Kucinich to work with Norquist to dismantle the Obama Administration - Are We Going to Applaud This?

[berni_mccoy]

Really? Are we going to cheerlead Dennis into Whitewatering the Obama Administration at the bequest of Grover Norquist. Is this what this place has come to? I'm just glad it's Kucinich who has picked up this banner, because you know it will go nowhere. Criticizing the Obama administration for not being an ardent defender of the PO is one thing, but being used by the ultra-right to drum up an investigation is simply going to far. Go ahead and cheer away though, if that's what you really want. I won't. In fact, I'm going to throw tomatoes whenever I can at this kind of insanity.


For those asking for a link here it is, from FDL: http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2009/12/30/kucinich-to-investigate-fanniefreddie-bailout/

And for those asking how Kucinich is working with Norquist, remember who requested this investigation and made a big stink about it: Hamsher/Norquist bipartisan duo.

[rudy23]

1. It's just an investigation---If Rahm did nothing shady, he should be fine. Besides--

he can ignore the left b/c we have no place else to go, right?

[berni_mccoy]

3. So was Whitewater. So was Lewinsky. Both were orchestrated by the likes of Norquist.

[MNDemNY]

28. Bill "orchestrated" lewinsky.

[tonysam]

36. Doesn't matter. It was a private matter.

Ken Starr and company wanted to exploit this for political reasons.

[berni_mccoy]

Not the investigation. 25 million dollars wasted by Repukes investigating Bill's sex life.

[jgraz]

144. Well, he at least wrote the flute part.

:hide:

[MNDemNY]

154. Wrote? No that was free-form.

[tblue37]

15. That's what was said about the Whitewater investigation.

But although the Clintons were cleared of all wrongdoing--and they actually lost money on the deal--the accusations were trumpeted loudly on the front pages of newspapers and from the broadcast desks of corporate media mouthpieces, whereas the admissions that there was no "there" there were whispered in the darkests corners of the back pages, or not at all.

Being loudly and publicly slimed inevitably does harm, even if the accusations turn out to be invalid. Even if RE turns out to be innocent, this loud public sliming will inevitably taint the public's perception of Obama, which is, of course, Norquist's goal.

[tonysam]

25. That's why you NEVER team up with Norquist--EVER

He is the enemy, for cryin' out loud.

[stopbush]

19. Be very skeptical whenever you hear the word "just" uttered by an R or a Xian.

It's never "just" anything. It's never "only." It's never insignificant.

It's always the first step down a slippery slope, and it never ends well for the forces of good in the world.

[AllentownJake]

30. Democrats are incapable of doing shitty things?

My goodness, I was unaware that democrats were immune from the temptations of human nature.

[MNDemNY]

43. If "we" do it, it's not "shitty".

You know that.

[stopbush]

49. Sorry, but I will always make the assumption that the involvement of Norquist

in an investigation means it is a witch hunt. And Norquist only goes after Ds, not Rs. And he only goes after Ds near the top of the heap.

Doesn't that make you the least bit skeptical about this?

There's that little thingy about those who forget the past...

[AllentownJake]

58. First your comparison to White Water

This is not an investigation into a past matter when the occupant of the Oval Office was in another office, it is an investigation into a very current action of the administration.

Congress has the responsibility to monitor the actions of the Executive Branch. They do not suspend that authority when a member of their political party is the head of the Executive Branch.

[stopbush]

79. WTF?

[AllentownJake]

Dennis is looking into the Christmas Eve decision to provide more money

He is not investigating the Chief of Staff.

[berni_mccoy]

129. He's investigating the Treasury, not FM.

[stopbush]

So DK is launching an investigation into something that happened LESS THAN A WEEK AGO.

I doubt very much that enough details are known at this point to even warrant considering an investigation. Maybe DK should try a phone call first.

At least the Whitewater guys waited a couple of years before starting their witch hunt.

Absolute grand standing on DK's part.

[AllentownJake]

203. 200 billion dollars was just allocated to a private entity under government control

I think a hearing is in order.

[laughingliberal]

157. And was it a witch hunt when Norquist said this about Bush' violation of FISA laws:

Grover Norquist, a principal organizer of the conservative movement who is close to the Bush White House and usually supports its policies, says, "If you interpret the Constitution's saying that the president is commander in chief to mean that the president can do anything he wants and can ignore the laws you don't have a constitution: you have a king." He adds, "They're not trying to change the law; they're saying that they're above the law and in the case of the NSA wiretaps they break it."

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/19092

[spoony]

216. Nice how you blurred all "Xians" into one conspiratorial group

with the Repubs, no less. And I'm supposed to take you seriously?

[rucky]

51. Freddie Mac was already investigated.

And fined. And reorganized under government supervision.

What did Rahm get away with?

[AllentownJake]

Well the OP is misrepresenting the nature of the inquiry

Which isn't surprising you put the words Fire Dog Lake, Dennis Kucinuch, and Fannie and Freddie Mae in a paragraph and people with reactionary minds will throw a temper tantrum.

Dennis is doing an inquiry into the Administrations Christmas Eve decision. It is a current affair and relevant.

[rucky]

142. Okay, I googled it.

And fail to see anything that suggests Rahm had any direct influence over the Treasury Department's decision - other than the accusations of Norquist & Hamsher.

