Obama illegally attempts to fire AmeriCorps inspector general

[elprincipe]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hR-c9qK-DfN8zbpd-kWamzFIZU-wD98RF20G3

What's simply astounding is that it was a clear violation of a law put into place just in the last couple years which was cosponsored by...Senator Obama, of all people. Chicago-style politics at its finest: protect your corrupt supporters from investigation, manufacture charges against the watchdog, etc etc

[fullmetalfan720]

See this is who Obama really is. A corrupt politican who say one thing and does another. This guy promises change, and ends up being the same as Bush.

[KingBroly]

See this is who Obama really is. A corrupt politican who say one thing and does another. This guy promises change, and ends up being the same as Bush.

Why always bring it back to Bush? You know all politicians are the same.

[fullmetalfan720]

Why always bring it back to Bush? You know all politicians are the same.

True. I just say Bush because Obama constantly said how terrible Bush was, and now Obama is doing the very things he spoke out against.

[KingBroly]

Okay, but if you want to keep using comparisons about how corrupt politicians are, I'll just have to throw out some other names as well. When the time comes of course.

[xycury]

definate obama haters here?

I think there is certainly more horrible and disasterous things that he could do than this.... much more to worry about.

And Bush is the bottom rung... can't get any lower, and obama has yet to get that low.

[perdition(troy]

Poster above me definitely under 20 years old and doesn't remember any other president here?

[docvinh]

Poster above me definitely under 20 years old and doesn't remember any other president here?

Yeah, really. Bush was pretty bad, but as far as history is concerned, not the worst.

[xycury]

Poster above me definitely under 20 years old and doesn't remember any other president here?

Not that young, but when others were in office, I couldn't vote or paid attention. Plus who's names would those be? Wouldn't have Bush been compared to those then?

[Bmac1775]

definate obama haters here?

I think there is certainly more horrible and disasterous things that he could do than this.... much more to worry about.

And Bush is the bottom rung... can't get any lower, and obama has yet to get that low.

This is his first year, give him time...

[camoor]

Not that young, but when others were in office, I couldn't vote or paid attention. Plus who's names would those be? Wouldn't have Bush been compared to those then?

Perdition Troy is older then I thought. He must be referring to the Teapot Dome scandal. :D

[mykevermin]

^cute.

The article linked in the OP implicates nobody named Obama at all in the firing.

We can speculate, of course. But this doesn't (yet!) have Obama's fingerprints on it. Either the President or the First Lady.

[fullmetalfan720]

^cute.

The article linked in the OP implicates nobody named Obama at all in the firing.

We can speculate, of course. But this doesn't (yet!) have Obama's fingerprints on it. Either the President or the First Lady.

Obama fired him. Here's the story right here:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/06/president-obama-fires-controversial-inspector-general-.html
Some are saying Obama fired him because he was investigating his friend Kevin Johnson, the mayor of Sacramento.
http://www.examiner.com/x-6751-Phoenix-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2009m6d12-Inspector-General-removed-by-Obama-after-Kevin-Johnson-investigated
In an interesting twist of events, when I saw the Associated Press writers' news release (http://www.sacbee.com/830/story/1939952.html)about the firing of the IG in The Sacramento Bee it piqued my interest. Having followed the AP stories on Johnsons' nonprofit group for a few months now, it came as a surprise to see the person who is responsible for uncovering the misuse of funds fired by the President himself.
The removal of Gerald Walpin, the current Inspector General who investigates AmeriCorps and other national service programs by the President himself is interesting in itself. More interesting, the change comes after his friend was cited for misuse of funds through his nonprofit group.
The change is followed by an earlier investigation citing Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, of NBA basketball fame and supporter of Obama of misuse of federal grants by his nonprofit education group.
Federal investigators cited that some of the money was used to pay volunteers to run personal errands, political activities and even washing Johnson's car. [read it here (http://www.ktuu.com/global/story.asp?s=10157766&ClientType=Printable) and here (http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S873061.shtml?cat=10151)]
AmeriCorps is named as Public Allies (http://www.publicallies.org/site/c.liKUL3PNLvF/b.2775815/k.860B/ALLY_PROGRAM.htm)signature program. Although the first lady gets more press on her personal involvement in Public Allies as founding Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago, few know President Obama was on the founding advisory board for Public Allies.

