Rep. Nick Thompson v. Rush Limbaugh

When Henrietta Hughes, homeless after losing her home to foreclosure in 2003, pleaded for help Barack Obama during his town hall meeting in Fort Myers, she not only received a sympathetic kiss from the president but a helping hand from state Rep. Nick Thompson, R-Fort Myers, and his wife Chene. Mrs. Thompson, a former prosecutor, on the spot offered Hughes, 61, and her son use of a second home they have been unable to sell or rent. Call it a random act of kindness.

But before long, Rush Limbaugh was on the air casting Hughes as an "embarrassing" poster child for Americans expecting free hand-outs from the president ("I mean, as an American, this is embarrassing, and it's sad, but there's a reason why -- there's a reason why this woman takes her one chance to talk to the president of the United States and ask and beg for a car and a kitchen," said Limbaugh). And Rep. Thompson started receiving calls from people across the country from bashing him as a disgrace to Republican principles of self-responsibility. Thompson makes no apologies, noting after losing her home to foreclosure in 2003 that Hughes has been  paying credit card debt, car insurance, even tithing to her ministry, while living off Social Security and food stamps.

"There is nothing more American or Christian or freedom-loving than someone of their own volition using the resources they have to help someone, and not going through some government program or using tax dollars,’’ Thompson told Buzz. "Whether Republican or Democrat, the more people do small things like just helping your neighbor the better off we’d be."

Comments

[Stop the propaganda and do your freaking job!]

“Call it a random act of kindness.”

Please! I’m hip that it was a nice thing to do, but have the courage to call it what it really is… A calculated act of political oportunism.

Show me where they’ve done it before or since… and I’ll stand corrected.

[6:58's shadow]

Kuddos to Nick and Shere Thompson.

These are both good, proud, patriotic Americans and I'm proud to support them. It is only after getting to know our brothers and sisters, rather than listening to the sh*t DrugAddictedRush spews that real Americans, and Christians can help each other.

Ms. Myers is like so many of us.

Again, thank you Mr. & Mrs. Thompson for being so kind and loving.

Here you go. Typical slow witted retarded lying _____. They all lie!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29177195/

[11:48's shadow]

Seems as though 11:48 doesn't know anything about the Thompsons, nor google

Seems as though the Thompson's have a history of caring for those less fortunate.

Mary's House of Hope - look it up and be a bit more informed before blindly mimicking the known drug addicted Rush - or we'll start questioning your drug preference too.

http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2003/10/27/031027ta_talk_hertzberg

Rush Limbaugh is the authentic voice of the repiggies.
Thompson will probably be shunned by the Jesus-loving, Scripture-quoting hypocrites in the repiggie circles. You just have to love these "values" voters who see poverty and misfortune as a punishment from God.

Way to go Mr. and Mrs. Thompson!

Rush Limbaugh and his kind are what's wrong with the Republican Party.

Speaking of repiggie morality and traditional values, here is another sleazebag who is a buddy of Gramm, Delay, and other prominent "conservative" crooks in Texas. This financial fraudster is a generous contributor to fascist causes much loved by the repiggies:

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/02/meet_texas_billionaire_and_mini-madoff_sir_allen_s.php

Rush was criticizing the act of kindness. He was just talking about what has put Mrs. Hughes and her able bodied non working son in the pathetic positin they were in. Government dependency. The Government she depended on was happy to let her sit on a waiting for 2 years. Rush's point was the government should enable people to help themselves and take responsibility for themselves rather thna depend on government giveaways which have a long long long long long history of failure. Its not "mean" its the hard truth - deal with it!

CORRECTION
Rush was NOT criticizing the act of kindness. He was just talking about what has put Mrs. Hughes and her able bodied non working son in the pathetic positin they were in. Government dependency. The Government she depended on was happy to let her sit on a waiting for 2 years. Rush's point was the government should enable people to help themselves and take responsibility for themselves rather thna depend on government giveaways which have a long long long long long history of failure. Its not "mean" its the hard truth - deal with it!

I don't get it - can somebody explain to me why is it a bad thing for a Republican to help another person who is in need? Jesus said, in Matthew 25:35-40 "I was a hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in ... Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Aren't Republicans always claiming to be the party of Christian fundamentalism - what happened to Christian charity, a fundamental Christian teaching?

And who is this "Rash Limpbrain" that everyone keeps mentioning?

[DittoHeads have Anti-Christian Values]

Rush is the de facto leader of the NeoCon Republican Party. Is Rush, also, the leader of the Christian movement?