I don't entirely agree with the action, but it's nothing different from what Geithner & Co. have been doing since they hit office - and there's at least a reasonable explanation for it. Since the banks aren't doing the lending - despite their TARP payouts - I guess it's better to help keep Freddie and Fannie afloat. At least they're under direct government control.

[MNDemNY]

96. This is concerning the Christmas eve bailout of fannie-Freddie.

But you did not hear about that , did you??? THAT IS THE POINT !!!!It "appears" that was timed to bury the story. That alone is cause for at least a preliminary investigation.

[NoPasaran]

2. I won't be applauding

But I'm sure many fans of the One True Democrat will.

[wtmusic]

4. Yes, we've come full circle.

"I'm just glad it's Kucinich who has picked up this banner, because you know it will go nowhere." :rofl:

[stopbush]

62. I liked that line, too. It rings true. Dennis will never be more than a sideshow in DC.

I like DK, but no one in DC listens to him.

[leeroysphitz]

174. Yes, thank god we will never know the truth. n/t

[blondeatlast]

5. Did DK expressly join with Norquist? I can't believe he is that stupid. Li'l context here? nt

[el_bryanto]

6. Actually I think an investigation is warrented

And I certainly think the Obama administration would be better off without Rahm Emmanual.

Bryant

[berni_mccoy]

35. Sorry, that dog won't hunt. It's already been investigated.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/12/24/818888/-What-FDL-forgets:-This-all-has-been-investigated-before

[el_bryanto]

66. Fair enough - i still the administration would be better of without Rahm Emmanual. n/t

[WeDidIt]

7. Kucinich is an attention seeking piece of shit

PRIMARY THAT LITTLE FUCK!

[G_j]

17. nice language

tells more about YOU than anything else.

[MNDemNY]

21. Rahm sucks ass.

If he has done nothing wrong than he should not worry, if he has he should quit now.

[Name removed]

27. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[WeDidIt]

53. You dislike one man

So you're willing to throw away every gain made since the defeat of 2004, throw away a Democratic president, throw away EVERYTHING over bogus charges that have already been investigated? Even investigations that show absolutely no wrongdoing will damage those being investigated. Whitewater, though there was no there there, lead to impeahcment.

What a childish and arrogant thing to do.

[MNDemNY]

No, just toss Rahm to the curb, the rest will be better for it.

What ever happened to more open government?? The way the White House tried to slide this huge bail-out by un-noticed, is reason enough to open an investigation. You have a problem with transparency in government?? Or do you just keep the mindset that anything this administration does is right??

[WeDidIt]

You want to destroy Obama to get at Rahm

That's childish and arrogant.

[MNDemNY]

102. Your nutz! IMO dumping Rahm would be a plus for Obama. Your logic is faulty.

[WeDidIt]

121. You aren't using logic at all

Obviously.

Your opinion is thus meaningless.

[MNDemNY]

151. Ok, Rahm..

:rofl: :rofl:

[WeDidIt]

171. You bet, Ralph

:eyes:

[MNDemNY]

84. Yes the whitewater investigation was kept alive by a Republican congress..

for political reasons, but remember it was Bill Clintons lying that led to impeachment. (Granted that can-o-worms might or might not have opened up on it's own. )

[Vidar]

178. So does Rahm. Therein lies the problem.

[still_one]

29. They have already investigated it /nt

[MNDemNY]

106. The Christmas eve bail-out??? Really???

you need to "catch-up".

[seeinfweggos]

117. +10,000

fuck the gnome

[Octafish]

124. That's what Karl Rove said.

What, exactly, is your problem with Kucinich, WeDidIt? You seem fixated on something.

[MNDemNY]

168. it's rahm.

[sabrina 1]

179. He's a Democratic Congressman who does his job.Your

description would be better applied to Rahm Emanuel. I have never heard Kucinich slam Democrats who worked hard to get their party a majority. Rahm on the other hand is a different story. Maybe you agree with him that 'the left' whatever that is, should be ignored? I like my Reps to pay attention to what their constituents have to say about issues. Dennis does that. If Rahm had been on the Democratic ticket they would have lost. And if people had known he was to be given so much power in this administration, the outcome might have been different.

The OP is disingenuous but nice try I suppose. I want to see the link to back up that 'Kucinich is working with Norquist' before launching into a diatribe and end up looking like a fool.

[spoony]

217. Said the attention-seeking...

lol

[earth mom]

8. Rahm needs to go. I don't give a flying fuck who does the job. nt

[still_one]

31. That is Obama decision, not yours /nt

[earth mom]

37. Wake up! I'm not the only one who wants Rahm gone. nt

[CakeGrrl]

9. Nice to know the Repubs can still use divide and conquer to their advantage

:sarcasm:

[Overseas]

134. It worked with Van Jones. He was gone in a heartbeat. //nt

[babylonsister]

10. I'll be throwing tomatoes with you, but

do you have a link? I somehow missed this new turn of events.

[blondeatlast]

13. +1. nt

[dave29]

16. yes, link it

disregard -- I see it now.

[MadHound]

24. Not surprising that you're willling to blindly follow the lemmings when they jump

Kucinich is opening up an investigation into the Freddy/Fanny bailout and the lifting of their lending caps. This is a worthy and much needed investigation.

It was reported in another thread here, with a link to Hamsher's site.

The OP now is claiming, through twisted logic and intellectual dishonesty, that Kucinich is teaming up with Norquist.

