Rezco's iraqi billionaire moneyman, read Auchi's background, its bad

[sunonmars]

This guy was involved with Saddam, drug companies, an iraqi acquisition merchant. Any wonder they didnt want this guy getting a visa.

Did Obama have a 17 yr relationship with a man who has ties to the Iraqi regime and countless shady deals? This is not just bad its absolutely explosive. We have a Senator running for President with a Long term relationship involved with a fixer called Rezco in Chicago, who in turn looks like his money is coming from an Iraqi that was tied to Saddam and helping acquire iraq deals and fraudulent drug companies.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1086487,00.html

Allow me to introduce you to Nadhmi Auchi. He was charged in the 1950s with being an accomplice of Saddam Hussein, when the future tyrant was acquiring his taste for blood. He was investigated in the 1980s for his part in alleged bribes to the fabulously corrupt leaders of post-war Italy. In the 1990s, the Belgium Ambassador to Luxembourg claimed that Auchi's bank held money Saddam and Colonel Gadaffi had stolen from their luckless peoples. In 2002, officers from the Serious Fraud Squad raided the offices of one of Auchi's drug companies as part of an investigation of what is alleged to be the biggest swindle ever of the NHS. With allegations, albeit unproven, like these hanging over him, wouldn't you think that British MPs would have the sense to stay away?

Perhaps you would, but I forgot to add a final fact about Mr Auchi: he is the thirteenth-richest man in Britain, and he has been able to collect British politicians the way other people collect stamps...........................


http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4204413&page=1

Its connecting to the middle east and Iraqi billionaires now. WTF




Who'd seriously want to know this Rezko man.

In court, prosecutors said Rezko had become a "flight risk" because of his secretive transactions in the Mideast.

According to the court filings, the money came from a company, General Mediterranean, owned by a British-based Iraqi billionaire, Nadhmi Auchi, who was convicted in France on fraud charges.

The filing says when Auchi was unable to obtain a visa to visit the United States in 2005, Rezko intervened and "asked certain Illinois government officials" to appeal the State Department's ruling.

The officials who Rezko approached are not specified. Sen. Obama had just taken office as a U.S. senator in 2005, the same year he sought Rezko's help in the purchase of his home.

[Tom Strong]

1. HOLY SHIT!

I think you Obama supporters got a little more to worry about than HandshakeGate now.

This sounds fuckin' serious.

[jbnow]

59. Right because investigations

don't have any link to Obams but what is they call his disclosure statements?
unusually frank ethics disclosure reports

At the Tribune's request, Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans produced a list of all 260 civil and criminal cases in which the firm filed appearances, and the Tribune separately examined 1990s lawsuits that Rezmar Corp. listed in applications for government grants. The paper also examined files from the Illinois Housing Development Authority and the city housing department, as well as the hundreds of clients Obama listed in the unusually frank ethics disclosure reports he filed as a state senator from December 1995 through April 2004.

Unusually frank. Strange. Why would he be open and honest if he is a politician? Do we really want an honest president?

Don't worry, they don't say things like unusually frank about Clinton's http://www.judicialwatch.org/6180.shtml

Judicial Watch Files Complaints against Hillary Rodham Clinton with Senate Ethics Committee and Department of Justice

Of course it is pretty suspicious that he'd be friends with this guy.

It's easy to forget today, but in the years before 2005, Rezko enjoyed a reputation in Illinois as an up-and-coming, even enlightened entrepreneur with a strong interest in the risky low-income and affordable housing markets that relied on tax credits and other government assistance.

He also was a reliable source of campaign cash for an array of politicians from both parties.

Obama was a community organizer in the Roseland neighborhood before leaving for Harvard Law School, and on the South Side he saw firsthand a critical need for affordable housing.

OH MY GOD. Can you believe the nerve of Obama who understood the need for affordable housing becom8ing friends with a guy who had a good reputation in low income housing?

And that when he ran for politics he'd take contributions from him?

I hope it's not as bad as those arrests at America Coming Together (ACT) fundraising group, that Federal Election Commission had that big investigation going on with. They worked for the Clinton campaign or held positions with consulting firms it hired.

