Video: Henrietta Hughes gets rent-free home — from a Republican

posted at 1:30 pm on February 11, 2009 by Allahpundit

First Howie Carr talks a caller out of suicide, now this. Who knew that conservatives have hearts?

I’m not sure she’s a conservative, actually, but she’s married to one and has been known to donate to others, so let’s make the leap. Sweet charity indeed, although the lesson’s bound to resonate with plenty of people down on their luck: If I can just get to the mike at an Obama town hall…

Exit question: Houses for everyone?

Blowback

Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.

Trackbacks/Pings

Trackback URL

Comments

Comment pages: 1 2

what? she wasn’t forced to ‘give’ at the point of the federal government gun?

tell me it isn’t so! what is this nation coming to! is there any hope for humanity left!

gatorboy on February 11, 2009 at 1:32 PM

KInd of reinforces the truth about giving – those on the right give freely, those on the left don’t give at all.

savvydude on February 11, 2009 at 1:35 PM

Any MSM news report on this will provide another example to play America’s favorite news-game:

“NAME – THAT – PARTY”!!

aquaviva on February 11, 2009 at 1:35 PM

What will happen when everyone who demands a house doesn’t get one? Or a car, or a huge check, or furniture, or new clothes.

Bishop on February 11, 2009 at 1:36 PM

Now that really screwed up Obama’s plan ’cause he was looking forward to putting Henrietta and her son on Uncle Sam’s Plantation– FOR LIFE!!

Bicyea on February 11, 2009 at 1:36 PM

Bullcrap!

When you don’t have to worry about the rent the next thing is the rent is your right. Take a big Phillips head to that.
The country is becoming the family dog. A meal and a pillow for everyone!

Limerick on February 11, 2009 at 1:37 PM

“Mr. President, we just need an xbox…”

Pasalubong on February 11, 2009 at 1:38 PM

First, it would figure a Rep would do this, Dems are personally stingy in general.

Second, the lady will have to file a gift tax return on the fair market value of the housing “gift” if it exceeds $12K annually (may be higher now) that an individual can give to another, $24K if she and her spouse are doing it as a couple.

Nice woman. I hope this deal works out for all in a happy way.

Harry Schell on February 11, 2009 at 1:38 PM

What will happen when everyone who demands a house doesn’t get one? Or a car, or a huge check, or furniture, or new clothes.

Bishop on February 11, 2009 at 1:36 PM

Anger, resentment, criminal acts, riots, mutiny. I am living for that moment.

sherry on February 11, 2009 at 1:38 PM

Not only that, but Julio has a new job. Disgusting.

Fallen Sparrow on February 11, 2009 at 1:38 PM

savvydude on February 11, 2009 at 1:35 PM

That’s true of citizens and it’s true of politicians.

Remember those stories about the minuscule donations of people like Obama (less than 1% before his book deal), Biden (0.3%) , while McCain was giving 25%?

INC on February 11, 2009 at 1:39 PM

Didn’t the Obama really giveaway seem a little staged?

JohnJ on February 11, 2009 at 1:41 PM

This is the part where Obama starts acting like Oprah handing out Pontiacs to everyone in the studio….

Fallen Sparrow on February 11, 2009 at 1:42 PM

That is very generous of them.

I don’t think I would do such a thing. If I was in a similar situation I might off it at a ridiculously low rent, but I’d probably charge a little something- mainly because my grandmother always told me that people respect things more when they are paying for it (even at a discounted price) then if it’s free.

Sackett on February 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM

Do a followup on the house and the job in 6 months. The house will be derelict and Julio will have been fired.

johnsteele on February 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM

Henrietta will be complaining soon about not being able to pay utilities, repairs and taxes.

My bet is she sells the house and blows the money.

darwin on February 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM

Harry Schell on February 11, 2009 at 1:38 PM

The recipient also has to declare the value of the gift to the IRS. Does a homeless person living in a pickup have the available coin to pay the tax on a $150,000 gift? Perhaps another warm hearted person can pick up that tab.

a capella on February 11, 2009 at 1:44 PM

Oh my f-ing gosh…

We are so fraked…

Just touch the Messiah’s clothes…

And be HEALED!

