bush can take a 5 week vacation

then Congress can have a little fun too.

I think a Palmeiro circus act would be fun to watch. I don't buy into Davis' reasoning, but I'd love to see it.

We know Congress will waste time anyway, might as well waste it on something entertaining.

[warrens]

3. Hey, the Giggling Murderer is his best friend

Fuck him. And he can forget the Hall of Fame, not that he ever belonged.

[GracieM]

5. It will be a sad day for baseball

if they let that bastard into the hall of fame. Or McGwire.

If only Canseco got immunity...who knows what else he would say...

[Captain Hilts]

4. Davis is THE guy preventing the naming of 16th St. after Reagan.

He really lashed into Bonilla for the suggestion.