Home > Jay Bookman > Archives > 2008 > December > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBut first, kill all the editorial writers….
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested by federal authorities this morning and charged with an incredibly wide-ranging and utterly shameless degree of corruption. As U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald described it, “the breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering,” and that’s no exaggeration.
The most important allegation involves a claim that Blagojevich, a Democrat, had been peddling Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder (as governor, Blagojevich has the power to appoint Obama’s replacement). The fact that Blagojevich was apparently conducting such negotiations even though he knew he was under federal investigation is astonishing.
But personally, I confess to being fascinated by a lesser allegation that Blagojevich tried to get Chicago Tribune editorial writers fired in return for a favorable financial deal for the Tribune company.
Here’s how federal documents describe the alleged deal, based on tape-recorded conversations:
“According to the affidavit, intercepted phone calls revealed that the Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Cubs, has explored the possibility of obtaining assistance from the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) relating to the Tribune Company’s efforts to sell the Cubs and the financing or sale of Wrigley Field. In a November 6 phone call, Harris (Blagojevich’s top aide, who was also indicted) explained to Blagojevich that the deal the Tribune Company was trying to get through the IFA was basically a tax mitigation scheme in which the IFA would own title to Wrigley Field and the Tribune would not have to pay capital gains tax, which Harris estimated would save the company approximately $100 million.
Intercepted calls allegedly show that Blagojevich directed Harris to inform Tribune Owner and an associate, identified as Tribune Financial Advisor, that state financial assistance would be withheld unless members of the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board were fired, primarily because Blagojevich viewed them as driving discussion of his possible impeachment. In a November 4 phone call, Blagojevich allegedly told Harris that he should say to Tribune Financial Advisor, Cubs Chairman and Tribune Owner, “our recommendation is fire all those [expletive] people, get ‘em the [expletive] out of there and get us some editorial support.”
On November 6, the day of a Tribune editorial critical of Blagojevich, Harris told Blagojevich that he told Tribune Financial Advisor the previous day that things “look like they could move ahead fine but, you know, there is a risk that all of this is going to get derailed by your own editorial page.” Harris also told Blagojevich that he was meeting with Tribune Financial Advisor on November 10.
In a November 11 intercepted call, Harris allegedly told Blagojevich that Tribune Financial Advisor talked to Tribune Owner and Tribune Owner “got the message and is very sensitive to the issue.” Harris told Blagojevich that according to Tribune Financial Advisor, there would be “certain corporate reorganizations and budget cuts coming and, reading between the lines, he’s going after that section.” Blagojevich allegedly responded. “Oh. That’s fantastic.” After further discussion, Blagojevich said, “Wow. Okay, keep our fingers crossed. You’re the man. Good job, John.”
In a further conversation on November 21, Harris told Blagojevich that he had singled out to Tribune Financial Advisor the Tribune’s deputy editorial page editor, John McCormick, “as somebody who was the most biased and unfair.” After hearing that Tribune Financial Advisor had assured Harris that the Tribune would be making changes affecting the editorial board, Blagojevich allegedly had a series of conversations with Chicago Cubs representatives regarding efforts to provide state financing for Wrigley Field. On November 30, Blagojevich spoke with the president of a Chicago-area sports consulting firm, who indicated that he was working with the Cubs on matters involving Wrigley Field. Blagojevich and Sports Consultant discussed the importance of getting the IFA transaction approved at the agency’s December or January meeting because Blagojevich was contemplating leaving office in early January and his IFA appointees would still be in place to approve the deal, the charges allege.”
Occasionally, I’ve had angry politicians and business people imply that they could threaten my job, but I’ve never had any indication that they had attempted to actually carry through on it.
Blagojevich, on the other hand, seems to have made a very real effort, and if the account above is accurate, he even received some assurances the deed would be done. I bet that for John McCormick, this is better than winning a Pulitzer.
Comments
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Jay
You’re conveniently ignoring something and trying to divert attention by bringing up poor editorial writers:
GRAND JURY SUBPOENAS ISSUED ON REZKO/OBAMA LAND DEAL…
P.S. Your hero Lincoln put editorial writers in jail.
By GOP is gone
December 9, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
Maybe he can room with the serial nursing student killer.