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 1:44 PM

Second, the lady will have to file a gift tax return on the fair market value of the housing “gift” if it exceeds $12K annually (may be higher now) that an individual can give to another, $24K if she and her spouse are doing it as a couple.

Not true. Taxes on gifts are all at our discretion. Just ask Daschle, Geithner, and the rest of Obama’s Chicago buddies

gatorboy on February 11, 2009 at 1:47 PM

I find the news reporter’s comment interesting about how it’s not a ‘big’ home-3 bedroom 2 bath.
I think that’s pretty big.
I will make a prediction, and hopefully I will be wrong.
Henrietta, or who over will have major complaints in regards to this house later on after they move in.
They will bemoan their free gift in some way.
Plus-when they leave, they will trash it.
You watch.

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 1:47 PM

Stupid move. Now just try getting them to leave. Me thinks she will have a permanent house guest. She had better get a written agreement or her charity might just be the beginning of squatters rights. People who live in cars usually aren’t the best renters. They tend to trash stuff.

Ask any landlord. You have to jump through alot of hoops to evict non paying tenants.

portlandon on February 11, 2009 at 1:48 PM

who over ever
duh

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 1:48 PM

Too bad the Boss thinks it was all a set up.

SnarkVader on February 11, 2009 at 1:48 PM

Taxes on gifts are all at our a Democrat’s discretion. Just ask Daschle, Geithner, and the rest of Obama’s Chicago buddies

gatorboy on February 11, 2009 at 1:47 PM

More realistic.

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 1:49 PM

“I have never felt this good except maybe when I got my PlayStation 3 for Christmas,” Osegueda told the News-Press later.

Jim Treacher on February 11, 2009 at 1:50 PM

Pontiacs to everyone in the studio….

Fallen Sparrow on February 11, 2009 at 1:42 PM

I prefer the green golfcart.

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 1:50 PM

Sweet charity indeed, although the lesson’s bound to resonate with plenty of people down on their luck: If I can just get to the mike at an Obama town hall…

Yep, we’ve entered the age of the Oprah presidency.

Y-not on February 11, 2009 at 1:51 PM

I have a card board box for Henrietta Hughes.

whats the over under Henrietta Hughes dosnt take this women up on her offer .

and if she dose how long before she trashes the house.

Mojack420 on February 11, 2009 at 1:51 PM

Should I feel “out of touch” because I have no idea who this woman is or why she has a new home?

NoDonkey on February 11, 2009 at 1:51 PM

How EXACTLY does a homeless woman living in a pickup and a flaming homosexual McDonalds reject get into the town hall and get “selected” to ask the Messiah a question and have ALL THIER DREAMS COME TRUE, instantly? On TV… Hummmm

*** yes MadisonConservative, I used caps on purpose, intended to “yell”… and stress points…

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 1:52 PM

Only democrats like joe biden give $300/year to charities. They do work tirelessly at big salaries and huge perks to make everyone else give so they are the caring people not thieves.

jukin on February 11, 2009 at 1:54 PM

Why am I working? Paying my bills? Living within my means (instead of within my car)?

Somebody please remind me, for the gazillionth time, that we live in America. Lovely thing to lend someone a house rent-free, indefinitely no less, but I suspect this won’t have a happy ending.

Watch for the stampede at Barry’s next town-hall event: I’m gonna get me a house!! Right.

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 1:56 PM

Exit question: Houses for everyone?

That was an excellent read. Everyone should click the link.

BadgerHawk on February 11, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Check the Olbermann interview with Julio.

Julio got himself a one-night gig doing the play-by-play for a minor league baseball team. Dreams really do come true.

JammieWearingFool on February 11, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Do a followup on the house and the job in 6 months. The house will be derelict and Julio will have been fired.

johnsteele on February 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM

*

I’d lay $1000 on that. Both will happen.

marklmail on February 11, 2009 at 1:57 PM

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 1:52 PM

Hey, don’t worry. The media will investigate Henrietta fully!

PattyJ on February 11, 2009 at 1:58 PM

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 1:52 PM

Hey, don’t worry. The media will investigate Henrietta fully!

/sarc

PattyJ on February 11, 2009 at 1:58 PM

FIFY

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 1:59 PM

Why am I working? Paying my bills? Living within my means (instead of within my car)?

