Obama takes Half-Million dollar bribe

[JEROME DA GNOME]

I've done financial deals with friends before. Not on that scale, but then, I'm not wealthy. But even if this did have some element of trying to make Obama like him, this cannot be considered a bribe in any real sense of the word.

Resko was a rich friend made rich by and is being prosecuted for political fraud. (Psst-Obama and everybody in Chicago knew of this when the deal was made)

Interesting what friends will do for one another, is it not?

[Redtail]

Yep.

Let me know why the sellers partitioned the property and sold the two pieces on the same day.

Because as the owners of the property, they could.

Let me know who has access and use of the "Resko" property.

:gnome:

The people who brought the property from Mrs Resko.

Now then, I own a piece of property that is surrounded by farmland. The farmland is worth about $2 mil my property is worth about $30k. I brought a narrow strip of the farmers land for $10k to have better access to my property and to the nearby lake. My plan was to put a cabin on the property for a little hunting and fishing retreat but I have decided to just sell the land since it is unlikely I'll be going to VA anytime soon. If I sold this land to Ron Paul for $ 40,000 does that mean Ron Paul will be taking a $1.96 million dollar bribe?

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Because as the owners of the property, they could.

Naive or blinded by the Messiah?



The people who brought the property from Mrs Resko.

Now then, I own a piece of property that is surrounded by farmland. The farmland is worth about $2 mil my property is worth about $30k. I brought a narrow strip of the farmers land for $10k to have better access to my property and to the nearby lake. My plan was to put a cabin on the property for a little hunting and fishing retreat but I have decided to just sell the land since it is unlikely I'll be going to VA anytime soon. If I sold this land to Ron Paul for $ 40,000 does that mean Ron Paul will be taking a $1.96 million dollar bribe?

Not even close to the circumstance we are talking about.

[WildCat]

Jerome, are you ever going to get to the evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe? Just wonderin'.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Jerome, are you ever going to get to the evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe? Just wonderin'.

I has been presented within this thread.


Google map the property and tell us all about the garden.

[Redtail]

I has been presented within this thread.


Google map the property and tell us all about the garden.

Paying $100,000 for a piece of property worth $100,000 is not taking a $500,000 dollar bribe. Sorry but you are wrong.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Paying $100,000 for a piece of property worth $100,000 is not taking a $500,000 dollar bribe. Sorry but you are wrong.

Did you google map the property?

Who has access and use of the property?

[Dr Adequate]

Did you google map the property?

Who has access and use of the property? If the answers to these questions are at all significant, do feel free to find out the answers and post them here.

I've got a question for you.

Could you please provide us with evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe?

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Could you please provide us with evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe?

It is within your incomprehension of the circumstance.

:gnome:

[JEROME DA GNOME]

a traffic sign (http://jeannesager.blogspot.com/2007/12/reason-not-to-vote-for-ron-paul-its_03.html)

A New York Democrat is not going to vote for Ron Paul!!!


:mgduh

[Dr Adequate]

It is within your incomprehension of the circumstance. Your belief that that sentence means something puts me in mind of the late great Alan Kleinman.

Oh, by the way, I have a question.

Could you please provide us with evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe?

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy befriends and funds newbie with aspirations in politics.

Newbie politician does political favors for corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy.

Newbie receives access and use of property adjacent to and, prior to this transaction, part of new mansion property that newbie politician can not afford. Newbie politician purchases the property through a trust. Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy has his wife purchase adjacent formally part of mansion property that newbie politician can not afford.


$500,000 bribe.


Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000.

[Cleon]

$500,000 bribe.

For which you still have not provided evidence, merely re-asserted. Argument by repetition.

At this point, I have no choice but to conclude that the "$500,000 bribe" is nothing but a figment of your imagination.

[Dr Adequate]

Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy befriends and funds newbie with aspirations in politics.

Newbie politician does political favors for corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy.

Newbie receives access and use of property adjacent to and, prior to this transaction, part of new mansion property that newbie politician can not afford. Newbie politician purchases the property through a trust. Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy has his wife purchase adjacent formally part of mansion property that newbie politician can not afford.


$500,000 bribe.


Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000. Could you please provide us with evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe?

[JEROME DA GNOME]

For which you still have not provided evidence, merely re-asserted. Argument by repetition.

At this point, I have no choice but to conclude that the "$500,000 bribe" is nothing but a figment of your imagination.

Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Could you please provide us with evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe?

Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000.

[Dr Adequate]

Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000. Well, I'm wondering whether any sick sad stupid pathetic delusional losers round here would like to provide us with evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe. Otherwise, I might think of such people as drooling morons.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Well, I'm wondering whether any sick sad stupid pathetic delusional losers round here would like to provide us with evidence that Obama took a $500,000 bribe. Otherwise, I might think of such people as drooling morons.

Access and use of $500,000 of property is a bribe for political favors that Obama lied about doing.

Why did Obama lie about the political favors if it was not a bribe?