He may find the pay making car tags not in the 6 figure range though.
By getalife
December 9, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
No private.
It says Obama and Jarrett refused to play ball. The land deal has been okayed by Fitz.
Blago wanted the editors fired because they attacked him for his corruption. Blago is dumber than w.
This is terrible timing when Americans finally do not trust our government and the economy is collapsing.
A spark like in Greece is all that is needed.
By tcoach
December 9, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
I thought you had been telling us for months that only the GOP was corrupt and needed to be reformed. This democrat seems like a saint and right under Obama’s nose the whole time.
Shameless I tell you shameless for the dems. What will be there next step to reform dem. governors?
By RW-(the original)
December 9, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
I’m sure public support will pull him through. After all he does have a 4% approval rating
By leni
December 9, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
As reporters have so breathlessly asked —the same old question—when did the President-elect know and when did he know it? Is there a President Biden in your future?
By JAY BOOKMAN
December 9, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
So you’ve resigned from the “birthers” movement, Corporal, ready to take on the next assignment?
You don’t mention that the headline you cite comes from Drudge.
You don’t mention that the subpoena in question was allegedly issued in 2006.
You don’t mention that the Washington Times story makes it clear that Obama is not involved in the events described in any way other than as an innocent bystander.
In other words, you don’t mention that you have gotten yourself all hyped up over absolutely nothing once again.
By tcoach
December 9, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Jay, Kinda how you didn’t mention that in your last post he was not denied, he withdrew the proposal, that is a big difference, unless you are using it to convey your point.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
To Jay
We’ll see my friend. Time will tell.
I’m a patient man.
I bet there are reams and reams of wiretap recordings out there and a lot of people are squirming …..
By the way …. what about Lincoln?
By mike hussein smith
December 9, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
when did the President-elect know and when did he know it?
is that a silly question, or what?
By Dusty
December 9, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
I know. I know, Bookman, Obama was not involved.
But…what seems amazing is the amount of smoke which drifts from the crooked governor of Illinois to Obama, just because it is his neighborhood. At least, I hope smoke is all there is.
I had never heard of Rezko until I heard of Obama. Ayers was just a vague memory. Wright was unknown to me. But I was introduced to all of them by Obama’s contact with them.
Now, to rise from a den of thieves and miscreants is hardly a good recommendation. But, to be presumptive, Obama managed, seemingly with integrity intact. Let us hope that remains true.
By Truthman
December 9, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
If FOX NOISE really wanted to apologize, I suggest they apologize for being “in the tank” with the neo-conmen and women who have ruined MY AMERICA over the past eight years!!
At least we (Dems) get rid of our own (Blago, Jefferson). It took Stevens being convicted, and then he tried to keep his job until the voters of Alaska showed him the door!!
By Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
December 9, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
What a moron. Why in the world would Blagojevich try to get an editorial writer fired when in six months or so all of ‘em will be unemployed because people want pay money to buy the liberal biased fishwrappers.
By DB, Gwinnettian
December 9, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
“I bet there are reams and reams of wiretap recordings out there and a lot of people are squirming …..”
Probably a “Whitey” videotape in there too. You know how those clever Marxist/Muslim/Black-Nationalist/Petty-Crook/Criminal-Mastermind types can be.
By Truthman
December 9, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Why do governors keep trying to fire people with whom they, or a family member, disagree (Palin and “Troopergate, now Blago!)!
I guess Blago never heard the phrase, “Don’t get in an argument with a man who buys ink by the barrel!!”
By JAY BOOKMAN
December 9, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Of course, the fact that the Chicago Tribune is a CONSERVATIVE paper with a very long tradition of backing Republicans doesn’t alter Wyld Byll’s analysis in the least….
By DB, Gwinnettian
December 9, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
“Why do governors keep trying to fire people with whom they, or a family member, disagree (Palin and “Troopergate, now Blago!)!”
Hey, it’s all part of that all-important “executive experience” we were hearing about on the campaign trail, remember?
By AJC/DNC Management
December 9, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Geez, someone is awfully excited about the news from Chicago.
Attack the editorial board and spin.
Thee Fitzgerald is not so much of a hero anymore.
Karma.
By getalife
December 9, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
I blame Obama’s birth certificate.