Some of you clowns listen waaaaaay too much to Limbaugh.
It seems that you can quote that obese junkie verbatim.

Here is yet another Bush/Cheney fan, a war-loving evangelical, a "fine" example of "traditional Christian values."
He still seems to have a bit of problem with beating those swords into ploughshares, and all that.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/13/blackwater-sheds-tarnishe_n_166739.html

[A man]

Rep. Thompson is a good guy, now I see where he gets it, behind every good man is a good woman. Birds of a feather do flock together.

[Wide Stance]

Jermaine Jakes, arrested after approaching male officers in park, lists T.D. Jakes Ministries as his place of employment

"The son of T.D. Jakes — the Dallas megachurch pastor who’s called homosexuality a “brokenness” and declared that he would never hire a sexually active gay person — was arrested in a gay sex sting in Kiest Park in January, according to Dallas police reports.

Jermaine Donnell Jakes, 29, faces a charge of indecent exposure after allegedly exposing himself in front of two undercover vice detectives shortly after 10 p.m. on Jan. 3. Senior Cpl. Janice Crowther, a DPD spokeswoman, confirmed Thursday, Feb. 12 that the detectives were both male.

According to an arrest affidavit, the detectives were conducting an investigation into citizen complaints of sexual activity when they observed Jakes and several other unknown males park their vehicles in the lot east of the park at 2106 W. Kiest Blvd.

The detectives followed Jakes into a wooded area, where he approached them with his p e n i s exposed through his unzipped pants, the affidavit states. Jakes masturbated for several seconds while making eye contact with one of the detectives.

Jakes made no attempt to conceal his p e n i s despite people walking and jogging on a trail nearby, the affidavit states. According to court records, Jermaine Jakes listed his place of employment as T.D. Jakes Ministries. Jakes was released at the scene after being detained.

T.D. Jakes is the founder of the Potters House, a 30,000-member church in South Dallas. A vocal opponent of same-sex marriage, he’s been criticized by HIV/AIDS activists for undermining prevention of the disease by stigmatizing homosexuality and drug use. "

http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_10636.php

[t-hizzel]

i bet rush doesnt remember half the stuff he spews cause he is all hyped up on vicodine!!! an im sure he has had a hand out or 2 in his lifetime... enjoy your overpaid radio job to talk bad about people really trying to help!!!!

[Get it back, Barack!]

I applaud the example that the Thompsons have set in extending help to a family in need. Unfortunately, unless we can get the ultra-rich to do the same, on the scale of billions of dollars, government assistance is always going to be neccesary. Conservatives ever since Reagan have used our government as a tool to empower the top 1% of our population to stockpile a hugely disproportionate share of our wealth. Only our government can force them to give some back in our time of need, through increased taxes. Only our government can distribute the food and health care and affordable housing necessary to help the majority of Americans through this time of crisis, a crisis which was caused by those same conservatives looking the other way while corporations got fat by gobbling up resources and polluting the environment, which belongs to every US citizen. Time for the rich to give it back, Barack!

Good Stuff Thompsons! You always raise the bar for honesty, integrity and humanity.

Maybe one of the reportrs can release an actual transcript of what Limbaugh said. He is probably being misquoted as he ususally is when the liberal press churns out stories.

Good for Thompson! And for the lady in need.

Doesn't Barack have a house in Chicago he's not using?

From what I heard, Rush criticized the news media for not telling us all about Hughes as they did with Joe the Plumber. He did not criticize Ms. Hughes. Really Adam. Do you listen to Rush?

Nick just lost my vote next time.

On the off chance that Rush is a Christian, what would he suppose Jesus would do when confronted with a homeless woman? Use her for political gain. Unlike gay marriage, Jesus actually talks a lot about our role with the poor. Only to Rush and the (sh)dittoheads is this someone to be ridiculed.

rush will die soon (diabetes, std, heart attack...take your pick)-- who will take his place?

[fs tate]

Get the facts on Henrietta Hughes, she did not lose her home rather she transferred ownership to her son. She seems to be conning the system.

See: http://www.winknews.com/news/local/39518252.html

WINK TV
UPDATE: Henrietta Hughes says she's not milking the system
By Nick Spinetto, WINK News

Story Created: Feb 12, 2009 at 5:10 PM EST

Story Updated: Feb 14, 2009 at 5:56 PM EST

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - A woman making national headlines after a tearful moment with President Obama has a new home.

