The Chicago Way: Judgeships for Demcare votes?

By Michelle Malkin  •  March 3, 2010 11:24 PM

There are no coincidences in Obama world, I’ve joked many times on this blog.

This one looks like a quid pro quo, smells like a quid pro quo, and quacks like a quid pro quo:

Tonight, Barack Obama will host ten House Democrats who voted against the health care bill in November at the White House; he’s obviously trying to persuade them to switch their votes to yes. One of the ten is Jim Matheson of Utah. The White House just sent out a press release announcing that today President Obama nominated Matheson’s brother Scott M. Matheson, Jr. to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

Let us consider the possibility, for a brief moment, that it is merely coincidence.

Is the White House so fantastically blind and tone-deaf that it failed to detect the blood-red flags and blaring alarm bells that Scott Matheson’s judicial nomination would raise coming on the very day President Obama is wooing his brother, Jim?

Incorrigibly corrupt or incorrigibly stupid. Take your pick.

***

Allahpundit reminds us of Obama’s words this afternoon: “I will do everything in my power to make the case for reform.”

Whatever it takes: Borrow, bully, bribe.

It’s the Chicago Way. It’s the Demcare way. And it stinks to high heaven.

***

GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann calls for an investigation: “What in the world is going on in the White House?”

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Comments


  1. #1
    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:33 pm, Pasadena Phil said:

    I’m sure that when Matheson returns to the House chambers, the Republicans will subject him to a firestorm of the dirtiest looks he ever got in his life. He’ll probably be emotionally scarred for life. That’s what happens when you get on the wrong side of those out of control Republicans.

  2. #2
    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:39 pm, wildcat84 said:

    (former) congressman William Jefferson (Democrat), Louisiana is now wondering what the heck he’s doing in jail.

  3. #3
    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:39 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    By any means necessary.

    – Malcolm X

    You will never get real freedom and recognition between black and white people in this country without destroying the country, without destroying the present political system, without destroying the present economic system, without rewriting the entire constitution. It will be a complete destruction of everything that America supposedly stands for.

    – Malcolm X

    Only Malcolm X’s autobiography seemed to offer something different. His repeated acts of self-creation spoke to me. The blunt poetry of his words. His unadorned insistence on respect. He promised a new and uncompromising order, martial in its discipline.

    – Barack Hussein Obama

  4. #4
    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:41 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Incorrigibly corrupt or incorrigibly stupid. Take your pick.

    Both.

  5. #5
    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:43 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    Any Democrats left who are embarassed by their leader?

  6. #6
    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:49 pm, d1carter said:

    I will say this again…there is going to be trouble.

  7. #7
    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:55 pm, Roland said:

    Incorrigibly corrupt or incorrigibly stupid. Take your pick.

    Nobody is that stupid.

    They are so incredibly corrupt they do not even realize it is corrupt.

    “Hey,” They say, “It’s not illegal, so what’s the problem?”

  8. #8
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:12 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Just words?

    This culture of corruption is an affront to the idea of a representative democracy, and its consequences are devastating…

    Democrats declare that it is time to end the culture of corruption prevailing through all levels of government. We are committed to immediate change to lead this country in a new direction, to put an end to business as usual, and to make certain this nation’s leaders serve the people’s interests, not special interests. Our responsibility to our constituents and to our nation is to represent all of the people, not just the powerful.

    Our goal is to restore accountability, honesty and openness at all levels of government. To do so, we will create and enforce rules that demand the highest ethics from every public servant, sever unethical ties between lawmakers and lobbyists, and establish clear standards that prevent the trading of official business for gifts.

    Honest leadership is not a partisan goal…

    - From the “HONEST LEADERSHIP AND OPEN GOVERNMENT” section of A NEW DIRECTION FOR AMERICA

    Just words?

  9. #9
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:16 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    But my journey is part of a larger journey – one shared by all who’ve ever sought to apply the values of their faith to our society. It’s a journey that takes us back to our nation’s founding, when none other than a UCC church inspired the Boston Tea Party and helped bring an Empire to its knees.

    - Barack Hussein Obama
    June 23, 2007

  10. #10
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:25 am, Flyoverman said:

    “Whatever it takes” are the rules of the game. Works both ways and works for me. Sweet.

    Time for bayonets and entrenching tools.

  11. #11
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:34 am, vickisoup said:

    You know what? I can’t keep up with the rapid-fire corruption anymore. I’m actually losing sleep over it!
    :shock:

  12. #12
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:39 am, DesertLover said:

    Nothing has changed in Chicago since the days of Al Capone except the names of the players … now those same people are running D.C. …

  13. #13
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:50 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Founded in Chicago in 1919, the Communist Party of the United States has an outstanding history in the struggles for peace, democratic rights, racial and gender equality, economic justice, union organization, and international solidarity. Our Party is organized on the principle of democratic centralism, combining maximum democratic discussion and decision-making with maximum unity of will and action, ensuring our ability to play a strong organizing role in the class struggle. We focus our efforts on increasing our ability to organize millions into struggle, fighting anti-communism as a divisive weapon of the capitalist class. With Marxism-Leninism guiding our actions, the Communist Party strives to build the broadest unity against global capitalist imperialism now headed by U.S. imperialism, for immediate gains and reforms that benefit working people, and for a progressive democratization of the government, the economy, and society of our country on the road to and after winning socialism.

  14. #14
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:59 am, tbear44 said:

    GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann calls for an investigation: “What in the world is going on in the White House?”

    I am sure the MSM is on the case! :roll:

  15. #15
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:05 am, txvet2 said:

    C’mon, Chappie, explain to us how we’re just overreacting and that there’s absolutely wrong with this and statistically (statistics courtesy: Daily Kos) the Republicans do this far more often than Democrats.

