Is Billy Long abusing his position?

Remember when Long or someone on his staff turned over to the F.B.I. the names of those bloggers who were 'worrisome to Long'? Turns out that all those interactions between Long and the bloggers (You remember, the asking Billy questions he wouldn't answer and how he would just walk away from those seeking answers of him) all those events occurred in a one week period in early September during Billy Long's business tour in which he encouraged members of the public to come out and discuss issues. Well, they did. And this was Billy's response. (remember this all took place between September 6 -10, 2010 by several bloggers in the 7th district.)
Here are the tapes:

Notice in this tape after Billy gets down taking about how important the young people are to him, how he just ignores a question from one of the college students not once but twice.

In clip, Long ignores the questioner:

In this clip, after Long had spoken at Meek's Lumber in Monett, he completely ignores the blogger.

After that horrible tragedy in Tuscon, Long gave Sheriff Arnott a list of names, probably six, of people who were worrisome to him. Arnott told the press and the F.B.I. said the bloggers would be receiving a visit from law enforcement agencies.

These video tapes, all taped in the week of September 6, 2010, show Long consistently refusing to answer questions from constituents.

It wasn't until January, four months after the fact and a week after the Tuscon tragedy that Long decided these encounters were worrisome to him.

But, Sheriff Arnott says Long didn't give him the names, his staff did. But in the tapes, Long is generally alone without staff present -- save for one instance in Monett.

Videotapes don't lie. You have seen citizens question public officials like this frequently-- just watch C-Span. It happened to Roy Blunt. He didn't turn names of the questioners into the F.B.I. If Long embellished his tales of the encounters with the bloggers (I mean the guy's an auctioneer, would he embellish?) to make them more threatening than they were, as he appears to have based on the video tape evidence, Long's motives for doing so become suspect.

Long has a history of playing a victim. You heard that in his tale of what he is giving up-- his auction company...what kind of assets does an auction company have, anyway? A couple of portable pa's? A computer, a trailer maybe and a whole bunch of bidder number cards. He plays the victim with the bloggers.

Billy Long, Sheriff Arnott used the F.B.I. in an attempt to intimidate critics.

I gotta tell you, if the Greene County Sheriff and an F.B.I. agent came to my house (and I live in Greene County so Arnott would be in the right county) and started asked me questions I would have never thought to record the interview, in fact, I would have probably been scared sh*tless and fumbled all over myself trying to answer their questions.

Arnott and the F.B.I. agent --he's the only guy in this whole affair who was doing the right thing. Based on the information he was given, he had to check it out. The only problem is the information he was given was not true.

Bus riders, you watched the videos. did Billy look threatened? Using my favorite John Boehner quote, "Hell NO!" He ignored us most of the time.

I recorded an hour of conversation with Billy Long. His staffer kept telling him that they needed to go to another event. Billy kept talking. The staffer kept trying to shut him up. Here's what I wrote on that occasion:

At the very end of my conversation with Billy on September 7, 2010, I asked him if he furnished health insurance for his employees. During last night's debate, our favorite auctioneer was asked how much his health insurance cost. He didn't know. Ask his wife, he said.

Ah jeez, this is a guy who wants us to send him to Washington and he wants us to ask his wife how much his health insurance costs. For someone who wants to repeal and replace "Obamacare" you would think that he would know how much his health insurance premiums were costing him, you know, just sort of as a talking point?

But, remember this: on September 7, 2010, I asked Billy Long if he provided health insurance for his employees.

Billy Long replied "They're all covered, I've offered it to them, the ones that don't have, everybody's got healthcare, I offer it to them either in salary and that, and they always take it in salary, so."

Long told me, "everybody's got healthcare."

Then he inserted this caveat: "I offer it to them either in salary and that, and they always take it in salary, so."

But he said, "They're all covered." Then he said, "they always take it in salary".

Doesn't that mean that no one is covered?

Long is Wrong for the seventh district and why the tea party folks aren't letting him that he is selling them out and fast, is beyond me.

Billy hasn't learned that the kind of crap you can pull at an auction, how you can sucker people and manipulate them into making higher bids is fine in an auction setting and joke around and play grabass maybe ok while you are wearing a mike and wielding a gavel but there is no place for such actions and antics when you are a congressman.

A simple search of this blog will turn up repeated instances where Long has embarrassed the district or demonstrated his lack of knowledge of what it means to be a congressman.

A man is known by the company he keeps and Billy is keeping company with everything he said he was against.

"Not afraid of anybody,anytime?" But you turned their names over to the police. And that Billy Long was an abuse of power and was wrong, wrong, wrong.

More here.

Still Fed UP?

"Long has taken a low-profile path in his first year. He has joined the Republican Study Committee, a group of House conservatives, as well as the Songwriters Caucus and the Sportsmen's Caucus. But he declined an invitation to join the more high-profile Tea Party Caucus." Luckily he did have the time to join the "Cowboy Hat Caucus"

Low profile? You bet! Long is hard to find No live town hall meetings, screened press briefings, screens visitors to meetings, doesn't return phone calls. And in contrast to what Long told you, (The first-term lawmaker doesn't attend many news conferences or blast out a blizzard of press releases) he or someone in his office IS firing out press releases: http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49§iontree=6,49

Long appears to be gearing up for a re-election campaign, using the theme of "I spent a year learning the ropes, you got to send be back up there because I know what to do now."

Last January, Billy Long gave to the F.B.I. the names of 6 bloggers who, in the words of the Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, "were worrisome to Long". Arnott and an F.B.I. agent started visiting the bloggers, all of whom had written posts critical of Long. http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2011/01/fbi_visits_missouri_blogger_wh.php and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/01/now-that-billys-got-those-pesky.html

Last March, Long co-sponsored a bill because Peter King asked him to, Long later said he didn't know what was in the bill. When bloggers broke the story, the SN-L interviewed Long: "But when asked about the provision in the bill that would sell off the frequency used by amateur radio operators, Long said that was news to him. He said he co-sponsored the bill because King, the homeland security chairman, asked him to and because the bill is supported by many organizations that are committed to public safety, something he values."

Last April, "The National Auctioneer's Association called the office and they said, "We want you to proclaim the third Saturday in April, which a lot of states already have an auctioneer's day, a lot of cities already have an auctioneer's day. They say, "We'd like for you to 'drop that bill'." The NAA was a major contributor to Long's campaign, giving $5,000 in June 2010 and another $5,000 after Billy dropped the bill. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-much-does-it-cost-to-drop-bill.html

The day after chastising fellow representatives who are just there for "window dressing", Long, following a series of meetings with PGA officials (Professional Golf Association), Long spoke on the House floor about the benefits of playing golf. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/pga-salutes-billy-long-for-his-speech.html and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/billy-long.html

Long has the time to have a 'series of meetings with PGA golf lobbyists and then bars members of the press from meeting with him at a press briefing in Springfield http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2011/04/member-of-missouri-press-association.html

Long has a reputation for 'tweeting' --- two most glaring examples were his tweet on the death of Amy Winehouse. Comparing what he thought was her addiction to drugs to Congress' addiction to spending money http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2018730/Amy-Winehouses-death-compared-US-debt-crisis-congressman-Billy-Long.html and his mocking of the NWS tornado warning tests that are broadcast on the radio. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/05/joplin-congressman-bill-long-r-made-fun.html Long also made Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" list ..... twice. http://youtu.be/Ht3xYnAGgYU and http://youtu.be/I3Rugf19f10

Just yesterday he posted this tweet: auctnr1 Billy Long
"Congress won't be home for Christmas - a lot of our Troops won't be either - I think we can handle Christmas in DC - God Bless Our Troops" Long likes to wrap himself in a flag, up to the point of lacing up combat boots.