Feds end dispute with ex-NBA star Kevin Johnson

Associated Press - April 9, 2009 1:13 PM ET
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have reached a settlement with Sacramento, Calif., Mayor Kevin Johnson over misspending by a nonprofit corporation he started after retiring from the NBA in 2000.
Spokesmen for the U.S. Attorneys office in Sacramento and for Johnson did not immediately disclose details of the agreement Thursday.
Johnson's volunteer program, Hood Corps, received $807,000 from the federal AmeriCorps program between 2004 and 2007.
Federal investigators say some of the money was used to pay volunteers for political activities, run personal errands and wash Johnson's car.
Thursday's settlement should make the California capital eligible for millions of dollars in stimulus money and other federal grants. Johnson was barred from receiving federal money.

http://www.ktuu.com/global/story.asp?s=10157766&ClientType=Printable

[fullmetalfan720]

This is his first year, give him time...
He's already lied enough in his first year to show who he really is. His chief of staff has said "everyone somewhere in between 18 and 25 will serve 3 months of basic training", and "citizenship is not an entitlement program," or being against the Patriot Act, then voting for it (FISA), lying about Iraq, continuing to torture, when he speaks out against it, speaking out against rendition, and indefinite detention, then having it happen and allowing to happen as he is president, doublespeak on NAFTA, lobbyists, bailouts, missile shields, what the OP is talking about, government transparency, etc.

[Bmac1775]

He's already lied enough in his first year to show who he really is. His chief of staff has said "everyone somewhere in between 18 and 25 will serve 3 months of basic training", and "citizenship is not an entitlement program," or being against the Patriot Act, then voting for it (FISA), lying about Iraq, continuing to torture, when he speaks out against it, speaking out against rendition, and indefinite detention, then having it happen and allowing to happen as he is president, doublespeak on NAFTA, lobbyists, bailouts, missile shields, what the OP is talking about, government transparency, etc.


I agree, what Im saying is that all those Bush haters will be begging to have Bush over Osama by the time he's done.

[mykevermin]

"hatters"

"Osama"

...fucking hell.

Thanks for those links, fullmetal.

[Bmac1775]

My spelling is horrible, I corrected it

[steveinneed]

I agree, what Im saying is that all those Bush haters will be begging to have Bush over Osama by the time he's done.

Osama? Idiot. I'm sure you meant it too.

[Bmac1775]

Osama? Idiot. I'm sure you meant it too.

Hahahahahha
Na that one was right, ya Mo Ron

[fullmetalfan720]

Hahahahahha
Na that one was right, ya Mo Ron

Hahahahahahahyoureafuckingretard

[Bmac1775]

o tender foot....oooo

[HowStern]

Intelligent thread...

[KingBroly]

It started off well, then a couple of guys who were up to no good, started causing trouble in the neighborhood.

[Bmac1775]

Hahahahahahahyoureafuckingretard

Hey I resemble that remark

Eye we Todd did....they told me to say this so I screamed it aloud over and over....but I don’t get it....O well guess I am

ok...sorry for screwing up the tread....like a fat kid in dodge ball....Im out

[HowStern]

I'll just leave this here
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/06/video_rabid_letterman_protesto.html

[Ugamer_X]

Chicago-style politics at its finest: protect your corrupt supporters from investigation, manufacture charges against the watchdog, etc etc
Seems more appropriate, no?

[Strell]

Hey I resemble that remark

Eye we Todd did....they told me to say this so I screamed it aloud over and over....but I don’t get it....O well guess I am

ok...sorry for screwing up the tread....like a fat kid in dodge ball....Im out

I'll just leave this here
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2009/06/video_rabid_letterman_protesto.html


"Videographer Jonah Green talked to a few of them, and learned that they watch Fox News, hate socialism, and think that Letterman "rapes children with his mouth." Oh, and they really, really like Jay Leno."



