DeLay's Lavish Island Getaway (trip in exchange for ignoring sweatshops)

[Robbien]

April 6, 2005 — A Washington lobbyist under federal investigation for his lobbying activities arranged a lavish overseas trip to the island of Saipan for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, over the New Year's holiday in 1997. DeLay, his wife and daughter, and several aides, stayed for free at a beachfront resort.

The DeLay trip to the South Pacific island, originally reported by a "20/20" investigation, was part of an effort by former aide Jack Abramoff to stop legislation aimed at cracking down on sweatshops and sex shops in the American territory, which is known as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

Abramoff, who was working for the law firm Preston Gates Ellis and Rouvelas Meeds LLP at the time, was paid $l.36 million by Saipan officials and wrote in a memo obtained by ABC News that such congressional trips were "one of the most effective ways to build permanent friends on the Hill."

<snip>

After touring one garment plant, DeLay praised Saipan at the New Year's Eve party attended by top factory owners. "You represent everything that is good about what we are trying to do in America," DeLay said at the time to his audience, which included Saipan officials and factory owners.

Later, according to a recording made by a human rights investigator posing as a potential customer, one of the prominent factory owners said that DeLay had promised to stop the reform laws.

http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/Investigation/story?id=647725&page=1

[Gman]

1. Snap, crackle and pop

are the sounds coming from Delay's soon to end political career.

[DemoTex]

2. Jeeze, I can't keep up with the Delay scandals.

Karl Rove must have hit the Fuck-Tom button on his computer this morning. Oh, well .. sweet Schadenfreude!

[salin]

7. Will Tom go down quietly

he has built quite a rich and corrupt network. If it is clear that it is Rove behind his downfall... does he go quietly? Or does his ego get the better of him and does he fight back. What an interesting scenario that might be...

[DemoTex]

19. I'm lickin' my chops!

Cat fight? How cool.

[salin]

22. Agreed.

I think ole tom's ego is bigger than Newt's (who went quietly - for a moment - into the night, knowing he could emerge with power of a different kind (and less potent thus less satisfying) later. Potential big dog fight... wonder what some folks who are beholden to ole Tom will do if they realized whom the fight was really between...

[katty]

53. DeLay won't go quietly-he's an imbecile, a bugman

for Texas. Even if Rover points a gun to his head, he will keep screaming

[ClintonTyree]

58. If he wants to stay alive.....

he'd better go somewhat quietly. He can make some noise on the way out, rattle his saber and put a final liplock on the asses of the fundamentalist christianazis he calls his base, but if he knows what's good for him, he won't take it any further.

The BFEE has silenced others for far less egregious transgressions and wouldn't hesitate for a moment to "accident' old Tom if he started to tell where the bodies are buried.

Bugsy will slither off into the nether regions where he and his sicko base of money worshipers will continue to loot, pillage and destroy those who haven't already succumbed to his noxious presence.

He will not be missed. The air in Washington will be all the cleaner from his departure and maybe, just maybe, other Reslug swine will realize that American's have had enough of their boorish behavior.

[izzie]

64. I sometimes think we are better off having them where we-----

can watch them. They are even worse behind the curtains.

[Catchawave]

18. Here ya go.....

http://dailydelay.blogspot.com/

Enjoy :hi:

[otohara]

46. Here's A Cool DeLay corruption flow chart!

http://www.dropthehammer.org/corruption/

[Mikimouse]

3. I have used that 20/20 film in my classes for four years now, and the...

students respond to it, generally in a negative way. By the way, he also made a point of highlighting the behavior of the officials in Saipan as being shining examples of the Republican party. What an asshole!

[Robbien]

14. Wow. How did conservative students respond?

or did they not respond at all?

[Mikimouse]

40. They did respond...

They argued that the workers in the sweatshops didn't need more money because the cost of living was not as high as here, and they stood by that belief. I suggest that we should file a bill in the legislature to require any nation flying the US flag to be subject to US labor laws and minimum wage standards. They definitely did not like that idea (ROFL).

[Robbien]

54. But if were fair the companies could argue that in court

and not have to bribe politicians such as Delay to look the other way. The fact of a bribe means corrupt practices.

