One interesting aspect of the Democratic cage match that John discusses below is the source of the animosity towards the Clintons on the part of Hollywood big-money Democrat David Geffen. In most of what I've read, the source of Geffen's outrage is said to be Clinton's decision to pardon the crook, Mark Rich. But, as Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post noted, Maureen Dowd herself says that the real sore spot is the decision to pardon Rich in the context of not pardoning Leonard Peltier, a Native American who killed two FBI agents years ago.
The far left always needs a "political prisoner" to rally around, preferably one who belongs to a minority group. In our radical college days (perhaps we should start calling them our "young Turk" days), John and I used to joke about how each leftist splinter group we encountered had its own favorite victim, each one more implausible than the last. Even by this standard, Peltier doesn't stack up too well. You can find out more about his situation (and read the relevant court documents) here.
Perhaps Geffen can persuade Barack Obama to go on record in support of clemency for the convicted murderer, Peltier. I wouldn't bet on it, though.
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. holy moly! powerline on aol! well, isn't that special. say, maybe now people can actually comment on what you're spewing!
would you or your life partner, John Hinderaker, like to explain to us yokels why powerline.com doesn't allow people to comment? it IS a blog, right? it seems a tad cowardous, don't you think? at least the top lefty blogs let lurkers like myself counter the crap that is being written.
please, humor us.
Patch at 12:11AM on Feb 23rd 2007
2. I JUST DONT UNDERSTAND WHEN IT COMES TO PRESIDENTIAL FUNDRAISERS HOW MEGAMULTIMILLIONARIES TEAM UP WITH THEIR FAVORITE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES TO RAISE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR THEIR PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAINGS? HOW COME THEY DONT DO THAT TO RAISE MONEY TO REBUILD NEW ORLEANS? THEN YOU SEE THEM PROMISING SHIT TO THE AMERICAN CITIZENS WHICH NEVER END UP HAPPENING.
rafael at 8:59AM on Feb 23rd 2007
3. I disagree with your view: free Rich vs. do not free Leonard Peliter (mbr. of AIM).
Quote From the web-link: (Paraphrase, No Parole Pelitier:
Radio Transmission by FBI Agents:
"...when a number of people monitoring the FBI channels heard an increasingly urgent series of transmissions." ("Spirit" p. 173-176)
As Waring (an FBI Agent) recalled Williams's words...There appears to be some Indians in the vehicle and they appear to have rifles. Then almost instantly, he said he had come under fire and immediately requested help from any units that were listening at the time. It was basically a continuous conversation by him on the radio. He continued by indicating that "they are on the ridge above us and firing on us." He was noticeably out of breath at that point and his voice had a little more excitement in it and he announced that, "I've been hit."
Fundamentals are important here, I'm going to use the State of Texas, (picked out becasuse it is a conservative State) as my example in regards to defense of property ownership.
What the Radio Transmissions Do not State: there are NO Sirens can be heard or are used to promote the awareness on the purpose, intent to lawfully pull-over a supect.
From the Radio Transmission: No Statements exist by Law Officers, Suspect are fleeing by incident to a Lawful Traffic Stop.
No Statement exists by the Officers to run motor vehicle registration.
State of Texas: West Texas, property owners routinely shot on site, illegal immigrants when trespassing on their Private Land.
(This information is gained from news articles of this deplorably tolerated practice: San Antonio Express Newpaper)
Law Officers, must move by a clearly visible lens for all to see. Law Officers, first and foremost must identify their purpose and promote it.
"Premonitions" do not work and have no place inside a Court Room based upon facts.
Jerry Wood at 9:57AM on Feb 23rd 2007
4. Our government has destroyed or withheld the evidence which attests to Leonard's innocence. Even the FBI admits it doesn't know who killed the two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge reservation. (This isn't me spouting, folks; it's in the records and court documents.)
From my understanding, President Clinton was ready to pardon Leonard. At the very least, Clinton should have demanded a fair trial. But Bill changed his mind after political pressure, and Leonard is now in his 26th year of prison.
Among the millions who support clemency -- or at least a fair trial--for Leonard include eight Nobel laureates and Ramsey Clark, previous U.S. Attorney General. source: www.freepeltiernow.org/support.htm)
www.freepeltiernow.org/support.htm)
The only way once can truly understand the depth of the government's cover up can be found in reading the unbiased facts. Start at Leonard's website, then search other resources which states FACTS, not opinions. It's the FACTS which suggest our country found itself a scapegoat in Leonard Pelter and imprisoned an innocent man.
Leonard's website: http://www.leonardpeltier.net.
Gina at 11:40AM on Feb 23rd 2007
5. Geffin is angry at the Clintons because Monica got something from Bill that Geffin wanted but didn't get.
Bob Cetlin at 11:58AM on Feb 23rd 2007
6. I thought that the standard was 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' If the FBI THEMSELVES are not sure who killed these two FBI agents, how could this man have been convicted beyond a reasonable doubt?
Only if the jury TOTALLY disregarded it's duty and said "The FBI says he might have done it, that is good enough for me!"
After reading both sides of the story, I have to say that this man is most likely in prison unjustly, and should be pardoned or released, and the FBI agents who were at that shootout should be charged with crimes.
Christopher at 10:52PM on Feb 23rd 2007
7. Bob Cetlin...I think you got it backwards, I think
Monica got something from Bill that Geffen wanted and didn't get...
JOLIE at 1:32PM on Feb 23rd 2007
8. well i sure messed that up! you were correct Bob
JOLIE at 1:34PM on Feb 23rd 2007
9. Hey Patch: you've healed us with laughter! The first poster above, who I take it enjoys a special kind of leftist homophobia as well as a demonstrated need for spelling lessons, needs to visit the powerline site that he clearly dislikes so much. For several months now powerline has had a very active comments section. Where've ya been, Patchie?
Jon S at 5:06PM on Feb 23rd 2007
10. It only takes knowing the truth to turn against Bill and Hillary Clinton and their team. They call themselves Democrats, but they did everything in their power to keep the Democrats stuck on stupid. Clinton was the President during the Florida fiasco. He was indifferent to Gore. He told Al, "He had a job." The only Democrats on TV arguing the Democrat point of view were Clinton loyalists. You see how well they did. Kerry took the lead in 2004 by using "The Rope-a-dope". Nancy Pelosi called Kerry "Learch" and Clinton took charge of the campaign. Kerry got Swiftboated and Bush had that mystery box. Democrats had Ohio identified as the final battleground. Edwards was selected because he was a star in Ohio. Clinton wasn't for the Party. He is for himself. The "Silver Bullet" he predicted wouldn't help Kerry would know. Maybe Geffen knows the truth?
Cecil Jones at 10:47AM on Feb 25th 2007