Still willing to take that leap?

[babylonsister]

Get stuffed. I asked for a link for confirmation. Too bad you

don't like my opinions. Guess what? I can't stand yours. Put me on ignore, and I'll do likewise, but you're a nasty, condescending person on a message board. I thought encouraging different opinions was kind of the point.

[MNDemNY]

56. You have opinions?

I've only seen cut-and-pastes of other people's opinions.

[MadHound]

61. Nah, I won't put you on ignore, you're too entertaining

Besides, I make it a rule never to put anybody on ignore, you know, encouraging different opinions, etc.

Yes, you did ask for confirmation, but not before you stated that you would join the OP in his "throwing tomatoes" etc.

Again, not looking before you leap. I hope you learn from it.

Peace:hi:

[rudy23]

34. I think the "link" is their attempt at association. They will tie anything to Kuch, Nader, ponies

Hamsher, words like "fuck" and "piece of shit."

Association is a basic psychological tactic, sort of how Rove got people to associate 9/11 with Iraq. They believe that if you can tie all criticisms of Obama to funny looking Dennis Kucinich, you can somehow make them all go away along with his 5% he polls in the presidential elections, or something like that. Watch how many times you'll see this association attempted in the coming days, now that Kucinich is asserting that the investigation go forward.

[berni_mccoy]

52. FDL has it

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2009/12/30/kucinich-to-investigate-fanniefreddie-bailout/

He's following up on Hamsher/Norquist's letter to the AG.

[sabrina 1]

183. No he's not. This is something entirely different. Did you even

read Kucinich's own statement, or do you just want to believe your own fantasies?

Please provide some links to back up your claims, many people have asked you to do so. Now you've made another claim, which I have taken the trouble to find support for and have been unable to do so.

I will check back to see your links and if none are provided you just lost a whole lot of credibility.

FYI what Kucinich is investigating just happened this past week and has nothing to do with Rahm Emanuel. Unless you are talking about something else altogether. If so, then provide some backup for it as I can't find anything remotely close to what you are claiming.

[FLAprogressive]

11. Another day, another smear thread. I know you prefer 'em corporate but this is just ridiculous.

[G_j]

12. garbage

still waiting for a link

[MadHound]

14. More intellectual dishonesty on your part, not surprising.

Kucinich is opening up an investigation in the Freddie/Fannie Mac bailout, and the lifting of lending caps. A worthy thing to do.

You, simply because it was first reported on Hamsher's site, are now claiming that Kucinich is teaming up with Norquist.

You are being intellectually dishonest, and are showing your true colors in this. Nothing but a DLC/Obama cheerleader who is void of any logic or intellectual honesty.

[AllentownJake]

18. If the administration is above board on this

Than they have nothing to fear and either do you.

[stopbush]

33. Wow. That's naive. Just like Clinton had nothing to fear from Whitewater,

where he did nothing wrong.

Funny how Whitewater evolved into an investigation into a blow job and ended up with impeachment.

But Bill had nothing to fear from a little ol' WW investigation.

[AllentownJake]

47. This is not a special prosecuter

It is a congressional hearing. So go on with your bad self.

[MNDemNY]

169. Not familiar with the "special prosecuter" law at the time, are you?

[Junkdrawer]

20. "Kucinich to work with Norquist" Link?

or is this just slander born of "Norquist wants it investigated, therefor anyone who also wants it investigated works for Norquist."

[StarfarerBill]

32. Yes: proof, please.

Just because Norquist in his usual scummy way is making hay off of this issue, doesn't mean that an investigation of Emanuel isn't called for. Nor is Dennis making common cause with Norquist simply because he wants Emanuel investigated, as well.

[berni_mccoy]

45. At FDL:

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2009/12/30/kucinich-to-investigate-fanniefreddie-bailout/

Who started this request for an investigation? Oh yeah, Hamsher/Norquist Team.

[Junkdrawer]

54. Just as I thought: Complete Slander.

Alerted.

[berni_mccoy]

59. Who Requested the Investigation? Oh yeah... Hamsher/Norquist.

[sabrina 1]

185. There is no connection to what Hansher was asking for

which was an investigation into Rahm Emanuel, and what Kucinich is talking about. Your OP is libelous unless you can back it up.

What Kucinich, in his own words which you might have taken the trouble to read, is asking for is an investigation into where any additional funds going to Fannie/Freddie as a result of a lifting on the cap which JUST OCCURRED on Christmas Eve, will be going. He wants to make sure they are not going to Wall St and to ensure that Main St. will be receiving some of them.

Your OP is pure fantasy. From your own link that is obvious. I ask you again, please post a link to show that Kucinich has joined with Norquist to investigate an old Rahm Emanuel allegation? You can't because nothing could be further from the truth.

[rudy23]

67. There's a link where you can donate to Dennis through Act Blue

If you want to thank him for investigating this alleged attempt at a backdoor TARP program.

[Junkdrawer]

71. Done. n/t

[bigtree]

69. Norquist is nowhere on that page

Do you believe Fannie/Freddie Mac should be investigated. All you're doing here with this attack on Kucinich's call for an investigation (as part of your unfailing defense of this administration's shit sandwiches) is standing with those who would shield Freddie/Fannie miscreants from accountability.