[sandnsea]

32. "Guest worker" program

That's what they are modeling the guest worker program on.
Tom Delay continued to hail the “free market” of the CNMI and said “the United States should establish an identical “guest worker” program ‘where particular companies can bring Mexican workers in.’ The Mexicans would be paid ‘at whatever wage the market will bear.’” This and the forced abortions in the Marianas is what we should be hammering away at.

http://www.texasobserver.org/showArticle.asp?ArticleID=1743

[Mikimouse]

41. No argument there...

I was horrified that the workers in Saipan were 1) lied to about where they going to work), 2) That politics and religion were forbidden by the contract, 3) Marriages were forbidden under the contract (and abortions were forced on the workers, at risk of their jobs). Then, at the end of the film clip, the Lt. Governor of Saipan compared the workers with slaves in the US and when it was pointed out to him that 'this is 1999', he said it doesn't matter (in other words, he was saying that since the US had legal slaves, it was perfectly OK for Saipan to have them as well). Gotta love it (NOT!)

[wryter2000]

44. Forced abortions?

Wow. You have a source for that? I'd love to rub a few noses in it.

Also, Mark and Mark this morning were saying the legislation would have also closed down sex shops. I'd like to rub some noses in that, too.

[sandnsea]

52. Just google

The article I linked to above has a good overview. But there is so much. A ton of stuff at thomas.loc.gov. Back in 1997 and 1998. I've been trying to find the actual testimony, no luck yet. Then there was a class action against US clothes companies that was finally settled in 2002. Just google up Saipan, Mariana Islands or CNMI and whatever other keyword you want. There is so much. You will just be nauseated. I knew this stuff went on in other countries, but on our own soil? And Republicans supported it? We still don't have immigration and labor laws on the Marianas.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=1998+saipan+abortions

[wryter2000]

56. Thanks

What a bunch of hypocrites.

[Pirate Smile]

4. Last paragraph -

"Later, according to a recording made by a human rights investigator posing as a potential customer, one of the prominent factory owners said that DeLay had promised to stop the reform laws."

[unhappycamper]

5. drip, drip, drip

sure hope the thugs circle the wagons for the bugboy.

:rofl:

[salin]

6. Wow, these are starting to spill out twice daily

how many either ethically corrupt if not illegal junkets (in terms of money flowing from lobbyists for foreign countries with no reporting of such flow of money...) have so far been documented?

[Robbien]

8. But this one is not new, it has been televised four years ago

I missed it then, but why wasn't it used by the Dems in Delay's last re-election?

[salin]

9. At the time - no one was listening...

the old tree falling alone in a forest scenario. I would guess that even in his loyal district that the forest isn't so isolated and silent anymore...

[roguevalley]

10. He's protecting sex workers for Neil Bush.

[BadGimp]

13. wienner dogs

the dog picvs are obviously cute but they are also a little creepy..

Dachunds have those almost human eyes and expressions that can be a tad unsettling cuz your mind over interprets them...or maybe not :o

Maybe it's the one of the little guy tucked in...that one gets me. How'd he do that?

[Ken065]

24. This dog is a little too creepy.

[Judi Lynn]

34. Amazing! One of a kind. Stupendous. Yikes. n/t

[DearAbby]

11. :->

:popcorn:

[Solly Mack]

12. Dick Armey used to be "our man in Saipan"

just google Armey and Saipan

Behind the Labels...a must see film

http://www.humanrightsproject.org/vid_detail.php?sec=video&sub=film_detail2&film_id=1

http://www.vea.com.au/TN/4260345.pdf

[Beetwasher]

15. Well, 'Ello Luhv, What 'Ave We 'Ere?

A quadfecta for the Roachman?

[Judi Lynn]

16. The Saipan connection is also interesting because of the abortion issue

Women are forced to have abortions in order to keep working and retain their jobs. Where would Tom stand on that? He doesn't care, if it makes him money, apparently, and good ol' American Christians never find out about it.

From that ABC article mentioned by another DU'er:

"Instead many find themselves kept behind barbed wire, in rat-infested labor camps, and put to work in huge Chinese- and Korean-owned garment factories--often under sweatshop conditions--making clothes for the American market," he said.

The clothes can legally be labeled "Made in the USA."

Saipan Sets Policy

It's all possible because Saipan is allowed to set its own immigration policy--a policy that Clinton administration officials told the subcommittee is out of control and must be changed.

"It has created a plantation economy, dependent on the massive importation on a continuing basis of low-paid, vulnerable, short-term indentured workers," said Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt. "That's not American."