By Midori
December 9, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
Truthman NAILS it:
At least we (Dems) get rid of our own (Blago, Jefferson). It took Stevens being convicted, and then he tried to keep his job until the voters of Alaska showed him the door!!
Um, Andy — what has Fitzgerald done to be, I think by your innuendo, in the doghouse?
By mike hussein smith
December 9, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
Dusty — The reason you never heard about Rezko and Wright until Obama started running for president is that character assassination is the weapon of choice of many of those who opposed his candidacy.
By AJC/DNC Management
December 9, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
i r o diM: Ask me again in a few days.
After you libs have been thoroughly reamed out.
Has brought Illinois to ‘a truly new low’ -Tribune
By getalife
December 9, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
“I should say if anybody wants to tape my conversations, go right ahead, feel free to do it,” he said. “I appreciate anybody who wants to tape me openly and notoriously, and those who feel like they want to sneakily, and wear taping devices, I would remind them that it kind of smells like Nixon and Watergate.”
Next morning, busted and accused of a crime spree while being monitored.
This guy is dumber than palin.
By DB, Gwinnettian
December 9, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Midori @ 12.50, simple—Andy thinks we all worship Fitzgerald on account of his Special Counsel role in the Plame investigation. Make sense now?
Always remember: Andy is a simpleton, who, like Wile E. Coyote, believes himself to be a “super-genius.” It’s always clear when you refocus that way.
By mike hussein smith
December 9, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Let’s see now. Al Capone killed and terrorized people for years, and the Tribune thinks the Guv has achieved “a truly new low”? Nobody buys that — or the Trib!!
By Midori
December 9, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
LOL—I remember that cartoon, DB!!!
rofl!!!!!!
By Abomi Nation
December 9, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Right-bleeping-on Fitzgerald! Throw the bleeping book at that bleeper.
Fitzgerald is more of a bleeping hero than ever!
Democrat, Republican, whatever. Throw all the bleeping crooks in jail.
By Copyleft
December 9, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Ahem: “At last! Irrefutable proof that Obama is a criminal! We need to pre-emptively impeach him NOW based on this evidence!”
Sorry… Just thought I’d save Andy/AJC Mgmt some time and trouble by posting his inevitable hysteria ahead of time….
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
To All
I think we all know this is going to get really ugly before it’s over - and after listening to the U.S. Attorney briefing it’s just the tip of the iceberg as it involves others.
Let’s also remember the Governor hasn’t been convicted of anything yet
(remember the 1st O.J.?). Get a judge to throw out a wiretap or two and things change.
Time will tell, time will tell ……
P.S. Hey Jay - How about Lincoln putting those editorial writers in jail? No trial - no nothing! Is that enscribed on his monument?
By RealityKing
December 9, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Not surprised. This type of back scratching corruption is wide spread in our government. Did you catch the Gore, Obama’s meeting? Or how about the entire democratic leaderships last trip to the Bahamas?? VIP loan anyone???
Of course, character has nothing to do with service..
By Midori
December 9, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
Of course, character has nothing to do with service..
I’ve always said that about Bush and Cheney.
Both lack character; both suck when it comes to service.
By mm
December 9, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Do the crime, do the time. Whether they turn left or right, they will be forced to go straight - to jail.
Sad how Corporal and Management keep waiting for some ticking timebomb for Obama. Yeah, that black panther/marxist/muslim/kenyan/donation cheater/community organizer/teleprompter reader/elitist/terrorist pal/america hater is pulling a fast one on you guys.
LMAO
By AJC/DNC Management
December 9, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
By mike hussein smith December 9, 2008 1:06 PM Let’s see now. Al Capone killed and terrorized people for years, and the Tribune thinks the Guv has achieved “a truly new low”?
I tend to agree, this whole sordid affair is actually pretty mild for Chicago, Oblahmi’s adopted hometown.
In a conversation with Harris on Nov. 11, the charges state, Blagojevich said he knew Obama wanted Senate Candidate 1 for the open seat but “they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. [Expletive] them.”
Now the interesting question, this democrat governor hit up the Obambi kkkampaign for political or monetary favors, I’m sure they were looking for a bit more than an autograph, did Oblahmi report it to law enforcement or did he just ignore the commission of a felony?
hmmmmmm.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Also keep in mind there is something called misprison of a felony.
