I expect that with Christie and Menendez fresh in mind, the citizens of New Jersey will soon be out digging up the Meadowlands in search of Jimmy Hoffa to run as a Clean Government candidate in the next election for Governor or Senator.
6
As a Canadian, I am often confused about American politics. You allow unlimited cash donations to the party and politician of your choice but cry foul when politicians receive advantages from their contributors? Something stinks here.
There is a very clear reason why wealthy donors contribute to politics and it has everything to do with what they expect in return.
The law may be clear, but enforcement is laughable. Message is: You can do anything you want just so long as you play by the real rules, unwritten ones, but tacitly understood by all. Toe the line! The minute you don't, there's an indictment in the wings to smarten you up and serve as an example to everyone else who might have similar ideas.
Corruption doesn't just stink when its exposed. None of this passes the smell test. What a broken system!
There is a very clear reason why wealthy donors contribute to politics and it has everything to do with what they expect in return.
The law may be clear, but enforcement is laughable. Message is: You can do anything you want just so long as you play by the real rules, unwritten ones, but tacitly understood by all. Toe the line! The minute you don't, there's an indictment in the wings to smarten you up and serve as an example to everyone else who might have similar ideas.
Corruption doesn't just stink when its exposed. None of this passes the smell test. What a broken system!
11
Yes, but.... the 100s of politicians in state and federal prison, most recently the mayors of New Orleans and of Charlotte NC, do not find it "laughable." Had he not convicted over 210 perps, most of them political hacks, Democrat NJ would not have elected Republican Chris Christie, US Attorney for NJ, as its governor.
Ethical politicians are as thin on the ground as visionary Presidential candidates.
4
It is likely most politicians are corrupt. Most do not trust them because they lack character, are untrustworthy. People put up with these mostly worthless people because it would be more difficult to bribe people with character, people one could trust.
4
Given the Senator's behavior pattern people should ask themselves if he opposed Obama's Iran or Cuba policies because of his strong "personal" beliefs or because he has some good "friends" in the Cuban American lobby and AIPAC...
10
The next target(s), closer to the elections, likely will be Republicans; and involve hundreds of millions rather than Menendez's thousands. We need a clean sweep of all of congressmen selling out the people for personal gain.
Sen. Grassley should be lobbied to create mandatory criminal sentences based on the dollar-amounts of the political corruption.
Sen. Grassley should be lobbied to create mandatory criminal sentences based on the dollar-amounts of the political corruption.
4
Yes, yet another decade of mandatory sentences is sorely needed. Why not just fence in Washington, DC?
I can imagine Republicans being disoriented by a Democratic Administration's Justice Department pursuing corruption claims against a Democratic Senator (or other Democratic public official). In their "good old" days of the Bush administration, the veritable mountain of Republican scandals throughout that sorry gang were so many and so frequent that it was difficult to digest one before being hit with the next. The only Republicans ever pursued by Alberto Gonzales (worst AG in our history) were U. S. Attorneys who failed to reflect and comply with their vicious party dogma and practice. Three more cheers for Messrs. Obama and Holder.
1
Let’s avoid a rush to judgement before a proper, thorough, investigation takes place. The USA as a beacon of democracy needs to demonstrate that appropriate due process has been given, in this case as well as all others.
4
I, for one, am suspicious that the Department of INjustice is at work on Obama's behalf to attack a Democrat Senator who has the audacity to oppose his policy v Iran.
8
Senator Menendez is reported likely to be accused of quid pro quod corruption, and failing to report the $58,000 which would have exposed that corrupt act. Right wing critics of Obama have said this is just retaliation for Menendez throwing a monkey wrench into Obama's attempt at a nuclear accord with Iran. But you can't start attributing political payback when the allegations -- if true -- expose corruption in its most flagrant form.
5
Whatever the guilt or innocence of Senator Menendez may be; and he has the right to the presumption of innocence that lives along with the public's duty to be skeptical of even the best in our government in all things, ...it is telling and more important to note, "But Mr. Menendez is also one of the least wealthy members of the United states Senate, and may not have the resources for a protracted legal fight." Conclusion: our country has become ever more the country of the rich and powerful.
Even Senator Menendez may not be able to pay for adequate defense in our system of justice! What about the rest of us?
I think it is time to again Occupy Wall Street and make our government a government of, by and for The People. Or did the fallen at Gettysburg actually die in vain? -Rudy
Even Senator Menendez may not be able to pay for adequate defense in our system of justice! What about the rest of us?
I think it is time to again Occupy Wall Street and make our government a government of, by and for The People. Or did the fallen at Gettysburg actually die in vain? -Rudy
4
We have to admit that special interests buy the favor of politicians. It appears thaw Senator Menendez has offered his votes and influence for a price. How about this: we need to offer him say $250,000 to shift his votes on Iran sanctions and the blind support he provides for Netanyahu. We could get that money from the families of servicemen who would otherwise die or face life long injury in the course of US military action against Iran. Also the poor Palestinians could be coerced to donate just a litle more for the chance to gain some respite from the effects of Menendez' votes. What do you think? Can we do it?
8
Gasp! Someone bought a politician? I thought that 99% of them were bought and paid for by companies and the very rich people. Except John Barrow, but he got defeated last year.
2
I find the questioning of the Obama administration's motives for this investigation so indicative of America's no accountability mentality. Who knows and who cares why the Justice Department chose to go forward now with filing charges, and why does it matter? The ONLY issue is Menendez, his guilt or innocence. Too often American justice gets sidelined by distractions, in this case about the prosecutors motives, and if that becomes the issue justice will again be denied.
2
It’s almost as if there’s a universal principle that humans in power discover they like power and begin to do shocking things to try to maintain that power. Every once in awhile we even stumble upon electing integrity-filled citizens who work very hard to suppress those dangerous attractions of power. But that is not the norm, and it never will be.
Well-intentioned people often think governments need more power to fix certain problems, or too many regulations, or too many things needing permits” , but they also should think about what problems they might be able to create.
Who watches the watchmen, and all of that. Man is not inherently good, and power will always corrupt. Corruption is a crime of intellectual choice, made by people who are already rich or well-off and who have every conceivable social advantage. So let us always keep that in mind when we talk about today’s corrupt politicians and what to do about them.
Well-intentioned people often think governments need more power to fix certain problems, or too many regulations, or too many things needing permits” , but they also should think about what problems they might be able to create.
Who watches the watchmen, and all of that. Man is not inherently good, and power will always corrupt. Corruption is a crime of intellectual choice, made by people who are already rich or well-off and who have every conceivable social advantage. So let us always keep that in mind when we talk about today’s corrupt politicians and what to do about them.
2
Menendez cannot hide behind friendship- that is just too easy. He is a U.S. senator with influences many people love to buy. Now he must explain in details why his friend has been so generous. Guys like him are the reason why Congress has such low approval rating.
4
He will be just like every other Politician that they investigate, they will spend millions of dollars and months investigating him and nothing will come of it? Just look at the past Politicians who have gotten in trouble, not many are ever jailed for their illegal activity? This guy even like under age prostitutes!
4
The only good I can see that may come out of this is if Menendez does a "Joe Valachi" and takes some Democrats down with him.
3
Why is that in any FBI investigation of congress, there is always a Dem senator from NJ and many house members, both Rep and Dem, mostly from NY and NJ? ... Are we reliving the ABSCAM era again and how many more are ready to be popped? ... and we expect uncivilized governments across globe to behave responsibly and honestly ! ... Great examples we are setting ...
1
Don't expect governor Christie to call a special election if Menendez steps down because they are just looking for another chance to control the senate after the 2016 elections.
From the article.
"The New Jersey Law Journal, which first reported about the documents last week, said the government also claims that Mr. Menendez, along with Senator Harry Reid, then the leader of the Democratic majority, advocated for Dr. Melgen in meetings with Kathleen E. Sebelius, then the secretary of health and human services."
So, why wasn't Harry Reid indicted or named as part of the investigation. This is looking more and more like liberal fascist (Progressive) abuse of power by Eric Holder.
When Democrats endorsed such wide spread "prosecutorial discretion" they opened the door to political show trials. Lets not forget that Menendez is on the Senate Foreign Relations committee and is in a position to hamper Obama's Iran & Cuba deals.
"The New Jersey Law Journal, which first reported about the documents last week, said the government also claims that Mr. Menendez, along with Senator Harry Reid, then the leader of the Democratic majority, advocated for Dr. Melgen in meetings with Kathleen E. Sebelius, then the secretary of health and human services."
So, why wasn't Harry Reid indicted or named as part of the investigation. This is looking more and more like liberal fascist (Progressive) abuse of power by Eric Holder.
When Democrats endorsed such wide spread "prosecutorial discretion" they opened the door to political show trials. Lets not forget that Menendez is on the Senate Foreign Relations committee and is in a position to hamper Obama's Iran & Cuba deals.
6
First, fascism is an arch-right movement, thus you calling Progressive liberal 'fascists' is an oxymoron. Fascism applies actually more to the arch-right in this country.
Second, foreign policy and treaties between countries is still the domain of the executive branch of the government and can't be dismantled by some committee.
Second, foreign policy and treaties between countries is still the domain of the executive branch of the government and can't be dismantled by some committee.
2
"Lets not forget that Menendez is on the Senate Foreign Relations committee and is in a position to hamper Obama's Iran & Cuba deals."
It would appear that he is a threat to our Dear Leader's "legacy" and must be destroyed.
It would appear that he is a threat to our Dear Leader's "legacy" and must be destroyed.
3
These sporadic charges of corruption. bribes, quid pro quo, influence peddling--whether it's $100 million from Shelly Adelson or a sleazy trial of VA guv Bob McDonnell make less sense every day.
Case law for corruption is getting thrown around..especially since the Citizens United ruling.
What exactly IS corruption these days? "Legal" insider trading sure helped Nancy Pelosi sitting on finance committees and getting Wall St information in creating a fat portfolio.
Eric Cantor is now a partner in a business firm raking in millions. Even David Petraeus has turned a possible treasonous espionage act into an afterlife of speaking engagements, board appointments....and only a misdemeanor with probation while PFC Chelsea Manning serves a life sentence for releasing documents to Wikileaks.
Brief headlines on a few people while Wall Street and certain government employees continue to rape and pillage our world--now what happened to our three biggest war criminals? Bush/Cheney/and Rumsfield?
I have things to do today...I have to play the fool and do my taxes...and will pay top marginal rate on a year's income that was HALF of the deduction Mitt Romney took for Rafalca ($77,000) on HIS taxes.
Case law for corruption is getting thrown around..especially since the Citizens United ruling.
What exactly IS corruption these days? "Legal" insider trading sure helped Nancy Pelosi sitting on finance committees and getting Wall St information in creating a fat portfolio.
Eric Cantor is now a partner in a business firm raking in millions. Even David Petraeus has turned a possible treasonous espionage act into an afterlife of speaking engagements, board appointments....and only a misdemeanor with probation while PFC Chelsea Manning serves a life sentence for releasing documents to Wikileaks.
Brief headlines on a few people while Wall Street and certain government employees continue to rape and pillage our world--now what happened to our three biggest war criminals? Bush/Cheney/and Rumsfield?
I have things to do today...I have to play the fool and do my taxes...and will pay top marginal rate on a year's income that was HALF of the deduction Mitt Romney took for Rafalca ($77,000) on HIS taxes.
1
You forgot to mention the newly-busted Governor of Oregon, and his thrice-married fiancee's state contracts. A replay of Carla Katz/ Gov. Jon Corzine in NJ. Democrats one and all.
4
What a great opportunity to have a changing of the guard: The next senator from NJ: Jonathan Stewart Leibovitz, aka Jon Stewart.
4
the far more important political corruption scandal in NJ is the governor's intervention in the court case involving exxon-mobile's responsibility to pay for $8+BILLION in environment clean up costs.
4
Why are people blaming Obama for this? Silly to be to point at someone else if you were the one that is under suspicion. Innocent until proven guilty...
But, theses politicians cannot hide tis corruption anymore... Expose them all I say...
But, theses politicians cannot hide tis corruption anymore... Expose them all I say...
1
If this guy is some kind of hyphenated minority, ie "Hispanic?" to prosecute him would be racism ... because "we can't blame the victims". I mean how can we hold this guy responsible for anything he does - when our media and political class will not hold the "descendants of Cortez" who rule by might makes right medieval Spanish ish murder and kidnapping south of our border responsible for the flight of 10''s of millions north. This aversion to criticize those really responsible is so strong that our media and LARAZs have to concoct all manner of narratives making every problem in Latin America the fault of the Gringos, a war 160 years ago or NAFTA or the fact that our CIA had not choice to deal with what ever gang of criminals happened to be in charge during the Cold War. No one ever questions why precisely the same drugs tonnage north of the border does not cause the USA to plunge into the same anarchy that exists to the south, that Mexico blames on Americas' "hunger for drugs". Must be that our 1% business owner nobility like their slave wage nannies, house cleaners and employees too much to allow deep humiliating criticism of Latin elites sufficient cause progressive change that might eliminate the push of desperate legal and illegal immigrants into their calculated exploitation.
2
Whatever the truth of these particular allegations, the fact is the money in politics equals influence and that such influence is corrupting. Whether this Senator was corrupted is only the top of an iceberg of institutionalized corruption that has reached new heights by the legalization of pay-to-play by the Citizens United decision. The upward transfer of wealth -- bought and paid for by corporations -- is a rape of the Treasury.
4
With luck, Sen. Menendez will learn that his case is as ephemeral as Bridgegate. That dog don't hunt.
Ah, the Garden State! Gardens require manure. NJ politicos provide plenty.
4
Yes, such things never happen in Albany, or at NY City Hall. Donald Manes, R.I.P.
3
How can we forget that the disastrous Obama care website was created by a Canadian company CGI whose executive, Toni Townes Whitley was a close friend and college classmate of Michelle Obama's? American tax payers were on the hook for almost $200,000.000.00. Zero jobs for Americans and a complete disaster when they rolled it out. Obama gets points for chutzpah anyway...
6
It wasn't a disaster. A first there were problems with it. And the job market has soared. If you want to pick out wage stagnation you'd be up to date, but your retreaded braying discounts any credibility you might have to offer here. And where did you get this two hundred million number? Out of a hat? Name your sources, be genuine. If you don't like the president and the first lady do better than that, because he DOES have chutzpah and it HAS worked in a lot of areas, including the ones you have recycled from substandard TV news outlets of 8 years ago.
4
All I have say is "finally." I have followed closely followed Menendez's career in the Senate and concluded long ago he was (and is) one of the most corrupt politicians ever.
2
For all his long history as a political infighter, Mr. Menendez appears to have forgotten some basics.
You can be a political gadfly, but you have to be clean. If you choose to be dirty and try to fight the executive branch, you will lose. They have the NSA, CIA, and FBI at their disposal. They will catch you.
The executive branch can still frame or murder a political enemy, and surely they'd do it in a heartbeat except for the specter of getting caught. That's a lot of political risk.
Definitely worth using all the powers of the executive branch to destroy someone who is troublesome if they're dirty anyway. Probably not worth the trouble to have them assassinated if they're clean. Risk versus reward.
Mr. Menendez made it easy for his political enemies in the executive branch by being dirty.
You can be a political gadfly, but you have to be clean. If you choose to be dirty and try to fight the executive branch, you will lose. They have the NSA, CIA, and FBI at their disposal. They will catch you.
The executive branch can still frame or murder a political enemy, and surely they'd do it in a heartbeat except for the specter of getting caught. That's a lot of political risk.
Definitely worth using all the powers of the executive branch to destroy someone who is troublesome if they're dirty anyway. Probably not worth the trouble to have them assassinated if they're clean. Risk versus reward.
Mr. Menendez made it easy for his political enemies in the executive branch by being dirty.
1
These "charges" against Menendez are mighty thin gruel; he "accepted" as gifts vacations at a longtime friend's home in the DR in exchange for advocating legislation (which is, of course his job as a legislator). Proving that Menendez was motivated by a desire to repay his friend, rather than the desire to do his job as a legislator, will be impossible. But the DoJ and the FBI will have done their job -- to smear and silence an outspoken Democrat critic of Obama's foreign policy and intimidate any other Democrats who might be tempted to join him. The whole thing is a shameful abuse of office -- by the government.
9
The timing couldn't be more suspicious and reeks of Putinesque political payback.
I wonder if the Obama Administration will go after the other 60+ senators (so far) who back Kirk-Menendez. There's a real risk that this bit of political theater may backfire against Obama by stiffening resolve within the senate and ensuring a veto-proof bill.
I wonder if the Obama Administration will go after the other 60+ senators (so far) who back Kirk-Menendez. There's a real risk that this bit of political theater may backfire against Obama by stiffening resolve within the senate and ensuring a veto-proof bill.
6
Not to sound cynical, but I have a feeling that if all of the corrupt members of Congress were removed, the only thing that visitors to the Senate and House chambers would hear would be the faint echoing sound of pigeons' wings flapping. (OK, I mean to sound cynical.)
5
My, my, the conspiracy theories here by our gentle friends from the right are plenty.
The evil DOJ - in cohoots with emperor Obama - is trying to besmear Sen. Menendez solely because of his opposition to the president's Cuba and Iran 'appeasement' policies.
They have a very short memory, aka Faux Noise attention span, not remembering that this investigation started years ago and included a search of the good doctors Florida office over two years ago in January 2013.
The evil DOJ - in cohoots with emperor Obama - is trying to besmear Sen. Menendez solely because of his opposition to the president's Cuba and Iran 'appeasement' policies.
They have a very short memory, aka Faux Noise attention span, not remembering that this investigation started years ago and included a search of the good doctors Florida office over two years ago in January 2013.
4
@Sarah
Yes, the Bubble is strong with them.
Connecting dates with policy initiatives and investigatory actions? Not so much. That said, I'm withholding judgement on this particular case until I hear more.
Yes, the Bubble is strong with them.
Connecting dates with policy initiatives and investigatory actions? Not so much. That said, I'm withholding judgement on this particular case until I hear more.
ready to admit that citizens united and the practice of trading influence for campaign donation promotes corruption?
it's really no different than what menendez is being investigated for, except that in his case - the giver is an old friend.
it's really no different than what menendez is being investigated for, except that in his case - the giver is an old friend.
2
Blame the TV networks, which charge a fortune for air time, as if it's the Super Bowl year 'round. And without Citizens United, how could Hollywood, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, George Soros, and 100 other plutocrats donate $$$ to the DNC? Think it through.
How do you really go after a Congress when they can place themselves above the law. No one seems to remember that Congress has put it's members above the law in numerous ways over the past 65 years. It is like they fear nothing.
One example:
In 1964, with great fanfare, President Johnson signed the landmark Civil Rights Act, including Title VII, which for the first time protected all Americans from employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. But the law exempted Congress from its coverage, so thousands of staffers and other employees on the Hill were left with no equal-opportunity protection. Staffers could be discriminated against or sexually harassed with legal impunity.
Game's rigged when only the 'Players' can play.
