I swear I could start a blog soley on the convictions of Democrats found guilty of stealing money, accepting bribes or some sexual indiscretion. Of course there are Republicans as well, but as the reader will know, in my eyes they are both on the same side of the coin.
Former Birmingham mayor gets 15 years for bribery
By JAY REEVES, Associated Press Writer
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford was sentenced Friday to 15 years in federal prison for taking clothes, Rolex watches, loan payments and cash worth more than $240,000 as bribes in return for lucrative bond work.
U.S. District Judge Scott Coogler imposed the sentence on Langford, 63, who told the court, "I am sorry all this has occurred."
The sentence was about nine years shorter than the minimum term sought by prosecutors. Asked outside court whether he was pleased, Langford sneered at a reporter.
"Are you?" said Langford, who claims he did nothing wrong.
WHY SHOULDN'T WE BE?
Langford and his wife have blamed his conviction on vindictive prosecutors, inattentive jurors and racism. Langford is black; most of the jurors were white.
PLAY THE RACE CARD NATURALLY.
Defense lawyers already are working on an appeal.
Langford, a dapper political figure, was convicted in October of taking cash, loans and gifts — including expensive clothes and jewelry — while he was president of the Jefferson County Commission. In exchange, prosecutors said, he steered county bond work to an investment banker who paid the bribes.
"He sold Jefferson County out," said Assistant U.S. Attorney George Martin.
He said Langford committed a "gross abuse of trust" with every Italian suit, Rolex watch and cash payment he received. Initially valued at $235,000, authorities said a final tally of the bribes came to $241,843 — which Langford was ordered to repay, along with about $119,985 in back taxes. Langford must report to federal custody by April 5.
WELL SURE...
The defense claimed the cash and other items were personal gifts and loans from friends and did not influence Langford's decision on the bond work.
But investment banker Bill Blount pleaded guilty to making the payments, and lobbyist Al LaPierre admitted being the middleman. Blount, the former state Democratic Party chairman, last week was sentenced to more than four years in prison. LaPierre, the former executive director of the state Democratic Party, got four years. Blount also was ordered to pay $1 million to the government, and LaPierre $470,000.
Prosecutors had argued Langford showed no remorse and should spend up to 30 years in prison.
The defense said Langford had been ridiculed by news media and, based on another Jefferson County official's sentence for corruption, should spend no more than five years in prison.
Defense attorney Michael Rasmussen also argued Friday that the bond deals were in the best interest of the county at the time.
"Unfortunately, since that time things went sour, but they didn't go sour because of Mr. Langford," he said.
Defense attorneys previously asked the judge to ignore new allegations that Langford won excessive jackpots at a longtime supporter's casino — at least 555 over a recent three-year period ranging from slightly more than $1,000 to more than $14,000. Court filings said his tax returns showed he won $1.5 million during that time from gambling at various casinos, and also claimed to have lost $1.5 million.
Nonetheless, Rasmussen — Langford's lawyer — was the only one who tried to bring up the gambling allegations. The judge cut him off.
"I'm not going to consider that at all," Coogler said. It wasn't clear what Rasmussen planned to say.
Blount's Montgomery firm was accused of making $7.1 million off the bond deals with Jefferson County. The bonds were part of risky financing of sewer debt that has grown to more than $3 billion and pushed Alabama's most populous county to the brink of filing the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history.
Langford was accused of telling major Wall Street banks JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America and the now-bankrupt Lehman Brothers to include Blount's investment banking firm if they wanted to handle the county's bond work.
Elected mayor in 2007, Langford was known for his rapid-fire ideas to revive the city. But some drew ridicule, such as his proposal to try to bring the 2020 Olympics to Birmingham, a city without a major sports franchise. He was automatically removed from office after his conviction.
BRING YOUR PILLOW MAYOR. TRY AND GET A JOB IN THE KITCHEN...
Brantigny
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Obama has had his first physical as president
Doctors tell Barack Obama to quit smoking
The American president has been trying to kick the habit for some time, apart from the smoking he is in excellent health
Barack Obama's medical: how does he compare to the rest of us?
Barack Obama has had his first medical examination since becoming president.
Barack Obama is still struggling to kick smoking, according to his first medical examination since becoming president.
Obama is sensitive about his cigarette habit and tetchy with reporters who raise it. But after his 90-minute medical at the Navy hospital outside Washington yesterday morning, his doctors confirmed he had not yet managed to conquer the habit and suggested he "continue smoking cessation efforts".
The doctors said the president used medication to try to ease the pangs, they described it as "nicotine replacement therapy, self-use".
Obama promised Michelle when he embarked on his campaign to become president he would quit; at the time he said he was smoking about eight a day.