[berni_mccoy]

74. WHO Requested the Investigation? Oh yeah... Hamsher/Norquist.

[bigtree]

82. so you're against anyone else investigating? That's the bottom line of your complaints

Fannie/Freddie should be off the hook because some conservative has also called for an investigation? What demagoguery.

[berni_mccoy]

131. Dude, he's not investigating FM... he's going after the Treasury.

[tonysam]

22. If this is the case,

then it is an exact rerun of what the Clintons went through in the 1990s, and it was all for perceived political gain.

Obama's policy problems are a direct result of his being a neoliberal.

[still_one]

23. Where is the link that Kucinich is working with norquist? Don't get me wrong this fannie/freedie

has already been investigated, and this is just a diversion. I know a lot of folks here are unhappy that they are being bailed out, but in my view, things would be so much worse if they didn't provide the liquidity and bail them out along with the financial institutions

The real argument should be bringing back regulation, and not rewarding the people who got us into the issue

Congress allowed the lax lending practices which allowed people to get loans they were not qualified for, with the pretext that this would help encourage home ownership. That is where the problem really originated, and both sides of the aisle bear responsibility for this

[Libertas1776]

26. Linky please

[G_j]

38. inappropriate post

slanderous accusations against a Democrat w/ no links.
disruptive flame bait
:thumbsdown:

[berni_mccoy]

41. Kucinich announced it himself and it was posted on FDL. Google it friend.

[G_j]

46. it's not my OP nt

[QC]

50. The person who makes an assertion bears the burden of proving it.

http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/burden-of-proof.html

[berni_mccoy]

55. Link here

http://fdlaction.firedoglake.com/2009/12/30/kucinich-to-investigate-fanniefreddie-bailout/

[StarfarerBill]

76. And where in all that is one word, one implication that Dennis is joining forces with Norquist?

Your OP is a cognitive bridge-too-far, I'm afraid.

[berni_mccoy]

86. WHO Requested the Investigation? Oh yeah... Hamsher/Norquist.

[StarfarerBill]

100. So? Let make Norquist play his political games; that's what he *does*.

Investigating corruption is more important than worrying about who started what.

[berni_mccoy]

108. Just like whitewater eh? He's using Kucinich.

[StarfarerBill]

115. Or Dennis recognizes corruption when he sees it.

Tell me: had Dennis initiated his investigation before Hamsher and Norquist made their separate call for an enquiry, would you be calling Dennis a patsy then? Or is Dennis to be smeared no matter what, simply because Norquist has anything to do with this?

[berni_mccoy]

133. Timing and placement of the announcement are definitely suspect here. And he's not investigating FM

it's the Treasury.

[StarfarerBill]

138. See Allentown Jake's OP on this subject: he's nutshelled it better than I ever could.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=7356586&mesg_id=7356586

[Bjorn Against]

63. Here is Kucinich's full statement, please show me where he says he is working with Grover Norquist

As Chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm announcing that the Subcommittee will launch an investigation into the Treasury Department's recent decision to lift the current $400-billion cap on combined federal assistance to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, opening the way for additional, unlimited funds through the end of 2012. This investigation will include the role played by Fannie Mae chief executive Michael J. Williams and Freddie Mac chief executive Charles E. Haldeman in the decision, if any, and will seek to ensure that the additional assistance is used for homeowners and not Wall Street.

Many questions remain unanswered regarding this move by the Treasury. Why suddenly remove the cap? Indications are that Freddie and Fannie, even as millions of Americans lose their homes, have used just $111 billion of the $400 billion previously available to them. Is lifting the cap on assistance a back-door TARP?

Additionally, I want to determine whether Fannie and Freddie have a cohesive plan to buy up the under-performing mortgages that remain on the books of the big banks, at appropriate prices, and undertake a massive reworking of the terms of the mortgages so as to stem the foreclosure crisis that continues to plague our country.This new authority must be used responsibly and for the benefit of American families. This cannot be used simply to purchase toxic assets at inflated prices, thus transferring the losses to the U. S. taxpayers and acting as a back-door TARP.

As a result of a curiously-timed Christmas Eve announcement by the Treasury Department, the mortgage giants will have access to unlimited funds without having to come back to Congress. Since the federal government is the majority owner of both companies, their operations will remain under Administration control.

This relationship between Treasury and Fannie and Freddie bears inspection, particularly in the wake of reports that the mortgage giants' chief executives will now receive $900,000 each in annual compensation, bonuses of up to $6 million each, and an additional $42 million in special compensation will be spread among a dozen other executives.

[berni_mccoy]

65. WHO Requested the Investigation? Oh yeah... Hamsher/Norquist.

[Bjorn Against]

75. Just because Norquist wanted an investigation does not mean Kucinich is working with Norquist

[berni_mccoy]

83. You're right. He's Being a TOOL for Norquist.

[Bjorn Against]

99. This has nothing to do with Norquist, stop playing guilt by a very flimsy association

[berni_mccoy]

116. Rrrriiiiggghhhhtttt.... a week ago Hamsher/Norquist team up to send a letter to the AG

to investigate FM. Now FDL is plastering it's front page with DK's announcement that he'll investigate, including a nice bit of slander against Rahm in their article.

How blind are you?

[Bjorn Against]

127. Pat Buchanan opposed the Iraq War...

Do you believe that means that all those who oppose the Iraq War are allies of Pat Buchanan?

