Ruken - agreed

bill-1260019 - non sequiturs are terrible

bring out the check book? all of them need to go to jail for embezzelment cause that's what it is

I'm afraid it's just the tip of the iceburg. Bill yes we spend more in Iraq and we need to reduce the military, but two wrongs don't me a right.

Iv been to court 4 times and the Im sorry and take full responsiblity thing has never worked for me. If i stole that kinda money from tax payers i would be in jail for 20 years. ALL these people need to serve jail time we cant just forget about fraud like this and we need to start prosicuting or else they will keep doing it.

Where I was raised, it was taught that if you have to say your sorry, you shouldn't have done it in the first place.

The hell with their apology. Give them all PRISON TIME!

"Martha Johnson, who resigned this month as head of the General Services Administration, apologized Monday for a Las Vegas conference in 2010 that cost $823,000 and led to the ouster of the agency's top leaders."

We would all accept her apologies if this is the only incident. We ALL know that this is going on every time and it will never stop. There is just too much government waste/abuse.

2 words to end this waste. RON PAUL

President Obama should be upset about this waste. Just think of the "investments" he could have made with this money. Oh well, just raise taxes on anyone making over $250,000 and he can continue his "investing".

This whole administration is looking worse every day. Where are the adults we keep hearing about? Not in the GSA, not in the Secret Service, not in the Justice Department, not in the BATF. Where are they???

The GSA spending was very excessive. Do we need to compound this by 4 separate investigations. Why wouldn't one do? Investigations are not free.

How hilarious that one corrupt fat Government agency will investigate another. When the people we elect have to play and live by the same rules we do then only will we see true reform. As it is we vote a person into elitism.

But we can not quit bickering long enough to come together on anything.

And our government wonders why its citizens distrust them so? Really? This woman and all the rest that attended these parties should be made to pay for EVERY CENT wasted and then they should all be FIRED. No pension money for these morons. They sit there and waste hundreds of thousands while real people are hurting: losing their jobs, homes, etc. Apparently Washington DC is too close to NYC where the real criminals live. Guess Wall Street and Congress's bad behavior has rubbed off on these "civil servants".

Most don't know this, but there are two ways to amend the Constitution.

1 Congress proposes one. If they pass it, it goes to the states and if three quarters of the states ratify, it becomes and Amendment.

2 This one has never been done, but it is in the Constitution. If two thirds of the states demand one. If three quarters of the states demand one, it would be considered ratified and become an Amendment.

My proposal. Get a proposition on the ballot in all 50 states to demand repeal the Sixteenth Amendment, the governments right to tax. Then let them come begging for money after they prove they can use "our" money responsibly.

A well read one though.

Personally, I don't care what Administration allowed this fiasco to occur.

It's horrible and consequences should fall on ALL SHOULDERS that planned, designed and augmented this waste of TAX PAYER money!

johnA well read one though.

lol john there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom, you can have all the knowledge in the world but without wisdom it is worthless

i like that your thinking about reforming our taxing system but getting rid of entirely is just plain suicide as a nation

if you think about it some around 60%-80% (not sure on the numbers) of government funding comes from taxes so if the government cant tax then the government cant function

and truth be told most normal people don't mind being taxed what THEY care about is tax fairness

Since they'll never do jail time or have to pay the money back, just hang all of them for treason already and be done with it sheesh!

This is going on and, meanwhile, people want to cut funding to poor women and children, slash teacher salaries, etc...

It's all a disgrace.

It is time we make them repay the money they mishandled, misused. Take it away from their serverance pay, because I am sure they were given that when they resigned!

bigbenalaska

Under Obama's watch again

are you going to blame everything bad that happens on obama?

annoyedperson

I understand everything you wrote, and you are correct. But I don't think it would be a bad thing to teach them a little humility though. It is us that is supposed to rule them, right?

If the AMERICAN CITIZENS don't start DEMANDING jail time and retirement and "Entitlements" stripped from elected officals caught in this kind of FRAUD, this country will be broke in 8 years. This group needs to be sitting right beside Bernard Madoff. That's assuming he's even in a jail and not a freaking country club.

john

It is us that is supposed to rule them

eh not really the government is to protect and represent us but we don't rule them. we can choose who leads us and we can remove defective leaders, but only if people vote

now showing them some humility is not a bad idea

annoyedperson

Actually, the definition of representative is our voice that they are supposed to project, so we are supposed to rule them.

Barabas

Do you honestly think that religion has anything to do with this? Something tells me that if you had your way, we'd be in a theocracy. If you're sick of all the "socialism" that isn't really there in the first place, my advise is to move to a country like Iran which seems more in line with your type of thinking.

You also state that the government is "sinful" and we need to place our healthcare system in the hands of the private sector (where they have "some sense of integrity and and personal responsibility free from govt. intrusion can blossom and freedom and liberty is the freedom form government forcing its citizens to buy a certain form of commerce.") I know that republicans hate to think about the last 8 years they occupied the White House, but I must remind you that the lack of government regulations and allowing the private sector to self regulate is what gave us the worst economic collapse since the Great Depression. You're basically saying that our answer to get out of this mess is to repeat exactly what got us into it in the first place.

One more thing, "leftists" don't use charity and helping the weak as a "wedge issue." We actually believe in helping those who are less fortunate. There's nothing more hypocritical than "religious" people who chastise democrats for helping the poor while backing republicans who want to cut programs that help the needy.

I bet she was making a troll face as she was apologizing. This time next week she'll be working as an executive in the private sector.

Apology NOT accepted, REPAY the money you WASTED and then I will think about it! Hope it was worth your job! Soon we will be saying the same to Barry et all!

In a memo included in the inspector general's report, Neely — who hosted a $2,700 party at the conference — allegedly wrote, "I know I'm bad ... but why not enjoy it while we can? It ain't gonna last forever."

You’re DAMN RIGHT!!

And politicians plead for us to trust them...ya...once this crap stops happening and we get everything you've already given away.

She says "I'm sorry"...how heartwarming...now why don't you and all your friends pay back that million?

ah like i said not exactly WE can choose who represents us and we can also remove them if needed But it wasn't always like this if you read up on the pre-industrial revolution times you will notice we didn't always have that luxury (sorry off topic there)

but no we don't 'rule' them as you say, we choose who leads us and they create laws and manage their jurisdiction how they think is best

Let's how many of Obama's cronies forced out of office, does this make? And in only 3-1/2 years. Hmmm, must be some kind of record. Still are a couple that need to go immediately and who knows how many others will be shown to be totally equal to thier leader in incompetence.

They are so sure it is party time in Washington under this administration they even make videos bragging about it. All on our dime.

With idiots like this running the government, it is no wonder that we have such a staggering deficit. Maybe we need to reduce the government instead of letting them play with the budget.

Is anybody surprised.??

It's always nice to spend money that you did not earn..

Tell us the truth Martha, your sorry you were caught.!!

annoyedperson

are you going to blame everything bad that happens on obama?

Upset that someone's using your playbook against your preferred candidate? For years all everyone heard was "it's all Bush's fault".

john-737278

Actually, the definition of representative is our voice that they are supposed to project, so we are supposed to rule them.

And what happens when you and your neighbor both vote for the same candidate but differ on a topic that arises after the election? Who's the "ruler" then? They may technically be our "servants" but we sure don't rule anyone we elect. We can just express our desires to them when we wish them to vote a particular way on an issue, but the reality is if you ruled them, you'd have control. You don't. You can only hope that you chose someone who based off what they've publicly stated or have written about leads you to believe they will vote a particular way. There are no guarantees.

I recall the Indian Affairs OCIO SES, by the name of Sonny, held a $2M training event in Phoenix, AZ at a lavish resort that just happened to have a top notch golf course. Sonny just so happened to be an avid golfer too. My point is that no one made one comment on his lavish spending using money Congress had targeted for American Indians. That money could have fed a lot of American Indians and worked to create jobs. Sonny was moved to GSA and stayed there until they took away his budget. I believe he landed in Hawaii with a $2M grant to start a CIO office. Sonny was never prosecuted and his actions were reported to the OIG. This was criminal but that was under the prior administration. Makes me wonder what the deal is here.

