Category Archives: Government

Government

Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly, US Constitution Hall of Shame, Fox News protects Obama, Constitutional hypocrisy, Selective journalism

 

US Constitution

Hall of Shame

 

February 19, 2010

The newest inductees into the Citizen Wells US Constitution Hall of Shame are…..

Drumroll.

.

.

Yes, that’s Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly of Fox News and radio shows.

First let’s address what did not get them in the US Constitution Hall of Shame. Glenn Beck, Bill O’Reilly and Fox did not adequately cover the Obama eligibility issues and did not dig deep enough into Obama’s corruption ties. Although that is cowardly and journalistically dishonest, that did not qualify them for the Hall of Shame.

There are two distinct and important issues that clearly qualify Beck and O’Reilly for the Hall of Shame.

The first has been the most controversial. That is, Obama’s eligibility issues. The details of that can be found on this blog and elsewhere and are legitimate, constitutionally based concerns. What Beck and O’Reilly have done is clearly defined and beyond question. Both Beck and O’Reilly have insulted and criticized concerned Americans for asking questions about Obama’s eligibility. Those asking questions come from many backgrounds, including, but not limited to, active miltary, retired military, high ranking military officers, attorneys, well educated people and even congressmen. The hypocrisy and self aggrandizement coming from these two knows no bounds. They speak the virtues of the US Constitution while criticizing those exercizing their First Amendment Rights. Beck has insulted concerned Americans on both his radio show and Fox TV show. O’Reilly had the audacity to question Lou Dobbs about his decision to question Obama’s birth certificate.

The second major issue, the one that Fox has crossed over the line on, was having Rod Blagojevich interviewed by Bill O’Reilly and others and not addressing the bulk of the indictment charges and questioning the involvement of Obama when he was in the IL Senate. The alleged selling of Obama’s IL Senate seat was focused on as if that represented the years of corruption that tied both Blagojevich and Obama to convicted corruption figure Tony Rezko. The Obama Senate seat controversy is a well crafted diversion and Fox, along with the rest of the MSM has embraced it to protect Obama.

A dedicated phone was set aside several weeks ago and the phone number was emailed and left on phone messages for several Glenn Beck accounts. Glenn, you may provide this number to your pal Bill O’Reilly. Glenn, as you state on your Fox program, the phone has been silent and silence is an answer.

Wells

 

Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Beck, Fox News, Protecting Obama, Why?, At least cover the whole Blagojevich story

Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Beck, Fox News, Protecting Obama, Why?

This will serve as the open thread today, February 19, 2010.

Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck have not only not  covered Obama’s eligibility, they have insulted concerned Americans who exercise their First Amendment Rights. Beck and O’Reilly are speaking out of one side of their mouth, while claiming to uphold the US Constitution out of the other side of their mouth. That is just wrong!

To add insult to injury, they are not covering the entire Rod Blagojevich indictment, not to mention Obama’s involvement. As you go about your daily activities ponder whether or not we should allow them to proceed in this manner.

I am still waiting on a phone call from Glenn Beck. Beck, you are pals with O’Reilly, give him the phone number.

February 18 2010, Jobless Claims rise, Inflation jumps, Economy Wobbles, New applications unemployment insurance surged last week, unemployment benefits increased 31,000, producer prices increased sharply in January

February 18 2010, Jobless Claims rise

From CNBC.com, february 18, 2010.

“Jobless Claims, Inflation Jump as Economy Wobbles”

“The number of U.S. workers filing new applications for unemployment insurance unexpectedly surged last week, while producer prices increased sharply in January, raising potential hurdles for the economic recovery.

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits increased 31,000 to 473,000, the Labor Department said on Thursday. That compared to market expectations for 430,000.
Another report from the department showed prices paid at the farm and factory gate rose a faster than expected 1.4 percent from December after a 0.4 percent gain in December, as higher gasoline prices and unusually cold temperatures helped boost energy costs.
“When you have PPI moving up and still no progress in the jobs situation, that doesn’t bode well for continued improvement in equity prices,” said Alan Lancz, president at Alan B. Lancz & Associates in Toledo, Ohio.”

“Another report from the department showed prices paid at the farm and factory gate rose a faster than expected 1.4 percent from December after a 0.4 percent gain in December, as higher gasoline prices and unusually cold temperatures helped boost energy costs.
“When you have PPI moving up and still no progress in the jobs situation, that doesn’t bode well for continued improvement in equity prices,” said Alan Lancz, president at Alan B. Lancz & Associates in Toledo, Ohio.”

Read more:

http://www.cnbc.com/id/35457298

Shadow Inventory Of Troubled Mortgages, Standard and Poors, US housing prices, Mortgage crisis may be far from over, More delinquencies and lower home prices are to come

Shadow Inventory Of Troubled Mortgages

From Standard and Poors, February 16, 2010.