  16. #16
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:07 am, JodyT said:

    I miss the good ol’ days of just renting out the Lincoln bedroom.

  17. #17
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:40 am, rightwingrocker said:

    I miss the good ol’ days of just renting out the Lincoln bedroom.

    Clinton was a choirboy compared to this nutjob.

    RWR
    http://www.rightwingrocker.com

  18. #18
    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:23 am, wren said:

    What were the other 9 Democrat dinner guests promised in order to buy their votes?

    Call their offices in the morning to find out!

    CONGRESSMAN JASON ALTMIRE
    202-225-2565

    CONGRESSMAN BOYD
    202-225-5235

    CONGRESSMAN LINCOLN DAVIS
    202-225-6831

    CONGRESSMAN HERSETH – SANDLER
    202-225-2801

    CONGRESSMAN FRANK KRATOVIL
    202-225-5311

    CONGRESSMAN BETSY MARKEY
    202-225-4676

    CONGRESSMAN JIM MATTHESON
    202-225-3011

    CONGRESSMAN HEATH SHULER
    202-225-6401

    CONGRESSMAN JOHN TANNER
    202-225-4714

    CONGRESSMAN SCOTT MURPHY
    202-225-5614

  19. #19
    On March 4th, 2010 at 5:16 am, mattm said:

    I’m sure the NYTimes, CBS and other media outlets will get right on this. Not!

    We have out of control, corrupt politicians and a MSM that sees no problem with it, because they support them.

  20. #20
    On March 4th, 2010 at 6:58 am, zorro said:

    Mr. Obama has disgraced the Office of the President of the United States. Again.

  21. #21
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:02 am, et said:

    This healthcare bill needs a Independent or Special Prosecutor amendment.

  22. #22
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:04 am, guitarplayer said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 6:58 am, zorro said:

    Mr. Obama has disgraced the Office of the President of the United States. Again.

    FIFY.

  23. #23
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:16 am, swede said:

    Roland said:

    Nobody is that stupid.

    “Stupid is as stupid does.” – Mrs. Gump.

    There seems to be some disagreement as to whether this administration is more stupid or more currupt. IMHO they go together. Don’t you have to have a rather monumental level of stupidity to employ the Cornhusker Kickback, the Louisiana Purchase, the Florida Flip-Flop, reconciliation and now this – and not know the resulting defecation will hit the fan?

    They are so incredibly corrupt they do not even realize it is corrupt.

    “They’re not gonna catch us. We’re on a mission from God!” – Elwood Blues

    Elwood Obama’s rhetoric is so good, he believes it himself. In his relativistic egghead world, he is on a mission from God to save the planet from itself, so extortion, coercion and bribery are moral, ethical and necessary, since the end of collective utopia justifies the means.

    That, or he’s just stupid and/or corrupt. ;-)

  24. #24
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:19 am, gridlock said:

    Call Congressmen Altmire, Boyd, Davis, Herseth-Sandler, Kratovil, Markey, Shuler, Tanner and Murphy, and tell them that Congressman Matheson got a Federal Judgeship for his vote, and ask them what they got for theirs. Chances are, they sold out for much, much less.

  25. #25
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:24 am, ACHefty said:

    …failed to detect the blood-red flags…

    Of course, they didn’t fail to detect red flags. Communists and socialists love red flags. That’s their banner! They follow the red flag. They embrace the red flag.

    Che would be proud.

  26. #26
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:25 am, gridlock said:

    The ironic thing is that if they had listened to Senator Ben Nelson, instead of buying him off with the Cornhusker Kickback, Obamacare would be a done deal. Stupak would be satisfied with the anti-abortion language in the Senate bill, and this thing would have been put to bed a long time ago.

    But, instead, they had to buy him off, to make sure he didn’t save them from themselves.

    Someday, the Donks are going to figure out how to nationalize health care.

    They are going to map out the incremental steps to get to where they’re going, and take four years and make those steps, one by one.

    Someday they are going to realize that they can provide elective abortions for every poor woman who wants one with money that could be easily raised from private sources, and stop insisting on paying for them with Federal funds.

    Someday they will figure this all out. Thankfully, today is not that day.

  27. #27
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:54 am, tarpon said:

    It’s going to be a really long impeachment list.

  28. #28
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:01 am, tarpon said:

    Obamacare needs a special prosecutor …

  29. #29
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:33 am, cicerokid said:

    Though few have been tarred and feathered or ridden out of town on a rail in recent years, the expression remains to describe anyone subjected to indignity and infamy.” From “Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins” by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997).

    Time for a revival.

  30. #30
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:44 am, happyscrapper said:

    This country is infested with progessivism. It is sick, disgusting, corrupt, and it must be stopped!! This corruption goes all the way up to and including the POTUS. He is no longer even bothering to hide it. Why is that? That fact alone is scaring me a lot. What are they planning, and will we have a way out?

  31. #31
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:44 am, Truesoldier said:

    I just got this CBS News poll on Obama emailed to me. Take it, see the results, and then check out the comments. I think you would be surprised.

  32. #32
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:45 am, historian said:

    Founded in Chicago in 1919, the Communist Party of the United States

    The communists party was influential in politics in this country long before 1919. There were numerous politicians and generals in the union during the civil war who were great supporters of Karl Marx, several were close friends and supporters including assistant secretary of war Charles Dana,General Joseph Weydmeyer,and General August Willich just to name a few.Marx himself was a regular writer for the New York Tribune

  33. #33
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:46 am, sbw999 said:

    Nice work Michelle. Obama is as corrupt as the day is long. If only we had a real free press in this Country. This type of corruption is what they are supposed to expose.