Do you really think this doesn't happen under Republican administrations too?

This incident illustrates why I oppose Obama raising taxes on anybody. The morons in Washington are addicts - they are addicted to spending our money. If you give them more they will waste it. Drug addicts are not cured by giving them more and more of the drug to which they are addicted. It is exactly the same thing here. They don't need more revenue, in fact, they deserve less.

lol Voter i never blamed bush for stuff he didn't do but that doesn't mean he doesn't deserve some things he is being blamed for

what i find amusing is that you just assumed i blamed everything on bush because i support Obama

i like that you are more reasonable to talk to then most Republicans but please try not to assume things

Maybe "rule" was an improper term. My point is that our government treats us like tax payer drones with no respect whatsoever and no choices other than the occasional "vote for me". We are supposed to have a government of "we the people, for the people", and it has been morphed into a system of "we the people, for the government" when they refuse to care what we think.

Who is prosecuting these people? Everyone that wrote or authorized checks should be in jail. Taking the 5th when you're a government employee and the questions are about your job should not be allowed. Not only not allowed but be considered contempt of court and should be an automatic jail term until you answer the questions asked of you.

John the only way to stop that is to educate people on how think for themselves and be able to look at both sides of the story before making a decision also we need to re-introduce respect into our society because with out that we will never be able to work together

until we do that things are going to continue the way they are

This is not a failure of the Obama administration, nor was this same behavior a failure of the Bush administration. It's a failure of that particular government agency, from the head of it on down.

Renee, Obama APPOINTED her to that position!

Johnson said she stepped aside to "allow a new team to lead GSA as it rebuilds itself," saying she was "extremely aggrieved by the gall of a handful of people to misuse federal tax dollars, twist contracting rules and defile the great name of the General Services Administration."

The quote you didn't hear: "Under no circumstances did I have a good time flying first class to Vegas, drafting my speech in sharpie marker on the back of my charriot driver, riding the rainbow colored shetland pony being pulled by the 8' tall guy in lederhosen and using the golden riding crop on him, was quite disgusted when I ate sushi off the stomach of a 19 year old underwear model and drank saki from his navel. Yes, I was apphauled when I heard what a small group of people within my unit did- just disgusting.

Alas, I must remove myself graciously from my appointed position- so as to allow investigators free access to the GSA. I will always fondly remember my time with the GSA and will remember them daily while driving my new 2012 Cadillac that was given to me at the Caligula party on the final night."

"Sorry for the Spending Spree", Ms. Johnson.

No they were not; they had a great time, not thinking this would be a total embarassment to the people who gave them their jobs; Our Government. Another slap in the face to our President. Shame on them.

The American Public cannot keep track of the spending going on in Washington, D.C.

The Clown in the Video and others must pay back the Government back for treacherous malice and disrespect for our Government and the people who pay Taxes.

If they ever get another job, their salaries must be garnished. Very immature and very ungrateful for having Government jobs---

and here I am 61, unemployed, no medical and am in the process of using up my extended unemployment benefits, with a house note etc. along with how many other Americans in the same position that I'm in??? I've even applied for jobs outside of my state and have lost count of how many jobs I have applied for, I'd have to stop and look at the list that I maintain for the Unemployment Office---I never had a job like that before.

I know what I did wrong, I didn't get a government job!!

If we are to prosecute these people that were found under this administrations watch as criminals, then the investigations needs to go on indeed. Back to the point that they would be lost to stautes of limitations. I'm sure that would take it back into at least 2-3 administrations in itself. This isn't new news. More than one office were seeing the bills and putting their seal of approval onto the payments as well and their bosses were rubber stamping those payments as well. Kind of like watching the military pay for 100$ nuts and bolts and 1000$ for the disposable hammers.

The sad thing is this kind of thing happens through out Government. There is a lot of waste and red tape created over the years. It is funny tho the only time things like this are brought up while the administration is in office is when a Democrat is in. Over ten million was spent to find out that President Clinton had an affair. You talk about a waste of money. It would be nice to bring in an outside audit to the Government and clean up the abuse of power that is ramped in all of Government and that means both parties.

annoyedperson

I still believe that cutting the purse strings, while guaranteeing things like SS, Medicare and defense, would demand respect. I think we have earned it. The states could still tax what the feds were, so social services would not end, so I think you could be overstating the fear of what could happen.

I as a Minnesotan, see the people in my state being the sixth highest taxed state, while what we receive back is forty sixth. We would be better off for the people of our state to secede, and take care of our own.

Apologizing my azz. He is pleading the 5th in court today.

GSA official pleads Fifth in conference scandal - Seung Min Kim - POLITICO.comGSA official pleads Fifth in conference scandal

It sounds more like an empty apology if you ask me.

During Monday's hearing, Jeff Neely, refused to answer several questions from House Oversight and Government Committee chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), including rudimentary questions such as his official title at GSA and whether he was currently employed at the agency.

And yet the left doesn’t want Romney to cut unnecessary spending….Who cares, raise the tax on the wealthy so they can keep wasting more money. Something is terribly WRONG with this mindset!!

When is Michelle going to apologize for her lavish trip to Spain?

Think About It:

Now that's what the Republicans would say, "it only happens when a Republican is in office".

This country is so divided; Where is the Bipartisanship?

These GSA'ers, whether it has been going on through many Administrations is still very bad. There is no Watchdog over what happens in Washington, D.C., of anyone there, especially Politicians..

Where's does the average citizen benefit from all this spending?---Taxes?---we pay for their fun and exorbitant life styles. It just isn't the fun they are having, it also includes the airplanes, fuel, hotel rooms, high cost of dining out, shows, alcohol, Security, etc. What a sham.

The Clown takes the cake in the videos. They are all clowns.

john if you are looking for the perfect government you'll be forever disappointed

I think most people are smart enough and also quite tired of these gov't agency capers. The problem is we have no way to prevent this fraud. These agency heads are immune to anything WE would do to them and are never really punished. Our gov't is out of control and has been for many years. The SS guys taking prostitutes to their room, clinton getting a BJ in the oval office, the GSA party, and politician after politician doing as they please with whatever or whomever they please. What really happens? NOTHING!!! And so it continues and we hear about it occasionally when it happens ALOT!! These people have no respect and no fear and think they are above us "little people". I don't know if Mitt will make it better but he certainly can't make it worse.

Annoyed

That doesn't mean we shouldn't use everything at our disposal to create a better, more functional one.

Apologies aside (sincere?) where's the restitution? Who pays the taxpayers back that $823K? If a taxpayer stole that much then there'd be a penalty of jail time. But if someone appointed by public trust waltzes in and steals, as they blatantly did, there is no accountability. And while they get away scot-free smiling at all the fun they got to have (while it lasted) the public trust in the government is diminished just that much more.

• Ex-head GSA: Apology....apology ?
• GSA employee: 5th Amendment.....5th Amendment ?

There must be a "government regulation" which can be cited to throw the book at these crooks.

If they were a bank robber and held up a bank, do you think they would ask the Bank Manager to "cook the books" so they could get away Scott free ?

This incident is certainly a "red flag" for the IRS to double check their Federal Income Tax returns.

Nah, they will all get an admonishment letter, sent to a different government agency, and given a pay raise.

Hee haw skreee skraaaw, play the fiddle all night long, this is the only song the government has ever known or ever will know.

You're never going to change it, our present president is proof, think about his campaign rhetoric, "change you can believe in." Same old same old. He is either a fool or a liar, the government is the same as it has always been, democrats or republicans, the worst way to do anything.

