Today, two dozen leading ministers in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes officially endorsed Congressman Bill Jefferson in his campaign for re-election. The ministers included Bishop Paul Morton of the Greater St. Stephen Ministries and Rev. Tom Watson of the Watson Memorial Teaching Ministries. The ministers claimed that Jefferson was a man of "integrity" who could not be replaced during this critical time.
This is a pitiful situation that reflects poorly on the ministers and churches involved. It is very sad that supposedly respectable religious leaders would condone unethical and possibly illegal behavior.
For years, Bill Jefferson was known by his nickname "Dollar Bill," but charges of political corruption have never been proven in court. Federal prosecutors will get their opportunity to prove their case in the trial set to begin in December. Jefferson is facing a 16-count indictment on a variety of charges including racketeering, bribery, fraud and money laundering. If Jefferson is found guilty he could spend the rest of his life in jail.
During the trial, the congressman will also be asked to adequately explain why he was storing $90,000 in cash with his frozen foods.Jefferson was involved in a complex set of business dealings with a Kentucky company and African government officials. He was caught on tape shaking down a confidential informant, who was so upset by his actions that she contacted the authorities.
The corruption is so widespread that several Jefferson family members are also facing indictment. Yet, the charges of illegal behavior extend to others connected to Jefferson. For example, on Friday, former State Senator Derrick Shepherd pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, as part of an unsavory scheme with a indicted bond broker and Jefferson associate. Federal prosecutors maintain that the entire arrangement was a deal to payback Shepherd for his endorsement of Jefferson in the 2006 congressional runoff.
It is clear that Jefferson is tainted by scandal and corruption, so it is somewhat amazing that religious leaders and ministers would want to support such a candidate. These leaders are influential with their parishioners so these endorsements will help Jefferson win another term.
What are the reasons for this questionable endorsement? Possibly, these ministers might want to associate with a winner and have maintain their influence with Jefferson.Another factor could be racial solidarity as the ministers are supporting an African American candidate instead of his Hispanic rival HelenaMoreno. In addition, the ministers might agree with Jefferson's liberal political philosophy or support him because of their past support. Yet, tradition is not a valid reason for supporting Jefferson because circumstances have changed dramatically. Since the last election, Jefferson and his family members have been indicted.
For whatever reason, this endorsement is a shortsighted decision because Jefferson has not delivered jobs or constituent services for his district. Unlike his congressional counterparts, Jefferson does not hold town hall meetings or meet regularly with groups of his constituents.
It is very scary for the ministers to overlook all of Jefferson's many moral failings and support such an elected official. It calls into question the judgment of the ministers and leads many people to question what type of deal was arranged for this support. In the past, some ministers would financially benefit from political endorsements, so it is not surprising that many skeptics will view this endorsement as nothing more than just another financial transaction.
Jeff Crouere is the Host of “Ringside Politics,” which airs at 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 10:00 p.m. Sun. on WLAE-TV 32, a PBS station, and 7 till 11 a.m. weekdays on WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans and the Northshore. He is the Political Analyst for WGNO-TV ABC26 and the Political Editor for NewOrleans.com. For more information, visit his web site at RingsidePolitics.com. E-mail him at jeff@ringsidepolitics.com
You silly wabbit, Tee doesn't respond well to confrontation, he would much rather be the confronter, or the acoster which is more like it.......... Acts an awful lot like a commie if you ask me................ Written by
on 10/18/2008
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Yeah, still no word from Tee Dub here. We all know why. He's been riding that stale "Harry Lee - Jefferson Parish put Jefferson in office" BS since the last election. This time, he'll have no one to blame Jefferson on except his corrupt, ignorant, selfish, manipulated black voting block. Ha, ha, ha.... The laugh's going to be on you this time, with no smokescreen to hide behind, Tee. Written by
on 10/18/2008