Do you think it's fair that a lot of people suspect Senator Clinton really did know that one of her BIG donors Hsu was doing that multimillion-dollar Ponzi scheme bilking investors? Was he let out on bond yet? It really worries me that people might think badly of her.

HOW long do you want to do these stupid threads?

[KoKo]

77. ...

[dkf]

2. "Illinois Government Official"

is probably Blago related.

That is where all the stinky stuff currently being examined is.

[sunonmars]

3. thats not the issue, look at it, how does that look to you

You seriously don't think Obama knowing this guy for 17 years and its possible Rezko himself was a stooge for an Iraqi with Saddam ties.

I mean, Holy Shit was what i thought first off.

Did the money for the land bought for Obama's house come from money the Iraqi?

[dkf]

5. Rezko is even a Bush contributor...

He is best known for helping raise money for the governor and Democrats such as former Cook County Board President John Stroger, Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. But Rezko also has helped Republicans, including former Gov. Jim Edgar, and he co-chaired a fundraiser for President Bush.

But his strongest ties have always been with Blagojevich. Rezko's and Blagojevich's families often socialized. Rezko and the governor's wife, Patti, a real estate agent, even worked on several property deals together since 1997, earning Patti Blagojevich at least $38,000 in fees.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-0610120112oct12,1,4621852.story

[sunonmars]

7. Not my point, Obama is running for President

This is why the Repubs have been so glee with wanting Obama for the GE.

Christ, I'd be rubbing my hands if I was a repug with this sort of material waiting in the wings, they will completely make it about this.

[dkf]

9. McCain has the Keating Five.

Maybe Romney is clean...who knows.

[cali]

12. the pukes haven't been remotely gleeful about running against him, dear

and so far there's zip to tie Obama to Rezco's dirty dealings. I know you're dying for Obama to be dirty- you couldn't be clearer on that, but as of now there's nothing that connects Obama to Rezco's criminal activitiwes

[ihelpu2see]

67. And gave to the Clinton's... nt

[Yossariant]

48. "That individual" asked a state's governor to

intervene with the Feds.

Yeah, sure, that's likely.

I'm nodding in agreement here.

:sarcasm:

[Tom Strong]

4. Oh man, no wonder he wouldn't shake her hand!

She brought Rezko up on national television.

And Rezko spells doom.

And remember how that pic of Hillary & Bill with Rezko came out within HOURS of Hillary mentioning his name?

They were ready for it. They new it was coming.

It all makes sense now.

Holy shit!

[sunonmars]

6. I have a feeling the whole Hillary/Edwards "there's more about Rezko"

came from.

I mean, you dont have to be a genius to join the dots and see where this is going?

[dkf]

8. Chicago Sun Times says the only thing Obama did wrong

is doing the land deal when Rezko was in trouble and that was stupid, not illegal. Again, the land deal was done at full market value.

If you want to do guilt by association then Hillary is way more stinky than Obama. He has one, she has boatloads.

[sunonmars]

10. seriously you cant see the implications of all this

This all comes back to Chicago and Obama's backyard.

Michelle was good friends with Rezko's wife, they saw each other frequently, Obama supported him on projects, Obama had a 17 yr relationship, Rezko was being backed by dodgy Iraqi's.

The MSM will eventually join dots and not in a good way.

you couldnt make this shit up.

[Tom Strong]

11. Oh, please. This Rezko guy makes Marc Rich look like a fuckin' choir boy!

And Obama is joined to him at the motherlovin' hip.

That is BIG.

[sunonmars]

13. The law firm was pulled in

January 29, 2008, the Chicago Tribune reported that the Chicago law firm of Freeborn & Peters, which "has represented Antoin 'Tony' Rezko and some of his businesses for several years," was involved in the $3.5 million wire transfer from Auchi.


The same firm that donated massive sums to Obama

Direct connection to his campaign from the iraqi sleazebucket.

[dkf]

15. Sigh.

Look all I know is the reporter from Chicago that was looking into this said that he would have been satisfied if Obama said that Rezko was a "seducer of political talent" and that he got taken in.