Whoever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
The charge mandates concealing vs. just not reporting but it only takes one overt act (i.e., destroying an email, etc.)
This charge is usually used as leverage to get people to shall we say cooperate.
Stay tuned. This will be fun.
By getalife
December 9, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Well Andy,
If Blago was seeking campaign contributions, that is legal bribery.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald said “there is no allegation in the complaint that the president-elect was aware of it and that is all I can say.”
His comment did not close the door on the possibility that Obama or someone on his staff may have known of some aspect of the governor’s demands.
There was no immediate comment from the office of the president-elect.
(Translation: The investigation continues).
By GOP is gone
December 9, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Let us also not forget that Truman came out of a den of thieves and miscreants too.
I have always had a lot of respect for Fitz, he plays hard ball and does not have a pansy nickname like “Scooter”.
Lets not spare the “Rod” now, pun intended.
By GOP is gone
December 9, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Corporal,
Try to get over it, He will be your Commmander in Chief on Jan 20th.
By Joey
December 9, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
The Tribune, that is the Chicago news paper that was not censured for exaggerating its circulation.
By AJC/DNC Management
December 9, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
By getalife December 9, 2008 1:50 PM Well Andy, If Blago was seeking campaign contributions, that is legal bribery.
In exchange for a Senate seat?
Geez, you libs are just so…………….dirty.
ew
By Wyld Byll Hyltnyr
December 9, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Jay, conservative to you - liberal to me. Its all in the perspective. I thought Ronnie Reagan was a pinko based on the way he grew the deficit.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
To GOP is gone
Sorry but you are wrong.
He will be President but not my Commander in Chief (nor yours unless you are in the military - and I doubt that).
By getalife
December 9, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Andy,
Senate seat, laws written like the energy bill, contracts given, etc….
I read the charges and it looks like cheney’s first year in office.
You know, the coc Pelosi spewed she would clean up.
Politics as usual that Fitz has not figured out yet.
By Dusty
December 9, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
So Bookman wants to emphasize that the *The Chicago Tribune” is a conservative newspaper (and therefore slanted “right” and not impartial).
Governor Blogojevich is a Democrat running the Democratic Party in Illinois. Bookman puts no emphasis on that although he does not hide it (to show that HE is impartial…and… That’s a little joke, folks!))
The governor’s dealings with the newspaper are less interesting than his other accusations. Lots of people want editors run off. THAT’S A CRIME??? (OK, I admit that some people also want certain bloggers run off. Now THAT is a crime!!)
By Abomi Nation
December 9, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
In exchange for a Senate seat?
Geez, you libs are just so…………….dirty.
Dirty? Dirty is a US Senator(R) soiling a diaper while enjoying the company of a hooker.
Now that is dirty!
By Dusty
December 9, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
getalife 2:25
Cheney has never been indicted of anything because he has done nothing illegal. Get over it! You are monotonous!
By GodHatesTrash
December 9, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
You know, Corporal, that I believe Lincoln was one of our worst presidents.
Jeff Davis took out the trash, and then Lincoln fought a war to bring it back in!
By JAY BOOKMAN
December 9, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
No Dusty, that wasn’t my point at all.
Wyld Byll implied that The Tribune was in financial trouble because it is another liberal newspaper.
I merely pointed out that it is a conservative newspaper, and that our industry’s problems transcend ideology.
By Goldie
December 9, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I’ve had a crush on Patrick Fitzgerald ever since he stated that Scooter and Rover had “thrown sand in the umpire’s face” back in ‘06 — go, P-Fitz!
By professional skeptic
December 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Whether they solicit bribes, illegal gifts, or sex in the men’s room, prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
By Abomi Nation
December 9, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Speaking of dirty, I see current US Senator, Larry Craig (R) lost his appeal.
Dirty? Dirty is seeking out sex while sitting on a toilet!
By getalife
December 9, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Well, I think Senator Craig was a naughty , dirty, boy.
The Dow is dropping today due to Obama’s birth certificate.