Thursday morning, Chene Thompson handed Henrietta Hughes the keys to her home in Hendry County. Thompson is the wife of State Representative Nick Thompson (R-District 73). Hughes and her son will live at the home rent free.

At President Obama's town hall meeting in Fort Myers on Tuesday, Henrietta Hughes stood up and told the President she has been homeless since 2003 and can't find a job.

She also says she's reach a dead end with government assistance and none of the local charity agencies will help.

However, a local organization is coming forward saying Hughes isn't being honest about how much help she's had in the past.

The director of We Care Outreach Ministry, Tanya Johnson, says just last month she offered Henrietta Hughes permanent housing and a place to stay free for three months, but Hughes refused.

"We would have allowed her to stay for the first 90 days, no income. You know free," said Tanya Johnson.

We Care Outreach Ministry is a faith based organization in Fort Myers.

Johnson says she also gave Henrietta and her son Corey, money, food and offered Corey job training courses, but it was refused.

"We have extended a lot of her services to her," Johnson said.

But Henrietta Hughes says these services weren't free and the apartment in East Fort Myers came with a price tag.

Hughes says Tanya Johnson wanted $400 a month immediately.

The disability check Hughes gets is a little more than $800 a month.

Hughes owes money on a loan, has her car insurance payment, a monthly storage bill and says she couldn't afford the rent.

"Where was I going to get $400 a month to give her if I got these expenses," Hughes told WINK News.

WINK News Reporter Nick Spinetto went back to talk to Tanya Johnson.
She stands by her story.

Henrietta Hughes says she's never taken advantage of the system and doesn't choose to be homeless. Like other programs she's tried to get help from,she says We Care couldn't meet her needs.

State Representative Nick Thompson and his wife Chene are standing by Henrietta and her son, Corey. They spoke out against the allegations Henrietta is milking the system, even when confronted with the fact WINK News found out the Hughes' sold property, back in 2005. This is after Henrietta and her son lost their home in 2003 and started living in their car. Henrietta and her son sold the land for $47,000 dollars. But Chene Thompson says that was all the money they had for several years and it's gone.

"They have nothing today. They need help today. They didn't need help in 2005. They need help today. So whether they had $47,000 or $147,000 in 2005, it doesn't matter. They don't have any money today," she said.

The Thompson's say they are sad Henrietta has to defend herself against these allegations and they will continue to help her. They also hope it doesn't deter other people from helping.

[Matt Ladd]

Rep. Thompson is a man of high character and the disgraceful comments made of someone who has dedicated his life to public service is shamful.

11:48, what was the last thing you did for anyone you piece of shi...

Rush Limbough is still on the air? What sheeple still listen to him?

I personally know the Thompsons and this act doesn't suprise me in the least. Nick is a moral man with vaules upon reproach. There was a time in this nation when helping one another was first and foremost.

What a perfect example of just how far we have forgotten what is really important in life!

Well done Brother Nick!!

[Gilbert]

Just 2 weeks ago, Mr. Limbaugh was quoted as saying, "he hope Obama fails"! Now, he is criticizing a poor person who has failed, or better yet the system has failed her as it has so many others.

If Mr. Limbaugh is such a concerned citizen, then perhaps he could donate about 1/2 of a percent of his salary estimated to be 25 million a year to assist other Americans. Then too, he could shut the hell up or he could continue to pollute the air with his vile, negative, veiled bigoted and anti-american comments.

Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck...three jackasses who couldn't be bothered with a university education, and does it ever show!
What happened to the Republican Party? Why has it been commandeered by hicks, morons and bullies?

[shuturyap]

It is really quite a surprise that she was living off of food stamps and social security.

and WE SHOLD EXPECT BETTER from this drug addicted, sexually questionable, morally bankrupt creature?

Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich, both with a multiple number of marriages under their belts, rail on about morality and the "sanctity" of marriage. Perhaps the clueless Republicans still don't get it. If that party keeps linking its prestige to losers like that, it will continue to lose any shred of credibility with the thinking person.

[11:48's shadow's shadow]

Like I said... A calculated act of political oportunism... He'll pimp the act throughout his next re-election campaign.

They olny serve when it serves them.

[response to 9:58]

Dear Mr. Albion - not everyone is like you. stop being so jealous of Rep T. if you took the time to know him and see the legislation he files - you'd know that he acts with his heart and does the right thing. there's a reason a political unknown beat out a 10 year sitting county commissioner.

