Some unflattering Giuliani revelations

I'm sitting here, literally shaking in anger, because I just typed a very long post (which I will not try to recreate) that got lost because of Blogger. Nothing makes me happier than when I spend a 1/2 hour typing something, hit "Publish" and "Error" comes up. I hit the back button, and *Poof!* it's gone, just like President Bush's credibility. Some day, I have to learn to do two things: 1. Learn that the 1 time in 100 that I don't insanely save my work every two minutes, it will be lost in cyberspace, and 2. Get the hell off of Blogger. As great as this Website can be, it has lots of drawbacks, too. It's not happening anytime soon, but at some point, I will get my own Website and URL, and Count Me Blue will have a new home. Okay, rant over.

These clips are just a bit dated, but nonetheless still relevant to Rudy Giuliani. It seems that the mayor's law firm, Bracewell & Giuliani, has Citgo, the Venezuelan state-owned petroleum company, on its books as one of its clients. This should be a major embarrassment to "America's Mayor," who should know better than to begin a presidential campaign with this dirty little secret still in his closet. Venezuela's president, Hugo Chávez, is a sworn enemy of the United States. During this current Bush Administration, Chávez has made great sport of poking President Bush in the eye with inflammatory comments at the U.N. and pretty much around the world to anyone who will listen. As a result of Chávez's actions, Citgo has been the target of a well-publicized boycott by U.S. consumers. I haven't seen any Citgo stations in the Northeast in some time, but I wouldn't buy any gas in a Citgo station if there were any, just like I refuse to buy any gas at an ExxonMobile gas station. Anyway, this has got to be embarrassing to Rudy.



I'm sure more details about this will come out, but it's a pretty interesting discovery. Right or wrong, Rudy should know better. Of course the press is going to go sniffing around a candidate's personal and professional life before and during the campaign. I can't say that I always agree with it, either, but it's the reality of American politics in the 21st century. I haven't read all that much about this, but I will and I'm sure I'll have more to say. But, if true, it's outrageous.

One quick point of fact, Mr. Mayor - just shy of 3,000 Americans died on 9-11, not "four of five thousand." I'd expect "America's Mayor" to get that right.

I'm no fan of the president, which is hardly news, but Chávez is openly anti-American, and Giuliani's law firm has no business representing Citgo in any way. (Hey, I'm an American first and a Democrat second, always.)

However, there's another incident that should be at least as embarrassing to Giuliani as the Citgo revelations....



The national firefighters union is openly anti-Giuliani and has publicly stated so on many occasions during the last few weeks. At best, this should be pretty troubling to Giuliani and any of his supporters.

This is another topic that I won't pretend to know all of the facts about, but if the firefighters are this strongly opposed to "America's Mayor," on it's face I certainly give it credibility. What I do know is it's a disgrace that citizens and rescue workers were allowed in so quickly after the collapse of the Twin Towers and WTC 7. The adverse effects of this are going to be felt among some of the rescue workers and citizens of lower Manhattan will not be fully realized for years to come. The tendency to Monday Morning Quarterback some of the decisions made on 9-11 is pretty myopic, especially considering the chaos following the attacks. However, the health of residents in lower Manhattan and the rescue workers should have been the first concern, without fail. I've read some reports that the air quality in and around Ground Zero was moderately to very hazardous. It's important to remember that Guiliani was making these decisions. I've read that Rudy was concerned that the NYSE would relocate, and that was the rationale behind many of his decisions.

I take this view about 9-11 - if Guiliani is going to run on 9-11, then his record and decision making will inevitably get some scrutiny. Critics of that ought to remember John Kerry running in 2004 on his war record, and the microscope that got shoved up his derrière.

I plan on doing a whole lot more reading on Rudy later on this year, specifically a movie that examines the decisions that he made before, during and after 9-11. The book, Grand Illusion: The Untold Story of Rudy Giuliani and 9/11, is written by Wayne Barrett and Dan Collins. I'm waiting until June when it comes out in paperback for half the price. I only buy hardcover if I find them dirt cheap or if the book's a must read.

Anyway, the book has received a great deal of attention, and I've read it sheds a pretty bright light on Giuliani's decisions relating to 9-11. We'll see. Perhaps the book will also better explain the animosity between the FDNY and Rudy. Part of it I know stems from Rudy's calling off the recovery of some bodies, including some New York Firefighters. Was it too soon or not? Who knows, but I find it troubling that remains of 9-11 victims continue to be discovered in and around Ground Zero.

Anyway, I can't miss the opportunity to post this footage, which is truly disturbing, and hilarious.



Rudy in drag is one scary sight. I don't know whether to wince, laugh or scream out in pain while watching this. It's kinds like the sun - you just have to look away. And The Donald? What was he thinking? I know it's just a joke, and I can take a joke as well as anyone, so I guess in the end Rudy deserves some props for having the confidence and sense of humor to do it. But seriously, there's something pretty disturbing about a man in drag. Rudy makes Mrs. Doubtfire look hot.