Trickery: Shinseki top aide who is resigning was scheduled for retirement in 2014...

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave...when first we practice to deceive.” 
― Walter Scott, Marmion

Via The Washington Examiner:

"You're saying there's a suggestion that something terrible happened in Phoenix, and that's under investigation; all we know is its a suggestion," White House press secretary Jay Carney told ABC's Jonathan Karl while defending Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki during Friday's press briefing. "We should just accept allegations as true without investigating them?"

And then, news broke that one of Shinseki's top aides had resigned. “Today, I accepted the resignation of Dr. Robert Petzel, Under Secretary for Health in the Department of Veterans Affairs," Shinseki said in a statement. "As we know from the veteran community, most veterans are satisfied with the quality of their VA health care, but we must do more to improve timely access to that care. I am committed to strengthening veterans' trust and confidence in their VA healthcare system."

By the way, the VA announced in September that Petzel would retire in 2014 and has been searching for his replacement for the past eight months.

Obama administration’s top environmental official who bragged about crucifying oil and gas companies resigns

President Obama is undoubtedly very sad about this turn of events, but his re-election must take precedent over everything.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration’s top environmental official in the oil-rich South and Southwest region has resigned after Republicans targeted him over remarks made two years ago when he used the word “crucify” to describe how he would go after companies violating environmental laws.

In a letter to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson sent Sunday, Al Armendariz says he regrets his words and stresses that they do not reflect his work as administrator of the five-state region including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Armendariz, who holds a doctorate in environmental engineering, apologized for his remarks last week. A senior administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, told The Associated Press that he has since received death threats. His resignation was effective Monday, when he informed his senior staff.

“I have come to the conclusion that my continued service will distract you and the agency from its important work,” Armendariz wrote in the letter, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

Republicans in Congress had called for Armendariz’ firing, after Oklahoma Sen. James Inhofe highlighted the May 2010 speech last week as proof of what he refers to as EPA’s assault on energy, particularly the technique of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Democrats Turn On Charlie Rangel

Democrats are starting to call for House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) gavel. The House Ethics committee admonished Rangel this week for accepting the trips he shouldn't have.

Politico reported:

After months of holding ranks, some Democrats are finally turning on House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) in the wake of an ethics committee finding that he violated House rules by accepting a Caribbean junket.

Early Friday, Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) told POLITICO he wants Rangel to quit his powerful...

Republican Leaders Call On Reid To Resign For Racial Remarks

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, calls on Reid to step down.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, told POLITICO that Reid should immediately step down as majority leader.

Cornyn said Reid's comments "were embarrassing to the Senate"...

Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele calls on Reid to step down.


From Hot Air:

“The reality of it is this, there is this standard where Democrats feel they can say these things and apologize as long as it comes from one of their own,” Steele said on “Fox News Sunday,” equating Reid’s comments with the racially charged ones that led to the outster of Former Republican Leader Trent Lott. “And if it comes from somebody else, it’s racism.”

“Remember this is a leader who only a few weeks ago was using the context of slavery to talk about health care,” said Steele, the first African American head of the RNC. “It’s an old mindset when you are using language in 2008 that harkens back to the 1950s.”

Don't hold your breath.

Geithner Refuses Call To resign. Blames Bush For Economy. (video)

Republican Congressman Brady reams Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and calls on him to resign. Geithner responded,

"You gave this President an economy falling off the cliff."

Geithner Gets Testy With Congressman (video)

CNN's Rick Sanchez on Palin's resignation, "Is Sarah Palin Quitting Because She Is Pregnant Again?"

Even as Sarah Palin resigns from public office, liberals continue the childish attacks on her and her family. CNN's Rick Sanchez mused, "Is Sarah Palin Quitting Because She Is Pregnant Again?"

Rick Sanchez: "Is Sarah Palin Quitting Because She Is Pregnant Again?"


The Huffington Post celebrated with this jewel which has now been removed.

Screen shot from Sweetness & Light.

The left wing blogosphere is buzzing about an alleged upcoming federal indictment.

Okay, I've now been able to get independent information from multiple sources that all of this precedes what are said to be possible federal indictments against Palin, concerning an embezzlement scandal related to the building of Palin's house and the Wasilla Sports Complex, built during her tenure as Mayor. Both structures, it is said, feature the "same windows, same wood, same products." Federal investigators have been looking into this for some time, and indictments could be imminent, according to the Alaska sources.

The BRAD BLOG has not been able to receive confirm from any federal sources on this. Our information comes from local Alaskans who follow Palin, and who have been keeping an eye on this for some time, while keeping it quiet at the request of federal investigators.

The chorus for Burris resignation grows

There is a growing chorus for Illinois Senator Burris's resignation. Even black pastors from Chicago are abandoning him now.

APNewsBreak: Black pastors to ask Burris to resign
Feb 19 04:56 PM US/Eastern
By TAMMY WEBBER
Associated Press Writ

CHICAGO (AP) - A Chicago minister tells The Associated Press he and other black pastors who previously supported U.S. Sen. Roland Burris now plan to ask him to resign. The minister spoke Thursday on condition of anonymity because a meeting with Burris hadn't yet been scheduled. He says the senator can no longer serve effectively.(excerpted) read more at breitbart.com