Is Ike Skelton a member of The Family?

let's go to the transcript (3.00 / 1)

In the end, 26 of those Democrats voted for Stupak-Pitts and against the health reform bill that included it anyway. Included in that group of 26 were Democrats like Missouri's Ike Skelton; reportedly a member of The Family; North Carolina's Mike McIntyre, reportedly a member of the family; Tennessee's John Tanner, reportedly a member of The Family; Lincoln Davis, also of Tennessee, also reportedly a member of The Family;

Oklahoma's Dan Boren, reportedly a member of the Family.

Notice something that wasn't there? It's called a source. Even a generalized source beats this "reportedly" stuff. Reportedly, all these people who oppose you on a vote are reportedly in a group that you dislike. And it's a secret group too. It's kind of eerily convenient, isn't it?

Sharlet's book and a World Magazine article have reported names. But before Maddow on Monday, I don't think anybody rumored or reported Ike Skelton.

Rachel Maddow generally does pretty well in general, but it also seems too elaborate to be exactly true. There's obviously influence from that group, but the secrecy of the membership gives a wide opening to reinterpret or exaggerate what is known about them.

Also, when it comes to Skelton's vote. It was known a few days before the votes were held. The amendment vote is no shocker, when you look at his record over his 32 years and I believe he made his decision on the bill after it was known that Stupak was going to try to get that amendment passed.

I'm not exactly going to hold against against Ike for this entire thing. And that'll be easier if a good health care bill is passed into law.

Hailing from the land of milk, honey, and Democrats

---

by: RBH @ Wed Nov 11, 2009 at 23:30:26 PM CST

When Rachel Maddow said it on national TV, vague or not, it "got out there" and (0.00 / 0)

it is not inappropriate to ask if it is true.  Maddow ought to be called on it perhaps, but it is also appropriate to put the question out in general now that the association has been imputed so publicly.  

For the record, I did link to Skelton's earlier statements about why he wouldn't support the health care legislation and indicated that neither of his votes were a surprise.

---

by: WillyK @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 00:14:34 AM CST

[ Parent ]

Skelton (0.00 / 0)

Ok lets be real here, I live in Ike's District and I am mad as HELL that he vote against the health care bill. But a member of the "family"? If you look at his challengers they may be involved in some wild scheme, but Ike, give me a break. I still have hope that when the senate bill returns to the house Ike can vote for it. He needs to be aware that his prized chairmanship is a privilege of the majority party. If he can't support his own party maybe its time the speaker moves his office to the basement.

---

by: MOVoter @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 07:57:46 AM CST

The point of the family is that its friends need not be the wild-eyed (0.00 / 0)

radicals one expects when discussing conspiracists; many are quite benign people. They are cultivated for that moment when they may be of use to the Family; they, in turn, often hope to make use of the Family's network of influence.

For example, As Sharlet points out (although it has been hotly denied by her admirers), Hillary Clinton seems to have a relationshipthis group; most 20th century presidents have at least acknowledged them if not sought them out - even Truman had some dealings with them although Sharlet's claims he was ultimately too "hard-headed" for them.  

The point of inquiring abut Skelton's association is not to tar and feather him if it is true, but just to make sure that we are all clear about whom he may be listening to- or not listening to.  

RBH is correct, though, to point out that Maddow's throwaway statement that Skelton is a Family member is not sourced, and that nothing in Sharlet's work suggests it is true. However, I still think that her assertion that he  might be so is a red flag that needs to be examined.

---

by: WillyK @ Thu Nov 12, 2009 at 15:28:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Rep. Ike Skelton and B-2 (0.00 / 0)

 With Ike's eventual retirement will the B-2 also retire? See page 14 of the December 21, 2009 issue of Newsweek magazine. The Air Force is apparently willing to allow this expensive airplane to be used as a bargaining chip in arms talks with Russia. The title of the article by John Barry is "Bye-Bye Bomber."

---

by: cview @ Wed Dec 16, 2009 at 12:18:18 PM CST