“The Shadow Inventory Of Troubled Mortgages Could Undo U.S. Housing Price Gains”

“In summer 2009, the seasonally adjusted S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index rose for the first time in virtually two years. Since May 2009, the index has risen by over 3%, suggesting that the necessary correction to U.S. residential home prices is nearing an end. However, in Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services’ view, the mortgage crisis may be far from over. The overhang of homes heading toward liquidation suggests more delinquencies and lower home prices are to come.
The current “shadow inventory” (including all delinquent loans, not only those that are real estate owned [REO]) of troubled mortgages will likely take about 33 months?or nearly three years?to clear at the current rate of liquidations. Moreover, we believe this estimate is conservative, as we do not assume any loans that have yet to show any serious signs of distress to date will default in the future and further increase the overhang of homes. Nonetheless, we believe that in reality additional loans will default in the near future due to the weak economic environment, distressed residential home values, and the resulting contraction in the supply of mortgage finance.
We believe that the recent reversal in housing prices is the result of a temporary constriction in the supply of foreclosed homes on the market. This temporary constriction ensued because servicers have completed fewer foreclosures due to court delays, servicing backlogs, and political pressure to keep borrowers in their homes. However, there is a rapidly growing shadow inventory of properties where borrowers are delinquent but foreclosure has not been completed. Overall, it is our opinion that recent positive housing reports should not be construed as a sign that the distress in the residential housing market is abating, but rather should be attributed to the temporarily limited supply of homes on the market.”

“A Swelling Number Of Distressed Loans Creates The Shadow Inventory
The monthly balance of distressed loans currently outstanding relative to the monthly balance of those that pay off, or close, suggests that there is a growing shadow inventory of loans that need to undergo the closure process. In January 2005, the balance of distressed loans outstanding was about 18x that of distressed loans that closed. Today, the balance of outstanding to closed distressed loans has increased to about 31x (see chart 2).”

Chart 2

Read more:

http://www.standardandpoors.com/ratings/articles/en/us/?assetID=1245206147429

February 18 2010, Citizen Wells open thread

The Citizen Wells blog is open to sincere discussions on a wide variety of topics. This open thread for today, February 18, 2010 is for “off topic” discussions. The “on topic” discussion thus far today is the Philip J Berg update so anything related to Obama eligibilty will be appropriate on that post. Sporadic personal comments are allowed as long as they do not attack commenters here.

To further elaborate, comments about Obama, Congress on a post like Berg’s would normally be appropriate. This is not a hard and fast rule and is intended to guide reasonable people.

Regarding 9/11 and various theories. I have an opinion, which I will refrain from expressing. I am not saying that this is not important. I have various priorities which I must adhere to. I would prefer that these comments be placed on an open thread.

Thanks and God bless.

Philip J Berg, Update, February 18, 2010, Birth Certificate March on Washington, Berg to Attend CPAC 2010 in Washington, DC 2/18 to 2/20, Obama eligibility, Berg v Obama

From Philip J Berg, February 18, 2010.

For Immediate Release:  – 02/18/2010
For Further Information Contact:
Philip J. Berg, Esquire
555 Andorra Glen Court, Suite 12
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-2531
Cell (610) 662-3005
(610) 825-3134
(800) 993-PHIL  [7445]
Fax (610) 834-7659
philjberg@obamacrimes.com
Berg to Attend CPAC 2010 in Washington, DC 2/18 to 2/20
* * *
Berg States that Announcement of
“Birth Certificate March on Washington”
to Demand Obama Resign
forced Obama to address the issue at
National Prayer Breakfast
* * *
Date for March to be Announced Soon
and
Urgent Need for Funds
(Lafayette Hill, PA – 02/18/10) – Philip J. Berg, Esquire, the first Attorney who filed suit against Barack H. Obama challenging Senator Obama’s lack of “qualifications” to serve as President of the United States stated that “WE THE PEOPLE” by and through Philip J. Berg and Obamacrimes.com forced Obama to address the issue at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, February 4, 2009 !   Obama, in part of his speech referred for the first time since the question of his being “Constitutionally eligible” stated,
“But surely you can question my policies without questioning my faith, or, [pause] for that matter,my citizenship.“ [Laughter and applause.] [emphasis added]
Berg said, “I knew that if we continued our efforts, those of obamacrimes.com, to expose Obama not being ‘Constitutionally eligible’ to be President, as this is the greatest ‘HOAX’ in the history of our country, that being over 230 years and the fact that Obama’s actions are a fraud !”
The actual words stated by Obama:

“Civility also requires relearning how to disagree without being disagreeable; understanding, as President [Kennedy] said, that “civility is not a sign of weakness.” Now, I am the first to confess I am not always right.  Michelle will testify to that“. [Laughter.]
“But surely you can question my policies without questioning my faith, or, [pause] for that matter, my citizenship.” [Laughter and applause.] [emphasis added]
Berg said, “WOW, it is about time !  This is great. Our announcement of the ‘Birth Certificate March on Washington’ demanding Obama resign as President as he is ‘Constitutionally ineligible’ to be President was the Press Release that caused Obama to react.”