By AJC/DNC Management
December 9, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Anh “Joseph” Cao was forced to flee his native South Vietnam in 1975, at the age of 8, when North Vietnamese communists seized control. His father, a South Vietnamese army officer, was imprisoned by the communists.-Human Events
By mm
December 9, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Dusty,
When are you wingnuts going to stop saying newspapers are losing sales because they are liberal? Do you know how stupid that is?
They are losing sales because you can get the same information (and a day earlier I might add) by logging onto the newspaper’s website.
Geez, quit repeating the garbage you hear from your media mouthpieces and think.
By cuballibre
December 9, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Jay, way to put the (oh so civil) smackdown on the naysayers. My comments in your last thread apply even more to this one: I smell another four years of GOP witch hunting, doing everything they can to bedevil Obama with “guilt by association” smear tactics. You best believe that, if there were “reams and reams” of wiretap recordings somewhere that implicated Obama in even the smallest way, we’d know about it by now…but that won’t keep the yapping dogs of the extreme right from drawing any inferences they can. I wouldn’t be surprised if they lured Torquemada Starr out of private practice to head up another Inquisition.
Wish I had more time to sit in— this thread’s bound to get lively!
By Abomi Nation
December 9, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Corruption is not exclusive to Democrats in Illinois.
Anyone want to comment on Blago’s predecessor?
Hint- He’s a Republican.
Hint- He’s currently doing time in a federal prison.
By Dusty
December 9, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Dear mm@2:57
You need to read again. I said nothing about newspapers losing sales because they are liberal.
I mentioned that a conservative newspaper was mentioned as “conservative” by Jay to show that is was slanted “right” and NOT impartial. That concerns politics not financial setbacks.
Unlike you, I do not have any media mouthpieces.
By Copyleft
December 9, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hey, maybe you wingnuts can call up Ken Starr to start another fishing expedition.
Gonna be a fun eight years watching the rabid losers of the far right rave AGAIN about a smart, effective Democratic president that they just can’t manage to hang anything on!
By Mrs. Godzilla
December 9, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
I’m seeing reports that Rahmbo tipped off Fitzpatrick…..
By AJC/DNC Management
December 9, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Obama: No contact with Blagojevich on Senate
Geez, now we can add perjury to the indictment.
ew
By Cheryl
December 9, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Gov Blagojevich (and former Congressman) joins a long line of lowly esteemed Chicago / Illinois political figures who decided they were bigger than their britches. Republicans and Democrats, National, State & Local. He, like them will be visiting Oxford WI for an extended stay. Good riddance to a bad man.
But people who lie cheat and steal are all around us. They are in the grocery store, in traffic, in church, and at your job….. It may be you, if you have pens that belong to the office, pads of paper, paper clips, that you thought nobody missed, then the thief is you!
It’s not a partisan issue, its a human nature issue, and it represents the worst side. Being originally from Chicago, I am used to a line-up of shady and criminal politicians, which is what set Sen. Obama and those like him apart from the others like the current Governor, the immediate Past Governor, George Ryan, Congressman Dan Rostenkowski, Alderman Larry Bloom, Congressman Mel Reynnolds, and the long list of those in the Operation Silver Shovel sting from the late ’90s.
It was a way of life there, for many, they never left their inner thug behind, but Senator and soon to be President Elect earned the respect of the people by being the opposite of that. LONG before he ever was in the Senate, or on the campaign trail for President.
Speak about what you know to be TRUE people, don’t speculate and use innuendo. It is easy to be clichè and say that someone is guilty because he knows guilty people, but the truth is, we all Know guilty people, but that doesn’t make us all criminals.
I’m just thinking ahead for what is coming and the crazies who try to say this has something to do with our President Elect.
By AJC/DNC Management
December 9, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Wait a minute, we can’t indict a foreigner.
He can hide in the Kenyan embassy, can’t he?
Man, this is getting funky.
ew
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
To GodHatesTrash
Have you ever read The Real Lincoln by Thomas DiLorenzo?
By Mrs. Godzilla
December 9, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Cheryl
Great post…..
Where in Chicago? I hail from Logan Square….
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
HEADLINE CHICAGO (AP)
President-elect Barack Obama says he is saddened by allegations that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich tried to trade favors for Obama’s Senate seat and says he had no contact with the governor or his office on the matter.