Look at the uproar over the Zimmerman case, most of it caused by the media. Where is the uproar from the media and the public over this caper??? Sure, we bitch here about it but this will fade quickly and the thieves will get a slap on the hand and a pay raise. Great, just great. Only in America....................

This is criminal.

No, it's standard operating procedure.

Why is it we constantly hear President Obama going on ad nauseum that the rich need to pay their "fair share"? Why does he never look at government and see that it wastes more than it's fair share? I believe it is because most politicians look at taxpayers only as a source of revenue. It is time for that revenue to dry up. Vote for people who will keep spending in check and hold them accountable.

I agree with a previous poster who said the only reason this woman is apologizing is because she got caught. The question is why does the government then allow these people to resign? Accepting their resignation allows them to keep their pensions. After a stunt like this, WHY IS THIS PERSON ENTITLED TO MORE OF OUR MONEY??? I say strip her (and the others involved) of their government pensions as well as their jobs. That is how you stop government waste.

john That doesn't mean we shouldn't use everything at our disposal to create a better, more functional one.

Oh i agree, but better and more functional by who's standards? this is a tricky question here

Just Wrong............I'm with ya!!!!!!

Well said OreonPat.

The really sad part of this is, that was left out of the article all together, 40% of every dollar spent had to be borrowed from China. $329,200

There is only one way to reduce government waste and that is to reduce the amount of money to which it has access. That means cutting the government down to the basics by electing people like Ron Paul and you know that's not happening. So, suck it up and quit complaining, we, the voters, don't have what it takes to do anything about it.

Hmm garcher, 60% of every dollar the government spends is wasted but if we stopped it, we will have another recession

Annoyed

Let's start with the standard of accountability. I think we could all agree on that one. If there is accountability, that is good for everyone. And right now, there seems to be very little to none.

These aren't elected officials, they are WG&GS government hired civilian employees, with a few hundred civilian contract hires thrown in. They are not all bad apples, but the rotten ones in the barrel are affecting more and more.

The bureaucratic government civilian workforce controls what goes on, even within Congress. Since it takes an act of Congress to fire one of these folks...how in the hell to you think any of their muckity-mucks are going to jail?

The IG of IG's needs to start policing more agencies for fraud, waste and abuse WITHIN government, as well as the fraud, waste and abuse committed by citizens AND companies on the government.

It is our (and their) money they are wasting.

yup but how do you get them to be accountable they create most of the laws as is? so how do we go about making them more accountable

OOPS! Looks like I kaint (sic) shake all thiz shid offa my boot...

Summa dem SS guys wuz mine - uh huh I showed 'em how ta get jiggy...

now this? SHEEEEEEEET!

@Sebastian ... TRUTH!! Now DELEGATE vote in a man with a real record of being a real leader. Ron Paul 2012 This is exactly what we meant when we started saying many, many years ago before anyone heard the name Obama ... Its TIME FOR CHANGE.. Change you can trust (Paul)!!! Change you can believe in(Paul)!!! Not just a bunch of meaningless words but real change!!! Look at Pauls record..(no meaningless words) I will hope the true message is finally being truly accepted and finds its way back to its heart!!!!! RON PAUL 2012

The ex-GSA head doesn't need to apologize. Rather she, and every management level GSA employee involved need to be fined (with interest) to reimburse the US Treasury for every penny squandered to put on that mindless "orgy of cluelessness."

And after the full amount is recovered, the top officials involved at GSA need to get their pink slips.

Such examples of consequences are helpful in getting the attention of other public employees

"Nothing focuses the mind like a hanging." ~ Samuel Johnson.

If any of us done this?

1st......... we would have to make restitution to the goverment for the money spent.

2nd......... we would have the IRS demanding we pay taxes on this personal gain.

3rd........... we would be prosecuted.

Ron Paul would have to choose sides or he'd be a lame duck from the get go. His own party would sideline him so he wouldn't accomplish anything.

She's not sorry for anything but being caught.

annoyedperson

How about this. Instead of using the Amendment rule to cut the purse strings, we use it to make an Amendment that states that if a person is found guilty of mismanagement of government funds, it is considered treason, and subject to life in prison or the death penalty. How would that be for motivation to be responsible with tax payers money.

As much as I dislike Obama, we all know this isn't his fault. Crap like this has been going on in every part of the government for years. This isn't a new thing. This isn't a democrat thing. This isn't a republican thing.

This is a symptom of a much bigger issue. 90% of the government runs like this. For every dollar the government takes in 50 cents gets flushed down the toilet. And it's because of crap like this happening every damn day at all levels of the government.

And while I admit that it isn't Obamas fault. Bush failed to do anything about it. Chinton failed to do anything about it. For the next few months, it is Obamas responsibility.... But he won't do anything about it. When Romney replaces him, he won't do anything about it, and it's because our bloated pig of a government will never shrink. Give someone power, and they never want to give it up.

Someone like Ron Paul is who we need. Someone that will actually reduce the size of our insane government. But that's not going to happen. We've already taken too many steps towards socialism for the lazy among us to ever vote for personal responsibility. And the lazy are growing every day.

What ever else results from punishment or deal resulting from this gross misconduct, must include full restitution to the Treasury.

Mike-424215

I don't think Paul would have to give up anything,because I believe that other than the religious whackjob part of the tea party, the real ones will have the house and senate. Like minded to Paul.

@IWonder... Don't fall for MSM... If they say Romney has 500 delegates and Gingrich is in last place... Where do you think the other 1500 or so other delegates are at? This things far from over and Ron's hitting them outta the park.. Check out his rallies... Look at the state conventions that have been held... RON'S THE MAN... This thing is blowing up regardless what the conglomerate owners wish to make you believe.. Only a real vote counts and Americans are showing up to pass the old guard.. Americans are standing up and being counted.. Americans are DELEGATING...YEAHHHH!!!!! All everyone has to do is bypass MSM and check it our for themselves... Join the Revolution to put the country back into the Peoples hands!! This thing has serious momentum.. RON PAUL 2012

John737 and change wrote:

Get a proposition on the ballot in all 50 states to demand repeal the Sixteenth Amendment, the governments right <empasis mine> to tax.

John, governments do not have rights. People have rights, governments have powers. When those powers are legitimately derived from the people, say by a constitution, they can be called authority. But rights? Never! Survive....

The hell with Vegas, it's much more fun in Columbia and cheaper hookers too .... Look how much money Obammie just saved us by going to Columbia and looking into his future vacation destination.

The 'Ruin America Obama Train' keeps on chuggin' along ... Now that's the 'Hope' and keep the 'Change' ......

Looks Like 9 more of the Obama style Democrats that think they are entitled to the tax payers money, too do whatever they want with it. Why would these 9 NOT do it when Obama has gotten away with it three times with the paybacks to the green companies that were his top contributors, they are only following the lead of this disastrous president, his lack of good ethics and good leadership skills. Chicago style politics. yea!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_N._Johnson

2Mike.. The President does more than one might think... For instance.. In other news just today.. OBAMA gave the keys to the world bank to the Koreans aiding in its advancing global power agenda.. Praised by Timmy!!! This is the first time someone other than an American will head the bank since its creation. Rember.. Banks are corporations.. Corporations have one purpose.. Profit.. If you think that monster won't sell out one land for another.. Just wait.. Your kids can tell your grandkids about it.. Obama is a sell out just like all the other neocons of the Bush and Clinton era.

DarnThatDream

You bothered to correct me on that? What did you think of the idea?

Sorry, the government's ability to levy income taxes.

Congressman Blake Farenthold just stated that the attitude is that the agencies have the attitude "let's just spend it. It's not our money." And he further stated that the members of congress are trying their hardest to find ways to save the taxpayers money.

It was a good thing I was sitting with arms on my chair. He was the epitome of the pot calling the kettle black. Congress trying to save taxpayers money? I think the exact same could be said about the congress - it's not our money. But one could also strongly support the comment that congress has the attitude "let's just spend it. There is more where that came from."