Eugenics really doesn't get the respect it deserves.

[vherub]

It seems like there is something troubling happening at St. HOPE, whether Kevin Johnson is culpable, there needs to be a thorough and impartial review of this entire situation.

[elprincipe]

It started off well, then a couple of guys who were up to no good, started causing trouble in the neighborhood.

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:SUkiIDKNKUBxpM:http://www.scrapetv.com/News/News%2520Pages/Science/Images/will-smith-the-fresh-prince-of-bel-air.jpg

[elprincipe]

Seems more appropriate, no?

Point taken, but it's just so blatant when done in the Chicago style. We folks from the D.C. area are at least more nuanced!

[depascal22]

He's already lied enough in his first year to show who he really is. His chief of staff has said "everyone somewhere in between 18 and 25 will serve 3 months of basic training", and "citizenship is not an entitlement program," or being against the Patriot Act, then voting for it (FISA), lying about Iraq, continuing to torture, when he speaks out against it, speaking out against rendition, and indefinite detention, then having it happen and allowing to happen as he is president, doublespeak on NAFTA, lobbyists, bailouts, missile shields, what the OP is talking about, government transparency, etc.

So, conservatives are happy or unhappy that Obama is continuing some of Bush's policies? If McCain was doing the same exact things, you'd be all over his wrinkly old nuts. Funny thing is that McCain would also be pushing for universal health care and other "socialist" policies that he never really got into during the election.

We all knew Obama wouldn't do everything he promised. Only a fool would believe that.

You'll get government transparency the day we tear up the Constitution, kick all the politicians out of Washington, and get back to being real Americans.

And three months of Basic Training for all 18-25 year olds will still be perfectly legal under the Selective Service Act and it might actually do some of you young assholes some good. Pick up a rifle and find out what it's like to actually defend all the freedoms you whine about.

[Bmac1775]

And three months of Basic Training for all 18-25 year olds will still be perfectly legal under the Selective Service Act and it might actually do some of you young assholes some good. Pick up a rifle and find out what it's like to actually defend all the freedoms you whine about.

Well Said!!!:applause:

[RAMSTORIA]

So, conservatives are happy or unhappy that Obama is continuing some of Bush's policies? If McCain was doing the same exact things, you'd be all over his wrinkly old nuts. Funny thing is that McCain would also be pushing for universal health care and other "socialist" policies that he never really got into during the election.



you must assume that all conservatives are republican loving, bush voting, evangelical christians. i can assure you thats not the case.

[UncleBob]

While I don't count myself as "conservative", I do have to say I was unhappy that Bush continued Bush's policies. :(

Obama's just taking it to a whole new level.

[fullmetalfan720]

So, conservatives are happy or unhappy that Obama is continuing some of Bush's policies? If McCain was doing the same exact things, you'd be all over his wrinkly old nuts. Funny thing is that McCain would also be pushing for universal health care and other "socialist" policies that he never really got into during the election.
I hate John McCain. I hate Barack Obama. They are the same. Almost all politicians today are corrupt and self-serving. If you think I want John McCain as president, you obviously don't understand who I am.

We all knew Obama wouldn't do everything he promised. Only a fool would believe that.
He has done the exact opposite of what he has said as I outlined.

You'll get government transparency the day we tear up the Constitution, kick all the politicians out of Washington, and get back to being real Americans.
We've already torn up the Constitution. The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th amendments are barely there anymore. It's only a matter of time before we lose the basic building block that our country was built upon. The executive branch has become more powerful than the two others. A private corporation is about to be given the power to take over any company it wants to. We're losing America today, to the fake two party system.

And three months of Basic Training for all 18-25 year olds will still be perfectly legal under the Selective Service Act and it might actually do some of you young assholes some good. Pick up a rifle and find out what it's like to actually defend all the freedoms you whine about.
This National Security force won't be used for "defending freedom", it'll be the Nazi Youth of the 21st Century. Everyone will be forceably conscripted into "national service", not just people 18-25.
you must assume that all conservatives are republican loving, bush voting, evangelical christians. i can assure you thats not the case.
I can too.