The fact that there is a right-winger who wants an investigation into Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac does not mean that particular right-winger represents all of the people who want that investigation.

[G_j]

136. and he opposed NAFTA

guess lots of us are now in league with Pat.

:sarcasm:

[msongs]

40. Obama shook W's hand. does that make him a traitor as well? nt

[sellitman]

42. I guess Grover and I are partners too.

Glad you pointed this out.

Rahm is a dirt bag and needs to be replaced.

[bigtree]

44. lie much?

Produce one scrap of proof that Kucinich is 'working with' Norquist. ONE.


Kucinich on Norquist in 2005: http://socialsecurity.kucinich.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=1

Why would this administration attempt to kill the most successful anti-poverty program in our history? An earned benefit based on your full work history? Frankly, from a number of White House memos and materials written by conservatives over the years, it is clear that conservatives hate Social Security as the last major vestige of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal. These are the Grover Norquist people running this government (and the "K" Street Project) who talk about drowning government in a bathtub, people who can't manage disasters like Hurricane Katrina because they don't want government to work. They simply want it to wither away and for everyone to fend for themselves. The true goal of their "ownership society" -- according to some pointed but telling humor -- is "to have everyone on their own." Atomizing, dividing and pitting one group against another is their method. While they may not express a belief in evolution, they like to at least see Social Darwinism in action.

[berni_mccoy]

48. Already posted link above. Read it and weep.

[bigtree]

77. Norquist isn't mentioned at all on the page you linked to

This is just another BM smear of Rep. Kucinich.

[berni_mccoy]

81. WHO Requested the Investigation? Oh yeah... Hamsher/Norquist.

[bigtree]

90. so an investigation of Fannie/ Freddie is really an investigation of the Obama administration iyo?

Revealing.

[berni_mccoy]

126. It's not an investigation of FM... it's of the Treasury Department.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the Obama administration? You may be on to something.

:wow:

[FLAprogressive]

60. haha, +1

[leftstreet]

107. +1 LOL

[berni_mccoy]

110. Like Whitewater was about the Clinton Administration too.

You've shown your both naive and blind at the same time.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

118. So, protecting corporations from investigation is now "progressive"?

Or, public officials?

Oh, right! If it's our guys with their fingers in the cookie jar, bailing out corporations, escalating a lost war, it must be good for us.

[berni_mccoy]

128. It's not a corporation he's planning to investigate. It's the Treasury.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

182. So? Is the treasury immune from investigation?

[LWolf]

57. "To dismantle the Obama administration."

A little hyberbole for breakfast? :eyes:

To answer your question:

1. DK isn't working to dismantle Obama's administration.

2. I support dismantling Obama's administration to the point that there are no more dlc/corporo-fascist/3rd way/"new" dems left. If he'd put together an acceptable administration to begin with, it wouldn't need dismantling.

3. I don't object to the investigation of Rahm Emmanuel. Trancparency and accountability...those words somehow ring a bell.

4. Grover Norquist and I have 2 completely different agendas. He wants to put his faction back in power. I want to remove the faction that is using the Democratic Party to move the nation further right...TOWARDS Norquist.

[berni_mccoy]

70. What do you think Norquist's agenda is? And what exactly do you think will get done

if such an investigation is taken up? Let me give you a clue: NOTHING. Exactly what Repukes want.

[LWolf]

147. Norquist's agenda

is to put the rw, and the Republican party, in power.

What do I think will get done if such an investigation is taken up?

I'd like to see Emmanuel either clearly vindicated, or NOT. If not, I'd like to see him resign.

Let me be honest. I'd love to see him discredited and fired whether or not any investigation takes place. I don't think that's going to happen, but I can still "hope" for some positive "change."

[Don Caballero]

64. Kucinich is so jealous of our President

It gets more obvious everyday as he joins with Right Wing Nazis to attack our President.

[rudy23]

80. Or maybe he wants to stop another TARP from happening, for our benefit. It's not all that emo.

Besides, the guys in Don Caballero wouldn't approve of Rahm's ethics. I know this for a fact.

I disapprove of the screenname :evilgrin:

[Don Caballero]

113. Only one original member of Don Cab

Who knows what they think? I can guarantee that they support President Obama over Rep. Kucinich.

[rudy23]

149. I knew their tour manager, I'll bet you a vegan dinner on that.

That's from the early '00s--can't keep track of how many original members they had then. I can tell you this--D.C. is not down with the DLC.

[WeDidIt]

68. Link to the words of the Arrogant Elf himself

(note, I'll call Kucinich an arrogant elf as long as assholes here call Rahm an Angry Dwarf)

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Treasury-s-Assistance-to-F-by-Dennis-Kucinich-091229-963.html

[rudy23]

87. This is what I was talking about when I was talking about word association.

They're aggressively trying to BRAND Kucinich with the psychological tactic of association that Rove used on his base. You'll see this 100 more times today, watch for it.

[StarfarerBill]

91. Nope; still nothing about Norquist.

Investigating corruption is a good thing, and Dennis is launching a separate, Congressionally-led enquiry.

[berni_mccoy]

94. WHO Requested the Investigation? Oh yeah... Hamsher/Norquist.

[StarfarerBill]

104. See reply #100.

[berni_mccoy]

112. There isn't one.

[StarfarerBill]

120. In your defense, this thread is getting crowded:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=7356275&mesg_id=7356570

[bigtree]

111. So Rick Davis and McCain are off the hook for their associations and involvement w/ F/FMac?

. . . just because Norquist agrees there should be an investigation?

