Blago: Thanks Mr. President for Draining the Swamp....

[Chevy1]

Many in IL are wondering why their former Democratic Governor got a "deal". In addition to being convicted by a jury of his peers, Blago was impeached by a Dem house, convicted by the Senate and removed from office.

Just so we fully appreciate Blago's crimes...he was sent to prison for the below:

1. Extorting the CEO of a children’s hospital by withholding important state funding to help sick children until the CEO provided campaign contributions.
2. Extorting the owners of a racetrack by intentionally holding up the signing of important state legislation until the owners provided campaign contributions in response to an explicit demand for them.
3. Extortionately demanding funding for a high-paying private sector job, as well as campaign contributions, in exchange for naming a replacement to an open U.S. Senate seat.
4. Lying to the FBI to cover up his criminal activity.

Perhaps Trump didn't want it thrown in his face a corrupt Democratic politician was serving time for the kind of corruption Trump has been accused/impeached....the quid pro quo?

Today's Tribune, a "moderate" news source IMO, was full of articles and editorials. One of their "conservative" columnists, John Kass, who vehemently opposed Trump's impeachment and generally rails against everything Democrat or liberal, was even scratching his head today.

Corruption doesn’t much bother the political class. They’ve become immune. But it does infect the people. And that is the sin of it.

Because the people see the connected walking away, Democrats, Republicans, winning pardons, commutations, some crooks fat with federal pensions, and they wonder:

Where’s mine? Where’s my deal?

How do people hold political crooks to account, when they’re forced to find a guy who knows a guy just to get by in a corrupt political environment?

They don’t.

They lower themselves to the standards of their leadership. And the infection grows.

Trump’s commutation of Blagojevich buries presidential promise about ‘draining the swamp’
https://www.chicagotribune.com/colu...0200219-4wj4ugxchnd2zcz3i4f6fojzp4-story.html

 

[MichiganHerd]

Read this link, and get back to me in regard to your thoughts on these people:

https://www.justice.gov/pardon/obama-pardons

 

[MichiganHerd]

Unless of course, you only take exception when POTUS DONALD J TRUMP pardons someone.

 

[Chevy1]

Read this link, and get back to me in regard to your thoughts on these people:

https://www.justice.gov/pardon/obama-pardons

Read the Kass article because it addresses both Clinton and Obama pardons. Also, do Clinton's and Obama's bad decisions somehow exonerate Trump?

I don't recall crowds chanting, "Drain the Swamp" at their political rallies.

 

[WV-FAN]

do Clinton's and Obama's bad decisions somehow exonerate Trump?

absolutely not. but it sure is telling of your hypocrisy when you go on a tangent over trump yet were quiet as a mouse over bummer doing the same.

 

[Chevy1]

Unless of course, you only take exception when POTUS DONALD J TRUMP pardons someone.

Thought the Rich pardon was f'n awful....as well as the Chelsea Manning pardon. Nope....I'm with Mr. Kass on this one...

 

[Chevy1]

absolutely not. but it sure is telling of your hypocrisy when you go on a tangent over trump yet were quiet as a mouse over bummer doing the same.

Really? Let me see if I have this straight. A "deranged liberal Democrat", who opposes the sentence commutation of a corrupt Democrat politician, is a "hypocrite".

I've come to the conclusion "Trumpublicans" no longer maintain a working definition of that word - "hypocrite".

 

[WV-FAN]

Really? Let me see if I have this straight. A "deranged liberal Democrat", who opposes the sentence commutation of a corrupt Democrat politician, is a "hypocrite".

I've come to the conclusion "Trumpublicans" no longer maintain a working definition of that word - "hypocrite".

what does the political affiliation of the person being pardoned have to do with what i stated? you fvckers cry about everything trump. he could write you a personal check for a million $s and you'd bitch because you had to pay taxes on it.

 

[Chevy1]

what does the political affiliation of the person being pardoned have to do with what i stated? you fvckers cry about everything trump. he could write you a personal check for a million $s and you'd bitch because you had to pay taxes on it.

Well, in the politically divided world of Right vs. Left, seems the "left" wouldn't be as opposed to one of its crooks being let off the hook.

Mr. Kass, a conservative columnist and Trump supporter is now, somehow, one of "you guys"?

I suppose the reverse can be said of Trump supporters....where's the line? What could he do that you find objectionable?

There is no line. Trump can do whatever he wants - whatever turd of an idea or action will simply be considered for its texture and aroma... and praised for its perfection in those areas.

 

[i am herdman]

Donald Trump shows mercy and Democrats are mad. Go figure

 

[Chevy1]

Donald Trump shows mercy and Democrats are mad. Go figure

After admiring your posts for a long time, I'm guessing "President Herdman" would have a tough time commuting the sentence of a corrupt Democratic politician. Especially one convicted of extorting a Children's hospital.

 

[WV-FAN]

Well, in the politically divided world of Right vs. Left, seems the "left" wouldn't be as opposed to one of its crooks being let off the hook.