[mykevermin]

The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th amendments are barely there anymore.

Elaborate on this argument and defend it.

You can start with the easy one: defend that the 2nd amendment is "barely there anymore."

This oughta be fun...

[RAMSTORIA]

Elaborate on this argument and defend it.

You can start with the easy one: defend that the 2nd amendment is "barely there anymore."

This oughta be fun...

when i can hunt ducks with a 50 cal auto machine gun on my suv itll be there 8-)

[bmulligan]

I'm sorry, myke, but who else has the authority to fire inspectors general ?

You should be just as outraged for the firing for political reasons as you were at the Bush administration. But, of course, you're not. I'm so surprised.

[Frogurt.man]

http://www.yestodemocracy.com/.a/6a00e553a9e7ec8834011168a2382f970c-800wi

^
|
|
|
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fullmetalfan720

[elprincipe]

Elaborate on this argument and defend it.

You can start with the easy one: defend that the 2nd amendment is "barely there anymore."

This oughta be fun...

You beat me to this question.

[elprincipe]

I'm sorry, myke, but who else has the authority to fire inspectors general ?

You should be just as outraged for the firing for political reasons as you were at the Bush administration. But, of course, you're not. I'm so surprised.

Oh, Obama has the right to fire the IG, no doubt. But there just happens to be a law -- one that was cosponsored by then-Senator Obama! -- that was passed by Congress providing that you have to wait 30 days after deciding before an IG can be fired. Since they notified Congress after the fact, this is a clear violation of that law. Even Senator McCaskill, an early Obama supporter and the senator who introduced the bill that became the law in question, is upset about it, and publicly.

And, of course, Obama has no right to be immune from criticism that the firing was politically motivated, a charge that the lame excuses offered by the administration have done nothing to dispel.

[bmulligan]

I'm also having a hard time distinguishing "change we can believe in" from the previous administration. Maybe Myke can elaborate and make an argument about that statement's demerits.

I seem to recall the criticisms of the "do nothing" foreign policy as a requiem for world chaos. (specifically in regard to N. Korea, Iran, Russia, and Israel) Now it's called levelheadedness to not take a position. Illegal Wiretapping was the right wing's impetus to totalitarian, new world order, now it's business as usual. Economic stimulus and bailout was welfare for the rich and a a recipe for disaster, whereas now it's the only way to solve our problem.

Aside from the abolition of waterboarding, and the inflation of another 1.4 trillion dollars of our currency, and the inevitable spending of another 1.6 trillion to bring healthcare under government control, I'm not able to see any difference except that that guy doesn't look like any of those guys on the dollar bills and he has a funny sounding name.

[depascal22]

We've already torn up the Constitution. The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th amendments are barely there anymore. It's only a matter of time before we lose the basic building block that our country was built upon. The executive branch has become more powerful than the two others. A private corporation is about to be given the power to take over any company it wants to. We're losing America today, to the fake two party system.


This National Security force won't be used for "defending freedom", it'll be the Nazi Youth of the 21st Century. Everyone will be forceably conscripted into "national service", not just people 18-25.

I agree with you on the first part. The only way to fix it at this point is straight up revolution.

The second part still confuses me. Everyone keep attributing fascist (and therefore radical right wing) ideology to the president because he wants people to serve their country. Is he a socialist or a fascist? Please make up your mind.

Many other countries have conscripted service and they don't live under fascist dictatorships. Israel has mandatory service and the people seem to be doing fine in the face of overwhelming odds.

You guys keep acting like every young adult is going to be checking IDs on the corner with a rifle in hand. You act like actually serving your country is such a bummer and you have better things to do. Maybe if more people had to go serve in a war, we wouldn't have rushed into one.

[elprincipe]

I'm also having a hard time distinguishing "change we can believe in" from the previous administration. Maybe Myke can elaborate and make an argument about that statement's demerits.