He told reporters last year he had quit but still had an occasional cigarette, without specifying how many.
His health was described as excellent and he does not have to return for another medical until 2012. Obama, who is 48, has 20-20 vision, weighs 179 llbs in his shoes and clothes, and requires little medication. Apart from the nicotine replacement, he uses a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication associated with physical activity: he regularly plays basketball at the White House.
The doctors also recommended "moderation of alcohol intake".
...But it is so hard when the man-made-god drinks water, it keeps turning into wine....
Brantigny
The American president has been trying to kick the habit for some time, apart from the smoking he is in excellent healthBarack Obama's medical: how does he compare to the rest of us?
Barack Obama has had his first medical examination since becoming president.
Barack Obama is still struggling to kick smoking, according to his first medical examination since becoming president.
Obama is sensitive about his cigarette habit and tetchy with reporters who raise it. But after his 90-minute medical at the Navy hospital outside Washington yesterday morning, his doctors confirmed he had not yet managed to conquer the habit and suggested he "continue smoking cessation efforts".
The doctors said the president used medication to try to ease the pangs, they described it as "nicotine replacement therapy, self-use".
Obama promised Michelle when he embarked on his campaign to become president he would quit; at the time he said he was smoking about eight a day.
He told reporters last year he had quit but still had an occasional cigarette, without specifying how many.
His health was described as excellent and he does not have to return for another medical until 2012. Obama, who is 48, has 20-20 vision, weighs 179 llbs in his shoes and clothes, and requires little medication. Apart from the nicotine replacement, he uses a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication associated with physical activity: he regularly plays basketball at the White House.
The doctors also recommended "moderation of alcohol intake".
...But it is so hard when the man-made-god drinks water, it keeps turning into wine....Brantigny
Monday, February 22, 2010
Canadian curling fans leave Danish player in tears
By Chris Chase
A Danish curler was brought to tears after a boisterous Canadian crowd intentionally distracted her during crucial shots in her team's match against the home nation. With the crowd stomping and making deafening noise, Denmark skip Madeleine Dupont missed two potentially game-winning shots and tearfully blamed the fans for it afterward. Canada won the match 5-4 in an extra end.
Such boorish fan behavior is normally considered unacceptable in the genteel world of curling.
After the match, Dupont told reporters:
"I could not control the weight on the last shot in the 10th. It should have been way slower, but when there are 6,000 people yelling, it's pretty hard to find out how hard you kick off. It's just so hard to focus. You're trying, but it's just not the same as if it was silent.
"If they were yelling this much when Cheryl was throwing, that would be more fair. You can't hear anything. You can't hear what your skip is saying. You can't hear what your sweepers are saying. You just have to do your best under the circumstances – and we did, but it was hard in the 10th."
There's nothing wrong with cheering loudly before and after points, but fans need to respect the etiquette of whichever sport they're watching and act accordingly. A luger knows he's going to hear cowbells ringing while negotiating turns at 90 mph, yet it wouldn't be fair if a spectator rang one during Evan Lysacek's free skate. If a curler is used to silence, a curler deserves silence.
Even the Canadian curling team agrees. Skip Cheryl Bernard said of the boisterous fans at the rink:
"I'm guessing 75 percent in there don't know the game that well and they're just there to cheer. You have to give them something for that, but I think we need to have it a little bit quieter for the opposition because it's uncomfortable for them."
That's more an indictment of the knowledge of fans rather than poor sportsmanship. Canadian fans will have a shot at redemption this week as their team plays in the medal rounds. Hopefully they'll cheer on their hometown teams with passion, just not during the other team's shots.
Evidently the Danes never watch Hockey Night in Canada. By the way "There is no crying in curling!"
Brantigny
A Danish curler was brought to tears after a boisterous Canadian crowd intentionally distracted her during crucial shots in her team's match against the home nation. With the crowd stomping and making deafening noise, Denmark skip Madeleine Dupont missed two potentially game-winning shots and tearfully blamed the fans for it afterward. Canada won the match 5-4 in an extra end.
Such boorish fan behavior is normally considered unacceptable in the genteel world of curling.
After the match, Dupont told reporters:
"I could not control the weight on the last shot in the 10th. It should have been way slower, but when there are 6,000 people yelling, it's pretty hard to find out how hard you kick off. It's just so hard to focus. You're trying, but it's just not the same as if it was silent.
"If they were yelling this much when Cheryl was throwing, that would be more fair. You can't hear anything. You can't hear what your skip is saying. You can't hear what your sweepers are saying. You just have to do your best under the circumstances – and we did, but it was hard in the 10th."
