Congressman Threatens Couple -- Over Letter to Editor

Source: E&P/Denver post

Congressman Threatens Couple -- Over Letter to Editor

By E&P Staff

Published: September 02, 2007 4:30 PM ET

NEW YORK A couple who wrote a letter to the editor of a small community paper in Colorado were surprised to receive a threatening phone call at home complaining about it -- from a U.S. congressman.

Rep. Doug Lamborn left two voice mails after they questioned his acceptance of campaign contributions from the gambling industry. In one he said there would be "consequences" if the couple did not respond. In his messages, reprinted by the Denver Post today, Lamborn appeal to them as "brothers and sisters in Christ" and asked them to call him to discuss their "blatantly false" letter.

Jonathan Bartha is employed by the group Focus on the Family. "His wife, a board member of Falcon School District 49, worked for two months as a scheduler for candidate Jeff Crank during a bitter, six-way Republican primary race for the 5th Congressional District seat," the Post observed.

"We felt very threatened and intimidated, and quite frankly, scared," Anna Bartha told the Post. "It was just not anything we would ever anticipate an elected official would pursue or a way that an elected official would conduct himself."

....



Read more: http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003634182

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Colo. Rep. takes couple to task over letter
By: Erin Emergy, Denver Post Staff Writer
9/2/2007

...

The couple raised concerns about Lamborn's receipt of $1,000 from International Game Technology PAC and a $500 contribution last summer from Marc Murphy, an executive of Bronco Billy's Casino in Cripple Creek. IGT makes gambling equipment.

....

http://www.politicswest.com/local_western_politics/7773/rep_lamborn_takes_springs_couple_task_over_letter

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Doug Lamborn's voice messages to Jonathan and Anna Bartha
By The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 09/01/2007 05:52:52 PM MDT


The following is a text of two voice messages that Rep. Doug Lamborn left on the home telephone of Jonathan and Anna Bartha.

FIRST MESSAGE: "Hello, this is Doug Lamborn calling for either Jonathan or Anna. Something very serious has happened. There was a letter to the editor that you both put in your names to the editor of the Woodmen Edition and there is something that is blatantly false in that letter.

"I would like to get together with you and show this to you and appeal to you as a brother and sister in Christ. You didn't give me that opportunity but I am happy to overlook that and deal with you on that level because I think that is the right thing to do and show you where you made a blatant, wrong statement.

"Now there are consequences to this kind of thing, but I would like to work with you in a way that is best for everyone here concerned. So please call me at your earliest convenience. It is now 2:40 (p.m.) on Saturday afternoon.

SECOND MESSAGE: "Hello, this is Doug Lamborn again, I'm finishing up my message from a moment ago. I got cut off. It is critical that you get back to me as soon as possible on this because I'll be going back to Washington here in a few days and I have to make sure that this is resolved one way or another. And like I said I'd rather resolve this on a Scriptural level but if you are unwilling to do that I will be forced to take other steps, which I would rather not have to do. So please call me. This is essential. Call me by tonight, Saturday night and we can get together sometime Sunday afternoon."

http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_6781394

This is fascism light. If it's not stopped, it will get worse.

The word "light" is not necessary at this point.

Just glad to see more Republicans Eating Their Own!

How much do they want us to sweep government in 2008?

By a lot, it seems.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

consequences = a visit from O'Really's FOX security police, maybe consequences = the guy know some people who hurt people for money.

Whatever he meant, it sounded like a threat.

The police may not do a thing about this but I hope they have a talk with the creepy congresscritter very soon. Better yet, the FBI. If they had time to hassle a guy who referred to Bush as "Commander Bunnypants" while working out at his gym, they ought to have time for this. I've always wondered why they would bother anyone for such an innocuous comment. Will they be visiting all the RWers calling Sen. Clinton "Hillary Rotten?"

people have covered their bases. Libel has to be malicious as well as unfounded accusations made strictly to take that person's reputation down. If there is truth to the LTTE, a libel suit is possible.

It is likely that he was talking about an IRS investigation/audit sometime in the future.

In any case, this guy is too stupid to be in Congress, he opened himself for a justified lawsuit against himself. In fact, under the Patriot Act, he could be charged w/"Terroristic Threats". The irony is palpable...:evilgrin:

There was a case many years ago, where someone called someone else a "dung eating bastard". Turns out the guy was an illegitimate child, and really had eaten cow dung at one time on a bet as a youth. No libel suit was permitted in the court...:D

but thought he might not know that, given his general level of stupidity in leaving a message like that on an answering machine. And it was the only legal action I could think of him meaning by "consequences." I'm not a lawyer but would not think it's legal for a Congressman to tell the IRS to audit someone. Correct?