Well then, there should be zero taped conversations between them regarding the matter - correct ?
By Mrs. Godzilla
December 9, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
corporal
I’m currently reading
With Malice Towards None: A Life of Abraham Lincoln by Stephen B. Oates.
I’m at the 1837 economic panic…..
By Dusty
December 9, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Dear Cheryl @3:39
OK, we get it. Obama is just a lamb that has been running with a pack of Chicago wolves.
Unfortunately,that is not human nature. If there are suspicions, surely you would want them cleared away.
As Illinois politicians face indictments, we can only wait to see what justice brings forth.
Just as Demosthenes went hunting for an honest man, Americans hope they have found one in Obama.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
To Mrs. G.
Malice toward none? Hummmm ….
Is this in there:
I will say, then, that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of bringing about in any way the social and political equality of the white and black races; that I am not, nor ever have been, in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people ; and I will say, in addition to this, that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which, I believe, will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and polit- ical equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together, there must be the position of superior and inferior; and I, as much as any other man, am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. Abraham Lincoln - 1858
I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so. 1961 Inaugural
“You will take possession by military force, of the printing establishments of the New York World and Journal of Commerce … and prohibit any further publication thereof … you are therefore commanded forthwith to arrest and imprison … the editors, proprietors and publishers of the aforesaid newspapers. During the War Between the United States of America and the Confederate States of America
By Mrs. Godzilla
December 9, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
coporal
I’ll try this again
I’m at the economic panic of 1837.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
To Mrs. G.
Well then, keep going and finish that one and then get The Real Lincoln.
I believe you will then discover he had malice toward a lot of people.
By rightofcenter
December 9, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
truthman, So that is the truth in your world? The Dems got rid of Blago and Jefferson? U.S. Justice Dept. (Republicans for a few more days) got rid of Blago - voters got rid of Jefferson. Some truth.
By GodHatesTrash
December 9, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I’m currently perusing some books about the Haitian Revolution for a historical novel I’m writing.
The main character of the first part of the book is the great-grandson and grandson of a typical plantation owner, conceived in Haiti as the French are finally wiped out on the island, whose quadroon pregnant mother makes her way to New Orleans…
By Mrs. Godzilla
December 9, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Actually I have read the review of the DiLorenzo book and it sounds too much like a book by Jerome Corsi. Not well thought of.
Next up is a book on Mary Todd Lincoln….
I traded for my biographies of Oppenheimer and Truman.
For fun I hear there’s a new Alex Cross mystery out….
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
To GodHatesTrash
That reminds me ……….
When Lincoln issued the Immancipation Proclamation freeing some of the slaves (but only those in the states of the Confederacy), the North was on the verge of losing and that’s exactly what he wanted to happen - a slave rebellion in the South as happened in Haiti.
To their credit, the slaves (many of whom were Christians) chose not to respond in that manner.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
To Mrs. G.
Well, the distinguished author is a professor of economics at Loyola College.
You may want to try it.
A good portion of the book is of course quotes from Lincoln.
Hard to argue with them as to the real Lincoln.
P.S. I just finished Einstein by Walter Isaacson. Deep but good !
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
abc - not Drudge Jay
Hummmmmm ………..
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/12/questions-arise.html
By mike hussein smith
December 9, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Corporal: JFK was our only president inauguarated in 1961 and he didn’t make that statement you claimed he did.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
mike hussein smith
Oops! 1861
Now, what do you think of those quotes ….. Google them yourself.
By Frederick Douglass
December 9, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Corporal I’m currently re-reading Faulkner’s “As I lay dying”. Metaphorically speaking, Faulkner succinctly captures the plight of the GOP with this seminal work, because its all about preparing for death while you’re still among the living. I won’t pretend to know how Faulkner leaned politically. But shouldn’t you guys be about the business of rectifying what’s causing you to get drubbed in almost all recent elections? Maybe some solace could be gleaned from preparing for a future life, instead of basking in the faded glory of something that’s long overdue for burying, just a suggestion.
By "The Corporal"
December 9, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
To Frederick Douglass
But thanks to my Saviour I am prepared for death (and then eternal life) while I am living!
Now, regarding politics …. Stay tuned ……..