John i like the idea but you forget it take three fourths of congress or states to make amendments to the constitution, so it will be hard to get this amendment to pass because most senators and congressmen wont want to do it

What we have to do is start at the state level lobby your state to create laws like that and get it to spread to other states and soon enough the federal government will follow along

I found it interesting that in the rap video, that guy talks about ignoring Obama's warning about their department's expenditures...

How touching, the one in charge has apologized. Too late, the money is already spent. You cannot "unspend" it.

annoyedperson

That is why you make it a proposition that the people get to vote on, and take it out of the hands of the politicians, both state and federal.

Still a moron?

This just makes me want to cry. There are people in this country dying because they can't afford their medicines, and scum like this party on our tax dollars -- and have been doing it for years!

Do you mean to tell me in all this time, none of our Congress members knew this? I don't believe that for a minute, and if they didn't, they should have.

This is so wrong. There doesn't seem to be anything we can do about the rampant corruption in our country. Nothing ever happens to these people -- they just walk off scott free. If we did it, we would go to prison for decades.

I feel sick to my stomach. These people have to go to prison, or this country is doomed. Just not fit to live in.

This is exactly what to expect from BIG GOVERNMENT. When the bureaucracy gets so large there are departments to oversee departments, that over see departments, ad infinitum, then what you get is blatant in your face waste and excess.

This is the complete MADNESS you Big Government Liberal and Republicans want. This isn't GSA's mess alone, you lemming's that keep voting for the Status Quo are directly to blame.

When you are presented with a candidate that is willing to cut all this BS (Ron Paul), only We The People have a voice at rally's where 700-1000% more people show up than your Status Quo robot Candidates and President.

The media blacks him out, trashes him, doesn’t show the thousands upon thousands that have shown up at Universities, colleges, Stadiums etc across this country. Instead it’s the two Moron Race of Obama and Romney and who can whore themselves out for the highest 5 figure dinner plate.

Well.... YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW.

That woman and all the cronies that helped her out with this crap can take their apology and SHOVE IT!! The ONLY thing they are sorry about is that they got caught. PERIOD!!

So, to investigate a 800-thousand dollar seminar, we need twenty-million dollars of congressional investigation? How about we investigate Congressional spending on training and morale building.

If this had been a bank or a brokerage, it would have been a lot more, but because its the GSA they have no need for advanced trainings?

I am not saying this money was wisely used, but lets compare apples to apples.

1. Is 800-thousand expensive for a whole department of government to spend on an annual training and morale-building exercise?

2. Did any individual receive cash payments in violation of the ethics rules of government employees?

3. What was trained? What would commercial training have cost for the same number of individuals?

Lets base our response on facts, not allegations from the peanut gallery.

If this isn't the "pot calling the kettle black." How dare Congress chastise anyone for wasting the taxpayers money.

Give the lady a break. It's not like she was part of a drunken orgy on the taxpayer's dime.

She looks like she's never had a day of fun in her whole life.

LostFlorida

Give the lady a break. It's not like she was part of a drunken orgy on the taxpayer's dime.

She looks like she's never had a day of fun in her whole life.

Oh contraire, it looks more like she's been the hard partying clown of the entire office. And now, just like that "Poof", I can understand why Obama wants to increase taxes on everyone (as if his lavish vacations weren't a hint). Unfortunately, we have a limited amount of rich business people and industry leaders, and unfortunately, they're are becoming rarer every year. There is however, no shortage of Rich Politicians, and they seem to be growing at the exact same rate as the Government.

The conduct might've been reprehensible, but the video was actually pretty good - they might have a shot in the music industry :D

The only thing she's sorry about is getting caught. Government employment-the largest welfare program in the country, by far.

Nothing new in this article. Everyone in government is on the take in some way. I would like to see every politican investigated for accepting bribes. Everyone consider...a bribe is accepting funds for something...every politican we have in washington is collecting bribes / lobbyist money every day for something..and getting it.

The sad part of this is that this happens everyday with this administration and no one bats an eye! There has been so much wasteful spending of our tax dollars and the masses want to re-elect him to do more damage! Without having to worry about getting re-elected next time around or care what anyone has to say about it, we will watch as he self destructs all that we love and hold dear!

All I gotta say is take the money from every person in charge of these appointees, and charge them 150% interest on the money wasted. I mean, seriously--this lady didn't even blink to a bill of $823,000?!

Oh, that's right--taxpayers will be paying for this forever and ever and ever--Amen. A-holes, the whole lot of 'em... and of course, why should we be surprised?

Finally, we collect the bill, times 5000, for a nice cushion to pay back taxpayers for this waste.

Lkessler and FedupwithFed:

Most unbiased folks agree that the waste by the GSA is unwarranted. It doesn't matter what administration was in office. The 'buck stopped there'. Take responsibility and not blame others.

Weren't WE promised "change" with this Administration?

What bothers me is that this abuse took place in 2010 and the Obama administration did nothing to deal with it them. Since then, I am sure there is more. I do not think that less abuse by public government employees is less no matter who is in office, but that Obama has had since 2009 to DRAIN THE SWAMP.

Now with the SS sexual misconduct and who know what else, again it is a public employee problem that somehow from the top is getting a message of "do as you please", or the Justice Dept is willing to look past all the waste and fraud and poor conduct.

Again, this didn't just happen. I would argue that when the husband and wife team scooted into the WH without an invite, there should have been very serious repercussions at that time. The WH just let it go. I was appalled that two private citizens had the nerve to show up at a state dinner and then be allowed to laugh it off.

Obama has poor instincts and so do his handlers.

The reality is that with precious few exceptions, the rest of the governments of the world's countries are just as wasteful. It's the nature of the beast. The smaller the government, the less it wastes. Check out greece as compared to switzerland.

The tea party folks have been telling you, but you refuse to hear. The old head in the sand works so well.

I am 73 and I'll admit, we did not do any better. In fact it has gotten progressively worse throughout all my life. I wish you good luck because you're going to need it. If I'm still alive when the revolution starts, I am going to be on the people's side.

This GSA was setup by "W" in 2003, Lets not make another mistake like this again !

Patriotic American U.S.A.

You're no patriot. You're a biased, opinionated lemming. I've read too many of your posts and recognize YOUR biased and unbiased opinion.

Get back to the Huffington Post and adjust your blinders to the straight and narrow biased party line you have.

I admit when I'm wrong, but unfortunately many others (YOU) can't seem to distinguish the difference when your opinion goes wrong.

Pity.

So what? The GSA got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Do you really think the GSA is the only one of the hundreds of government agencys that waste your tax money and yours? Yes the GSA needs investigation. For crying sakes so does every other agency. But if you think the government is going to police itself then I can now understand our deficit. Waste in Government is not new people. It is our job to keep them in line. Sadly most of us are too busy feeding our families and making sure there is a roof over their heads.

The really sad thing is that our paid off main stream news dont have an interest in policing the government. Remember the "Free Press"? It died long ago. The reason the founders allowed a free press was to have a police man watching the government. Now the defense of the average man and woman has been abrogated by the press. The press is in the pocket of politicians. It is a sad state that our defenders of freedom, the press, were so easily bought off.

I used to be optomistic about America and Freedom. Not so much anymore with what I see today.

It is a sad time in the United states of America. I pray we can get back to the values that made this a great nation.

Leiya123,

You are spot on about Mr. Pat. - My vote - Non Patriot. Don't patriots live FREEDOM, LIFE and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS? Not...."What can the Gubment give me today?"

Touchdownplay

Bingo! You Win!

I'll be right over tomorrow and cut your grass and clean out your gutters:)

No need. I already have it taken care of my own grass and gutters. But thanks for the offer. I will cook you dinner sometime with my family if your in town. All paid for by me and my wifes hard work. No gubment cheese here. Even though it is tastey. I remenber it from school lunches.