  34. #34
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:51 am, Hank said:

    B-A-N-A-N-A
    R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C

  35. #35
    On March 4th, 2010 at 9:06 am, Ron said:

    I knew Rep. Jim Mattheson’s dad, former Utah Gov. Scott Mattheson, the namesake for the new judge. I tried to call the Congressman’s office today, but the voice mail box was full. I know there are no coincidences in Obamaland, but I hope the integrity of Jim Mattheson’s father will prevent him from being bought off by these corrupt-o-crats. Scott Mattheson was a decent man, a Democrat in a conservative state, not a radical leftist like the ones leading the party today. Honestly? If we had more Democrats like the old school, this wouldn’t be happening, but the party has been taken over by the radical left.

  36. #36
    On March 4th, 2010 at 9:21 am, Savage24 said:

    What did Nancy say, the most open, most ethical government in the history of the country. The sad thing is that the “useful idiots” will continue to vote for these corrupt SOB’s. We need some real “rules of engagement” to get rid of this self-serving government we have today, guns, ropes,and pitchforks will work.

  37. #37
    On March 4th, 2010 at 9:32 am, Durangodarlin said:

    Nixon’s transgressions pale compared to this adminstration’s shenanigans. He is no more preserving, protecting, or defending the Constitution of the United States than a jack rabbit!

  38. #38
    On March 4th, 2010 at 9:57 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:24 am, ACHefty said:

    …failed to detect the blood-red flags

    Of course, they didn’t fail to detect red flags. Communists and socialists love red flags. That’s their banner! They follow the red flag. They embrace the red flag.

    Indeed!

    Remember the president of NY NOW telling us [the Communist Party USA] she wanted to see lots of red flags at the March for Women’s Lives. And the chair of ACORN and Working Families Party [Bertha Lewis] who called upon us [the Communist Party USA] as family to make our contribution known. Did we respond? YES, we responded!

    [Note that the CPUSA scrubbed that page, but not before I archived it!]

    Che would be proud.

    Indeed.

  39. #39
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:02 am, no2pcbs1 said:

    zero is a typical chicago politician, corrupt to the core and using bribes out in the open since he knows no one will say a thing. after all he has surrounded himself with others that are just like him, septic tank dwellers who should be serving time in jail not dc.

  40. #40
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:13 am, GladzKravtz said:

    You will never get real freedom and recognition between black and white people in this country without destroying the country, without destroying the present political system, without destroying the present economic system, without rewriting the entire constitution. It will be a complete destruction of everything that America supposedly stands for.

    – Malcolm X

    There it is. Plain as day.
    Thanks Redpill.

  41. #41
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:18 am, GladzKravtz said:

    President Obama nominated Matheson’s brother Scott M. Matheson, Jr. to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

    RE:Brother Scott
    Maybe he will turn it down. He would have the rest of his life knowing he didn’t justly earn that position. Conscience, it’s a heavy thing (for the decent).

  42. #42
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:36 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    If Judge Matheson accepts the nomination to the United States Court of Appeals, how could he ever be trusted to be impartial?

    This is “pay to play” in our Federal Judiciary!

    Conversely, let’s see Rep. Matheson vote “No” on Obamacare, and see if Obama & Co. still let Judge Matheson take a seat on the Court of Appeals. My bet is that if Rep. Matheson votes “No”, then the “progressives” will do everything they can to ruin the careers of both Matheson brothers.

  43. #43
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:41 am, aero said:

    Itooktheredpill, good job. Now, about this Obamma, he’s pretty rotten all right. No need for me to preach to the choir about that. Choir, point out to your families and associates exactly how we came to this sorry state of government. Specificly, Americans have been asleep at the controls for decades. Choir, help them wake up. How could we expect anything BUT this trainwreck?

  44. #44
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:47 am, J S Ragman said:

    On March 3rd, 2010 at 11:55 pm, Roland said:

    They are so incredibly corrupt they do not even realize it is corrupt.

    As I think back to my days as a Westpac sailor, I seem to recall that most of the hookers in Olongapo City didn’t think there was anything wrong with being a hooker either.

  45. #45
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:50 am, DBNinKY said:

    GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann calls for an investigation: “What in the world is going on in the White House?

    I agree w/ Rep. Bachmann – they’re really pushing the bribery envelope to the very edge.

    Imagine if a Republican in the White House had tried this – the media would have been investigating to the max when there was the first hint of impropriety, screaming for impeachment all the way!

  46. #46
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:56 am, John Deaux said:

    The only way either of the Mathesons can save any integrity is to politely say no. Scott to the judgeship, Tim to Obamacare.

  47. #47
    On March 4th, 2010 at 10:56 am, GladzKravtz said:

    Imagine if a Republican in the White House had tried this

    DBNinKY, I wonder if this is what that phrase “business as usual in Washington” really means.
    I have all this outrage for the Dems. Going forward, the Repubs can not (or no longer?) do this if/when they get into the majority (or whenever).

  48. #48
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:06 am, babiesgrandma said:

    DBNinKY said: Imagine if a Republican in the White House had tried this

    There’s a good way to measure the liberal-ness of the news: WWTMSMDIBHDSI ?
    What Would the MainStreamMedia Do If Bush Had Done/Said It?

  49. #49
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:09 am, ITookTheRedPill said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:06 am, babiesgrandma said:

    What Would the MainStreamMedia Do If Bush Had Done/Said It?

    Please don’t refer to the “MSM” as “MainStreamMedia”.

    They are more accurately referred to as the “MarxistSocialistMedia”.

  50. #50
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:14 am, ITookTheRedPill said:
  51. #51
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:24 am, Dimsdale said:

    “Incorrigibly corrupt or incorrigibly stupid. Take your pick.”

