Tom Delay

Former GOP Rep. Tom DeLay Sentenced Today

And so it finally happens:

Daily Kos: Breaking: Tom DeLay Gets 3 Years In Prison

Justice at last! Thank goodness for straight arrow judges like Judge Priest who are not impressed or intimidated by a defendant's political connections.

Sentenced to 3 years for "conspiracy to commit political money laundering" and second sentence of 5 years for "money laundering" - the second of which was reduced to 10 years probation by the judge - DeLay feels no remorse for his crimes:

DeLay was taken into custody by Travis County deputies, but will be released on $10,000 bail pending appeal.

DeLay pleaded for himself before visiting District Judge Pat Priest.

"I don't feel remorseful for something I don't think I did," DeLay told the judge.

Prosecutors urged Priest to sentence DeLay to prison immediately. But defense lawyer Dick DeGuerin said the case destroyed DeLay's political career and life and that was punishment enough.

Any guesses how long before this political elitist gets a pardon from the Republican Governor? Wait for it, Wait for it...

Fact: Former GOP House Leader Is Now The Criminal Tom DeLay

So sayeth a jury of his peers:

Tom DeLay, Ex-House Majority Leader, Found Guilty in Money-Laundering Trial

A Texas jury Wednesday found Tom DeLay, the former House majority leader and Texas political powerhouse, guilty in a money-laundering trial involving contributions to political campaigns. The verdict was the latest chapter in a long legal battle that forced Mr. DeLay to step down. The trial also opened a window on the world of campaign financing in Washington, as jurors heard testimony about large contributions flowing to Mr. DeLay from corporations seeking to influence him and junkets to posh resorts where the congressman would rub shoulders with lobbyists in return for donations.

DeLay could face life in prison for the money laundering charges.

This part is of particular interest, IMHO, because it implies that the Republican National Committee is a central part of the laundering scheme:

Because you do Need To Know what is at stake on Tuesday: Redistricting and Gerrymandering

The most recent Census is behind us which puts the importance of the upcoming election's importance front and center. And, more importantly, what the results of the this election can do to your future vote. Right now it is all about one thing:

Redistricting across the nation.

It happens after every Census and it can decide whether to keep the district lines fairly and reasonably drawn... OR it can amplify or drown your voice in future elections. It is that big a deal. I wrote on this a short while back - foreshadowing the importance that it would have now, Now, NOW!

Dive in for more on both Redistricting and the inevitable Gerrymandering that results below...

How Loyal is the Loyal Opposition?

Originally posted 2009-03-19 12:57:22 -0500. Bumped by carol


From this point on I pledge to stop using the terms "conservative" and "Republican" interchangeably. I'm beginning to realize there's a big difference between the two. Conservatives are loyal and well-meaning Americans of good faith who just happen not to share my opinion of what's in the best interest of America. On the other hand, it has become clear that the Republican Party has crossed the line between the loyal opposition, and subversion.

Am I indulging in radical hyperbole? I don't think so. The American Heritage Dictionary defines subversive as "Intended or serving to subvert, especially intended to overthrow or undermine an established government" (emphasis added).