[Redtail]

Did you google map the property?

Who has access and use of the property?

The people who brought it from Mrs. Resko. This has been pointed out to you.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

The people who brought it from Mrs. Resko. This has been pointed out to you.

The cat is out of the bag now silly.

[Redtail]

Naive or blinded by the Messiah?
Evidence that Obama is using the property?





Not even close to the circumstance we are talking about.
So you cannot defend your argument.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

So you cannot defend your argument.

Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy befriends and funds newbie with aspirations in politics.

Newbie politician does political favors for corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy.

Newbie receives access and use of property adjacent to and, prior to this transaction, part of new mansion property that newbie politician can not afford. Newbie politician purchases the property through a trust. Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy has his wife purchase adjacent formally part of mansion property that newbie politician can not afford.


$500,000 bribe.


Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000.

[Redtail]

The cat is out of the bag now silly.

I know it is, you were wrong and cannot admit it. Unless of course you can provide evidence that Obama is using the rest of the property.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

I know it is, you were wrong and cannot admit it. Unless of course you can provide evidence that Obama is using the rest of the property.

It is the garden on the property of the mansion that was separated and purchased by Resko's wife so that Obama could afford the Mansion.


After this thread I fully understand why politicians can be corrupt in full exposer to the public.

[Redtail]

Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy befriends and funds newbie with aspirations in politics.


Newbie politician does political favors for corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy.

He did no political favors. You were shown this and yet you continue to make the claim thus you are a liar.

Newbie receives access and use of property adjacent to and, prior to this transaction, part of new mansion property that newbie politician can not afford. Newbie politician purchases the property through a trust. Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy has his wife purchase adjacent formally part of mansion property that newbie politician can not afford.

You have no evidence that Obama has access to the property or he did at any time before his purchase of said property. He pays 1/6th the price for 1/6th of the property. The other part is sold.


$500,000 bribe.
Wrong.


Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000.
Not even close to the circumstances we are talking about.

[Redtail]

It is the garden on the property of the mansion that was separated and purchased by Resko's wife so that Obama could afford the Mansion.


After this thread I fully understand why politicians can be corrupt in full exposer to the public.

I fully understand that you jumped to a conclusion, have been proven wrong again and again, and for some reason fear admitting it.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

He did no political favors. You were shown this and yet you continue to make the claim thus you are a liar.

Nope, as I presented on page #1 of this thread:

Obama's letters for Rezko ("http://www.suntimes.com/news/425305,CST-NWS-obama13.article"[b)

As a state senator, Barack Obama wrote letters to city and state officials supporting his political patron Tony Rezko's successful bid to get more than $14 million from taxpayers to build apartments for senior citizens.

The deal included $855,000 in development fees for Rezko and his partner, Allison S. Davis, Obama's former boss, according to records from the project, which was four blocks outside Obama's state Senate district.

Then he lied about it.

The letters appear to contradict a statement last December from Obama, who told the Chicago Tribune that, in all the years he's known Rezko, "I've never done any favors for him.''



I will accept your apology.:)

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Not even close to the circumstances we are talking about.

Exactly the circumstance we are talking about.

Could Obama have moved into the mansion had not Resko purchased $500,000 of the property?

[Redtail]

Nope, as I presented on page #1 of this thread:

Obama's letters for Rezko (http://%22http://www.suntimes.com/news/425305,CST-NWS-obama13.article%22%5Bb)



Then he lied about it.





I will accept your apology.:)

This was explaind to you also.

Unless the development was actually a good idea.

Robert Grossman, Chairman of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Conservation Community Council, wrote a letter to DOH stating that that “We were encouraged by the New Kenwood proposal. The project will provide an aesthetic and commercial boost to the community …We look forward to their return to the CCC for further consideration and, based on what we have seen thus far, final approval.” [Grossman Letter, 10/21/98]

Henry Webber was the Vice President for Community Affairs at the University of Chicago. Webber wrote, “Your loan proceeds, couple with Trust Fund monies from the Illinois Housing Development Authority, will give the developer an opportunity to turn a vacant lot in West Hyde Park into a community asset. Not only will this project create high-quality housing; it will house a range of social service programs targeted to seniors and create job opportunities for community residents. Cottage View will have a significant impact on West Hyde Park and significantly contribute to the momentum already generated by other positive signs of community revitalization.” [Webber Letter, 10/30/98]

Karl Bradley, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Housing, City of Chicago, conveyed the city’s approval to IHDA and interest in getting New Kenwood, LLC and Cottage View Terrace the money they needed to complete the project. [Bradley to Novak, 05/3/1999]

The Chicago Tribune reports: “[Obama] was one of several political and community leaders who pushed for funding for the project. Among those sending similar letters of support were Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th), then-state Rep. Lou Jones (D-Chicago) and Robert Grossman, head of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Conservation Community Council.” [Chicago Tribune, 23/1/07]