None of this oh so sinister connections. You guys are reaching.

[Yossariant]

51. Hillary is clean as a whistle

No two people in America have been investigated more than Bill and Hillary Clinton.

For Barack, this is the beginning of it, not the end.

[sunonmars]

54. asking a politician from Chicago to run for President is like

asking a vampire to guard a blood bank.

[Yossariant]

56. Public financing

Limited campaigns.

[DURHAM D]

85. Great comment - thanks. n/t

[KoKo]

87. well...that Chicago Thing goes back to the JFK Election and Merchandise Mart

influence. Joe Kennedy owned that..and the Daley Crowd.

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

[Yossariant]

52. No, they didn't say that at all.

There was no "ONLY."

They say that's another ONE of the things...

[jackson_dem]

14. If Obama gets indicted who will his supporters go to?

;) :crazy:

[Tom Strong]

17. Yeah, keep posting the funny faces

Maybe that'll make it all go away.

[jackson_dem]

20. I am an Edwards supporter

I was making fun of the Obamites who demand Edwardians switch to Obama. Maybe they will be the ones forced to switch to another candidate if the Rezko thing takes off if more things are unearthed. ;)

[Tom Strong]

24. Good luck to your man

Saw Edwards speak on the campaign trail back in '04.

He's even better-looking in person. Girlfriend went nuts.

I've held a grudge ever since. :)

[Yossariant]

58. Maybe the Reverend Moon has openings. nm

[sunonmars]

16. I don't see how you make this look good form any angle

[dkf]

18. PROOF! Spokesman for Obama campaign said Mr. Rezko had never asked Obama for help on Visa request

"Former Rezko associates have said Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois attended a dinner Mr. Rezko held in Chicago for Mr. Auchi. Mr. Blagojevich’s office did not return calls for comment on Monday.

Bill Burton, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, said Mr. Rezko had never asked Mr. Obama for help on the visa request."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/us/politics/29rezko.html?ex=1359262800&en=239ea3d2b8923ad8&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

You sure you didn't see this article and deliberately represent what you knew to be false?

I call SHAME ON YOU!

[sunonmars]

19. I didnt say anything about the visa

Thats not my point, my point is look at the connections here and do you seriously expect to Obama to own up.

[dkf]

21. Look at what you cut and paste from the article

"The officials who Rezko approached are not specified. Sen. Obama had just taken office as a U.S. senator in 2005, the same year he sought Rezko's help in the purchase of his home."

Did you know that Obama's spokesman had said Obama was not involved before you posted this? Because if you do, I say you were being intentionally misleading.

If you tell me you had not read this article and had not been aware of the information I am posting, I will believe you and will accept you were posting in good faith.

[sunonmars]

23. you make whatever you want from the article

thats your opinion

[dkf]

26. I notice you don't defend yourself from my accusation of knowing about the NYT article.

Gotcha.

You found the supposedly incriminating, non-updated stuff and kept out very important information that contradicted your post.

This is what is wrong with politics and why we have to turn the page on Clinton style campaigning.

[sunonmars]

27. take the blinkers of and think for yourself instead of just following the mantra

accusation, it was crap.

[dkf]

31. I am thinking for myself and not swallowing your post lock stock and barrel.

I didn't realize I would need to fact check your posts.

[Yossariant]

46. Barack's campaign said it

Oh, well, never mind then.

I wonder What Obama Really Meant. ;-)

[MNDemNY]

70. A campaign spokesman's statement is "proof"

You gotta fuckin' be kidding!

[ArkySue]

22. Repubs will have a field day with this!

If they can hound the Clintons about Whitewater (the Clintons lost money on that), they will have a walk in the park on this stuff!!
Hello, Prez Romney. Gack!!

[dkf]

25. This is Gov. Blagojevich's problem, not Obama's.

Rezko is a slimy guy, yes, but he donated to and associated with a whole lot of Chicago politicians and national politicians INCLUDING GEORGE W. BUSH!! So REPUBS ARE IMPLICATED IN GUILT BY ASSOCIATION TOO!

And Rezko mostly got favors from Blagojevich.