    Unfortunately, they are not mutually exclusive. Dems can be, and mostly are, both.

    I lean towards the stupid option for the president, which is why he hides his college transcripts. Every day he demonstrates why affirmative action is a joke and a detriment to the nation.

  52. #52
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:27 am, Mach1Duck said:

    I believe in the Constitution of the United States of America. I have fought for it, and will continue to defend it.
    Why?
    It is the single most important document written by men expressing their views and their expression of Freedom. The authors and signers of these documents saw firsthand oppression, tyranny, corruption of power, elitist manipulation of laws, and suppression of individuals. They put their lives on the line to support these views, not the lives of other citizens but their own lives and livelihood. They did not send the children of others to fight their war, but stood in the front ranks along with their fellow citizens, this was their conviction.
    I will not stand in defiance of progress, but when the elitist raise their ugly agenda and attempt to ram it down the throats of protesting citizens, it is time to call a halt to their campaign, and I for one will stand before them in protest and force of arms if necessary. As in the conflicts surrounding the founding of this nation, the citizens will rise to defend their rights of freedom. No tyrant, or tyrannical ideology will long stand before them.

  53. #53
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:27 am, happyscrapper said:

    RedPill…You have pulled a lot of great information together. I know I have said this before, but THANKS for all your very informative posts! I soak them up like a sponge and feel like I am learning so much.

  54. #54
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:32 am, Jvette said:

    Just haggling over the price now, heh?

  55. #55
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:41 am, Lindsay said:

    Just more fist-bumping Rahm-jive from the Chicago WH to get their bill (and Obama’s legacy) passed; no matter if it takes bribery and threats; no matter what the cost to the nation’s economy and health care. Nothing to see here, as it will get worse. Carry on.

  56. #56
    On March 4th, 2010 at 11:57 am, NJ-Aviator said:

    today President Obama nominated Matheson’s brother Scott M. Matheson, Jr. to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit.

    Obama. Once a crook, always a crook. The look on his face standing in front of the fake doctors in fake white coats yesterday says it all.

    He’s mad that he Americans do not agree with him and his socialist policies. So he’s gonna do whatever he wants. It’s his ball and bat and no one else can play.

  57. #57
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:20 pm, greenfairie said:

    This is the sort of thing you’d see happening in Latin America. Or Africa.

  58. #58
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:20 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Thank you, happyscrapper, for your kind words.

    I am just doing what I can to fight for freedom, supporting and defending our Constitution. Some serve in our military and use a gun to do so. I am using a keyboard. Both the 1st and the 2nd amendments are absolutely essential to defending our freedoms.

    And freedom is worth fighting for.

    Give me liberty, or give me death!

    - Patrick Henry

  59. #59
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:29 pm, Rogue Cheddar said:

    Instead of vote early, vote often, I reccomend impeach early and impeach often! Get this charlatan out of my WhiteHouse!

  60. #60
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:32 pm, Virginia Patriot said:

    If only we had a free press to expose these corrupticrats……….

    Thanks Michelle, for doing the job the State Run Media refuse to do.

    We are becoming more like Venezuela every day. Che Chavez Obama will do whatever it takes to transform the U.S. into his vision of the People’s Paradise where everyone is equally miserable.

  61. #61
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:43 pm, zyzzyg said:

    What are the other nine lawmakers recieving? Judgeships for the qualified members of their families, too?

    Yeah, the optics are bad, but it is unlikely that there was any quid pro quo.

  62. #62
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:58 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    As this post relates to both Obama and the Judiciary, think about this…

    Elementary catechism on the Constitution of the United States : for the use of schools (1828)

    The catechism makes it clear that a person is not eligible to be elected to hold the office of Representative unless they are 25 years old and have been a citizen of the United States, not a citizen or subject of any other country, for at least the last 7 years of their life.

    Q: How old must a person be before he can be chosen a Member of the House of Representatives?

    A: Twenty-five years old.

    Q: May a person be chosen who has just come into the United States, and who is a subject of some other country (that means, who is bound to obey the laws of some other country)?

    A: No. Any person, to be chosen a Member of our House of Representatives, must either have been born in the United States, or must have been naturalized seven years before he is chosen.

    Q: Naturalized? What does that mean?

    A: A person who was born in another country and comes to live in this, is not owned as a citizen of the United States till he has lived among us a certain time; and then, (after knowing something of our laws and customs), has taken a solemn oath to obey the government. He is then admitted as a citizen of our republic. This is called naturalization; and once naturalized, he is allowed to choose the rulers, and do other things, the same as if he had been born among us.

    It follows that one is not eligible to be elected to hold the office of Senator unless they are 30 years old and have been a citizen of the United States, not a citizen or subject of any other country, for at least the last 9 years of their life.

    And it follows that one is not eligible to be elected to hold the office of President unless they are 35 years old and have been a citizen of the United States, not a citizen or subject of any other country, for their entire life.

    Anyone who has ever been a citizen or subject of any other country is not eligible to hold the office of President and Commander in Chief.

    Why?

    It’s a matter of national security. The first President agreed with the first Chief Justice when he wrote:

    “Permit me to hint, whether it would be wise and seasonable to provide a strong check to the admission of Foreigners into the administration of our national Government; and to declare expressly that the Commander in Chief of the American Army shall not be given to nor devolve on, any but a natural born Citizen.”

    Our military is not to be commanded by anyone who has ever been a citizen or subject of a foreign country.

    For Obama, “his Kenyan citizenship” (preceeded by his British subjecthood) disqualifies him. He is not eligible to hold the office of President and Commander in Chief.

    If the “birth narrative” that “Barack Hussein Obama II” and his camapaign have told is truthful, then by both natural law and man-made law he was born a British Subject regarless of his birth location.

