Posted by
Kilroy on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 10:39:55 AM
METAIRIE, LA – News of the indictment of Rep. Wm. Jefferson (D-LA) on 16 federal charges of bribery, obstruction of justice, wire fraud, money laundering and racketeering brought cheers in this state still reeling from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Along with the indictment comes the hope that Jefferson’s newfound notoriety and higher profile will bring much needed investment and revenue in the form of federal largesse to the area. It is not yet known what role or position an indicted Jefferson will assume in government – but it promises to be lucrative for Louisiana. Under Democrat Party rules there exists an elaborate point system for rewarding scandals, indictments, convictions, general corruption, and criminal conduct so Jefferson is guaranteed a slot somewhat higher in the Democrat party pecking order.
Jefferson’s promotion is welcome news to Louisianans. For years corrupt politicians were the life-blood of the Louisiana economic structure, as well as a source of enormous state pride. From Huey Long to Edwin Edwards, Louisiana’s unscrupulous leaders worked tirelessly to keep “The Most Corrupt State in the Union Cup” in the Louisiana statehouse. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the abject incompetence of Governor Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin tarnished the reputation of The Bayou State to the point where, as recently as April, odd-makers named Governor Martin O’Malley’s Maryland as the odds on favorite for the 2007 Cup. Monday’s indictment is sure to send Las Vegas analysts back to their scratchpads.
During the traditional “Reading of the Charges Ceremony”, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi honored Jefferson for his accomplishments and promised to move quickly in determining his new assignment. “
Keep this up and I’ll be handing you my gavel soon”, said Pelosi jokingly. A beaming Jefferson thanked Pelosi and applauded her for her inspiration.
The indictment charges Jefferson accepted more than $500,000 in bribes and sought millions more by using his office to arrange business deals in Africa. The charges came almost two years after investigators raided Jefferson's home in Washington and found $90,000 in cash stuffed in his freezer. If convicted on all charges, Jefferson could be in the running for the Vice President slot on the 2008 Democrat Party ticket.