I seem to recall the criticisms of the "do nothing" foreign policy as a requiem for world chaos. (specifically in regard to N. Korea, Iran, Russia, and Israel) Now it's called levelheadedness to not take a position. Illegal Wiretapping was the right wing's impetus to totalitarian, new world order, now it's business as usual. Economic stimulus and bailout was welfare for the rich and a a recipe for disaster, whereas now it's the only way to solve our problem.

Aside from the abolition of waterboarding, and the inflation of another 1.4 trillion dollars of our currency, and the inevitable spending of another 1.6 trillion to bring healthcare under government control, I'm not able to see any difference except that that guy doesn't look like any of those guys on the dollar bills and he has a funny sounding name.

I haven't heard Cindy Sheehan saying "Obama lied and people died" about withdrawal from Iraq. He didn't lie about increasing troops in Afghanistan, but I'm sure she's just as offended. What about something closer to home?

"Obama lied and the economy fried."

Yes, it's bad, I know, but change and all.

[Sarang01]

Let's not forget the Hate Brief from the Obama Administration that defended DOMA since it was law and likened Gay's or Gay sex to Pedophilia and Incest.
Oh and then the slap in the face to the Gay government employees afterwards with a MEMORANDUM, note that word, that it was NOT an Executive Order, that Gays would get Long Term care insurance as well as moving expenses and one other thing that was minimal paid for. Keep in mind with the Long Term care insurance you're fucked possibly when he's out of office since it's a memorandum, not even an Executive Order.
Obama is just one massive sack of shit that most have woken up to except for the most diehard of the Democrats who don't care what he does since he's got a D by his name. Call them Obamabots, call them what you will, the bottom line is those people are almost as BAD as the Bush defenders. The only reason I say almost is how rabid they are for National Healthcare. Past that you're complete crap. I mean how can anyone have their head up their asses so much?
Depascal I hate to break it to you but the Americorp bit is the Spies of "1984" or the Nazi Youth Group in my opinion. Pick whichever example you wish to use.
Frankly with Obama I'm surprised no one has mentioned impeachment yet with the way he's spending money. If he doesn't get those "Audit the Fed" bills signed when they come by his desk he needs his ass booted out of office. Yeah I said it. He seems arrogant enough to do whatever the fuck he wants. Oh and by the way, take your fucking face off the tube. I can't imagine most people are enamored with you swatting a fly.
Seriously when will the media STOP licking this guy's balls, playing catch, doing the wet and wild water slide or licking up Hershey bits?

[Koggit]

rofl, so angry..

<3bama

[Sarang01]

Koggit how the fuck can you not look at the Hate Brief or hear about it and not be infuriated, Gay or not?!

[fazfznz]

Speaking of which, Obama is the worst stand up comedian ever! I caught his little "skit" , on CNN today, all of his jokes were forced. People only laughed because he's the fucking president.

[Koggit]

Koggit how the fuck can you not look at the Hate Brief or hear about it and not be infuriated, Gay or not?!
obama is not his administration, it's beyond ignorant to call the president of our country a "just one massive sack of shit" because you dislike the wording in a DoJ brief.

even if obama was his administration, even if he hand-wrote the DoJ brief: nothing distinguishes those relationships from any other relationship, aside from societal acceptance. DOMA should be repealed for sure, i vehemently disagree with the DoJ's stance on the issue, but the wording in the brief was fine and the rationale behind citing those cases was reasonable.

so, learn: blame goes in the blame hole, blame comes from blame trees

[elprincipe]