One example:
In 1964, with great fanfare, President Johnson signed the landmark Civil Rights Act, including Title VII, which for the first time protected all Americans from employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. But the law exempted Congress from its coverage, so thousands of staffers and other employees on the Hill were left with no equal-opportunity protection. Staffers could be discriminated against or sexually harassed with legal impunity.
Game's rigged when only the 'Players' can play.
1
How can he be unaware that accepting airplane rides and money from a wealthy friend and then arguing a position which would enrich your friend aren't going to be seen as political favours? It is politics 101. Sorry sir it is outright corruption and you need to step down.
6
I'm astonished in one sense that it's taken this long to file charges officially; and even more astonished (and impressed) that it was the Obama Justice Dept. that is finally doing it -- although I must say they've taken their time to get to this point.
Any possible exoneration of Robert Menendez, despite a large legal defense fund, would need to be based on a technicality and not on the basic facts. One hopes that the Justice Dept. doesn't err by technicality.
Without repeating the substance of this news piece, he clearly received valuable favors from a sponsor and he clearly intervened to seek official favors for that sponsor, and not just with Medicare.
We bemoan the fact that so many of our elected representatives are personally wealthy, but the truth is that behavior of this kind was far more common in Congress at times in our history when they were not. It turns out to be a shame: while I disagree with Menendez's politics and never voted for him, he appears to mostly conduct himself with both gravitas and honor in the Senate. But sometimes a man that comes from the tenements and entered politics long before he had a chance to develop personal economic sufficiency ... finds it hard to deny himself when the opportunity arises.
Any possible exoneration of Robert Menendez, despite a large legal defense fund, would need to be based on a technicality and not on the basic facts. One hopes that the Justice Dept. doesn't err by technicality.
Without repeating the substance of this news piece, he clearly received valuable favors from a sponsor and he clearly intervened to seek official favors for that sponsor, and not just with Medicare.
We bemoan the fact that so many of our elected representatives are personally wealthy, but the truth is that behavior of this kind was far more common in Congress at times in our history when they were not. It turns out to be a shame: while I disagree with Menendez's politics and never voted for him, he appears to mostly conduct himself with both gravitas and honor in the Senate. But sometimes a man that comes from the tenements and entered politics long before he had a chance to develop personal economic sufficiency ... finds it hard to deny himself when the opportunity arises.
3
One hopes that the Justice Dept. doesn't err by technicality.
-----------------------------
Based on the V.A. scandals, and the IRS "missing" 30,000 emails which were wondrously later found, and the years-long DOJ toleration of rogue police depts. from NY to LA, only a latter-day Dr. Pangloss could be optimistic about the D0J's skill set.
-----------------------------
Based on the V.A. scandals, and the IRS "missing" 30,000 emails which were wondrously later found, and the years-long DOJ toleration of rogue police depts. from NY to LA, only a latter-day Dr. Pangloss could be optimistic about the D0J's skill set.
I suspect Mr. Menendez has long had "personal economic sufficiency". Nothing about coming from "the tenements" (I grew up in the same area and went to the local rival H.S.) makes one inherently dishonest.
2
He is simply a Democrat! They make up the rules as they go along. A Democrat never does anything wrong. "It depends on what your definition of IS IS"
5
Menendez wants to bring democracy to Cuba: the wheeling-dealing kind that he so loves States-side. The Florida doctor is not even a New Jersey voter, and while it is kosher for senators to meet with 'lobby groups' promoting the interests of a 'group', it is not cool to meet with ONE AMERICAN PERSON and to use your position on a committee to exchange favors. Unless Harry Reid and Obama himself intervene with Holder's office and pressure him to not indict him, I do not see how this corrupt bag of beans is going to get away with this shenanigan.
3
And everyone screamed about Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell - small fry compared to this and not with any real impact for the state or certainly the country. This, on the other hand, with its effect on Medicare payment and policy is a whole 'nother kettle of fish. As are some many of the truly egregious attachments on the federal level.
1
The right wing pundits, especially those on FOX, have said that the prosecution of Menendez is retribution for the "monkey wrench" that Menendez has tried to put into President Obama's attempts for an accord with Iran over its nuclear program. However, it seems to me that Menendez is being accused of a quid pro quod bribe receiving act together with the failure to report the $58,000 he received. Of course, the reporting of the money received would have exposed the bribe receiving corruption. Prosecutors have to prosecute elected officials for acts like the ones for which Menendez is accused, and like the ones that Sheldon Silver is charged with. Anyone can cry "retribution" or "retaliation," but corruption has to be fought aggressively and these cases are good examples of fighting the good fight.
4
Fox News does not want people to think, reason, instead they want them to react, based only on their own biases. To Fox there is no right and wrong, its all based on your matter of opinion. This works well for Fox, because they only deal in opinion and rarely with facts. But for a nation this is a cancer, for instead of Americans coming together for justice, they dismiss all corruption as purely political theater. So instead of questioning the actions of George Bush, they just consider any criticism as politically motivated and dismiss it. If there was a dictator waiting in the wings to rule over America, the American psyche is ready and willing to accept them.
This is a small fish in the pond. catch it and move on to the whales, like Hillary and all her lies starting in her first law firm who fired her for just that to the present Benghazi. Ironically today, they found e-mails where some flunkies ran interference for her during the attack. Lois Lerner and her boos that Koskinen have to be put to rest.
4
Don't you think that your 'pond, fish, whale' metaphor would apply more aptly to NJ where the pond is NJ, the fish is the Senator and the Whale is the Governor and using traffic to reward and punish those who play or don't play along with his buddies and their development scams? What is it about the Right that thinks anyone is interested in paranoid schizophrenic fantasies that attempt to link Little Rock with Benghazi simply because you hate Mommy, women in power, and Hillary? Hmmm?
Far better would be if DOJ will include some 100 others in NJ. On top of the list should that arrogant fat bully the freaking bull in a China Shop so called Governor, wanna be president plus whole slew of others in his entourage. Menendez is no doubt a A list crook just like all the rest of the politicians in in Washington and each and every state.
3
Yes, of course, but the FBI had no problem locking up "100 others in GA" who rigged all the test scores in dozens of schools at the direction of the Atlanta School Board.
2
Dr. Melgen, who took millions from the Medicare program, shouldn't walk away from this scandal unscathed. It seems likely that he's guilty both of bribing a US Senator and Medicare fraud.
8
Senator Menendez has joined a long list of targeted enemies of the Obama administration. These corruption rumors have been swirling for years and years but its only now that the justice department is moving forward, shortly after the senator publicly denounced the administration foreign policy. Menendez didn't heed the message to 'stay in line Senator, be a good democrat, love your president', or else.
6
Fine, that's the way it should be otherwise the Dems will never achieve the objectives they were voted on. Whether or not it happened in this case, Obama needs to channel some LBJ towards those who go independent. He's not scary enough – Nancy Pelosi does a better job at herding the cats.
1
I don't want an LBJ. I don't want scary. Ross, your contention of might is right harps back to the worst debacles of the 20th Century in the Pacific and the Middle East we continue to tangle with. Read Robert C. Caro's books on LBJ and I doubt you'll come back and say you want that kind of authoritarian power.
5
or, his allegiance to a foreign lobbying group such as AIPAC, is just another example of his poor judgement and corrupt manner.
Don't look now but the North Jersey GOP back room machine is full steam ahead. So..Senator Menendez accepted gifts from "friends?" Oh puhlease. I've lived in NJ long enough to know the depths of visciousness the No. Jersey GOP is capable of.
Chris Christie had "friends" in Calgary Alberta? Really? He had Jerry Jones as a long time "friend?"
Taking Menendez down has been a prime objective of the NJ GOP. They know that Sen. Menendez is a top Dem and right now Gov. Big Mouth is in deep doo doo for his back room deal with Exxon. Christie allowed his "own" personal legal "friends" to exxonerate him of BridgeGate and now goes behind taxpayers backs after a judge decided to fine Exxon $2 million. So Christie gets his cabinet "friend" to reduce the fine to $200,000+?
Maybe, allowing this Menendez witch hunt to go on is one way of ending the GOP spiteful, vicious tactics in NJ once and for all.
Let the GOP who is without sin cast the first stone. Let the GOP trying to take the heat off Christie's Exxon back room deal be the first to stand in the spotlight.
Of course the GOP wants Menendez and very soon Booker out of the picture. How else can the GOP take over the entire country?
Chris Christie had "friends" in Calgary Alberta? Really? He had Jerry Jones as a long time "friend?"
Taking Menendez down has been a prime objective of the NJ GOP. They know that Sen. Menendez is a top Dem and right now Gov. Big Mouth is in deep doo doo for his back room deal with Exxon. Christie allowed his "own" personal legal "friends" to exxonerate him of BridgeGate and now goes behind taxpayers backs after a judge decided to fine Exxon $2 million. So Christie gets his cabinet "friend" to reduce the fine to $200,000+?
Maybe, allowing this Menendez witch hunt to go on is one way of ending the GOP spiteful, vicious tactics in NJ once and for all.
Let the GOP who is without sin cast the first stone. Let the GOP trying to take the heat off Christie's Exxon back room deal be the first to stand in the spotlight.
Of course the GOP wants Menendez and very soon Booker out of the picture. How else can the GOP take over the entire country?
3
It's the DOJ, not the republicans who are filing the charges. And while there is likely a political motive here, it's about time. The man is as corrupt as they come since at least his union county days. It's long over due.
3
The Exxon Mobil crime was not $2 million, but $8.9 BILLION, which Christie has agreed to settle for $1/4 million. On top of that, he isn't even going to spend the money to remediate the damage Exxon Mobil did, but is stealing it to "balance" the general fund. Do the math and figure out who the guilty party is here in NJ.
2
Sen. Menendez defense: "The GOP made me do it!" The entire contingent of North Jersey GOP could fit in one Starbucks, in Bergen County, when not controlling the Obama-Holder DOJ.
It's fascinating that the one individual the Justice Department chooses to pursue just happens to be the most out-spoken Democratic opponent of President Obama's Iran plan. Senate votes for sale. See your local Democrat for details.
7
I have suffered great insult by being a ACA supporter in a very sanguine Red State. Obama inspired me to even put on a bumper sticker in '08 and boy, have the folks around here who needed the act, assailed me regularly! Anyhow, this is not about me except inasmuch as I run a practice with 5 practitioners and 18 support people on less than a third of what the Senator's "Doctor" friend is quarreling with Medicare on. The average for primary care is about 200k in the south. We don't exactly fly jets or own international port operations. I and most docs would work 2 to four months to pay for this junket the "Senator" took.
I include them in quotes because neither is what he says he is, but rather like wolves in sheep's garb, or garbage period for these two. I have defended my last Democrat or policies thereof if Menendez does not go to jail. These are people who represent constituents or heal the sick. They are hucksters who should never have been honored with the trust of the public.
Whenever I hear something like, "Let me be very, very clear,” he told about a dozen reporters. “I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law", from an official, it means: I am going to redefine "is", and "sex" and "have". Parse as you will, but practice it in jail.
I include them in quotes because neither is what he says he is, but rather like wolves in sheep's garb, or garbage period for these two. I have defended my last Democrat or policies thereof if Menendez does not go to jail. These are people who represent constituents or heal the sick. They are hucksters who should never have been honored with the trust of the public.
Whenever I hear something like, "Let me be very, very clear,” he told about a dozen reporters. “I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law", from an official, it means: I am going to redefine "is", and "sex" and "have". Parse as you will, but practice it in jail.
5
At first we were told that what he did was perfect legal. Now, after criticizing Obama on Iran policy, he becomes terrible person. Menedez expresses support for Bibi and gets indicted days later. Well-well-well....
6
Nobody's perfect, especially when one is in a position of power. How can we criticize other countries which persecute political enemies when it seems that Obama compatriots are doing the same? So disappointing and FRIGHTENING.
5
The amount of money and influence peddling sloshing around US politics is a scandal in itself and a perversion of democracy so-called. The reason is that politicians must start building a war chest half way through their terms to get to the next one. In Australia, campaigning starts a month or 2 before election day and there is a blackout for a week before voting. There is a finite amount of time for politicians to get their message across concisely. They are focused and so are the voters - who by way must vote by law giving a 95% turnout. Also, the TV networks have to provide a prescribed amount of airtime. The system in the US is insane and at the end of it nobody is the wiser and donors want their pound of flesh.
8
Too bad Obama and Holder haven't gone after the banksters with the same zeal.
Silence your critics but never your donors.
Silence your critics but never your donors.
12
When Nancy Pelosi heard about pending charges against Rep. Menendez, she stated,
"I have tears in my eyes."
of Joy.
"I have tears in my eyes."
of Joy.
They would be the tears she had left over after Bibi went back to Israel.
2
This looks like a political persecution rather legitimate prosecution. It began with false allegations of sordid behavior. When those fell apart the investigation simply changed directions, but never its goal. Remove an errant Democrat who dares speak truth to power.
6
You are correct. He's being set up. He had a bright future and has Cuban roots. He's not corrupt. Follow the money......GOP smear machine. ...KOCH
Menendez is not dumb; he knows how the game is played. I believe he overplayed his hand with this one. What's left now is whether or not the DOJ has enough to force Menendez to take a plea and then resign. Melendez will be fine; it'll be NJ that suffers. I hope Booker has more smarts and integrity. I also hope Booker is a good history student too and learn from the huge mistakes of previous NJ Senators (Republican and Democrats, alike).
6
Menendez is not corrupt. He should take no deal.
1
I am cautiously optimistic about booker. He's the first mayor of Newark to not end up in jail in 50-70 years.
1
The real question is at what point does "pay to play" become illegal? All of us lowly citizens know that campaign contributions, including unlimited amounts through PAC's don't just buy access. They buy results. You support my special interest, you add my tax amendment to a spending bill and next time my $5,000 contribution becomes $10,000 or more.
The rest of us have to be satisfied with with a robo-email responses to our many concerns and maybe our local news paper will actually mention how our reps vote on various bills. More often than not we don't even get that much information. So much for the free press.
Of course when election season begins those campaign contributions produce the slickest ads portraying our politicians as God's gift to democracy rather than as front men for the highest contributor. Of course they claim without all this bag money they couldn't stay in office long enough to "do good things."
And while they contemplate doing good they have better health care and pension benefits than we will ever have. But they can never figure out how the rest of us might get similar benefits? I guess doing good starts at home.
The rest of us have to be satisfied with with a robo-email responses to our many concerns and maybe our local news paper will actually mention how our reps vote on various bills. More often than not we don't even get that much information. So much for the free press.
Of course when election season begins those campaign contributions produce the slickest ads portraying our politicians as God's gift to democracy rather than as front men for the highest contributor. Of course they claim without all this bag money they couldn't stay in office long enough to "do good things."
And while they contemplate doing good they have better health care and pension benefits than we will ever have. But they can never figure out how the rest of us might get similar benefits? I guess doing good starts at home.
11
The federal government, including the Federal Reserve and the judiciary, is in a unique position to determine which groups will prosper financially in the United States. It is clear to me that both Republicans and Democrats almost always favor the wealthy and the well connected.
I don’t know exactly how they do it all of the time. Sometimes it is by way of a targeted and obscure provision of the tax code or some other statute. Sometimes it is by keeping low interest rates. But mostly, I think that it is done through very creative schemes that are almost impossible to identify.
I do know that when I drive around the back roads of Long Island’s north shore I see houses and estates that just keep getting bigger and better year after year no matter who occupies the White House or who controls Congress.
We need a new president who will focus on fundamental wealth fairness without getting caught up in progressive issues that are just a different way to pick winners and losers. I also think our next president needs some real life military experience.
I don’t know exactly how they do it all of the time. Sometimes it is by way of a targeted and obscure provision of the tax code or some other statute. Sometimes it is by keeping low interest rates. But mostly, I think that it is done through very creative schemes that are almost impossible to identify.
I do know that when I drive around the back roads of Long Island’s north shore I see houses and estates that just keep getting bigger and better year after year no matter who occupies the White House or who controls Congress.
We need a new president who will focus on fundamental wealth fairness without getting caught up in progressive issues that are just a different way to pick winners and losers. I also think our next president needs some real life military experience.
2
I'm sure the Obama administration regards Melendez's Iranian position as posturing and nothing more than political theater. This isn't about payback, this is about a crooked politician who thought he was immune from scrutiny until got caught. See Sheldon Silver.
10
You are completely wrong. It is all about payback, period!
4
They could have made trouble for him quite a while back,
it's far more than a coincidence that they are pulling this
underhanded political stunt now.
it's far more than a coincidence that they are pulling this
underhanded political stunt now.
2
Really, do you have proof? This Predient having done a great job getting the country back on its feet sure takes a lot of heat...wonder why?
Gee, does this mean the NY Times editorial staff will retract its past endorsement for his reelection to the senate? I think not. In fact, I think the charges will only make the staff's decision to endorse him easier the next time. The only complication will be whether Menendez will be able to get his copy of the Times in the federal pen to read it.
10
The Times will endorse any Democrat automatically. They care less how corrupt they are as long as they have a D in front of their label. Can anyone remember the last time they endorsed a Republican? I can not.
5
Well, well, well...to all those arrogant Americans who would make fun of those "Third World countries with their corruption and high level fraud". Well, well, well...Now who is drinking sewer water and trying to vomit cake?
New York, New Jersey, Texas...were some of the most corrupt States you can find. Partly because money was everything, profits was everything and people measured success by the number of mansions you had, fancy cars you had and pretty girls who hung around you. It also had a lot of immigrants who came to the US for money and more money alone...whether they suffered persecution or holocaust or poverty. It also had a lot of men in power who were patriarchal as they come: where power, money, luxury living and pretty girls were sought.
Now are you telling me that there is no Medicare or Medicaid fraud...and that too in Florida? Mmmm. And what's a New Jersey Democrat? A Congressman with less tan, fewer mistresses and fewer golf carts than his Republican rival?
New York, New Jersey, Texas...were some of the most corrupt States you can find. Partly because money was everything, profits was everything and people measured success by the number of mansions you had, fancy cars you had and pretty girls who hung around you. It also had a lot of immigrants who came to the US for money and more money alone...whether they suffered persecution or holocaust or poverty. It also had a lot of men in power who were patriarchal as they come: where power, money, luxury living and pretty girls were sought.
Now are you telling me that there is no Medicare or Medicaid fraud...and that too in Florida? Mmmm. And what's a New Jersey Democrat? A Congressman with less tan, fewer mistresses and fewer golf carts than his Republican rival?
6
Before hammering the final nail in the Menedez coffin try remembering the Sen. Ted Stevens case. Without a smoking gun one should remember the "presumption of innocence" and wait before prejudging. On the other hand NJ did give "American Hustle"
4
according to Wikipedia, the Lucentis drug costs $2000 a treatment compared to $50 for an equivalent drug....no wonder Medicare balks at paying Menendez' pal.
7
"equivalent" ? not! Comparable with caveats, perhaps. Wikipedia info in this instance doesn't provide a scientific comparative analysis of the "equivalent".
