FC: On CSPAN right now: James Traficant testifying in his own defense

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

Rep. James Traficant (D-Ohio) is making a blustery but at-times eloquent 
case for his own innocence and abuse of power by the FBI and IRS. Traficant 
sees a conspiracy against him. He faces expulsion from the House after a 
conviction in Ohio. He is asking for permission to have witnesses testify 
on his behalf. He says some of his witnesses have been threatened by the 
executive branch if they testify.

Quotes from hearing:
"you've allowed the executive branch to become so powerful that people fear 
their government.
"the american public in a free republic should not fear the government. but 
they do.
"The fbi and the mob in youngstown has been together for years. they own them
"janet reno is a traitor. she betrayed america by not investigating the 
money that was received (by a red chinese general)
"I'm a member (of the House) too, and I'll be damned if I'm treated like a 
dog (by having no witnesses testify)
"if they put me in jail in ohio, i just may be the first american to hold a 
congressional seat while incarcarated
"if a member of the congress can't come to the congress, where do the 
american people go?

Background on hearing:
http://www.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/07/15/traficant.ethics.ap/index.html
http://www.business-journal.com/Traficantindex.html

Webcast:
http://www.cspan.org/watch/cspan_wm.asp

-Declan




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