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 1:56 PM

When I was in college I chose to live in a tent at the local campgrounds in W WA to save $$ bcs it was so expensive to rent there.
When traveling across country, I slept in my car instead of a hotel.
RedFox- I think you have something here.
Let’s all go down to DC & live in our cars & get a free house!

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 2:00 PM

This is the part where Obama starts acting like Oprah handing out Pontiacs to everyone in the studio….

I wonder if Obama will start doing that singing voice:

“Everyone’s getting a new Caaaa-ar!”

InCali on February 11, 2009 at 2:01 PM

The country is becoming the family dog. A meal and a pillow for everyone!

Limerick on February 11, 2009 at 1:37 PM

Probably, but so long as private donations are being given instead of government handouts, I don’t really care.

Esthier on February 11, 2009 at 2:01 PM

Wow, some pretty embarrassing snark on this thread, both to Ms. Hughes and to the folks offering her the home.

Unless you know what happened to Ms. Hughes that caused her to become homeless, you have no business making assumptions or casting aspersions on her.

Ms. Hughes may have become homeless through a foreclosure. Florida has been a hotbed of real, serious predatory lending and some of these crooked lenders talked thousands of elderly widows like Ms. Hughes into taking out home equity loans and repeated refinances that stripped their equity and ended up with them in foreclosure. I’ve seen stories that would make all of you vomit. I’ve met real people that this has happened to and they did not deserve it. This problem is real and it does us no good to act like everyone who ends up homeless is stupid, shiftless, lazy, or just looking for a handout.

And what’s with the trashing of a generous woman who wants to help out a fellow citizen? She didn’t even tell her husband! That’s the definition of Christian charity to me.

Free rent is considered taxable income by the IRS, but I doubt Ms. Hughes will owe any taxes because she won’t have enough income, imputed or otherwise. The fair market rent on that house is probably not more than $1000 a month.

rockmom on February 11, 2009 at 2:02 PM

DID I MISS THE PART ABOUT THE REPRESENTATIVE BEING A R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N? No, I didn’t think so.

What a sweet gal. I hope Ms. Hughes takes care of it. (I have been a landlord and the odds are….)

stenwin77 on February 11, 2009 at 2:03 PM

If these stupid bastards really were hard at looking for work to feed their families, how did they find the time in the middle of a workday to patiently wait in line and get on TV at an Obama weepathon?

Whining scum. Including B. Hussein.

TexasJew on February 11, 2009 at 2:03 PM

Ok, I’ve got to know.

When Pres. Obortion addressed the masses in Elkhart the other day, much ado was made about the “fastest growing” unemployment rate in the country. I don’t doubt that, at all.

Has anyone considered why Elkhart is the “King of Job Losses”?

In an odd twist, Elkhart is the Recreational Vehicle Capital of the World. That’s right. RVs. A symbol of capitalistic excess, of loose lending practices. Consumerism gone wild. But wait…who is it that buys RVs? Rich people. Thats who. The mortal enemy of the liberal community.

So here we have an entire community straining to kiss the feet of the Messiah, flagellating themselves because the rich people of this country won’t buy motorhomes anymore.

Did we just witness the masses begging the One make it easier for rich people to purchase RVs? And did he not agree to take up their cause?

It really takes a huge dose of ignorance to not see the irony of choosing Elkhart for a stimulus bill support speech.

Especially hypocritical was the RV dealer who spoke on stage, who said in interviews later that he was disappointed with the bank executives who had spent large sums of money on corporate retreats and lavish bonuses instead of on, well,…..his RV lot. This is certainly a man who would have had a 180 degree shift in ideology had AIG spent a million or two at the RV lot instead of at swank resorts, eh?

Sounds like sour grapes to me.

BobMbx on February 11, 2009 at 2:03 PM

When I was in college I chose to live in a tent at the local campgrounds in W WA to save $$ bcs it was so expensive to rent there.
When traveling across country, I slept in my car instead of a hotel.
RedFox- I think you have something here.
Let’s all go down to DC & live in our cars & get a free house!

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 2:00 PM

I also spent some of my college years living in my car, and then on the pleather coach in a professor’s office (which I couldn’t use til after 10pm when he was done with office hours and went home). Ah, those were the days…

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 2:05 PM

Probably, but so long as private donations are being given instead of government handouts, I don’t really care.