Here's Mayor Daley cutting the ribbon: “For many years, this lot has been a vacant eyesore, and today we cut the ribbon for 97 beautiful apartments for senior citizens ... These units will provide seniors with a safe, secure, and affordable place to call home.” [Press release from the mayor's office, 2/9/2002]

Rosalyn Banks-Jordan, an Associate Asset Manager for the Illinois Housing Development Authority, wrote in a cover letter to the inspection report, “Please note that this development has successfully completed the inspection without findings or violations of regulations.” [IHDA Letter, 5/15/06]

According to the Loan Rating Form 2006, Cottage View Terrace had No “Tenant Complants Received By IHDA” in the past year. [IHDA Loan Rating Form 2006, 5/1/2006]

According to the Loan Rating Form 2006, Cottage View Terrace received a perfect score in each of nine categories that described the physical condition of the building, including “Decent, Safe, Sanitary Housing.” [IHDA Loan Rating Form 2006, 5/1/2006]

According to the audit grades, the overall Management, Physical and Market categories got “A” ratings, including a perfect score for Physical and near perfect for Management. The Financial aspect was .12 off an “A” rating. [IHDA Loan Rating Form 2006, 5/1/2006]

I know you fear admitting you were wrong so I won't ask for an apology.:)

[gdnp]

To summarize the thread:
1) Jerome claims that Obama received a $500K bribe from Rezko because he bought $600k property from Rezko for $100k
2) it is pointed out to him that Obama only bought 1/6th of the $600K property for $100k, well above the appraised value. FAIL
3) Jerome claims that Rezko bought the property so Obama could use it.
4) it is pointed out that no evidence is presented that Obama had use of the property, and that in any event the property has since been sold by Mrs. Rezko for a profit, and thus if the Obamas have access to it, it is not through the Rezkos. FAIL
5) Jerome claims that Obama did not have the money to buy the property, insinuating that there must have been some financial shenanigans on Obama's part.
6) it is pointed out that Obama had income from book royalties and advances more than enough to cover the purchase, and he took out a mortgage. FAIL
7) Jerome demands to know how many books would have to be sold to cover the advance and/or royalty payments. Why this is relevant, unless he claims the book publisher is bribing Obama, is beyond me. FAIL
8) Jerome claims that Obama must have been stupid to buy through a trust because doing so would cause him to lose his mortgage deduction.
9) it is pointed out that one can take a mortgage deduction on property owned by a trust, and in fact Obama took such a deduction on his property. FAIL
10) Jerome argues that Obama did favors for Rezko and then lied about it.
11) it is pointed out that the development seems to have been a legitimate community development project which had broad public support in the neighborhood, and thus Obama's support was not evidence of a special favor. FAIL
12) data are presented that the development received high marks for construction and management, contradicting the characterization that Rezko, however corrupt, is a "slumlord". FAIL

The best argument I can make on Jerome's side is that Rezko's purchase of the garden should be considered a bribe for 2 reasons: first, that Obama could not have afforded the purchase of the mansion plus the garden, so Rezko purchased the garden so Obama could use it for free. When the "bribe" was discovered he then sold it. Why Obama would buy a 10 foot strip for 100K when he had use of the entire parcel for free is not explained. And as has been pointed out, rent-free use of a 600K piece of property has a value substantially less than 500K. Second, Obama paid him back by writing a letter of support for Rezko regarding the building of senior housing and community centers that by all the evidence presented here seem to have had broad support.

Nothing of interest here. Move along. :deadhorse

I assume that I am not the first to make this observation, but gnomes often bear a striking resemblance to other small mythical creatures called trolls. Jerome reminds me of a poster who used to frequent the Darwin Awards forums. His name escapes me. I could never tell if he really believed his drivel or just liked ticking people off.

[Ysidro]

I just want to get this straight. Jerome's gone from claiming Obama has taken a half million dollar bribe, to claiming he paid $100,000 for a half million dollar piece of property, to claiming he took a half million dollar bribe, to claiming Obama has use of land he didn't buy. All of which is still equivelent to taking a $0.5Million bribe.

Did I miss anything? I mean, except sanity and accurate maths.

[CptColumbo]

So is the fact that my neighbor's tree provides my study with shade, somehow shadier than I thought?

[Dr Adequate]

Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy befriends and funds newbie with aspirations in politics.

Newbie politician does political favors for corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy.

Newbie receives access and use of property adjacent to and, prior to this transaction, part of new mansion property that newbie politician can not afford. Newbie politician purchases the property through a trust. Corrupt slum lord real estate rich guy has his wife purchase adjacent formally part of mansion property that newbie politician can not afford.


$500,000 bribe.


Let me know when you can get a friend to supplement your home purchase to the tune of $500,000. * waves hand in front of Jerome's face *

If you do not yet know that you are a halfwitted liar, then you are the only person posting on this thread who has not yet grasped this simple and obvious fact.

[WildCat]

I has been presented within this thread.


