O’Keefe update
James O’Keefe has posted a statement at the Big Government site explaining his side of the story:
I learned from a number of sources that many of Senator Landrieu’s constituents were having trouble getting through to her office to tell her that they didn’t want her taking millions of federal dollars in exchange for her vote on the healthcare bill. When asked about this, Senator Landrieu’s explanation was that, “Our lines have been jammed for weeks.” I decided to investigate why a representative of the people would be out of touch with her constituents for “weeks” because her phones were broken. In investigating this matter, we decided to visit Senator Landrieu’s district office ”“ the people’s office ”“ to ask the staff if their phones were working.
On reflection, I could have used a different approach to this investigation, particularly given the sensitivities that people understandably have about security in a federal building. The sole intent of our investigation was to determine whether or not Senator Landrieu was purposely trying to avoid constituents who were calling to register their views to her as their Senator. We video taped the entire visit, the government has those tapes, and I’m eager for them to be released because they refute the false claims being repeated by much of the mainstream media.
“Could” have used a different approach? I would say most definitely “should” have used. A stupid move on O’Keefe’s part, but I have no idea whether it’s some sort of actionable offense.
Time will tell. But whatever the case’s final disposition, the MSM certainly seems to have jumped the gun on this one, as O’Keefe points out:
The Associated Press incorrectly reported that I “broke in” to an office which is open to the public. The Washington Post has now had to print corrections in two stories on me.
I dunno, though—perhaps O’Keefe has been punished enough already. After all, the NY Times reports that, as a condition of his release, he has been ordered “to live with his parents in Westwood, N.J., until his case is resolved.”
Maybe if he does get a sentence, they’ll take time off for time already served?
Isn’t living with his parents cruel and unusual punishment for him or his parents?
The Democrats’ knives are out for Mr. O’Keefe. They’re not going to let up on this until he’s in jail. Even though any number of lefty “guerilla journalists” up to and including Michael Moore have done even more illegal things.
I’m only surprised that O’Keefe acted on his own initiative; I thought I smelled a set-up.
It’s win/win for O’Keefe. Even when his plans are dubious failures, O’Keefe inadvertently goads the MSM into blatantly exposing their own feckless bias.
Living in Louisiana, I verify O’Keefe’s claims. Landrieu’s offices all over the state cannot be reached via phone numbers listed on the Senator’s website; this has been so for weeks. Always busy, unlike the people in her offices.
And if you email Landrieu, the only response you get is to be put on her mailing list.
However, I really feel for O’Keefe’s parents. I do not think parents should be held responsible for their children’s actions after the children have moved out.
I’d scream from the rooftops if I were sentenced to take one of my children “back”. 🙂
He was charged with “entering a Federal building under false pretenses for the purpose of committing a felony.” With no wiretapping in play, I wonder what the felony element is? I would think it is somehow per se illegal to enter a Federal building under false pretenses, but I’m too lazy to look it up.
Is this different than what 20/20 used to do every week?
Now if he and his cohorts had broken into the Dean of Columbia University’s office, wearing Che’ tee shirts, torn the place apart, all the while chanting “Hey Hey, Ho,Ho , we support Uncle Joe”, even Rachael Maddow would be getting all dreamy eye over him and Chis Matthews would most likely soil himself with excitment. On another note, here’s great line from Bob Hope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a6YdNmK77k