Berg stated, “Because of the response to date, shortly, we will announce the date for the “Birth Certificate March on Washington.”
Further, “We need Funds ASAP to be able to publicize the March and start to arrange specifics for the ‘Birth Certificate March on Washington.’  Go to obamacrimes.com to make your contribution.”
Berg is requesting all citizens of the United States to email, fax or mail a “copy” of their Birth Certificate that will be presented to Obama demanding that Obama resign because he has failed to produce his long form [vault] Birth Certificate and other citizenship documents [Obama, an Indonesian Citizen ?] to show he is “Constitutionally eligible” to be President.  Please redact any personal information that you wish.
Berg related an email he received.  A woman from Texas told me she registered her thirteen [13] year old nephew for school.  When registration was finished, her nephew asked the Principal, “Can I ask you a question?”  The Principal said, “Yes.”  Her nephew said, “How come I had to show my Birth Certificate to register for school, but Obama did not have to show his to be President ?”
Berg said, “That email motivated me to continue to expose Obama for the fraud he is !”
Berg continued, “Since the Courts are taking their time to get to the point of allowing ‘Discovery,’ it is time to motivate the citizens of the United States for a ‘Peaceful Revolution’ to expose the ‘HOAX’ of Obama, the biggest ‘HOAX’ in the history of our country, in over 230 years !”
Berg wants people to email, fax or mail a copy of their Birth Certificate to:
Email = philjberg@obamacrimes.com
Fax     = (610) 834-7659
Mail    = Obamacrimes
555 Andorra Glen Court, Suite 12
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444-2531
Berg said, “Then, we will be preparing them to deliver to Obama demanding that he resign from the Office of President as he has not proven that he is “Constitutionally eligible” to be President and that Obama has not produced legal documents to show he legally changed his name from his ‘adopted’ name of ‘Barry Soetoro’ from Indonesia.
I am proceeding for the 305 + million people in ‘our’ U.S.A., for ‘our’ forefathers and for the 3.2 million men and women that have died and/or been maimed defending our Constitution with our ‘Peaceful Revolution’ to prove that Obama is not Constitutionally qualified/eligible to be President.”
Berg continued, “I still have cases pending in the Federal Courts.  Go to obamacrimes.com to see the status of each case.”
Berg concluded, “I will be attending the CPAC 2010 Convention in Washington, DC from Thursday, 2/18 to Saturday, 2/20 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.  The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) will be helpful for me to spread the message that Obama is a fraud, a phony and Obama has put forth the biggest ‘HOAX’ in the history of our great nation,”
Phil Berg will be available for Press Interviews at CPAC 2010 – Contact Phil at cell (610) 662-3005.
For copies of all Press Releases and Court Pleadings, go to:
obamacrimes.com

Glenn Beck, call me, Citizen Wells, I am still waiting on a call

Fox News Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck protect Obama, Saudi pressure?, Obama threats?, Obama money?, Obama eligibility, Obama corruption ties, Blagojevich indictment, Rezko, Levine, Weinstein, Obama arrest

Why has Obama employed a legion of private and government attorneys to avoid presenting a legitimate birth certificate and college records?…Citizen Wells and millions of concerned Americans

Why has the MSM and Fox News ignored the other counts of corruption against Rod Blagojevich, the same corruption tied to Obama, Rezko, Levine, Weinstein, et al? Why has the MSM and Fox only covered the alleged attempt to sell Obama’s old senate seat?

Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck continue to insult concerned Americans who question Obama’s eligibility. They refer to them as birthers and right wing nuts. However, even Lou Dobbs while still at CNN asked why Obama doesn’t present a legitimate birth certificate.

I have tried to make this simple enough even for the bloviating idiots O’Reilly and Beck. On February 14, 2010, the Citizen Wells blog presented this simple, uncomplicated information.

“Obama and Congress Request and Obtain an Extension of Time to File Opposition Brief to Kerchner v Obama & Congress Appeal.”

From the docket of the Kerchner v Obama lawsuit.

“02/12/2010
1 pg, 83.15 KB
ECF FILER: Letter from Dick Cheney, Congress of US, House Represenatives,
Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, US Senate and USA confirming extension of time
pursuant to Third Circuit LAR 31.4 with service on opposing counsel. Service
date 02/12/2010. (EF)”

Even Beck and O’Reilly can figure this one out. Obama is hiding his records and the taxpayers are paying for his defense.

Glenn Beck, I emailed and left voice messages with a cell phone number you can call if you have any questions or if anything here appears incorrect.

Glenn, I am still waiting for the phone call.

Obama attorneys fight to hide records

On February 15, 2010, the Citizen Wells blog provided an intro into what Blagojevich was indicted for versus what Bill o’Reilly interviewed him about.

“Let’s focus om the Rod Blagojevich indictment and upcoming trial. This, like the Tony Rezko trial, is more about rampant Chicago and Illinois corruption and Obama strong, long time ties to not only Blagojevich, but especially Tony Rezko who is at the center of so much of this corruption.

The Obama Administration and Obama camp are masters of deceit and diversions. It is now clear that the alleged attempt by Rod Blagojevich to sell Obama’s old US Senate seat was crafted as a masterful diversion to keep the attention away from the years of corruption that Blagojevich and Obama were involved in. Of course this benefits Blagojevich and Obama. It is an excellent diversion.”

Bill O’Reilly and Fox ignore most of Blagojevich indictment

Here is the truth about Blagojevich, Obama and their crime buddies.

From the Rod Blagojevich Indictment press release APRIL 2, 2009.

