Most of you are probably too young to remember Adam Clayton Powell, a Congressman from Harlem in New York City. He spent all his time on a island surrounded by women. His voters loved him.
Not ALL all of his time. Powell was flawed; but he was a giant. Toward the end of his career in the House, he was convicted in a New York court of slander—he had called a crook a crook, but then offered no proof in court to back his assertions when it came time for trial. He paid no damages when they were assessed and wouldn’t set foot in the New York City borders to avoid arrest. Due to the charges and a lot of ill will he’d engendered from other legislative fights(pro integration and increasing educational money for poor & disadvantaged people), Congress moved to deny him his seat and stop his pay. He went to the Supreme Court—who sided with him—but stayed in the caribbean in the meantime. Then, he got into tax & alimony trouble; Congress again tried to censure him; and, in a close election, lost his seat to Charley Rangel, who really picked up where Powell left off as a progressive legislator, without Powell’s colorful private life. Powell was fighting cancer by that time, and died shortly after losing his seat.
Nachikethass over 12 years ago
Well Winslow – you have to be consistent in your goals…
finkd over 12 years ago
Kevin, you’re in trouble if you’re taking election advice from Charlie Sheen.
KPOM over 12 years ago
Perhaps Kevin is positioning himself for a VP nomination? He might be a good balance to the staid Romney.
bigal666 over 12 years ago
Most of you are probably too young to remember Adam Clayton Powell, a Congressman from Harlem in New York City. He spent all his time on a island surrounded by women. His voters loved him.
di0genes over 12 years ago
Not ALL all of his time. Powell was flawed; but he was a giant. Toward the end of his career in the House, he was convicted in a New York court of slander—he had called a crook a crook, but then offered no proof in court to back his assertions when it came time for trial. He paid no damages when they were assessed and wouldn’t set foot in the New York City borders to avoid arrest. Due to the charges and a lot of ill will he’d engendered from other legislative fights(pro integration and increasing educational money for poor & disadvantaged people), Congress moved to deny him his seat and stop his pay. He went to the Supreme Court—who sided with him—but stayed in the caribbean in the meantime. Then, he got into tax & alimony trouble; Congress again tried to censure him; and, in a close election, lost his seat to Charley Rangel, who really picked up where Powell left off as a progressive legislator, without Powell’s colorful private life. Powell was fighting cancer by that time, and died shortly after losing his seat.
Stephen Gilberg over 12 years ago
He’d dismiss Cheney, having too much pride to settle for vice president.