Google map the property and tell us all about the garden.
I've seen it in person Jerome. Why don't you tell me what I'm missing?

[Cleon]

I've seen it in person Jerome. Why don't you tell me what I'm missing?

At this point the only thing that makes sense is that Jerome believes Rezko buried $500,000 in cash somewhere on the property Obama bought.

It's either that, or Jerome is just talking out of his tukhus.

[shemp]

This thread is a perfect example of why euthanasia should be legal.

[Tricky]

Yeah, that BO, he's a crafty devil. Now he's hiding the fact that he takes bribes by returning $100,000 in donations from lobbyists because they conflict with his fundraising guidelines (http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/06/07/obama-edict-requires-dnc-to-return-100000/).
Obama imposed the rules to avoid a conflict with his own ban on money from federal lobbyists and PACs.

But that's just SOP for presidential candidates, right? Erm...
Republican John McCain does accept money from lobbyists and PACs as does the Republican National Committee and other party committees.

[Eskarina]

I just want to get this straight. Jerome's gone from claiming Obama has taken a half million dollar bribe, to claiming he paid $100,000 for a half million dollar piece of property, to claiming he took a half million dollar bribe, to claiming Obama has use of land he didn't buy. All of which is still equivelent to taking a $0.5Million bribe.

Did I miss anything? I mean, except sanity and accurate maths.

I predict a landslide victory for Obama. With that kind of financial wizardry skills, he'll turn the US trillion dollar deficit into a bazillion dollar surplus in next to no time.

Remember, you heard it here first! :)

[Meadmaker]

Nope, as I presented on page #1 of this thread:

Obama's letters for Rezko ("http://www.suntimes.com/news/425305,CST-NWS-obama13.article"[b)



Then he lied about it.





I will accept your apology.:)

This is classic wooish thought, of the CT subvariety. Take a little bit of truth, and embellish as necessary.

It is clear that Rezko and Obama had dealings that were intertwined. Of that, there can be no doubt. Up until this deal, it appears that those dealings were in the political sphere. Obama recommends contracts. Obama gets campaign contributions. With this deal, it apparently went into the personal realm, where they actually jointly cooperated on a real estate purchase. All those things appear to be true.

Where the CT thought process takes over is in asserting that there is something inappropriate about any of this. As a local politician, it was Obama's job to deal with community improvements and/or development. If the things he recommended were good ideas, there is no problem, even if he did it on behalf of a contributor. As long as there was no quid pro quo, everything is legal, and not merely legal. There's nothing wrong with it.

As far as the house deal goes, it was a win-win for the Rezkos and the Obamas. The Obamas got a nice house with a nice yard that they could afford. The Rezkos made a nice profit. The sellers got a nice price price for their property. There's no bribe anywhere.

There was, on the other hand, some mixing of business, politics, and personal interests. Oh, horrors. Say it ain't so.

I don't believe Obama is a saint. I don't even buy his rhetoric about being some sort of new politician who will bring change to Washington. I think he's a somewhat left of center politician who can make a darned fine speech, and that's good enough for me. If someone could convince me that that's all an act, and he was actually a corrupt money launderer, I wouldn't vote for him, but this thread has failed to do so, and it has failed in a spectacular fashion.

[SpitfireIX]

When was the last time you purchased hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of property that you could not afford and had a friend buy part of the property for your access and use?


You have failed to present any evidence whatsoever that the Rezkos purchased the property for the Obamas' "access and use." You have further failed to present any evidence that the Obamas actually did use the property (apart from the strip that they purchased at a fair price, of course). And you wonder, despite this complete lack of evidence, why Obama is not being prosecuted.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

You have failed to present any evidence whatsoever that the Rezkos purchased the property for the Obamas' "access and use." You have further failed to present any evidence that the Obamas actually did use the property (apart from the strip that they purchased at a fair price, of course). And you wonder, despite this complete lack of evidence, why Obama is not being prosecuted.

This is why politicians can be corrupt. The naivete of the awe stricken.

[SpitfireIX]

This is why politicians can be corrupt. The naivete of the awe stricken.


If you're implying that I'm awe-striuck and/or naive, you're very sadly mistaken. As I've mentioned, I've supported John McCain for President since 1999. I'm strongly opposed to Barack Obama because I don't agree with many of his stated policies, and I'm extremely concerned about his lack of experience. But I'm not going to sit idly by while people such as you make unfounded, scurrilous accusations about him that distract from the real issues. If anyone presents credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing by Barack Obama, or any other important political figure, I'll be more than willing to discuss it.

Again, I stand by my statement. You have not produced any evidence that Tony Rezko and his wife purchased the property with the intention that the Obamas would use it, nor have you produced any evidence that they actually did use it. You simply want to proclaim Barack Obama's guilt, while attempting to handwave away the lack of evidence. Fail

[JEROME DA GNOME]

I've supported John McCain for President since 1999.

Evidence?

[Cleon]

Evidence?