Mr. Kass, a conservative columnist and Trump supporter is now, somehow, "one of you guys"?

I suppose the reverse can be said of Trump supporters....where's the line? What could he do that you find objectionable?

There is no line. Trump can do whatever he wants - whatever turd of an idea or action will simply be considered for its texture and aroma... and its perfection in those areas.

frankly, i think trump supporters tend to look over the stupid shit he pulls because of how divisive the left has made his presidency. zero support even when he does something good. they've done nothing but cry like bitches and attempt to get rid of him since the election. they've only made the support of those who support him stronger and blind to his errs, and have pushed many who were on the fence to his fold. and, for that, i say keep crying, the support of him will only get stronger.

 

[i am herdman]

After admiring your posts for a long time, I'm guessing "President Herdman" would have a tough time commuting the sentence of a corrupt Democratic politician. Especially one convicted of extorting a Children's hospital.

In the overall meaning of my life him letting that guy out a few years early does not effect me at all. But if it is a 30 second talking point for you then have it

 

[Chevy1]

In the overall meaning of my life him letting that guy out a few years early does not effect me at all. But if it is a 30 second talking point for you then have it

Didn't realize you were so soft-hearted. I have a whole new appreciation for you pard.

 

[i am herdman]

Didn't realize you were so soft-hearted. I have a whole new appreciation for you pard.

Of course I do. We have folks in this country with harsh sentences.

 

[Chevy1]

frankly, i think trump supporters tend to look over the stupid shit he pulls because of how divisive the left has made his presidency. zero support even when he does something good. they've done nothing but cry like bitches and attempt to get rid of him since the election. they've only made the support of those who support him stronger and blind to his errs, and have pushed many who were on the fence to his fold. and, for that, i say keep crying, the support of him will only get stronger.

Divisiveness? Takes two to tango. True, there were/are many Dems looking for a reason to get rid of him. Then again, how many Bengazi investigations were there? That's politics.

Conversely, when you consider the trade agreements floated by this administration to the Dem congress, they've been willing to work with the administration - so it's not all "HELL NO!!". However, house bills certainly haven't made any head way.

I believe many who you would consider "deranged liberals" support Trump's negotiations with the Chi-Coms. I certainly will not and have not complained about the Stock mkt.

As stated here before, can you imagine Trump's approval rating if he possessed basic leadership skills...basic human skills. But his lying....Jesus the stuff he's said that's turned out to be 100% false would be damning for any other President.....or any of us for that matter.

 

[WV-FAN]

Divisiveness? Takes two to tango. True, there were/are many Dems looking for a reason to get rid of him. Then again, how many Bengazi investigations were there? That's politics.

Conversely, when you consider the trade agreements floated by this administration to the Dem congress, they've been willing to work with the administration - so it's not all "HELL NO!!". However, house bills certainly haven't made any head way.

I believe many who you would consider "deranged liberals" support Trump's negotiations with the Chi-Coms. I certainly will not and have not complained about the Stock mkt.

As stated here before, can you imagine Trump's approval rating if he possessed basic leadership skills...basic human skills. But his lying....Jesus the stuff he's said that's turned out to be 100% false would be damning for any other President.....or any of us for that matter.

i think what you're trying to say is "if he'd just keep his damn mouth shut and do his job". i agree with that to an extent. however, i like having someone who feeds the bullshit right back. and, for the 1000's of lies you guys like to count, the majority have been off the cuff bullshit statements to get a rise, which goes back to what i stated earlier, just shut the hell up.

in the end, what it mostly boils down to for your ilk . . . feelings.

 

[riflearm2]

We have folks in this country with harsh sentences.

We have folks on this board who can't even form a sentence.

 

[i am herdman]

We have folks on this board who can't even form a sentence.

100% on my test.

 

[Marc22]

absolutely not. but it sure is telling of your hypocrisy when you go on a tangent over trump yet were quiet as a mouse over bummer doing the same.

Amen to that

 

[-CarlHungus-]

These pardons are so dumb.

I don’t like Presidential pardons anyway (regardless of POTUS), but how do you justify this Blago thing? Ugh.

 

[i am herdman]

These pardons are so dumb.

I don’t like Presidential pardons anyway (regardless of POTUS), but how do you justify this Blago thing? Ugh.

He served 8 years. Was sentenced to 14.

That's a pretty severe penalty. Also as we have seen the DOJ has some issues. We might not know all the facts.

 

[-CarlHungus-]

He served 8 years. Was sentenced to 14.

That's a pretty severe penalty. Also as we have seen the DOJ has some issues. We might not know all the facts.

He tried to auction off a US Senate seat and it was caught on a microphone.

I’m not sure what facts would be there that could convince me the President knows better than the judge/jury about what his sentence should be.

 

[GK4Herd]

There were walls built between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches for a reason. This might feel like a touchdown dance now for Trump supporters because of liberal outrage, but you’ll likely scream like hell down the road when a left leaning president oversteps their authority using the precedence being established here.