So now, under the PATRIOT Act, if someone threatens you, you have legal recourse?
I know of several instances, years ago, of drunks driving up beside people and threatening to kill them, calling them names, etc., or phoning people and making threats. When the cops were called and given license plate numbers and/or names, they'd just say "We can't do anything about a threat. The person has to attempt to harm you before we can do anything." In one case, the cop said "Oh, yeah, ol' Joe is like that when he's drunk." :wtf: I thought the cops should have had a talk with the people, didn't think it was ever legal to seriously threaten to kill someone.


Love the story about the "dung-eating bastard." It seems he was actually "a dumb dung-eating bastard!" :rofl:

it seems like "terroristic threats" gets tossed onto almost any charge where there is an argument. No one has been prosecuted under it as far as I know, but it is a "catch-all" for the cops and DA. Looks to me like it could mean anything...:shrug:

That "dung eating bastard" goes back to NJ, circa 1820 or so...when I read it years ago, I damn near wet my pants...:D

would be much higher. Opinions won't cut it, and if false, the accusation has to have been made with reckless disregard of the truth. It is nearly impossible for a public figure to win.

no wonder this country is going down the tubes

Read the Bible to each other until someone cries "uncle"? I guess that's the best way for them to spend their time.

And if somebody doesn't drop after two hours of that, then we'll move on to the stoning competition.

All in the name of Christ, of course.

I'm sure the scripture Lamborn is referring to is Deuteronomy 4:13 where the Lord says casino money is good money. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty sure that's a covenant and it's found on the stone tablets.



Cher

with a coat of religious hypocrisy.
My initial thoughts on how to counter this threat was too red handed for prime time.

to retract what they wrote about him. Maybe reminding them that Jesus said to forgive your brother seventy times seven (or vice versa) :hippie:

To which I'd reply, " Jesus also threw the money changers out of the Temple. 'Bye now."

Not that I'd meet with him and they apparently aren't going to, either.

:wtf: does that mean? Is it some sort of Christian RW code speak?

which is actually from Hammurabi, but a lot of Christians like to use it as their own.

decides he needs to spend more time with his family.

in the world can hear it. Let his own words sink him.

And an investigation needs to get started to see if their claims are true if they are...boot his ass.

<http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Doug+Lamborn&search=Search>

But I think there's real merit in your idea.

Fucking asswipe.

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

Sounded thugish to me.

Welcome to DU, I think...

No biggie in republican lala land!

What are you doing here, anyway? Shouldn't you be in Iraq fighting for freedom?

Too cowardly, eh? Rather sit in mommy's basement fighting the "culture war' on the internet. Pathetic.

Seriously? Are you addressing me with that comment? Because I want all poiliticians held accountable means I live in a besement and didnt serve in the military. Wow karnack you are amazing, pray tell what my future holds...

Have a good day.

and in my best Johnny Carson voice....a short stay on DU?

BTW, all those Republican scandals getting to you? There's a cure I hear, you can now hook up the koolaide directly to an IV and get immediate relief.

Have a good day!

Only takes two posts for the hypocrisy to shine through. So you come on here insulting everybody, the minute you get the same treatment, you complain?

Why should this couple have to put up with this just for expressing the thoughts and opinions?

A good day to you also. Don't forget to thank a liberal for this day off, btw...

Well, no, this isn't the best we have to complain about, actually. I really wish it were. We just like to vary our discussions of Republican greed, corruption ,cronyism and incompetence with something different now and then. It keeps things fresh. If you look on the front page, there really is much "better" we're talking about.

Interesting how you use all the standard Republican excuses. These get trotted out whether its a sex scandal or bribe or anything else a Republican does. Is there some sort of form letter you guys use? I have a free moment, so...

"Oh yea go run in the corner and cry." Don't see anyone running, nor crying. If anything we're encouraging the couple to fight this. Sounds like projection to me.

"And you people are sooooooo much more righteous with comments like "Fucking asswipe."" Well, yes, yes we are. I for one will not hold back with scorn and insults when I see person using his power and position to intimidate those without power. Such behavior is pathetic and cowardly, what I've come to expect from republicans of late.

"Because of course the democrats are above this kind of behavior...This type of behavior happens on both sides of the aisle" Ahh, that oldy but goody, "Well, he does it too!". First, I don't allow that excuse from my children. Whether or not someone else behaves like a cowardly punk (please, please call me congressman!) is not a mitigating factor in another's behavior. Whatever happened to the value of "personal responsibility" the Republicans used to espouse? In this statement we see the usual accusation of "Democrats do it too!"

"...but do go acting all high and mighty because it wont be long before there is a democrat in the news as well. " We'll be waiting for that one. It'll probably be Fox news reporting that Hillary didn't hold a door open for someone. It'll be on all the talk shows, I'm sure, and will get far more play than a craven congressman harassing a couple because they didn't say nice thigns about him.