“CHICAGO – Since 2002, even before he was first elected governor that November, and continuing until he was arrested on Dec. 9, 2008, former Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and a circle of his closest aides and advisors allegedly engaged in a wide-ranging scheme to deprive the people of Illinois of honest government, according to a 19-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury. Blagojevich, 52, of Chicago, was charged with 16 felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal agents. He allegedly used his office in numerous matters involving state appointments, business, legislation and pension fund investments to seek or obtain such financial benefits as money, campaign contributions, and employment for himself and others, in exchange for official actions, including trying to leverage his authority to appoint a United States Senator, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.”

“The charges are part of Operation Board Games, a continuing public corruption investigation of pay-to-play schemes, including insider-dealing, influence-peddling and kickbacks involving private interests and public duties. The investigation began in 2003 and has resulted in charges against a total of 17 defendants. Today’s charges were brought in a superseding indictment that replaces one brought Oct. 30, 2008, against Cellini alone for allegedly conspiring with others to obtain campaign funds for Blagojevich by shaking down an investment firm that was seeking a $220 million allocation from TRS.”
Citizen Wells: The following ties Blagojevich, Obama, Rezko, Levine, Weinstein and a host of other in a web of corruption.

“The principle fraud scheme count, which names Blagojevich, Monk, Harris and Robert Blagojevich as co-schemers, together with Kelly, Cellini, Rezko, Levine and others, alleges that they deprived the people of Illinois and the beneficiaries of TRS of the honest services of Blagojevich, Harris, Monk and Levine, who was a member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board and the TRS board of trustees.”

From the Tony Rezko Indictment:

“The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (“Planning Board”) was a commission of the State of Illinois, established by statute, whose members were appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois. State law required an entity seeking to build a hospital, medical office building, or other medical facility in Illinois to obtain a permit, known as a “Certificate of Need” (“CON”), from the Planning Board prior to beginning construction.”

“REZKO used his relationship with certain State of Illinois officials, to ensure that REZKO and LEVINE had the ability to influence the actions of TRS and the Planning Board for the benefit of themselves and their nominees and associates.”
“4. It was further part of the scheme that REZKO sought to influence certain State of Illinois officials, in order to ensure that LEVINE, and persons allied with REZKO and LEVINE, retained and obtained memberships on the TRS Board and the Planning Board that enabled REZKO and LEVINE to influence the actions of those boards for the benefit of REZKO, LEVINE, and their nominees and associates. As part of this aspect of the scheme:”

From the indictment of

STUART LEVINE, JACOB KIFERBAUM, P. NICHOLAS HURTGEN

“The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (“Planning Board”) was a commission of the State of Illinois,
established by statute, whose members were appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois. State law required an entity seeking to build a hospital, medical office building, or other medical facility in Illinois to obtain a permit, known as a “Certificate of Need” (“CON”), from the Planning Board prior to beginning construction.”

“7. It was further part of the scheme that LEVINE solicited a kickback of approximately $1.5 million from KIFERBAUM relating to the construction of Mercy Hospital’s Crystal Lake facility. KIFERBAUM agreed to pay a kickback, with the exact amount and manner of the payments to be determined at a later date. At LEVINE’s direction, the kickback proceeds were to be paid to Individual 1 pursuant to a sham consulting contract. LEVINE agreed to and did use his influence with the Planning Board to ensure that Mercy Hospital would and did receive approval of its application to build the Crystal Lake facility after it contracted with Kiferbaum Construction Company to build that facility. In voting for, and influencing other Planning Board members to vote for, the application for Mercy Hospital’s Crystal Lake facility, LEVINE concealed from the Planning Board his personal financial interest in the construction of the Crystal Lake facility. In furtherance of this aspect of the scheme:”

From the DR. Robert Weinstein Indictment.

“Investigation Special Agent that Levine never told WEINSTEIN that Rezko had influence over the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, whereas at the time WEINSTEIN made this statement and representation, WEINSTEIN knew the statement and representation was false because, in truth and fact, WEINSTEIN and Levine discussed Rezko’s influence over the Planning Board, including in a recorded conversation on April 21, 2004 in which they discussed Rezko’s involvement in the Planning Board and Levine explicitly advised WEINSTEIN of Rezko’s role in manipulating the Planning Board’s vote earlier that day on the CON application of Mercy Health System Corporation Hospital, as well as other Planning Board matters;
In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).”

From the indictment of

ROD BLAGOJEVICH, CHRISTOPHER KELLY, ALONZO MONK, WILLIAM F. CELLINI, SR., JOHN HARRIS, and ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH

“It was further part of the conspiracy that defendants ROD BLAGOJEVICH and KELLY, along with Monk, Cellini, Robert Blagojevich, Harris, Rezko, and Levine, and others, used and attempted to use the powers of the Office of the Governor and of certain state boards and commissions subject to the influence of the Office of the Governor, to take and cause governmental actions, including: appointments to boards and commissions; the awarding of state business, grants, and investment fund allocations; the enactment of legislation and executive orders; and the appointment of a United States Senator; in exchange for financial benefits for themselves and others, including campaign contributions for ROD BLAGOJEVICH, money for themselves, and employment for ROD BLAGOJEVICH and his wife.”