    Natural law:

    By the law of nature alone, children follow the condition of their fathers, and enter into all their rights (§ 212); the place of birth produces no change in this particular, and cannot, of itself, furnish any reason for taking from a child what nature has given him

    Man-made law:

    “When Barack Obama Jr. was born on Aug. 4,1961, in Honolulu, Kenya was a British colony, still part of the United Kingdom’s dwindling empire. As a Kenyan native, Barack Obama Sr. was a British subject whose citizenship status was governed by The British Nationality Act of 1948. That same act governed the status of Obama Sr.‘s children.

    Since Sen. Obama has neither renounced his U.S. citizenship nor sworn an oath of allegiance to Kenya, his Kenyan citizenship automatically expired on Aug. 4,1982.”

    If the “birth narrative” is truthful, he was born a British subject. Later, when Kenya gained independence, he gained Kenyan citizenship, but according to Leo Donofrio’s analysis of British law, Obama never lost his British subjecthood/citizenship. While the Kenyan citizenship may have expired (how do we really know whether or not Obama swore an oath of allegiance to Kenya?… he cared enough about the government of that country to go there and actively campaign for his favored candidate).

    Obama’s own campaign web site, under the subheading “FactCheck.org Clarifies Barack’s Citizenship”, used the words “his Kenyan citizenship”. Where did “his Kenyan citizenship” come from?

    If anyone wants to claim that Obama was born a “natural born citizen” of the United States, with no subjecthood to a foreign country, then please explain: Where did “his Kenyan citizenship” come from?

  63. #63
    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:59 pm, Mister P said:

    At what point does he get impreached?

  64. #64
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:00 pm, ThatSamIAm said:

    NOVEMBER 2010: WHEN THE AMERICAN PEOPLE USE THE NUCLEAR OPTION

  65. #65
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:18 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:43 pm, zyzzyg said:

    Yeah, the optics are bad, but it is unlikely that there was any quid pro quo.

    Oh Z.., my man, my brother, let me explain this in “flyover speak.”

    “If it looks like a duck, and it walks like a duck and it quacks ……..”

    That pretty much captures the conclusion one should reach.

  66. #66
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:29 pm, CJ said:

    They are so incredibly corrupt they do not even realize it is corrupt.

    There’s a certain element of truth there.

    I’ve traveled to a certain Central American country (that I shall leave nameless) a number of times, and what really blew me away was how in the open the corruption was. And then I began to realize that bribery, paybacks, etc. are so endemic, so ingrained into the fabric of the culture, people there didn’t even realize that in my country such behaviors are considered corrupt.

    This is the way business is done in Chicago. It’s not done in secret, and the people in this administration have been surrounded by these behaviors for their entire lives. They wouldn’t recognize corruption if it were labeled in 4-inch print — because it’s “normal” to them. Does a fish know it lives in water?

  67. #67
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:31 pm, AlohaGuy said:

    If anyone wants to claim that Obama was born a “natural born citizen” of the United States, with no subjecthood to a foreign country, then please explain: Where did “his Kenyan citizenship” come from?

    And I’m still curious – did he claim to be Kenyan or Indonesian on any college or scholarship apps?

    Let me answer – no, any reasonable person would spend millions of dollars to prevent disclosing innocent documents, just because money is so easy to come by…ok, not.

  68. #68
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:37 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    The House vote on the Senate bill is too critical for the progressives to screw it up… they can’t afford to bring it to a vote and have it not pass, because they won’t have a second chance.
    (If I’m wrong here, and it could be brought up a second time after a failed first attempt, then someone please correct me.)

    They can’t start over in the Senate without being forced to be bipartisan. So they must pass this Senate bill in the House or it’s all over for the progressives.

    I say all that to say this:

    Pelosi will only bring it to the floor for a vote when she knows she has the votes to pass it.

    If she brings it to the floor, it is too late to call your Congressman… they won’t listen to you, and have already pledged their vote to Pelosi.

    If your Representative is a Democrat, call then NOW, not later.

  69. #69
    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:39 pm, zyzzyg said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 1:18 pm, Flyoverman said: #80

    Oh Z.., my man, my brother, let me explain this in “flyover speak.”

    “If it looks like a duck, and it walks like a duck and it quacks ……..”

    That pretty much captures the conclusion one should reach.

    There are no rules governing the response to comments, however you only addressed part of my comment. How about the rest of my post?

    “What are the other nine lawmakers recieving? Judgeships for the qualified members of their families, too?”

    And no, it is not enough evidence to conclude anything. I’d like to know what the other nine legislators are getting. Wouldn’t you?

  70. #70
    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:17 pm, Flyoverman said:

    And no, it is not enough evidence to conclude anything. I’d like to know what the other nine legislators are getting. Wouldn’t you?

    Start with the Rezko deal and work your way forward. Each of these DOZENS of incidents appears to be mutually exclusive events in your analysis of Obama. Bill Ayers, Reverend Wright, Mel Martinez’s bribery attempt revelation, how many withdrawn cabinets appointees with tax and ethics problems, Eric Holder’s conduct, Obama’s numerous documented LIES (eg. Healthacre on C-span), his prior comments on single payer, his 2005 comments on not using reconciliation, and on and on and on and on.

    Z, you treat this like a courtroom. I view it as a former/current leader of people. For a leader to be effective they must CONSISTENTLY deomonstrate openness, integrity, candor, and a willingness to lead the way and take responsibility.

    Obama has a HUGE trust and integrity problem he has brought on himself.

    Based on “d – all of the above” you are darn right I am going to view his giving a judgeship in thisnstance with suspiscion. He’s earned my suspiscion.

    You want to know what the others are getting? I want to know what they may be potentially getting or threatened with.