Wasn't there an even worse action by a GSA appointee under GW Bush. It seems to me if memory serves me under GW there was wheeling and dealing on federal property that one of the top GSA employees was caught red handed in. It seemed to be swept under the rug real quickly. Does this ring a bell with anyone on this posting?

The problem isn't just theses GSA idiots. It is the culture of government. They have forgotten they work for us. In their minds it is not OUR department of whatever they think it is THEIR department. Top heads say thing like MY department of this or that. And they treat us like we don't count. How many times have you heard MY department will or won't do this? Stop the attitude at the top if you want it stopped at the bottom.

Intellect-1949393

Wasn't their an UFO that landed on the White House lawn in 2010? Catch my drift???

Come-on, don't make statements without undocumented facts. It doesn't make a 'hill of beans' under which Administration the ingratuitys occurred under. They occurred. Period.

My vote: people who say others are not patriots because they don't sit on the same political aisle as them are the worst non-patriots there are.

@Leiya and @Touchdownplay

Observer_1

And, look who's talking. You don't have a leg to stand on.

...

lol That doesn't even make sense.

Observer_1

Ridicule all you want. Only narrow-minded, party biased and closed minded people wouldn't understand. You fit right in.

Enjoy your closet.

Yeh, I'll chomp on the 'bit' with you all you want (you probably don't understand). Bring it on. I'm up for it.

If the American people think this the only goverment agency that does this your idiots , the people that work for the goverment cost 16 billion a year in pay, and they dont produce a thing , I bet Mickelle flies around with her crowd and they laugh their as..es of thinking dumb crackers are paying for all of this so lets milk it for all its worth, but what goes around comes around.

wayne-3043511

I wouldn't put it exactly like that. But your phrase of "what goes around comes around" fits.

Watch the COH, there are many ways to make your point without being abusive to other NV'ers.

Yeh, I'll chomp the 'bit' with you all you want (you probably don't understand). Bring it on. I'm up for it.

Nah, this Oklahoman was taught to be nice to people who don't have a grain of sense.

Observer_1

You don't have anything over this Texan. I was cordial to you and 'tipped' my hat. Ya want to leave it at that (I'll mosey on if you do:)?

Yes, but you're not cordial to "Patriot".

One of the problems I see with this country now is too many people want to give and revoke the patriot card. And I'm sorry, but that's a Rovian ploy and I don't much care for it.

It doesn't matter if he's straight dog donkey or elephant, I doubt he desires to see this country crumble to gravel, just like I doubt that you do. How you go about keeping that from happening in this great experiment that is the US, so long as you're participating at all, makes ya'll patriots.

Oh, and there's a reason why we sit on top of yas Longhorns... Someone has to keep ya'll in check.

Observer_1

I appreciate your demeanor to a lady. I speak for myself and no others (although I will support fellow buddy's). I take great pride in grooming my friends and weed out the ones I inadvertantly bring in.

I know this Leader of OURS doen't want to see us fail, but in my opinion, and my opinion only, he's doing just that. Now let's get back on topic:

The GSA fiasco, whether under Bush or Obama, that person has to take responisibility for their actions. Do you agree? If you don't agree, who will take responsibility? Who's Our president?

I like you, keep in touch:)

Vaya con Dios.

When you talk of waste talk about the military, they are the champions. If their waste were to stop, we really would have a recession.

IWonder-932455 said:

"When you talk of waste talk about the military, they are the champions."

I appreciate your opinion regarding the military. I served in VietNam and the First Gulf War.

Are you trying to degrade me?

If not, explain your statement regarding the military.

When you talk about corrupt, look at the five conservative US Supreme Court justices that was setup by the Repubacons. They will vote as instructed by the far right wing and the 1% that control them, Look what they did for "W" in 2000 with the help of Jeb ! The GOP/TP are the most corrupt party in the World. PS - Tell the Repubateanuts to stop sabotaging our Country.

Patriotic American U.S.A.

Once again he shows his infantile ridicule of things that he has know idea of. He just spurts blabber.

Come-on Patriotic American U.S.A., show us what you really want to say.

I don't want opinion, I want unabridged, honest feelings from you. Any biased, party aligned feelings are mute. This is an honest forum dictated by COMMON Sense.

But of course: blame Bush, never the ONE in charge.

Intellect...did you mean this??? enjoy the pic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_trips_funded_by_Jack_Abramoff

Some called "W" Rambo when he jumped up and down like a fool on a Aircraft carrier and said mission accomplished with two unfunded wars he dumped on the next president, the best part was when he lied to Congress and the Dem's to get their support to go into Iraq. Yes "W" had a-lot to do with destroying this Nation and for that l say thank you "W" for being a jackass ! "W" is now a war criminal. PS - I believe President Obama has the best interest of all Americans at heart. The GOP/TP can deceive some, but not the whole Country. I'm an Independent and a Vet from 1961 and very Patriotic.

Patriotic American U.S.A.

Again, you're funny without substance. Name calling is plain childish. Carry-on, -as usual.

Grow-up.

Lieya123 "Once again he shows his infantile ridicule of things that he has know idea of. He just spurts blabber." Is your answer to

Patriotic American USA "When you talk about corrupt, look at the five conservative US Supreme Court justices that was setup by the Repubacons. They will vote as instructed by the far right wing and the 1% that control them, Look what they did for "W" in 2000 with the help of Jeb!"

?What are these words? Have you forgotten the vote count fiasco that took place in Florida in 2000 and the court's ruling? Gore was ripped off his rightful seat as POTUS!!! Know??? I learned the difference between no and know in kindergarten.

Everything PA has stated is a true fact. I can understand common sense and common concerns, for example, that we have a problem with a very stacked deck on the Supreme Court right now and that although it is an ace card for the "buddy team", the card is burning a hole in the actual government mechanism and we may crash and burn because of the laws they have changed which will, unfortunately for all, mess ALL of us up including them in the end, which is why Patriotic American continues with this message to those who are so crazy that they will do the Foucault's Pendulum dance to keep their seats on top of the mountain... he says: "The GOP/TP are the most (I would add antiquated) corrupt party in the World. PS - Tell the Repubateanuts ( I would have called them Republicannots) to stop sabotaging our Country".

That takes some real chutzpah, not spurting blabber. I think he wins in the "courage to speak his feelings" category, otherwise known as exercising ones free speech.

So kick those cards down, and learn some real English, civics, history and current events so that you can follow that silly white wabbit out of this vacant ungrounded "infantile ridicule" accusation hole! Some things are priceless and some are senseless like your words above. From this news, it looks like there are enough overly paid buffoons already. We really do not need any more of those, we need real educated and trained experts in those positions so that this pretend paper shuffling stuff does not lead to this kind of embarrassing debacle and rip off of the People's moneys by any civil servants of any party ever again.

In my perfect (dream) world, Newsvine has a feature where any post that names a President, automatically does to the dumpster. For you lefties and righties; when you were young, was chronic political bitcher one of your aspirations? Nothing changes because voters refuse to acknowledge their role as enablers - believing that your party can correct this stuff, shows how out of touch you really are.

One look at Arizona roads and it is plain as bob, I mean day, that kickbacks have been a part of politics and Publical utilities here for decades, and still exists. Voters don't demand regulations and oversights on the local level, then expect it on the Federal level (and without funding)... Don't expect anyone to take your attacks on each others parties seriously - it is obvious by your party affiliations that you have no intentions of being serious.

Publical? where did that come from - hate it when Newsvine goes turrets on me.

I wonder how much it costs us a year to treat chronic political bitchers for high blood pressure and mental care?

"Miller told lawmakers Monday that investigations into other possible misconduct were under way, "including bribes, including possible kickbacks." He didn't elaborate."

They can start in their own office. THis is political grandstanding at its finest. Every office in Washington is filled with bribes and kickbacks. It's how the system works. "You scratch my back, I scratch yours".