"You like to call republicans hypocrites and bigots but you need to look at your own comments first..." First, no one has called anyone a bigot yet (as of this writing). Guilty conscience, maybe? Second,if the shoe fits, wear it. Then again, maybe you don't
really understand what the "hypocrite" means. You see, we are commenting on a man who claims kinship from their mutual love of scripture, but shows he understands nothing of scripture through his actions. Scripture says much about loving others, treating others (including enemies) with kindness, helping those less fortunate than yourself. I'm pretty sure that threatening and intimidating those weaker than you isn't in there. Feel free to offer counter examples.
::chirp, chirp::
Welcome to DU, enjoy your stay ::hi::

You could make your point without all the verbiage about whining and crying, and should, given the fact you guys whine and cry in a corner every time someone critizices your Supreme Commander His Imperial Majesty the Emperor George.

What are you doing here? Go to Iraq, where you should be to defend our way of life. While you waste time on the internet, the Islamofascists are planning to convert you by force or kill you.

These things do not happen on both sides. It's always a Republican. It only seems that way because Fox News sometimes uses the label "D" where it should be an "R."

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

inner city welfare cheats of the "negro" persuasion......

if you do your reply will be incoherent but I'll try anyway.

The couple you say are whining and crying over a phone call are REPUBLICANS and the good folk here at DU are defending them anyway.

Now go back to whatever den of Rethugery you crawled out of and shine about how bad you were treated here.

Oh and have a nice day!

all call him out, too.

NAME HIM OR HER.

I'm waiting........

(crickets chirping)


I thought so. Enjoy your brief stay, dearie.

refused to endorse this guy, and the Republican party in CO would gladly see him gone. He's that much of a whackjob embarrassment.

It will be interesting to see if a move to dump this guy doesn't happen - and it wouldn't surprise me to see it backed by his own party.

and his campaign was sleazy...even by Republican standards. Which was why Hefley, who was hugely popular out here, didn't endorse him. I hope Fawcett starts campaigning quick, if he wants to run again. I have a feeling the repubs may contest this seat again and continue to devour each other.

and take on Tancredo... he'd be a good fit there, and would actually have a chance. The DCCC dumped a lot of money into Colorado
Springs last time, but a good D candidate (Fawcett) still lost by 20 points to a bad R (Doug "wash me in the blood of the" Lamborn.

I expect Hefley's protege (Jeff Crank) to contest Lamborn in the R primary and win this time. We've just got no chance in that district.

Dueling damnations...:woohoo:

Because both of you will be ex-representatives very soon.

"I will be forced to take other steps, which I would rather not have to do."

Bring it, dickhead.

to represent the state of Colorado - Marilyn "The Bitch from Ft. Morgan" Musgrave and Mallard - and he ain't running in '08, and Angie Paccione is gearing up to beat the Bitch.

Would it be GREAT to see a deep blue Colorado for 2008, just right after the Democratic Convention?

Hawkeye-X

I think it might blue, and stay blue, after 2008.

too good getting strong-armed by a congressman.

maybe you should call the police as well.

to listen to my complaint.

So relieved about that separation of church and state. :sarcasm:

he DOES represent the majority....

the asshat he called was employed by FOTF for shits sake.

Who was it Roger Stone ? He left of message on the old man's voicemail, and it was traced back to the guy's home phone. There must be a memo out , they are really desperate.

by an ethics committee. :dem:

I have to guess it will much more effective than calling this creeps office

Her website however limits communication to people from her own district!!!

This nonsense of not having every elected official have an open e-mail address is working very well for a Congress that doesn't want to hear from the public, but not very well for the rest of us -

Anyone else been working on this issue of open e-mail -- ???

He had better get used to it -- it is like teaching and a kid calls you out in Rate My Professor -- get used to it, smile and ignore.

Their names are familiar to me & I don't live anywhere near CO.

This explains it: They were in the news during the very nasty race, but this is what I remember.

Focus on the Family elitists!


http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0436,goodyear,56540,1.html

http://www.csindy.com/csindy/2005-10-27/news5.html


I hope they do have a duel & there are none left standing! Slimy garbage, all of them!

Well, that's more or less what they should have expected for supporting the far right. I have little sympathy for them.

If you follow a fascist movement, you should not be surprised when internal disagreements are dealt with in a fascist manner.

It's like I've always said....you can't spell 'Fascist Theocracy' without F A I T H.

each other sounds like a reason to step back and watch. But, this one took a novel turn. Maybe all six weren't religious, but sounds like religious people can threaten, call the other one out, involve the newspaper, casinos, lawyer offices, and now perhaps the Ethics Comm (and Homeland Security :o) )?

It all boils down to hypocrisy.

But what if it also leads to Abramoff?

(Religious isn't the right word. Because they won't leave church and state separated, because they are at the heart of killing through war, because they are wildly arrogant, pompous, and aggressive about taking control of the country - there isn't quite a good word to use.)

PNAC - takes care of the international.
RRR - takes care of the domestic.

RRR religious right wing

or both?