Esthier on February 11, 2009 at 2:01 PM

Yeah, I’m with you there. It was a personal decision by a private citizen (the wife) to donate — they didn’t get the government to give her a home.

amerpundit on February 11, 2009 at 2:05 PM

Alright people.. Torch and Pitchfork TIME!

April 15 Pitchfork Stand:
We all send our taxes in with NO payments, and write RANGEL/DASCHLE RULE in big red letters, and maybe a “P.S. I’ll pay my taxes when I get a cabinet appointment”

Califemme on February 11, 2009 at 2:05 PM

If an American is to amount to anything he must rely upon himself, and not upon the State; he must take pride in his own work, instead of sitting idle to envy the luck of others. He must face life with resolute courage, win victory if he can, and accept defeat if he must, without seeking to place on his fellow man a responsibility which is not theirs. – Theodore Roosevelt

Conservative_SAHM on February 11, 2009 at 2:06 PM

Should I feel “out of touch” because I have no idea who this woman is or why she has a new home?

Elitist! :)

whitetop on February 11, 2009 at 2:06 PM

Hey, don’t worry. The media will investigate Henrietta fully!

PattyJ on February 11, 2009 at 1:58 PM

Like they’re investigating the status of Obama’s illegal auntie, who defied deportation orders?

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 2:06 PM

Anybody notice that Henietta said “We need our own kitchen, our own bathroom”? How about some self-respect and self reliance and say…. We need a JOB, so we can provide our family with their own kitchen, their own bathroom.

SandyToes on February 11, 2009 at 2:06 PM

rockmom on February 11, 2009 at 2:02 PM

So you don’t seem to find anything a bit fishy with this “homeless black woman” just finding out about the Messiah visit, her getting tickets, then getting selected?

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 2:10 PM

First, it would figure a Rep would do this, Dems are personally stingy in general.

Second, the lady will have to file a gift tax return on the fair market value of the housing “gift” if it exceeds $12K $13K annually (may be higher now) that an individual can give to another, $24K $26K if she and her spouse are doing it as a couple.

Nice woman. I hope this deal works out for all in a happy way.

Harry Schell on February 11, 2009 at 1:38 PM

Harry, you covered yourself, but the gift tax annual exclusion did increase to $13,000 beginning in 2009.

The recipient also has to declare the value of the gift to the IRS. Does a homeless person living in a pickup have the available coin to pay the tax on a $150,000 gift? Perhaps another warm hearted person can pick up that tab.

a capella on February 11, 2009 at 1:44 PM

Sorry, a capella, if the transaction is treated as a gift, you’re wrong. The donee of a gift generally has no tax-reporting obligation and no tax-paying obligation whatsoever. Also, the gift would not be $150,000, because the donor isn’t giving the donee the house outright. Instead, the donor is giving the donee only the rent-free use of the house.

That said, if there’s some kind of caretaking arrangement involved here, we might be talking about an employment relationship of some sort, in which case the rent-free use of the house would be considered taxable income–not a gift–to the recipient.

In any event, given that it’s getting very complicated, very fast, we should probably get Secretary Geithner on this matter as soon as possible. After all, he’s a crack tax preparer, ain’t he?

And speaking of gift taxes, I say it all the time, but when is Geithner going to get the IRS to go knocking on Obama’s do for his federal gift tax return reporting a $64,000 gift that Obama made to Rezko’s wife in the year Obama and his wife bought their Chicago residence? The Washington Post reported all the figures, so it’s no secret. I don’t get how Obama gets to blow this off. And, of course, the question then becomes why he’d be making that gift.

BuckeyeSam on February 11, 2009 at 2:12 PM

Should I feel “out of touch” because I have no idea who this woman is or why she has a new home?

NoDonkey on February 11, 2009 at 1:51 PM

It’s only a day-old story. You’re now up-to-date.

amerpundit on February 11, 2009 at 2:05 PM

This is what we’re about, isn’t it? I always respond that it isn’t that Republicans don’t care but that they don’t want government to be the mechanism for charity and don’t consider it efficient anyway.

Personal charity is better for the giver and the receiver. I don’t malign those who choose not to give money, but I strongly encourage it.

