Rep. 'Duke' Cunningham denied tribute

[brooklynite]

WASHINGTON - Bowing to criticism from Democratic and Republican House leaders, a congressionally chartered historical society dropped plans Monday to include imprisoned former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham in a tribute to retiring members of Congress.

But despite complaints from Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the U.S. Capitol Historical Society is keeping former Majority Leader Tom DeLay on the program for Wednesday's annual event.

So despite the group's about-face on Cunningham, Pelosi still won't attend the event or let her name be used as a co-host, her spokesman said.

"DeLay left Congress under indictment," said spokesman Brendan Daly. "The Ethics Committee said they would have investigated him if he weren't leaving."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060717/ap_on_go_co/congress_tribute_dispute_3

[wicket]

1. BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[bluestateguy]

2. Cunningham's medals from Vietnam should be investigated

There is evidence, and some people say, that he fdabricated events that resulted in him getting those medals. I'm not saying the charges are true. But the charges are out there, and Cunningham is a convicted felon who took bribes for years. A full investigation will get to the bottom of this.

[SpiralHawk]

3. Republicon Family Values: Honor the Most Corrupt Cronies

Will George AWOL Bush be there to kiss Delay's corrupt butt?

[samsingh]

4. aren't they honorable?

:sarcasm:

[Totallybushed]

5. I'm conflicted on this.

Naturally I feel that DeLay is guilty.

But he has not been proven so in a court of law, just yet. So far all this is is accusations. I think it is important to retain the distinction between an indictment and a guilty verdict. Even for Republicans. Even for those who abuse their office.

[VegasWolf]

6. But Bugman DeLay is allowed to be honored, go figure. nt

[KansDem]

7. Definition of "tribute"

trib·ute (trbyt)
n.
1. A gift, payment, declaration, or other acknowledgment of gratitude, respect, or admiration: put up a plaque as a tribute to his generosity.
2. Evidence attesting to some praiseworthy quality or characteristic: Winning the scholarship was a tribute to her hard work.
3.
a. A payment in money or other valuables made by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of submission or as the price of protection or security.
b. A tax imposed for such payment.
4. Any payment exacted for protection.
5.
a. A payment or tax given by a feudal vassal to an overlord.
b. The obligation to make such a payment.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/tribute

I think Top Gun already got his "tribute"...many times over!

[lpbk2713]

8. Good move by Pelosi. This earns Bug Man an asterisk.

So now the history books won't read .....


DeLay was honored by the entire Congress




But instead they will read .....


DeLay was honored by most of* Congress

[oasis]

9. Cunningham and DeLay are the poorest of examples of public servants.

:puke: :puke:

[mkb]

10. Working For The Best Of Worlds

     I think it's important for those who struggle in life to
believe that there is still justice in the world.
     It is important for people who don't have much money or
who have a disadvantaged position in life to remember that
creating a better world involves effort and intelligence. 
Those without much money or social position must have patience
and not give up.  This article should be a lesson that even
though there is corruption and criminal activity by people in
our society, there is some justice.
     The course of history has demonstrated that progress has
occurred, but with difficulty and struggle.  Remember that.
     We have many ways to enjoy the world, and hope for those
that will live in the future after us.  This does not signify
that there aren't problems and dangers we must face and
overcome.  I think that sentient people working for a better
world must be reminded that many times life is hard, but that
making the best effort possible is worthwhile.  Be patient,
and resolute.  
     

[SensibleAmerican]

11. Pelosi needs to learn about a concept called "due process"

It saddens me when our party forgets about the concept "innocent till proven guilty" for mere political expediency.

Cunningham has been convicted. DeLay, whilst indicted, has not been convicted and the outcome of his trial is not at all clear.

[freefall]

12. Ridiculous! We aren't talking about sending the man to prison. We

are talking about honoring his service as a Congressperson. It doesn't take a court of law to be aware that Delay dishonored his position in many ways. Whether his actions amounted to breaking the law will be decided in a court of law. The fact that those actions violated his oath to put the welfare of his country and constitutents above personal gain is abundantly clear. Pelosi has done the right thing.

Throughout most of my adult life politicians, corporate officials and others in positions of power have been immune from facing the consequences of their criminal activity, disastrous decisions and other mistakes. Even if it is a small thing, Delay should not be honored for his slimy service.

Peace,

freefall

[LostinVA]

14. Agreed n/t

[gratuitous]

13. I agree with Pelosi's stand

The bar for "honoring" someone or giving them a "tribute" shouldn't be set so low as to be "under indictment but not convicted at the time of the program." If someone is to be honored, it should not be bestowed merely because the person avoided conviction for corruption. Withholding an honor is not rendering a judgment on a person's technical or legal guilt or innocence; it's saying that the person is not worthy of the honor being bestowed on others who have rendered selfless, exemplary service during their time in Congress.

Pelosi is saying that DeLay's record, like the record of the convicted Cunningham, isn't up to the standards of being honored by his peers in Congress. I agree with Pelosi.