Following the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver told the Daily News that he wanted to outright ban modern sporting rifles.
“What we are looking for is a complete ban on assault weapons,” Silver told the publication.
I may not be a perfect person myself, but what kind of individual would openly advocate for the confiscation of lawfully owned property from law-abiding citizens? Moreover, what kind of person would openly and enthusiastically sponsor the mightily flawed NY SAFE Act, which among other onerous provisions put a retroactive ban on magazines that hold more than 10 rounds?
Well, in the light of Silver’s arrest Thursday on corruption charges for amassing a $4 million fortune from payoffs and kickbacks, I think we’re beginning to understand what kind of person we’re talking about.
Silver at the signing of the SAFE Act. (Photo: AP)
Yes, Silver is an ardent gun-control supporter. Yes, he sponsored the SAFE Act. And yes, it appears he is a criminal. Is there a connection there? Maybe. Maybe not. But it’s interesting to note that he’s not the only high-profile gun-control supporter in office to get busted for nefarious activity in recent memory. Back in March, California state Sen. Leland Yee was busted for gun trafficking and public corruption. Are we beginning to see a trend here?
In any event, here’s what U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara had to say on Silver’s arrest:
Over his decades in office, Speaker Silver has amassed titanic political power. But, as alleged, during that same time, Silver also amassed a tremendous personal fortune – through the abuse of that political power. All told, we allege that Silver corruptly collected some $4 million in bribes and kickbacks disguised as ‘referral fees.’ Those disguised bribes and kickbacks account for approximately two-thirds of all of Silver’s outside income since 2002.
Politicians are supposed to be on the people’s payroll, not on secret retainer to wealthy special interests they do favors for. These charges go to the very core of what ails Albany – a lack of transparency, lack of accountability, and lack of principle joined with an overabundance of greed, cronyism, and self-dealing.
It’s time to charge the wealthy special interests that they do favors for. Along with the Politician this should stop the bribes if the a charge as a accessory to the crime. It’s time to put these scumbags in prison with big buba.
Can we now dig into Pelosi, Feinstein, and Cuomo’s corruptions.
Rob, you only touched some of the names that should be named for harming America. I would suggest that we add my own Democrat Senator from New York, Charles Schumer. If we were to limit our discussion to the enemies of the Second Amendment, Schumer would be just as reprehensible as Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein from California.
And we should not forget the “honorable” Democrat Senator from Nevada, Harry Reid. As another poster Jon, already pointed out, Harry is the poster boy for steering taxpayer money to “critical projects” in Nevada. Rumor has it that every one of those
“necessary investments” involves the financial interests of Reid’s supporters.
From the beginning of their conception, Democrats have been Liars, Cheaters, Traitors, Murderers.
Just review American History to be enlightened.
Are we supposed to be amazed at this criminal action by a Dem, that are all no different from the rest?
Very boring and not worth commenting on any further.
This just proves that adage: “America has the best politicians that money can buy”.
Harry Reid entered the senate with a net worth of about $250,000.00 . His net worth today is approximately 6 (six) million dollars, all done on a senators pay.
if he gets less than 10 years in a federal pen, something will be amiss. of course, once in, he will bribe guards and fill the prision with contraban. probation for this guy would tell every other politician to get it while you can, and if caught, well you can retire on probation. probation? as if he would do it again? why not confiscate all his illegal money?
listen Cuomo new what was going on with Silver and his crooked dealings thats why he decomissioned the morland investigation committee.I hope he frys with him.
And he wants to make me a felon because I have a pistol grip on my turkey shotgun?
“There’s no way to rule innocent men. The only power government has is the power to crack down on criminals. Well, when there aren’t enough criminals, one makes them. One declares so many things to be a crime that it becomes impossible for men to live without breaking laws.”
-Ayn Rand in Atlas Shrugged
Absolutely right you are! As well as Ms Rand.
On another subject, is this really that mans hair? Tell me it ain’t so. It must be a rug, right? Is he & Cavuto related? The Munsters come to mind.
There is absolutely no need to abide a a law that is illegal in the first place. The highest law of our land tells us “The right of the people to keep and bear arms SHALL NOT be infringed. It’s not your fault all these judges, lawyers, politicians, and foolish voters can’t read. The 2nd Amendment is yours people! Take it back!
Another “crooked” politician …… Oh My….. what is America coming to ? Civics 101 anyone ? I thought corruption was limited to organized crime. My guess is that he will get a slap on the wrist and a fine, certainly that will deter any others from following this path. But what should happen if he is found guilty, is that he should be made an example of what happens when you are caught with your hand in the cookie jar. After all he’s just another public servent who shouldn’t be above the law, like any other citizen !
I wonder if Bloomberg gave him some referral fees as well. They are all crooks trying to destroy America. First let’s take the guns and then we can have our way.
All politicians are as crooked as the day is long (he just got too greedy). He probably pissed off someone with a LOT of money. Someone who controls our government, using the FBI to bring him down.
Sheldon Silver is long overdue for a visit to the big house. See ya!