(Former Rep. Tom) Feeney says Justice has ended ethics investigation (dropping charges)

[sabra]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON — Former Rep. Tom Feeney says the Justice Department has told him it has dropped a criminal investigation relating to a golf trip he took to Scotland with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The Florida Republican said in a statement that he is "pleased but not surprised" by the department's decision not to charge him with a crime. He was defeated for re-election last year after Democrats criticized his ties to Abramoff and is working as a lobbyist in Tallahassee.

"I have maintained from the start that I engaged in no wrongdoing in connection with the Scotland trip or in response to inquiries by the House Ethics Committee," Feeney said in a statement provided by his attorney, Bill Taylor.

"I am thankful to have this chapter of my life closed, and look forward to spending time with my family, growing my law practice, and continuing to serve the people of Florida as a private citizen," he said.

The Justice Department declined to comment. The decision to drop the case was first reported online Saturday by the Orlando Sentinel.

Read more: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ghpFDEJfm6onTMjfyV9CltH5_kLwD99SR3S80

[madfloridian]

1. Wasn't he being investigated for a role in the 2000 election?

I can't remember the details.

Or was it a later one here in Florida.

[1monster]

3. Allegations were made that he was party to developing vote stealing software, but I don't think

there was ever a serious investigation.

Those making the charges were portrayed as "disgruntled" and unbelievalbe lying crazies.

[OwnedByFerrets]

2. But they still wont drop the charges on Gov Seigleman

:mad: :mad:

[MsLeopard]

4. Exactly

Every two-bit corrupt Rethuglican gets a pass, but those of our own party are left twisting in the wind. Incredible.

[aquart]

5. How nice. Holder gonna prosecute ANYONE?

[JDPriestly]

6. This reminds me of the "moderate" governments in Germany

prior to the takeover by Hitler. I'm not talking off the top of my head. I know this history. Those governments tippy-toed around the illegal activities and violent rhetoric of the right wing. The rest is history. You either apply the rule of law or you end up with mob rule.

There is a huge difference between peaceful protest and peaceful demonstrations and mob rule. Mob rule ends in chaotic violence and a backlash of authoritarian crack-downs. Holder's failure to prosecute the crimes of torture and violations of civil rights including the violations of Siegelman's right to a fair trial are tippy-toes that will, and I say will, based on my knowledge of German history, lead to right-wing, heavy-handed efforts to take over. Obama and Holder are making a huge mistake on this. They need to re-read German and Austrian history of the 1920s and 1930s.

One interesting book is The Lost City by John Gunther (not a left-wing radical). I don't know how easy it is to read if you don't know Austrian history and culture, but it tells the story of the take-over by the moderate right political party that paved the way for Hitler's eventual rule in Austria. Many of the events of that time including the bank crises echo today. Great book: The Lost City by John Gunther. The plot development is a bit awkward because the author introduces so many characters, but the book is so worth the reading. If you decide to read it, try to get past the challenges of the culture and the many characters.

Allowing right-wingers to get by with questionable ethical conduct and putting a Democrat in jail for conduct not nearly so questionable sends a very dangerous message to extremists of the right that they somehow have a green light while middle-of-the road Democrats are fair game for political persecution.