Reason Writers On TV: Peter Suderman Talks Tax Cuts, Anthony Weiner's Lies on Freedom Watch with Judge Napolitano

On Tuesday, June 7, Reason Associate Editor Peter Suderman appeared on Freedom Watch with Judge Napolitano to talk about the tenth anniversary of the Bush tax cuts and whether Congressman Anthony Weiner should face criminal punishment in the wake of revelations that he sent explicit photos of himself to women he met online. Approximately eight minutes.

Comments

[WarrenT]

Yes you dumb bitch, people are being taxed to death. By raising the cost on the things people need to live you are shortening their lifespan.

Fuck you, cunt.

[WarrenT]

And Weiner didn't lie to any investigators so it's not the same thing.

[Paul]

And really, how often do we get a sex scandal from a guy named Weiner? I say wring this one out for all it's worth.

[Slap the Enlightened!]

Wiener Whistle

[Number 2]

He didn't have to. The applicable federal law, 18 USC 1001, says

? 1001. Statements or entries generally
How Current is This?
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully?
(1) falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact;
(2) makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or
(3) makes or uses any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry;
shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years or, if the offense involves international or domestic terrorism (as defined in section 2331), imprisoned not more than 8 years, or both. If the matter relates to an offense under chapter 109A, 109B, 110, or 117, or section 1591, then the term of imprisonment imposed under this section shall be not more than 8 years.

All he has to do is make a material false statement in any matter falling within the jurisdiction of any federal agency, e.g., the FBI. Based on this language, he doesn't have to make the false statement directly to a specific investigator (although there may be case law limiting the scope of this provision).

[WarrenT]

Wow. So how is it Congress is even able to make quorum? There should be multiple arrests every day.

[Number 2]

Because one of the exceptions is that it does not apply when Congress acts in its lawmaking capacity. Seriously. Nor does it apply to lawyers appearing in court.

[WarrenT]

So the lies that can destroy the economy and lives can't be touched but some idiot's lie about dickpics that caused no harm to those not involved is actionable?

[Number 2]

Sure. Just like Martha Stewart's lie about a perfectly lawful stock sale.

[cynical]

Yes. The government exists to destroy lives, you can't punish them for doing their job correctly.

[fresno dan]

"...covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact..."

He didn't cover IT up with a material fact - he covered it up with his underpants AND he didn't cover up a material fact - he covered up his Weiner!!!

He'll get OFF (heh - get off) - I mean, I can't see him doing HARD time.

[Pip]

Final Weiner pic leaks onto the Internet.

"After conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart claimed Monday he had an X-rated photo of Rep. Anthony Weiner, the purported image has surfaced on the Internet. And Breitbart's not happy.
"I'm mortified," Breitbart told Fox News.
The image of what are said to be Weiner's genitals was posted online after Breitbart appeared on the satellite radio show of shock jocks Opie and Anthony Wednesday."

Just Google Image "Weiner erect" (NSFW and disgusting as hell).

[Episiarch]

Ah, Opie and Anthony. The Picard and Ryker of shock jocks to Howard Stern's Captain Kirk.

[Tulpa]

Who the hell is Ryker?

[?]

What's a kirk?

[R C Dean]

Its a church.

[Fredo Weiner]

It ain't the way I wanted it! I can handle things - I'm smart, not like everybody says, like dumb - I'm smart, and I want respect!

[fresno dan]

Is it a dirty picture of Anthony Weiner, or a dirty picuture of Anthony Weiner's weiner?

[?]

Just Google Image "Weiner erect" (NSFW and disgusting as hell).

The part of this story where not-gay dudes reject his cock is the part I don't get.

[Pip]

huh?

[Mike M.]

Criminal punishment?? Has anybody seriously suggested that he deserves that?

[Jeffersonian]

On the contrary, I hope the dude sticks around for a long, long time. this is just too good to end so soon.

[Tulpa]

All right, Home Depot's stock is up.

[chaussures air max]

thank you ,hard work

[chaussures air max]

ses

[L4F]

I propose a Political Pecker Tax for perverts in congress.
http://libertarians4freedom.blogspot.com/