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Can't believe the Amazing Tee hasn't commented on this story. Maybe if he ignores it, he can convince himself it never happened. That must explain how he developed his sense of "reality." Written by
on 10/17/2008
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"...he is one of many that are being installed in positions that are intended to be the influential catalysts that lead to the downfall of the sovereign independence of this Nation" - I think you are correct. The problem is if one points out how modern day world leaders are easily connected to "one worlder" quotes or councils or that true competitive free enterprise has been replaced by "capitalism" that is nothing more than a system controlled by industrial monopolists and international bankers, one is discounted as a "kook." By having made a majority of Americans dependant upon government generosity, these forces have all but won. Written by it's hopeless; drink, dance & enjoy the festivals
on 10/15/2008
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KPF, it is not the politicians, they don’t even have the slightest clue as to what is right or wrong…. Look at dipstick Jindal……. Tremendous advantages and leveraging powers are possible with the provisions of aid that are posted on www.strongconcrete.com, does he pay attention? No….. And why? My personal opinion is that he is one of many that are being installed in positions that are intended to be the influential catalysts that lead to the downfall of the sovereign independence of this Nation and its eventual homogenization into a ‘New World Order’ that is nothing but a curtain call…….. There is a faction within our ranks that is pushing for our demise…….. It is all too obvious……… And everyone sits around cowering with their tails tucked between their legs not willing to make a stand for fear of losing what little semblance of comfort they think they have……… Oh, but it is against the law to insinuate an uprising on the internet, the dream police or the mind police or the Gestapo can come take a person away for suggesting something such as that, or even making a nuance directed or perceived as being such…… The double speak-speak talk is coming on……….. Look at McCain, he has to tone his rhetoric down to be palatable for the opposition…….. What a mother f…..g joke!!!!! Right now there is only one issue that faces this nation…… Are we, as a whole, going to allow one party, the Democrats to control BOTH houses AND the Presidency as well????????? I had high hopes for the Republican leadership over the course of the past almost 4 years…… It went to crap in a handbasket………….. We have to focus on leadership, productivity, value, and COST along with their associated abstracts……….. It is sad to see the majority cowering in a corner, or being so segmented or fractionalized that it is of no use whatsoever……. A bunch of mindless, purposeless, misguided fools….. And then you have STEVO with his paranoid rantings about David Duke….. So David Duke what…… And EVERYTHING is supposed to be racial………… No, it should be societal……. This racism thing is the smoke and mirrors, the great confuser that clouds men’s decision making processes and ultimate pursuits…… The media is biased, it is running counterproductive to what our nation truly stands for, and at this very moment in time truly needs…… A man should be recognized for his value, and that advocated most strenuously…. And that right now or there is going to be hell to pay…………………… There is nothing to fear, except stupidity itself……… Wutever……………………………. Written by
on 10/15/2008
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My definition of "optimism" is that the folks in D.C. won't be so foolish as to completely destroy our economy (I'm not ACTUALLY certain of this however, the present "bailout" aka "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic" exercise is precisely the wrong approach - that is "rewarding foolish economic decisions" as opposed to letting "profit and loss" guide such matters). The strength of America is our economy, and hopefully the bloodsuckers are smart enough to not kill the host (or... maybe not). I would gladly change the government dependency mindset and its accompanying "something for nothing" concept so prevalent in our population if I could - but I cannot and it isn't going to just "go away" - so I will simply take the lesser of two evils (Obama vs. HRH Hillary Clinton) although neither one would be my preference as our president. I do not need to see an optometrist to see that this country is headed in the wrong direction, but WTF can I do about it? It is not only festivals that I like about the Cajun culture. There is a sense of family, friendliness and yes... the food and music that I find nowhere else. It makes this piece of the planet special and so I'll put up with crap (political shenanigans, pot holes, poor schools, etc.) that would cause me to leave other locations. Written by kpf