You people are awful.

[sunonmars]

28. 3 words : 17 YEAR RELATIONSHIP

[Tom Strong]

29. Yeah. I mean, that's longer than most marriages, right?

[sunonmars]

30. Well they seem cozy enough for that , yes

[dkf]

32. DID NOTHING WRONG.

Hows about that one?

[sunonmars]

33. you keep thinking that in your bubble

[dkf]

35. Sometimes people really don't know what their "friends" are up to.

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

"Webster Lee Hubbell (born 1949), known as Webster L. Hubbell and Webb Hubbell, was an Arkansas lawyer and politician. He was a lawyer in Pulaski County before serving as Mayor of Little Rock from 1979 until he resigned in 1981. He was appointed by Bill Clinton as chief justice of Arkansas State Supreme Court in 1983. When Clinton became President, Hubbell was appointed as associate attorney general; he was generally considered the third most powerful person in the Justice Department. His wife is Suzanna "Suzy" Hubbell.

In December 1994, Hubbell pleaded guilty to federal mail fraud and tax evasion charges in connection with his handling of billing at the Rose Law Firm, a firm with partners that once included Hillary Clinton and Vince Foster. Hubbell admitted he had defrauded former clients and former partners out of $482,410.83. On June 28, 1995, Judge George Howard sentenced Hubbell to 21 months' imprisonment.<1>"

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/white_house/april97/hubbell_4-2.html

Webster Hubbell was one of a handful of Arkansans who came to Webster Hubbell Washington with newly elected President and Mrs. Clinton. The President once called Hubbell his closest friend. Hubbell and First Lady Hillary Clinton had been friends and partners at the Rose Law Firm in Little Rock where they both involved in a project that would later come under scrutiny in the Whitewater investigation.

[sunonmars]

37. ok i'm ROFLMAO now

[dkf]

38. Just saying...

[Tom Strong]

39. You lasted longer than I did, sunonmars

I was ROFLMAOing about three exchanges ago.

Anyway, thanks for the morning jolt. Woke me up better'n the coffee.

Later, Gator.

[autorank]

34. Here we go.

The only thing positive to be said about this thread is that the vetting is ongoing despite the front ended primary plan, which favors the wealthy exclusively and is too damn short.

I knew this was coming when I read these words in MSM "Syrian born businessman" - oh, really. And that's a set up for what...

This all has to be examined closely but damn, what a nasty deal this is.

On edit: Bad news. The Guardian would not intentionally malign Obama. They could be wrong but not on purpose. ABC news, you're damn right, they lack credibility - remember the 911 special by a right wing cult dude. This is not good at all with The Guardian involved. They are like Harpers Magazine, owned by a foundation of some sort and fairly independent, excellent track record.

[sunonmars]

36. Does not come across well

I said the same thing when i knew they were digging when the mentioned that "syrian born businessman" I thought, here we go.

I thought Rezco was bad but if this guy is his backer, its a whole new ball game, this Auchi guy is toxic.

[autorank]

40. Yep, now there has to be some serious fact checking.

I'm not worried about who Obama takes money from. Bush takes it from Halliburton, etc. I'm more
concerned with the Lieberman, Zbig connections. That's why I don't support him now.

If this plays out, then the whole dael is over. We don't know enough yet. If it doesn't, then
watch out. Obama is very bright and does a great job handling high pressure smears, as he did with
HRC in South Carolina. She slashed him with "Resko" but he fought back and she looked shrill.

Of course, none of them ever talk about issues in any depth. What are they going to do? They control
what they say but continue to play this game. It's really a disgrace but nothing compared to the
Republican candidates --- OMG, they make Dr. Strangelove look like a moderate.

Good find,we'll see what it is I'm sure.

[sunonmars]

41. I play a fair game and expect candidates to be vetted

I just see Obama is not and that is so worrying because if he's not and this goes nuclear, I will not be pleased.

In any road, it seems Illinois needs a very big fucking broom to clean that shithole politics out.

I have to say Obama is running a very risky campaign, a politician riding on a clean politics up strategy is a high risk one.

