Former Congressman Gets Eight-Plus Years

gobbler afflicted · 03-03-2006, 06:45 PM

Former Congressman Gets Eight-Plus Years AP - 1 hour, 19 minutes ago
SAN DIEGO - Former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham, who collected $2.4 million in homes, yachts, antique furnishings and other bribes on a scale unparalleled in the history of Congress, was sentenced Friday to eight years and four months in prison, the longest term meted out to a congressman in decades. Cunningham, who resigned from Congress in disgrace last year, was spared the 10-year maximum by U.S. District Judge Larry Burns but was immediately taken into custody. He also was ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution for back taxes and forfeit $1.85 million in valuables he received.

gobbler afflicted · 03-03-2006, 06:46 PM

Good!!!!! Quite a few more need taken out with the trash

gobbler afflicted · 03-04-2006, 11:16 AM

This could soon be Scooter libby!!!!

RedAllison · 03-04-2006, 11:46 AM

What little I know about this story I read lastnight. "Duke" seemed like a really neat guy and was quite accomplished in both military and civilian life. I believe I read where he was an ace fighter pilot and even becamean instructor in TOP GUN. Most guys like that are very motivated and usually go onto perform reach great achievements later in civie life. However it looks like he made a wrong turn and now knowingly admits he was wrong and made the wrong choices. SO I think justice is served and he now has to live with "throwing it all away" and will probably spend the rest of his life in jail. For the sake of the integrity of public service andforfuture elected officials I think rules regarding corruption and tax evasion SHOULD have some teeth and strike fear in their hearts. I don't care what a politicians party affiliation, if he is crooked (or becomes so once in office) then he should ALWAYS have the book thrown at him.

If you CAN'T do the time, DON'T do the crime!!!

RA

gobbler afflicted · 03-04-2006, 12:02 PM

We agree completely Red.

James B · 03-04-2006, 02:11 PM

Its about time.

DougMD · 03-04-2006, 03:03 PM

He needs to be put in jail LONGER than that!

RedAllison · 03-04-2006, 06:56 PM

I watched another report on "Duke" this afternoon and this guy just got completely "addicted and high" too the power he attained while in office. He sat on the Appropriations Committee so that gave him "carte blanche" and basically an open check book of the U.S. Treasury. Once his reputation was known by govt contractors he was courted heavily and was quite "Brassy" about it. The report even showed a handwritten "record" of deals that Duke had made and basically it showed that for each Million Dollars that a contract contained he was given $50K in bribes ranging from cash too merchandise too extravegant trips. He even owned a very expensive house in south CA and an expensive condo in DC. (Senators salaries are only $165K a year btw!) ... One of the first rules of corruption and illegalities, do NOT leave a papertrail showing your bravery, because later it become evidence and shows your IGNORANCE!

I was also surprised to see that the Tom Cruise movie Top Gun was really a parallel of and many ideas came from Dukes real life. Duke even admitted that the first time he met the lady who would become his wife, he and the room full of pilots actually sang "You've lost that loving feeling" too her just like in the movie. They showed a picture of "Duke" in his flight suit alongside Tom Cruise in his movie suit. The guy was truly a NEAT fellow who was considered a war hero which is partially why he was easily elected too the Senate.

But like many before him (and sadly many to probably follow) he let the power and prestige go too his head and started thinking that he was above the law and was for some reason "special".

I bet he wont feel so "special" after T-bone and Rufus make him sing for them in prison!!! [:'(]
RA

Aught Six · 03-06-2006, 09:38 AM

I would've been happier (if you want to call it that) were he to receive a few more years in prison. But I'm sure he'll have plenty of time to think things overas he spends nightslocked in a 6x10' cell with anotherfelon.

Tazman · 03-06-2006, 10:26 AM

Quote:

I don't care what a politicians party affiliation, if he is crooked (or becomes so once in office) then he should ALWAYS have the book thrown at him.

I could not agree more, there was something on the news last night about the "Ethics Commitee" where a bipartisan of the record agreement had been made that if you had dirt on someone from the "Other" party you kept your mouth shut to prevent accusations of partisianship!!!!