Forget Spitfire. WildCat couldn't be considered left-wing of anyone, with the possible exception of Atilla the Hun. Mistaking him for being enamored with Obama is beyond ridiculous.

There are, in fact, more possibilities than simply "accept Jerome's bizarre hypothesis at face value" and "awe-stricken Obama worshiper." You're really going to have to get beyond this sort of silly binary thinking if you're going to accomplish anything. (Not just here, but anywhere doing anything.)

I know, it's tough to believe that people don't simply accept your words of wisdom without questioning them and demanding evidence. I'm sure it's very difficult to accept that people want evidence of your claims before accepting them--whether or not they're "awe-stricken."

But you're just gonna have to deal.

[gdnp]

Originally Posted by SpitfireIX View Post
I've supported John McCain for President since 1999.


Evidence?


:dl:

This is just too precious. You make half a dozen libelous claims without evidence, and will not accept spitfire's assertion he is not an Obama supporter because he did not supply evidence?

How about you supply the evidence we've been asking for for 8 pages? Oh, you have none, I forgot.

[MarkCorrigan]

Forget Spitfire. WildCat couldn't be considered left-wing of anyone, with the possible exception of Atilla the Hun. Mistaking him for being enamored with Obama is beyond ridiculous.


Quite. I think the only thing more ridiculous than that would be his sporting a communist party badge.

Does anyone else think that perhaps, just perhaps, trolling like this shouldn't be allowed? I mean, he's clearly yanking everyone's chains, right? I mean he can't be serious, can he?

[SpitfireIX]

Forget Spitfire. WildCat couldn't be considered left-wing of anyone, with the possible exception of Atilla the Hun. Mistaking him for being enamored with Obama is beyond ridiculous.


I've got an even better idea; I'll PM pomeroo and ask him to comment. :D

[SpitfireIX]

:dl:

This is just too precious. You make half a dozen libelous claims without evidence, and will not accept spitfire's assertion he is not an Obama supporter because he did not supply evidence?

How about you supply the evidence we've been asking for for 8 pages? Oh, you have none, I forgot.


I couldn't have said it better myself.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

How about you supply the evidence we've been asking for for 8 pages? Oh, you have none, I forgot.

I have presented much evidence, it is just waved away with accusations of not presenting evidence.


Why did Obama lie about his political favors for Rezko?

Why did Rezko's wife purchase a $500,000 garden; which prior to the transactions was part of Obama's mansion property that he could not afford?

[Cleon]

I have presented much evidence,

Liar.


Why did Obama lie about his political favors for Rezko?

Why did Rezko's wife purchase a $500,000 garden; which prior to the transactions was part of Obama's mansion property that he could not afford?These are not evidence. These are called "questions." More specifically, "questions based on as-yet unsubstantiated allegations."

"Unsubstantiated allegations" is a nice way of saying "lies."

Provide evidence for your claims.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Provide evidence for your claims.

Just look a couple of posts up and you can read the link to Obama presenting himself as a liar concerning political favors for Rezko.

Hence the question: Why did Obama lie about his political favors for Rezko?

[Cleon]

Just look a couple of posts up and you can ...

Still see no evidence for your claims.

Any word on that $500,000 bribe you keep going on about? 'Cause it still doesn't seem to exist.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Still see no evidence for your claims.

You are going to have to read the posts in the thread. The link is posted on this page and I posted the link to Obama lying about political favors for Rezko several times in this thread.


Why did Obama lie about his political favors for Rezko?

[Robaato]

Before we can ask why something happened, we have to be sure that it happened in the first place. You have provided nothing resembling evidence that anything out of the ordinary happened. You have given us your interpretation of events; explain how what you say is factual, and then we can address why.

[Cleon]

You are going to have to read the posts in the thread.

Way ahead of you.


The link is posted on this page and I posted the link to Obama lying about political favors for Rezko several times in this thread.

You have posted no link that establishes Obama as having lied about political favors.

You have posted no link establishing that Obama did any political favors for Rezko.

The link you did post establishes no such thing, as has been explained to you many, many times.

Therefore, this question:


Why did Obama lie about his political favors for Rezko?

is based on a lie.



So, still no word on that $500,000 bribe, then?

[David Wong]

So, still no word on that $500,000 bribe, then?

Gerome has one motivation: To keep this thread at the top of the forum so that the headline will be visible to anyone who browses by.

It doesn't matter what he's posting, he's simply generating responses to keep it at the top.

That's all he's doing.

[Dr Adequate]

Why did Obama lie about his political favors for Rezko? While we're Just Asking Questions, why do you blow goats?

[Dr Adequate]

Gerome has one motivation: To keep this thread at the top of the forum so that the headline will be visible to anyone who browses by.

It doesn't matter what he's posting, he's simply generating responses to keep it at the top.

