It always frustrates me how hard the government can come down on us, but our elected royalty can get away with doing whatever they damn please.
With the opening of the 111th Congress yesterday, all of Washington is tingling with the allure of a fresh start. Not so fast. We’ve got some leftover business from the 110th Congress — namely, Chris Dodd’s July 2008 promise to release the details of his sweetheart loans from Countrywide Financial.
The Connecticut Senator got favored treatment from the subprime mortgage purveyor, even as he was a power broker on the Banking Committee that regulates the industry. When the news broke, the Senator first denied that he sought or expected preferential treatment. He later admitted that he knew he was considered a VIP at the firm but claimed he thought it was “more of a courtesy.” He also promised the Connecticut press that he’d come clean with the documents and details of the loans. But six months later — nada, zip, nothing.
The rest of the press corps may have moved on, but we’d still like to know.
You’re not alone.
You are absolutely right. Just so you know, there are those of us in Connecticut who agree, and are doing our best to keep Dodd’s numerous issues in the forefront of the minds of voters until 2010.
Check out http://www.theartfuldoddger.blogspot.com for regular updates on Connecticut’s senior senator.