2
I don't know if this case of buying political leverage will fall in the legalese bowl of spaghetti as a legal or illegal one. Whatever is eventually determined, it will not be much different than politics as usual, and done by many others in Washington and around the country. To me irrespective of whether they are designated legal or illegal, all of them are immoral. But in these particular case something smells rotten, and suggests to another instance of Obama's, once again, using government power for political bullying. Each minute, each second that passes the United States looks more and more like Sodom and Gomorrah.
5
We have become so inured to political corruption that this hardly registers. The Clintons and their abuses from White Water & massive stock market wins, using political office to destroy women like Lewinsky and Paula Jones, to the Clinton Global Initiative and conflated donors and political favors. We have the Bushes starting of a grudge war in Iraq, outing of Valerie Plame, massive corruption allowing civilian contractors to reap billions in ill gotten gains without prosecution and the destruction of personal liberties since renewed under this President.
Let's not even go deep in Congress - 4 years - Charlie Rangel who should have been prosecuted criminally for tax evasion. Lois Lerner, Thaddeus McCotter (R - who lied on election forms), Mitch McConnel's campaign manager taking the fall for his boss' politcal scandal, Rick Renzi (R-AZ) - 17 counts of wire fraud, extortion, racketeering. Trey Radel (R-FL( Cocaine)). Jesse Jackson jr- $750K Fraud, Laura Richardson (D-CA) 7 counts of violating House rules on campaigning. John Ensign (R-NV) resigned just before Ethics Committee came with a ruling.
Unfortunately, a short list of the unethical and criminal behaviors of our various our national leaders. Instead of "draining the pond", we live in a cesspool.
Let's not even go deep in Congress - 4 years - Charlie Rangel who should have been prosecuted criminally for tax evasion. Lois Lerner, Thaddeus McCotter (R - who lied on election forms), Mitch McConnel's campaign manager taking the fall for his boss' politcal scandal, Rick Renzi (R-AZ) - 17 counts of wire fraud, extortion, racketeering. Trey Radel (R-FL( Cocaine)). Jesse Jackson jr- $750K Fraud, Laura Richardson (D-CA) 7 counts of violating House rules on campaigning. John Ensign (R-NV) resigned just before Ethics Committee came with a ruling.
Unfortunately, a short list of the unethical and criminal behaviors of our various our national leaders. Instead of "draining the pond", we live in a cesspool.
12
Congress repealed the STOCK Act. It is legal to act and invest on inside information and activity Congress and the Senate have influence over. People who write in here should realize how much is legal that congress and the senate members personally benefit the biggest bucks from. Whenever you see some trumped up charges against one of them for having money slipped to them for a vacation or renovation, you know there is always more to the story, because they are making millions investing on information they personally reap huge dollars from manipulating business capabilities and thus outcomes. They do not have to be psychic to know exactly what is going to happen in the stock market, they can control it to their benefits. So don't think having a dinner tab picked up is anything in comparison. The deck IS rigged by these crooks and they are all corrupt, not just Menendez, they all do it one way or the other and it is LEGAL. Do not kid yourselves.
8
Good points. The trading on inside information will send a stockholder, stock trader, or company employee to jail - Martha Stewart was convicted of one count of breaking this law and served time in prison.
But trading on inside information is legal for Congresspeople - even Nancy Pelosi, one of the 15th wealthiest Members of Congress, has done it time after time: "Pelosi, D-Calif., and her husband have participated in at least eight IPOs while having access to information directly relating to the companies involved. One of those came in 2008, from Visa, just as a troublesome piece of legislation that would have hurt credit card companies, began making its way through the House.
“Undisturbed by a potential conflict of interest the Pelosis purchased 5,000 shares of Visa at the initial price of $44 dollars. Two days later it was trading at $64. The credit card legislation never made it to the floor of the House,” Steve Kroft of "60 Minutes" reported."
Those who make the laws exempt themselves from laws that would put you and me in jail. The question we should have is simple: why? Not why do they do this - we know they do it for the money.
The question is why do we allow it!!!
BTW: of the 15 wealthiest Senators and Representatives, 9 are Democrats.
But trading on inside information is legal for Congresspeople - even Nancy Pelosi, one of the 15th wealthiest Members of Congress, has done it time after time: "Pelosi, D-Calif., and her husband have participated in at least eight IPOs while having access to information directly relating to the companies involved. One of those came in 2008, from Visa, just as a troublesome piece of legislation that would have hurt credit card companies, began making its way through the House.
“Undisturbed by a potential conflict of interest the Pelosis purchased 5,000 shares of Visa at the initial price of $44 dollars. Two days later it was trading at $64. The credit card legislation never made it to the floor of the House,” Steve Kroft of "60 Minutes" reported."
Those who make the laws exempt themselves from laws that would put you and me in jail. The question we should have is simple: why? Not why do they do this - we know they do it for the money.
The question is why do we allow it!!!
BTW: of the 15 wealthiest Senators and Representatives, 9 are Democrats.
1
We don't allow it. We have no control over it. You cannot vote out a law, all you can do is object to it. And even if you voted out every single one of them it does nothing to the law.
They ALL do it, so why exemplify Nancy Pelosi? She's a drop in the bucket.
They ALL do it, so why exemplify Nancy Pelosi? She's a drop in the bucket.
We need to find a non corrupt way of financing elections. Till then, all elected official's motives for any and all work is, will and should remain suspect.
Individual citizens donate money because of the position taken by the said elected official and in turn that politician is cornered to legislate on that position even if the subsequent facts necessitate a change in that position and they cannot.
Public finance of all elections.
Individual citizens donate money because of the position taken by the said elected official and in turn that politician is cornered to legislate on that position even if the subsequent facts necessitate a change in that position and they cannot.
Public finance of all elections.
12
“I have always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law.”, is something that is easy to do when you make up your own blurry legal standards. Show me any politician who comes out of Washington poorer- none. The game is to create murk and twilight- then to bend vague complicated laws to fit your graft. Any move by rouge lawmakers to create transparency is sacrilege.
6
If politicians can't do favors for benefactors, how can they raise any money ?
6
I place Senator Menendez in the same category with Senator Landrieu. They both came out in an ugly way against their Democratic leader, President Obama, and they have been non supportive. Let them face the wrath of what they deserve---go home and sulk. You deserve to be convicted. I'm tired of seeing Democratic elected official not support our president. On another note, concerning the article about Minority Leader Polosi---YOU GO GIRL!!
8
@ Steve - "They both came out in an ugly way against their Democratic leader, President Obama, and they have been non supportive."
My party's leader right or wrong, or suffer the consequences! Sounds familiar, historically.
My party's leader right or wrong, or suffer the consequences! Sounds familiar, historically.
7
"You deserve to be convicted."
Wow. Reading many of these comments, you'd think we lived in 1950s Soviet Russia.
Many of you seem to think that Menendez deserves to be convicted because he dared to disagree with Obama.
Not only is McCarthyism now rife among the left, they don't even try to hide it anymore.
Wow. Reading many of these comments, you'd think we lived in 1950s Soviet Russia.
Many of you seem to think that Menendez deserves to be convicted because he dared to disagree with Obama.
Not only is McCarthyism now rife among the left, they don't even try to hide it anymore.
6
What a coincidence that this, after an investigation of years' duration, comes about just after he broke ranks with Obama's appeasement of Iran. I wonder if there is any connection?
13
Maybe it was the other way around--he thought he'd threaten the President because he could see that the government was getting too close for his comfort. That sounds more like it.
1
This man is a democrat in name only. I don't know how wealthy this man is before he became a senator. His daughter recently married and I can't begin to estimate how much her wedding cost. Obviously, the majority of our representatives are wealthy before taking this side job because let's face it, most of our representatives could not survive on their pittance of a salary although most Americans would be able to live on half of what they earn plus the perks of medical insurance.
7
He was Not rich at all; son of Cuban emigrants, got into politics early, and became wealthy thanks to his doctor friend, who was not a constituent.
He helped his doctor friend cheat medicaid & medicare.
He helped his doctor friend cheat medicaid & medicare.
1
They are wealthy because they are LAWYERS who charge $$$ and inflate the billable hours, before running for office.
Senator Robert Menendez was elected by the voters of New Jersey to represent the Democratic party in that state. He is in his 2nd term of office and his years have been dogged by the whispers of impropriety in his dealings with a friend in Florida, an ophthalmologist from the Dominican Republic (who received 21 Million Dollars from Medicare and Medicaid - highest paid doc in the US), and who flew the good Senator to his home in the Dominican Republic a couple of times for some sort of frolicking. Senators work hard. They deserve to have good times on private airplanes, to frolic with lithesome island beauties now and then. Let's consider Bob Menendez as not guilty - as innocent till proven guilty. Now if only Menendez would change his mind about President Obama's reunification with Cuba, the native home of his parents. Sen. Bob is against the whole enchilada. Meanwhile, whether or not Senator Menendez is ever so slightly corrupt (where there's smoke, there's sometimes fire), shouldn't we hold governing politicians' feet to the fire when it comes to their honesty, to their ethical behaviour, to their integrity in and out of office? And will there be justice if this Senator faces corruption charges brought by the Justice Department? Fundraising and friendship between Senator M and Dr. M isn't the question here. It's how the good doc acquired such funds from Medicare and Medicaid and how the good senator disported himself in the DR.
5
Living in Chicago, we have our share of corruption, but in New Jersey, it appears, you can't open a political door without a grand jury falling out.
15
I hope Cory Booker won't be next. I like the guy. I don't want to be disappointed, again.
2
you mean because Christie was accused but nothing was found? That's the same thing?
2
But which location gave us Obama, and Rahm Emmanuel, AJ? Not to mention Gov. Ryan, and Gov. Blago, and Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., and Bill Ayres.
Doesn't look good for him. This friends defense (giving gifts) is not going to work. As senator its simple. Did he use his influence and accept gifts without declaring it. What will probably happen is the IRS will nail the good doctor for income Tax Evasion. Usually people like (doctor) who are brazen enough to fraud the system are also guilty of other fraudulent deeds.
9
What seems to be fishy here that only one senator is found to have such a crime as accepting a ride from a from a wealthy friend not in his state. Seriously, better try to go after senators on insider trading: data clearly shows it's been going on!
2
It seems to me that there is a constantly moving line between acceptable and "illegal" fundraising.
5
That's how capitalism destroys itself. And re-enslaves the working man.
1
I agree. And who writes the legislation, passes the legislation, and signs the legislation into laws that move the line? Members of Congress and Presidents. Plural on both counts.
1
Another big reason never to run for high public office. No one in his right mind would do it save for vanity given the punishment inflicted for merely trying; Obama's travails a good example.
But it's worse.
In the unlikely prospect that you actually win an important election despite the way the game is stacked against you -- every special interest fighting you, through proxies, every step of the way -- once in-office a bulls-eye will tug your back, mark you as fair game. And you will be hunted as such, like a stag. And you will be allowed no personal life, let alone the normal, tranquil one that most Americans expect and enjoy: a life removed from intrusive investigative scrutiny; deeply intrusive and constant government surveillance. And should you make the immense mistake of trusting someone you don't know, or offend someone who is higher on the food-chain, the political totem pole, than yourself -- refusing to go along with their designs or obey their commands, do favors for their patrons or advance their patrons' corporate interests -- be a "team player", "go along to get along" -- they will destroy you. They will instruct others, many far removed obsequious functionaries to a man, to "take care of it"; "it" being "the problem"; "it" being you. Those apparatchiks, in turn, will unleash the full powers of the state against you: every agency under their control or within their purview, for this single purpose: to annihilate you, for no other reason than your obdurance.
But it's worse.
In the unlikely prospect that you actually win an important election despite the way the game is stacked against you -- every special interest fighting you, through proxies, every step of the way -- once in-office a bulls-eye will tug your back, mark you as fair game. And you will be hunted as such, like a stag. And you will be allowed no personal life, let alone the normal, tranquil one that most Americans expect and enjoy: a life removed from intrusive investigative scrutiny; deeply intrusive and constant government surveillance. And should you make the immense mistake of trusting someone you don't know, or offend someone who is higher on the food-chain, the political totem pole, than yourself -- refusing to go along with their designs or obey their commands, do favors for their patrons or advance their patrons' corporate interests -- be a "team player", "go along to get along" -- they will destroy you. They will instruct others, many far removed obsequious functionaries to a man, to "take care of it"; "it" being "the problem"; "it" being you. Those apparatchiks, in turn, will unleash the full powers of the state against you: every agency under their control or within their purview, for this single purpose: to annihilate you, for no other reason than your obdurance.
7
Thus it was, thus it will ever be.
1
You left out the consequences of misrepresenting the public in favor
of greedy buddies - not to mention personally criminal behavior. You
make it sound like politicians are hapless victims. How to account for
so many "victimized" politicos clawing each other to get elected? Must
be something there more attractive than having to endure unappreciated public service.
Hmmm. Now why is that?
of greedy buddies - not to mention personally criminal behavior. You
make it sound like politicians are hapless victims. How to account for
so many "victimized" politicos clawing each other to get elected? Must
be something there more attractive than having to endure unappreciated public service.
Hmmm. Now why is that?
2
Anyone who decides, as a life goal, to insert themselves into the private decisions of strangers, deserves absolutely no privacy of their own. Their most miniscule transgressions should be mocked daily so that they can be exposed for the hypocritical liars they eventually all become, and humbled into keeping their opinions in check.
1
As an Independent I must confess this is another party fight which begs the question why we still have a two party system.
Senator Menendez has been an outspoken critic of the Obama administration. You don't survive speaking out against the emperor. That he and Senator Reid were trying to influence Medicare to benefit a millionaire democratic supporter and cover it up are secondary to why this is happening to him.
This is an inside job to silence an Obama critic.
Senator Menendez has been an outspoken critic of the Obama administration. You don't survive speaking out against the emperor. That he and Senator Reid were trying to influence Medicare to benefit a millionaire democratic supporter and cover it up are secondary to why this is happening to him.
This is an inside job to silence an Obama critic.
11
Let the courts decide.
2
A while back the NYT ran an opinion piece calling for ethics training for elected officials. All non-elected federal employees are required to take it annually. I'm not sure such training would have stopped Mr. Melendez's old-dog tricks, but overall it's a step in the right direction.
4
By the time someone runs for and wins office, their ethical standards are set. Look at the number of lawmakers who are lawyers. Most of them are not overly concerned with ethics - they are concerned with how close to the line of illegality can I skate and stay out of court.
Is 'ethics training' likely to change behavior of elected officials whose ethics are loose to barely existent? It depends on what your definition of 'is' is.
Is 'ethics training' likely to change behavior of elected officials whose ethics are loose to barely existent? It depends on what your definition of 'is' is.
1
This guy is another dinasaur. Holder's DOJ needs to stay the course.
3
He can push for war with Iran from behind bars. Might not be easy, as his sponsors will abandon him in a hurry. Couldn't have happened to a nicer warmonger.
14
He was not with "the program."
Too vocal in support of...Israel. Shhhh. The US has no political prisoners, except Jonathan Pollard, sitting for 30 years, far longer than if he had spied for an enemy.
It was all explained in
"The Good Shepard."
AS far as State, Justice and the CIA are concerned,
"We have the Untied States of America, and the rest of you are just visiting."
Too vocal in support of...Israel. Shhhh. The US has no political prisoners, except Jonathan Pollard, sitting for 30 years, far longer than if he had spied for an enemy.
It was all explained in
"The Good Shepard."
AS far as State, Justice and the CIA are concerned,
"We have the Untied States of America, and the rest of you are just visiting."
1
You might consider waiting for due process. There is still the presumption of innocence in this country guided by our constitution or is that passe?
3
Republican faces corruption charges : welcome and long overdue says the average NYT commenter. Democrat faces corruption charges: "political hit job", "throw (him) under the bus", "retribution", "witch hunt", and drumroll please for today's favorite: "why is this illegal". is there anything, ANYTHING? that Dems don't see as partisan or the Republican's fault?
8
You bet. After all, your party opposes any and all laws to limit campaign contributions.
How have you identified the party of the readers here? I'm a democrat and I'm not calling this a political hit job.
1
@rnh--maybe, but others this morning obviously of the liberal persuasion are...
2
One less Democrat.........
2
Yes, let's get one more TP/GOP climate-change denying, heartless libertarian in there. Grand idea. They are doing such a wonderful job as the majority party in the Senate…..
5
His attorney is, unfortunately, quite correct in claiming that his actions are part of "the normal legislative process". Yes, CORRUPTION is indeed part of the normal legislative process.
To the tumbrils with him!
To the tumbrils with him!
8
Tumbrels.
Melendez is a sleazy Dem, as are most entrenched pols. Breitbart reported on this scandal 2 years ago, but Obama held onto this until he needed it, which is now.
Melendez has been the only Dem to openly criticise Obama's Mickey Mouse foreign policy vis Israel and Cuba.
Meanwhile, Harry Reid, who is the most corrupt Dem pol, gets a free pass as he is Obama's lap dog.
Melendez has been the only Dem to openly criticise Obama's Mickey Mouse foreign policy vis Israel and Cuba.
Meanwhile, Harry Reid, who is the most corrupt Dem pol, gets a free pass as he is Obama's lap dog.
4
Seriously?
Do you have any idea how many American troops have died or been maimed and trillions of dollars wasted because of Cheney and his lapdog, Bush, who were doing the bidding of Paul Wolfowitz?
Do you have any idea how many American troops have died or been maimed and trillions of dollars wasted because of Cheney and his lapdog, Bush, who were doing the bidding of Paul Wolfowitz?
5
Party purge: Obama style. Israel supporter: (check) Didn't toe the party line: (check) Was openly critical of Obama: (check) It's one thing if the Republicans do it, but unacceptable if it comes from within. Sick Holder on him.
Team Obama: Secret Police
Team Obama: Secret Police
8
Mr menendez is president Obamas least favorite democrat. That is why he is under investigation.
9
How dumb must a politician be to bring corruption charges down on him in an age when accepting investment for return is the primary activity of elected official.
The carcass of American republicanism is just staggering along zombie-like just waiting for the crisis to make us recognize that congressional democracy in America is a failure and its loss is no loss.
The carcass of American republicanism is just staggering along zombie-like just waiting for the crisis to make us recognize that congressional democracy in America is a failure and its loss is no loss.
3
I hope the DOJ has a solid case. This can not be political pay back. It will also be interesting how many politicians are going to give their blind support.
3
Could it be after his angry comments towards Obama last week, somehow the WH said, okay now! Menedez should have been indicted a year ago. The most disturbing part of the story is the underage hookers in the DR.
2
The senator, long a serious player in NJ politics and U.S. policy, is also long a man with a spot blinded by the place he comes from in NJ -- Hudson County (Jersey City, Union City, Hoboken).
Legendary for corruption, though no longer in thrall to one boss as in the heyday of Frank Hague, Hudson is divided into fiefdoms whose chiefs conspired politically to hold down the county's overwhelmingly 4-to-1 Democratic vote in the 2009 election for governor.
Why? Because with the Democratic bosses of even larger Democratic Essex County (Newark), who did the same, they dealt with the indictment-empowered Republican U.S. attorney, Chris Christie, dealing him the governor's office.