So 3 to 6 people will get fired or early retirement. Big deal. Folks in this forum banging on each other over Republican v Democrat politics totally miss the mark. The deal about gubmint employment, the deal these employees were mocking on in their video is: there is no accountability or responsibility for gubmint employees. It is a "paycheck for life" deal no matter if good stuff happens or bad stuff happens. They know this and they had the b***ls to make a video mocking it and waved it in everyone's face. The solution is obvious. Thousands of gubmint employees need pink slips and need to come out to the private sector and try to compete. Let's see their video after that dose or private sector reality.

Patriotic,

This GSA was setup by "W" in 2003, Lets not make another mistake like this again !

There it is I knew one of you Libs would try and blame Bush for this. Do you actually read what you write it makes no sense.

No one ever said it took rocket scientist material to work for the U.S. government, especially the GSA. So far the current administrations seems to have trouble managing itself out of a paper bag!

Anonymous Insight

To ridicule someone over a 'slip' in spelling, syntax or punctuation is very petty. Do you chastise your wife/boyfriend when they make a mistake when speaking?

PA would vouch for me regarding what I just said.

Funny that Jeff Neely was a NO SHOW for the GSA hearing today......and one of the stolen Ipods shows HIS daughter is downloading songs on it???????? Throw his ass in jail and then throw away the key!

This disgusting behaviour has been going on since government gave out expense accounts.the GSA should pay for the expenses of all govt. reps.,investigate the legitimacy of those expenses and not pay for the cost ,in time nor money of all illegal costs .There should also be a vigorous investigation into the expenses of all elected representative's true expenses who should only be paid their true costs.

Anonymous Insight

Have you forgotten the vote count fiasco that took place in Florida in 2000 and the court's ruling? Gore was ripped off his rightful seat as POTUS!!! Know??? I learned the difference between no and know in kindergarten.

Obviously, you didn’t. He was NOT ripped off, WE didn’t want him as POTUS, had he been, the country would have been in the toilet long before Obama got his hands on it. Where is Gore these days? Now that he has invented the internet, solved global warming and told a convenient lie, even Tipper wised up and left his ass. Scientists world wide have admitted Global Warming is a HOAX! WHO made money on it? GORE! And you still pound your chest for him?

While Gore may have received a majority of votes cast in Florida, he had only requested Florida recount the "undervotes" which the media recount determined resulted in a net gain to Bush, meaning that Bush would still have won.

But let’s not say he tried to slant the count…. Gore requested manual recounts in four Florida counties: Volusia, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade, which are counties that traditionally vote Democratic and would be expected to garner more votes for Gore. Gore did not, however, request any recounts in counties that traditionally vote Republican. So you are saying that because Democrats don’t know how to punch their voters card, its Bush’s fault? When will you stop blaming Bush for everything and accept your own parties failures?

The supreme court ruled, now deal with it! Are you going to whine and cry when they also repeal Obamacare?

John wrote:

You bothered to correct me on that? <rights vs powers>

Yeah, sorry -- my own variant of political correctness.

FedupwithFed:

Scientists world wide have admitted Global Warming is a HOAX!

Are you joking? Are there really people out there who still think global climate change is a "hoax"? Let me guess, you're a birther too, right?

Let's see something humorous, shall we: show me your list of scientists who deny it and I'll show you my list of those who don't.

Leiya, your an OK guy sometimes, but I'm with Insight, Hey Fedup-don't under estimate Anonymous Insight ! PS - Insight, thanks for the Back up, see you at the pub, I'm buying.

WSJ-GLOBAL-WARMING-HOAX CONFIRMED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cR3KjXRlKk

Did you know a military grade satellite-under cover of FBI investigations-destroys citizens by manipulating their health without the target even knowing and sometimes using the same program the FBI can use a series of perfectly synchronized investigative pretexts to derail the target from employment, relationships, friends, ect also usually without the target ever knowing it where war time powers are concealed within the safety of national security investigations...

If that statement were to be true, what do you think the public's reaction to it should be?

Patriotic American U.S.A.

I always like opposing views. And, I like your style, unlike Anonymous Insight, he's looking for a fight with little dry powder to back him up. All he's got is biased babble. What you've got are facts and that is what makes me research and ponder my position. I hope you have the same consideration when approached with an opposing opinion.

See you on the oppsite side of the fence,

Leiya:)

FedupwithFacts:

WSJ-GLOBAL-WARMING-HOAX CONFIRMED
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cR3KjXRlKk

So, you have 16 "scientists"? (Which, you know that I did at least watch the first few minutes of it in order to get that number...you can thank me later.)

I see your 16 and raise you the rest of the world's climate scientists:

http://www.skepticalscience.com/global-warming-scientific-consensus.htm

One thing you need to be aware is that the vast majority of scientists who don't believe in anthropological climate change do still believe that there is climate change occurring. Just FYI...

Observer_1

Careful! FedupwithFed carries a 'sting'. You may make claims regarding scientists supporting your position, but guess what, 'Fedup..' carries a rebuttle that MAY, and I mean 'MAY' dismiss your claim to 'global warming' or is it now changed to climate warming or is it changed to environmental cooling/warming.

Catch my drift? If not, sit in the corner with the other dunces's.

Talk to me, please.

A distortion of reality. And man evolved from monkeys. So explain to me how the eyeball came to be…or where did DNA come from?

I think Palin has that DNA, her eyeballs can see Russia from her fox hole in Alaska ?

A distortion of reality. And man evolved from monkeys. So explain to me how the eyeball came to be…or where did DNA come from?

This has what to do with climate change? Stay on point.

And you really don't want to get into a debate over biology with me. I am...'versed' in that particular field. lol

Leiya:

carries a rebuttle that MAY, and I mean 'MAY' dismiss your claim to 'global warming' or is it now changed to climate warming or is it changed to environmental cooling/warming.

No, he doesn't. He may have rebuttals about anthropogenic climate change, but not climate change as a whole. There is no doubt about climate change, but anthropogenic climate change is still being batted around and is in fact something I'm still debating with myself over. (Anthropogenic meaning human related.)

As far as the global warming naming versus climate change naming, they're one 'n the same. Scientists actually switched to climate change because it more accurately depicts what people will experience, not necessarily what is happening with the planet. The name change occurred because the laity were making claims like "hey, we had a record cold winter, so much for this warming thing" without understanding how climate systems work.

An overall increase in temperature will tamper with all sorts of typical climates in certain biospheres, sometimes increasing a region's snowfall while decreasing another's rainfall. In fact, a good schematic of regions that will be affected by climate change and how they will be affected was written up by Pentagon contractors for the Joint Chiefs. Its science may be a little outdated by now (it was made back in '03, I think) but its climate regions descriptions are still interesting to look at.

So, as you can see they made the name change to make it easier for people to understand. Sadly people just jumped on that decision (or were manipulated) and interpreted it as scientific uncertainty. There is no uncertainty about climate change...but maybe you can still argue about what causes it. :)

Leiya does this ring a bell with your short memory:

David Safavian, former chief of staff at the GSA, is the first individual from the Bush administration convicted in the scandal surrounding lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

No UFO's landing on the White House lawn just Abramoff and David Safavian.

Observer wrote:

As far as the global warming naming versus climate change naming, they're one 'n the same. Scientists actually switched to climate change because it more accurately depicts what people will experience, not necessarily what is happening with the planet. The name change occurred because the laity were making claims like "hey, we had a record cold winter, so much for this warming thing" without understanding how climate systems work.

I dig but now folks say "gee, the weather this year is different from last year, so this climate change thing must be the real deal". The skeptics among us ask how climate change can possibly be refuted.... maybe a few unsually average years??? The confusion is understandable. For years many supporters of AGW happily remained silent when people said "Dang it's hot this year. Global warming must be for real." The skeptics happily reciprocate by cheering every cold snap. It's a media event, not a scientific debate, and the scientists are at least partly to blame.

