The Dukester

Randall "Duke" or "D-bag" Cunningham, whichever you prefer, makes the top of the D-bag list today. Why you ask? Is it because of the disgrace that he has brought upon his party, friends, family, or himself by taking bribes? No. It's because he had the stupidity, or arrogance, to write out a "bribe menu" (left) on his own congressional notepad.

The "menu" was submitted at Cunningham's sentencing hearing on Friday. The numbers in the left column represent government defense contracts in millions of dollars. The column on the right represents bribes in thousands of dollars. The BT is an abbreviation for boat. I'm assuming this is a reference to Cunningham's Washington based yacht, the "Dukester". Bribes go up in increments of $50,000 until the $21 million mark where "Duke" offers a discount of $25,000 per million in defense contracts. "Duke" is facing 10 years in federal prison. His arrogance and contempt for our political system make him a bona fide D-bag.

Kane.......Rob Kane

Robert Kane is on trial in Anchorage, AK for failing to register an explosive device. He allegedly imported rocket launchers to be mounted on his Czech made Soviet bloc warplanes which his company privately owns. Kane seems to be a con artist who has posed as a Navy SEAL, FBI agent, and intelligence operative. His planes have Commander Kane stenciled below the cockpit. Kane also has a number of military medals in his posssesion even though there is no record of his service in the military. When arrested, Kane had a briefcase whith FBI, CIA, and NSA Id's along with several large checks made out to his aviation company. Kane's lawyer insists that he has done "freelance" intelligence work for government agencies, which of course can't be proven. It looks like Kane used his imaginary life to con people out of money and to be more successfull with the ladies. Importing eastern european rocket launchers proved to be a D-bag idea. Way to go Rob.

Chip's Ahoy

Today's D-bag is State Sen. Chip Rogers- (R-Woodstock). "Chip" is sponsoring Senate bill 529- "Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act." While I am in favor of one part of the bill that sets tough penalties in cases of human trafficking, the rest of the bill seems to be an attempt to collect more revenue from illegals and industries that hire them under the guise of limiting free social services. The law forces employers who hire contract laborers, those who fill out a 1099 form, to provide acceptable I-9 documents (SS card, driver's license, military ID, etc.) Companies that do not comply will be heavily fined. This bill will do nothing to slow illegal immigration in Georgia, it will only limit the employment options and upward mobility of immigrants. It seems to me that those who have less employment options will be more of a burden on social services, which the bill aims to stop by ensuring residency status in the application process. Setting up barriers against assimilation is not the way to address Georgia's illegal immigration issue. It's a D-bag political move. Link to read the bill here.

icoolness

Apple announced today that iTunes downloads have passed the 1billion mark. This milestone for apple brings us to todays douchebag- Me. I've finally surrendered to the pop culture trend gods and purchased an iPod nano today. This will allow me to completely isolate myself from any social contact with strangers as I will effectively live in my own music world wherever I go. Thanks for making me a D-bag apple.

Family Tradition

Herman Talmadge III, great grandson of Georgia Governor Eugene Talmadge was arrested today and could be charged with aggravated assualt and kidnaping. He allegedly followed a pizza deliveryman, forced him out of his car, and proceeded to pistol-whip him repeatedly.

Talmadge unsucessfully ran for Henry County Commision Chairman in 2004 and is currently the Assisitant Finance Chairman of the Henry County Republican Party. His lawyer released a statement claiming the incident was brought on by "mania" induced by his medication. This "mania" may run in the family as his father, Herman Talmadge Jr. was arrested for disorderly conduct and a pistol permit violation in early December. Lookin' good Mr. Talmadge. Link to AP story here.

Silver Medal

Today's first runner up is House Rules Chairman Earl Erhart (R-Powder Springs). Erhart would like to further indenture po' folks by raising the ceiling on interest rates for car title loans. The existing 300% does not seem punishing enough. Way to go Earl.