[MADem]

42. Tony Rezko is Syrian born, as well.

He was born in Aleppo.

[KoKo]

72. What did Rezko do to become so wealthy in such short time as an immigrant?

That's what would be interesting to know. Was he just a simple carpenter who began to rehab old buildings? Could he make that much money in a short time over HUD Credits for Low Income Rehab? The photo's of Rezko don't seem to show him as elderly....maybe late 40's? I'd like to know how he made his money unless he was from a wealthy Syrian family who immigrated. I guess that's possible, too.

[MADem]

74. He owned Chinese fast food (Panda Express) and Papa John's Pizza franchises.

He's not old--fifty three, seven or so years older than Gen X Obama.




You gotta figure someone bankrolled him. It would be funny as hell if he were an intelligence operative!

[KoKo]

76. That thought

crosses my mind, too. Reading that Guardian Article...about Auchi... :eyes: Also...Panda Express? NYT did an expose on those "chop shops" and how they are run. Slave immigrant labor...that is bussed from town to town across America to work in those Chinese Fast Foods. And, I would wonder about "money laundering." Just like those "Korean Nail Places" that are in every small town across the South...

[robbedvoter]

53. Vetting going on? Where?In UK? Voters are treated 24/7 Obamafest un US!

How many US voters read the Guardian?

[autorank]

82. robbedvoter - great name. Aren't we all!

You're right. It is an Obama fest but the corporate media loves this game. Build a guy up - creat a real news stir, lots of talk (of the 30% who watch these clowns or read the papers). Then smash the idol they've created. More news, not to mention their agenda of keeping this country on total lock down with the Republican goof balls in their primaries.

The R's have their own problem. The Paul faction is pissed, they are furious about what they see as stolen votes (and they have some bright people). They will not stay. Too bad we don't have a hard core anti war (not just anti Iraq) candidate. We'd pick up almost all of them.

[BigBearJohn]

43. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. Move along now.

Nothing to see here.

Except for this:

TIME MAGAZINE: Obama Fundraiser Rezko Arrested

"Obama also has had to answer questions about how Rezko
became involved in the purchase of the Obama family home
as well as other ties to Rezko that go back more than 15 years."
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1707490,00.html?xid=rss-topstories

Oh, but the Republicans will NOT use this whatsoever
during the General Election. Yeah, right.
Can anybody spell "crucify?"

Can't you just see the possible GOP attack ads?
-- "connections with our enemies in Iraq"
-- "connection with Saddam Hussein?"
-- "connection with a guy involved with drug sales?"

"And THIS is the BEST the Democrats have to offer in '08? This is America's NEW HOPE?"

Oh, no. The GOP will NOT even THINK of using any of this.
Nor will they sic the BEST advertising hatchet men money can buy?

You think what they did to Kerry was bad. Honey, you ain't seen nothing yet.

But that's ok. Let's all keep cheering for Obama. Everything will be okay.

[sunonmars]

44. when does he click his heels 3 times, theres no place like home.

[BigBearJohn]

45. Right after another Republican is elected President of the USA

[sunonmars]

47. The deeper they are digging, the bigger the hole is getting

Chicago is one shitpit of politics. Is that how we want Washington run because if he gets elected, he'll bring a lot of that Chicago lot with him.

[BigBearJohn]

49. Forgot about that. Just wait til they start associating Mr. O with the Daley machine and thugs.

And so it begins.

This really explains why the MSM is really pushing
the Obama coronation. It all makes sense now.

Hey, but IT'S OK. Why? Because Sen. Kennedy says so.

Without doubt, this is going to be the FILTHIEST
election we have ever experienced. Hands down.
They will be writing about this for years and years
to come.

[sunonmars]

50. Yet many still following along singing Kumbaya

[BigBearJohn]

55. Did you purchase your cheerleader outfit yet? I have mine.

Can you just hear the Right Wing radio jocks
tearing into Obama after he wins the nomination.

And you thought bull dogs were vicious? Ha!

Now, don't for one minute think that I believe
that all this will make one iota of difference
to the legions of Obama supporters. It won't.
And they'll have fanastic explanations afterwards
as to what went wrong.

