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I'm with Stupid
For a contractor, what's the best kind of congressman? The dumb and powerful variety.
The San Diego Union-Tribune on yesterday's proceedings in Brent Wilkes' trial for bribing Duke Cunningham:
Randal Kerley, a former Wilkes employee in the early days of ADCS, testified Wednesday morning that Wilkes was pleased when Cunningham was appointed to the appropriations committee.“He thought it would be beneficial to us,” Kerley said about Wilkes.
When he asked why, Kerley said Wilkes responded, “He's not the brightest congressman up there. We can work with him.”
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Comments (10)
JimBob wrote on October 11, 2007 11:18 AM:Let's face it, our system doesn't draw the Best and the Brightest into government. Did it ever?
SD wrote on October 11, 2007 11:43 AM:I'm not sure about the Best, but there have been any number of really, really Bright people in Washington. Think Clinton. Even Cheney gives evidence of being exceptionally bright. Bright doesn't necessarily come with ethics attached.
The dumb bunnies are an interesting case though. For every dumb bunny, look for the bright entities behind him/her who engineer their arrival in Washington. The purpose, of course, would be manipulating them behind the scenes for their own benefit. Let's begin with GW. Jeez! [note: GW isn't actually dumb, but he evidently has some serious learning impairments which make him vulnerable. Same result.] Cunningham almost certainly falls into the dumb bunny category as well as any number of other congressmen. Follow the money. Consider why the Cheney family would be interested in a Thompson presidency.
nellieh wrote on October 11, 2007 12:28 PM:I have my own category for Rep. Patrick McHenry. It falls a lot farther down and more profane than 'dumb bunny.' In a body run by rules of order you would think he would at least attempt to learn them. Personally, I'm glad he didn't because it lessens his stupid remarks on the House floor. His constituents must be proud.
breakspear wrote on October 11, 2007 12:47 PM:For dim bulbs, a few others to mention might be: James Inhofe, Jim Bunning, Michelle Bachman, Nancy Boyda, and the list can run on.
Fran Taylor wrote on October 11, 2007 12:47 PM:Cunningham thinks that this is a complement; he wants his base to know that he's there for them, ready to submit to their whim.
brantl wrote on October 11, 2007 12:58 PM:" Even Cheney gives evidence of being exceptionally bright. " When did that EVER happen?
brantl wrote on October 11, 2007 12:58 PM:" Even Cheney gives evidence of being exceptionally bright. " When did that EVER happen?
Duckman GR wrote on October 11, 2007 3:48 PM:Cheney isn't bright, he's a delusional coward. And GW is indeed as dumb as the proverbial rock, nobody could do the things he does and not be mentally challenged.
And I'll go further. To hold and believe in the things those two believe in is about the biggest demonstration of stupidity around. You hold those values, ipso facto, you're a raging idiot.
NCSteve wrote on October 11, 2007 5:33 PM:Cheney is "smart" in the way all of what passes for intellectuals in the Republican Party these days are "smart." Capable of comprehending large amounts of information, but so utterly lacking in insight, reflection, empathy or conscience that they are incapable of drawing correct--even obvious--conclusions from it.
jsh1120 wrote on October 11, 2007 6:49 PM:As long as we're nominating dumb members of Congress, I have to speak up for my own Representative Dave "the Sheriff" Reichert. Not a bad sort and as sheriff of King County Washington, he did manage to catch the Green River killer after 20 plus years. On the other hand, he left the office in a mess and has managed only to be a relatively inoffensive GOPher in an increasingly Democratic district. Hopefully, he'll be a two term Congressman.