    I also want Obama’s academic records unsealed, as well as his birth certificate. If you want to blame someone for my insistent attitude,blame Bush.

    Bush released all kinds of records he did not need to including his military records that ENDED all comment about his military service.

    Given Obama’s history and conduct to date, there is no basis to give the man a pass on anything. Perception of a leader means everything.

  71. #71
    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:42 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:17 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Bravo!

    Very well said, sir!

  72. #72
    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:47 pm, John Deaux said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 12:43 pm, zyzzyg said:
    What are the other nine lawmakers recieving? Judgeships for the qualified members of their families, too?

    Yeah, the optics are bad, but it is unlikely that there was any quid pro quo.

    Behold! This right here is the reason Dems get a pass on every act of corruption. People like this have no limit on the number of times the “it’s just a coincidence” card can be used.

  73. #73
    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:53 pm, JustAThought said:

    Incorrigibly corrupt or incorrigibly stupid. Take your pick.

    Ah, Ms. Malkin, therein lies the problem. With the current regime in Washington, what makes you think this is an either/or proposition?

  74. #74
    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:59 pm, Flyoverman said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:42 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:

    Very well said, sir!

    Thank you. When I was writing about Obama’s sealed records, your many past eloquent comments on those subjects were on my mind.

    PLEASE….. Keep up the fight.

    The simple release of those documents would end all the conspiracy discussions. The refusal of Obama to do so is more than significant. What do they contain? Do they even exist?

    These are not unfair questions to ask of any leader, much less the leader of the world’s only superpower.

  75. #75
    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:59 pm, Virginia Patriot said:

    Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to give the Ineligible One a pass on proving his eligibilty. The founders put the “Natural Born Citizen” language in the Constitution for a good reason.

    All those who have been doing Obama’s bidding in assisting with the Alinskying of those who wish to have the Constitution followed, upheld and defended should rethink their opposition to questioning The One. He is ineligible today, just as he was ineligible before the election because his father was a foreign national. It’s not just a technicality, it is the Constitution.

  76. #76
    On March 4th, 2010 at 3:07 pm, cousin vinnie said:

    Why didn’t I hear about this on the evening news? Why isn’t there Haliburton-level outrage on the self-congratulatory ethical left at such bald-faced bribery?

  77. #77
    On March 4th, 2010 at 3:34 pm, vatodio said:

    Solution is simple.

    If the lawyer brother get judgeship,
    warn congressman Matheson of Fall 2010 election repercussions.

    If the fool ignores the warnings and votes for the boondoggle anyway, then send him to the unemployment line.

  78. #78
    On March 4th, 2010 at 3:58 pm, meandchi said:

    I hope i am not repeating somebody else’s post.

    I feel like a chump for not realizing this before.

    Rich Lowry made a post on the NRO corner that only the house vote on the senate bill matters. Reconciliation is just a way to get house member votes. If it passes the house Obama probably won’t even bother with recon. He can just sign the bill.

  79. #79
    On March 4th, 2010 at 4:02 pm, zyzzyg said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:17 pm, Flyoverman said: #85

    Start with the Rezko deal and work your way forward. Each of these DOZENS of incidents appears to be mutually exclusive events in your analysis of Obama.

    Huh? OK, this is a tangent and I do not recall making any analysis of these ‘dozens of incidents’. Please cut and paste to support your assertions.

    Bill Ayers, Reverend Wright, Mel Martinez’s bribery attempt revelation, how many withdrawn cabinets appointees with tax and ethics problems, Eric Holder’s conduct, Obama’s numerous documented LIES (eg. Healthacre on C-span), his prior comments on single payer, his 2005 comments on not using reconciliation, and on and on and on and on.

    Yet again, another tangent. The topic of this thread is the possibility of any quid pro quo to get a House member to change their vote on the healthcare bill.

    Z, you treat this like a courtroom. I view it as a former/current leader of people. For a leader to be effective they must CONSISTENTLY deomonstrate openness, integrity, candor, and a willingness to lead the way and take responsibility.

    Are you suggesting that you have difficulty with the ‘truth and nothing but the truth’?

    I agree with your characterization of what a leader should have. I will add that the citizenry (including bloggers) should be consistent, as well. Do you?

    Obama has a HUGE trust and integrity problem he has brought on himself.

    OK, that is an opinion. I have questions about Pres Obama, as well. And, via his spokesman, Press Sec Gibbs, the question of whether this is a quid pro quo, has been addressed.

    Anyone can accept, or reject, the answer. Knowing that it takes a bit of time to vet an individual before nominating them to a Federal Judgeship, I accept that there is no quid pro quo and stand by my original thoughts that the optics are simply bad.

    Based on “d – all of the above” you are darn right I am going to view his giving a judgeship in thisnstance with suspiscion. He’s earned my suspiscion.

    Very well, suspicions are one thing and facts are another. Once you learn the facts, will you continue to dismiss them?

    You want to know what the others are getting? I want to know what they may be potentially getting or threatened with.

    Yeah!

    We are singing from the same hymnal. That is my question, said another way. This is a fair question and would provide added validity to any assertion that there is quid pro quo going on.

    What are the other nine getting? Absolutely, is there another Louisiana Purchase, or a Corn Husker kickback? I’ve got no problem with asking questions. I’ve got problems with not accepting the ‘truth and nothing but the truth’.

    I also want Obama’s academic records unsealed, as well as his birth certificate. If you want to blame someone for my insistent attitude,blame Bush.

    LOL. Yet, another tanget. Why would you blame Pres Bush? I’ve got no problem with a call to release any documents. Though I am unsure as to the relevance of 30 year old school records.

    Bush released all kinds of records he did not need to including his military records that ENDED all comment about his military service.