Esthier on February 11, 2009 at 2:12 PM

Hot diggitty ding dang

Get with the program Comrades.

Knucklehead on February 11, 2009 at 2:12 PM

I don’t malign those who choose not to give money, but I strongly encourage it.

I give money, to people who work.

Instead of giving money to shiftless, no-account bums, I tip my bartenders and waitresses generously.

Tipping beats charity any day.

NoDonkey on February 11, 2009 at 2:14 PM

Mrs. Thompson’s actions are very touching and commendable. However, I’d still like to know more about Henrietta, particularly how she happened to be front and center at the fraudulent one’s tent show. I agree with MM, this whole thing smells like a set-up. And I can’t help but wonder if there might be, for example, some military widow with actual children who would be more deserving of her generosity. I read somewhere that Henrietta’s son has been out of work since 2003 (?), so hardly an innocent child.

califcon on February 11, 2009 at 2:15 PM

So you don’t seem to find anything a bit fishy with this “homeless black woman” just finding out about the Messiah visit, her getting tickets, then getting selected?

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 2:10 PM

Not particularly. She’s black, she’s poor, she wanted to see the first black President. I saw a lot of people like her at the Inauguration. I think some of us are being willfully ignorant of how much Obama’s election meant to people like this.

rockmom on February 11, 2009 at 2:15 PM

She couldn’t quite reach the hem of his garment, so she had to ask at the microphone.

Grafted on February 11, 2009 at 2:16 PM

Tipping beats charity any day.

NoDonkey on February 11, 2009 at 2:14 PM

Speaking as a former waitress and bartender, you’re giving money to someone for something you get free at fast food places or diners with food runners.

Carrying your food, remembering your order, making your drinks, those things are insanely easy, so much so, even Julio could do it if he gets sick of McDonalds. Waiters complain when people tip on a percent when the check is low but think nothing of a tip on a percent that’s artificially high but required no extra work.

Besides, not all charity is given to bums. There are many worthwhile causes out there. Don’t knock them all just because of your perception of a few.

Esthier on February 11, 2009 at 2:19 PM

Tomorrow’s headline –
SCANDAL: Republican Representative has two houses.

Glenn Jericho on February 11, 2009 at 2:20 PM

Rush just asked, “will Henrietta get the Joe-the-Plumber” treatment?

Heck, no.

stenwin77 on February 11, 2009 at 2:20 PM

I’ll bet she was doing these types of good deeds prior to the Obambi presidency and will continue to do so regardless of who our POTUS is, unlike the many “Fair Weather Americans” that only do good things and work to improve our republic when “their man” is in office!

The difference between a Demo-crap and a Republican is easy to figure out, Republicans are ALWAYS Americans no matter who is in office, unlike the Democraps that need to be “born again Americans!”

Liberty or Death on February 11, 2009 at 2:21 PM

Why wouldn’t there be a generous Democrat at an Obama whistlestop who could have helped this woman?

Oops – silly me – I forgot that Democrats think the government does their charitable giving.

katiejane on February 11, 2009 at 2:22 PM

Speaking as a former waitress and bartender, you’re giving money to someone for something you get free at fast food places or diners with food runners.

You can’t get beer at fast food places, at least not in this country.

I have a deep affection for people who bring me good food and beer and most of these people need the money.

There are many worthwhile causes out there.

More worthy than the bringers of food/beer? Perhaps, but I can’t think of any.

NoDonkey on February 11, 2009 at 2:24 PM

“I have never felt this good except maybe when I got my PlayStation 3 for Christmas,” Osegueda told the News-Press later.
Jim Treacher on February 11, 2009 at 1:50 PM

Osegueda also said he was (or wanted to show) that he is Obama’s biggest FAN

American Idol mentality prevails

ihasurnominashun on February 11, 2009 at 2:30 PM

and then on the pleather coach in a professor’s office (which I couldn’t use til after 10pm when he was done with office hours and went home). Ah, those were the days…

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 2:05 PM

I am glad to hear he went home.
I was wondering how else you might pass your classes! LOL!

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 2:30 PM

Bullcrap!

When you don’t have to worry about the rent the next thing is the rent is your right. Take a big Phillips head to that.
The country is becoming the family dog. A meal and a pillow for everyone!