That's all he's doing. Why he wishes to do so remains a mystery --- usually people like to put their most embarrassing failures behind them --- but I think that the forum could use a permanent reminder of why Paultards are so funny. Perhaps the moderators could make it into a sticky.

[gdnp]

Why did Obama lie about his political favors for Rezko?

The only "political favor" that I can see Obama having done for Rezko is to write a letter of support for a community development project that appears to have had broad community support and have been well received. I do not consider that a political favor. A political favor is arranging a no-show job for nephew, or steering a no-bid contract his way.

Now if you can show that this development was a boondoggle, or overpriced, or that Obama twisted arms so Rezko could get the contract rather than some other more worthy bidder, that would be something. Do you have any such evidence?

Once again: please state EXPLICITLY what action of Obama's you consider a "political favor". Try using this form, rather than your preferred interrogative:

"Obama did X for Rezko. "

X should be a specific action, something, for example, that you could record on film.

Got that? Simple enough?

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Before we can ask why something happened, we have to be sure that it happened in the first place. You have provided nothing resembling evidence that anything out of the ordinary happened. You have given us your interpretation of events; explain how what you say is factual, and then we can address why.


It is not ordinary for a slum lord being investigated for political corruption that has had political favors done for him supplement the purchase of a mansion property that a politician could not afford.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

You have posted no link that establishes Obama as having lied about political favors.

You have posted no link establishing that Obama did any political favors for Rezko.


You are ridiculous. I have posted the link several times.


The political favor
As a state senator, Barack Obama wrote letters to city and state officials supporting his political patron Tony Rezko's successful bid to get more than $14 million from taxpayers to build apartments for senior citizens.

The deal included $855,000 in development fees for Rezko and his partner, Allison S. Davis, Obama's former boss, according to records from the project, which was four blocks outside Obama's state Senate district.

The lie from Obama about the political favor
The letters appear to contradict a statement last December from Obama, who told the Chicago Tribune that, in all the years he's known Rezko, "I've never done any favors for him.''

[Dr Adequate]

It is not ordinary for a slum lord being investigated for political corruption that has had political favors done for him supplement the purchase of a mansion property that a politician could not afford. It is, however, not terribly unusual for people to buy vacant lots ajoining their property that they can in fact afford perfectly well, without any form of favoritism or corruption being involved.

[Cleon]

You are ridiculous. I have posted the link several times.

And here's the part you didn't quote:


The link you did post establishes no such thing, as has been explained to you many, many times.


Which remains accurate. Just because you choose to believe it supports your assertion, this does not make it so.


Still no word on that $500,000 bribe, eh?

[JEROME DA GNOME]

It is, however, not terribly unusual for people to buy vacant lots ajoining their property that they can in fact afford perfectly well.

It was the garden which was part of the mansion property.

It is not ordinary for a slum lord being investigated for political corruption that has had political favors done for him supplement the purchase of a mansion property that a politician could not afford.

[Dr Adequate]

It was the garden which was part of the mansion property.

It is not ordinary for a slum lord being investigated for political corruption that has had political favors done for him supplement the purchase of a mansion property that a politician could not afford. You've tried to pack so much malice, falsehood and innuendo into that bit of gibble-gabble that it's barely written in English.

If you have an accusation, please make it in plain English, and we'll all laugh at what a silly liar you are.

[Lonewulf]

Y'know, I'm sure that if I got myself drunk, Jerome's posts might actually become more bearable.

[CptColumbo]

Just because a cat has kittens in the oven, it doesn't make them biscuits.

[David Wong]

Why he wishes to do so remains a mystery --- usually people like to put their most embarrassing failures behind them --- but I think that the forum could use a permanent reminder of why Paultards are so funny. Perhaps the moderators could make it into a sticky.

You don't understand. He knows that most people who see the thread title, won't click through to realize it's false. He keeps the bolded accusation "OBAMA TAKES HALF MILLION DOLLAR BRIBE" at the top of the forum where thousands can see it. Most of those people won't actually read the thread.

So his motivation is just to keep that headline visible. That's why he keeps posting the same thing over and over, it's purely to keep the written accusation at the top of every visitor's screen.

[SezMe]

Y'know, I'm sure that if I got myself drunk, Jerome's posts might actually become more bearable.
Didn't work for me. :p

[gdnp]

The political favor


The lie from Obama about the political favor

Hey, I have to give Jerome some credit. I asked him to post what he considers the favor, and the lie, and he did so.

Jerome: now we know what you are claiming, I can state, for the reasons that I listed in my last post, people can have an honest disagreement over whether writing a letter of support for a project that borders on your district should be considered a political favor.

You obviously believe so.

I do not.

Since I reject your assertion that this was a political favor, I also reject your assertion that Obama lied when he said he had never done any political favors for Rezko.

So now we are at an impass. Several pages ago there was a post which claimed that project was a boon to the neighborhood. Not what one might expect if Rezko is a slumlord, as you assert. Do you have any evidence that it was not. If not, I see nothing left to discuss.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

So now we are at an impass. Several pages ago there was a post which claimed that project was a boon to the neighborhood. Not what one might expect if Rezko is a slumlord, as you assert. Do you have any evidence that it was not. If not, I see nothing left to discuss.