Actually when scientists used global warming they were blatantly attacked by the former administration as using science for politics. In an act to avoid being attacked climate change was used to be more sensitive to the side of the isle that could not understand global warming such as the arctic cap melting at an alarming rate proved beyond a doubt using the Landsat series of data dating back 30 years that were shown in a time series. The change to climate change wasn't enough so now the other side of the isle now tries to claim climate change is a fallacy made up by scientists. The other side of the isle cannot have it both ways and just say nothing is going on since global warming is a natural phenomena proved since the last ice age and ice borings taken from the arctic cap to measure CO2 content which have proved warming has occurred not to mention tree rings among other physical indicators.

We get over taxed and its still not enought to keep the government going cause @!$%# like this probably happpens on a daily basis why is every dollar not accounted for ALL government spending should be put forth into a web page so that all americans can see what every penny is spent on

Does anyone think that these people are concerned? Hell No! Holder and the Obama Administration will slap their wrist and shake a finger at them and it will be swept away.

Personally, I don't care what Administration allowed this fiasco to occur.

It's horrible and consequences should fall on ALL SHOULDERS that planned, designed and augmented this waste of TAX PAYER money!

People that "represent" the taxpayers should be held accountable for their ignorance of the law, or just their DISRESPECT. Jail Them all. They should be made to pay it all back, and receive no severance pay or any type of federal retirement.

So the govt can waste even more money? You make no sense whatsoever, Lozano. You're argument is about the equivalent of saying murders happen so often, we should legalize them. Makes no sense!

Dear Martha,

Pay it BACK effective immediately for then you may Pay it Forward! YOUR Failure to do so is wrong!

Pay the funds back to we the people, you have the money to do so so do IT!

@jwilson, I think what you missed was Lazano's sarcasm, in no way was Lazano making an argument.

We never would've seen this article if they won in Vegas.

Everyone involved in authorizing and planning this outrageous event should be doing prison time. This was misappropriation of government funds at it's worst. Apologies alone do not cut it. Those involved should also have their assets seized to repay the treasury. There needs to be consequences beyond just losing a job for behavior this egregious.

800 thousand doesn't come close to a Hawaii vacation, and that's not all.

It's about time they started investigating and putting an end to wasteful spending at the tax payers expense. This should be done on ALL City and State Levels where wasting money occurs on a daily basis.

Government employees, at all levels are royalty (they Think), the taxpayer is there only to insure their paychecks. Government is no longer there to serve its people. The peoples purpose is to feed the government.

I listened to part of it on cspan just in time to catch my representative ask why his satelite offices are getting flooded with complaints about shady practices in bidding at GSA. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg at GSA. And I don't really trust most government offices they long ago stopped treating all citizens equally. In fact most treat us like we are in their way.

It's know as "leadership by example". Congress are merely "government employees" but they write laws that specifically exempt themselves from criminal penalties if they get caught. Why should the remainder of the government employees be held to a different standard?

Don't get me wrong. I'm all for penalizing those who abuse their positions by such measures. Congress has mandated annual ethics training for all government employees but they don't follow the very rules they enacted.

The ones that feel they are "owed" a living are the entitlers. Abuse of a person's position is not as much "owed a living" as it is "the public will never know".

That is a good simple and very true comment Letusreason.

Yes, because without these incentives to compensate for their (already more than sufficient) government salaries and benefits, these slackers would be working in the private sector. Riiiiiight.

Dear Obama :

Is this is the agency that gives the Secret Service their spending money, when they're out of the country on "official business" . . . . . . .

We, the 99% minority ! !

To me this is called regulation. Which the rethugs dont want anything to do with. To oversee all government branches and the big corps. We need to set regulatory oversights on all governing functions including state and local. Because this crap happens all over and all the time. Its about time we serve these crooks with time(prison) and money.

Faux News wasn't interested when this was going on at the GSA 2001-2009...

And the relevance of that is what? Because Fox News didn't cover it before then it must have been OK?

Rick

Please list the specific events that you refer to.

Fox news will be beating this dead horse for at least 6 more months.

Kinda like MSNBC has been beating the "white" hispanic/trayvon martin horse for the past months.

Both RTypo and the thinker have made very good observations. FOX has had this as their banner story almost every day since the scandal was uncovered, with its only stories about the Martin case being anything that favors Zimmerman.

On the other side of the coin, this is the second mention of the GSA scandal I've even seen on MSNBC, but they had about 7 shooting stories on the main page at one time after the Martin case.

This is why it's important to go to multiple sources for news. Does FOX have a blatant conservative bias? Yes. Does MSNBC have a blatant liberal bias? Yes. But once you recognize and accept this, it's easier to make up one's own mind about issues.

This is something that we can all decry regardless of our political affiliations.

Government agencies that waste money knowingly like this need to be shuttered and the people responsible jailed.

So, Rick, you think that this is acceptable then?

It does not matter the party when US taxpayers are paying the bill.

Facts Rick, facts. Do you have any?

Well, at least they all seem to be having such a good time. Kinda cruel to make 'em quit, especially since the Congress is at it so much.

Why are they so sorry and apologize after they get caught?

How many of these bereaucrats were hired before President Obama was elected?

FoxNews Insider reports:

The Obama administration has come out and criticized the shocking spending and is now pointing the finger at the Bush administration for the problem. A White House official has said that in 2004, the conference cost $93,000; in 2006, the cost had ballooned to $323,855; and by 2008, it hit $655,025.

Lurita Doan, the GSA administrator under President George W. Bush, spoke out on America Live, saying, “It’s just so clear that the Obama administration is in crisis mode.” Doan said, “First, I question the numbers and I’d love to see a line item breakdown of what’s in each of these numbers. I’m not going to just trust them out of the gate. Secondly, just looking at the locations of the conference, it looks like they’ve confused what is a local, regional conference with conferences that were nationwide, which had more than 300 people at them. Some of them had several thousand people at them. So, I think they’re comparing apples to oranges.”

I remember your hero Obama saying he was going to stop stuff like this. Something about taking a scapel to the budget line by line. But considering the Senate (dem) hasn't passed one in 3 years I guess that is supposed to get him off the hook for something that happened on his watch. What I want to know is why $823,000 didn't ring any alarm bells somewhere.

Dear Law Makers remember "He who is without sin cast the 1st stone", look within yourselves for the tons of money you are wasting.....

I agree. What a helleva week for the Obama administration. GSA, Hiliary Rosen, Secret Service.... Leadership starts from the top & it is all rolling downhill. Amazing but not surprising.

Having the title "president" does not equate to being an effective leader.

What a helleva week for the Obama administration. GSA, Hiliary Rosen,...

Hiliary Rosen is correct about Mrs. Wrongney. It's alot easier for a stay at home mom when sombody else is footing all the bills. But apparantly poor, public assisted moms are not hard workers and need to seek work outside the home?

The Robotneys are out of touch with everyone except the rich elite.

For you little haters

For all you who have trouble with reading; they have been fired. The haters on here never miss a moment to spout the negative horse manure.

'

the thinker Having the title "president" does not equate to being an effective leader.

no it means we voted him in as our leader.

Fired? It shouldn't have happened to begin with. What the hell does firing do? NOTHING.

well if they didn't fire them then they cant replace them to try and reverse some of the damage

its not much but its a start

Renee i thank you for posting some common sense here

I agree. What a helleva week for the Obama administration. GSA, Hiliary Rosen, Secret Service.... Leadership starts from the top & it is all rolling downhill. Amazing but not surprising.

Hmmm ...do you extend this same reasoning to Scotter Libby's treasonous outing of Valerie Plame ?

No you don't. You think you do, but that is not the kind of country you would want to live in unless you are mentally derranged. So how about we stop the hyperbole and do and say something constructive to our suppposed representatives.

Now, I'm pretty pissed too, Firing them is a good start. Fining them would be even better. At least that way we could recover some of the funds they mis-spent.

I voted for Obama, and will likely do it again since the republicans didn't see it fit to give us a choice this year. I say this to put context around my statements above.