on 10/15/2008
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I would suppose optimism is the reason why you hear that "sucking sound"..... Optimism implies that you are willing to go along with the 'crowd'...... I would suppose that is evident due to the fact that what keeps you around are the 'cajun' festivals......... Myself, I prefer to take stock in a ragin' Cajun, if any of those truely do exist anymore. Optimism, I think a person that a person needs to visit a different optomitrist to get a different view on things if that is what a person's discipline is based upon................................. Written by
on 10/15/2008
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Thank you KjunLady, I try to be optimistic and hope either candidate will do right by the American public – this despite my doubts about EVERY politician. I imagine where we differ is that I worry about "that giant sucking sound" of my income going to the Federal government if the Dems get the Presidency, the House and a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. So although I do not fear an Obama presidency I do hope the Republicans maintain enough seats in the Senate to prevent the spending frenzy that the previously mentioned conditions would allow. I would feel no different if the situation were reversed, as it is important that neither party have "free reign" without having to compromise with the opposition party, IMHO. BTW, I do not know how "Kjun" you are but as long as there is Cajun culture in South Louisiana, then South Louisiana is where this old man prefers to live. Last weekend's Festivals Acadian in Lafayette is but the latest example of "dat cajin" allure that keeps me here despite all of our state's problems. Written by sunny one
on 10/15/2008
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Lost in the buzzyhaze................... O.K. These 'ministers' that support Jefferson? Well, 10K was missing immediately from the 100K that Dollar Bill was video taped recieving... funny, 10% that is a tithe churches get. So it is fair to assume the preachers got their 'tithes'..... The ones that are backing this fraud....... Bunch of whoremongers is what they..... Just like Martin Luther King........... Another whoremonger....... Blacks were making it happen in the 60's........ They didn't need Martin Luther King, he was a nobody on a bandwagon for personal fame and glory...... Good ridiance to him...... I put more stock in Aretha Franklin that I do Martin Luther King anyday........ Bill Cosby, folks like that......... You want the real Martin Luther, read your history.... 1548 a.d..... A true christian, a true enlightener of mankind.... Without him, you probably wouldn't even enjoy the religious freedoms you now think you aspire to........ Read your history, quit being fooled by these jackasses that claim to be leaders for God..... What a joke......... God Bless America....................... Written by
on 10/14/2008
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No, it was not sarcasim you imitator you............. Read your history, get the facts...... Bunch of sheep............................. Written by
on 10/14/2008
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Hey guys, the first slave post was sarcasm. Did anyone read far enough to get to the pimp suits and baggy pants part? He/she was trying to beat Tee Dub to the punch. Written by
on 10/14/2008
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The ministers' stated reasons included not only their belief that Rep. Jefferson is/was someone with integrity, but that they wanted an experienced representative in Washington. I agree that backing an indicted Congressman for reelection doesn't make sense. Pollster Silas Lee said, after Rep.Jefferson made the runoff with challenger Helena Moreno, that black voters are very forgiving of candidates they support, when those candidates are in the kind of trouble Rep. Jefferson is in. I would expect that a group of black ministers would hold Rep. Jefferson to a much higher moral standard, but that doesn't seem to be the case. They seem more concerned about having an experienced representative in Washington, than about the kind of "experience" Rep. Jefferson has had, and about just what he's done since being stripped of his committee assignments and positions. How can he help these ministers, or any of us, if he is unable to bring back to Louisiana job opportunities or investments? What does it say about him when his indictment focuses on his choice of business associates, his illegal/unethical attempts to use his position to cash in on Africa's fiberoptics business potential, and his decision to stash $90,000 in marked cash in his freezer? Then, he tries to explain why he's at his house in New Orleans days after Hurricane Katrina, when the city was closed to the rest of us, and accompanied by Secret Service agents.
