Democrats

Gern Blansten · January 28

HughFreakingDillon said:

Gern Blansten said:

I don't know what people expect...resistance is futile. I like the approach by Jeffries...just wait and pounce when necessary.

I honestly don't know what the answer is either. People just seem so desensitized to trump's bullshit, right from the fascist playbook, everyone is just trying to stop their heads spinning long enough to figure out if it's bluster or to sound the alarm. Everyone thought in 2016 "the system is infallible". Well, clearly, it's a fucking house of cards. But what do you do now? Try to keep the house stable by trying to keep up with him burning card after card, or let him burn it down and try to rebuild?

Let him go...

I was originally under the opinion that the dems should vote for Gabbard, Patel, etc....especially if the GOP votes were waning. Hegseth got through but I think he may have been the final straw.

We're already seeing trump backpedal on Medicaid payments...his little federal aid shutdown is having unintended consequences.

mickeyrat · January 28

Gern Blansten said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

Gern Blansten said:

I don't know what people expect...resistance is futile. I like the approach by Jeffries...just wait and pounce when necessary.

I honestly don't know what the answer is either. People just seem so desensitized to trump's bullshit, right from the fascist playbook, everyone is just trying to stop their heads spinning long enough to figure out if it's bluster or to sound the alarm. Everyone thought in 2016 "the system is infallible". Well, clearly, it's a fucking house of cards. But what do you do now? Try to keep the house stable by trying to keep up with him burning card after card, or let him burn it down and try to rebuild?

Let him go...

I was originally under the opinion that the dems should vote for Gabbard, Patel, etc....especially if the GOP votes were waning. Hegseth got through but I think he may have been the final straw.

We're already seeing trump backpedal on Medicaid payments...his little federal aid shutdown is having unintended consequences.

and it needs to.

we will all feel it. but the sooner the cult feels the better for all of us. then and only then will the gop politicians do what they do, vote to keep their seats in the face of the then hollow threats from fuckstick....

Gern Blansten · January 28

If the school lunch funding gets affected some magats are going to squirm

brianlux · January 29

Gern Blansten said:

I don't know what people expect...resistance is futile. I like the approach by Jeffries...just wait and pounce when necessary.

I prefer Jim Acosta's take: "Don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to the fear. Hold on to the truth. And to hope."

And very much what Heather Cox Richardson says hear (you don't have to watch all 34 minutes. Here main points are in the first few minutes.)

https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=1006684068153853

brianlux · January 29

HughFreakingDillon said:

Gern Blansten said:

I don't know what people expect...resistance is futile. I like the approach by Jeffries...just wait and pounce when necessary.

I honestly don't know what the answer is either. People just seem so desensitized to trump's bullshit, right from the fascist playbook, everyone is just trying to stop their heads spinning long enough to figure out if it's bluster or to sound the alarm. Everyone thought in 2016 "the system is infallible". Well, clearly, it's a fucking house of cards. But what do you do now? Try to keep the house stable by trying to keep up with him burning card after card, or let him burn it down and try to rebuild?

See my post above. Again, just watch the first five minutes or so of the video, and more if you care to. It's the best advice I've heard yet.

It's similar to what Jennifer Wlater said here:

Wise and important words from sociologist Jennifer Walter about what is happening in this country right now and what to do about it:

"As a sociologist, I need to tell you:

Your overwhelm is the goal.

1/ The flood of 200+ executive orders in Trump's first days exemplifies Naomi Klein's "shock doctrine" - using chaos and crisis to push through radical changes while people are too disoriented to effectively resist. This isn't just politics as usual - it's a strategic exploitation of cognitive limits.

2/ Media theorist McLuhan predicted this: When humans face information overload, they become passive and disengaged. The rapid-fire executive orders create a cognitive bottleneck, making it nearly impossible for citizens and media to thoroughly analyze any single policy.

3/ Agenda-setting theory explains the strategy: When multiple major policies compete for attention simultaneously, it fragments public discourse. Traditional media can't keep up with the pace, leading to superficial coverage.