[WeDidIt]

109. Norquist and Hamsher requested an investigation

The Arrogant Elf complied.

[bigtree]

114. so have many Democratic legislators

You would have Congress look the other way just because some conservative hack agrees? That's little more than just cover for the miscreants.

[berni_mccoy]

119. Bullshit. This is a witch hunt against Emanuel and you know it.

The calls legislators have made have been about the organization, not Emanuel.

[Raineyb]

159. The only witch hunt I see is YOURS against anything that Jane Hamsher may like.

Hardly makes you a unbiased commentator.

[StarfarerBill]

130. So? If they're right, the corruption should be investigated and punished.

If they're wrong, Emanuel will be vindicated and can continue his center-right advising of the President.

And he's Congressman Dennis Kucinich, not the Arrogant Elf.

[WeDidIt]

140. What corruption?

You have assumptions and allegations, but no evidence of any corruption.

So you're willing to witch hunt the Obama administration because of a dislike for Rahm Emmanuel.

Childish and arrogant.

I could add stupid on top of that, too.

[Sebastian Doyle]

146. No, Geithner is the Elf

Dennis is a "hobbit"... geezus, do I have to explain everything to you Rahmbots? :rofl:

[MNDemNY]

172. Nothing in there to link this to anyone other then Dennis.

Again you make accusations knowing them to be false. What does that make you?

[sabrina 1]

194. Have YOU read Kucinich's words yourself?

As Chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I’m announcing that the Subcommittee will launch an investigation into the Treasury Department’s recent decision to lift the current $400-billion cap on combined federal assistance to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, opening the way for additional, unlimited funds through the end of 2012. This investigation will include the role played by Fannie Mae chief executive Michael J. Williams and Freddie Mac chief executive Charles E. Haldeman in the decision, if any, and will seek to ensure that the additional assistance is used for homeowners and not Wall Street.

........


As a result of a curiously-timed Christmas Eve announcement by the Treasury Department, the mortgage giants will have access to unlimited funds without having to come back to Congress. Since the federal government is the majority owner of both companies, their operations will remain under Administration control.

This relationship between Treasury and Fannie and Freddie bears inspection, particularly in the wake of reports that the mortgage giants' chief executives will now receive $900,000 each in annual compensation, bonuses of up to $6 million each, and an additional $42 million in special compensation will be spread among a dozen other executives.

And you want this covered up, no oversight of tax dollars by Congress? He deserves answers to these questions, on our behalf. This is how we got into the situation we are in the first place, no oversight. Good for Kucinich and I hope other Democrats will join him.

And btw, since this so recent, this action by the Treasury Dept. headed by a man we can all trust to work on our behalf :sarcasm: where is the mention of Rahm Emanuel? Was he involved in this decision? I can't find anything to say he was. Weren't we told the as COS Rahm would not be involved in policy decisions? So why all the hysteria over Rahm who appears to have nothing to do with this?

[RetroLounge]

unrec for the BS factor

:puke:

RL

[grahamhgreen]

72. All Obama has to do is get on TV and say any HC reform MUST have a public option...

[Echo In Light]

73. Is Firedoglake a lib/lefty site? The 'comments' section are generally favorable to DK's efforts

:thumbsup:

[FLAprogressive]

85. Yep, they are.

[Echo In Light]

88. Cool!...figured as much by all the + feedback in the comments

[berni_mccoy]

92. They WERE. Until Hamsher went on a Jihad against Obama and decided to work with Norquist and enlist

Teabaggers.

[G_j]

78. I don't think I remember

quite so MANY asses being on DU at one time

[rudy23]

98. Let's just say Afghanistan is not the only place where there's been a surge of troops, recently.

If you know what I'm driving at.

[QC]

+1

[JVS]

89. Oh noes!!!

:rofl:

[OregonBlue]

93. Did anyone read the article? Hamsher may be crowing but in fact Kucinich seems more interested in

what Fannie/Freddie is currently doing and not what Rahm Emmanuel did in the past. I don't believe that Dennis is teaming up with Norquist to go after the President or Emmanuel. I really dislike Hamsher but I think she is putting her own spin on this, not what Dennis is actually saying.

[Junkdrawer]

95. +1

[SemiCharmedQuark]

101. Yes, I just read through the link and that was my conclusion as well. Hamsher seems to be trying to

sidle up to Kucinich to add credibility to her cause.

[berni_mccoy]

123. If that is all it is, then Kucinich better come out and verbally distance himself from them.

[JVS]

132. Or what, you'll call him mean names some more?

[berni_mccoy]

135. No, that's what I expect of you. Oh, you deleted it.

[JVS]

137. HAHAHAHAH!

[Individualist]

97. Another failed attempt to smear DK

Boring

[berni_mccoy]

103. It's a failed attempt by FDL to smear Emanuel.

[MNDemNY]

175. He's plenty "smeared" already. shit-smeared.

[Tailormyst]

105. Stop, drop and roll, Your pants are on fire ! n/t

[Zenlitened]

155. LOL! - n/t

[mike_c]

122. kucinich speaks truth to power and he speaks for me....

