Culture of Corruption - Bob Filner and Larry Craig This CoC update is twofer. It seems that there was a spate of I-can-do-what-I-want-at-an-airport-'cause-I'm-important syndrome on capitol hill.

First reported was Representative Bob Filner of California who went into a tizzy when his bag took the long slow trip from the plane (as do all bags at Dulles) and it just wasn't fast enough for this very important person. Because he's so important he thought it just fine to committ an assault and battery on the airline employee who tried to assist him and to violate the security area of the airport. Of course he denies it, security cameras and all.

The news story:

Filner disputes assault and battery charges
United employee claims congressman pushed him at baggage claim area
Associate Press
Updated: 8:24 a.m. ET Aug 21, 2007

WASHINGTON - Rep. Bob Filner, D-Calif., has been summoned to court on assault and battery charges after an incident at Dulles Airport on Sunday night where he allegedly pushed a United Airlines bag claim employee.

Filner allegedly attempted to enter an employees-only area, pushed aside an employee's arm and wouldn't leave when asked, according to a statement from Courtney Prebich, assistant media relations manager for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Filner disputed the account in a brief statement issued by his office

and his statement:

"Congressman Bob Filner is on his way to Iraq, visiting our troops, and will have a full statement when he returns. Suffice it to say now, that the story that has appeared in the press is factually incorrect - and the charges are ridiculous," the statement said without elaborating.

Then we have Senator Larry Craig of Idaho who was apparently causing a disturbance in an airport latrine. Of course he denies it but he pled guilty. Ummmmm, you pled guilty Larry. But then, NOW you know it was not the best course of action for an innocent man. THAT decision calls into question your judgement, that is either way you are a loser.

The news story:

Men's room arrest reopens questions about Sen. Larry Craig
Idaho senator pleads guilty to disorderly conduct after incident at Minnesota airport that echoes previous allegation of homosexual conduct.
By Dan Popkey - dpopkey@idahostatesman.com
Edition Date: 08/28/07

Sen. Larry Craig, who in May told the Idaho Statesman he had never engaged in homosexual acts, was arrested less than a month later by an undercover police officer who said Craig made a sexual advance toward him in an airport men's room.

The arrest at a Minnesota airport prompted Craig to plead guilty to disorderly conduct earlier this month. His June 11 encounter with the officer was similar to an incident in a men's room in a Washington, D.C., rail station described by a Washington-area man to the Idaho Statesman. In that case, the man said he and Craig had sexual contact.

Sen. Craig's statement:

"At the time of this incident, I complained to the police that they were misconstruing my actions. I was not involved in any inappropriate conduct.

"I should have had the advice of counsel in resolving this matter. In hindsight, I should not have pled guilty. I was trying to handle this matter myself quickly and expeditiously."

The thing here is that both these fellows think that they are above the law and clearly are open to deception (lying) to their constituents in order to keep their positions. That's corruption.

Labels: CultureOfCorruption

  ¶ posted by The Editor 7:44 AM