“Rezko arranged for a total of $50,000 in contributions to Friends of Blagojevich from Ali Ata, a Chicago-area businessman, and in exchange for those contributions discussed with Ata, ROD BLAGOJEVICH, and Monk obtaining a high-level state appointment for Ata, whom ROD BLAGOJEVICH ultimately appointed as the executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority;”

Pay attention to the following. It is but one of many examples of Obama’s connections to shady dealings in Chicago. However, it is strong one and well documented.

Barack Obama’s role in rigging the IL Health Facilities Planning Board

The number of members was reduced from 15 to 9 and therefore allowed Tony Rezko, Stuart Levine and Rod Blagojevich to control the board with only 5 members.

From Journalist Evelyn Pringle.

“Curtain Time Part II will show that Obama was the inside guy in the Illinois senate as far as setting up the Health Facilities Planning Board to extort contributions from companies in exchange for the approval of applications to build medial facilities.

Obama was chairman of the Senate Health & Human Services Committee in January 2003. A few articles in the media have mentioned that Obama sat on a committee that reviewed matters related to the Planning Board in conjunction with the Governor’s staff but none have discussed his integral part in getting the bill passed

A review of senate records from January 2003 to August 2003, shows Obama played a major role as chairman of that committee, in pushing through Senate Bill 1332, that led to the “Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act,” which reduced the number of members on the Board from 15 to 9, making the votes much easier to rig.

Democratic Senator Susan Garrett sponsored the bill in the senate, and the chief co-sponsor was Republican Senator Dale Righter. These two senators were also on the Human Services Committee with Obama.

The bill was filed with the senate secretary on February 20, 2003, and assigned to Human Services Committee for review on February 27. Less than a month later, as chairman, Obama sent word that the bill should be passed on March 13, 2003.

On May 31, 2003, the House and Senate passed the bill and the only senator listed in the “yes” votes mentioned in the Board Games indictments is Obama.

Blagojevich made the effective date June 27, 2003, and the co-schemers already had the people lined up to stack the Board and rig the votes with full approval from Obama.

As discussed fully in Curtain Time for Obama Part 1, the Republicans and Democrats worked together in setting up the Planning Board scheme because the Combine as a whole would profit.

During the trial, Stuart Levine testified that when he sought reappointment to the Planning Board, he told Republican co-schemer, Bill Cellini, to tell the Blagojevich administration he would vote however they wanted when approving projects.

He told the jury he had the same understanding with the two prior Republican governors, Jim Edgar, and George Ryan, who is now sitting in prison due to Fitzgerald’s successful prosecution of a corruption case against him.

A June 2003 email exchange produced in the trial shows Obama was one of eight officials who received the names of the nominees for the new Board ahead of time, from the office of David Wilhelm, who headed Blagojevich’s 2002 campaign for governor.

Tony Rezko’s name does not appear in the email. In fact, his attorney made the point to the jury that the exchange was from Blagojevich’s general counsel, Susan Lichtenstein, and Wilhelm’s office, and indicated the appointees were recommended by Wilhelm and supported by those who received the memo.

The memo said, “we worked closely over the past six months” with eight officials including three state senators.

Jennifer Thomas, a former aide in Blagojevich’s patronage office, testified that she attended regular weekly meetings at Rezko’s office between the spring of 2003 and November 2004, and Rezko floated names and specifically said Levine should be reappointed to the new Board.

The Senate bill said, the “Board shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.” But the Senate Confirmation Hearings were a joke. For instance, the Feds recorded Levine talking to co-schemer, Jon Bauman, the day Levine learned he was approved by the Senate from the executive secretary of the Board.

Levine told Bauman he ran into Jeffrey Marks, who said “congratulations on your appointment,” and Levine asked for what. Marks said, “well the Senate Confirmation Hearings on Health Facility Plan Board members.”

He told Levine Senate President, Emil Jones, only allowed 2 members to be approved and “that was you and the other person he just put in.”

“Isn’t that hysterical ’cause you know they had this big battle going on,” Levine told Bauman.

Laughing away, Levine said, “don’t you just love it.”

“I’m one of those independents and not part of the block.”

“Well, good, you know it’s good to be just a true independent civil servant,” Bauman said laughing along with Levine.

“Is, is that a good thing,” Levine replied, “I’ve never been that.”

Corrupt appointees fund Obama and Blagojevich campaigns

The corrupt new appointees were all contributors to the presidential hopeful, Blagojevich, and the US senate hopeful Obama.

The previous Act allowed the Board itself to select a “Chairman and other officers as deemed necessary.” But the new law stated: “The Governor shall designate one of the members to serve as Chairman and shall name as full-time Executive Secretary.”

The Board’s then sitting-chairman, Thomas Beck, who was originally appointed by a Republican governor, testified under a grant of immunity that he brought a $1,000 check to Rezko on July 15, 2003, to make sure Blagojevich reappointed him.

A few weeks later, Beck said, Rezko called to say he would be reappointed along with a Republican holdover Levine. Beck also testified that Rezko told him Blagojevich was set to appoint Rezko’s three doctor friends to complete the rigged voting bloc. He said he met the doctors in August 2003, at the first meeting of the new Board.