As chairman and now ranking foreign relations member Menendez is blind and deaf to national foreign policy interests on Cuba and an Iranian accord because his voting base could care less about those international issues except in the narrowest sense on Cuba since Hudson's Cuban community, from which he comes, is the largest outside Miami.
In Hudson they care about graft, sometimes in the literal and personal and sometimes the political sense, not about the fate of nations.
If the Miami doctor is so good a friend as Menendez says then he should never have helped him with public favors. But is that arrogance or corruption?
Will he resign? Never. As Menendez has ever done, he will fight the charges, stay in office unless and until convicted. It is what he does. It is what they do in Hudson County.
Legendary for corruption, though no longer in thrall to one boss as in the heyday of Frank Hague, Hudson is divided into fiefdoms whose chiefs conspired politically to hold down the county's overwhelmingly 4-to-1 Democratic vote in the 2009 election for governor.
Why? Because with the Democratic bosses of even larger Democratic Essex County (Newark), who did the same, they dealt with the indictment-empowered Republican U.S. attorney, Chris Christie, dealing him the governor's office.
As chairman and now ranking foreign relations member Menendez is blind and deaf to national foreign policy interests on Cuba and an Iranian accord because his voting base could care less about those international issues except in the narrowest sense on Cuba since Hudson's Cuban community, from which he comes, is the largest outside Miami.
In Hudson they care about graft, sometimes in the literal and personal and sometimes the political sense, not about the fate of nations.
If the Miami doctor is so good a friend as Menendez says then he should never have helped him with public favors. But is that arrogance or corruption?
Will he resign? Never. As Menendez has ever done, he will fight the charges, stay in office unless and until convicted. It is what he does. It is what they do in Hudson County.
5
"stay in office unless and until convicted. It is what he does. It is what they do in Hudson County"
Just like Chicago, by far the most corrupt government in the US.
Just like Chicago, by far the most corrupt government in the US.
3
Did you learn this at the VIP diner off Journal Square?
Anyway, think of Menendez not as a continuation of a tradition of corrupt politics in Hudson County.
Instead, think of him merely as a "community organizer."
After all, how actually corrupt is any given community organizer from a large city?
It's not like Menendez sat in church for 20 years listening to sermons in which the USA, Israel, and Jews were constantly condemned, but heard nothing.
If Menendez had heard such sermons, though, he would have told us.
Because in Hudson County, they were corrupt, but they were honest about their corruption.
And Mayors Hague and Kenny brought us great hospitals, an early version of socialized medicine.
Menendez's downfall comes because he stepped into the larger cesspool called the Beltway.
As Frank Underwood says, "What are you lookin' at?"
Anyway, think of Menendez not as a continuation of a tradition of corrupt politics in Hudson County.
Instead, think of him merely as a "community organizer."
After all, how actually corrupt is any given community organizer from a large city?
It's not like Menendez sat in church for 20 years listening to sermons in which the USA, Israel, and Jews were constantly condemned, but heard nothing.
If Menendez had heard such sermons, though, he would have told us.
Because in Hudson County, they were corrupt, but they were honest about their corruption.
And Mayors Hague and Kenny brought us great hospitals, an early version of socialized medicine.
Menendez's downfall comes because he stepped into the larger cesspool called the Beltway.
As Frank Underwood says, "What are you lookin' at?"
Coincidentally, the Justice Department brings charges against the New Jersey democrat senator as his foreign policy views turn divergent from those of the Obama administration on Cuba and Israel.
8
Menendez is mess-endez! Views of Cuba, antiquated. Any member of the Senate who thinks Bibi deserves to address Congress is a bit daft.
4
This is merely coincidence.
Just ask Frank Underwood.
Just ask Frank Underwood.
What a disappointment. I guess Politicians are Politicians no matter what party they belong too.
3
Maybe Christie can use some of that $8.5 billion he just saved Exxon to help menendez
11
I am no fan of Menendez but it is distressing how so many other commentators are already assuming he is guilty. Haven't we learned anything from Michael Brown and Ferguson? Please wait for hard facts to emerge and a rendered verdict.
12
Menendez will, in his defense, mention that he has been a public servant. (and we will hopefully roll our eyes.)
4
Say it isn't so Bob, say it isn't so. I saw Melgen was a guest of honor at your daughters recent marriage, which was featured in The Times Vows column. Jarring? Not quite. Seems the public enjoys watching the shame Bob has brought to his family. Lastly, their is no such thing as 'friendship' in politics, it is all about money, nothing else. Wise up America. You can be sure Bob's legal-defense fund is all about corruption itself. Will you be giving?
2
Fact is: the big lobby, big money groups and bodies in Washington, are there exclusively to impose and buy their interest (regardless of the damage, and the financial burden, against the consumers and taxpayers) and the politicians, who suppose to defend and protect, the rights and interest of the people, who elected them, are there to be corrupted and bought, it does not matter which party politician, the main thing, is the financial flow of big money, for the re-election campaign, and very often also and in secret, money contributions for political favors.
We talk very often, about other countries being corrupt, and actually the
United States is in this regard, in the political and military forefront.!!
We talk very often, about other countries being corrupt, and actually the
United States is in this regard, in the political and military forefront.!!
7
Jennifer Steinhauer, NYT, March 6th: "Should a Republican win the White House in 2016 and the Senate remain under Republican control, Democrats will almost certainly find themselves nearly debilitated."
Even before any Democrat has announced for President, two major Democrats are embroiled in scandal. The Benghazi hearings, and now the Menendez indictment and trial, will keep the propinquity of "Democrat" and "scandal" in the public square -- surely it's the fault of "Faux News"?
As the Midterms showed, the Voters are out of patience, and the Democrats out of original, and practicable, solutions.
Even before any Democrat has announced for President, two major Democrats are embroiled in scandal. The Benghazi hearings, and now the Menendez indictment and trial, will keep the propinquity of "Democrat" and "scandal" in the public square -- surely it's the fault of "Faux News"?
As the Midterms showed, the Voters are out of patience, and the Democrats out of original, and practicable, solutions.
4
But denying global warming is a fabulous and practicable, as you put it, idea.
1
Well, senator Menendez is charged. Good job Holder, Obama and Democrats, that is the way to throw someone under the bus to get the heat off of Hillary...and you, of course. And I am not saying he isn't guilty - I don't know, it just stinks, especially if this was leaked to take the heat off Hillary and her possible illegal actions.
7
Of course he was charged. He's been going against Obama on several issues. Had he behaved would he have been charged? That's the question everyone should be asking.
5
23 years in office and counting.
We desperately need term limits and let these dinosaurs go.
This is NOT, repeat NOT, what the founding fathers envisioned.
We desperately need term limits and let these dinosaurs go.
This is NOT, repeat NOT, what the founding fathers envisioned.
12
You let them go by voting for someone else, right?
3
If you want term limits the Constitution must be changed, and good luck with that. The major problem is that too many voters have their fingers up their noses (polite speak) and don't follow the issues. We get the government that we deserve. As Pogo once said, "We have met the enemy, and it is We."
1
"We have met the enemy, and they is us"?
1
Batista's mentality is the same not matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican or if you are in Miami or Havana. His alleged extremely close connections to corrupt Puerto Rican politicos in Puerto Rico needs to be explored also.
6
At the end of the day he is a Politician and wouldn't expect different, and remember he is from New Jersey that gave us Christie.
4
":he is from New Jersey that gave us Christie"
TX is much worse. They gave us The Decider and about to gave us Bush III, The Holy Worrior
TX is much worse. They gave us The Decider and about to gave us Bush III, The Holy Worrior
5
Christie? Only a Republican of dubious honesty? How about Frank (I am the law) Hague, Anthony Imperiale, Kenneth Gewirtz and all the Democrats? The whole state is a sewer of corruption. The four years I lived there made me want to shower every hour.
4
"According to court papers that were mistakenly and briefly unsealed last week". That comment says it all. This is a political hit job for some purpose.
12
Who own Congress?
It's clearly not the voters/citizens.
When was last time any of us got to see/meet our member of Congress?
What are my chances if I asked to meet Tailor Schumer? Wall Street patron saint who custom-made and pass laws exclusively for Wall Street.
I don't work for Goldman Sachs. I don't I own massive Manhattan real estate portfolio. Nor I am an active member of AIPAC.
" Sen Schumer schedule is extremely busy for next 10 years working for New Yorkers. He has 2 minutes opening on the Salute to Israel parade in 2030. Would you like to make this appointment?
Case closed.
It's clearly not the voters/citizens.
When was last time any of us got to see/meet our member of Congress?
What are my chances if I asked to meet Tailor Schumer? Wall Street patron saint who custom-made and pass laws exclusively for Wall Street.
I don't work for Goldman Sachs. I don't I own massive Manhattan real estate portfolio. Nor I am an active member of AIPAC.
" Sen Schumer schedule is extremely busy for next 10 years working for New Yorkers. He has 2 minutes opening on the Salute to Israel parade in 2030. Would you like to make this appointment?
Case closed.
5
Good question as far as meeting a congress person. Believe the last time that happened to me was around 50 years ago. Met two of them actually and they are still in office but one is retiring. Think we need term limits?
2
The timing is exquisite.
8
Did you read they've been investigating for a couple of years, they certainly didn't rush into it!!!!!!!!!!!
3
It's potential good news in so far as it may detract him from his bellicose talk for war with Iran and destabilization schemes for Cuba and Venezuela.
4
first....war with Iran IS likely
2nd. cuba is back baby!!!
3rd venesuela SHOULD be destabilized........kids are starving there
2nd. cuba is back baby!!!
3rd venesuela SHOULD be destabilized........kids are starving there
2
Senator Menendez should be suspended for nine games. Oops, sorry. Wrong article. Just can't keep these corruption stories straight.
7
Where's Bibi when you need him?
1
how would Bibi fit in this scenario???
i dont get your comment.
i dont get your comment.
3
@marshall,
Señor Menendez is among the diehard herd members of Congress who blindly supports ALL Israel polices and never saw/heard any Israeli wrongdoing.
Señor Menendez is among the diehard herd members of Congress who blindly supports ALL Israel polices and never saw/heard any Israeli wrongdoing.
4
I sure wish guilty people could be indicted. Did you ever notice every single time someone is indicted they claim they are innocent? At what point in our lives do we turn into liars and thieves after having been taught by our parents to be honest?
1
Dr. Melgen is NOT Sen. Menendez's constituent; he lives & works in Florida.
He is a funder & friend of the Senator--probably a briber too. That is why the Senator interfered with the Medicare & Medicaid agency to line Dr.Melgen's
pockets & probably his too.
I hope the DOJ has him out of the senate before 2016 election; maybe this year even.
He is a funder & friend of the Senator--probably a briber too. That is why the Senator interfered with the Medicare & Medicaid agency to line Dr.Melgen's
pockets & probably his too.
I hope the DOJ has him out of the senate before 2016 election; maybe this year even.
3
Singling out Menendez because of his vocal opposition to Obama's foreign policy vis a vis Iran. Obvious retribution. Call me cynical, but seems just like politics as usual...
8
YOU GOT DAT RIGHT!!!
Obama isnt above crucifying members of his
OWN party......
Washington is now fully a free for all
get re-elected a million times, grab all you
can........and retire and STILL keep getting graft!!!
Obama isnt above crucifying members of his
OWN party......
Washington is now fully a free for all
get re-elected a million times, grab all you
can........and retire and STILL keep getting graft!!!
3
This article states:
"But even in New Jersey, a state with a long history of political corruption, the case is jarring."
When I first it, I agreed with that disparaging characterization - but then, upon further reflection, it occurred to me that New Jersey may only be one of several states - including, e.g. Louisiana and Rhode Island - whose corrupt "public servants" are either too - how shall I put it? - yes, too unintelligent - or maybe just too brazen - to dodge a federal indictment.
"But even in New Jersey, a state with a long history of political corruption, the case is jarring."
When I first it, I agreed with that disparaging characterization - but then, upon further reflection, it occurred to me that New Jersey may only be one of several states - including, e.g. Louisiana and Rhode Island - whose corrupt "public servants" are either too - how shall I put it? - yes, too unintelligent - or maybe just too brazen - to dodge a federal indictment.
2
Bad week for Israel Lobby.....
5
It appears, the Un-Honorable Mr. Menendez is another civil servant in our legislature that has fallen by the wayside of corruption. The corruption caused by greed, power and SEX. There will be charges and count claims and then he will resign to save the turmoil for the good of the state of New Jersey and the Country. Some smoke filled back room deal will be made to somewhat save face for Menendez. Unless, he really starts to open his mouth and squeal to loud. The all bets are off for his house of cards may come falling down..........
i agree.....but you know.....take your comment and substitute ANY congressman"s name for Menendez........and BINGO.......you have a
new, timely comment!!!
This is kinda going green on comments......recycle, yah know??
new, timely comment!!!
This is kinda going green on comments......recycle, yah know??
3
Robert, methinks thou doth protest too much.
Maybe he watched too many Sopranos episodes.
New Jersey politicians should be considered corrupt when they take office -- and let them then prove they're not.
A "presumption of guilt" would save a lot of time for politicians in New Jersey.
New Jersey politicians should be considered corrupt when they take office -- and let them then prove they're not.
A "presumption of guilt" would save a lot of time for politicians in New Jersey.
3
How disheartening, yet all too predictable, to read the usual defenses in this case from the standard check off list:
they all do it;
the other party is worse;
[random unconnected to story name inserted here, politician, Justice, whomever you don't like] should be investigated instead;
what's the big deal anyway;
at least they're not a [insert name of other party you hate];
but I like him/her and/or their position on something so it's ok;
I had to vote for him/her because I couldn't have voted for their opponent last time because they were a [again, insert party label you hate];
the rules are just too complicated, I'm sure he/she meant well;
well this is just racist, sexist, or something similar;
or, if only we had term limits this wouldn't happen (because I will always vote for the crooked candidate for blindly partisan reasons anyway so this is the only way to make me stop).
How sad that we the voters willingly tolerate all of this.
they all do it;
the other party is worse;
[random unconnected to story name inserted here, politician, Justice, whomever you don't like] should be investigated instead;
what's the big deal anyway;
at least they're not a [insert name of other party you hate];
but I like him/her and/or their position on something so it's ok;
I had to vote for him/her because I couldn't have voted for their opponent last time because they were a [again, insert party label you hate];
the rules are just too complicated, I'm sure he/she meant well;
well this is just racist, sexist, or something similar;
or, if only we had term limits this wouldn't happen (because I will always vote for the crooked candidate for blindly partisan reasons anyway so this is the only way to make me stop).
How sad that we the voters willingly tolerate all of this.
11
Hold on George. What choice do we have without term limits?
1
Vast majority of comments are against him. Read again.
I don't like his position on Cuba, I deplore his love of Netenahu's policies. But these accusations look more like a witch hunt than a serious attempt to uncover corruption.
8
Oh boy, if he resigns, then Christie gets to appoint a replacement, at least temporarily. Looks like former Port Authority Chairman David Samson is headed for Washington!!!
3
The only reason he is a senator is because it was thought expedient to appoint him because of the Latino voters. There were other and more deserving aspirants. When you consider the amount of money that is being paid out to doctors, I find it disturbing that he should pressure the already overwhelmed Medicare agency, to change its rules so that a millionaire should get more money.
8
I suggest you check your medical statements. Medicare reimbursements to all healthcare providers have been continually plummeting in the last years. It is the reason many doctors are dropping Medicare because it is costing more in staff & paperwork. Senator Menendez was trying to save Medicare from this fallout which judging by your white hair includes you.
4
But isn't this doctor, for whom Menendez lobbied Medicare, a millionaire who donates huge amount of money to politicians and has villas in foreign countries?
I must gather that his Medicare payments are not forcing him to leave the profession. What doctors really need some relief from the bureaucracy involved in getting their payments, which would save them a lot of money.
I must gather that his Medicare payments are not forcing him to leave the profession. What doctors really need some relief from the bureaucracy involved in getting their payments, which would save them a lot of money.
I don't care about this doctor of whom we know nothing. His millions could have come from savvy investments, an inheritance as well as his hard work. Medicare, for sure, is not his only insurance reimbursement.
The point is that your original remark is prejudicial. ALL doctors have been hurt by lowered reimbursements, not just fancy millionaire surgeons. Reducing paperwork would be nice but that doesn't pay salaries for office staff, rent, supplies and malpractice. Get a grip. Not all doctors are filthy rich. Menendez was trying to save healthcare. He is being ousted by Obama for not going along with the pact.
The point is that your original remark is prejudicial. ALL doctors have been hurt by lowered reimbursements, not just fancy millionaire surgeons. Reducing paperwork would be nice but that doesn't pay salaries for office staff, rent, supplies and malpractice. Get a grip. Not all doctors are filthy rich. Menendez was trying to save healthcare. He is being ousted by Obama for not going along with the pact.
Maybe I'm missing something here, but after Citizen's United why is this illegal?
If cash equals speech, then speech is a commodity to be bought with gifts or any sort of financial instrument. And the reason was to advance the doctor's concerns in Congress, by speaking about them. The Senator wasn't a regulator allowing a transgression or giving him proprietary information. The doctor was just, you know, buying himself a politician. Guess it's only ok if you're a billionaire.
If cash equals speech, then speech is a commodity to be bought with gifts or any sort of financial instrument. And the reason was to advance the doctor's concerns in Congress, by speaking about them. The Senator wasn't a regulator allowing a transgression or giving him proprietary information. The doctor was just, you know, buying himself a politician. Guess it's only ok if you're a billionaire.
29
This is all about the underage girls in the DR and the influence peddling he tried at CMS (medicare agency)
2
Under no circumstances should he even consider resigning unless CONVICTED! Politically motivated indictments are not unusual (Texas Democrats do it to Republicans every couple of years). Although I doubt this is politically motivated, Menendez was elected by the people. Too many comments here seem to be he is not a "Good-Liberal" Democrat so he should be replaced. Although I would love to see Christie appoint another Republican to the Senate, this is not how or why we un-elect someone.
7
By "politically motivated" you're referring to the part of the article which reports that "the government also claims that Mr. Menendez, along with Senator Harry Reid, then the leader of the Democratic majority, advocated for Dr. Melgen in meetings with Kathleen E. Sebelius, then the secretary of health and human services."?
Very sly of this administration, indeed, to advance its political agenda this way.
Very sly of this administration, indeed, to advance its political agenda this way.
2
I've read all of the comments and I've seen none that match this description.
1
This is all well and good, but when are they going after Scalia and Thomas, they are as corrupt as the day is long. They have no sense of integrity in their position.
36
Just because you disagree with people does not make them ignorant or corrupt. How sad this is the level people have sunk to in their hyperpartipsan view of the world.
11
In case you missed it, this is an article on Senator Menendez. Stick to the topic, if you can.
12
Bringing charges would be the logical conclusion to much of the criticism leveled against the conservative members of the Supreme Court. Following nicely the biased rants based on their gender, race and religion.
3
I find it utterly amazing that Menendez didn't get a hard riding by the press when the prostitutes recanted their stories and these other stories about corruption started leaking. Where was the investigative journalism?