Then, there's that chicken business..... http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2011/12/update-on-usda-tyranny-of-dollarhite.html

But of course, Long is in his element when he explains to Sarah Steelman how you keep a free market free:

Last April, both Long and Senator McCaskill held meetings in MO7-- I attended both meetings and wrote about what I saw: http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/whats-difference-between-duck.html

As for Billy ---"Despite his lack of political experience and his outsider status, Long also seems comfortable in Washington. He's already made a half dozen or so good friends in the first year and seems to enjoy kibitzing with his colleagues (although he avoids Washington's night-time social circuit, preferring to go home for another sandwich and some rest.)" What Billy says he does and what Billy does are sometimes not the same: http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/long-spends-1333-in-campaign-funds-for.html and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/06/million-dollar-billy.html

Our "smack talking auctioneer" who boasts of carrying around a dog-eared copy of the constitution in his pocket showed his true colors on the very first day the House was in session when he skipped the reading of the constitution to meet with a lobbyist.

It looks as if Long is getting himself in gear for a re-election campaign, It's an easy job, pays $14,500 a month, you only work two weeks a month and summer's off and great benefits. As Billy told you: "This job is not hard, It's not hard work. But it's long hours, and they keep you hopping all day."

Not too shabby of a quote from a guy who talks large and knows how to bluff.

If I were interviewing Billy, I would have asked him if he protested the fact that the congressional calendar has scheduled 145 days to not work in Washington. (Source: Congress At Your Fingertips, available in Long's office).

Then I would have asked what Long had done with all of this free time and what did his hand-picked group of 17 staffers do during that time.

Billy, being 'fed up' and all, I would have asked him to give specific details on how many times he met in his committee assignments and for copies of the speeches or his remarks or documents submitted outlining the specific cuts he recommended to downsize government and spending.

After all, he serves on the Homeland Security Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, both big spenders. Why hasn't the fence been built between usn's and them's. Did he take a trip since he had 145 days off to investigate?

I would have asked Billy about his support of the Ryan budget plan which, despite Long's assurances that "we've got to honor our committment to our seniors, effectively kills Medicare and Social Security as we know it.

Billy Long's salary is $14,500 a month, plus benefits. The average Social Security recipient in MO7 doesnt' receive anywhere near $14,500 a year with no benefits from Social Security. But Billy, despite his assuring us "I ain't afraid of nobody" has phalanx of young men surrounding him, protecting him from those who are 'fed up' with Billy Long.

I would have suggested to Billy that if you are going to stand in front of a group of your constituents and tell them not to believe what they read in the paper,(as he did at Experience Works in April) you should at least tell them why. You should be well versed enough in the budget you voted for to explain what the misconceptions are and what the effects will or might be.

I would also ask Billy if this article in today's SN-L "A year later, Long is still 'fed up'" is an example of one of those things we read in the newspaper that we shouldn't believe.

For another perspective on Billy Long ascension to political office, read Do what you can, have fun with what you are doing for as long as you can, and don't let that place screw you up too bad."

Still Fed UP? A repost from December 2011.

"Long has taken a low-profile path in his first year. He has joined the Republican Study Committee, a group of House conservatives, as well as the Songwriters Caucus and the Sportsmen's Caucus. But he declined an invitation to join the more high-profile Tea Party Caucus." Luckily he did have the time to join the "Cowboy Hat Caucus"

Low profile? You bet! Long is hard to find No live town hall meetings, screened press briefings, screens visitors to meetings, doesn't return phone calls. And in contrast to what Long told you, (The first-term lawmaker doesn't attend many news conferences or blast out a blizzard of press releases) he or someone in his office IS firing out press releases: http://long.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49§iontree=6,49

Long appears to be gearing up for a re-election campaign, using the theme of "I spent a year learning the ropes, you got to send be back up there because I know what to do now."

Last January, Billy Long gave to the F.B.I. the names of 6 bloggers who, in the words of the Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, "were worrisome to Long". Arnott and an F.B.I. agent started visiting the bloggers, all of whom had written posts critical of Long. http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/dailyrft/2011/01/fbi_visits_missouri_blogger_wh.php and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/01/now-that-billys-got-those-pesky.html

Last March, Long co-sponsored a bill because Peter King asked him to, Long later said he didn't know what was in the bill. When bloggers broke the story, the SN-L interviewed Long: "But when asked about the provision in the bill that would sell off the frequency used by amateur radio operators, Long said that was news to him. He said he co-sponsored the bill because King, the homeland security chairman, asked him to and because the bill is supported by many organizations that are committed to public safety, something he values."

Last April, "The National Auctioneer's Association called the office and they said, "We want you to proclaim the third Saturday in April, which a lot of states already have an auctioneer's day, a lot of cities already have an auctioneer's day. They say, "We'd like for you to 'drop that bill'." The NAA was a major contributor to Long's campaign, giving $5,000 in June 2010 and another $5,000 after Billy dropped the bill. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-much-does-it-cost-to-drop-bill.html

The day after chastising fellow representatives who are just there for "window dressing", Long, following a series of meetings with PGA officials (Professional Golf Association), Long spoke on the House floor about the benefits of playing golf. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/pga-salutes-billy-long-for-his-speech.html and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/billy-long.html

Long has the time to have a 'series of meetings with PGA golf lobbyists and then bars members of the press from meeting with him at a press briefing in Springfield http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2011/04/member-of-missouri-press-association.html

Long has a reputation for 'tweeting' --- two most glaring examples were his tweet on the death of Amy Winehouse. Comparing what he thought was her addiction to drugs to Congress' addiction to spending money http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2018730/Amy-Winehouses-death-compared-US-debt-crisis-congressman-Billy-Long.html and his mocking of the NWS tornado warning tests that are broadcast on the radio. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/05/joplin-congressman-bill-long-r-made-fun.html Long also made Keith Olbermann's "Worst Person in the World" list ..... twice. http://youtu.be/Ht3xYnAGgYU and http://youtu.be/I3Rugf19f10

Just yesterday he posted this tweet: auctnr1 Billy Long
"Congress won't be home for Christmas - a lot of our Troops won't be either - I think we can handle Christmas in DC - God Bless Our Troops" Long likes to wrap himself in a flag, up to the point of lacing up combat boots.

