Author Topic: Duke Cunningham (Read 1031 times)

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2005, 10:11:09 PM »

Thanks.

Sandman · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2005, 10:11:58 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Maverick
What does it mean when someone says "it doesn't look good"????

From what the article said Cunningham sold his house. AFAIK there is no law saying he can't sell it to someone that contracts with the govt. especially if it isn't with Cunninham's area of duty in Congress.

Sheesh either make an allegation of actual wrongdoing or keep quiet about it. This trial by media and innuendo has gotten old.

I'll speak plainly... if a politician sells a house way above the market value, one has to wonder if he's corrupt.

That said, it's up to his constituents to decide (at the polls) because I doubt there's enough here to do anything about it in a court.

All politics aside, I think politicians should be smart enough to avoid situations like this. They are after all, public servants.

On the other hand... it might just be a big fat misunderstanding and Mitchell Wade is a complete moron.

john9001 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 15, 2005, 10:21:46 PM »

unlike some who claim to be, cunningham was a REAL war hero, using superior pilot skills he out maneuvered and shot down a north Vietnamese fighter ace in a 1 v 1, so if he took a alleged bribe it's ok with me, we owe it to him.

Sandman · « **Reply #18 on:** June 15, 2005, 10:27:19 PM »

... but that's where we draw the line. Anything worse than simple corruption and he's gone.

JB88 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 15, 2005, 10:29:06 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Toad
^
|

There's the fork in the thread. It either now takes the high road or the low road.

There's other ways to convey your opinion John.

sigh.

Toad · « **Reply #20 on:** June 15, 2005, 10:36:03 PM »

I admire Cunningham as a fighter pilot immensely. He did well at it, I never heard anyone that was around him say that he was anything less than a tiger and he tells his tales well. for his service.

Now, I also view that as separate from his duty as a Congressman.

IF this is an under the table deal, be it bribe, kickback, or whatever, his "hero status" as an Ace should have no impact on what happens to him.

If he broke the law, he broke the law. Accountability, responsibility.

He won't be the first hero to "turn a trick".

It may all be legit; remember, first reports are usually wrong.

Give it a bit of time; there's going to be an investigation. No need to libel a good man and absolutely no need to excuse a crook.

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #21 on:** June 15, 2005, 11:02:29 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by john9001
unlike some who claim to be, cunningham was a REAL war hero, using superior pilot skills he out maneuvered and shot down a north Vietnamese fighter ace in a 1 v 1, so if he took a alleged bribe it's ok with me, we owe it to him.

I'm a Duke Cunningham fan, but if he took a bribe, he was wrong, and I'll be terribly disappointed in him. Being an ace doesn't give you a free pass. In fact, I think it means you have a higher standard to uphold.

Pongo · « **Reply #22 on:** June 15, 2005, 11:06:23 PM »

When 100s of millions worth of war fighing contracts are awarded to the guy with the cleverest bribing scheme and not to the guy with the best services for the dollar young soldiers you have never heard of die for it.
They are not heros I guess. They dont matter.

Gunslinger · « **Reply #23 on:** June 15, 2005, 11:33:55 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Pongo
When 100s of millions worth of war fighing contracts are awarded to the guy with the cleverest bribing scheme and not to the guy with the best services for the dollar young soldiers you have never heard of die for it.
They are not heros I guess. They dont matter.

yea but like most articles that criticise war contracts you never hear what they were contracted for nor if they were the best offer/value. They could have been the ONLY bids on those contracts but the fact that they got them and Duke who has nothing to do with them getting them have an assumed shady real estate deal thats supposed to make this look bad?

I don't know either way but I just don't assume this is bad, there's not enough info here to make any kind of judement.

Sandman · « **Reply #24 on:** June 15, 2005, 11:57:05 PM »

Another Linky

Quote

My whole life I've lived aboveboard," Cunningham said. "I've never even smoked a marijuana cigarette.

Kinda funny actually... we've had a lot of talk around here about statements that are irrelevant to the discussion.

Okay Randy, what does marijuana have to do with real estate? Was Wade smoking it?

Doh... my eyes must have glazed right over that little gem on the first link.

rpm · « **Reply #25 on:** June 15, 2005, 11:57:14 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Captain Virgil Hilts
I'm a Duke Cunningham fan, but if he took a bribe, he was wrong, and I'll be terribly disappointed in him. Being an ace doesn't give you a free pass. In fact, I think it means you have a higher standard to uphold.

I agree 100%. Cunningham also suffered a broken back ejecting from his severely SAM damaged plane after his famous dogfight. I personally think he is a straight arrow and that a single Represenative yields little power in awarding contracts.

If there were other similar houses that sold for similar amounts in the region, it is a tempest in a teapot. HOWEVER, if there was hanky-panky involved he should be given the full Pete Rose treatment.

Masherbrum · « **Reply #26 on:** June 16, 2005, 12:40:50 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Toad
I admire Cunningham as a fighter pilot immensely. He did well at it, I never heard anyone that was around him say that he was anything less than a tiger and he tells his tales well. for his service.

Now, I also view that as separate from his duty as a Congressman.

IF this is an under the table deal, be it bribe, kickback, or whatever, his "hero status" as an Ace should have no impact on what happens to him.

If he broke the law, he broke the law. Accountability, responsibility.

He won't be the first hero to "turn a trick".

It may all be legit; remember, first reports are usually wrong.

Give it a bit of time; there's going to be an investigation. No need to libel a good man and absolutely no need to excuse a crook.

Preach to us Brother Toad!

I concur,

Karaya

Hangtime · « **Reply #27 on:** June 16, 2005, 12:56:25 AM »

Fer cripes sakes..

It's how the 'beltway' works.. yah do yer time wearing the uniform, after yer out; unless yah wanna sell hot dogs or be a carnie exibit, you go take yer warfighting skills to the defense business.

Eventually, you take yer fame and corporate savvy to the political arena.. Now if one of the companys you've done business with/for donates to your campaign or buys your house and you pay yer taxes & report the transactions then wtf is wrong?

Cripes.. has it become un-american to make a gawdamned living?

Toad · « **Reply #28 on:** June 16, 2005, 01:14:53 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Hangtime
then wtf is wrong?

This part:

donates to your campaign or buys your house and you pay yer taxes & report the transactions

If the reports so far are accurate.

removed the inadvertent shout[/edit>

Hangtime · « **Reply #29 on:** June 16, 2005, 01:25:27 AM »

Toad, have they got the tax and declarations stuff yet? Nothin I've read so far has indicated he's not played ball by the rules..

Did I miss something?
(I musta, cause yah usually don't yell...)

Oh, btw; if my cat has kittens I'm gonna name one after yah.