Curious that he would be prosecuted for this "boon to the neighborhood".

THE REZKO TRIAL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rezko-jury-03-jun03,0,5864989.story?track=rss)

That charge alleges Rezko tried to extort a $1.5 million campaign donation for Blagojevich from Thomas Rosenberg, a movie producer and a principal in the real-estate management firm Capri Capital. Prosecutors argued Rezko was part of a scheme to force the donation or a bogus finder's fee from Rosenberg by stalling a $220 million investment that Capri was in line for from the Teachers' Retirement System.

[gdnp]

Curious that he would be prosecuted for this "boon to the neighborhood".

THE REZKO TRIAL (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rezko-jury-03-jun03,0,5864989.story?track=rss)

Sorry, perhaps I missed this. Rezko is being tried for corruption, that is clear. The link and the quote you provided do not show any obvious link to the senior citizen housing project for which Obama wrote the letter of support, however. Is there any such evidence? Or just because Rezko is accused of doing something illegal any dealings of Obama with him should be considered corrupt. I mean, if Rezko ran a fundraiser for Muscular Dystrophy and Obama donated $100, and all the money went to Jerry Lewis, would this be a problem in your mind?

You have still not supplied any evidence Rezko is a slumlord. It looks like he may well be a crooked developer, but bribery and extortion does not imply substandard and poorly maintained housing.

[Tricky]

Just because a cat has kittens in the oven, it doesn't make them biscuits.
I thought some of those last biscuits were a little crunchy.

[shemp]

While we're Just Asking Questions, why do you blow goats?

Actually, he doesn't. The goats reject his advances.

Also, when is this thread going to be moved to "Humor"?

[gdnp]

Actually, he doesn't. The goats reject his advances.

Also, when is this thread going to be moved to "Humor"?

Oh, a wise guy, eh? whoopwhoopwhoopwhoopwhoop

[Dr Adequate]

Curious that he would be prosecuted for this "boon to the neighborhood". "Curious" is perhaps the mildest word I can think of for this bizarre lie.

[gdnp]

Much as I would like to dismiss this topic due to Jerome's trollish behavior, there is at least a kernel of a legitimate issue here, obscured by the hyperbole.

Rezko clearly did a favor for Obama. Obama wanted to buy a piece of property, and it appears he could not at the time afford the house and the garden. The owners, at least it is claimed, wanted to sell both pieces simultaneously. (why they split the lot in two if this is the case is unclear). If these assertions are true, then it is possible that Obama would not have been able to complete the sale without finding someone else to buy the garden. This "someone else" was Rezko.

So Rezko did Obama a favor. That is not in itself illegal, however. Obama may have gone to Rezko and said "there is a piece of property you may be interested in. I'm trying to buy a house, and the sellers are being jerks: they won't sell unless I also take the adjacent lot, which is at a decent price but I can't afford it. If you were to buy it you would be helping me out, and given the current market I think you could flip it for a tidy profit. I'd buy it myself if I had the money. Check it out and tell me what you think."

Rezko checks it out, likes the price, buys the property and then flips it for a 50K profit, while earning brownie points with an up-and-coming politician.

Has anything illegal happened here? Has there been a $500,000 bribe? Is this even unethical? I don't think so.

Now let's look at the other side of the supposed corrupt act. Rezko comes to Obama and says, "Barack old pal. I know you are always complaining about the lack of affordable housing in the neighborhood, especially for seniors. My senior housing proposal will be only 4 blocks from your district. It even includes the community center you suggested. The whole neighborhood is enthusiastic, but the bureaucrats are busting my nuts. If you could write me a letter maybe we could finally get this ball rolling".

Now, in this (completely fictitious) scenario, has Obama performed any "special favors" for Rezko? Or simply written a routine letter of recommendation for a project he deemed worthy?

Even if Rezko is a crook, the question is largely irrelevant. Next scenario: I am on the city council of Fantasy Island, and a developer proposes building a bridge to the mainland. I am fed up with those cries of "de plane...de plane..." every week, so I support it. The developer builds a crackerjack bridge, and comes in under budget. Later, it is found that he took payoffs from a cement contractor. Should I be held responsible for this? Only if I was in on the shady deal, or knew beforehand that they guy was a crook.

[Meadmaker]

Much as I would like to dismiss this topic due to Jerome's trollish behavior, there is at least a kernel of a legitimate issue here, obscured by the hyperbole.

Rezko clearly did a favor for Obama. ..... Later, it is found that he took payoffs from a cement contractor. Should I be held responsible for this? Only if I was in on the shady deal, or knew beforehand that they guy was a crook.


Just wanted to say that you hit the nail on the head with your post.