Then, there's that chicken business..... http://bungalowbillscw.blogspot.com/2011/12/update-on-usda-tyranny-of-dollarhite.html

But of course, Long is in his element when he explains to Sarah Steelman how you keep a free market free:

Last April, both Long and Senator McCaskill held meetings in MO7-- I attended both meetings and wrote about what I saw: http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/whats-difference-between-duck.html

As for Billy ---"Despite his lack of political experience and his outsider status, Long also seems comfortable in Washington. He's already made a half dozen or so good friends in the first year and seems to enjoy kibitzing with his colleagues (although he avoids Washington's night-time social circuit, preferring to go home for another sandwich and some rest.)" What Billy says he does and what Billy does are sometimes not the same: http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/long-spends-1333-in-campaign-funds-for.html and http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/06/million-dollar-billy.html

Our "smack talking auctioneer" who boasts of carrying around a dog-eared copy of the constitution in his pocket showed his true colors on the very first day the House was in session when he skipped the reading of the constitution to meet with a lobbyist.

It looks as if Long is getting himself in gear for a re-election campaign, It's an easy job, pays $14,500 a month, you only work two weeks a month and summer's off and great benefits. As Billy told you: "This job is not hard, It's not hard work. But it's long hours, and they keep you hopping all day."

Not too shabby of a quote from a guy who talks large and knows how to bluff.

If I were interviewing Billy, I would have asked him if he protested the fact that the congressional calendar has scheduled 145 days to not work in Washington. (Source: Congress At Your Fingertips, available in Long's office).

Then I would have asked what Long had done with all of this free time and what did his hand-picked group of 17 staffers do during that time.

Billy, being 'fed up' and all, I would have asked him to give specific details on how many times he met in his committee assignments and for copies of the speeches or his remarks or documents submitted outlining the specific cuts he recommended to downsize government and spending.

After all, he serves on the Homeland Security Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, both big spenders. Why hasn't the fence been built between usn's and them's. Did he take a trip since he had 145 days off to investigate?

I would have asked Billy about his support of the Ryan budget plan which, despite Long's assurances that "we've got to honor our committment to our seniors, effectively kills Medicare and Social Security as we know it.

Billy Long's salary is $14,500 a month, plus benefits. The average Social Security recipient in MO7 doesnt' receive anywhere near $14,500 a year with no benefits from Social Security. But Billy, despite his assuring us "I ain't afraid of nobody" has phalanx of young men surrounding him, protecting him from those who are 'fed up' with Billy Long.

I would have suggested to Billy that if you are going to stand in front of a group of your constituents and tell them not to believe what they read in the paper,(as he did at Experience Works in April) you should at least tell them why. You should be well versed enough in the budget you voted for to explain what the misconceptions are and what the effects will or might be.

I would also ask Billy if this article in today's SN-L "A year later, Long is still 'fed up'" is an example of one of those things we read in the newspaper that we shouldn't believe.

For another perspective on Billy Long ascension to political office, read Do what you can, have fun with what you are doing for as long as you can, and don't let that place screw you up too bad."

Has Billy Long forgotten how to read?

Rep. Billy Long, shown speaking at an event in November, says he was unaware of complaints by ham radio enthusiasts. / News-Leader file photo, 2010

HB 607 -- which some see as containing an internet kill switch, is sponsored by Rep. Peter King.

The bill is co-sponsored by Representative Billy Long MO 7 (R).

You remember Billy, he's the guy who said, in an interview with the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, "Peter King was looking for people who could take the tough votes," Rep. Long said. "So, for me to be named Vice Chairman—for a freshman, that's a pretty tall honor."

Hey, Billy, it looks like Peter King was looking for somebody who would do what he tells them to do.

Did you even read the bill Billy?

Others, when they weren't being visited by Sheriff Arnott and the F.B.I. took the time to read that bill and others Billy is co-sponsoring.

Bungalow Bill, who wrote the "Longiswrong" website and was one of several area bloggers who Arnott said were identified by Long and his office as "worrisome to Long", also tracks Billy's votes and bill sponsorships, writes of Billy's latest actions: "Do as Peter King Does...":

Congressman Peter King (R-NY) has introduced another piece of legislation, and to no surprise, Billy Long is once again the co-sponsor of the legislation. Now this is interesting since Billy Long said he was fed up with career politicians in Washington, because it's obvious now whatever Peter King does Billy Long follows.

So in two months, King has sponsored three high profile bills and Long's name has showed up on everyone of them, including the ones that grow government like the "If You See Something Say Something Act of 2011," which gives Janet Napolitano more power through a citizen spy network that you will soon see take form on video monitors at your local Walmart. As well, King and Long have been criticized for their collaboration to taken HAM radio frequencies and use them for emergency broadband internet WiFi frequencies, something that looks like it might be set up for the Internet kill switch. Now Long has put his name on King's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Security Authorization Act of 2011, H.R. 901, proving once again, Long is hanging with the career politicians rather than offer anything fresh to DC culture

This morning's SNL story about HB 607 (Ham radio operators are upset over bill) has this comment from Long:

But when asked about the provision in the bill that would sell off the frequency used by amateur radio operators, Long said that was news to him. He said he co-sponsored the bill because King, the homeland security chairman, asked him to and because the bill is supported by many organizations that are committed to public safety, something he values.

Here is copy from a press release Long's office sent out on 01/27/2011. It can be read in its entirety on Long's campaign website.

On the Committee on Homeland Security, Long will serve as the Vice Chairman on the Subcommittee for Oversight, Investigations, and Management. Long will also serve on the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee and the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies Subcommittee.

“Keeping America safe is the No. 1 priority of the government” Long said. “I look forward to protecting our shores and making sure those serving our country have the best tools at their disposal.”

“Billy will be a true asset to the Homeland Security Committee as we work to protect our homeland from terrorists who plot against our nation,” said Congressman Peter King, R-N.Y., chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security. “As a business owner, he understands the importance of sound management. His business experience and skills will be critical as we oversee the Department of Homeland Security to ensure its programs are efficient and cost-effective.”

Yep, Peter King picked Long because Long would make those tough votes! Nevermind actually reading the bill.

Long just might be out of touch with the people he represents. Watch how he tries to deflect the criticism with this statement he gave the SNL:

"I know ham radio operators are important, but this is the first I've heard that they're upset about it," the Springfield Republican said, adding that his office gets thousands of letters and e-mails each week.

Long appears to be justifying not knowing what was in the bill he is co-sponsoring because he gets "thousands of letters and e-mails each week."

I guarantee you that Long knows what time his breakfast fundraiser starts and who's attending and he knows to the penny how much money Mitt Romney's PAC has given Billy's re-election campaign.

I have sent Billy Long several emails and requests. He has never replied to me. He continues to block me and others critical of him from following him on Twitter.

Some think that the 'newness' has worn off and Billy Long is in over his head.

Maybe he'll decide he wants to spend more time with his family.

Meanwhile consider this viewpoint from pp:

The people who voted Billy into office fit into three main categories:

1. The voters who would say yes to the likes of useless politicians like Steve Helms, as long as there's a "R" beside the name

2. The people and groups with the money in Billy's district i.e. Coca Cola, Silver Dollar City etc who funnel $$$ into his campaign who are always looking at "the bigger picture", and of course Gannet SN-L with their transparent endorsement

3. And last, but not least, the bigots who knew all along what Billy's nebulous "Fed Up?" meant.

Is Billy Long a 'perceived threat' to President Obama?

