Long time no blog. I'm back and I bring gifts. Surprise gifts even.
A couple days ago, our fluffy friend Mexico Governor Bill Richardson withdrew his name from the Obama cabinet as the next secretary of Commerce. I didn't see this one coming folks. I needed to get the scoop on Richardson for two reasons:
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I liked Richardson's public persona. The man comes across as a down to earth and lovable person who deserves a fair-shake
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These ethics/conduct issues are getting downright ridiculous. Stevens, Blagojevich, Edwards, Palin, Spitzer and now Richardson. What's the deal?
Richardson, Not You Too?
Enough already! It's almost enough to make you vote independent.
Of course, as in any of these situations, it's the loyal supporters who hurt most. The people who actually believe in the big dummies who grease their palms with money or lubricating oils betraying their offices and their oaths for personal gains and fun times. The Richardson situation is particularly sad. I don't want to suggest all Hispanics supported Richardson, but it's likely the guy has given a good portion of the Hispanic community a real sense of pride over the years. Think not? Okay, name another Latino American with as much political notoriety as Richardson?
Take your time. I'll wait.
It's okay. I was shocked that I couldn't name anyone close either.
Until now folks were used to Richardson yucking it up, enjoying his shine on the national stage. Richardson was/is a powerhouse and he was all set to continue his powerful cutting and scratching on the political wheels of steal all the way up until last Sunday when his turntable needle snapped in half and flew across the room.
I know what you're thinking. So why the drama?
Richardson Plays Footsie with Donors
The FEDS say Richardson was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. The Mexico Governor is accused of playing politics as usual, doing the hokie-pokie, passing around government contract awards in exchange for $100K in donations to "Si, Se Puede", an organization Richardson formed to cover his expenses at the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. That's right folks. These allegations/charges are not new charges. Bill Richardson has been under investigation for this ethics crap since way back in 2004. We're talking 4 or 5 long ass years.
Crooked Is As Crooked Does
Answer me this America, what's the deal with all of these politicians? How can you know you're under investigation and still be bold enough to run for President, Congress, Senate seats or Cabinet positions? I don't get it. Do you actually think your legal troubles will magically melt away and no one will ever find out?
Maybe these egomaniac pols believe if they win their elections they'll then have the power to disappear any and all of their legal issues? There's gotta be a reasonable explanation because if I was under investigation I wouldn't run for a seat on a bus, let alone a Senate seat.
In All fairness to Governor Richardson....
Richardson denies any wrong-doing, but if he did nothing wrong why couldn't he be upfront and honest with the Obama Team back when they tapped him for the cabinet slot? BR, if you did nothing wrong why not get out in-front of this thing during the nomination run? Maybe it's just me, but when people say they have nothing to hide, I tend to think they have a lot of stuff to hide especially when they hide it.
Can America watch yet another popular political powerhouse perform a highly public, extremely embarrassing face-plant?
Si, Se Puede America. Si, Se Puede!