Oh, there was some, but it wasn't picked up by national media or drummed in the minds of the populace like the Brian Williams story. Menendez has very powerful friends in NY and, as usually follows from there, the media. That's why he's still standing and only an indictment could challenge him. The media wouldn't.
He should have been shamed out of office long ago.
Oh, there was some, but it wasn't picked up by national media or drummed in the minds of the populace like the Brian Williams story. Menendez has very powerful friends in NY and, as usually follows from there, the media. That's why he's still standing and only an indictment could challenge him. The media wouldn't.
He should have been shamed out of office long ago.
15
Yes. Politicians leave office out of "shame" all the time. Just ask David Vitter or Bill Clinton.
5
Why do we have corrupt politicians?
Because the MSM either doesn't give the time of day to candidates like Zephyre Teachout, or on the rare occasion when they do, they do it mockingly, they emphasize how off the wall the candidacy is, blah blah blah.
To win the country back for its citizens, we first have to win the media back. We have to demand honest reporting, not just accurate reporting. We have to demand that the majority of front page news should involve what matters to Americans.
For instance, right now the "Top Brazil Court Approves Investigation of Politicians 7:35 PM ET" is under "More news", but the Melendez stories all the way down under US Politics.
Why? Which news is more important to the vast majority of NJ residents and the vast majority of Americans? Why should news about a corrupt prominent US Senator be hidden from the eyes of people who may not scroll all the way down?
Because the MSM either doesn't give the time of day to candidates like Zephyre Teachout, or on the rare occasion when they do, they do it mockingly, they emphasize how off the wall the candidacy is, blah blah blah.
To win the country back for its citizens, we first have to win the media back. We have to demand honest reporting, not just accurate reporting. We have to demand that the majority of front page news should involve what matters to Americans.
For instance, right now the "Top Brazil Court Approves Investigation of Politicians 7:35 PM ET" is under "More news", but the Melendez stories all the way down under US Politics.
Why? Which news is more important to the vast majority of NJ residents and the vast majority of Americans? Why should news about a corrupt prominent US Senator be hidden from the eyes of people who may not scroll all the way down?
7
While you make a valid point about the media, even when corruption is exposed too many voters just shrug, yawn, and say "who cares" so long as the politician has the "right" positions, letter after their name or race/gender/ethnicity - and they knowingly vote for them again (occasionally with a laughable comment about "hoping" the candidate is "listening"). As long as the electorate rewards crooked pols with a guraranteed position they know they have little to fear, for they will be defended and excuses made for them.
10
My perception is that the entire Congress is guilty of this kind of stuff.
Why single out Menendez? The whole bin is full of rotten apples.
Why single out Menendez? The whole bin is full of rotten apples.
32
To enlarge your weak perception it may be good should you ask yourself WHO may have huge interest to get Menendez outed.. Surely not the Congress at the present crucial moment. since Menendez does share some views concerning Cuba, Iran, etc. with the Republicans. Do you understand? The bin full of rotten apples is somewhere else, Washington?, to be found.
Can someone help you?
Can someone help you?
Agree. May I suggest that we empty out all jails and throw in the Senate and House-with no exceptions.
2
It's painful for me to think of another Democrat leaving the Senate, but I sincerely believe that Senator Menendez is a dishonest politician, with no interest in defending his party's position or any position which does not fatten his pocketbook. The Democrats will do better without him--he's a closet Republican anyway. I do hope, it's "Goodbye Senator Menendex."
24
This is fine, but they could go after every single senator except for Sanders, they're all corrupt to the bone.
16
The female democratic gubanatorial challenger to Christie should run for Menendez's seat.
9
Barbara Buono is a perfect choice, she has a brain and is anything but corrupt.
9
Chris Christie must be thrilled to have New Jerseyans looking the other way while his pennies-on-the-dollar deal for Exxon goes down.
32
He should be next
19
If he is thrilled it will be cheap and short lived - as exxongate joins the queue with bridgegate, et. Al. Christie will need more than menendez to distract new jerseyans.
6
Next he'll say the administration "has it in" for him because of his fierce opposition to the thaw with Cuba.
[And again, TERM LIMITS keeps recurring in one's mind. TERM LIMITS.]
[And again, TERM LIMITS keeps recurring in one's mind. TERM LIMITS.]
16
Yes, term limits. Harry Reid, Dianne Feinstein, etc., should follow that advice and retire already.
9
Tamar,
Yes, all of them—both sides and the middle.
And transition the Senate to British House of Lords status.
Advise yes, consent NO.
Yes, all of them—both sides and the middle.
And transition the Senate to British House of Lords status.
Advise yes, consent NO.
1
We already have term limits. It is called the ballot box. People keep electing these clowns and there is no assurance that term limits will bring in Mr. Smith goes to Washington types. The two party system delivers candidates that are vetted by the parties and under our current campaign finance system even candidates with limited terms would be beholden to some interest group or another.
We have term limits in Michigan for state offices and all it has given us is job hopping from one legislative branch to another or one elected office to another. There is no institutional knowledge or accountability, no one left standing to answer for poor legislation, and no tangible benefits from a revolving door of office seekers.
We have term limits in Michigan for state offices and all it has given us is job hopping from one legislative branch to another or one elected office to another. There is no institutional knowledge or accountability, no one left standing to answer for poor legislation, and no tangible benefits from a revolving door of office seekers.
3
The 'accusers' should tread VERY lightly - let us 'investigate' those who are 'accusing'. The GOP may think they are as pure as the fallen snow - but they have drifted into areas that will cause an enormous amount of cleanup.
12
The accusers are not Republicans, but the Justice Department, headed by a Democrat, just in case you forgot.
6
Yeah, I hate how these Republicans have taken over the Justice Department and are using it for political gain! Thanks for pointing this out. Someone's got to keep the New York Times from distorting news in a way that hurts Democrats And like several of the commenters say, they're all guilty so let's not prosecute anybody!
2
Accusations brought about by whom? Not the Justice Dept! The GOP managed to get them off the ground and into the
Justice Dept.
Justice Dept.
Menendez indicted? How shocking!
Standards of ethics he's been mocking?
Standards of ethics he's been mocking?
10
Sounds like Menendez is being punished for not acting like a good progressive Democrat. Over the past few months as a Republican I've been amazed at his sound bites and assumed he'd change his party affiliation. If he gets passed this, and I believe he will, he should change.
I am embarrassed for some of the comments such as that he isn't a "good liberal". Tell that to the political prisoners in Castros gulags. With his new outreach our President is essentialy offering to pay the prison guards. He's right to speak out-Menendez is the real liberal.
I am embarrassed for some of the comments such as that he isn't a "good liberal". Tell that to the political prisoners in Castros gulags. With his new outreach our President is essentialy offering to pay the prison guards. He's right to speak out-Menendez is the real liberal.
8
"With his new outreach our President is essentialy offering to pay the prison guards."
Wow, just imagine what the money we've sent to China is paying for! So of course we should never have recognized that country.
Wow, just imagine what the money we've sent to China is paying for! So of course we should never have recognized that country.
2
Good riddance. He should be forced to resign.
All these warmongering neocons who see themselves as servants of Wall Street need to go.
In the most recent hearings with Yellen, he (along with Schumer) even had the nerve to advocate for continuation of low interest rates. Sure, let's hand WS more free money to widen the wealth gap while retirees are getting nothing on their savings.
All these warmongering neocons who see themselves as servants of Wall Street need to go.
In the most recent hearings with Yellen, he (along with Schumer) even had the nerve to advocate for continuation of low interest rates. Sure, let's hand WS more free money to widen the wealth gap while retirees are getting nothing on their savings.
27
US isn't a banana republic to have the president indict a senator, for political consideration. When the woman who accused Menendez for underage prostitution, the investigation turned out that there were prostitution, but there were no evidence of underage prostitution. I remember one of the lawyers or spokespersons for Menendez said he was a single man and using a prostitute's service in Dominican Republic wasn't illegal, essentially, so what is the fuss. Shortly after that, Menendez married his lady friend. I believe the indictment is about undisclosed gifts received from the doctor, some of which may relate to paying for prostitutes to service Mr. Menendez. Obviously, it would be difficult to disclose those politically, so he is in trouble. I am almost certain he will cut a deal and resign, instead of going through a trial.
6
Sad that he won't be prosecuted for prostitution involving minors in the Dominican Republic. His "friends" intimidated and coerced them into recanting their stories. Politician serving themselves with our money, and them has the temerity to confront Obama because the senator is serving the best interests of New Jersey. Yeah right, New Jersey is last in employment levels since the recession and no money has been spent from the portion the federal government gave them for Sandy. Send this "politician" to jail.
11
Are you really surprised? This is just another day in the life of another US politician. If All of them could be investigated simultaneously, there would be many fewer in office at any given time. This is what their life is about.
Serving the people, by taking from the people. Just gifts, of course. From friends. Actually, its nice to see him exposed, but the story is so commonplace as to be a bit boring.
Perhaps Menendez can confer with Sheldon Silver, that other innocent guy who suddenly discovered all this money in his various accounts. Strange how so many innocent politicians end up leaving their jobs and pleading guilty to fraud, embezzlement, theft,whatever, despite being innocent. Ho hum.
I'm sure Governor Christie will appoint a fine replacement if need be given how he operates his state. "Jerseyians" can only hope it won't be someone out on parole.
Serving the people, by taking from the people. Just gifts, of course. From friends. Actually, its nice to see him exposed, but the story is so commonplace as to be a bit boring.
Perhaps Menendez can confer with Sheldon Silver, that other innocent guy who suddenly discovered all this money in his various accounts. Strange how so many innocent politicians end up leaving their jobs and pleading guilty to fraud, embezzlement, theft,whatever, despite being innocent. Ho hum.
I'm sure Governor Christie will appoint a fine replacement if need be given how he operates his state. "Jerseyians" can only hope it won't be someone out on parole.
11
An important principle to remember is that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
Accusations, by themselves, are not facts; they need to be verified and backed up by evidence, before gaining acceptance in a humane society.
Accusations, by themselves, are not facts; they need to be verified and backed up by evidence, before gaining acceptance in a humane society.
12
Every New Jersey politician is innocent until proven guilty.
And with a little luck, eventually, all of them will be proven guilty.
And with a little luck, eventually, all of them will be proven guilty.
3
I'm guessing this will be fatal to Senator Menendez's political career. This is more than about friendship. It is about quid pro quo behaviors, which can be difficult to prove, but which taint reputations, ones built up over years of good behavior.
From the article: "He added: “Anyone who knows me knows who I am and that I am not going anywhere,” he said. "
This is what every politician says a few weeks before they resign. Given who Senator Menendez is, it may take a couple of months for his resignation. I hope there is a good Democrat in the wings who wants to be a senator from New Jersey.
6
Christie would appoint the successor without confirmation by the Democrats in Trenton who are left out of the decision. So be careful what you wish for.
2
It's time to put all of these guys under the scrutiny of the law with full transparency in all that they say and do. No more free rides for politicians.
13
Melgen represents the tip of the despicable iceberg of what American medicine has become. If the government is going to fund most medical care, which it does one way or another, then doctors, as public or quasi public employees should be on salary. That single step would lead to a massive decrease in overtreatment and questionable treatment......an epidemic in this country and the principle driver of high costs and poor outcomes.
24
I am ophthalmologist and just had a discussion with my manager about this doctor and wondered how does he still have a medical license. Well this article explains why. This doctor didn't just over treat, he split an expensive bottle of medicine four ways and billed for a complete bottle in each patient. Clear cut fraud, and I question if he gave enough medicine to each patient. Most retina specialists will try a generic medication first that costs $50 to see if an inexpensive treatment can work before using this medication. How his practice didn't trigger a red flag as an outlier is beyond belief. I thought only wall street had captured the government. I am repulsed that this individual is still practicing medicine.
4
If you dig hard enough you might find out he is getting a kickback from the drug supplier....kind of like how orthopedic spine surgeons get kickbacks from the implant distributors.....Kickbacks and fee splitting and stretching the indications for even cataract surgery are part of modern medicine it seems.....and since this is part of legal practice and legal ethics (referral fees) it is not something that is being disciplined and if doctors discipline themselves they will get sued for anti trust.........if all doctors were on salary with a retirement paid by the government all this bad care would go away.
As this story unfolds, reporters will resurface old stories about close relationships between the Senator and others in New Jersey with serious legal challenges. But assuming the reader was unfamiliar with the Senator's reputation, two things jump out.
First, there are powerful disincentives for the Justice Department under a Democratic President unless the facts and law are overwhelmingly compelling. The Senator has seniority and significant influence over issues critical to the President, Iran being the most obvious example. If the Senator resigned, Governor Christie would appoint a successor until the election. If the Senator's Democratic peers believe he is being railroaded, that would further poison the White House's challenged relationship with Senate Democrats. The US Attorney for New Jersey, who has reportedly signed off on the impending charges, was appointed with the Senator's blessing. It would be politically suicidal and inconsistent with what even conservative critics view as the culture of this Administration to bring trumped-up charges.
Second, the Senator's staff asserted their constitutional privilege against testifying. In the history of members of Congress who have been criminally charged, this is virtually without precedent.
First, there are powerful disincentives for the Justice Department under a Democratic President unless the facts and law are overwhelmingly compelling. The Senator has seniority and significant influence over issues critical to the President, Iran being the most obvious example. If the Senator resigned, Governor Christie would appoint a successor until the election. If the Senator's Democratic peers believe he is being railroaded, that would further poison the White House's challenged relationship with Senate Democrats. The US Attorney for New Jersey, who has reportedly signed off on the impending charges, was appointed with the Senator's blessing. It would be politically suicidal and inconsistent with what even conservative critics view as the culture of this Administration to bring trumped-up charges.
Second, the Senator's staff asserted their constitutional privilege against testifying. In the history of members of Congress who have been criminally charged, this is virtually without precedent.
18
I freely admit I think Menendez is a slug, whether he is ethically compromised regarding this specific situation is another question though few will be surprised if he is found guilty. Will the New Jersey political machines ever advance half decent candidates?
9
I'm not a Democrat but there are far, far, far more corrupt characters on both sides of the idle than Menendez and I have to wonder if this doesn't have more to do with his criticism of Mr Obama's policies for Iran and Cuba than it does with any wrongdoing.
Our DOJ, IRS, ATF and EPA seem to have been turned into weapons for this administration to threaten and punish those who dare political dissent even from it's own party.
Even Bush 41 wasn't this brazen..
Our DOJ, IRS, ATF and EPA seem to have been turned into weapons for this administration to threaten and punish those who dare political dissent even from it's own party.
Even Bush 41 wasn't this brazen..
14
If you have more evidence of crimes by another Senator than they have on Menendez, I'd surely like to see it. If not, you shouldn't claim conspiracy.
7
You've hit the nail on the head. This administration will tolerate no one who doesn't toe the party line & this newspaper has an ethical obligation to investigate this.
8
Geez, between Pelosi diverting public funds to drive up her property values and Reid running a windfarm scam and his son making megabucks and McConnell's bribery issues I can come up with 3 in the first 10 seconds I thought about it.
9
A little too high and mighty this one.
Someday, with the rapidity of the national u-turn on gay marriage, the era of professional politicians, with all its corruption, will be over.
People are fed up and when they are properly led to action - actions more simple than you might believe - this rotten system we all complain about will topple like the bloated, fetid beast it is.
Would you send a message to your Congress person demanding campaign spending limits via a simple app on your phone? Of course you would.
Can you imagine Congress being inundated, overwhelmed by millions of such messages on a set date? The massive effect that would have?
And how about this - would you merely walk out your front door on a designated "Show-Up Saturday" at a set time along with your neighbors and millions of other Americans to show you will take no more of our corrupt system?
Of course you would.
Can you imagine the sight of Americans all coming out of their homes and apartments and standing outside on the sidewalk, to showing with our overwhelming strength in numbers our desire for political reform? Campaign reform.
Imagine the news that night, with hundreds of helicopters from local news stations, coast to coast, showing millions of Americans standing outside to say: we want to clean the swamp that passes for our democracy these days.
To be honest, it would kick political butt.
The nation would be on the road to salvation.
This will all come to pass.
Because it's easy.
Someday, with the rapidity of the national u-turn on gay marriage, the era of professional politicians, with all its corruption, will be over.
People are fed up and when they are properly led to action - actions more simple than you might believe - this rotten system we all complain about will topple like the bloated, fetid beast it is.
Would you send a message to your Congress person demanding campaign spending limits via a simple app on your phone? Of course you would.
Can you imagine Congress being inundated, overwhelmed by millions of such messages on a set date? The massive effect that would have?
And how about this - would you merely walk out your front door on a designated "Show-Up Saturday" at a set time along with your neighbors and millions of other Americans to show you will take no more of our corrupt system?
Of course you would.
Can you imagine the sight of Americans all coming out of their homes and apartments and standing outside on the sidewalk, to showing with our overwhelming strength in numbers our desire for political reform? Campaign reform.
Imagine the news that night, with hundreds of helicopters from local news stations, coast to coast, showing millions of Americans standing outside to say: we want to clean the swamp that passes for our democracy these days.
To be honest, it would kick political butt.
The nation would be on the road to salvation.
This will all come to pass.
Because it's easy.
9
Great ideas except for one thing, Obama and main stream media either will ignore it or use it to say everyone is sending them a message. Politicians don't care about us anymore, it's the big donors and the Clintons take overseas monies. If that doesn't frighten everyone, nothing will.
2
This sounds wonderful! I would love to be involved in this kind of movement.
1
Really? People can't even vote. And many people writing here align with a party adamantly opposed to campaign spending limits.
"That's who I am."
He unfortunately sounds like the "governor" in his state—Chris Christie.
He unfortunately sounds like the "governor" in his state—Chris Christie.
10
Here are some facts of life to consider; The F.B.I. is the political wing of the Pentagon. I'm sure they are all Republicans just like most cops. Menendez is a Democrat surrounded by corrupt Republicans that serve many moneyed interests. Case in point is the Keystone XL pipeline. Republicans garner over 80 percent of Oil industry campaign donations and earned them well by aggressively pushing for the the pipeline from a foreign oil company to the American owned refineries on the Gulf coast. In fact, they passed legislation that was vetoed by the President culminating the corrupt act by passing that legislation.
Regarding Financial Industry regulations passed by the prior Congress; the Republicans are also seeking to eliminate those standing laws.
Regarding health care; the Republicans are seeking to destroy the Affordable Care Act to return dominance of Health care and profits back to the Commercial Health insurance industry.
Mr Menendez does what every Senator and Congressman do; they intercede in Government on behalf of individual constituents. Being that the doctor is in Florida while the Senator represents New Jersey is the only problem I see here and may be their legal standing in the investigation.
The question remains; was there quid pro quo between the American doctor citizen and Senator Menendez? If so, then there certainly was corruption when the Republican Congressmen that passed the pipeline legislation for a foreign company.
Menendez is small prey.
Regarding Financial Industry regulations passed by the prior Congress; the Republicans are also seeking to eliminate those standing laws.
Regarding health care; the Republicans are seeking to destroy the Affordable Care Act to return dominance of Health care and profits back to the Commercial Health insurance industry.