    OK. That was his choice. Like it or not, it is not a requirement. Should it be a requirement for all presidential candidates to release their school documents? Going back how far? College? High School? Grade School?

    Given Obama’s history and conduct to date, there is no basis to give the man a pass on anything. Perception of a leader means everything.

    I agree. Questions should be asked and answered.

    Perception versus reality. I will always go with reality. Will you?

    Accepting answers and facts is another issue. Are you willing to accept the answers and facts? Or, will you continue to dismiss them?

  80. #80
    On March 4th, 2010 at 4:13 pm, zyzzyg said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 2:47 pm, John Deaux said: #87

    Behold! This right here is the reason Dems get a pass on every act of corruption. People like this have no limit on the number of times the “it’s just a coincidence” card can be used.

    I disagree that Dems (or, Reps) get a pass on every act of corruption. How many of Pres Obama’s nominees have had their nominations withdrawn for cause? How many politicians (from both sides of the aisle) have been taken to task for their behaviour? Paint with a smaller brush, OK?

    Would you like to know what the other nine legislators are getting?

    Why is there an alleged quid pro quo for one Legislator and not the other nine? Maybe it is just coincidence?

  81. #81
    On March 4th, 2010 at 4:32 pm, Flyoverman said:

    Huh? OK, this is a tangent and I do not recall making any analysis of these ‘dozens of incidents’.

    I have to break this to you Z, but as a leader in a sensitive position of trust or great responsibility, when there are questions about your conduct, you are guilty until proven innocent.

    Been there, lived that. You are not “Joe Six Pack.” He wanted the job. Opening up his life and giving up his privacy comes with the job. Anyone giving such a person a pass is a fool. The more powerful the position the more important the vetting. It’s called Due Diligence.

    It is not, repeat, not a legal issue, but one of trust. I do not have to provide you with any “evidence” as the topics I brought up one can readily find on reputable internet sources.

    None of these items are “tangents,” because they demostrate a CONSISTENT not isolated) pattern of behavior and conduct.

    Why should I trust this President when there are DOZENS of statements and incidents that lead one to conclude he should not be?

  82. #82
    On March 4th, 2010 at 4:46 pm, babiesgrandma said:

    zyzyzyy said: And no, it is not enough evidence to conclude anything.

    And yet, strangely enough, the libs can “connect the dots” between a dog vomiting and Geo. Bush’s fault with ’6 degrees of separation.’

  83. #83
    On March 4th, 2010 at 5:45 pm, CO2 Producer said:

    To quote our resident ombudsman:

    Yeah, the optics are bad, but it is unlikely that there was any quid pro quo.

    How do you know it’s unlikely? Do you have evidence of its unlikeliness? You admit this looks bad, but then you want the other people commenting here to calm down because the peculiar timing of this move may mean nothing. You can’t blame people for speculating when you are doing so, too.

    I won’t dispute the assertion that this may be coincidental, but when something smells as fishy as this does, expect people to ruminate about what is going on. People are way past the point of giving DC politicians the benefit of the doubt. For a bunch of folks who say they want to clean up the place, they have an odd way of showing it.

    Was this corruption or stupidity? If it was a coincidence, it was stupid. If it wasn’t a coincidence, then the people deserve to know about it.

  84. #84
    On March 4th, 2010 at 5:50 pm, blues said:

    Shame on you!Of course there is no quid pro quo,and Mona Lisa was a man.

  85. #85
    On March 4th, 2010 at 6:08 pm, mhrepub said:

    Obama says we deserve an up or down vote, so why isn’t the House voting TODAY on an up or down vote?

    What is the delay. The argument is over, nothing left to say, right, Obama??

    Why are all the backroom deals and arm twisting going on if the argument is over? Vote Now, up or down!!

  86. #86
    On March 4th, 2010 at 6:54 pm, yonjuro said:

    Small world.

  87. #87
    On March 4th, 2010 at 6:57 pm, zyzzyg said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 4:32 pm, Flyoverman said: #101

    I have to break this to you Z, but as a leader in a sensitive position of trust or great responsibility, when there are questions about your conduct, you are guilty until proven innocent.

    There is no way I can disagree with more strongly.

    Your statement violates every principle that our country stands for. Your statement is dispicable and offensive.

    There are no separate and distinct covenants governing leaders, or the man on the street. ‘Guilt’ and ‘innocence’ are legal terms that can carry penalties, fines and prison terms.

    Yes, there are issues of trust surrounding leaders, and they must answers questions. And, once the questions are answered, it is up to you to either accept or reject that answer. Are you willing to accept the answers? Are you willing to accept facts?

    I previously asked you these questions and you have yet to address them. There is no rule that you must, though based on your argument it is now fine that I do not trust you.

    [NOTE: That is why I do my level best to address every comment and question directed at me. You may not like the answer. You might think I go on too long. But, I am exceedingly forthcoming.]

    It completely acceptable not to trust anyone, but it is unnacceptable not to trust the facts.

    Been there, lived that. You are not “Joe Six Pack.” He wanted the job. Opening up his life and giving up his privacy comes with the job.

    Yep. And I agreed. Though that leads to the question of where does it stop? Grade School?

    Again, another question that I asked that you did not address. Well, maybe your saying, ‘opening up his life and giving up his privacy’ is a broad response to the question. Though I wonder why you couldn’t be more direct and say, ‘Yes, we should have access to his grade school records’.

    Anyone giving such a person a pass is a fool. The more powerful the position the more important the vetting. It’s called Due Diligence.

    No one should give anyone a pass. Yes, people should be vetted. Yes, due dilligence is absolutely necessary.

    Will you acknowledge that we agree?

    It is not, repeat, not a legal issue, but one of trust.

