Congressman Joseph “Anh”Cao, a Republican, who defeated William “Bill” Jefferson is facing a recall petition because of his vote on the Barack Obama stimulus package.The recall has been initiated by a group of ministers.
Cao had indicated that he would be voting in favor of the controversial legislation but instead voted against it.
Papers have been filed with the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State which started the process requiring sufficient signatures to force a recall election for the office held by Representative Cao.
Cao represents a majority African American community many who were outraged by Cao’s vote.Cao made national news with his victory over Bill Jefferson.
One elected official, State Representative Juan A. LaFonta, Democrat of District 96 told Bayoubuzz that he does not know about the existence of the petition but that he would sign it.
“We don’t need Cao to be Steve Scalise”, said LaFonta.Scalise is a Republican who represents a neighboring conservative Congressional District.“People are starving and Cao needs to represent the people of the district”, LaFonta said.
Cao is Vietnamese and has been hailed by many in the media as a new face of the Republican Party.
The group of ministers who filed the petition want to make sure that he faces a recall which could be a very daunting act, if not impossible act in Louisiana based upon the state’s history.
Ho-hummmmm Kp, nature or nurture........ Written by
on 2/25/2009
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My last stab at this .... having worked with many "diverse people" over 3 decades in the oil patch - it is my heartfelt opinion - that what makes someone "worthy" (or not) - is based on what's inside them (their unselfishness, willingness to work hard, share the burdens with their co-workers, etc.). What makes someone "good" is on the inside, it has nothing to do with their physical appearance, their "funny" accent, skin or hair color - none of the physical traits they were born with. Written by kpf
on 2/21/2009
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Kp,, ""................it is wrong to judge people because of traits they were born with""""? Well if a person cannot judge people by the traits they display then how is one supposed to form an educated opinion? Perhaps it is more correct to try to overlook some of their inefficiencies, or ideological ignorances if they are not held in kind by the same, and/but by the same token when it comes to their constitution as a whole there a judgement should be allowed to be formulated... I'm getting a little tired of the PC world in both senses of the definition.................. Written by
on 2/21/2009
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Let me be more specific. It is NOT wrong to judge people by "choices" they have made - but it is wrong to judge people because of traits they were born with. That's not being PC, it is simply attempting to be an accurate judge of my fellow creatures. If my previous post led you to believe I do not judge people by their membership in various hate groups (KKK, Black Panther Party, Keith Olbermann Show, etc.) then I apologize for misleading you. Written by kpf
on 2/20/2009
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That was some interesting jizz, er uhh, jazz there Yaz... And Kp, nice utopian outlook..... steeped in hypocracy.... Or is there something about the eloquence of a group called "The Black Panthers" that simply goes over my head? Or how about Nazis, or fascists.... Quit being PC and get real....... I get a chuckle out of offending people, because when they really sit down and look at what's been put down, with a little self reflection they may even discover how anal retentive they really are.... Written by
on 2/20/2009
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I will agree with you YAZ, that judging people as a group is wrong - in fact, the greatest evil in the world, IMHO. However as far as Cao "not representing the wishes of his people" goes, then what about the fact that passing this bill was not supported by the majority of our citizens in this country? Doesn't that mean there are hundreds of congresspersons who also did not "represent their <constituents> voices in Congress" - don't they also "deserve someone better" - or does this standard ONLY apply to Republicans? I am alone on this board advocating that "the people" directly vote on major issues - THAT WAY - there is absolutely no question that the "will of the people" is heard. If you do not support this as well, then you must then SUPPORT having our representatives vote AGAINST the people's wishes, time after time after time. It happens often, so why be outraged now just against this one man on this one vote? Written by kpf
on 2/20/2009
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Please, ease up on all the anger. As an AA woman, I do understand the petition the ministers initiated. For your FYI, the ministers know the chances of getting Mr. Cao recalled are slim, they only want to get his attention. It's really unfortunate that some of you blogging don't grasp the fact that people in Congressman Cao's district are disappointed he did not accurately represent their wishes. Most people can understand if Mr. Cao voted against the stimulus package if he represented a predominantly republican area, but in reality he doesn't. With his "no" vote, he decided to put his Party before his constituents. Citizens elect representatives, senators, etc. to be their voice in Congress - not to propagate his or her own political philosophy or personal agenda. You say the people of his district don't deserve him, YOU ARE RIGHT. They deserve better. They deserve someone to represent their voices in Congress -not his or her Party's ideology. People should understand and respect disagreement and different views w/o being demeaning and condescending to others for their dissent. As Americans we're better than that.
For those who believe AA are only unemployed, uneducated and lack discipline--STOP being prejudice, not racist, prejudice. Blacks aren't monolithic just as all Whites are not the same. Pre-judging people as a group only shows the limit your education and lack of comprehension concerning the complexity and diversity in other cultures- in other words, ethnocentrism. I'm convinced people who choose to remain rigid in their thinking, Black or White, are relegated to a life of mental confinement. Having a constricted view of others is one reason Louisiana ranks almost last in the nation for education and modern advancements. At times, it seems Louisiana residents haven't really made any substantial progress since the end of the Civil War. Please people, TAKE THE BRACES OFF YOUR BRAINS. Written by Yaz
on 2/20/2009
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Congressional representatives can not be recalled. Once elected, members of the House of Representatives and Senate can only be removed by a vote in the House or Senate to expel them. Article I, Section 5 of the United States Constitution provides:"Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members....Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behavior, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a member." This is unlikely to occur until a member has been convicted of a crime or other outrageous conduct (sexual harassment of many women over a number of years, in the case of Sen. Bob Packwood.)