The president has the right to pardon I suppose, but involving himself in judicial matters like the Roger Stone sentencing recommendations seems like a blatant overreach of executive authority.

 

[GK4Herd]

And the Blagojevich character? That boy ain’t right.

 

[i am herdman]

He tried to auction off a US Senate seat and it was caught on a microphone.

I’m not sure what facts would be there that could convince me the President knows better than the judge/jury about what his sentence should be.

so was serving 8 years enough? What should the punishment be?

 

[i am herdman]

There were walls built between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches for a reason. This might feel like a touchdown dance now for Trump supporters because of liberal outrage, but you’ll likely scream like hell down the road when a left leaning president oversteps their authority using the precedence being established here.

The president has the right to pardon I suppose, but involving himself in judicial matters like the Roger Stone sentencing recommendations seems like a blatant overreach of executive authority.

Kind of like impeaching people for poltical reasons.

What did Trump actually have to gain? The guy is a Democrat in a state Trump likely won't win in the election as it is heavily Democrat. So, what did he gain?

 

[-CarlHungus-]

so was serving 8 years enough? What should the punishment be?

I don’t know anything about sentencing but when you said his sentence was 14 years it didn’t trigger thoughts of injustice.

 

[i am herdman]

I don’t know anything about sentencing but when you said his sentence was 14 years it didn’t trigger thoughts of injustice.

I agree. But, people get off for time served, good behavior, etc. I don't know what Trump's motivation really was. Maybe he felt it was a long sentence and he thought 8 years was enough.

 

[GK4Herd]

I agree. But, people get off for time served, good behavior, etc. I don't know what Trump's motivation really was. Maybe he felt it was a long sentence and he thought 8 years was enough.

He has a soft spot for shysters.

 

[Chevy1]

so was serving 8 years enough? What should the punishment be?

You know....a judge sentenced the guy. I expect Judges have a much better grasp on what's a fair punishment. His lawyers tried to run the sentence by the supreme court, and they said "pass".

 

[i am herdman]

He has a soft spot for shysters.

So what about the drug sentences he reduced?

 

[i am herdman]

You know....a judge sentenced the guy. I expect Judges have a much better grasp on what's a fair punishment. His lawyers tried to run the sentence by the supreme court, and they said "pass".

In all cases judges are correct in sentencing?

 

[Chevy1]

In all cases judges are correct in sentencing?

I accept this judge's experience and expertise. There are guidelines for sentencing, and I'm sure he stuck with those which is probably why the Supreme Court didn't find it necessary to listen to the case.

Blago conditioned legislation for a Childrens hospital to get a campaign contribution....among other things - one of which included attempting to sell Obama's senate seat.

As far as what did Trump get from it? His commutation of Blago supports his position these type of political quid pro quos aren't a big deal. After all, "it was a perfect call."

 

[herdfan06]

Kind of like impeaching people for poltical reasons.

What did Trump actually have to gain? The guy is a Democrat in a state Trump likely won't win in the election as it is heavily Democrat. So, what did he gain?

One less incarcerated former contestant from his show?

 

[i am herdman]

I accept this judges experience and expertise. There are guidelines for sentencing, and I'm sure he stuck with those which is probably why the Supreme Court didn't find it necessary to listen to the case.

Blago conditioned legislation for a Childrens hospital to get a campaign contribution....among other things - one of which included attempting to sell Obama's senate seat.

As far as what did Trump get from it? His commutation of Blago supports his position these type of political quid pro quos aren't a big deal. After all, "it was a perfect call."

Really? So he grants clemmency to a Democrat gov who most people hadn't though of in nearly a decade to show thest types of quid pro quo are not a big deal?

Are you serious? If anything this was a negative PR hit for him.

 

[Chevy1]

Really? So he grants clemmency to a Democrat gov who most people hadn't though of in nearly a decade to show thest types of quid pro quo are not a big deal?

Are you serious? If anything this was a negative PR hit for him.

Question 1 - yes. Also, it's a shot at Comey because he and Blago's prosecutor were friends. In addition, Blago's bride frequents the Presidential News Network

Question 2 - Negative PR? There's absolutely NOTHING he could do that would perceived as "negative" by you or the rest of the collective, and he doesn't care what the rest of us think.

 

[GK4Herd]

Question 1 - yes. Also, it's a shot at Comey because he and Blago's prosecutor were friends. In addition, Blago's bride frequents the Presidential News Network

Question 2 - Negative PR? There's absolutely NOTHING he could do that would perceived as "negative" by you or the rest of the collective, and he doesn't care what the rest of us think.

Hitting the nail on the head.

 

[raleighherdfan]

Are Dems really pretending that all presidential pardons are, not, a politically motivated act?

 

[WV-FAN]

this is classic. people for the party who support lighter sentencing and early release for non-violent criminals crying because non-violent criminals have been given early release. seriously, can't make this shit up.

EDIT: with hypocrite libs behind the keyboard, no need to make anything of the sort up, it's actually anticipated and expected.