Mr Menendez does what every Senator and Congressman do; they intercede in Government on behalf of individual constituents. Being that the doctor is in Florida while the Senator represents New Jersey is the only problem I see here and may be their legal standing in the investigation.
The question remains; was there quid pro quo between the American doctor citizen and Senator Menendez? If so, then there certainly was corruption when the Republican Congressmen that passed the pipeline legislation for a foreign company.
Menendez is small prey.
6
very small prey... christie would be big and juicy! all kidding aside, might this prove that our president is truly removed from congress and will not reach across the aisle to anyone, even those within his own party, if they differ with his policy/ agenda. i support the president, but is he proving what repub's have been accusing, and acting now imperiously as he moves through these last couple of years?
5
Imperiously? I would call it Independently after several years of Republican sabotage of the government.
2
I have no doubt about Republican sabotage. But why this senator, and more specifically this democratic senator now? Am sure there are other (bigger) fish to hone in on and catch.
4
Unfortunately it seems many people commenting here are more focused on political issues than criminal activity. Of course one never knows if the political comments are their real views or views they want attributed to what they consider the opposing group to make them look bad.
5
Term limits. Campaign finance reform, including legislation to overturn Citizens United. Removal from office, loss of pension and benefits upon indictment and long, very very long prison terms for elected officials found guilty of corruption.The arrogance and hubris of these well heeled clowns cannot and should not be tolerated by hardworking, honest people who entrust them with higher office.
11
You seem to believe Menendez is guilty before proving his innocence.
3
I'd still like to see term limits. Mad McCain is well-passed his "shelf-life."
2
Term limits are the answer to nothing. With term limits you have politicians who only want their 15 minutes of fame before they run for another office. No need to compromise or legislate. No history of anything
6
This is the most telling sentence in the whole report: "Court papers that were mistakenly and briefly unsealed last week indicated that a grand jury in New Jersey is looking into gifts ..."
This is standard language for a prosecutor leaking papers that under seal, usually to exert pressure to extract a plea in lieu of going the indictment route. Add that the entire article appears to be leaked by prosecutors (Sen. Menendez has not been charged yet) and it's clear to me what is going on. I am not saying that Sen. Menendez is innocent or guilty. I am saying I hate a so-called "justice process" that operates this way, where prosecutors accountable to no one leak and pressure to get what they want. If you have the evidence, indict the man and let this play out in court.
This is standard language for a prosecutor leaking papers that under seal, usually to exert pressure to extract a plea in lieu of going the indictment route. Add that the entire article appears to be leaked by prosecutors (Sen. Menendez has not been charged yet) and it's clear to me what is going on. I am not saying that Sen. Menendez is innocent or guilty. I am saying I hate a so-called "justice process" that operates this way, where prosecutors accountable to no one leak and pressure to get what they want. If you have the evidence, indict the man and let this play out in court.
17
Dang! I don't know about his corruption charges, but he's been a very helpful elected official is assisting NJ residents find a way to curb or eliminate abusive NYC helicopter tourism that is deeply impacting our quality of life along the Hudson waterways. He is doing the absolute right thing for us on that front.
7
Sir, I believe you missed the point entirely. Corruption among powerful public officials destroys our system of government. What is that you said aboput messing with tourism??
5
Madam, i got the point! What I was referring to is that though he may be held up to some supposed corruption charges, he is supporting many of his constituents quality of life concerns ..NYC tourism has helicopter operators zip lining up and down the Hudson River creating a large disruption to day to day NJ residents lives who live along the waterway. The number is many thousands. He, as a senator, is listening and trying to do what he can and I appreciate that. I live here in NJ, you are out there in Denver, I have a much different perspective then you.
5
Finally, an explanation why NJ is a pigsty: it's those darn NY helicopters! Next they'll try dumping their crummy football teams on us!
1
I live in NJ and a few years ago I called the senators office looking for a contact person on a senate committee. I hoped to send a resume and work as an aide.
The senator's office was very clear that they could not help me get a job. I told them I didn't want a letter of recommendation or for the office to make phone calls, just the name and address of someone on the committee I could reach out to, myself.
They wouldn't lift a finger to help me. Guess it would have been different if I had a private jet and a house in the DR.
The senator's office was very clear that they could not help me get a job. I told them I didn't want a letter of recommendation or for the office to make phone calls, just the name and address of someone on the committee I could reach out to, myself.
They wouldn't lift a finger to help me. Guess it would have been different if I had a private jet and a house in the DR.
15
There is so much corruption in this country, it's difficult for me to believe that one prosecution has any value, or will promulgate any justice.
Many here have written about Christie. I would say that is the tip of the iceberg compared with Cheney.
But, the list is endless.
Many here have written about Christie. I would say that is the tip of the iceberg compared with Cheney.
But, the list is endless.
16
Maybe its all over the world but I only follow the US and we are now run by greed. The millionaires want to be billionaires. War profiteering is the reason for the wars. They don't think the Iraq War was a mistake because they got what they wanted: loot.
Jeb Bush running for president should warn us that there is no limit to the greed and the gall of our elites. Whether he is elected or Hillary Clinton, the money will keep right on being shoveled to war profiteers/security companies, regardless of whatever goodie-goodie things they say about domestic policies.
Jeb Bush running for president should warn us that there is no limit to the greed and the gall of our elites. Whether he is elected or Hillary Clinton, the money will keep right on being shoveled to war profiteers/security companies, regardless of whatever goodie-goodie things they say about domestic policies.
6
The speech or debate clause cannot legally apply if it stands for lawmakers helping their constituents are shielded from criminal prosecution because the doctor in this case lived in Florida and the senator represents New Jersey.
1
Even the good guys are bad guys. Who is driving the train guys? Who is driving the train?
5
What drives the train is knowing there's no limit to the term you can run.
I have always been suspicious of these charges, raised by the media, in the first place. Thrown up at a candidate that has appeared to be vulnerable to being replaced by a Republican, further decreasing the Democrat filibuster potential. I see it as a partisan move, set in motion and now possessing it own momentum. Against a Democrat who does not always agree with the Democrat caucus, nor the Administration, on issues involving immigration and Cuba.
5
Menendez reminds of the senator Charles F. Meachum (played by Ned Beatty) in the Shooter movie (with Mark Wahlberg). Corrupt, conniving and doing whatever he wants under the the umbrella of being a UNITED STATES senator.
Its just worth noting that sometimes movies do really reflect reality.
Its just worth noting that sometimes movies do really reflect reality.
7
Given recent Supreme Court rulings about the exacting quid pro quo requirement to make out a corruption case against public servants, it's unlikely that any court will reach the Speech and Debate Clause to rule on the case. This criminal case will rise or fall on the evidence to be presented which, of course, we have not seen, so we will have to wait for the process to take its course.
Although Sen. Menendez's ongoing fight with President Obama over Iran sanctions gives this indictment the appearance of hardball pay-back, potentially knocking out a Democratic US senator in a state with a Republican governor with Presidential aspirations (if not demeanor) strongly suggests that politics has played no part.
Although Sen. Menendez's ongoing fight with President Obama over Iran sanctions gives this indictment the appearance of hardball pay-back, potentially knocking out a Democratic US senator in a state with a Republican governor with Presidential aspirations (if not demeanor) strongly suggests that politics has played no part.
12
If Menedez is convicted, or has to leave the Senate to defend himself, might Governor Crispie name himself to the seat? Also don't forget that Menendez is Cuban-American and dead set against Obama opening up relations with Cuba...,
3
This is so typical of New Jersey politicians that it's almost the norm Just look at the recent history. What is it about Jersey and crooks ?
26
Pennsylvania is no real improvement over New Jersey. Pennsylvania just may be the worst-governed state in the union. An over-compensated legislature, I guess, may reduce the incentive to take lucre from the general public, but doesn't earn the legislature any points for good governance.
And then there's the lackluster economic performance, and the environmental problems and...
I moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia -- where the immediate former governor was convicted of corruption -- and don't regret it at all.
And then there's the lackluster economic performance, and the environmental problems and...
I moved from Pennsylvania to Virginia -- where the immediate former governor was convicted of corruption -- and don't regret it at all.
The NY Times didn't do anything with it before the election, however there is a big problem with the Newark Watershed Authority and Sen. Booker. http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2014/02/state_comptroller_alleges_ramp...
"Between 2008 and 2011, the state comptroller alleges that agency leaders and insiders absconded with millions of public dollars."
"Linda Watkins-Brashear, the agency's director and a political ally of former Newark mayor, now Sen. Cory Booker, wrote unreported checks to herself to the tune of $200,000, was awarded $700,000 in two severance packages, gave more than $1 million in contracts to her friends and ex-husband, and lost $500,000 in dubious stock ventures, the report states.
When asked about the transactions by the state comptroller, Watkins-Brashear invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate herself, the report said."
"Between 2008 and 2011, the state comptroller alleges that agency leaders and insiders absconded with millions of public dollars."
"Linda Watkins-Brashear, the agency's director and a political ally of former Newark mayor, now Sen. Cory Booker, wrote unreported checks to herself to the tune of $200,000, was awarded $700,000 in two severance packages, gave more than $1 million in contracts to her friends and ex-husband, and lost $500,000 in dubious stock ventures, the report states.
When asked about the transactions by the state comptroller, Watkins-Brashear invoked her Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate herself, the report said."
2
This is wild stuff. We have 538 folks bought and paid for shamelessly by special interests and Mr. Justice picks on this guy.
This could be the first person ever to intercede with the feds over a problem that a constituent, pal or donor has. Or maybe we have 537 more indictments coming. Does Mr. Adelson count?
Yikes, I requested a favor from our congressman (tickets for the WH tour, before 9/11) and got them, I sure hope that doesn't land him in prison.
This could be the first person ever to intercede with the feds over a problem that a constituent, pal or donor has. Or maybe we have 537 more indictments coming. Does Mr. Adelson count?
Yikes, I requested a favor from our congressman (tickets for the WH tour, before 9/11) and got them, I sure hope that doesn't land him in prison.
11
It doesn't matter. Democratic politicians in "blue" states can break the law as much as they want because they know they will be re-elected. I doubt this issue will even get mentioned again by the MSM.
6
What are Jim McGreevey and Jon Corzine doing today? Governing? What is the meaning of "blue state"? In the last 40 years, Dems have held the governor's job in NJ 20 years and Repubs 20 years. The current Republican governor was reelected with 60% of the vote. If I count correctly, the House delegation from NJ now consists of 6 Dems and 6 GOP members. Sen. Menendez is not running for president, a race where Democrats have done well in NJ lately. More striking is the parade of NJ politicians investigated for corruption since I was a little boy more than a half century ago. They all deny all charges, but few are proved to be completely innocent. Politicians all around the country seem to imagine that they are under less, not more scrutiny than before, and that it is just as easy to hide financial relationships as always. Just ask the former governor of Virginia, a Republican.
3
Can you say
"Senator Vitter"?
Can you say:
"Congressman Grimm"?
"Senator Vitter"?
Can you say:
"Congressman Grimm"?
3
Mr Corzine ran a company that managed to 'misplace' $2B of investor funds in supposedly secure accounts. He has not even been interviewed by the Feds. Don't know about McGreevey, and don't care- his claim to fame was a fake marriage and baby to hide that he was gay. Once out of office he divorced and now lives with a man. If he was corrupt as well . . .
I couldn't care less about the arrogant Menendez, nor the people who elected him over and over.
What excites me about this pending arrest is that it's great news for the people of Cuba. Clearly the corrupt senator would have done whatever he could to stall efforts to actually help the people of Cuba, all the while lying about how he wanted to help them.
For that crime alone, against people supposed "his own," I hope he fries.
What excites me about this pending arrest is that it's great news for the people of Cuba. Clearly the corrupt senator would have done whatever he could to stall efforts to actually help the people of Cuba, all the while lying about how he wanted to help them.
For that crime alone, against people supposed "his own," I hope he fries.
56
The Castro-insulting business which has made rich some of these Cuban Gusanos will soon go out of business and that is why this guy is fighting tooth and nail to preserve that business. They are still telling Cubans in Miami that the "liberation " of Cuba is closer than ever. :)
4
You feel it appropriate to refer to Cuban exiles as "worms" (gusanos), the same term employed by the Cuban regime. Leaving aside the question of why this insult made it past the Times' comments editor and into print, I wonder, are there other military dictatorships you are fond of, or just the one in Havana? Unfortunately, comments such as yours fuel suspicion that if Menendez were closer ideologically to the President this prosecution would not be happening.
3
"I couldn't care less about ... the people who elected him over and over." What about the people who elected Sheldon Silver over and over, and the New York state assemblymen who elected him Speaker of the New York State Assembly over and over?
Senator Menendez is one of the poorest senators, with a net worth of less than half a million, but Silver is worth several millions.
Only time will tell whether Senator Menendez is guilty of criminal activity. People should not judge his innocence or guilt based on his political positions.
Senator Menendez is one of the poorest senators, with a net worth of less than half a million, but Silver is worth several millions.
Only time will tell whether Senator Menendez is guilty of criminal activity. People should not judge his innocence or guilt based on his political positions.
1
Thank the lord they don't go after Gov Christie for settling a 8 billion dollar charge to an oil company for NJ, for just 250 million bucks! (3% of what was owed). I guess that was craft rather than graft?
14
$8 Billion was what was claimed. Not owed.
I still agree that the settlement was woefully inadequate. So much so, no need to guild the lily by misstating the facts.
I still agree that the settlement was woefully inadequate. So much so, no need to guild the lily by misstating the facts.
3
The quid pro quo of Exxon's contribution to the Republican Governor's Association, with Chris Christie at its head is relevant. Not the precise amount of money that has been settled for.
5
Menendez is the only senator who does favors for donors and gifters. Or maybe the only one who's currently bugging the man who controls the man who controls the prosecutors.
3
I do not think that politics is at play here. Politics does not explain why the Senator took years to repay the eye doctor $58,000+ for free flights to the DR. This particular eye doctor friend, Salamon Melgen, has drawn considerable attention as one of the highest paid physicians in all of Medicare, and it appears that there are many questions about his practice. Dr. Melgen's story is to be continued...I think.
13
Prosecutorial discretion again.
1
So Corzine as an major Obama bundler gets away without one double take from the Feds while Menendez, who is a known OPPONENT of Obama's Cuba and Iran plans, gets charged? I smell a rat.
8
Right. Just another victim. Give me a break. Tucker Carlson was on to something.
5
Well the swamp of unethical behavior that is Washington DC, just got a little less filthy. Menendez and his foreign policy activities put him at the top of my most disliked democrats, AKA DINO's. Policy after policy, especially when it comes to Iran and Cuba he has been on the side of organizations like AIPAC and against the interests of the American people. It does amaze me how New Jersey could keep sending someone to office that is so tarnished, just shows what the power of money does to our politics. Nice to see this democratic administration could do what Bush would not, enforce the law evenly regardless of party.
30
Each time Menendez presented himself in senate races I voted for him. Yet I am in full agreement with your view of Menendez. Why did I vote to elect and then to re-elect him? Because his Republican opponents were even less palatable and their election held the potential to enable the Republicans to become the senate majority.
5
Living in NJ hoping for honest lawmakers has been a hopeless reality. Jersey is lost in corruption. One note; Christie and Exxon? Government without Big money representation.
9
Another note: Gov. Jim McGreevey and Carla Katz / Gov. Jon Corzine. It does not get more ripe.
3
Why shouldn't a US Senator have wealthy friends? At holidays, Dr. Melgen might want to give Mr. Menendez a Rolex watch, for example, purely out of friendship, and Mr. Menendez might give Dr. Melgen, out of friendship, an autographed copy of one of campaign books. Or perhaps a favorable word with the head of CMS, for a stocking stuffer.
8
Though I disagree with Menendez on most issues, he runs a very tight-ship.His office is able to supply me with, not only how he voted, but how my other representatives voted. I would like to have his staff working for me. Of course, I would vote differently, but still his staff's professionalism stands out.
This CMS-possible-fraud-bit is a low hanging fruit when you have the governor's office carving up, doing away with, bullying, selling, trading, lying, causing others to lie, cheating---
I run out of words to describe the governor's office.
This CMS-possible-fraud-bit is a low hanging fruit when you have the governor's office carving up, doing away with, bullying, selling, trading, lying, causing others to lie, cheating---
I run out of words to describe the governor's office.
10
Wow, his staff can tell you how he and other Congress members voted!? That IS cool. Now, we have a cost-saving way to avoid those insecure government websites!
I always thought there was something not quite right about this guy. I'm glad he's been caught, and I'd like to see that all corrupt officials will be looking over their shoulders.
24
As Obama continues to try to ram through his Iran nukes agreement through without Congressional approval, the timing here is extremely suggestive, Menendez being the most prominent Democratic critic of Obama's plan to hand Iran the keys to nuclear weapons.
I guess if I was Obama or Kerry, I'd have no choice but to say "Heckuva job, Holder. You done good for the cause."
I guess if I was Obama or Kerry, I'd have no choice but to say "Heckuva job, Holder. You done good for the cause."
14
Thank gawd you had to invoke Obama somewhere, huh?
Hey don't fret, you'll soon have 8 years of Hillary. What fun.
Then you can ram something else.
Hey don't fret, you'll soon have 8 years of Hillary. What fun.
Then you can ram something else.
2
"Obama continues to try to ram through his Iran nukes agreement"
Agreement Iran hasn't even been reached. The only ramming has been done by Mr. Netanyahu.
Agreement Iran hasn't even been reached. The only ramming has been done by Mr. Netanyahu.
15
Oops! That should have read "agreement with Iran"
Days after the major corporate media outlets reach a point where they can can no longer reasonably provide Chris Christie with puff-piece distractions to hide his unprecedented corruption and abuse of power these charges against Menendez fall out of the sky and hit the front page. Now Christie's 9-billion dollar Exxon giveaway and the rest of his crimes can be safely relegated to oblivion.
This is all just a coincidence, right?
This is all just a coincidence, right?
14
Right, the New York Times and Obama's AG are shills for Chris Christie. Probably because he wouldn't cave to plaintiff's lawyers.
I seem to remember that this came up several years ago but nothing came of it. Did they just get more evidence or what? I wonder if he will resign for fight it through to the end? Personally it couldn't happen to a "nicer" guy. If he is indicted he should resign.
8
Another Democrat, another payola indictment. How do you people live with yourselves voting for these criminals? This guy is made in the mold of the Clintons. However, one also has to wonder why Menendez, who is ardently anti-Castro and anti-communist Cuba, was targeted so strongly by the Obama and Holder Justice Department. Obama is pro-Cuba, and wants urgently to open diplomatic and economic relations. Coincidence?
11
Who did you vote for, Rob 'em Blind Astorino? He'll get his orange jump suit, no doubt. As to your contention this is aimed at helping the people of Cuba, upon whom this country has stomped for 115 years. I hope you are right.
8
Here's some shame on ya:
David Vitter
Larry Craig
Vance MacCallister
How can YOU PEOPLE live with yourselves voting for such beasts?
David Vitter
Larry Craig
Vance MacCallister
How can YOU PEOPLE live with yourselves voting for such beasts?