Dr Michel Malek gave Obama $10,000 a little over a month before the first meeting on June 30, 2003. He also donated $25,000 to Blagojevich three weeks later on July 25, 2003, and gave Obama another $500 in September 2003. Malek was an investor in Riverside Park.

Dr Fortunee Massuda donated $25,000 to Blagojevich on July 25, 2003, and gave a total of $2,000 to Obama on different dates. Massuda’s husband, Charles Hannon, is a co-schemer in the pension fund case and testified against Rezko in the trial.

Dr Imad Almanaseer contributed a total of $3,000 to Obama after he landed the appointment. On March 13, 2008, Almanaseer testified against Rezko and told the jury he was an investor in Rezko’s fast-food businesses.

This doctor’s son, Ahmed Almanaseer, was given a trade office intern position with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Ahmed is president of HireIraqis.com a bilingual human resources “site aimed at linking Iraqi job seekers with the companies engaged in the reconstruction [in Iraq] efforts,” according to Rezko Watch/RBO. ”

Read more:

http://therealbarackobama.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/evelyn-pringles-operation-board-games-and-curtain-time-for-obama/

From the Chicago Tribune Tony Rezko Trial transcripts.

March 6, 2008; 12:29 a.m.

“Hamilton finished remarks after an hour. She did not mention the name of Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, whose U.S. Senate campaign in 2004 allegedly was the beneficiary of $20,000 in campaign cash from intermediaries in the kickback schemes the government says were orchestrated by Rezko.”
March 10, 2008; 4:16 p.m.

“The name of Barack Obama, the Democratic front-runner for the presidential nomination, also appears in the e-mail as a member of a strategic team reviewing hospital board matters with the governor’s staff when he was a state senator. The hospital board was scheduled to be revamped in the summer of 2003.

Obama was then chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services. Other legislative leaders, including Madigan, were part of that review panel as well, according to the e-mail.”
March 13, 2008; 3:09 p.m.

“Dr. Imad Almanaseer is on the witness stand this afternoon, testifying about his links to Antoin “Tony” Rezko and his time on the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board”.
“Almanaseer was appointed to the planning board in 2003 on Rezko’s recommendation. Prosecutors contend he became part of a five-member voting bloc on the board that followed Rezko’s wishes. Almanaseer said board Chairman Thomas Beck tried to steer his voting.”
March 19, 2008; 11:21 a.m.

“Prosecution witness Stuart Levine is walking jurors through the evolution of his relationship with defendant Tony Rezko. The two met at a dinner party shortly before the 2002 election in which Rezko’s close friend Rod Blagojevich was elected governor.”

“Levine said he met increasingly with Rezko in early 2003 after Blagojevich was sworn in as governor. On occasion, Levine said, Rezko described his close relationship with Blagojevich.

“He said that he had raised a great deal of money for Gov. Blagojevich and that he had great hopes and expectations that Gov. Blagojevich would run for president,” Levine recalled. “And although he knew it was a long shot, he was working toward that end.””

“”Mr. Rezko told me that he was able to have individuals appointed to state boards and was able to have individuals hired into state agencies and that he spoke very often — and in fact went over decisions — that Lon Monk would put into place,” Levine said.”
March 21, 2008; 12:10 p.m.

“Another government wiretap has been played with Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s voice on it, and this one could prove damaging to his defense. On the tape, recorded May 18, 2004, Rezko can be heard giving orders to political fixer Stuart Levine about how he wanted to manipulate the vote of one of Levine’s fellow members on the Illinois Health Facilities Planning board, Danalynn Rice.

On the call, Rezko is heard mentioning Chris Kelly, who with Rezko was one of the top fundraisers for Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Both Rezko and Kelly were key members of Blagojevich’s kitchen cabinet.

Rezko makes it clear in the phone call that Kelly, too, had been involved in trying to manipulate decisions of the hospital board, which Rezko has been charged with corrupting. Kelly apparently had called Levine earlier and told him he should be Rice’s mentor on the board, directing her to follow his lead on voting. Rice had been recently installed on the hospital panel at the insistence of a leader of the Laborers’ International Union, which had contributed more than $133,000 to Blagojevich’s campaign.”

I promised you more details. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

One thing is obvious, Rod Blagojevich’s alleged attempt to sell Obama’s old senate seat is minimal in the scheme of things. Another thing is obvious, Rod Blagojevich and Barack Obama are guilty as sin of long time crime and corruption.

Sadly, another thing is obvious. Fox News is not doing their job. Bill O’Reilly, Glenn Beck et al are covering for Obama. Here are some possible reasons.

Saudi pressure and ownership of Fox.

Bought out by Obama.

Threatened by Obama.

Fear of riots or reprisals if the truth emerges.

Ironically, Sean Hannity, who I respect the most on Fox, states repeatedly that journalism died in 2008.

USDOJ documents:

http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/

February 18, 2010, Open thread, Blagojevich Trial, Obama ties to Blagojevich and Rezko, Fox and MSM cover for Obama

This is the open thread for February 18, 2010. Comment about anything that you desire. However, I intend to present more details about the Blagojevich indictment, upcoming trial and why the story needs to be told of Obama’s involvement in the same corruption that ended in the indictments and/or convictions of so many of his associates and contributors. Have you asked Bill O’Reilly or Glenn Beck why they are not covering this?