There's nothing wrong with cheering loudly before and after points, but fans need to respect the etiquette of whichever sport they're watching and act accordingly. A luger knows he's going to hear cowbells ringing while negotiating turns at 90 mph, yet it wouldn't be fair if a spectator rang one during Evan Lysacek's free skate. If a curler is used to silence, a curler deserves silence.
Even the Canadian curling team agrees. Skip Cheryl Bernard said of the boisterous fans at the rink:
"I'm guessing 75 percent in there don't know the game that well and they're just there to cheer. You have to give them something for that, but I think we need to have it a little bit quieter for the opposition because it's uncomfortable for them."
That's more an indictment of the knowledge of fans rather than poor sportsmanship. Canadian fans will have a shot at redemption this week as their team plays in the medal rounds. Hopefully they'll cheer on their hometown teams with passion, just not during the other team's shots.
Evidently the Danes never watch Hockey Night in Canada. By the way "There is no crying in curling!"
Brantigny
Friday, February 19, 2010
Elton John Calls Jesus an 'Intelligent Gay Man'
KTLA News
February 19, 2010
LOS ANGELES -- Elton John is known to speak his mind, and he did just that recently when he referred to Jesus Christ as a homosexual.
The remark is found in this week's Parade Magazine.
"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems. On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don't know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East -- you're as good as dead."
John has said in the past that he is not a big fan of religion.
The singer also talks candidly about relationships, fame and drug use.
On drug use, Sir Elton says it's all or nothing.
"For some people a gram of cocaine can last a month. Not me. I have to do the lot, and then I want more. At the end of the day, all it led to was heartache."
John says he wants to "make amends" for the years he was a drug addict. He has recently said he's helping other celebrities in their fight against drug abuse, including rapper Eminem.
The outspoken performer married his longtime partner, David Furnish, on December 21, 2005 -- the first day civil partnerships could be performed in England.
Um...
You are wrong John.
Brantigny
February 19, 2010
LOS ANGELES -- Elton John is known to speak his mind, and he did just that recently when he referred to Jesus Christ as a homosexual.The remark is found in this week's Parade Magazine.
"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems. On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don't know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East -- you're as good as dead."
John has said in the past that he is not a big fan of religion.
The singer also talks candidly about relationships, fame and drug use.
On drug use, Sir Elton says it's all or nothing.
"For some people a gram of cocaine can last a month. Not me. I have to do the lot, and then I want more. At the end of the day, all it led to was heartache."
John says he wants to "make amends" for the years he was a drug addict. He has recently said he's helping other celebrities in their fight against drug abuse, including rapper Eminem.
The outspoken performer married his longtime partner, David Furnish, on December 21, 2005 -- the first day civil partnerships could be performed in England.
Um...
You are wrong John.
Brantigny
Faces of Methamphetamine
If any one ever tells you that we should legalize drugs because we are spending too much money to prosecute drug users, and it would be tax revenue. Look at these pictures, here...
Meth destroys.
Brantigny
Joseph Stack, Ramblings of a mad-man
On the 17th of February, Joseph Stack flew his single engined airplane into the IRS building in Asutin, Texas, after burning his own house. In his act of terror, he killed at least one. As usual the act was blamed on "the Right", even though the manifesto reeks of leftest propaganda. ...of course there is this short "know nothing" attack on the Catholic Church....
My introduction to the real American nightmare starts back in the early ‘80s. Unfortunately after more than 16 years of school, somewhere along the line I picked up the absurd, pompous notion that I could read and understand plain English. Some friends introduced me to a group of people who were having ‘tax code’ readings and discussions. In particular, zeroed in on a section relating to the wonderful “exemptions” that make institutions like the vulgar, corrupt Catholic Church so incredibly wealthy. We carefully studied the law (with the help of some of the “best”, high-paid, experienced tax lawyers in the business), and then began to do exactly what the “big boys” were doing (except that we weren’t steeling from our congregation or lying to the government about our massive profits in the name of God). We took a great deal of care to make it all visible, following all of the rules, exactly the way the law said it was to be done. more...
Brantigny
My introduction to the real American nightmare starts back in the early ‘80s. Unfortunately after more than 16 years of school, somewhere along the line I picked up the absurd, pompous notion that I could read and understand plain English. Some friends introduced me to a group of people who were having ‘tax code’ readings and discussions. In particular, zeroed in on a section relating to the wonderful “exemptions” that make institutions like the vulgar, corrupt Catholic Church so incredibly wealthy. We carefully studied the law (with the help of some of the “best”, high-paid, experienced tax lawyers in the business), and then began to do exactly what the “big boys” were doing (except that we weren’t steeling from our congregation or lying to the government about our massive profits in the name of God). We took a great deal of care to make it all visible, following all of the rules, exactly the way the law said it was to be done. more...
Brantigny
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