A couple of weeks ago, Sheriff Jim Arnott told news outlets here in #SGF that Billy Long or his office had given him a list of names of people who were (quoting Arnott now) "worrisome to Long".

Arnott also said that several bloggers could expect a visit from him and the F.B.I. (No, I haven't been visited yet.)

One local blogger DID receive a visit from the Greene County Sheriff and the F.B.I. for being a "perceived threat" to Long.

Read related stories here.

Based upon the criteria used by Sheriff Arnott to justify that visit, it looks like Billy Long deserves a visit also. Bungalow Bill writes:

For the past two nights, Congressman Billy Long has been chasing Barack Obama in a series of events Obama has made appearances at. Oh but it gets worse. Congressman Long actually had the nerve enough, in America I might add, to question Obama's leadership and his words after last night's State of the Union Address. Long, a long-time vocal critic of Barack Obama told the Springfield News-Leader, "The content, to me, was lacking," Long said in a post-speech interview.

"We're in serious, serious problems in this country and we need to cut spending immediately. And he was talking about electric cars," he said.

It should also be noted that Congressman Long was overheard by a waitress in a Springfield trendy restaurant Long likes to refer to as "politics central" supposedly saying "We need to take back this country from the niggers and women running it… that’s the problem in D.C.”, so there could be a racial overtone to the "perceived threat," which makes all all the more serious based on accusations made against Long this past fall.

I mean this is America. You just can't expect people to criticize the leadership of one Barack Obama and get away with it. There has to be justice for Long's critical words despite the First Amendment. Wouldn't you agree Mr. Long and Sheriff Arnott?

By the way, content lacking, this country faces serious issues and there has to be more substance that just "fed up." Boy this does sound more and more like a perceived threat to me considering that's pretty much what I have been saying about Congressman Long for the past year, which is why his office notified the FBI for a "perceived" threat. See what I mean. Congressman Long is definitely a danger to Barack Obama (of course other than a little rehearsed sound bite that will go ignored throughout the country, I am sure Obama isn't too worried about Big Billy Long. In fact, he will probably be the subject of cabinet meeting jokes for along time to come).

Long who has a history of violent propaganda, was seen earlier this summer in a propaganda video looking like a crazed madman shaking his fist, calling Obama and some Democrats "liberal" over the preferred kinder and gentler "progressives" claiming he was fed up. Obviously there could be a threat here, and the FBI needs to take this very seriously and to discover if Long is "fed Up" enough to be pushed over the edge.

That's for me to know and you to find out.
In an interview published earlier this month in the Cincinnati Enquirer, the former auctioneer known for the large cowboy hat he wears, declined to say whether he had a conceal-and-carry permit or planned to travel with a gun, leaving it open to speculation that the ex-auctioneer may be packing heat.

"I don't want to go there," Long said. "If I was or wasn't ... nobody needs to know."

Long has been known to carry a sidearm and has been photographed wearing one.

Billy Long spends more than $6500.00 on meals at fancy DC restaurants, gives new meaning to the phrase "FED UP" plus my take on Sunday's SN-L article

This just in from Roll Call---
Lawmakers Rack Up Hefty Bills Wining and Dining Donors:

Freshman Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.), who earned his seat by declaring he was "fed up" with Washington and its career politicos, spent more than $6,500 on a handful of fundraisers at venues such as Charlie Palmer Steak and Hill Country Barbecue.

We've heard these stories before. Conservative Blogger Bungalow Bill reported on once such occurrence last July: Congressman Billy Long getting fatter on off OPM (Other People's Money):

A few weeks ago, I heard one constituent, who reported having dinner with Congressman Long while in Washington, come home outraged about the entire dinner. Normally, it would be a great honor to have dinner with a Congressman, but considering Congressman Long's attitude about the dinner, it was anything but honorable.

Long took the constituents to a swank Washington DC restaurant where dinner costs close a hundred dollars (bus driver's note: entrees cost close to $100.00 a course) When the check came after dinner, this gentleman offered to pay his own. Billy Long wouldn't have anything to do with that according to the gentleman as he exclaimed, "the people of Southwest Missouri are paying for your dinner tonight."

Long's FEC reports show he spent $7,878.97 in campaign funds for meals in the first quarter of 2012.

Frequent bus riders will remember when The Metropolitan Grill offered the "Billy Long Cut" 11 ounce ribeye filet served with pot roasted Heirloom baby bakers and apple brined Haricots Verts $28.50

Somewhere I have a screen capture of that menu page.

Earlier last month, before he jetted off to Las Vegas to stay at the Venetian Hotel (which was conveniently for Billy hosting a high stakes poker tournament with relaxation room and guest bar) Long spent $609.75 for a meal at a Washington D.C. restaurant called "The Tortilla Coast" --- jeez, how expensive are tortillas in that joint?

Yes, Billy has learned to game the system. Here in the Ozarks he flim-flams folks and in DC he's living large.


While the bus is cruising in the area of spending campaign donations for personal use.... yesterday, the SN-L featured a story by reporter Josh Nelson: Fixing a 'dysfunctional Congress' which included the following paragraphs:

During Long’s first run for Congress in 2010, he weathered a series of personal attacks from opponents. Evans has promised to focus on the issues, but other critics questioned trips Long has taken to Las Vegas and California this year.

Campaign disclosure forms show Long has taken four trips this year, which includes flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Long’s critics, which include bloggers Jim Lee of Springfield and Randy Turner of Joplin, have questioned why Long is flying west instead of returning home to spend time with constituents.

The trips include: a Jan. 8 trip for the Consumer Electronics Association meeting in Las Vegas; a Feb. 10 fundraiser for the Safari Club International in Phoenix, Ariz.; and a June 24 Los Angeles fundraiser for the Republican Jewish Coalition.

Long, however, argued the trips were for topics he’s passionate about, such as continued U.S. support for Israel.

“I think supporting them is the right thing to do and only thing to do,” Long said.

Long declined to respond to the criticism from Turner and Lee. His campaign earlier this year noted he has held more than 200 meetings with southwest Missouri constituents and businesses owners since taking office.

The trip to California is not an issue.

What is the issue is the four trips Long made to Las Vegas and paid for with his campaign funds. Looking at Long's FEC reports, there appear to be no fundraisers or strategy meeting expenses associated with the trips.

If Long paid for personal trips to Las Vegas with his campaign funds, as his FEC reports seem to reflect, that probably is a violation of FEC regulations.

To view the reports which Long's campaign has filed with the FEC, use this link: www.fed.gov/finance/disclosure. Type in "Billy Long" in the search box.

There you will find all of Long's campaign reports filed with the FEC and other such letters and documents, such as this one:

Frequent bus riders may recall this bus stop from January 5, 2011: "Like a horse, it's rode hard and put away wet," quipped Mr. Long: Former Representative Lynn Westmoreland is recalling a conversation he had with Billy: “I said, ‘Billy, you’re not a detail person are you?’ He said, ‘Nope,’” Westmoreland told Roll Call. “I said, ‘If you’re not detail-oriented, you better hire somebody who is detail-oriented.’ The ropes are going to be hard enough for a new Member of Congress to learn. If he has eight people or seven people there who are learning the ropes together, that’s going to be a long ride.”