Perhaps, the ministers want to give him another chance, or they made it clear to him that their endorsement came with the understanding that his future actions would no longer include the unethical conduct he clearly used to get the contract with the African government. Maybe, most disturbingly, his contacts, and not his conduct, in Washington, are all these ministers really care about. Written by Wendy King
on 10/14/2008
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Because the facts of the matters are; The first REGISTERED slave in America was owned by a black man in South Carolina.... Check it out, and then go spew to someone who is ignorant or stupid about the excuses that complete ranting and raving azzholes use these days to do stupid stunts all day long...... Get an education folks!!!!!! The whole black plight thing is one of the biggest shams in American history..................... Written by
on 10/14/2008
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Hope these ministers rot in hell for supporting a known theif. And "innocent until proven guilty" is a great concept, but in the case of marked fbi bribery sting money found in his freezer, clearly he is a theif and a liar. MINISTERS WHO SUPPORT A CROOK LIKE JEFFERSON JUST BECAUSE HE IS BLACK ARE A VERY VERY BAD PART OF SOCIETY BEING A ROTTEN ROLE MODEL. MAY THEY ALL BURN IN HELL. Written by Ministers are theives
on 10/14/2008
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"If your ancestors had been brought over in chains, treated like animals, denied the right to vote for 200 years, subjected to discrimination and substandard education... then you might understand why you'd respect preachers who condone the reelection of one of the most corrupt, cynical, and counterproductive politicians in the history of democracy." CORRECTION......SHOULD READ "If your ancestors had been brought over in chains, treated like animals, BY BLACK PEOPLE WHO DOMIATED THE SLAVE TRADE AND SOME HOW GOT A FREE TICKET OUT (GUESS BECAUSE BLACKS NEVER TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR THEIR ACTIONS).........." FUNNY THING. BLACKS WHO CREATED THE SLAVE TRADE GET A FREE RIDE AND WHITE PEOPLE WHO FOUGHT AND DIED TO FREE THE SLAVES NEVER GET CREDIT. what's with that??? Written by CORRECTION!!!!
on 10/14/2008
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Dear Sunny- I LIKE your attitude:) Written by KjunLady
on 10/14/2008
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Oh waaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, some poor black people wore some chains a couple of hundred years ago!!!! The only reason folks were stuck with black slaves instead of white slaves is because the white folks got tired of being slaves a several hundreds of years before that…. Get a life folks… sheesh, you are so misinformed and so propagandized it is unreal……. In fact, the left overs that hit our shores were merely those that were going to get their necks wrung or cut off like a chicken anyways because their conquering masters over in Africa (you know, like Obutu’s rivaling brother in law across the savannah that was jealous of all the wives and cows he had so he got his little band of shites to go butcher them, and the remnants that they didn’t feel like sodomizing, or raping because they were so butt ugly, or force to work because they were so backward primitive as in being the stone age that they didn’t even know how to manufacture steel, they sold to the Portuguese or others to broker off to the west as laborers in the cane fields.). couldn’t afford to feed them……. A sense of belonging? Yeah right. Let’s see now, they were given two choices… 40 acres and a mule, or their very own country protected by the United States called Liberia, we bought that chunk of real estate over there in Africa just for them…. And look at it now…. Another piece of crap, mismanaged, misgoverned, worthless piece of African real estate…… In 1102 Trade in slaves and serfdom was ruled illegal in London. In 1117 Slavery was abolished in Iceland, wasn’t a Negro in sight.. For thousands of miles….. In 1274 slavery was abolished in Norway, never heard of no Black Vikings, although I have heard of Erick the ‘Red’, and 1492 was still a long way away, I wonder what color those people could have been? In 1335 Sweden and Finland make slavery illegal. Ever seen a naturally blonde Negro with blue eyes? I haven’t…… In 1600 the last villein died in England, and no he wasn’t black, or brown, or high yallar…. In 1723 Russia abolishes slavery….. Not aware of too many Negros that lived there, I have heard of ‘Black Cossacks’ though…. In 1777 Slavery was abolished in Vermont 1 year after the declaration of independence. Massachusetts, abolished slavery in 1780, 3 years after the declaration of Independence…. (actually it was a court case, but it was the same thing……. And pretty much within years the North was ‘free’ and blacks owned businesses, were free, they could go to Canada if they wanted…..What is the big friggen problem here??? Oh, I know, we want to bring up the pity party for the po-po-po slaves that were fed, clothed, doctored, housed, and all they had to do was a little work around the plantation for ‘Massah’ In fact, it has been estimated that less than 1% of the population of the ‘Americas’ in the Northern Hemisphere owned slaves….. This is such a non issue, it isn’t even worth writing about… Y’all need to educate yourself and quite falling for the bovine scatology pity stories…… If they don’t want to work, let them forage for food off the land just like many of our Grandpa’s did…………………… Morons…………. And screw Obama, he is another con artist…………… Written by