The result? Weakened democratic oversight and reduced public engagement.

What now?

1/ Set boundaries: Pick 2-3 key issues you deeply care about and focus your attention there. You can't track everything - that's by design. Impact comes from sustained focus, not scattered awareness.

2/ Use aggregators & experts: Find trusted analysts who do the heavy lifting of synthesis. Look for those explaining patterns, not just events.

3/ Remember: Feeling overwhelmed is the point. When you recognize this, you regain some power. Take breaks. Process. This is a marathon.

4/ Practice going slow: Wait 48hrs before reacting to new policies. The urgent clouds the important. Initial reporting often misses context

5/ Build community: Share the cognitive load. Different people track different issues. Network intelligence beats individual overload.

Remember: They want you scattered. Your focus is resistance.

shecky · January 29

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."

Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.

"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.

Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.

"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.

Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

The Juggler · January 29

Democrats really did weaponize the justice department...against themselves!

#magalogic

Gern Blansten · January 29

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

OnWis97 · January 29

The Juggler said:

Democrats really did weaponize the justice department...against themselves!

#magalogic

It's brilliant. Sacrifice a few dems so you can haul all hard-working MAGA into cells.

Yeah, the Dems are idiots but they're also criminal geniuses.

The Juggler · January 29

Gern Blansten said:

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....

Kat · January 29

I don't want our leaders to be criminals....and too many are willing to be that. Get them all out.

Gern Blansten · January 29

The Juggler said:

Gern Blansten said:

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....

sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?

josevolution · January 29

Gern Blansten said:

The Juggler said: lol

Gern Blansten said:

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....

sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?

Oh he puckered up no doubt

tbergs · January 29

josevolution said:

Gern Blansten said:

The Juggler said: lol

Gern Blansten said:

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....

sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?

Oh he puckered up no doubt

This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.

The Juggler · January 29

tbergs said:

josevolution said:

Gern Blansten said:

The Juggler said: lol

Gern Blansten said:

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....

sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?

Oh he puckered up no doubt

This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.

Yep.

Just watched the episode in season 1 where Davis' driver got hauled in after picking up 20k in cash from that drug house and was then let go after Burrell found out.

Trump is Baltimore on steroids for sure.

mrussel1 · January 29

tbergs said:

josevolution said:

Gern Blansten said:

The Juggler said: lol

Gern Blansten said:

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....

sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?

Oh he puckered up no doubt

This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.

He’s a mob boss

Merkin Baller · January 29

The Juggler said:

tbergs said:

josevolution said:

Gern Blansten said:

The Juggler said: lol

Gern Blansten said:

shecky said:

Judge Sidney Stein sentenced disgraced former Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, concluding his trial for a "long-running bribery and foreign influence scheme of rare gravity."
Prosecutors had requested a 15-year sentence for Menendez, 71, after he was convicted on July 24 on 16 counts of bribery, extortion, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. He is the first U.S. Senator in American history to be convicted of working as a foreign agent. His co-defendents, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, were also sentenced to 8 years and 7 years respectively.
"As proven at trial, the defendants engaged, for years, in a corruption and foreign influence scheme of stunning brazenness, breadth, and duration, resulting in exceptionally grave abuses of power at the highest levels of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government," prosecutors wrote.
Menendez' conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.
The disgraced Democrat was accused and convicted of participating in a yearslong bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. Menendez’s wife, Nadine, who is set to go on trial on March 18, also allegedly participated in the scheme. She is accused of receiving paychecks for a job that did not exist.
"Menendez, who swore an oath to represent the United States and the state of New Jersey, instead put his high office up for sale in exchange for this hoard of bribes," prosecutors wrote ahead of the sentencing.
Menendez, who was charged in 2023, made history in July 2024 when he became the first US senator to be convicted of acting as a foreign agent. His conviction came after a nine-week-long trial. The former Democratic lawmaker was accused of accepting gifts totaling more than $100,000 in gold bars as well as cash.