Let's not forget the Hate Brief from the Obama Administration that defended DOMA since it was law and likened Gay's or Gay sex to Pedophilia and Incest.
Oh and then the slap in the face to the Gay government employees afterwards with a MEMORANDUM, note that word, that it was NOT an Executive Order, that Gays would get Long Term care insurance as well as moving expenses and one other thing that was minimal paid for. Keep in mind with the Long Term care insurance you're fucked possibly when he's out of office since it's a memorandum, not even an Executive Order.
Obama is just one massive sack of shit that most have woken up to except for the most diehard of the Democrats who don't care what he does since he's got a D by his name. Call them Obamabots, call them what you will, the bottom line is those people are almost as BAD as the Bush defenders. The only reason I say almost is how rabid they are for National Healthcare. Past that you're complete crap. I mean how can anyone have their head up their asses so much?
Depascal I hate to break it to you but the Americorp bit is the Spies of "1984" or the Nazi Youth Group in my opinion. Pick whichever example you wish to use.
Frankly with Obama I'm surprised no one has mentioned impeachment yet with the way he's spending money. If he doesn't get those "Audit the Fed" bills signed when they come by his desk he needs his ass booted out of office. Yeah I said it. He seems arrogant enough to do whatever the fuck he wants. Oh and by the way, take your fucking face off the tube. I can't imagine most people are enamored with you swatting a fly.
Seriously when will the media STOP licking this guy's balls, playing catch, doing the wet and wild water slide or licking up Hershey bits?

Were you actually having a heart attack when you wrote this? Calm down, man.

[fullmetalfan720]

Elaborate on this argument and defend it.

You can start with the easy one: defend that the 2nd amendment is "barely there anymore."

This oughta be fun...

1st: HR 1966 Megan Meier Cyberbullying bill. Would make free speech on the internet illegal. The DHS reports that say conservatives are terrorists. Protesting is "low level terrorism" in defense department reports.
http://www.aclu.org/images/general/asset_upload_file89_39820.pdf
"Free speech zones" at the RNC, DNC, and such. The list goes on and on.
2nd: Rahm Emanuel's no fly no buy idea.
4th: The Patriot Act, FISA, Warrantless Wiretaping, etc.
5th: Gitmo, rendetion, eminent domain abuses, etc.
6th: Gitmo, Patriot Act, rendetion, No Fly List, Miranda Rights are gone http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE54P47120090526
7th: Gitmo, Patriot Act, ect.
8th: Gitmo, torture, etc.
10th: Almost everything Congress, does these days, under the tenth amendment should be done by the states.

I agree with you on the first part. The only way to fix it at this point is straight up revolution.

The second part still confuses me. Everyone keep attributing fascist (and therefore radical right wing) ideology to the president because he wants people to serve their country. Is he a socialist or a fascist? Please make up your mind.

Many other countries have conscripted service and they don't live under fascist dictatorships. Israel has mandatory service and the people seem to be doing fine in the face of overwhelming odds.

You guys keep acting like every young adult is going to be checking IDs on the corner with a rifle in hand. You act like actually serving your country is such a bummer and you have better things to do. Maybe if more people had to go serve in a war, we wouldn't have rushed into one.

This country isn't turning into a socialist country, if anything its turning into a facist country. The people in power all think that we should sacrifice our rights, for fake security, from the terrorists. Then we bailout the companies that are "too big to fail." Both of these are tenets of Fascism. The problem with Obama's national security force isn't the conscripted service, so much as what they will be doing. If you look at DOD Directive 1404.10, issued by Obama on January 23, 2009, it says some things the national security force will be doing.
http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/pdf/140410p.pdf
in situations where other civilians may be evacuated
to assist military forces where the use of DoD civilians is appropriate. These employees shall be
collectively known as the DoD Civilian Expeditionary Workforce.
Members of the DoD
Civilian Expeditionary Workforce shall be organized, trained, cleared, equipped, and ready to
deploy in support of combat operations by the military; contingencies; emergency operations;
humanitarian missions; disaster relief; restoration of order; drug interdiction; and stability
operations of the Department of Defense in accordance with DoDD 3000.05This sounds to me like this national security force, that is just as powerful, just as strong, and just as well funded as the military, is going to be in combat, and more than likely martial law. This directive prepares for martial law, which will be partly run by the national security force.

[Ruined]

Not that young, but when others were in office, I couldn't vote or paid attention. Plus who's names would those be? Wouldn't have Bush been compared to those then?

Try Jimmy Carter for starters. Disliked by most and booted out after one term.