Officials on Tuesday also confirmed what an ABCNEWS 20/20 investigation had found--that pregnant garment workers on Saipan are forced to have abortions to keep their jobs.
(snip/...)

http://www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/sweatshops/saipan/abc040100.html

[Hamsta1]

57. Delay was 'obstructionist'

in the Clinton days, going by their meaning of the word. Only thing is, when repubes are obstructionist, they are fighting for causes that are strongly at odds with their 'moral values' but when Dems become 'obstructionist', it is to stand up for what they believe in.

[despairing optimist]

17. Time for DeLay to get away on the space shuttle

Zero gravity will suit him well.

[Tace]

20. DeLay's Downfall Could Lead To The Unraveling Of Bushco

I've read commentary to that effect. It's interesting because DeLay obviously has the goods on just about everyone on Capitol Hill. It will be interesting to see just what happens here. I like the emoticon with the smiley eating popcorn. : )

[Mist]

47. Delay seems like a vengeful prick - I think he'll take a few w/him -

however, maybe that's why rethugs are distancing and maybe trying to get him to go quietly? But I don't think Delay has "quiet" in him. I really think he'll take a few with him, but I hope they're not just anonymous Capital Hill staffers.

[UpInArms]

21. Tom DeLay's Web of Corruption

http://www.dropthehammer.org/

Tell Corporate America to Drop the Hammer

House Majority Leader Tom DeLay is widely regarded as the most powerful member of Congress. DeLay's abuse of this power has encircled him in a web of scandal. He has already been admonished three times by the bipartisan House Ethics Committee and a political action committee he set up in Texas is currently the subject of a grand jury investigation.

A network of large corporate backers have come, cash-in-hand, to DeLay's defense. American Airlines, Bacardi USA, Nissan USA, RJ Reynolds, and Verizon have all contributed thousands to Tom DeLay's Legal Defense Fund.

...more...

:D

[Riverman]

29. WHEN WILL THE SHEEP LOOK UP?

The corruption starting at the head of the dog - corporate immorality, profits at all costs, by any means is the problem! Bush, Delay, Cheney are all servants to that false god, worshippers that golden calf, as are most Senators, DLC, Congressmembers, the major media - owners and newsreaders, radio hate talk hosts - the whole Cabal - rotten, corrupt, immoral to the core.

Listening to Malloy tell it like it is - speaking truth to the Sheeple! But, will the SHEEP LOOK UP? It will change when enough of us have the courage to do what is necessary to jail those true evil doers, and throw away the key. The planet and all life on it does not have much time - they are ruining it for all of us!

[merci_me]

23. Oh geez, the bleeding heart liberal in me

is "almost" starting to feel sorry for him.

Time to look around at my country and snap the hell out of it.

M

[leQ]

25. i'm surprised nobody's registered delaywatch.org yet

i think he's getting fed to the wolves. the leadership has had it with this fool.

[catzies]

26. As am I! How obvious and how perfect!

n/t

[DeepModem Mom]

27. Whoo, doggies! Another one! nt

[Shallah Kali]

28. Tom DeLay - defender of sweatshops and forced abortions

This has been around for years and the MSM is only noticing now? Looks like the GoP has let him out to dry. Or is he being compensated in some way for taking the heat off bush co.?

Websearch "Tom DeLay" + Saipan + abortion:
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=%22tom+delay%22+saipan+abortion&sp=1&ei=UTF-8&fr=slv1-cnetf&SpellState=n-997033986_q-dAZO6ksBE4wusyRaIaWJZwABAA%40%40

[iamjoy]

30. Big Hairy Deal

So, DeLay has taken graft from lobbyists.

Do you really think the Dems who voted for the bankruptcy bill had the best interests of working Americans at heart? Do you really believe they thought the "tough love" approach would work?

I'd wager most politicans do crap like this; DeLay just seems to have taken such corruption to new heights. But it seems to me this is not just a true desire to reform politics for the people, but savage delight in taking some one down. The bigger they are, the harder they fall and the more fun it is to watch.

All the same, I have no sympathy for him and care very little if he goes down, and here is why:

1) In 1994, the Republicans used claims of how corrupt the ruling Democrats were to help win control of the House and Senate.

2) The Republicans gunned Clinton throughout his two terms, hunting and digging until they got something to try and take the big dog down.

3) For the 2000 election, the Republicans made an issue of Gore's fundraising, and some visit to Buddhists

4) In Orlando, they launched a lawsuit and criminal investigation on our Democratic mayor, alleging campaign vilations. Funny thing is, the same illegal tactics they are alleging Dyer did, were also done by Glenda Hood and Mel Martinez, and possibly, current Orange County Chairman Rich Crotty.