Judging from the amount of amendments to his FEC reports and the notices of failure to file received, Long didn't take Westmoreland's advice.

Everything I write about Billy Long is based on his mailings, news reports about Long, his voting record, his FEC reports, his public statements and statements he made to me.

As an auctioneer, Long faced no public scrutiny other than a dis-satisfied customer.

As a congressman, EVERYTHING Billy Long does in his official capacity is on the record. Every penny he spends and every contribution he receives is deserving of public scrutiny.

Even the FBI knows that. "That's what you are supposed to be doing: holding people accountable because that's the people we elect and they are supposed to be accountable to us. And somebody's got to do it and more power to you."

Long can't handle the public scrutiny. He may have been baffling people as an auctioneer, but that dog don't hunt since he got elected congressman.

Did you ever wonder what Billy Long and Sheriff Joe Arpaio were talking about when they had their photo taken together last week in Tampa?

Couple of weeks ago Todd Akin and Billy Long went on a bus ride together. That's Billy and Todd and a whole bunch of other guys in the photo by Billy's bus. (Shane Schoeller, who's running for Secretary of State, is in the photo also. (He's the SLF third from the left.)He just got a cool half a million dollars in campaign donations from Rex Sinquefeld. Wonder what Rex expects in return?)

But back to Billy and Todd.

Last week Karl Rove "joked" about murdering Todd Akin. Here's some background on Karl's meeting.

Todd Akin didn't think the "joke" was too funny. Todd Akin's office disturbed by Karl Rove joke.

Huh. So a bunch of bloggers in MO7 write things that Billy Long doesn't like and he turns them into the FBI. (Here's a whole bunch of posts about that incident.)

Bungalow Bill discusses Billy's actions also:

Last week, Karl Rove talked about murdering Missouri Congressman Todd Akin. His words were far more dangerous than any thing bloggers have written about Congressman Billy Long. You may remember Congressman Long. Five days into his term as Congressman of Missouri's Seventh District, Congressman Long turned over a list of bloggers who he found worrisome and had their backgrounds investigated and called upon the FBI to intimidate these bloggers... Karl Rove says Todd Akin should be murdered, and where's Long and his staff member's concerns?

Did Billy call the FBI on Karl like he did on those bloggers?

A Big Chris Matthews "HAH"! You know he didn't!

But maybe, just maybe, that's what Billy and Sheriff Joe were discussing when this photo was taken. Surely it wasn't Billy's jokes because both these guys look like sourpusses. btw-- Billy seems to have taken this photo down from his twitter feed. Embarrassed by it, Billy?

This just in: While in Tampa appearing at the comedy club, Billy "I'm a congressman, not too proud of that but I am" Long told a long involved joke about not swimming in the Sea of Galilee because he had nothing to wear. Then this photo surfaces. Unconfirmed reports say this man wearing the bottom half of a speedo bikini while fishing off a boat in the Sea of Galilee last August may not be Billy Long.

Who really owns Billy Long Auctions LLC?

From Bob McCarty Writes, "Was Poker-Playing Congressman Bluffing?" 03.31.2011:http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Almost five months after Billy Long won election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Missouri’s 7th Congressional District, some people are wondering whether the words used on the campaign trail by the auctioneer and real estate industry mogul-turned-politician were serious or just a World Poker Tour-style bluff for votes.

First, some background.

On Nov. 9, 2009, then-candidate Long sat down for a short interview (see video below) with Josh Marsh, Morning News Watch host on KZRG radio in Joplin, Mo.

During the interview, he spoke about the hardships and sacrifices he was willing to make if voters in southwest Missouri elected him to Congress:

“You have to sell your business. If you have a fiduciary business, you have to sell that, so I’ve gotta walk away from a business I built up for 30 years. Who’s gonna buy it without me there? Answer: Nobody. Whoever I sell it to has to take my name off of it. Now, what’s it worth? Absolutely nothing.

“I own a third interest in the largest real estate company in Springfield; I have to sell that. Do you want to buy a real estate company today? You know, they’re not worth anything, and I have to give up my real estate broker’s license.”

One of those people interested in comparing Long’s rhetoric to reality is Clay Bowler, the conservative Missouri blogger who became the victim of a witch hunt after a complaint by the recently-elected congressman prompted FBI agents to visit him at his Ozark, Mo., home. Five days ago, he reported there was no record yet of Billy Long selling auction house to meet House rules and campaign promise.

The other person is yours truly.

After reading Bowler’s aforementioned post Wednesday, I decided to ask Congressman Long whether or not he had, indeed, sold his auction and real estate businesses.

In a fax sent to his office early Wednesday afternoon, I asked him the following questions:

1. Please name and briefly describe the “fiduciary businesses” in which you hold a sole or part ownership interest.

2. Have you put any of your fiduciary businesses up for sale? If yes, which ones? If not, why not?

3. Have any of your fiduciary businesses been sold? If so, which ones? If not, why not?

Note: I should have asked him if he gave up his real estate license as well, but, alas, I overlooked that.

More than 24 hours after submitting my questions to the congressman’s Washington, D.C., office, I have received NOTHING — not even an acknowledgment of receiving my inquiry — in the way of a response; therefore, I suspect I will have to wait until mid-June to find out. That’s when federal lawmakers’ annual personal financial disclosure reports become public.

UPDATE 4/14/11 at 11:49 a.m. Central: Two weeks have passed since I asked Billy Long to answer questions about his business enterprises, but the freshman congressman has chosen not to reply to my question. Even this morning, his media flak, Bret Funk, blew me off, saying, “Apologies Bob, we are initially focusing on our district press for media requests. Please keep us in mind in the future.” As the video below shows, he is too busy to take questions.

Stay tuned!

This morning, from The Hill.com, comes this story about our Congressman Billy Long and his auctioneering debut on C-SPAN yesterday: Rep. Billy Long shows off his skills:

How long would it take to auction off the nation’s $15 trillion debt? Presuming you had a buyer, the answer is about 20 seconds.

This news comes by way of former professional auctioneer and freshman Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.), who took to the House floor on Wednesday and rolled his tongue at lightning speed, leading an imaginary bidding war up from $3 trillion to the actual debt of $14 trillion.

“The way our debt is, [Rep.] Jeff Duncan [R-S.C.] and I are some of the few people who can actually keep up with the numbers,” Long said.

Long still owns Billy Long Auctions LLC, which auctions a variety of items. Long’s fellow freshman Duncan specialized in real estate auctions.

But no matter, because when Long began “auctioning” the national debt, it was all a blur.

“Do I see 7, 7, 7 trillion? Eight! Eight trillion, 8 trillion. Wamana wamana 9!” he warbled at warp speed.

This went on all the way up to 14 trillion, and when there were no “takers” for the “15,” Long pronounced “Fifteen? Fifteen? No? Sold! At 14 trillion.”

