5.10.2006

Confirmed

Convicted Felon and Republican Lobbyist Jack Abramoff visits to the White House are confirmed with the release of Secret Service documents. The records were sought by Judicial Watch, a public interest group curious about Abramoff’s White House connections. A federal judge ordered the records released.

Some definite discrepancies have been discovered, however.

"At first glance, these documents seem incomplete when compared to other White House visitor logs obtained by Judicial Watch. We therefore have reason to believe there are additional details about Jack Abramoff's visits to the White House that have not been disclosed," said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

Could it be possible that the White House is trying to cover up, or dare I say downplay, Abramoff and Bush’s relationship?

So far the Secret Service has only released records of two visits (and probably partials at that). Republicans can spin this however they want, but two visits is one more than is required to confirm that Abramoff had access to the White House and the Bush administration. I’m sure more visits will surface.

*UPDATE: Paul Kiel finds two other visits by Abramoff that are not included in the Secret Service files:

"That means these records don't account for any of the meetings the White House has publicly confirmed: Hannukah receptions in 2001 and 2002, as well as the infamous May 9, 2001, "$25,000 Meeting," of which we have a picture," notes Paul. Apparently, Abramoff was such a high-profile, routine, friendly visitor that he didn't even need to check in with the Secret Service before meeting with Bush. Or in Seinfeld language it's called a pop-in.

**UPDATE, UPDATE: Same day of Abramoff's March 6, 2001 visit Bush nominates Abramoff's colleague and associate to be Assistant Secretary of Labor, Patrick Pizzella. Talk about an effective pop-in. This guy can walk straight into the president's office and leave with his buddy a new government job.

***UPDATE, again: Wonder why a May 9, 2001 meeting with Bush and Abramoff both present isn't included in the Secret Service logs? Here's a pic to prove the meeting took place. That makes three visits not accounted for in the Secret Service logs. When you're ordered by a federal judge to turn over documents, isn't it illegal when you do turn over the documents and they have either been altered or incomplete? In contempt possibly? Does that make 751 laws the Bush administration as ignored or disobeyed?

Tags:
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9 comments:

Rex Kramer, Danger Seeker said...

I have it on the highest authority (*cough*Harriet Miers*cough*) that there is a simple explanation for Our Fearless Leader's reluctance to admit the scope of his friendship with Jack.

You see, truth be told, it was actually Abramoff, an expert angler, who caught that 7.5 pound perch the President claims to have landed. As you might expect, being caught in this little fish tale (the first lie ever told by Bush, btw) is slightly embarassing.

I hope this clears everything up.

Bukko Boomeranger said...

It doesn't matter what the true truth is. The talking point truth that they can use forever on Faux News is that "Abramoff only visited the White House twice. The Secret Service said so. So what's all the fuss about?" That will be repeated over and over. You have to understand that when the White House speaks, it's not speaking to you or me. And especially it's not speaking to the facts. It's speaking to the likes of Phony Snow and Loofah O'Reilly. The White House lies and they spread the lies to the ignoramuses who don't bother to seek the truth. And judging from the poll numbers in America, there are still quite a few people who don't care about the truth.

Kent said...

How much time do you suppose Harry Reid and Abramoff spent together? I bet it is way more than an hour.

Anonymous said...

Something smells foul... Can you smell it?

Chris said...

Cowgirl, oh yeah I was update crazy yesterday. I'm sure as I was typing all those updates I had a big grin on my face :)

Kramer, I thought it was a 5.5lb perch? Thanks for reading. I will check out your site.

bukko, I'll cut ya some slack cause I think you are on my side here. But I must add that the White House isn't speaking at all. They are quiet as can be. But judging from the poll numbers in America, Bush is at 31% approval ratings. I'm not sure what "quite a few people who don't care about the truth," you could be refering to. Bush's boat is sinking. A fat lady will be walking through the door any day now.

Chris said...

Kent, I'm betting zero.

Shayna, all I smell is you ;)

Anonymous said...

What are you saying... I'm as foul as the Bush Administration???? How cruel.... Errrrrrr! :)

Jacob said...

I bet zero two.

If it walks like a duck.

Anonymous said...

I keep forgetting Chris is mj.

I'm waiting for the simple explanation for simpletons.