** Is this an unpopular view ?? ***

[gfnrob]

I think one of the first things the new House should do is to take whatever steps are allowed to sanction Rep Jefferson D. LA to what ever extent is allowed under the rules. INCLUDING expulsion if allowed. This would send a signal to the people that we will not tolerate such behavior.

:shrug: :shrug: :shrug:

[qnr]

1. Not unpopular to me. n/t

[StraightDope]

2. What happened?

[originalpckelly]

20. Feds pulled a sting on him, he took a $100,000 bribe...

when they went to search his house they found $90,000 of it in his freezer. Where the ten thousand went, I don't know.

They had long suspected him of doing dirty deals with telecoms, and they nail the bastard.

I'm glad the only part of our government which hasn't been fucked up by Bush is the public integrity section. They've been doing a very good job, even at getting corrupt Republicans out of power lately.

[madinmaryland]

3. He has been stripped of all of his Committee positions.

If he is indicted, then I'm sure that additional actions will be taken. He may not even be reelected, making this a moot point. As of now, he has not even been charged with anything. Though it does seem strange he had 90K in the freezer.

[porphyrian]

4. Criminal wrongdoings are criminal wrongdoings.

We'll look pretty stupid if we don't investigate him as well.

[Wickerman]

5. yeah, I prefer to wait until the investigation ends

and indictments are issued. :eyes:

on edit: Then, no holds barred - no matter the party affiliation.

[redqueen]

7. Why are investigations suddenly so unpopular around here?

Geez...

[gfnrob]

9. Only if he has some plausible explanation

that he is willing to give to the house leadership. Waiting for an indictment does not convey the message we need to give.

[Wickerman]

17. post #3 says it best

lets see what happens with the election. Keep in mind - we are in lame duck session. Its not our bailiwick at this point. By Jan we can toss him out on his ear if the voters don't. And, lets not act all Bush** gang, either. Let's have investigations.

[qnr]

18. Well, I thought that was implied, of course n/t

[novalib]

6. HELL YES!!!

Hell YES it is unpopular -- at least with me.

Rep. Jefferson was the male version of Cynthia McKinney.

BOTH OF THEM WERE TARGETTED BY THE WHITE POWER STRUCTURE FOR BEING OWB -- (OUTSPOKEN WHILE BLACK!).

Both were set up!

[kiahzero]

12. Right

It has nothing to do with his actions or anything, just his race. :eyes:

http://tpmmuckraker.com/jefferson.php

[gfnrob]

15. Did he ever give a reasonable explanation

for having 90,000 dollars of marked money in his freezer, c'mon let's be real. He had the cash, the cash came from an FBI informant. If he was set up, then let him explain. The Black caucus cannot defend him simply because he's black.

[gfnrob]

21. Good comparison, but strengthens MY point.

[originalpckelly]

22. Yeah, the white power structure made him take the $100,000...

:eyes:

[gfnrob]

23. Black, white, green or blue...

You takes the cash, you pays the price. Set up??? BS.

[WI_DEM]

8. I agree if we are to keep the majority it would be nice to show we

are more honest than they are.

[RB TexLa]

10. I'm sorry, has Bill been charged with any crime? other than being from

Louisiana? I'm sure for most that is enough.

[originalpckelly]

16. That is the weirdest thing I have ever heard, why would it matter...

that he is from Louisiana? Do I not understand something you'd like to share with me/us?

[Jacobin]

11. He's up against another candidate in a run off

And yes, he needs to go. Now.

[originalpckelly]

13. He probably won't be back, he's still got to face a run off...

but before then it would be a gesture of integrity to have future Speaker Pelosi call for his resignation or force the house to expel him.

[gfnrob]

19. Exactly, a fine gesture.

[RB TexLa]

25. Yes, what a gesture indeed

The man leads the primary voting and will be re-elected by his constituents, and you think Nancy Pelosi should say what "Sorry, but your votes are just not acceptable to us."

[gfnrob]

26. No, but she should say, sorry, but taking $100000 cash from

ANYONE, while you are a congressman is NOT acceptable to us.

[Critters2]

14. I think it's the right thing to do--but then, I voted against my Dem governor

because his chief fundraiser is being indicted for bribery (and missed his first court date--which is the moment I decided to vote Green). Laws apply to everyone!

[Crunchy Frog]

24. Sounds good to me.

We should be the party that stands up against corruption, wherever it is. We should not be hypocrites like the Repukes. We need to keep our own house clean.