6
I wish that I could say that I am shocked and surprised, but I have lived in New Jersey all my life. So... "Move along, folks. Nothing to see here."
7
Menendez is really a Republican in spirit.... His attitude towards Cuba is what many who fled have that feel that they were somehow wronged.
It was peasants/ poor who rose up against the "privileged", they were starving.
Baptiste was in league with the mob, selling off Cuba to criminals. When he left, all those who were benefiting from that adulterous relationship with the mob left with him. Including Marco Rubio's family....
That is why Menendez and Rubio have such animus about the President reestablishing ties with Cuba.. Cubans like Menendez and Rubio that fled were part of what in America we would call the 2%....
It was peasants/ poor who rose up against the "privileged", they were starving.
Baptiste was in league with the mob, selling off Cuba to criminals. When he left, all those who were benefiting from that adulterous relationship with the mob left with him. Including Marco Rubio's family....
That is why Menendez and Rubio have such animus about the President reestablishing ties with Cuba.. Cubans like Menendez and Rubio that fled were part of what in America we would call the 2%....
21
If he's a Republican "in spirit," the DINOs elected him regardless. Maybe Cory Booker is also a Republican in spirit, too.
He was appointed, not elected, for his first terms in both the House and Senate. For the next Senate elections, he was an incumbent...
5
Mr. Obama has tried to change America for better domestically and improve Global Peace and Security internationally.
HE has been betrayed by his own Party and has been crucified by the Republicans.
Funny how things work and as for the timing, it couldn't be more perfect considering the Circus last week with Bibi Netanyahu.
Kudos To The Commander-In Chief!
HE has been betrayed by his own Party and has been crucified by the Republicans.
Funny how things work and as for the timing, it couldn't be more perfect considering the Circus last week with Bibi Netanyahu.
Kudos To The Commander-In Chief!
29
Recently we moved from Pennsylvania to Florida. It's sort of like going from Philadelphia to the river in the movie Deliverance. Florida doctors routinely gouge seniors and anyone else who they view as an easy target. The malpractice attorneys are ubiquitous. TV advertising by those attorneys defy belief. As for the doctors almost everything is a scam. Seniors are considered "risky" patients because treatment may fail or not bring the best results so tests are ordered like water. Just to cover the doctor, not because their really needed. If you walk into an emergency room in Florida you better not be bleeding because before they staunch the flow, they insist upon your insurance coverage or alternatively someone must, absolutely must, sign a "financial responsibility" document. Dentists offer "Free" first visits and exams...then they tell you everything in mouth needs replaced...and that will only cost $ 3,000 to $20,000. I'm not exaggerating. My wife and I spent over $4,000 each. Every dentist in Florida does it the same way. Doctors also refuse Medicare because it doesn't reimburse adequately. So, to see a doctor investigated in Florida is a welcome sight. Perhaps the rest will get the message.
48
Why don't you just move back to Pennsylvania, instead of complaining? Oh yeah, the weather, lower cost of living and no state income tax....
4
I moved from Boston to SW Florida and took my legal nurse consulting practice with me. I can tell you that medmal has not been as lucrative to practice for attorneys here in FL for years. It's d/t legislation that brought disincentives making it financially risky to bring a case forward unless it's a "slam dunk" and will result in a reasonable award. Medmal in Philly and Boston is not as restrictive. As for senior care, I do some case management in a health care system here covering 4 acute care hospitals. Shortly after I began my position I was taken aback by the medical insight and compassion I observed in many physicians rounding on the elderly in the hospital, probably because of the large geriatric population here. Furthermore, there is a ton of charity care and often I see cases where the patient's insurance coverage is unknown because the decision to admit and treat takes presidence over paperwork. Ever heard of triage?
I will say that I do have a slight mistrust of dentists here, but I found a fabulous one who is better than the dentist I went to (and stopped going to) in Boston, and as good as the last, very excellent, dentist I had up there in Natick.
I will say that I do have a slight mistrust of dentists here, but I found a fabulous one who is better than the dentist I went to (and stopped going to) in Boston, and as good as the last, very excellent, dentist I had up there in Natick.
I don't want to be a charity case. And yes, there is a large geriatric population and that is one reason that many doctors do tons of unnecessary testing. They don't want to be sued for missing something. Yes, there is triage, but there is also a "financial responsibility representative". They command you or your spouse or someone to sign off. Not only in emergency rooms but in the doctors office too. No insurance? Get out your visa or master card. There are questionable practices here. Medmal in Florida is very lucrative especially in Miami, The Villages, Gainesville and other communities. Check out the advertising by attorneys. There's plenty of corruption here and elsewhere.
1
Bridggate, ABSCAM, shady early settlement of the mega-lawsuit against Exxon...and now this. Innocent until proven guilty is absolutely correct, but if proven guilty, this sure make it seem that NJ voters are gunning to move the Garden State into the upper ranks of most corrupt states. I guess time will tell if my state, a former bastion of clean government, gives them a run for their money. Sure seems like we are trying. Here's that study:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/puar.12212/epdf
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/puar.12212/epdf
3
It looks like there will be a Senator Christie in the Chamber soon.
1
hahahahahaha and hahahaha
3
I'm shocked, SHOCKED, i tell ya..a NJ senator under investigation for corruption? Holder finally gets around to something with legs, something, you know, Fast and Furious, something worthwhile, just as he's leaving. Maybe if Menendez had worked for the IRS he wouldn't even been noticed.
11
The "shocked, SHOCKED" thing was overdone three or four years ago. And the rest of your digs -- Fast and Furious, the IRS -- are equally stale.
2
I'm waiting for the day when people who run for public office--and those who vote for them--unambiguously understand that not even a HINT of impropriety by ANY elected official will be tolerated. Why should it be ? This is not some unachievable or unattainable standard,all that is required is garden variety HONESTY and INTEGRITY.
86
What do you make of all the private audiences GOP would be presidential candidates are having with their new best friend billionaires? You don't think these guys are expecting any qup pro quo do you? Lol.
It will be interesting to see what comes out at Menendez trial. To bad the Supreme Court hasn't been able to figure out how unlimited contributions not only contributes to the appearance of corruption, but to corruption itself.
It will be interesting to see what comes out at Menendez trial. To bad the Supreme Court hasn't been able to figure out how unlimited contributions not only contributes to the appearance of corruption, but to corruption itself.
10
Until we start jailing these criminals in real jails, or executing them for treason, that won't happen.
1
A question comes idling to mind on reading of the latest New Jersey senator to face federal corruption charges: did the US Attorney, District of New Jersey, direct this case? Was Paul Fishman Esq., directing? What has Mr. Fishman done with the governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie? Should anyone think of sending Menendez to jail, think again. The Garden State is paved in asphalt.
1
Fishman is an Obama appointee.
And what does Chris Christie have to do with Menendez?
If Melendez broke the law, send him to jail. Same goes for Christie.
And what does Chris Christie have to do with Menendez?
If Melendez broke the law, send him to jail. Same goes for Christie.
6
When are we going to open an investigation on every US Congressman who took money from a foreign government Lobbyist (AIPAC). and oppose US Foreign Policy Peace initiatives.
Is it just money, I guess in this case I shall hold my judgement on my still Senator till all the facts are known.
He even tried to backoff from more sanction resolutions also. Let the facts come out - people.
If you are upset at the money influencing Senator's decisions, support the bill to overturn Citizen United vs FEC decision of the Supreme Courts. Tell your Congressman to draft a law that would get money out of politics. maybe then we may have some honest people working for us. Currently they start working for reelecting themselves right after their election.
The other possibility is a strict term limit.
Is it just money, I guess in this case I shall hold my judgement on my still Senator till all the facts are known.
He even tried to backoff from more sanction resolutions also. Let the facts come out - people.
If you are upset at the money influencing Senator's decisions, support the bill to overturn Citizen United vs FEC decision of the Supreme Courts. Tell your Congressman to draft a law that would get money out of politics. maybe then we may have some honest people working for us. Currently they start working for reelecting themselves right after their election.
The other possibility is a strict term limit.
94
Restricted term limits and limited, non privatized campaign financing SHOULD be the law of the land in a true democratic society. Citizen United would be prohibitive is this was a democracy in action.
3
"If you are upset at the money influencing Senator's decisions, support the bill to overturn Citizen United vs FEC decision of the Supreme Courts. Tell your Congressman to draft a law that would get money out of politics."
I agree with your post, but you can't really believe the crooks are going to cut off their own gravy train, do you?
For the longest time I've been wondering why people who can't be dumb enough to know they have zero chance to win the presidency keep running time after time. At the end I decided one way or another, the exposure and donations creates wealth for them personally.
We have crooks in government because the vast majority of voters are politically and historically ILLITERATE. The media, especially TV, goes out of its way to keep dumbing down Americans.
I agree with your post, but you can't really believe the crooks are going to cut off their own gravy train, do you?
For the longest time I've been wondering why people who can't be dumb enough to know they have zero chance to win the presidency keep running time after time. At the end I decided one way or another, the exposure and donations creates wealth for them personally.
We have crooks in government because the vast majority of voters are politically and historically ILLITERATE. The media, especially TV, goes out of its way to keep dumbing down Americans.
3
@Westsider
I do agree totally with your comment, my only question is that are you willing to put the effort needed to fix the system?
You have to be active in your district and ensure that you let your congressmen know your views on any and all subjects.
That will make a difference, only if 100 people like you go to different districts to voice their opinion on the same issue.
Good luck and do not lose hope; eventually change will happen. Hopefully for the good.
I do agree totally with your comment, my only question is that are you willing to put the effort needed to fix the system?
You have to be active in your district and ensure that you let your congressmen know your views on any and all subjects.
That will make a difference, only if 100 people like you go to different districts to voice their opinion on the same issue.
Good luck and do not lose hope; eventually change will happen. Hopefully for the good.
1
I can't believe the Justice Department has the time and energy for a case like this, which let's be honest, every politician is engaged in these kinds of acts, all year long, year after year. And yet, the Justice Dept. has yet to bring any sort of actual case against even one of the Wall Street banks that could easily be labeled corrupt, and who very easily caused far more widespread destruction of wealth and assets, and personal pain, than anything Menendez could be found guilty of in this case. And for a Justice Department under a Democrat to focus on a fellow party member, when there are easily a dozen cases of Republicans committing far worse cases of this precise same crime, is clearly Obama trying to make people think he "cares so much about weeding out corruption, he'll even rise above party politics." This is the Justice Dept. and the President trying to dupe and trick people into thinking they aren't weak on corruption, when the fact is, this is child's play compared to the corruption they absolutely CAN and SHOULD be focusing on, but have turned a blind eye to time and again, since day one.
23
"They're all doing it". Do you realize what you just wrote. Majority rules when it comes to ethics violation? Far out!!
17
Yeah, Obama, Holder, and Justice are choking on this one. Why would they investigate fellow Democrats? Don't they know that the power of the state should only be used to marginalize one's political opponents? You'd think they actually learned something from Lois Lerner et al.
10
Yes, but Obama and Holder want to sideline Menendez because he's an obstacle to their plan to bestow nuclear weapons on Iran. So that makes him the target, let's face it. This is payback for the Netanyahu speech.
2
I am impressed and saddened that so many commenters rush to judgment because of an article regarding a potential future federal indictment of a politician. As citizens of a republic, we all must be aware that federal authorities can and do indict anyone. Charges are one thing, convictions quite another. The laws in question are complex and the facts are so often opaque. Remember John Edwards' trial and acquittal.
Inferring a person's guilt merely from a potential indictment isn't just the height of stupidity: it is the hallmark of someone who lacks the capacity for meaningful, intelligent citizenship.
Inferring a person's guilt merely from a potential indictment isn't just the height of stupidity: it is the hallmark of someone who lacks the capacity for meaningful, intelligent citizenship.
10
"As citizens of a republic, we all must be aware that federal authorities can and do indict anyone."
Oh indeed they can and do. And you are well aware that guilt is inferred.
Oh indeed they can and do. And you are well aware that guilt is inferred.
3
@ KM Dyer - Where there is smoke there sometimes is fire. One doesn't have "to lack the capacity for meaningful, intelligent citizenship" in order to see that possibility.
4
Only by fools and knaves, Dave. Guilt follows on a conviction.
1
Menendez has a Stone Age view of American foreign policy with regard to Cuba and I'm certain that New Jersey can find a better U.S. Senator when Bob Menendez leaves office.
62
"Menendez has a Stone Age view of American foreign policy with regard to Cuba"
Might this be the reason that our Dear Leader has decided to file corruption charges against him? Is he a threat to obamas "Legacy"?
Might this be the reason that our Dear Leader has decided to file corruption charges against him? Is he a threat to obamas "Legacy"?
9
I don't think he draws his foreign policies from the past but from AIPAC, who are quite in the present I am sorry to say.
2
He also has a Stone Age view of our relations with Iran. Can you imagine, he opposes Obama's plan to arm Iran with nukes! How gauche!
I think it's pretty clear this indictment is mostly about Cuba and Iran and not about any sincere effort to rein in corruption.
I think it's pretty clear this indictment is mostly about Cuba and Iran and not about any sincere effort to rein in corruption.
3
Couldn't happen to a nicer DINO.
14
As much as I truly, truly despise this DINO, really, why pick on him? There are hundreds of others whom you likely could level this charge at. I'm a progressive, but I have to side with conservatives on this one, at least in its appearance: it comes across as a political hit job for not toeing the line on Cuba, Iran, etc (I personally disagree with almost all of his positions, and wonder why he didn't switch parties years ago).
55
Except that the accusations and investigations started way before the Senator's current bluster on iran and Cuba. This goes back to 2012/2013.
2
No, the investigation started way before the Obama administration decided to improve
relations with Cuba.
relations with Cuba.
2
Well limited justice is preferable to no justice at all. Sure, it may partly be a "political hit job," but the shouldn't give him immunity. If he committed the crime, he should be punished.
1
Jersey has been this way since I was a child. Wasn't a Jersey senator caught up in Abscam. Its why closing the GW bridge to extract a pound of flesh out of someone is no big deal. Its the way business done. These guys tell themselves they are not doing anything wrong the sad part is they believe it now folks are saying it’s because he went against the president on many issues. Why is there always some rhythm or reason for bad behavior from those in power. Could it be that most of them think they are above the little people they are supposed to represent? In his town these clowns expect you to look the other way while they clean out the bank.
15
So he doesn't toe the party line, and for that reason deserves what he gets? our country is stronger when our officials are not all lackeys to their leaders, and have the backbone to speak their own minds, whatever side of the aisle they sit on. If the accusations are true, it will be a loss for our democracy. The glee I read in these comments is misplaced. But Liberals, I find, are increasingly intolerant of any perceived dissent in their ranks, and in that sense, looking more like the Conservatives they deride every day. When did this turn up,side down?
9
@ Lisa R. - "But Liberals, I find, are increasingly intolerant of any perceived dissent in their ranks, and in that sense, looking more like the Conservatives they deride every day. When did this turn up,side down?"
Surprised you missed it but it has been like that for many, many years. PC was not a conservative invention. The intolerance of the self described "tolerant."
Surprised you missed it but it has been like that for many, many years. PC was not a conservative invention. The intolerance of the self described "tolerant."
7
I think you totally missed the point on this one, it is fine for a US Senator not to "toe the party line", what is NOT OK is when they tow the line of a foreign lobby, such as AIPAC.
4
Any Opthomologist who uses Lucrentis instead of Avantin which is used to treat macular degeneration rings alarm bells because Lucrentis is hugely more expensive. Optomologists fees are based upon the amount of the medication cost among other variables.
That Dr. Melgen paid for underage prostitutes fits neatly into his code of conduct. It is good to see the Medicare/Medicaid supervisors are going after these crooks. Last year the Medicare/Medicaid and the Justice Department managed to get a 10 year prison term for a physician in TX who was slapping stents into everyone who walked into his office and several died as a result of ;this crooks malpractice.
That Dr. Melgen paid for underage prostitutes fits neatly into his code of conduct. It is good to see the Medicare/Medicaid supervisors are going after these crooks. Last year the Medicare/Medicaid and the Justice Department managed to get a 10 year prison term for a physician in TX who was slapping stents into everyone who walked into his office and several died as a result of ;this crooks malpractice.
44
Very happy that this disgrace of a "senator" is being unmasked for the corruptible sleaze-bag he's always been. His foreign policy views alone should have been a red flag to people. The way he vehemently supported Israel and criticized Cuba and Iran? If people didn't realize until now that he was a dirty politician with no morals or integrity, it explains why our country is so backwards socially and politically.
97
A person who criticizes israel but does not absolutely blister iran and cuba has no morals or integrity - and zero brains.
This is a political hit job by the dreadful obama administration of sycophants and apologists, all against a democrat who refused to parrot the nonsensical garbage obama has been feeding the public for 6 years.
This is a political hit job by the dreadful obama administration of sycophants and apologists, all against a democrat who refused to parrot the nonsensical garbage obama has been feeding the public for 6 years.
6
So true!
3
Can I recommend this 100 times — exactly my thinking.
2
Menendez's policies often have been wrong, and I thought he was just playing to the dark side of New Jersey. Now it seems he was on the take. Follow the money.
23
Maybe this was part of the deal with the Castro government to normalize relations.
It does seem like the President can play hardball, but only with our allies and people in his own party.
It does seem like the President can play hardball, but only with our allies and people in his own party.
9
The odor in New Jersey extends from the flats to Newark, Trenton to Bergan County, Newark to Patterson, wall to wall.
Among others, what did Bill Bradley, Clifford Case, Millicent Fenwick, Peter Shapiro, Tom Kean, and Woodrow Wilson have in common that Chris Christie, Robert Menendez, Joe Salema, Jim Florio, Pete Harrison, Frank Lautenberg and Cory Booker do not have?
Of course, the list is endless.
Among others, what did Bill Bradley, Clifford Case, Millicent Fenwick, Peter Shapiro, Tom Kean, and Woodrow Wilson have in common that Chris Christie, Robert Menendez, Joe Salema, Jim Florio, Pete Harrison, Frank Lautenberg and Cory Booker do not have?
Of course, the list is endless.
2
You're not seriously equating Frank Lautenberg with Chris Christie are you?
3
Both are bullies - and I knew Frank well. Donated $18,000 to his first campaign, then saw him mistreat the Skycap at Newark Airport and never spoke to him again.
13
This doesn't make sense. You are saying that there are literally NO honest politicians in New Jersey for the past century? Isn't that just a wee bit overstated? If there is one thing we can all agree on, it is that Woodrow Wilson was a rigidly moralistic man of great integrity. And I have never once heard anything about Fenwick in regard to corruption. The same goes for Bradley.
And Bergen is misspelled.
And Bergen is misspelled.
5
I've read about a dozen comments. Three of them say, in effect, "Good. He has been obstructing the president or not towing the party line, and so deserves whatever he gets." Really, are you seeking a political purge? I prefer to think that the comments are not truly from progressive Democrats, but part of a "black flag" operation by the far right.
17
Menendez is not and never has never been a progressive Democrat. I doubt you even know what it means to truly be a progressive. Menendez is not even a centrist. He deserves everything coming his way.