Red in the face from his performance, Long then explained that the good news is that all those numbers could also be said backwards, and he volunteered for the challenge.

“When we get the spending under control here, I’ll be back.”

ITK is very much looking forward to hearing Long do the auction in reverse.

Long on mental health; Eckersley on election fraud; Local blogger on FBI visit; Tie your shoe, Billy Long

Congressman Billy Long (R MO7), in an interview with Jennifer Moore of KSMU radio here in Springfield, MO, weighed in with his opinions on the Giffords shooting.

And so I’ve got every confidence that we’ll, you know, do everything we can to remain safe and also remain accessible to the public. Because that’s what being in Congress is all about. It kind of comes with the territory as far as [taking] some chances you’d probably rather not take, but you’ve got to be accessible to the people and keep doing the work of the people. That’s what I was sworn in to do—to uphold the Constitution—last Wednesday, and that’s what I plan to do.

Long also said that "And no one’s even thinking about the deceased, or the ones that are laying injured in the hospital. So to me, all this talk about whose fault it is and what is rhetoric getting to, you know, to me, it’s a lot of window-dressing for personal gain.
And that’s not the time for personal gain on the left or the right.”

Moore reminded Long that her network has had extensive and in-depth features on them and their legacies and suggested to him would he not think "that it’s also important to look at the various factors that may have caused this?”

Long's long reply sort of responded to her comment:

“Well, I think we need to go to the mental health officials there. The mental illness is what needs to be looked at in this country, because the young man was obviously deranged. I mean, you know there’s always an insanity defense. Well, it doesn’t take a Ph.D. from MIT to figure out someone who would do anything even close to this horrific, you know, is mentally insane, is deranged. So, I mean, who knows why someone, you know, is that way.

"So this talk of, you know, who caused it, or…and now, they’re all trying to out-clip each other, to out-sound byte each other, going back [and forth] saying, ‘Well you said this seven years ago about Republicans,’ [and] ‘Well, you said this seven months ago about Democrats.’ I mean, to me, it’s repulsive that they’re even having that discussion.”

In other news, KSMU reports that Scott Eckersley, whom Long defeated in the November election, has issued a statement that the FBI office in Springfield contacted him this week and confirmed that the Department of Justice has opened an investigation into his complaint against Long for election fraud.

Moore reports that "Eckersley filed a complaint after a fake email was sent to local media in his name just days before the election, falsely claiming that he had dropped out of the race."

Moore also reports that

The US Attorney’s offices in both Springfield and Kansas City would not comment on the matter. The spokesperson for the Kansas City office said the US Attorney’s office does not comment on any internal investigations unless charges are actually filed.

Also, the supervisor of the local FBI office, Josh Nixon, told KSMU that, as per the Department of Justice’s policy, he could neither confirm nor deny that there was even an investigation open.

Congressman Long issued the following written statement:

“I am not aware of an investigation from the Department of Justice. Anyone can file a FEC claim and I have complied with all requests by the FEC for a response. Given the nature of this claim we expect a positive outcome in the coming months,”

Meanwhile, stories are flowing out a local blogger's report of a visit by an FBI agent and the Greene County Sheriff. The blogger, who lives in Christian county, said he was surprised to see a Greene County Sheriff's car outside his home. The law enforcement officials indicated to the blogger that "Long's office had been in touch" concerning anti-Long blog posting originating from this area.

After a brief interview relating how the blogger approached Long at his vehicle on at least two occasions, and the viewing of videos made by the blogger of the encounters with Long, the agent and sheriff left but not before they told the blogger that other bloggers can expect a visit from them.

Here are two videos of encounters constituents had with Billy Long prior to the election.





During the campaign Long repeatedly said he wasn't going to run to a camera or microphone whenever one is put in front of his face.

Long's twitter account: I missed the first part of how Freshman members of Congress should deal with the media because I was in the hall doing 2 TV interviews & Mag Friday, December 03, 2010 10:06:14 AM via Mobile Web

Tie your shoe, Billy Long, so you don't trip running to the microphones.
Developing

Washington Press Club Foundation.... did you vet this guy?

From: Jim Lee
To: wpcf@wpcf.org
Cc: jimlee138@sbcglobal.net
Sent: Wed, February 8, 2012 12:22:10 PM
Subject: About you headline speaker for your event tonight - Billy Long

Regarding the Washington Press Club Foundation's 68th Annual Congressional dinner this evening and one of your headline speakers.

I wonder if anyone vetted Congressman Long. Long is funny, quick with a quip and --he's an auctioneer, remember-- tells a good story. But as a legislator, he is a dismal failure.

I live in Billy Long's congressional district.

He is an embarrassment to all of us down here.

Long won the seat with 30% of the vote in a bitter, divisive, 7 man primary. In Republican dominated MO7, the real race is in the primary. Historically (since Dewey Short) the general election has gone to the primary winner.

Just yesterday Long was featured as the 'least effective' congressional tweeter. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2012/02/he-seems-amusing-10-most-engaging.html

Long has refused to hold open town hall meetings, refused to meet with constituents, refused access to members of the press to his press briefing and, perhaps most distressing of all, turned over to the F.B.I. the names of six constituents who wrote articles critical of Long, The FBI sent out an agent who, after conducting his first interview with a constituent-- which was recorded -- concluded that these constituents were well within their rights in holding their congressman accountable and that Long appeared to overstep his boundaries.

Long also admitted to sponsoring bills because he was asked by lobbying groups to 'drop a bill' http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-much-does-it-cost-to-drop-bill.html The Joplin Globe published this editorial regarding Long's actions: http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/04/fed-up-with-billy-long-sos-joplin-globe.html

The very first day the House of Representatives was in session, when the constitution was being read, Long was not in the chambers, he was in his office meeting with the "Fair Tax" lobbyist. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/01/long-co-sponsor-hr-25-good-job-bill.html

In addition to making Keith Olberman's "Worst Person in the World" --- twice!-- Long's antics while in Washington are discomforting. During the primary, Long tried to pass off his playing in high stakes poker games --some with $25,000 entry fees) as just a way to relax. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2010/10/longs-story-doesnt-jibe-with-casinos.html

Sarah Steelman's video interview (a series of 6) that was posted by Long's campaign to youtube and just as quickly deleted, remains a cult classic. http://youtu.be/mhV77sRyX14

Billy is a combination class clown / bully. Recently at a meeting concerning the closing or rural post offices in MO7, Long said,

"You catch a lot more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. So, when you tell stories about me through some of your representatives that I want to privatize the Postal Service, which is an out and out lie, that doesn't help you any with me or my office. So...."

Unfortunately for Long, during the campaign, he did state he was in favor of privatizing the Postal Service, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the TVA. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2012/01/you-can-catch-more-flies-with-honey.html

Running as a "tea party" candidate, Long told NPR shortly after he was elected, that he "was tea party before tea party was cool." Long has distanced himself from the tea party in Washington (most likely on the advice of Roy Blunt, his predecessor) but still promotes his involvement when he returns to the district.

Long,who ran as a "Fed UP" candidate has quickly embraced the DC culture. A DC friend who works in government recently met Long for the first time in DC during the course of her job... she told me that "Billy was quite full of himself and really tripping on being a congressman." Not a positive endorsement.