So, now the shoe is on the other foot which is why it is hard to feel too sorry for them. I'll be glad if this helps the Democrats get power back (but I won't hold my breath), but I don't have any false illusions that this will some how make politics a nicer game.

[Robbien]

31. Yes. If Delay goes down he will just move over with Newt & Grover

where there is plenty of power, money and politics.

But hopefully the corporate giveaway speed train will be slowed a bit in the meantine.

[saigon68]

33. delay = Thug with influence to SELL

This pathetic little man with the bad hair dye job is going to be exposed.

[GOPisEvil]

35. F-ING FINALLY!!!!!!! This was reported in the Texas Observer MONTHS ago!

It's about time someone in the mainstream press picked this up.

[LiberalinNC]

36. If this was a Democrat, it would be headline/national news!

Once again I'm disappointed w/ the media's handling of this huge scandal. Hopefully over the coming days it will be covered more.

But I do love the fact Delay's "woes" are getting better and better! ;)

[Callboy]

37. how much more water

can his ship take on?

[nolabels]

38. Who needs crooks and criminals, we got the GOP and DeLay

:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:
:woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[anarchy1999]

39. I appreciate the time you put into the pep squad. I'd love to join.

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

It's too damned much to hope for!

What exactly was Newt removed for?

[nolabels]

42. In Kali-fern-ya, Arnie and all of the FORMER governors beat back prop #66

That would have fixed the Three Strikes law that was keeping convicted pizza slice thieves in for life.

The government that supposed to promote our system of law and justice isn't only out of order, it's also useless

On edit: I msde a typo mistake, but to think some people get falsely accused, convicted, and sent to death row for just the mistake of being in the wrong place at the wrong time gives me pause

[wryter2000]

43. There is a God

And He is pissed.

[kodi]

45. when did it become news that republicans screw over american workers?

.

[underpants]

48. Delay is PRO SEX SLAVERY!!!!

or at least he takes their money.

[Citizen Carl]

49. DeLay and Social Security.

http://tomdelay.house.gov/

Looks like the Republicans will be having a harder time "GAURANTEEING BENEFITS" than they think. Check out that ad towards the bottom of the page.

[Hamsta1]

59. HAHAHAHAHA

It's all business at usual at http://tomdelay.house.gov/ !! Tommy Boy got some federal money for the roads and RIP John Paul II.

Take it down! Take it all down! When we're done let http://tomdelay.house.gov/ exist only in the google cache!

Take the 'Gauranteed Benefits' and shove them up your pompous, CULTure-of-life, bug-zappin, influence-peddlin, optional abortion-hating, required abortion-protecting, anybody-but-yourself-blaming, self-righteous ass and don't stop till you gag.

[monobrau]

50. Can you smell what's cooking?

Yeah, I know it's stinky; we'll throw it out when it's done.

[Cugel the Clever]

51. Whoa there, little doggy

As much delight as I take in the deluge of scandal falling on one of the most evil and powerful of the NeoCon Crime Syndicate, I am troubled that this asshole will be shown the door waaay too early for the '06 elections.

To echo the 'talking points memo' (bless u, Sen. Martinez)- DeLay is a great issue for the Dems- he's the poster child for Government Sleaze. His taint will befoul all those who are foolish enough to be standing too close. The only problem is that the Rove Clique already knows this- hence the Deluge.

DeLay can't recover at this point. It is just a matter of when and Rove says NOW!

[MissMarple]

55. Now folks, Delay's man says it's all perfectly OK, all above board.

...just more business as usual, no need for any disclosure. :eyes:

at the end of the article.

"A representative for DeLay said that under disclosure rules, because the Saipan government funded his trip, DeLay did not have to include it on his financial disclosure statements."

[Massachusetts]

60. Delay = Pimp

[mark wayne]

61. I live in the district next to DeLay

and I am just waiting for the day when I hear the flushing sound as his constituents finally wake up and send his ass down the sewer line.

[struggle4progress]

62. kick

[wicket]

63. Who the hell is leaking all of this stuff???

I hope they keep it up :evilgrin: It's gotta be someone in the GOP that wants DeLay OUT.

[Democracy White]

65. What a slimebag

I hope this man gets kicked off soon, we don't need guys like him.

Dee