BY WILLIAM JUNEAU
In the House of Representatives, with questions on "impeachment" and its processes and appeals, Democrats know where to go for answers. They have an in-house expert on the subject, and he is a former United States District judge. He was a judge until he got booted from the bench for bribery and dishonesty, and he now sits as a member of the House, and is a favorite of the aged and venomous Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.
Wearing this unique and unprecedented hat is Florida Congressman Alcee Lamar Hastings, 84, who wants the Trump impeachment to go forward, and is cheering and coaching his colleagues in the ways of the world. He sits on many key committees in the People's House, and his background as a dishonest judge and thief is no barrier.
Under present House pronouncements, past misdeeds would bar a congressman or congresswoman from sitting on committees. But Hastings deserved forgiveness, unlike new Republican Representative Michelle Taylor Greene who was ousted from all committee work for past comments which she made.
Prior to election from a Georgia district last November, Greene had made some far out comments on the social media which tended to side with some conspiracy theories. A few days ago, she made a public apology and said that she regretted her statements. and requested that the House allow her to remain on committees. Overwhelmingly, the House Democrats with Hastings part of the majority said no and had Rep. Greene removed as a member on all committees.
So what is Hastings all about?
In 1979, President Carter nominated him to the federal bench from sunny Florida and he became the first African American district court judge in that state. Hastings was a smooth talker, but a few years later he got caught reaching for $150,000 in bribe money in exchange for his favorable rulings.
In 1983, he got arrested, was charged and went to trial, but the key witness for the prosecution declined to testify and he was acquitted. New investigations ensued and it was determined that Hastings had perjured himself and tampered with evidence. In 1987, after years of legal wrangling, evidence against Hastings was so glaring that an impeachment action was brought against him by the House of Representatives as is provided for in the Constitution. In 1989 he was found guilty by the Senate and removed from the bench.
He appealed to the U.S. Supreme court, but there was no turning around the verdict of Congress and Hastings had to put his robes aside permanently in exchange for a business suit. The disgrace, disbarment and appellation of being a thief, did not slow down the bearded, silver haired and silver tongued Hastings from embarking on a change of professions and a new political career. But that's the way it goes when Democrats give the green light to a loyal party guy. With Democrats, there is always mercy and a second chance.
Liking Florida where he was well known, he ran for Secretary of State but lost in a tight race. But then in 1992, the 20th district caught his eye, and Hastings ran with zest in the heavily African American area. At one point he labeled his white opponent as a racist bitch and when the votes were counted he was the new congressman and took office in January, 1993. No one seemed to care that he was an ex-judge who had been kicked off the federal bench for dishonesty, and at one point Pelosi even wanted him to be chairman of a key and powerful committee, but Democratic advisers persuaded her to do otherwise. Last November, he was reelected for the 13th consecutive time.
Overlooking Hastings' thievery and disgrace was never a problem for Democrats who always take care of their own. The double standard is a way of life for Democrats.
Presently, Rep. Hastings is the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Legislative and Budget Process, which deals with legislation regarding relations between Congress and the Executive Branch. Also, he is the Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), charged with monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental and military cooperation in 57 countries.
Congressman Hastings also serves as Dean and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation, and Senior Democratic Whip.
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It's starting to wear thin!
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