The Louisiana state constitution of 1974 provides in Article X, Section 26: "The legislature shall provide by general law for the recall of any state, district, parochial ward, or municipal official except judges of the courts of record." The recall power is limited to the named offices; there is no provision for recall of a member of Congress.
The petition will be dismissed by the Secretary of State.
Written by Richard
on 2/20/2009
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These pastors should read the Constitution. There is no such thing as recalling a member of the House of Representatives. Only the House can judge the qualifications of its members. If the pastors want Mr. Cao out of office, they'll have to persuade the House to expel him. Written by Me
on 2/20/2009
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Typical Third World mentality. Of course they want to recall someone that has values,has risen to prominence by hard work and tenacity. The Reverends are afraid they wont have the bg money coming to support their lexus and mercedes cars as well as their girlfriends. New Orleans will always be a septic tank with nothing but freeloaders and do nothings. These people are so stupid they dont even realize they are more enslaved now than ever before thanks to black politicians. All of these reverends will burn in hell whent he time comes. The Reverends are why New Orleans is a disaster just look at Pump Dady Mayor Nagin. What a joke!!!!
The dr. Written by The Dr.
on 2/19/2009
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As a 2nd District taxpayer, I am glad to call Cao, "my own." The ministers are racists and are also parasites of their people. It would be easier to get the people in this district to sign a petition than to get them to go to the polls for a special recall election (not to mention it's not allowed by Federal law). So in addition to being racists and parasites, they're not too bright either. Written by kpf
on 2/19/2009
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While I sympathize with the people of the 2nd district who are being abandoned by their Congressman, a recall simply isn't the solution. Just replace him in the next election. Written by David Quidd
on 2/19/2009
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The so-called ministers are a disgrace to all clergy. Let them pay taxes if they want to be involved in politics. Real clergy care more for their congregations and the well being of their parishoners. All these people care about is lining their pockets, and at the expense of their parishoners to boot. Written by Louisiana Lou
on 2/19/2009
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lieberman.senate.gov/documents/crs/recalls&removals.pdf - link to a CRS report on the fact that recalls of federal elected officials are not allowed. I am sure the ministers researched the issue before they launched their drive, right? Written by Smoke means Fire
on 2/19/2009
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These are probably the same "ministers" who supported Nagin and Jefferson. Indeed, they be maneuvering to bring the thief back into power. One more note; since churches don't pay taxes and are not supposed to become involved in politics, why don't these "holy" men rush to pay taxes rather than being the parasites on the New Orleans tax payers, few as we are. Written by Noladude
on 2/19/2009
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It would have been rational for these "men of god" at least to have investigated the situation and learned that there is no provision for recalling a sitting Congressman - before exposing themselves to the world. And then we have another elected official who opines that he would sign it (something that does not exist). We truly are in the clutches of the philistines. Written by jackamo
on 2/19/2009
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The 2nd District doesn't deserve an honest man working in their truebest interest. They should have another black predator like Bill Jefferson to make sure that their miserable lives stay just like they are. Written by
on 2/19/2009
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Black people have to start just being PEOPLE. PEOPLE THAT WORK, PEOPLE THAT SUPPORT THEMSELVES, PEOPLE THAT PAY FOR THIER WAY, REGULAR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GET THEIR KIDS IN GOOD SCHOOLS, WANT TO CONTRIBUTE, WANT A SAFE COMMUNITY.
WE REALLY NEED TO GET RID OF THE CRIMINALS AND FREE LOADERS...........AND THE STINKING REVERENDS THAT HIND BEHIND GOD TO SUPPORT THEIVES. I WISH THEM THE WORST IN LIFE, HOPEFULLY THEY WILL GET HIT BY A TRAIN. Written by some day?
on 2/19/2009
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Of course the large number of his constituents want all the government handouts they can get. As long as they can continue to get government dole, they'll remain in a condition to need it. They'll always want it.
Their lucky. They have a congressman with spunk. If others in the district applied the work ethic he has and does, they wouldn't need the dole.
We all can't live off the government. Written by Charlie Stogner
on 2/18/2009
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Lafonta is just a typical DemocRAT who wants something for nothing! Sounds like Nagin? Where is Jefferson? He's not helping his race, but just lining his pockets! Jefferson surely did not help the so-called "starving" people of New Orleans? These people are just Owhampy "losers" who just want money, the "root" of evil! Written by Driver
on 2/18/2009
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What more would you expect from "The Ministers"?? Black kids are falling dead in the streets every day and all they want to dwell on is that some one, not one of their own, voted against the pork barrell give away. And according to the TP this morning the Second District would not have gotten any more or any less if he had voted for it.
The Ministers are still mad that Dollar Bill lost to an outsider. Go Figure! ! ! ! ! Written by UpperUS
on 2/18/2009
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