Fed up? You bet we are. http://bus-plunge.blogspot.com/2011/12/still-fed-up.html

Someone should have vetted Long more before he spoke to your group.

Feel free to contact me if you want anymore information.

Do you think Billy thought we wouldn't remember this or maybe HE didn't remember this?

Frequent bus riders remember well the bus chronicles of Billy Long in his quest to be a "Member of Congress" ---
note the date he signed that piece of paper.

Frequent bus riders may also remember Springfield News Leader reporter Cory DeVera (where is she?) giving us Billy's reponse to his written answers on the 'jillions of surveys' he receives:

"That's just another out-of-state survey," said Republican candidate for 7th District Billy Long. "We get a jillion of them. There are a bunch of others I don't fill out. I've got my positions listed on my website."

There was a meeting held Wednesday night on the closing of the mail processing center in Springfield.

The Joplin Globe's Wally Kennedy wrote about it: Workers challenge Postal Service.

Here's the money quote:

Long said it appeared to him that “this is pretty well a done deal. Is there anything we can do?”

Echoing what some others said, Long expressed the hope that the Postal Service would take into consideration the fact that Southwest Missouri is the fastest growing area of the state. He said the loss of the mail processing center to Kansas City, the loss of dozens of good-paying jobs, and the fact that mail would take several days to be delivered instead of arriving overnight would not help the region further its growth.

The Springfield News-Leader also has a story on the meeting: Proposal to close Springfield mail processing facility met with boos. The article, written by SN-L staff, limits its account of Long's presence to this sentence: "Even Rep. Billy Long suggested the meeting should have been held at a larger site."

The Joplin Globe story contains more salient information than the Springfield News Leader story but both missed the duplicity in Long's appearance at the meeting.

In 2010 when Long was campaigning for his seat, he filled out a survey for the Citizens Against Government Waste. Not only did he sign the survey, he also added handwritten comments.

On June 19, 2010, in his signed written responses to the Citizens Against Government Waste CAGW survey, Billy Long signed his name to the survey and agreed with this statement:

"I will support legislation aimed at protecting taxpayers by privatizing government-sponsored corporations and enterprises such as the United States Postal Service, the housing government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the Tennessee Valley Authority."

Long elaborated on the statement by adding the following handwritten comment:

Entities like the USPS, Fannie and Freddie are proven economic failures that operate at losses constantly. Service and profitability would be enhanced by privatization.

Here is a facebook account of Billy Long's appearance at the meeting:

Jim Lee: Did Long have a position on this issue? I seem to recall during his campaign he was in favor of privatizing the P.O.

Midge Potts: He actually talked points which made it sound like he was against closure, but then he said an adminstrative issue, and "it is out of Congress's hands." Lol, I called him on it, specifically saying, "YOU can do something about this Congressman... Why don't you go back to DC, and submit a bill to Congress to repeal the 2006 law requiring USPS for 75 years :-D He was literally squirming in his seat!

Jim Lee: He don't like it when constituents question him, especially with questions that require more than a sound bit answer! Hot Diggity Dog!

Kathy Egli: Jim, he claimed that was all lies. Claimed he never said that. After about 4 people before him spoke and explained how repealing future retirement funds bill congress passed 6 years ago would fix the problem, he came up to the podium and passionately asked of postal management what he could do to stop this. (after he explained he had no more control over the problem than Joe citizen)

Midge Potts: ‎75 years of fullyfunded pension that has sucked 5.5 billion $$$ out of USPS coffers during the past half decade.

Jim Lee: Somewhere I got him on tape saying he wants to privatize the post office. But I got so much on him on tape. He told me he ain't afraid of nobody,,,,,except for constituents and "bloggers who are worrisome" to him.

Midge Potts: Yeah, his main talking point tonight was that he "never said" he wanted to privatize the post office ;-) Which I immediately called him on. So yeah, if you have him recorded saying the US post office should be privatized, now would be the time to dig it up, that would prove he flip-flopped his position!

Kathy Egli: ‎@Jim, Pretty certain Midge will be the next one Billy asks the FBI to investigate as she told Billy in no uncertain terms this evening to go back to Washington, write legislation and take care of the PO problem and if he didn't follow through with that she was going to run against him and beat him in the next election. It was awesome!

Midge Potts Oh :-P I did say that, I guess... It was a heat of the moment thing, lol.

Jim Lee ‎"I will support legislation aimed at protecting taxpayers by privatizing government-sponsored corporations and enterprises such as the United States Postal Service, the housing government-sponsored enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Entities like the USPS, Fannie and Freddie are proven economic failures that operate at losses constantly. Service and profitability would be enhanced by privatization." Billy Long

Jim Lee Billy Long, 6/17/2010 -- it was one of those jillion surveys that Billy got and signed.

Jim Lee screen capture this before it disappears. I'm not technically savvy enough to do it.










I guess when Billy Long says he gets "jillions" of surveys it is easy to forget which ones he answered and how he answered them.

After all, Billy did tell us on his website that he "is not the type of Republican who will say one thing to constituents and another to liberal lobbyists and legislators..."

Springfield News-Leader calls out politician who used office to threaten others.

In an opinion piece in this morning's the editorial board of Springfield News-Leader called out politicians who use their public office to threaten threaten those who criticize them.

The subheading says it best: Lawmaker's effort to punish for opinions is a dangerous step

The editorial board writes: "If he is so thin-skinned that he cannot handle some healthy criticism, he should get out of public office. If he would use that public office to punish anyone who criticizes him, he should rethink his public service."

You guys talking about Billy Long?



Where was the editorial board when Billy Long was using his public office to turn over to FBI agents the names of those who wrote blog posts criticizing him?

From the bus barn, January 14, 2011: Billy Long and plausible deniability: Did Billy Long give the F.B.I. and Sheriff Arnott a list of names of those who publicly criticized Long?

When this story broke last night, news reports quoted Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott as saying that Long's office provided him with a list of people who "were worrisome to Long" and that "that the FBI was preparing to visit other bloggers in the area."

Where was the editorial board when Billy Long threatened to withhold services to constituents who attended a meeting on the closure of the USPS Processing Center in Springfield?

From the bus barn, January 5, 2012: You CAN catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar. but DON'T lie to use Billy Long, don't threaten us either!

You catch a lot more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. So, when you tell stories about me through some of your representatives that I want to privatize the Postal Service, which is an out and out lie, that doesn't help you any with me or my office. So....

Now that sounds like a threat to me.

Apparently the editorial board thinks it is ok for a politician to threaten other people but when they (the editorial board) feel threatened then it becomes worthy of an opinion piece.

I'm throwing the BS flag on this one.

D.C. news blog has story on bloggers "worrisome to Long"

During the Joplin debate, Long said to Eckersley, "Hot diggity dog. Anytime you lie, Scott, I'm going to holler out 'Hot diggity dog.' And you lied last night. You lied consistently about me that I signed some kind of a questionnaire."

