Sports, Corruption, and Politics... Ah the American Dream

Louisiana congressman William Jefferson was filmed and caught on tape by an FBI informant taking over $100,000 in cash. Police and FBI raided his Washington D.C. office over the weekend, as well as his home outside of Washington. At his home they found $90,000 wrapped in tin foil and hidden in food containers in his freezer. He has also been very active in working with a telecommunications company to try and profit off of the expansion of internet and cable throughout Africa. Some of that money was made in under the table deals with iGate inc. The owner of that company has already pleaded guilty to bribing Rep. Jefferson. Also worthy of mention is the fact that Rep. Jefferson apparently had deals going on with Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Now I am not a genius by any means, and I am all for the American judicial practice of innocent until proven guilty, but I feel that the writing is on the wall on this one. Rep. Jefferson last week apparently denied any wrong doing (what a shock), and his attorney's have said that it is outrageous and part of a "public relations agenda and an attempt to embarrass Jefferson." I feel that Rep. Jefferson may be in a bit of hot water, because last time I checked the only thing I had in my freezer was hot pockets, (well out dated) frost laden ice cream, and various other dinner time selections. $90,000 in cash is somehow not something that we keep in the freezer. I suspect that for the majority of people in this world that is not a widely held practice. I can't wait to see how long this is tied up in court. How much subsequent tax payers money is wasted on this man, and how much new coverage it attracts. With all the recent problems with elected officials and money (lobbyists relations), I'm beginning to wonder how many elected officials we can actually trust. Is anyone in politics for the right reason? Better yet what is the right reason to be in politics?

There was an interesting article in the Minneapolis Star and Tribune yesterday (that is not something I say very often), about the Red Lake Indian reservation and the power they have to control the majority of the lake. There was a DNR (Department of Natural Resources) conservation officer (Greg Spaulding) that wrote in as a private citizen stating that due to treaties and laws the lake is actually owned by the state of Minnesota. Not the city or county, not the reservation, but the State of Minnesota. Now disputes over the rightful owners of lakes and surrounding Indian reservations is not something new to Minnesota law makers. There have been disputes in the past (including one a few years back on Lake Mille Lacs, which the state lost in court), but this is seemingly new evidence in an ongoing, long time fight. I have to admit that I honor and respect the treaties and contracts that Native American Tribes have with the United States and certain states. But this one puzzles me. The Chippewa tribal chairman Floyd Jourdain Jr. said that "the actions of officer Spaulding undermine much of what we have achieved." It seems as though nothing will come of this because even if Mr. Spaulding had a legitimate point, there is very little chance that any court would overturn and rule in favor of the state. It would be a public and political nightmare. The interesting point to me, is that the DNR regularly stocks Red Lake with Walleye, so our tax dollars are going to support Red Lake, yet no one can fish it (except for a tiny corner), unless you are part of the Chippewa tribe. I think that there needs to be some concessions here. This has to be a two way street. I'm not saying to take over the land and build resorts (although that is what would probably eventually happen), I'm saying as long as we are contributing to the health of the lake, let us partake in the recreation that the lake offers. Charge a fee if need be, but it is a shame to have that huge lake, and not let anyone use it.

http://www.startribune.com/767/story/443868.html

On a side note the Twins took two of three in Milwaukee this weekend. The starting pitchers were all young prospects that fair to be the future of the staff. I think that we are in good hands. Also another big thanks to the San Francisco Giants organization for giving us Bonser, Liriano, and Nathan for A.J. Pierzynski. That has got to be one of the biggest steals of all time.