I support Kucinich-- if he thinks this needs doing, then I tend to agree. Kucinich represents my political interests, while the DLC and Rahm Emmanuel certainly do not. You might call that cheerleading-- I call it honest political representation. There's WAY too little of that in today's democratic party.

[NJmaverick]

125. This appears to just be more Kucinich's grandstanding

it seems to me Jane is just deceptively (like most of what she does) trying to use a different issue to try and bolster her GOP approved White Water plans.

[Stinky The Clown]

139. Let me start by saying unequivocally that I have NO IDEA what the fuck you're hair's on fire about

But I will say this, based on the replies to this thread ....... if there is malfeasance, we have a right to know.

I will *also* say that Hamsher and Norquist are both fringers

[Karmadillo]

141. Good for DK. It's not like he's asking us to "look forward" past the crimes of Bush/Cheney.

Now that would be something that should really make us mad.

[Echo In Light]

150. +1

[berni_mccoy]

152. Yeah, Kucinich did so well with that impeachment stuff.

[jgraz]

158. Maybe he'd have been more successful if Senator Fierce Advocate had helped a bit.

Remind me again what Obama did to stop Bush and Cheney while he was in the Senate?

[berni_mccoy]

160. Right because Impeachment begins in the Senate.

How far will you go to prove your a dufus?

[jgraz]

161. Well, I won't fuck up basic English, if that's what you mean.

I also won't play stupid and pretend that I was speaking procedurally instead of politically.

Now answer the question: what did Senator Obama do to stop Bush/Cheney?

[berni_mccoy]

162. Simple: He got elected. If you think Bush/Cheney would have stopped with Bush/Cheney

then your a bigger moron than you've let on.

[jgraz]

166. Wow, someone's had an extra glass of Carnation Instant Hysteria this morning.

And just so we're straight: WE got Obama elected. Never forget who's supposed to be running this nuthouse.


But back to the subject you continue to dodge: what, exactly, did Senator Obama do to stand up to Bush/Cheney? Anything?

[jgraz]

180. * cricket noise * cricket noise * cricket noise * cricket noise * cricket noise *

I thought so. :eyes:

[berni_mccoy]

199. Right because Obama did nothing to get elected. Your such epic fail.

[jgraz]

214. You are = you're. Learn it. Love it.

Still haven't answered the question, btw.

[enlightenment]

163. Impeachment 'begins' in the House, berni.

The House impeaches, the Senate tries the impeached individual.

You should try to get your own facts straight before you accuse others of ignorance.

[G_j]

167. correct

thank you

[berni_mccoy]

195. You missed the sarcasm. The person I was responding to felt it was Obama's responsibility.

[KG]

192. impeachment begins in the house.

but feel free to going on proving who's the real dufus.

[berni_mccoy]

196. Sarcasm fail.

Dufus. The person I was responding to felt it was Obama's responsibility to Impeach Bush.

[KG]

200. oh. right. 'sarcasm'.

:eyes:

[OHdem10]

143. Since we have apparently accepted the fact that this is a Center

Right Country. Center Right is Republican Party Territory.
nothing will surprise me anymore.

No Democrat seems to the Center from Center Right.

[jgraz]

145. Berni, I'd consider limiting it to 2 cups of coffee in the morning

Just a suggestion. :eyes:

[Edweird]

148. Kucinich is one of the politicians I distrust the least. If he thinks there is something to look

into then I wouldn't object.

[laughingliberal]

153. Wow, there must be some kinda powerful crap coming out to dismantle the whole administration nt

[jgraz]

156. No shit. Obama is powerless before people like Harry Reid and Dennis Kucinich.

I didn't realize we'd elected such a fragile little flower.

[Junkdrawer]

164. Translation: "OMG Freddie and Fannie are going to be investigated...

This could reach *gulp* Rahm! To the battlements!"

[MNDemNY]

176. We can only hope it reaches rahm!

[Bluenorthwest]

165. Baseless McCarthyite smears of Democrats

This is what keeps your opinions from being taken seriously, and far more than you could imagine, has prevented you from having any power to do anything but point fingers, create guilt by association, once removed no less, and slander a Democratic Congressman for doing his oversight duties.
Did you approve of the no oversight, rubber stamp Republican Congress under Bush, refusing to investigate their own because they were their own?
Your tactics and methods are so deplorable that even when I agree with your point, I can never agree with your posts. Really the opposite of what I consider honest politics. List makers and association trackers are the natural enemy of democracy.

[G_j]

173. +100

[berni_mccoy]

188. Like Hamsher is doing with Rahm? That's what this is about.

[sabrina 1]

191. This is NOT about Rahm Emanuel, unless you think

he's involved in some more nefarious deeds. You've been asked over and over again to prove what you're saying. So far you have ignored those requests.

I have resisted unrec'ing this as I rarely do that, but this is such a blatant lie and smear against a Democrat, I am going to unrec it. I gave you at least four opportunities to prove the OP is not outright lies. I'm not wasting any more time in this thread so unrec'd.

[Thickasabrick]

170. ....

[freddie mertz]

177. I don't see any need for hysterics here.

This is the first I heard of the deal.

Why was it decided on Xmas eve?

Looks fishy at first glance.

Why not investigate?

[sabrina 1]

181. I've read your link and have concluded that your headline to say

the least, is misleading. Your question 'are we going to applaud this'? Applaud your claim that 'Kucinich is working with Norquist' or applaud what he is actually doing?

