Let's hand up one of our own

[Tab]

No party is immune from corruption, though certain political parties seem to attract more of it than others.

Lest we be accused of "not mentioning" our own problems, here ya go. Oh, before you jump all over us, when was the last corrupt dem politician? It's been a while, hasn't it. When was the last Republican one? Ah, shit, my watch doesn't have a second hand - couldn't tell you for sure.

A federal grand jury handed up a 16-count indictment against Rep. William Jefferson, D - La., on charges right out of "The Sopranos," including money laundering, racketeering, and obstruction of justice, with allegations of corruption spanning years and two continents.

The 94-page document outlines in detail allegations that Jefferson used his office to promote various business interests seeking contracts throughout Africa in exchange for more than $8 million in fees and stocks for himself and his family. The indictment also outlines the first time any U.S. official has been charged with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which bars bribing foreign leaders. According to court documents, Jefferson told colleagues that he needed cash to pay bribes to Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria's former vice president. The indictment refers to Jefferson's dealings with a high-ranking official in the executive branch of the Nigerian government who had a spouse in Maryland, but it does not name Abubakar specifically.

What Mr. J did isn't cool by a long shot, and if true, he deserves to go to jail. Let us be the first to offer him up, though, if it is true, otherwise hypocrisy will be our name.

[baldguy]

1. How many people did Jefferson kill for his millions?

I'd put up Jefferson's portfolio against Cheney's any day.

[sharp_stick]

2. He's not as bad as Cheney

but he's still a dirtbag if he did as he was accused. If he's guilty, I hope he spends his time in Angola, and a lot of it.

[NOLALady]

3. It would be nice

if he can share his cell with the criminals who are destroying our country as well as the Middle East.

[jtrockville]

4. Let's not use Republicans as the yardstick.

It's much too low a standard.

[Solo_in_MD]

5. Concur

the CBG needs to get real on this. Their reputation is already poor, and defending Dollar Bill Jefferson won't help them or the Democratic party.