Impeach Obama billboard, OshKosh Wisconsin, Highway 41, FOX 11, Businessmen concerned about tax and spend politics, All in favor say aye

All in favor say aye!

 

From Fox 11 in OshKosh, Wisconsin, February 15, 2010.

“OSHKOSH – The Menasha attorney identified by Jones Sign Co. as paying for a controversial billboard along Highway 41 in Oshkosh has responded.
The following is a copy of an e-mail sent to FOX 11 Saturday night by attorney Thomas Wroblewski, regarding a billboard that begins with the phrase “Impeach Obama.”
“This email is intended to confirm the following:

The billboard in Oshkosh that says, in part, ‘Impeach Obama’, does not contain my personal statement and is not my personal billboard. The billboard was purchased by a limited liability company that I represent.”

Read more:

http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/politics/attorney-responds-about-impeach-obama-billboard

Thanks to commenter Portuguese Revolutionary War Hero – Peter Francisco.

Fox News has joined Big Brother, O’Reilly, Rod Blagojevich interview, Obama eligibility, Obama birth certificate, Obama not natural born citizen, Fox owned by Saudis, Fox bought or threatened by Obama

“And if all others accepted the lie which the Party imposed
–if all records told the same tale–then the lie passed into
history and became truth. “Who controls the past,” ran the
Party slogan, “controls the future: who controls the present
controls the past.”…George Orwell, “1984″

Fox News, long thought to be the only network covering the news, especially regarding Obama, his agenda, his past and his associations, is increasingly becoming suspect as being controlled by the Saudis and Obama Administration. While I was preparing this first part of at least a two part series, John Charlton of the Post & Email presented this pertinent article.
“Saudi controlled FOX moves against Gubernatorial candidates who question Obama’s Eligibility”

“In a move which openly and shamelessly manifests FOX’s anti-American agenda, the former conservative news agency has launched a propaganda campaign against U.S. Citizens who, having announced their candidacy for State Governor in their home states, also question the eligibility of Barack Hussein Obama to hold the office of U.S. President.
In an unsigned report published at their website, on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, Fox News takes aim at Georgia Gubernatorial Candidate Nathan Deal and Texas Gubernatorial Candidate Debra Medina.”

“By this statement, FOX has made it absolutely clear to America that they will not tolerate anyone who will not work with Obama and be respectful to him.

This move by FOX comes less than a month after a member of the Saudi Royalty, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a nephew of the King of Saudi Arabia, announced his desire to forge closer ties with Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation, the parent of FOX.”

Read this article for more insight into the Citizen Wells article:

http://www.thepostemail.com/2010/02/15/saudi-controlled-fox-moves-against-gubernatorial-candidates-who-question-obamas-eligibility/

Many have wondered about the motivation of Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck to not only shy away fromn the Obama eligibility question but to openly attack those concerned Americans, exercising their First Amendment Rights, but also their constitutional duties to defend it against foreign influence. Bill O’Reilly is a bloviating self indulgent blowhard and apparently he has influenced Glenn Beck.

Think that the Obama eligibilty question is the only major Obama story that Fox is ignoring or misreporting?

Think again.

Let’s focus om the Rod Blagojevich indictment and upcoming trial. This, like the Tony Rezko trial, is more about rampant Chicago and Illinois corruption and Obama strong, long time ties to not only Blagojevich, but especially Tony Rezko who is at the center of so much of this corruption.

The Obama Administration and Obama camp are masters of deceit and diversions. It is now clear that the alleged attempt by Rod Blagojevich to sell Obama’s old US Senate seat was crafted as a masterful diversion to keep the attention away from the years of corruption that Blagojevich and Obama were involved in. Of course this benefits Blagojevich and Obama. It is an excellent diversion.

From the Rod Blagojevich Indictment press release APRIL 2, 2009.

“CHICAGO – Since 2002, even before he was first elected governor that November, and continuing until he was arrested on Dec. 9, 2008, former Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and a circle of his closest aides and advisors allegedly engaged in a wide-ranging scheme to deprive the people of Illinois of honest government, according to a 19-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury. Blagojevich, 52, of Chicago, was charged with 16 felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion and making false statements to federal agents. He allegedly used his office in numerous matters involving state appointments, business, legislation and pension fund investments to seek or obtain such financial benefits as money, campaign contributions, and employment for himself and others, in exchange for official actions, including trying to leverage his authority to appoint a United States Senator, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.”