Do you applaud him looking into possible wrongdoing by Freddie Mac and the McCain campaign? Because that is part of what he is doing ~

Having actually read the link to Kucinich's statement, I find nothing in it to support your headline.

For those who just reacted to the misleading headline in the OP, this is the actual headline from FDL:

Kucinich to Investigate Fannie/Freddie Bailout

And this is what he is actually doing in his own words:

As Chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I’m announcing that the Subcommittee will launch an investigation into the Treasury Department’s recent decision to lift the current $400-billion cap on combined federal assistance to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, opening the way for additional, unlimited funds through the end of 2012. This investigation will include the role played by Fannie Mae chief executive Michael J. Williams and Freddie Mac chief executive Charles E. Haldeman in the decision, if any, and will seek to ensure that the additional assistance is used for homeowners and not Wall Street.

He wants to know if any of the tax dollars we keep funneling to Wall St is now going to go through this channel. And most importantly he wants to know if THE AMERICAN PEOPLE are going to benefit at all from this latest flow of funds or is all going to be funneled again, to Wall St.

I certainly do applaud what he is doing. This is what Congress ought to be doing. This is tax payer money. Do you object to Congress wanting to know what is being done with our money?

And I think you should either change your headline, or provide a link to back up your claim. You left out an awful of very important information.

[Thickasabrick]

201. Excellent analysis and the headline is indeed misleading. nt

[varelse]

184. Actual title of Kucinich's announcment:Treasury's Assistance to Fannie and Freddie

http://www.opednews.com/articles/Treasury-s-Assistance-to-F-by-Dennis-Kucinich-091229-963.html

Opening paragraph:

As Chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I'm announcing that the Subcommittee will launch an investigation into the Treasury Department's recent decision to lift the current $400-billion cap on combined federal assistance to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, opening the way for additional, unlimited funds through the end of 2012. This investigation will include the role played by Fannie Mae chief executive Michael J. Williams and Freddie Mac chief executive Charles E. Haldeman in the decision, if any, and will seek to ensure that the additional assistance is used for homeowners and not Wall Street.

Mentions of Norquist: none found.

[laughingliberal]

186. Bastard! Seeking to ensure the money is used for homeowner and not Wall Street!

How dare he?

:sarcasm:

[ddeclue]

187. YES - stop exaggerating. Rahm needs to go.

[berni_mccoy]

198. Witch Hunt It IS! WOOHOO!

[Cleita]

189. Another let's smear Kucinich thread.

He's one of the few politicians out there holding the rest of the corrupt bunch's feet to the fire. If we don't have the likes of him and Bernie Sanders keeping them honest, then you won't see any end to the policies started in the Bush administration.

[Echo In Light]

202. Never any shortage of em at DU

[KG]

190. WHO Didn't See This BS Thead Coming? Oh yeah... LOL!

:eyes: :eyes: :eyes:

[mmonk]

193. So are you against transparency or against Congressional oversight?

[saltpoint]

197. The soiled laundry over at FireDogLake should probably not be

hung up on a front-yard clothesline for decent folks to see.

Hamsher is entitled to her strategies but so then are her detractors entitled to call her a shrieking narcissist, a sore loser, a marginal hack, and a debasing self-centered harpie, not to put too fine a point on it.

Bring a torch, Isabella.

An almost unlimited gift as a film-maker but a real horse's ass when it comes to politics.

Grover Norquist?! Jesus.

[Junkdrawer]

204. Mods are locking flamefests...Good thing this fine example of truth...

remains free!

[G_j]

205. +

[Junkdrawer]

206. I see it brings a tear to your eye too...

*sniff* One of DU's finer moments!

[G_j]

208. perhaps a good sign

or a silver lining

I suppose people are afraid of Kucinich because of what he does and says, as he happens to walk his talk.

[berni_mccoy]

209. Posts you don't agree with become flamefests because you intentionally turn them into one

And hope they get locked.

[flvegan]

207. More breathless wheezing in attempt to keep any tarnish off the Obama admin.

[557188]

210. Hypocrite

Your hero, Barack Obama, had a campaign on the entire concept of working with the right wing. And yet you try to attack actual progressives for doing what your hero talked about doing?

Amazingly hypocritcal.

[berni_mccoy]

211. You wouldn't know a hypocrite if they came up and bit you

There's a huge difference between going back on a campaign promise and going on a witch-hunt to take out the Chief of Staff and damage the administration. Hamsher is anything but a progressive and Kucinich is a fool.

[557188]

213. Back on campaign promises?

Lets see...

Obama wishes to work with the right wing to hurt this country and benefit the corporates.

Kucinich wants to investigate corporate corruption.

So, working with the right wing is only ok with you if it helps the corporates and continues this corruption filled mess the country currently is in?

Obama has damaged his own administration being an awful continuation of Bush. Thank god we have true patriots like Dennis Kucinich who actually care about us instead of the corporate bosses that run this country and steal our money.

[JNelson6563]

212. Kucinich.

Sometimes he is so way off base it ain't funny. Typical zealot. Cannot be reasoned with. Ever.

Julie

[mcablue]

215. OP doesn't say what Kucinich wants to do. What's up with that?

Can you tell us what it is that Kucinich and Norquist want to do so, i.e., who they want to investigate, etc., we can agree or disagree?