Meanwhile, Obama is learning something about "the appearance of impropriety". He clearly mixed his political, business, and personal relationships, and when you do that, people ask if there might have been some funny business going on. There's no evidence that there was any funny business, but it would be naive to think that a developer wouldn't be hoping for access to a legislator when he did business with him. It's just a bad idea for a politician to do business with someone who could gain financially from the politician's favor. It looks bad. In Obama's words, it was "boneheaded."

[gdnp]

Originally Posted by gdnp View Post
Much as I would like to dismiss this topic due to Jerome's trollish behavior, there is at least a kernel of a legitimate issue here, obscured by the hyperbole.

Rezko clearly did a favor for Obama. ..... Later, it is found that he took payoffs from a cement contractor. Should I be held responsible for this? Only if I was in on the shady deal, or knew beforehand that they guy was a crook.

As a point of clarification, I just wish to state that I did not state that Rezko took payoffs from a cement contractor. Two different scenarios have been stitched together by the ellipsis. In fact, I do not know what the charges against Rezko are. I have asked Jerome to clarify.

[SezMe]

I have asked Jerome to clarify.
"Jerome" and "clarify" in the same sentence. *snort* :)

[WildCat]

In fact, I do not know what the charges against Rezko are.
He was convicted of 16 counts last week: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/989494,CST-NWS-charges05.article

2 other criminal cases are pending.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

He was convicted of 16 counts last week: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/989494,CST-NWS-charges05.article

2 other criminal cases are pending.

Federal conviction of political bribery.

Things that make you go...


Did anyone come up with a scenario in which a politician's home purchase was supplemented by $500,000 from a convicted political briber?


:gnome:

[SezMe]

:big: :crazy: :hb:

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Federal conviction of political bribery.

Things that make you go...


Did anyone come up with a scenario in which a politician's home purchase was supplemented by $500,000 from a convicted political briber?


:gnome:

:big: :crazy: :hb:


I guess not.

:gnome:

[gdnp]

Federal conviction of political bribery.


:gnome:

Well, the link above seems to be dead. And since Jerome da troll doesn't seem to be willing to answer the question of whether the charges had anything to do with the senior housing project that Obama supported, I checked myself. Found several links like this (bolding mine): http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/06/obama_rezko_statement.html

Obama Rezko conviction reaction. Republican National Committee slams Obama for Rezko association, though not an issue at trial.

WASHINGTON--The Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Natasha Korecki is reporting that a Chicago federal jury found political fixer Tony Rezko guilty on 16 charges against him -- including mail and wire fraud -- and not guilty of eight charges. Rezko -- the high-flying developer and fast-food magnate -- was once a major campaign fund-raiser for Gov. Blagojevich and Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

Lynn Sweet quick analysis on political impact on Obama: Republicans were going to use Rezko against Obama whether or not Rezko was guilty or innocent. See RNC statement below slamming Obama on Rezko. No way is Rezko positive for Obama; but the conviction itself does not change the politics much. Remember, Obama had nothing to do with any charge brought against Rezko.

Obama statement
"I'm saddened by today's verdict. This isn't the Tony Rezko I knew, but now he has been convicted by a jury on multiple charges that once again shine a spotlight on the need for reform. I encourage the General Assembly to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these kinds of abuses in the future.” – Senator Barack Obama

So by Jerome's logic, I guess anyone who has ever had any dealings with Rezko took a bribe. Everyone who ever played baseball with Barry Bonds used steroids. Every woman who ever worked for Clinton....

You get the picture. ;)

[JEROME DA GNOME]

So by Jerome's logic, I guess anyone who has ever had any dealings with Rezko took a bribe. Everyone who ever played baseball with Barry Bonds used steroids. Every woman who ever worked for Clinton....

You get the picture. ;)


Did anyone come up with a scenario in which a politician's home purchase was supplemented by $500,000 from a convicted political briber?

:gnome:


THE LINK WORKS JUST FINE.

[David Wong]

Well, that's that. The courts have had their say, no bribe.

Thread done. Unless you let Gerome keep bumping it.

[JEROME DA GNOME]

Well, that's that. The courts have had their say, no bribe.

Thread done. Unless you let Gerome keep bumping it.

Unbelievable!!!


He was convicted of political bribery!

[gdnp]

Did anyone come up with a scenario in which a politician's home purchase was supplemented by $500,000 from a convicted political briber?

:gnome:




Nope.

[gdnp]

Unbelievable!!!


He was convicted of political bribery!

Bribery unrelated to his dealings with Obama!

If he had been convicted of murder would that make Obama an accessory?

[Dr Adequate]

Did anyone come up with a scenario in which a politician's home purchase was supplemented by $500,000 from a convicted political briber? No, "anyone" didn't. And if "anyone" tries 'til "anyone" is blue in the face, "anyone" will still be a Paultard caught in a dumb lie.

[CptColumbo]

There's an old Polish proverb that says, "Even a thousand szloty note can't tapdance."
--Thomas Banacek