Limerick on February 11, 2009 at 1:37 PM

Oh, dude. You’re usually right on, but I can never fault personal generosity. This is Christ-like. It isn’t a call for socialism; it’s the opposite. You may believe that it represents weakness on the part of the recipient, but that’s not my concern.

I think it’s wonderful that this lady is willing to sacrifice for someone in need, and that her husband so completely agreed with her generosity. Three cheers for them.

Compare/Contrast these two with the sickening culture of Hollyweird, where talentless idiots who have fallen into tens of millions of dollars only look for new ways to spend it on themselves.

Jaibones on February 11, 2009 at 2:31 PM

***

And what’s with the trashing of a generous woman who wants to help out a fellow citizen? She didn’t even tell her husband! That’s the definition of Christian charity to me.

***

rockmom on February 11, 2009 at 2:02 PM

I stand with rockmom here. I think Obama’s tent revivals are a disgrace and unbelievably unpresidential. But if he wants to conduct himself like Bruce in Bruce Almighty, fielding help requests from the entire country, I say have at. Remember what happens when everyone in the movie got what they prayed for? Chaos.

Don’t forget. The promise of America is equal opportunity, not equal results. To the extent that the former is somehow obstructed, we all lose and we should all complain.

But again, if Obama wants to set up a request line and some kind of means of matching private donors with donees, I say great. Nationalize e-harmony or match.com. That would have to be much less expensive for the federal government than the nonsense in the stimulus package.

Most important of all, as rockmom suggests, a private citizen voluntarily chose to intervene. And that’s how providing assistance should work. Charity starts at home with the immediate family and then fans out in concentric circles: extended family, friends, neighbors, church or synagogue, and local communities. I’m sure you could identify other sources, and everyone probably has a different order of importance. But in all events, the source of last resort, if at all, should be government.

Whether Henrietta’s request was staged or not, it’s irrelevant. The key is that she received private help–not help from Obama’s staff and some impersonal governmental bureaucracy. This donor made Obama look like a hyena, and I love it.

BuckeyeSam on February 11, 2009 at 2:32 PM

You can’t get beer at fast food places, at least not in this country.

You can at certain diners, like Pei Wei or whatever your town has. Those places have people who do everything waiters do, but they don’t accept tips.

and most of these people need the money.

You’d be surprised how much many of them make and how little most report on their taxes and how many supplement their income with some “entrepreneurship.”

Perhaps, but I can’t think of any.

NoDonkey on February 11, 2009 at 2:24 PM

I won’t turn this serious and argue.

Esthier on February 11, 2009 at 2:32 PM

Tomorrow’s headline –
SCANDAL: Republican Representative has two houses.

Glenn Jericho on February 11, 2009 at 2:20 PM

Winner.

Jaibones on February 11, 2009 at 2:33 PM

Like Rush jut said . . .When is Henrieatta going to
get the same treatment the Joe the plumber got.

Pour through her tax returns and other documents ?

Julio is a friggin joke. . . .

Texyank on February 11, 2009 at 2:34 PM

I don’t get it…what’s the “story” here Ed? Only the most insane out there refuse to believe that Republicans are charitable. And isn’t it interesting that now that this has been done by a Republican all talk that she was a Dem “plant” that this was a “conspiracy” to make Dear Leader look good have dissapeared. UGH.

DeathToMediaHacks on February 11, 2009 at 2:35 PM

Somethings up,..

“as of Tuesday night, the Hughes had not contacted the Thompsons about coming to see the house. Their cell phone is out of minutes, so it is nearly impossible to get in touch with them.”
.
.

If someone gave me a home,..hell or high water wouldn’t stop me!!

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2009/02/62687523/1?se=yahoorefer

christene on February 11, 2009 at 2:35 PM

I don’t get it…what’s the “story” here Ed? Only the most insane out there refuse to believe that Republicans are charitable.

DeathToMediaHacks on February 11, 2009 at 2:35 PM

You can’t believe that and have many Democrat friends. I know very few who don’t think of us as Mr. Burns. That’s the exact reason my Dean-supporting roommate (who later jumped on the Kerry bandwagon because “anybody but Bush” seemed like a good idea, and “people were more angry than they ever were before”) gave for raising taxes and having welfare.

Esthier on February 11, 2009 at 2:38 PM

Who is going to pay for the up keep and maintenance, Mowing etc?