Crazy that dem criminals go to prison and repub criminals get elected president

Watch our convicted felon president pardon him....

sounds like DOJ might be dropping charges against Mayor Adams....didn't he just visit the diaper dandy?

Oh he puckered up no doubt

This is like The Wire on the federal level instead of just Baltimore. Trump is a combination of Royce, Carcetti and Davis rolled in to one. So great to have corruption at the federal level out in the open and people happy to vote for it.

Yep.

Just watched the episode in season 1 where Davis' driver got hauled in after picking up 20k in cash from that drug house and was then let go after Burrell found out.

Trump is Baltimore on steroids for sure.

Ashy Larry FTW

shecky · January 30

HughFreakingDillon · January 30

shecky said:

open a dictionary.

shecky · January 30

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021252/uploads/editor/qb/p7g5zrmcdrr1.jpg

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not properly documenting designer gifts while also blocking access to the City Hall "gift room," according to a report from the City of Chicago Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

The OIG released the report Wednesday, accusing the Chicago mayor’s office of accepting gifts, including Hugo Boss cuff links, a personalized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. National Soccer Team jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade red purse and Carrucci size 14 shoes from Feb. 2, 2022, through March 20, 2024.

The report notes that almost 70% of the 380 logged gifts received from Feb. 2, 2022, to March 20, 2024, do not list the identity of the donor.

The city received the national soccer team jersey June 16, 2023, from a representative from Nike. On Oct. 3, 2023, the city received Airpods, a tote bag and a notepad from an executive with the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

But other entries, like the Hugo Boss cuff links and personalized Montblanc pen received June 12, 2023, and a Gucci tote bag and crossbody bag received March 18, 2024, fail to include information on the identity of who provided the gift.

Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth floor of City Hall Nov. 8, 2024, to request access to the gift room, unannounced, to conduct an inspection of the manner in which gifts to the city are stored and to audit the gifts and review controls for access to the gift room.

Instead, the OID was met by Chicago Police officers, the report noted. After explaining the OIG’s request to view the gift room, OIG personnel were told to wait in a lobby by an elevator.

While waiting, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor’s office regarding the request, then presented a written request to access the room.

After further delay, the mayor’s office said it spoke to counsel, who said OIG would not be granted access to the gift room that day. To access the room, the OIG was told it would have to make an appointment, the report said.

Once the OIG was denied, it engaged in further conversations with the Department of Law for access to the gift room, and it was it was told it not be granted access.

The OIG said in its report that gift disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.

"When gifts are changing hands — perhaps literally — in a windowless room in City Hall, there is no opportunity for oversight and public scrutiny of the propriety of such gifts, the identities and intentions of the gift-givers, or what it means for gifts like whiskey, jewelry, handbags, and size 14 men’s shoes to be accepted ‘on behalf of the City,’" the report noted.

Some of the gifts were accepted while former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in office, while others were accepted after Johnson took the oath of office.

Johnson told reporters during a press conference Wednesday the OIG’s report was a mischaracterization of what happened.

"These are gifts to the city. They’re logged," Johnson told reporters. "The characterization of how this report came out is misguided, and, again, we’ll make sure that our team gives you the access that you need so that you can see the gifts that are given to the city."

The mayor said there is a process everyone must go through, adding that nobody is above the law, not even the OIG.

As for the gifts, Johnson said there are times he will go to a community function and receive a gift bag as a token of appreciation.

"I don’t want people to think there’s some room in city government where there’s just a wall full of belts and socks and shoes and fancy hats," Johnson said, noting he has actually received hats.

"With all due respect, sometimes I believe that people chase down a wall with nothing on it. There’s a log. It’s there. It’s been there for years."

Johnson also said he has never seen the gift room that the OIG referred to.

"I don’t think there’s a room, [but] if people want a tour of this room, I’ll sign up because I’ve never been to it myself," he said.

Well, this doesn't look too good. I guess we'll see.

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