“The charges are part of Operation Board Games, a continuing public corruption investigation of pay-to-play schemes, including insider-dealing, influence-peddling and kickbacks involving private interests and public duties. The investigation began in 2003 and has resulted in charges against a total of 17 defendants. Today’s charges were brought in a superseding indictment that replaces one brought Oct. 30, 2008, against Cellini alone for allegedly conspiring with others to obtain campaign funds for Blagojevich by shaking down an investment firm that was seeking a $220 million allocation from TRS.”
Among the new factual allegations are that:

“beginning in 2002 and continuing after Blagojevich was first elected governor, Blagojevich and Monk, along with Kelly and previously convicted co-schemer Antoin “Tony” Rezko, agreed that they would use the offices of governor and chief of staff for financial gain, which would be divided among them with the understanding that the money would be distributed after Blagojevich left public office;”

“in 2003, Blagojevich, Monk, Kelly, Rezko and other co-schemers implemented this agreement by directing lucrative state business relating to the refinancing of billions of dollars in State of Illinois Pension Obligation Bonds to a company whose lobbyist agreed to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars to Rezko out of the fee the lobbyist would collect, and Rezko in turn agreed to split the money with Blagojevich, Monk and Kelly;”

“After it became public that Kelly and Rezko were under investigation and ceased playing a significant role in raising campaign funds, Blagojevich personally continued to trade his actions as governor for personal benefits, including, for example, delaying a state grant to a publicly-supported school while trying to leverage a U.S. Congressman, who supported the school, or the Congressman’s brother, to hold a campaign fundraiser for Blagojevich;”

and

“in an interview on March 16, 2005, Blagojevich lied to FBI agents when he said that he maintains a separation, or firewall, between politics and state business; and he does not track, or want to know, who contributes to him or how much they are contributing to him.”

“The principle fraud scheme count, which names Blagojevich, Monk, Harris and Robert Blagojevich as co-schemers, together with Kelly, Cellini, Rezko, Levine and others, alleges that they deprived the people of Illinois and the beneficiaries of TRS of the honest services of Blagojevich, Harris, Monk and Levine, who was a member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board and the TRS board of trustees.”

“Attempted Extortion of Children’s Memorial Hospital

“On Oct. 8, 2008, defendant Blagojevich advised Lobbyist A that he intended to take official action that would provide additional state money to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago, and that Blagojevich wanted to get $50,000 in campaign contributions from the hospital’s chief executive officer.
On Oct. 17, 2008, Blagojevich called the hospital’s CEO to tell him of his intent to increase the Illinois Medicaid reimbursement rate for speciality-care pediatric physicians. Shortly before this, Blagojevich had directed Deputy Governor A to initiate such an increase, which Illinois providers of pediatric healthcare, including Children’s Memorial Hospital, had actively supported for years.”

“On Oct. 22, 2008, Blagojevich spoke with the Children’s CEO and asked him to arrange to raise $25,000 for Blagojevich prior to Jan. 1, 2009. On Nov. 12, 2008, after the Children’s CEO had not returned additional phone calls from Robert Blagojevich and no political contributions from the Children’s CEO or other persons associated with the hospital had been received, Blagojevich spoke to Deputy Governor A about the increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rates for specialty-care pediatric physicians, asking whether “we could pull it back if we needed to. . . .” As a result of this conversation, Deputy Governor A instructed the Department of Healthcare Services to stop its work on increasing the reimbursement for specialty-care pediatric physicians.”

That was just the tip of the iceberg from the press release. The actual indictment is loaded. Why would the MSM and O’Reilly avoid asking Blagojevich about the bulk of the indictment? because it points back to Obama.

From the Tony Rezko Indictment:

“The Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board (“Planning Board”) was a commission of the State of Illinois, established by statute, whose members were appointed by the Governor of the State of Illinois. State law required an entity seeking to build a hospital, medical office building, or other medical facility in Illinois to obtain a permit, known as a “Certificate of Need” (“CON”), from the Planning Board prior to beginning construction.”

“REZKO used his relationship with certain State of Illinois officials, to ensure that REZKO and LEVINE had the ability to influence the actions of TRS and the Planning Board for the benefit of themselves and their nominees and associates.”
“4. It was further part of the scheme that REZKO sought to influence certain State of Illinois officials, in order to ensure that LEVINE, and persons allied with REZKO and LEVINE, retained and obtained memberships on the TRS Board and the Planning Board that enabled REZKO and LEVINE to influence the actions of those boards for the benefit of REZKO, LEVINE, and their nominees and associates. As part of this aspect of the scheme:”

From the DR. Robert Weinstein Indictment.

“Investigation Special Agent that Levine never told WEINSTEIN that Rezko had influence over the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, whereas at the time WEINSTEIN made this statement and representation, WEINSTEIN knew the statement and representation was false because, in truth and fact, WEINSTEIN and Levine discussed Rezko’s influence over the Planning Board, including in a recorded conversation on April 21, 2004 in which they discussed Rezko’s involvement in the Planning Board and Levine explicitly advised WEINSTEIN of Rezko’s role in manipulating the Planning Board’s vote earlier that day on the CON application of Mercy Health System Corporation Hospital, as well as other Planning Board matters;
In violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001(a)(2).”
Now watch the Bill O’Reilly interview of Rod Blagojevich.

 
So, why didn’t the pompous jackass O’Reilly ask Blagojevich about any of these charges?

So, Bill O’Reilly, why are you and Fox covering for Obama on his eligibilty issues and ties to Chicago corruption?

Bill O’Reilly, which of the following apply to you?

Incompetent

Biased

Bought out or controlled by Fox, Obama or the Saudis

The indictments, criminal complaints and press releases can be found here:

http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/

In Part 2 of this reporting of O’Reilly and Fox not covering the Rod Blagojevich story, many more details will be provided.

I urge you to contact O’Reilly and Fox and ask why they are not covering the Rod Blagojevich corruption ties to Obama et al.