She wind up having her house trashed and then will probably be sued by that ingrate.

Also there is no free lunch, the tenant will have to pay income taxes on the fair market value of what the rent would be.

TheSitRep on February 11, 2009 at 2:39 PM

Tomorrow’s headline –
SCANDAL: Republican Representative has two houses.

Glenn Jericho on February 11, 2009 at 2:20 PM

*snicker*

Wouldn’t surprise me if they pulled a JTP on them too…..

BigWyo on February 11, 2009 at 2:40 PM

But if he wants to conduct himself like Bruce in Bruce Almighty,

BuckeyeSam on February 11, 2009 at 2:32 PM

Boob jobs for everyone?!

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 2:43 PM

Supporters – follow the link that Allah put into the post (“married”) for contact information at his office. I spoke to Katie there, and she is startled and thrilled that people are calling. She couldn’t be prouder of the Representative and gushed that they are both just wonderful people, and urged me to email him.

Jaibones on February 11, 2009 at 2:44 PM

Tomorrow’s headline –
SCANDAL: Republican Representative has two houses with tax liens on each.

Glenn Jericho on February 11, 2009 at 2:20 PM

Fixed

Knucklehead on February 11, 2009 at 2:45 PM

TheSitRep on February 11, 2009 at 2:39 PM

Dude. I can’t believe that you guys are crapping on this. I really can’t.

Jaibones on February 11, 2009 at 2:45 PM

Boob jobs for everyone?!

Badger40 on February 11, 2009 at 2:43 PM

I forgot about that. Jennifer Anniston (Bob Hope growl).

BuckeyeSam on February 11, 2009 at 2:45 PM

Remember that woman way back in the campaign who said that if she voted for Obama he would take care of her mortgage? And we laughed at her naivete. Now, beggars come forward asking not for spare change, not for a meal, not even for an apartment, but a house! A house!

What we have witnessed is Obama legitimizing the entitlement mentality.

Tantor on February 11, 2009 at 2:47 PM

Essie and Mom – honored to be with you on this. Shame on the rest of you.

Jaibones on February 11, 2009 at 2:47 PM

Fallen Sparrow on February 11, 2009 at 1:38 PM

I couldn’t even watch that video. Seeing that guy wave his hands and praise God because 0bama came to their town just made me want to puke!

Torch on February 11, 2009 at 2:47 PM

Hey, I think we all need to take a chill before we malign this homeless/jobless woman. Both are serious problems in our country and no need to heap shame upon this woman if she’s legitimately lost her job, her home, etc. Sadly, it happens.

I agree it’s suspicious that she was front-and-center and Show Obama, but that’s on The One, most likely, if there was any “stagecraft” involved.

So until we know more about this woman, her current circumstances and how she got there, let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. No one would want to be without a job and/or without a place to call home… no matter how comfy the back seat of your car.

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 2:48 PM

I don’t get it…what’s the “story” here Ed? Only the most insane out there refuse to believe that Republicans are charitable. And isn’t it interesting that now that this has been done by a Republican all talk that she was a Dem “plant” that this was a “conspiracy” to make Dear Leader look good have dissapeared. UGH.

DeathToMediaHacks on February 11, 2009 at 2:35 PM

You just described virtually every Obama supporter in this country, though even Nicholas Kristof acknowledged that conservatives are more generous than liberals in a December New York Time column. Who are you kidding?

BuckeyeSam on February 11, 2009 at 2:50 PM

Alright people.. Torch and Pitchfork TIME!

Okay, what should I do? I can’t sing, I can’t dance, I surely can’t write as well as some here, but I can give it a shot. I didn’t know there was someon by the name “Pitchfork” on this site.

Torch on February 11, 2009 at 2:51 PM

Well, now we know that the filthy liar is not only the Messiah but he is also Santa Clause. All you have to do is sit on his lap and tell him you want a kitchen and “poof
” you get a kitchen!