8
I think you should read it all a bit more lightly and not personally. It may be a karma afterthought that many progressives have, the right to feel this after Obama has been obstructed by so many and so often when trying to move forward with what the Majority of Americans desire. This guy was caught breaking laws and rules, end of story. He made his bed by himself, by making bad decisions that enriched him in the short term at the public's expense. I don't think it is so bad for anyone to feel good about this because we believe in a progressive 2015 agenda and question his policy actions and/or legitimacy in representing the Majority interest of his constituents...that's the big issue and I believe it is legitimate...
6
For years, Senator Menendez has faced a steady stream of news reports suggesting that he was using his position inappropriately. The Dr. Melgen thing started before the current Iran, Cuba issues.
10
I like that the Senator doesn't always side with the President. It's rare that republicans or democrats ever break ranks. Maybe that's the reason he's getting indicted.
13
The most critical charge is his intervention for Customs and Border authorities not to "donate used screening equipment" to Dominican Republic (thus minimizing drug smuggling into the US). Dr. Melgen (who is an eye doctor, and not a security equipment manufacturer or salesperson) was offering a contract to that country, charging excessive amount of money for screening all containers, increasing the transport expenses, and controlling the process with no intervention of DEA counterpart. One of Senator Bob Melendez' most notorious assistant was listed as a member of the board of directors for the company providing those services to the Dominican Republic.
20
I highly doubt it.
1
Mr. Menendez’s lawyers are expected to argue that meeting with constituents and talking to agency leaders is part of how a bill is written and Mr. Menendez cannot be prosecuted for it.
------------------------------------
(!) He was not meeting with his constituentS (plural); he was meeting with an out of State doctor whose generosity he could not resist.
(2) Obama admin tried to do him a favor by releasing this bad news on a Friday evening.
(3) This was an overdue charge, and he must face up to it like an adult senator.
------------------------------------
(!) He was not meeting with his constituentS (plural); he was meeting with an out of State doctor whose generosity he could not resist.
(2) Obama admin tried to do him a favor by releasing this bad news on a Friday evening.
(3) This was an overdue charge, and he must face up to it like an adult senator.
55
So! This is why he was so strenuously against opening relations with Cuba, because he was preemptively taking the heat off himself by ratcheting tensions back up to cold war mode.
Well I'm pretty certain the Senator isn't guilty of that underage prostitute charge (or he'd have been in favor of opening travel to Cuba... ouch what an allegation against a communist country). But this favors-crossing-the-line thing, quid pro quo stuff is really common in higher office and it wouldn't surprise me much. If it didn't actually change his votes on things though, seems comparatively harmless. Maybe he really thought Medicaid reimbursement was unfair, which would also be unsurprising.
Well I'm pretty certain the Senator isn't guilty of that underage prostitute charge (or he'd have been in favor of opening travel to Cuba... ouch what an allegation against a communist country). But this favors-crossing-the-line thing, quid pro quo stuff is really common in higher office and it wouldn't surprise me much. If it didn't actually change his votes on things though, seems comparatively harmless. Maybe he really thought Medicaid reimbursement was unfair, which would also be unsurprising.
5
I can't stand Menendez; he's dirty and ultimately regressive politician. That said, I note that, yet again, another highly visible man has been wrecked by dubious and debunked allegations against his sex life made by women.
Its a getting to be a theme, women with a vendetta playing the gender card against men they target.
Its a getting to be a theme, women with a vendetta playing the gender card against men they target.
12
Really--that's what you take from this? Not sure the allegations have been debunked, but they are not the core of the charges in any event. How about the call to DHS to prevent donation of port screening equipment to the Dominican Republic? THAT seems like a solid problem.
8
The only downside to Menendez getting charged is it opens an escape hatch for Christie, who's term limited out as Governor and collapsing as a presidential candidate. Senator Christie - I shudder just writing it.
79
Iowa Republicans are pretty fond of Christie, he's been here so much. Tell you what - we'll trade you an 82-year-old Grassley for him. No? Okay, to sweeten the deal we'll throw in the bewilderingly overrated freshman Ernst. Two for one. Whaddya say?
10
Senator Ernst hasn't castrated anyone yet, so lets wait before we sent her back to the farm.
3
I don't think the people of NJ will vote for Christie after his bridge gate.
New Jersey has one of the worst records in America for corrupt politicians and apparently is bested only by Illinois in this regard. The number of New Jersey politicians on the local and State level who have been indicted for crimes is disgraceful and the number of both Republicans and Democrats who have been indicted and convicted of crimes is about the only thing that both parties have in common....they are equal opportunity offenders and neither party has a monopoly on breaking the law.
What's sad is that too many Americans accept this as being part of politics and just shrug. It should never, ever be accepted and we should demand that anyone who violates the public trust be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
What's sad is that too many Americans accept this as being part of politics and just shrug. It should never, ever be accepted and we should demand that anyone who violates the public trust be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
185
When there is a breach of accepted norms, values, and ethics we are outraged. But if it occurs again and again and again.... well it becomes the new normal and after a sigh we say :Oh well, too bad: and so it goes.
And that is how corruption becomes an accepted part of our culture. Tragic.
And that is how corruption becomes an accepted part of our culture. Tragic.
4
The question no one is asking: WHY NOW? Menendez was just re-elected. These charges were around when he was running for re-election.
Holder is charging him now because Menendez is sticking it to Obama on Cuba and Iran. It's all about the politics.
Holder is charging him now because Menendez is sticking it to Obama on Cuba and Iran. It's all about the politics.
No sir. What is sad is no one seems to remember that Congress has put it's members above the law. That is why it is so hard to punish them. One example:
In 1964, with great fanfare, President Johnson signed the landmark Civil Rights Act, including Title VII, which for the first time protected all Americans from employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. But the law exempted Congress from its coverage, so thousands of staffers and other employees on the Hill were left with no equal-opportunity protection. Staffers could be discriminated against or sexually harassed with legal impunity.
There are plenty more examples, someone should shine a light on. NYTimes?
In 1964, with great fanfare, President Johnson signed the landmark Civil Rights Act, including Title VII, which for the first time protected all Americans from employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. But the law exempted Congress from its coverage, so thousands of staffers and other employees on the Hill were left with no equal-opportunity protection. Staffers could be discriminated against or sexually harassed with legal impunity.
There are plenty more examples, someone should shine a light on. NYTimes?
1
Very odd indeed. These charges are been circulating for several years. Now that Obama been embarassed by his feeble attempts to negotiate with Iran, and this senator has been a major thorn in his side, his highly publicized Justice department, still led by his dear friend Holder, decides to pursue the case. Reminds me of the Republicans and Clinton, years ago, and the current Soviet Union. Very bad for the country and could lead to retaliation against the White House, which is on very shaky legal grounds right now given its its "executive order" democracy.
32
No more votes to be mined going after the rich bankers. The party is over.
1
great moniker my opinion. the rest of your opinion, not so much.
13
You're right: that's your opinion. And nothing more.
16
Couldn't ha[[en to a nicer guy. His positions on Cuba and Iran show him to be out of touch with foreign policy.
19
So the reason to charge him is that his foreign policy views differ with yours? Welcome to the Gulag.
36
@ njmike - "So the reason to charge him is that his foreign policy views differ with yours?"
Remove the word foreign and your statement is certainly a recurring theme in today's politically correct, liberal, progressive world view!
Remove the word foreign and your statement is certainly a recurring theme in today's politically correct, liberal, progressive world view!
16
No, the corruption charges stand by themselves. The fact that he is clueless if just a benefit.
6
Timing is no surprise. Mendez is the most vocal Dem Senator when it comes to criticizing Obama's policies toward Iran. Given approaching deadline for Iran agreement it is important to get Democrats on board. What better way than to kneecap Menendez?
Gotta love politics by Chicago rules.
Gotta love politics by Chicago rules.
50
The guy's only victory was ObamaCare which might end soon enough. Long Presidency ever, including Nixon.
9
Time to go, Senator. Maybe next time New Jersey elects a Democratic senator, it will choose someone who supports a Democratic president's policies.
168
So this is a political purge, and you approve?
8
@ Charles - Right or wrong my Democratic leader is always right, right Charles?
9
Perhaps the lack of support for Obama policies has prompted the DOJ (Holder, et.al.) to speed up the investigation, which has been languishing for years?
JimF from Sewell
P.S. New Jersey voters are not obligated to choose Senators who will support Obama's positions.
JimF from Sewell
P.S. New Jersey voters are not obligated to choose Senators who will support Obama's positions.
10
They need to file the corruption charges on the whole govt not just this one guy. Our govt is as corrupt as Mexico yet we do nothing. We have no leg to stand on against corrupt govts around the world.
37
Sen. Menendez' reputation for ethical deficiency has been dogging him for years...I am thrilled and relieved to hear this news. He's been a thorn in the side of real liberals who want to see real change and real fairness. Couldn't happen to a better guy.
237
Christie to follow?
3
Brought to you by the same Justice Department that continues to not file a single criminal charge against an individual banker. Smoke-n-Mirrors Holder, going out in unsurprising fashion.
36
Good. This man is a DINO. He is an obstructionist regarding Cuba to the detriment of both Cuba and the U.S. As a corrupted individual he may represent NJ very well, but the state can do much better. Let's hope Cristie is next to face indictment since he consistently damages NJ as well, and is a very small man in all regards but his weight.
133
The state of New Jersey is incapable of doing better. But it is healthy to have hope... even false hope on some occasions.
2
WOW so you are saying you are happy someone is charged because you disagree with their stands on certain issues?
You seem to be describing the way a dictatorship operates.
You seem to be describing the way a dictatorship operates.
8
In fact, no, I did not write that he should be indicted because I disagree with his stance on issues. That is the main reason I, personally, am glad he is being indicted. He should - and apparently will - be indicted because he is corrupt. That is my belief. I am entitled to my beliefs. I am entitled to be happy, for reasons other than the legal reasons for indictment, that he will be indicted. Similarly, you are entitled to be proud of your poor reading comprehension and blunt wit.
9
Whether or not the Senator is a moral, upright, God-fearing man (and he's a US Senator, so we can all draw our own conclusions) this rumored indictment is just the latest example of a Justice Department bloated with excess numbers of prosecutors with too much time on their hands (an unintended consequence of the precipitous drop in crime over the past two decades), trying to justify their jobs by criminalizing hitherto noncriminal behavior, such as constituent services. We've seen this overreach recently in Massachusetts, where the DOJ was shocked, shocked to discover that our state's Probation Commissioner catered to elected officials by giving preference to their recommended job applicants. The Commissioner was duly indicted and convicted by the feds (after being acquitted of the same charges in state court), on a theory of his criminally and dishonestly using his public office if we say so. Some theory. Those elected officials, in turn, were catering to their constituents as has been done for hundreds of years, but were labeled by the DOJ as unindicted co-conspirators. This would all be absurdly funny if not for how many people are being sent to jail for "crimes" that for generations before were commonly accepted as politics as usual.
5
So you favor legalizing bribery?
15
Excuse me, having been born in Boston and lived in Massachusetts for most of my life I am too painfully aware that the political dance practiced in the Bay State dances on the knife edge of corruption all the time. How many of the last few Speakers have ended up in the clink, not to mention Senate Presidents. Billy Bulger at least had a family background of criminality so it was to be expected. And he rode power to the UMass Presidency and a massive pension. I have to say that one of the good things Romney did was force Billy out. So, probation? A sinkhole of corruption and self dealing--what a surprise, and the only ones who suffer are the clients. Perfect, hurt little wounded people and help venal politicians.
4
"Constitutent services"? Is THAT what they're calling it these days? You know that his doctor-buddy operates out of Florida, right?
14
My gosh, a Washington politician who accepted money for political favors? There's only 534 other ones that have done the same thing.
158
Not Bernie Sanders; Barbara Buono to fill Menendez's seat!
1
The real difference here is that Menendez must have stepped on someone's toes above him. He failed to respect the pecking order.
2
If there is evidence to support the charges, then I think the Justice Department should proceed against Menendez. I also think that the department is curiously reluctant to go after Chris Christie and Scott Walker - both of whom may well be corrupt. Christie just settled a decades-old environmental lawsuit worth billions for three cents on the dollar; Walker's exploits in Wisconsin are numerous. Then there are the many "pay to play" governors out west, starting with Arizona's Doug Ducey (I know, doesn't take long), and the selling of influence by the parties' attorney general associations (which NYT documented a few months ago).
We need more public ethics enforcement, not less. Why is it so hard for DOJ to find the guts to hold elected officials accountable?
We need more public ethics enforcement, not less. Why is it so hard for DOJ to find the guts to hold elected officials accountable?
173
"Why is it so hard for DOJ to find the guts to hold elected officials accountable?" Many of us in Joisey anxiously await the report of US Attorney's investigation into many related/intertwined issues related to the GW Bridge, the Port Authority, likely "misdirection" of Sandy recovery funds. Hoping that some big chips will fall, SOON!
The cents-on-the-dollar settlement by Christie admin with Exxon-Mobile was truly outrageous, and another smack-down to residents. But I hope that the US Attorney doesn't hold back his report in cast the net yet wider.
NJ is in trouble because (1) the admin doles out millions in corporate welfare; (2) the admin continues to OVERestimate tax revenues [every year]; (3) companies don't want to move to NJ because their employees can't afford the cost of living; (4) casinos and race tracks are SO over... Time to raise both the gas tax and the millionaire's tax.
Signed: a public employee, who has paid everything required of her into NJPERS, who's not responsible for Gov. Whitman's mortgaging the pension funds and letting subsequent governors off the hook for contributing to the fund. [Despite his claims, Gov. Christie is by no means the first to pay into the pension fund; Jon Corzine paid in for at least two budget cycles.]
Signed: a public employee who doesn't have a platinum/cadillac health plan, but who has Blue Cross PPO as offered by many private employers in this state. Christie's raging about health plans too. On what basis?
The cents-on-the-dollar settlement by Christie admin with Exxon-Mobile was truly outrageous, and another smack-down to residents. But I hope that the US Attorney doesn't hold back his report in cast the net yet wider.
NJ is in trouble because (1) the admin doles out millions in corporate welfare; (2) the admin continues to OVERestimate tax revenues [every year]; (3) companies don't want to move to NJ because their employees can't afford the cost of living; (4) casinos and race tracks are SO over... Time to raise both the gas tax and the millionaire's tax.
Signed: a public employee, who has paid everything required of her into NJPERS, who's not responsible for Gov. Whitman's mortgaging the pension funds and letting subsequent governors off the hook for contributing to the fund. [Despite his claims, Gov. Christie is by no means the first to pay into the pension fund; Jon Corzine paid in for at least two budget cycles.]
Signed: a public employee who doesn't have a platinum/cadillac health plan, but who has Blue Cross PPO as offered by many private employers in this state. Christie's raging about health plans too. On what basis?
11
The US Attorney in NJ has been asleep at the switch re Christie's obvious role in Bridgegate. Surely there's enough evidence to indict him on theft of services, at the least. How can we understand Paul Fishman's] timidity except to surmise that Christie has something on him...
As for Menendez, the used container scanner scam stinks. He should go down for that alone. Really, I could understand it if used dental drills were involved, or dental X-ray machines, but port scanners for containers? C'mon.
As for Menendez, the used container scanner scam stinks. He should go down for that alone. Really, I could understand it if used dental drills were involved, or dental X-ray machines, but port scanners for containers? C'mon.
7
"...Trading gifts for political favors." I thought that is part of the job description for most Congressmen and women.
109
Acceptance is a major part of the problem.
If Americans weren't so accepting of shadiness as a way of life in DC, Hillary would never be President.
If Americans weren't so accepting of shadiness as a way of life in DC, Hillary would never be President.
1
Well, "prosecutorial discretion" should be scrutinized. Why him and why now. Does it have anything to do with his opposition to Obama on Cuba & Iran. These charges were made years ago.
When you have a DOJ who uses its' discretion to such great length as to let 9 million illegal immigrants stay in the country then what is the standard for deciding to prosecute someone?
This does also bring up a point. When Republicans were indicted the Democrats and several news paper Editorial Boards called on them to resign. Should not the NYTimes call on him to resign immediately?
When you have a DOJ who uses its' discretion to such great length as to let 9 million illegal immigrants stay in the country then what is the standard for deciding to prosecute someone?
This does also bring up a point. When Republicans were indicted the Democrats and several news paper Editorial Boards called on them to resign. Should not the NYTimes call on him to resign immediately?
44
To be fair, Menendez was yelling the loudest for illegal immigrants to get a pass.
5
"Why him and why now. does it have anything to do with his opposition to Obama on Cuba & Iran."
Not sure if these were questions or statements, but, IF his opposition to the Cuba & Iran policies were based on corrupt motives (like solicitation for campaign contributions, get kickbacks from interested parties), instead of real conviction, AND the policies are good policies for Americans, THEN, don't you think that would be criminal, if not borderline treasonous, and he should be prosecuted?
In my book, if an elected official puts foreign interests consistently ahead of US interests, in issues that hurt Americans financially and physically, then he doesn't belong in politics.
Not sure if these were questions or statements, but, IF his opposition to the Cuba & Iran policies were based on corrupt motives (like solicitation for campaign contributions, get kickbacks from interested parties), instead of real conviction, AND the policies are good policies for Americans, THEN, don't you think that would be criminal, if not borderline treasonous, and he should be prosecuted?
In my book, if an elected official puts foreign interests consistently ahead of US interests, in issues that hurt Americans financially and physically, then he doesn't belong in politics.
2
Since when is the DOJ involved in the whole 'illegal immigrants' kerfuffel?
If it were, Republicans would not have tried to stop the funding of the Department of Homeland Security but the one of the DOJ.
Furthermore, look up the word 'indicted' in a dictionary. Menendez has not been indicted yet.
If it were, Republicans would not have tried to stop the funding of the Department of Homeland Security but the one of the DOJ.
Furthermore, look up the word 'indicted' in a dictionary. Menendez has not been indicted yet.
What the heck is a "political benefactor" other than some one who is paying you to do stuff for them?
109
Menendez was eager to derail the Iran negociations and embarrassing President Obama. Now he might spend years behing bars. Maybe he should ask Natanyahu to intervene in Congress on his behalf !
225
Dear Christopher,
He won't spend years behind bars on this. It's a breach of congressional ethics (if he's guilty), but I don't think it rises to felony level; he didn't award this guy large federal contracts or anything. At absolute most, he'll be asked to resign.
He won't spend years behind bars on this. It's a breach of congressional ethics (if he's guilty), but I don't think it rises to felony level; he didn't award this guy large federal contracts or anything. At absolute most, he'll be asked to resign.
2
This scandal has been chasing Melendez for thirty years. Its a wonder he has skidded so long.
23
If it is proven as alleged, that he asked (through his staff) the U.S. Customs to delay donating airport screening equipment to a foreign country so that his friend could win a contract, that can lead to serious time. The U.S. does not donate these equipment out of mere goodness of heart. The reason is to prevent security risks from slipping through via foreign airports. That is serious business, to use official power to create a security gap in order to advance a private interest.
21