Jim Hightower: How Giant Crook Tom DeLay Finally Got What He Deserved

[marmar]

AlterNet / By Jim Hightower

Hightower: How Giant Crook Tom DeLay Finally Got What He Deserved
As the 12 jurors affirmed their "guilty" vote, DeLay was visibly stunned, unable to comprehend that someone of his importance could be treated just like a regular thief.


December 2, 2010 | Tom DeLay, a once-upon-a-time Republican powerhouse, has accumulated an unusual assortment of nicknames in his professional life. As a Texas legislator in the 1980s, he was known as "Hot Tub Tommy," a do-nothing member who preferred partying to lawmaking.

When he went to Congress, however, he was a man on a mission. The former owner of a pest control business, DeLay distinguished himself as a frequent and hyperbolic ranter against EPA regulations, even calling the environmental agency the Gestapo of government. His colleagues laughingly dubbed him "The Exterminator."

Then he found his real calling in politics, becoming an ethics-free floor leader who unabashedly demanded campaign cash for the GOP from corporate lobbyists -- in exchange for moving their legislation. His pay-to-play demands were as subtle as a sledgehammer, but they worked, making him the most powerful and feared member of Congress in the first half of this decade. This earned him another sobriquet: "The Hammer."

The only thing fiercer than the The Hammer's power was his cosmic-scale arrogance. "I AM the federal government," he once barked to a waitress who had requested that he comply with a federal no-smoking rule. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/story/149041/hightower%3A_how_giant_crook_tom_delay_finally_got_what_he_deserved/

[lonestarnot]

1. Article prollee says, but when is sentencing if you know?

[marmar]

2. I've heard it likely will be delayed until January.

nt

[tularetom]

3. Does this mean he won't be getting his ass kissed by Chris Matthews anymore?

Watching tweety slobber all over him was what finally convinced me to never watch Hairball again about 5 years ago.

[boomerbust]

4. I want to see

This mofo in handcuffs and marched right to the federal pen after his sentencing. But the media probably wont cover it.

[ladjf]

5. He's not in jail yet and I seriously doubt that he will ever serve a day.

Too many people in his network who can get him pardoned. nt

[MedicalAdmin]

7. And if he does it will be at club fed

Playing golf and sipping wine.

[ellenfl]

6. hopefully, he will be 'dancing with the con's' soon. eom

[lafayettelonewolf]

8. Don't worry

There's a special place for him in hell along with all the other traitors that brought all this mess. Trust me! Karma will get him in the end...

[yellowcanine]

9. As a convicted felon does he lose his right to vote and own a gun?

There would be some sweetness there even if he never does a day in prison.