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From: Marc Perkel
Date: Oct. 15, 2006
Re: Which scandal hurts Republicans more?
Just when Republicans were hoping to take the focus off the cybersex scandal that forced Mark Foley (R-FL16) to resign, Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH18) pleaded guilty to bribery and corruption charges in a string of scandals linked to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Will this string of corrupt congressmen and ex-congressmen -- from Tom DeLay to Duke Cunningham -- hurt the GOP more than Foley?
Or are they worse off with the sex scandals of gay Republicans Foley and Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-AZ8) and the gay prostitute Jeff Gannon (R-Talon News) who posed as a White House press correspondent and had full access to President Bush?
I think the sex scandal hurts the GOP more.
Everyone already knows that Republicans are financially corrupt, so the money scandals are nothing new to voters. It is generally known that Republicans take bribes and take care of those who take care of them. After all, we have seen checks from K Street lobbyists passed out on the floor of the House of Representatives during votes that affect those who are making those donations.
But Republican sex scandals are somewhat more rare. During the Clinton impeachment, Republicans were exposed in several heterosexual scandals -- and several lost their jobs. But these recent gay scandals are far newer to the Republican party -- and it is my opinion that new scandals hurt Republicans more than old ones.
Of course, both sides might be wrong and people will get tired of the daily body count from the Iraq war and vote against that.
Or maybe the drip-drip-drip of bad news will just put voters in a mood to "drain the swamp" and throw them all out.
I'm Marc Perkel - And I approved this message!
Readers Sound Off!
Fill in the blank: "I think the Democrats should control Congress after the elections because..."
Alexandra T., Forest Hills: "... we need seperation of church and state for a true democracy. The Republicans have done just the opposite, trying to merge religion and politics. This is just wrong, and our right to a democratic free nation is being challenged by their self-righteous smear campaigns in a bid to win elections. Enough is enough, and the Republicans have to go to save Americans' and the world's right to govern."
Patricia K., New Jersey: "... they are more family friendly as a whole. They usually are labor friendly as well. As Vice President of a small local union, my membership needs these types of politicians in power."
Bob B, Jersey City: "... there has developed an intense culture of people selling influence -- or using their influence against others unfairly -- primarily by Republicans. We need to get back to the issues and start solving some problems!"
Sandra K.: "... the Republicans are completely corrupt and without scruples. Congress must protect our civil liberties, the environment, and not spend our tax dollars for the benefit of big business. The Democrats are far from perfect, but they're better than the Republicans. The policies of the Bush administration have been disastrous, the war in Iraq is a travesty and it is time that the Democrats take the reins."
Mara: "... democracy needs a two-party system with checks and balances, just like we learned in civics class -- WHEN there was civics class!"
John R.: "... I am not a part of the 1% that have benifitted under the (Republican) regime."
"flamura": "... I think the Rebublican Congress have led us in the wrong direction, both on the international and domestic front. They have lost their moral compass and act blinded by power. Our country is goverened by rule of law, and once one believes one is above the law and does not honor the Constitution, our democracy is doomed."
Stewart from Sound Beach: "... the Republicans have failed this nation miserably in the war on terrorism, have utterly failed morally and ethically, and have squandered America's treasure on ill-planned and ill-advised policies. Their actions have made us hated in the world. Ironically, despite controlling the White House and both chambers of Congress, they blame the Democrats for everything that goes wrong. This action shows they have only utter contempt for the intellectual capacity of the citizens of this country. As a long time Republican, I now realize the Republican party has become a danger to the well-being of this nation. From the President on down, the Republican party is characterized by incompetence, corruption, arrogance, sleaziness, and greed. They seem more concerned with serving their corporate masters than the people that elected them. They have perverted their positions of authority to prey on those less fortunate, destroyed the social safety nets, and have failed to live up to their promise to make America a better and safer place. This nation cannot afford to stay with the party of greed and ruin. I firmly believe that the Republican party has forgotten it's original purpose so badly that it will continue to remain servant to the CEOs and religious zealots for the forseeable future. This is why I now believe that Democrats should control Congress after the mid-term elections?
From: Marc Perkel
Re: Election 2006 is about Reality vs. Denial
Date: Oct. 15, 2006
This election isn't about Republicans vs. Democrats. It's about Reality vs. Denial.
We can either vote to accept reality and change course or we can vote for denial and stay on the wrong path for another 2 years.
The thing about reality is that reality doesn't go away. How bad do things have to get before we vote to drain the swamp?
I'm Marc Perkel - And I approved this message!
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