Slightly OT but Rush played a clip of that other idiot (Julio) speaking to reporters. This was the guy that was still working at McDonald’s in a non-management role after four years….. He actually stated that he wasn’t this excited since he had gotten a PlayStation for Christmas. I’m telling you the filthy liar is Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny all rolled into one disgusting human being.

highhopes on February 11, 2009 at 2:51 PM

IMO she’s making a huge mistake. We helped people after Katrina but you need to keep them at arms length.

roux on February 11, 2009 at 2:52 PM

I couldn’t even watch that video. Seeing that guy wave his hands and praise God because 0bama came to their town just made me want to puke!

Torch on February 11, 2009 at 2:47 PM

Soros just got him a PC and internet access, and he told him to check in at Hot Air every day until the next registration day and then register. Once registered, Soros will e-mail him stupid comments to make.

BuckeyeSam on February 11, 2009 at 2:53 PM

Dude. I can’t believe that you guys are crapping on this. I really can’t.

Jaibones on February 11, 2009 at 2:45 PM

Look I get your points, have read them all, and for the most part agree with you. I think the issue we have is that this “image” of the Messiah is exactly what is killing the idea in America of hard work and self-responibility. Should I wait for a wonderful person to bail me out if I f-up my life or make poor choices? Should you and every other hard working tax payer pay for my welfare? I do wish this woman well, but sure would like to know more about her “son” not working… why? What caused her issues? We are not being mean spirited, we are asking for answers and hoping that this does not catch on… that someone else, anyone else, is responsible for MY welfare.

Mark Garnett on February 11, 2009 at 2:53 PM

Do a followup on the house and the job in 6 months. The house will be derelict and Julio will have been fired.

johnsteele on February 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM

Henrietta will be complaining soon about not being able to pay utilities, repairs and taxes.

My bet is she sells the house and blows the money.

darwin on February 11, 2009 at 1:43 PM

+1

sorry guys, but we’re talking about a “man” who would rather watch his crippled old mother live in a truck than get a job at Wal-Mart. hand-outs from government or private citizens don’t change character.

There’s a one in a million chance that somehow these people develop middle class work ethics and maintain that home, but that’s about it. If they pull it out and become that one in a million success story, I will be thrilled for all involved.

But hope don’t make it happen. Or as my father often says, “it isn’t the whistle that pulls the train.”

goofy saying, but true

funky chicken on February 11, 2009 at 2:54 PM

Did they actually give her a house or are they just going to let them live there?

christene on February 11, 2009 at 2:35 PM

That is kinda odd.

The whole thing does seen like a set up. Almost too fake. Like the set ups in the crowd of the old “Traveling Medicine Show”, A couple of plants in the crowd to validate what the charlatan was selling.

Itchee Dryback on February 11, 2009 at 2:54 PM

So until we know more about this woman, her current circumstances and how she got there, let’s give her the benefit of the doubt. No one would want to be without a job and/or without a place to call home… no matter how comfy the back seat of your car.

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 2:48 PM

Benefit of the doubt that she is homeless or benefit of the doubt that this was a set-up so the filthy liar can affirm the idea that nobody is going have to pay their mortgages anymore since Obama is in office (Hannity plays the clip all the time).

Sorry but this stinks to high heaven when it comes to a legitimate spontaneous moment with the filthy liar. This is pure propaganda worthy of Hitler, Castro, or Hugo Chavez.

highhopes on February 11, 2009 at 2:54 PM

Once again, evil whitey keeping the black man down!

She will of course owe taxes on the imagined income/value of the “free” rent. Obama still wants his cut.
She will about $4000 dollars.

roninacreage on February 11, 2009 at 2:59 PM

Sorry but this stinks to high heaven when it comes to a legitimate spontaneous moment with the filthy liar. This is pure propaganda worthy of Hitler, Castro, or Hugo Chavez.

highhopes on February 11, 2009 at 2:54 PM

I’m as skeptical as you are that this woman was being used as nothing more than a prop, but that’s not mutually exclusive with the possibility that she might truly be homeless.

And I don’t think handing her a rent-free house in perpetuity is a good outcome (although it seems like manna from heaven), because it sends the wrong message about how we as Americans help ourselves, and what is the most responsible way to help others.

redfoxbluestate on February 11, 2009 at 2:59 PM

I love it that the posters here keep repeating that it is the wonderful conservatives/Republicans who are charitable and then complain about someone needing their charity. Brilliant reasoning and thought processing.

Sally S on February 11, 2009 at 3:00 PM

Comment pages: 1 2