When Billy votes to raise the debt ceiling will you join me in mailing, texting, emailing, calling Billy Long's office and shouting "HOT DIGGITY DOG!"
From Washington D.C. "The Hill":

Missouri blogger Clay Bowler is up in arms after being targeted by the FBI as a potential threat to newly elected Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.).

Bowler is the author of a blog called Long is Wrong, in which he has questioned whether Long is conservative enough.

Bowler told local media that he was shocked last week when an FBI agent stopped by his house accompanied by Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott. They told him that in the wake of the shooting spree in Tucson, Ariz., last Saturday, Long had identified Bowler as a possible threat.

“It’s political payback,” Bowler told the Christian County Headliner News. “I’ve poked fun at Billy. Part of it was satire — exposing Billy as not being a real Tea Party candidate.” Long was elected in November to the seat formerly held by now-Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.).

In response to Bowler’s accusation, Long’s office issued this statement: “We will continue to work with the Capitol Hill Police and will follow their advice at every turn, as we have thus far. Any questions regarding this matter should be addressed to the Capitol Hill Police.”

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Capitol Police declined to comment.

But according to Sheriff Arnott, Bowler might not be the only person who’ll have a chance to talk to a G-Man about Long. Arnott told KSPR that Long identified several other people as potential threats.

On Friday, 01-14-2010, in an interview with Nick Reed of KSGF radio (listen to podcast here), Sheriff Arnott Long's office gave him Bowler's name.

Why did Long's office give up Bowler's name? Did they do a background check on Bowler and find questionable activities?

If so, is it common practice for an elected official to probe into the background of a constituent?

If Long's staff did not do a background check on Bowler, then why did they turn his name into Arnott?

For writing a blog critical of Billy Long?

In which case I should be expecting a visit?

This story is developing

Couple of days ago the Turner Report linked to a story in the Cincinnati Enquirer about congressmen who pack heat. Billy wouldn't cop out if he was carrying or not. But, this photo can certainly give us an indication.

Just what did we get for our $14,500? A trip to the Ronald Reagan Museum and drinks at a happy hour? Oh yeah, we got a new definition of rape too.

I'll let Bungalow Bill fill you in:

Shortly after Billy Long won his seat to Congress, he began crying about having to take a pay cut.

In his first month in Congress, Billy Long made $14,500 plus expenses and a per diem. Who knows what perks he got from lobbyists, after all, Congressman Long decided to skip the reading of the Constitution to meet with a lobbyist. Let's not forget the broken foot that was injured on the campaign trail was covered as a pre-existing condition with his new Congressional benefits package as well.

So let's take a look at what Long did in his first month that delivered this nice size check into his pocket at the expense of the taxpayers. In his first month of Congress Long voted 21 times. He was not present for one vote. This totals $690 per button push. He introduced no legislation to the floor based on records using the Congress Android and iPhone Ap, and co-sponsored a bill that will increase the size of government and give the Department of Homeland Security more freedom-killing power.

But wait, of those votes, many of them were procedural votes that directed the debate or brought a bill to the floor for a vote. In Long's first month, he only voted twice for the passage of a bill. Which produces an eye opening $7,250 per vote on passage votes. Do you think he broke a sweat? Remember, this was a man who wanted the job, and then began complaining about the pay cut he was going to have to take to serve Southwest Missouri.

By all accounts, it appears Long has returned to the district once in this time, which was last weekend. Long has dedicated himself to the forces he once claimed he was fed up with, spending time with lobbyists and special interest groups, even traveling to California with the establishment. Long still hasn't addressed the media's questions about who is responsible and why his office decided to use the FBI to intimidate his most vocal critic.

Something I noticed about Billy Long during the campaign; he liked to compare himself to the Founding Father's vision of the citizen legislator that came to Washington and represented his district for a short period of time and then came back home to a normal life. What Mr. Long didn't tell you in those speeches is the citizen legislators our Founding Fathers envisioned also went to Washington without the promise of any salary. That's right, there was no such thing as a Congressional salary.

From 1789 to 1855, a member of Congress was paid a $6 per diem. Now Congress has their salaries, their expense accounts, and per diem. Yup, Congressman Long left out that little bit of information about the Founding Fathers as he tried to label himself as the vision of the Founders, and then griped about his pay cut.

Here's something I also want you to consider. Billy Long never laced up combat boots, instead he went to frat parties immediately after school and avoided any military commitment. An E-1 enlisting in the United States military at a time of war in 2011, which means they know when they enlist they are putting their lives on the line, makes $17,611.20 per year. That's right Congress critters like Billy Long, who showed no bravery as a young man and only wanted to serve his country in a suit and not boots, makes almost in one month what a young soldier willing to put his life on the line for his country makes in a year. Long had the nerve enough to complain about taking a pay cut. Really those numbers don't improve much for E-2, E-3, and E-4 ranks in the military either.

Long pushes a button and gets paid the big bucks and complains about his pay cut from his real world existence, while soldiers dodge bullets for much less to fight for the liberty and freedom Long's office attacked in their first month in Congress. I bet Billy Long wouldn't even have run for Congress if Congress was paid a soldiers salary and was forced to live in the conditions a soldier must live in.

In defense to Billy, he did do something while he was in Washington. He co-sponsored a couple of bills.
But I don't think he read them before he signed on to them.

One of the bills Billy co-sponsored re-defines rape and another one called the "Let Women Die" bill.

These two bills are raising some eyebrows in the 7th district and not from the regular Billy watchers. This is a post written by one of the people Billy would let die:

There's a new saying now among the cynical:

"If a woman is raped when no one is around, is she still raped?"

In 1976, Congress passed the Hyde Amendment which prohibits the use of federal funds in cases of abortions. At the moment, under Medicaid, abortions are covered by federal funds in cases of rape, incest, or if the woman's life is endangered. So the debate at the present is the "definition" of rape and how it impacts the use of these funds.

First and foremost, what the public needs to know (and this needs to be reiterated) is the Hyde Amendment forbids federally funded abortions (except in special cases like the ones mentioned above). This means that the government is not footing the bill by giving out abortions like popsicles from an ice cream truck. Much like any amendment, there are restrictions - such as a definition of rape.

Why is this issue arising? The "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion" aims to "redefine" rape ("forcible" rape vs. "non-forcible" such as statutory rape and incest). In fact, its aim is to eliminate ANY federal funding to cover abortions, even in cases of "non-forcible" rape. So how does this bill promote any sort of woman's right?

It doesn't.

What it does do is take away a woman's right, her voice, her ability to overcome a trauma. The definition of rape is this: if a man forces himself on a woman by shoving his penis inside her vagina without consent, it is rape. If a woman is raped and wants an abortion, she should be able to have one without having to answer questions about the validity of her experience. That is insulting. If a woman becomes pregnant and wants to terminate her pregnancy, she should be able to exercise her Constitutional right. The Speaker Boehner isn't focusing on the real issues here. Furthermore, no one is "pro-abortion" - this is why activists are referred to as "pro-choice."

Rape is a horrific, life altering event. As such, "pro-lifers" are not necessarily pro-life if they are willing to dimish the quality of life for rape victims.

ps-- I thought Billy was out of the real estate/auction business.