This shouldn't be a D or an R discussion. it should be an Ameircan discussion. Having just filed my taxes, this is the kind of thing that makes me wish I could put a stop on that check until they clean up their crap up there.

THANKS JM-1992894. Best comment thus far....It appears comment sense is something you have..Peace

Also of note, the GAO implements audits at the request of congress members, so perhaps if you really want to lay blame on someone here, you should figure out who was approving their budget and who was keeping tabs on them in congress. Just sayin'.

Very good point Chris,

THIS is where the mechanism of government operations can actually fix the problem and fair taxation, fair transparency, elimination of the bribing "lobbying", and yes, again, campaign finance reform must be passed in Congress to stop this and repair a crippled mechanism. Our votes need to improve/guarantee the ethics of civil servants generally all the way up and down the line by vetting those who run and knowing their past, and on the other end, having true power to oust the corrupt immediately, the point being that this is not the affairs only of the executive branch, but a congressional legislative problem of unfair laws, corruption (or could it be intimidation/blackmail and how much of this is actually going on?) of post holders not whistle blowing, etc.. Which brings us to the necessity of safety for those who honorably wish to serve, so that they do not find their hands tied, mouths shut, live in fear, etc. Term limits helps this problem so that power revolves easily and constantly in and out of the doors of Congress, The Administration, The Judicial - on local, state and federal levels, not being stuck on the shoulders of a few long enough for them to be able to alter, game or change the structure of the mechanism. Term limits were for two years - (all civil servants including judicial) in ancient Greece for this reason.

This is the informed perspective as opposed to all of the above finger pointing at the executive by the campaigners. We all must do our part to end this dishonesty and distrust. Vote intelligently, inform yourselves, exercise the laws honestly on all levels. Call city hall, contact your representative and complain if you are bothered by something that needs fixed as a taxpaying homeowning or landowning free citizen. Participate in your community or society and aply your skills to help others peacefully and sensibly. We must have fair laws, and fair honest enforcement of those laws on all levels. Money should not rule over the making of the laws or the enforcement of them For The People. Again, in ancient Greece, any public servant voted in, if caught taking any bribe during their term, was ousted immediately.

Fix the mechanism that has checks and balances where meddling and dismantlement of it has caused dysfunction in order to favor the few elites. It was made to work fairly. Let the mechanism of our democratic oracle founded by our forefathers be unfettered, decomplexified, so that it is easily understandable, principled logically, simple, true and free. Don't just vote for the executive, look at the representatives, the issues on your local, state and federal ballot too. Understand what each proposition is about. What it will cost. What each representative has done for you. This nation is not led by a dictator or figurehead. It is led by The People who daily must manage their own business, budgets and lives in order to maintain their own living. If you do not have money, you have the numbers. Your tool is your vote in elections and your free speech at ongoing public meetings. Vote responsibly and make sure all votes are counted honestly. Your life and your continued peaceful civilized lifestyle depends on it now in a democratically functioning society, as has always been since and before the Magna Carta.

From this article, it seems that all who are found guilty in misrepresenting the People are being held accountable. As for the accusations by all the so called libertarians etc...free markets right? Don't be hypocrites. The money got circulated to the various businesses involved and continues to circulate somewhere out there in our market today...ie. in other hands, the money flows, and supposedly goes to those who are smart enough to get it and keep it and make it, right? So, finding out where it went may be an interesting investigation, but getting it back? Hmmm.

The GAO passed this information to the White House in May 2011 and the DOJ has been sitting on it !

There are now comments out of congress that kick backs may involved also !

Nobody has been fired as yet , just sent home with pay !

nice troll...

Nothing new - It's just that............HAHAHAHA!!

It is interesting how many comment on this abuse but I can't help but recall spending billions to bail out banks who took that money to reward the lackies who put us into bankruptcy. These guys are republicans by and large. So don't tell me about the righteous right because as far as I am concerned they are the right ripoff artist.

Without millionaires, we all become poor!

Al, Without monopolies, we ALL get a better chance to make more too. Didn't Abe Lincoln have to live in a three cornered cabin once? Do you think he would have a chance to become POTUS today? Is that right? Hmmm. :-|

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martha_N._Johnson

Highlites? She was Chief of Staff of GSA '96-'01, Obama's transition team member in charge of evaluating GSA and appointed GSA Adminstrator in '09, a year before the Clown Conference.

I agree. Typically in gov't jobs the people are promoted up the chain rather than hired from outside. So if she did climb the ladder, did she not see any of this going on when she was one rung lower?

...I was unaware of the scope.

Not unaware that it was happening, just the magnitude.

thinker - read the biography. She was a political appointee under Clinton and then under Obama. Did not advance up the GSA chain.

More stuff from '09.

http://fcw.com/articles/2009/04/06/web-martha-johnson-old-era.aspx

Brian - the link indicates that she knew the system and that is why she was rehired. But did she really know the system or were her supporters hopeful of regaining ground lost? Knowing how to "work the system" is not the same as knowing how to "work within the system."

Martha Johnson?

Words are cheap...PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS!!!!!!!.. oh, I'm sorry I misused $823 THOUSAND dollars - R YOU KIDDING ME!!!!! Sounds like some prison time to me!!!

What are these people supposed to do for fun? Your kidding right? If your in a business that was losing 1.5 trillion per year, I don't think the shareholders would give a crap about you having FUN.

Its a god damn government job, not a party. Maybe if they want to have fun, they should find themselves a hobby on their own time!

Better to make them resign. If you quit you don't get unemplyment; if they fire you, you do.

UDunno,

That is exactly what Ron Paul says should be done, review the entire federal government and eleminate what is not necessary or wasteful............Given that everything else has failed, what the heck, atleast the repucks and democraps would have to work together to stop Paul from eleminating all their party perks and government benifits

Couldn't have put it better myself, Ellis..

Duh......

Maybe it's time to sit down and review ALL these government "agencies" and figure out which ones we can do without.

I agree. Let's form an agency and task them with this.

They should all be fired; what a bunch of criminal losers-just look at

her "over-drawn" idiotic face. I wonder now how long she and her

cronies have been fleecing the American people. She and Newt

Gingrich should share the same Federal prison cell.

It should be considered that many who attended were required to do so and while the spending was eggregious it is the leadership that has to be responsible and not the little guys. Yes, they may have had a great time at our expense but it was not their decision. It is time we hold leadership responsible for what leadership does.

What was that, eight hundred some odd thousand? A thousand to eight hundred poor working "single" family heads of households, like widowed wives of soldiers raising the kids back at home would be a nice boost. Many will never earn that in a lifetime.

Good Insight, I second that !

Nah, because then we'll waste even more tax money on her. Put a lien on her property and give her a deadline to pay up, or the house goes to rent to pay back the money they stole.

This is not fair treatment by the Obama administration. Shouldn’t the fired department heads just be transferred to other locations and/or departments like other agencies like DOJ, ATF?! Didn't Obama say, everyone play by the same set of rules, everyone gets their fair share, WTF with the firing?!

Amen. And you know that they have been doing this for a long time. It's just that their greed got the best of them.

Get Buffet to fork out that much and them some. End of problem.

Just get Buffet to pay his 1-2 Billion in back taxes.

makes me sick to see Buffet rubbing elbows with the Pres. and all the big TALK about paying MORE taxes when he has companies that owe back taxes... he's befriending Obama, hoping to get excused from his financial responsibilities. And because it's been proven that if you're one of Obamas "pets" you are home FREE, he'll fulfil his agenda

I remember in my youth when business owners use to treat most of us like crap and then go to their country clubs and talk about how sorry we were. Well, most of them got put out of business and hell, they're all dead now. Yes, the great equalizer. No matter how much you abuse your workers God will take it all away from your sorry a--. Maybe you'll have a scrooge moment " Marley says" People were my business!" Too late for most of you.