on 10/14/2008
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I will repeat what I heard last week on WBOK's "Talk Back - Talk Black" radio show. Although there were some who supported Bill Jefferson because "they" were after him, there were also some who said he is a disgrace, a crook and does not deserve anyone's vote. He may not win (not that I'd bet money against that, mind you). I truly believe if Obama is elected that one consequence will be a greater sense of belonging in our black communities and that alough his election will expand many socialistic policies short term that the long term effect will be towards more success and self sufficiency among those who "have no hope" and make up a largely permanent underclass. I also believe that if elected McCain - and yes Palin as well - will institute reforms that will lessen the influence the big central banking interests have over our governance. Written by it' s sunny on both sides of the street
on 10/14/2008
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If your ancestors had been brought over in chains, treated like animals, denied the right to vote for 200 years, subjected to discrimination and substandard education... then you might understand why you'd respect preachers who condone the reelection of one of the most corrupt, cynical, and counterproductive politicians in the history of democracy. Try walking a mile in their pimp suits and baggy pants, before you cast the first stone. (With apologies to Tee Dub). Written by
on 10/14/2008
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Finally, the religious LEFT. Written by been waiting
on 10/14/2008
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Jeff, your question "is race the issue" is by far the most rhetorical question I have ever heard, and I have been following politics and current events for over 40 years. Race is not an important issue to these hypocrites of the cloth---it's the ONLY issue that matters. They can never preach honesty, integrity, and "thou shall not steal" from the pulpit. Fact is, they are what they are: racists and hypocrites. As long as there are enough of these types of ignorant, bigoted voters around, "Dollar Bill" has it made, to the shame and disgrace of all of us who live in this area. Written by Randall
on 10/13/2008
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"Maybe some of that cold cash was supposed to go in the collection plate?"...LOL!....Touche` Sid.
Written by KjunLady
on 10/13/2008
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Get serious you need to get going with your racial politics. Written by gotigers
on 10/13/2008
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these people have no right to be ministers God's word Written by gotigers
on 10/13/2008
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My goodness, dears, should the IRS not take a look at these ministers and their endorsements. Are they leaders of non-profit religious organizations and calling for the election of a particular individual? Is this not questionable or a downright violation of law? HMMMMMM - gives one a lot to think about. Written by RhettsWife
on 10/13/2008
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Maybe some of that cold cash was supposed to go in the collection plate? Written by Sid
on 10/13/2008
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I totally agree that supporting Jefferson is not right or smart - but it just goes to show the state of America. This is how white America has always played it, why is it so different when black Americans do the same thing? Written by Get serious
on 10/13/2008
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You are so right Jeff. It is sad and reflects poorly on the ministers; but only with those people who have morals and don't condone Dollar Bill's unethical and illeagel behavior. And therein lies the problem. People who vote solely on race are voting unintelligently. Written by Louisiana Lou
on 10/13/2008
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Jeff says, " Another factor could be racial solidarity as the ministers are supporting an African American candidate instead of his Hispanic rival Helena Moreno."...... Bingo!....And that's appalling... And, who considers Helena Moreno to be Hispanic? (only her hairdresser knows for sure)... She's new - but, she can pull the lever to represent her constituency. Our country is uniting behind an African American president... Let's not divide ourselves again- by electing THE BAD GUY-- just because he's black... Question: Would Barack Obama approve of Jail-Bird-Jefferson's election? (No way.) Written by KjunLady
on 10/13/2008
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Booooooring! zzzzzzzz...Jeff, go back to your previous job as hackneyed pundit and pontificator of the Presidential election. That generated way more laughs! Written by Greg
on 10/13/2008
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