    Then do not use legal terms like ‘guilt’ and ‘innocence’. When trust is the issue then it must be verified. Once verified, what are you willing to do with the facts? Reject or accept them?

    I do not have to provide you with any “evidence” as the topics I brought up one can readily find on reputable internet sources.

    Nope. I asked you to cut and paste your assertion about what you allege I have said about Pres Obama.

    How can you be trusted if your assertions are not verified?

    None of these items are “tangents,” because they demostrate a CONSISTENT not isolated) pattern of behavior and conduct.

    The thread is about the potential of any quid pro quo for a judgeship and getting a member of Congress to change their vote. The title of this thread is, “The Chicago Way: Judgeships for Demcare votes?”

    Why should I trust this President when there are DOZENS of statements and incidents that lead one to conclude he should not be?

    I am reluctant to speculate on why you should, or should not, trust someone. Though having your questions addressed is a beginning.

    However, I am prepared to ask you again, that when your questions are addressed why are you unwilling to accept the answers?

    Is it because you just do not want to believe whatever an individual tells you, on any issue?

    I will agree that an individual’s reputation preceeds them, however that does not mean that on every single issue that person is misrepresenting the facts. Even a broken clock is correct twice a day.

    Trust but verify. Have Congressional hearings on as many issues that you find necessary. There is no proof of any quid pro quo, and yes, as I have said, the optics are bad. Beyond that I can not help you. You choose not to trust in the face of facts, so be it.

  88. #88
    On March 4th, 2010 at 6:58 pm, zyzzyg said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 4:46 pm, babiesgrandma said: #102

    And yet, strangely enough, the libs can “connect the dots” between a dog vomiting and Geo. Bush’s fault with ‘6 degrees of separation.’

    Huh? Ummmm, OK.

  89. #89
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:07 pm, ITookTheRedPill said:
  90. #90
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:15 pm, zyzzyg said:

    On March 4th, 2010 at 5:45 pm, CO2 Producer said: #103

    How do you know it’s unlikely? Do you have evidence of its unlikeliness? You admit this looks bad, but then you want the other people commenting here to calm down because the peculiar timing of this move may mean nothing. You can’t blame people for speculating when you are doing so, too.

    My evidence is that the White House was asked about it and addressed the question directly. The answer made sense and I accept it.

    http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/briefing-white-house-press-secretary-robert-gibbs-3410

    I won’t dispute the assertion that this may be coincidental, but when something smells as fishy as this does, expect people to ruminate about what is going on.

    Yes, and I would like to know what the other nine inviduals are recieving for their family members? In the absence of any allegation that the other nine people are recieving any quid pro quo, I maintian my opinion, and reserve the right to revise it when additional information is found out.

    Yep, keep asking questions. Nothing wrong with that.

    People are way past the point of giving DC politicians the benefit of the doubt. For a bunch of folks who say they want to clean up the place, they have an odd way of showing it.

    Yep, the optics on this one is bad. Not the first time, and it won’t be the last, that any administration has fumbled and flubbed.

    Was this corruption or stupidity? If it was a coincidence, it was stupid. If it wasn’t a coincidence, then the people deserve to know about it.

    Absolutely, full disclosure and addressing every single question should be the order of the day. The White House was queried and so should Rep Matheson and his brother be asked questions. At a minimum, release a statement and go on record. Well, this is far more important for Rep Matheson, not so much his brother. Though the brother will hopefully be asked about this at his confirmation hearing.

    Though at the conclusion of learning all the facts, are you willing to accept the answers?

  91. #91
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:45 pm, Azygos said:

    I think you spelled Bribery wrong.

    Might it be BRIBERRY?

  92. #92
    On March 4th, 2010 at 7:59 pm, SirKnob said:

    Yep, plenty of money for bribes, but he cuts funding to the Coast Guard

    Yep, he has his priorities, however, they are not the public’s priority, or need even.

    As Ms. Malkin’s often says ‘the Chicago Way’. Let’s hope it doesn’t end the same way Valentines Day did.

  93. #93
    On March 4th, 2010 at 8:36 pm, OneMonkeysUncle said:

    Wow. This is a new low, even for you people. Even with all the dumb things President Obama has done, THIS is what gets you people going? You are being played again, kids…

  94. #94
    On March 4th, 2010 at 9:33 pm, CO2 Producer said:

    Though at the conclusion of learning all the facts, are you willing to accept the answers?

    Speaking for no one but myself, yes. But I’m not expecting to hear any more answers. Gibbs dismissed the legitimate skepticism as silly and threw in one Republican’s endorsement (as if the Important Orrin Hatch’s opinion is going to change everyone’s mind), so it would appear as though the administration has no interest in discussing the topic any further.

    Per The Final Word’s* link, here’s what Gibbs said, in case anyone was wondering:

    Q Robert, I assume the President would like to win over Congressman Jim Matheson in the ongoing debate over health care. And I’d like to know if there’s anything the White House would like to tell the public who might wonder if there is anything coincidental, or more so, in the employment of Mr. Matheson’s brother to the 10th Circuit?

    MR. GIBBS: I think this is — I think based on Mr. Matheson’s ABA rating, based on Mr. Matheson’s long legal resume, and based on the support he has from somebody important like Orrin Hatch, who has agreed to help shepherd his nomination through the Senate, I think it’s a pretty silly argument.

    Q Would you like to extend that to what the Republican National Committee said was a blatant attempt to flip Mr. Matheson’s vote in favor of health care reform?

    MR. GIBBS: I think that’s also a very silly argument.

    I question the timing. I question a lot of things, though. Like what is the smoke monster? And was a more qualified person overlooked when they filled that judge’s seat?

    *Not intended as a cut, just as an acknowledgment of zyzzyg’s creative moniker.

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