God, I hope I'm wrong. I really do. Oh well.

[sunonmars]

57. any wonder Obama is shutting up and not discussing it

I'm just shocked at how decripit it all is. I mean this is downright awful no matter what way you look at it. I can't find one positive thing to spin out of the whole story for Obama.

I personally think, he used, any source he could to get where he was and didnt care where it came from.

He's no different than any other politician, except i can't stand a hypocritical politican, thats the worse kind.

"Yes we can clean up politics, of course, oh and by the way can you give me some money while your at it, just dont tell me where its from".

[golddigger]

60. In thread after thread I keep saying this is

going to bite Obama on the ass. The M$M is going be on this like flies on shit. It will make what they did to Dean and Kerry look like a picnic.

[sunonmars]

61. but only when they decide they want to

and they will.

[golddigger]

64. I agree with you sunonmars...

I believe they're waiting to see how Obama does on Super Tuesday.

[KoKo]

73. There sure was alot of cheerleading by the MSM who normally disses Dems.

Yesterday it was OTT on MSNBC with rockstars Kennedy and Obama, breathless reporters with smirks on their faces... Who knows... but agree, it's looking ugly.

[Freida5]

62. He probably hopes to get a pardon from a future President

[golddigger]

63. Heh...

:evilgrin:

[Yossariant]

65. I doubt she'd do it.

[golddigger]

66. Double heh...

:evilgrin:

[earth mom]

68. How much you wanna bet the corporate media whores will sweep this under the carpet?

They've made their choices for us: Obama & McCain and they aren't gonna risk that now. :puke:

[jasmine621]

78. All it takes for the corporate media is innuendo to report allegations as

truth where the Clintons are concerned. But they will never do that against Obama UNTIL THE PRIMARY IS OVER.

[earth mom]

80. Exactly. They will use it AFTER THE PRIMARIES as ammunition to help the rethuglicans.

:puke:

[sunonmars]

83. Exactly, Obama's dead in the water before he starts

[earth mom]

84. Another reason to vote Edwards. He doesn't have that kind of baggage.

Edwards will be a tough opponent and that's what we need! :kick:

[Jennicut]

69. This is funny, watching this back and forth

Argue all you want but NO POLITICIAN IS CLEAN. That's why politics is a bit of a joke. A will support Obama as Hillary's tactics make me sick but really, acting shocked or acting like your candidate is better is hilarious. This stuff won't stop until public financing of elections is made a law and the likelihood of politicians fixing the system they put into place is zilch. Politicians ask for handouts from anyone regardless of their background as that is the system. Hmmm, maybe I will support Edwards now. How is he on taking contributions from shady individuals? Any better than Obama or Hillary?

[zalinda]

71. Yes, and he wants public financing.

He also wants paper ballots. He wants to close Guantanamo. He wants to get out of Iraq. He wants to give us better education opportunities. He wants to give us affordable health care. He wants to give us jobs. In short, he wants to overhaul DC, and make it for the people again. But, before you sign on, you should know, he also expects us to work for it. Anything given for free, is not worth as much as when you work for it.

zalinda

[Jennicut]

81. I might be switching. I really really want public financing.

[KoKo]

75. He hasn't been in DC Beltway or Politics long enough to get the

REALLY BIG...stuff. Most of his comes from Small Town NC kind of politics...the Trial Lawyers and some he picked up on Wall St. working for that Hedge Fund. Not all Wall St. folks are dishonest, btw. Many would like to see reforms and are sick of the corruption. Checking out Edwards on Open Secrets seems to show little in the way of the donations that Obama and Hillary have gotten. Obama was surprising in that his campaign message seems in direct conflict with the Big Donors he has. And to get so much money so quickly that he matched Hillary starting out. Edwards has nothing compared to either of them in funds.

[robbedvoter]

79. So, it's not just a money scandal anymore...

[KoKo]

86. Well...we don't know what it is...but it looks worse than Whitewater and Clinton's stuff...but who

knows. It might just be a "tempest in a teapot." Chicago Politics as Usual and no one cares a Hoot.