Why would a drug addict who got caught smuggling prescription OC into the country that wasn't prescribed to him and only failed to go to jail like a street junkie because of his fame have any leg to stand on in attacking a person who simply did something out of charity? I thought that the Republican mantra of government getting out of social programs was that private citizens and churches should be doing this work. Rush just shows his true colors. He hates anyone who isn't as rich or "Republican" as himself.

I am proud to know Nick Thompson. I often debate policy issues with him because he is undeniably Republican, and I am not. However, I would never question his commitment to do what was right even if I don't agree with every policy that he supports. I really don't understand how a man can be attacked for being generous with his hard earned resources.

Rush is done. His 'best' days are long behind him. His ratings steadily have dropped over the years according to Nielsen. He'll say anything no matter how far out there to try to regain listeners.

I guess we know what Nick's staffers do on Sunday.

Pimpin for the boss, aya boys?

NICK AND CHENE....REMEMBER...NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED. FOR THOSE OF US WHO AND KNOW AND LOVE U BOTH, KNOW THAT THIS IS JUST U 2 BEING WHO U R AND DOING WHAT YOU'VE ALWAYS DONE! IT'S JUST SAD TO SEE WHAT THE MEDIA CAN DO TO U ONCE YOUR IN AN ELECTED POSITION. KEEP UR HEADS UP!

[Ugh!!!]

All you Rush Limbaugh lovers are going to burn in you know where along with your buddy Rush. Just a bunch of pathetic losers who have no soul or heart.

"use of a second home they have been unable to sell or rent. Call it a random act of kindness."

unable to sell or rent

unable to sell or rent

unable to sell or rent

I call it a tax write off...

"use of a second home they have been unable to sell or rent. Call it a random act of kindness."

unable to sell or rent

unable to sell or rent

unable to sell or rent

I call it a tax write off...

[Get A Job]

PLEEEZE

If you only knew how many Henrietta Hughes and Son there are. I know 4 people on disability and only one is actually disabled (advanced MS). The biggest offender of the 4 has bragged about using his gov't money for a massage with happy ending and pot. He could work, but why would he? He's entitled. Are random drug screenings for "welfare" recipients too much to ask for? You can make a difference. Vote REAL Republicans back into the House in 2010.

Cout RECORDS

According to Lee County, Florida property records:

6/18/01 Property (Lot 19, Block 35, Unit 9, Sec. 20, Twnshp 44S, Range 27, Lehigh Acres Subdivision) purchased by Henrietta and Corey Hughes

10/10/03 - $124,400.00 lien release due to payment in full to Henrietta and Corey Hughes.

8/9/06 - Quit claim deed signed by Henrietta Hughes granting full ownership to Corey Hughes.

No transactions since for either Henrietta Hughes or Corey Hughes which means that Corey Hughes still owns the property. Taxes current (paid) on 1/1/09.

There are a number of mortgage lien holder transfers between 2001 and when it was paid off in 2003. This is normal as liens are often sold (think one mortgage holder buying out another). What is interesting is how this lien for $124,400.00 was paid off in less than 28 months.

[All your answers are GOV]

Sorry, but I live in Lee County and standing outside for several hours didn't guarantee me a ticket to get in, and she ended up in the front row? Puhleeze! Do you also believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy? There are too many gaps in her story. If she is on disability, then she is also eligible for Medicare. If she owns no property or other assets, she is probably eligible for Medicaid, which then picks up the costs Medicare doesn't cover. In some cases, the Medicare Part B will be paid if the person is indigent. I know a couple of disabled women who get less than $800 a month from the government and live in subsidized housing, which is usually 1/3 or your income. There is a big difference between living in the street and refusing food & shelter because you want something nicer. She also has a 37 year old adult son who is healthy. What has he been doing for the past few years? What happened to the money they got for property she sold? $47,000 plus her disability and any income her son earned certainly would keep her off the street. Something isn't kosher here. Just my opinion. Julio, the Edison College student, said he's worked at McDonald's for $7 something an hour for over 4 years. Just 2 years ago Albertsons was offering $10 to start, and I know high school kids who worked there. Still, he's lucky to be 19 and have a job in this economy. Many people with children to feed can't find work. I guess they're not as dramatic. "Oh, God. Make sure this outburst gets on YouTube so I become famous!" IMO both of these people were plants. By the way, I not only voted for Obama, I worked at the local field office and canvassed for him. Now I see he decided to take the Joe the Plumber route and I'm disappointed & angry.

[TRUE BLUE]

If there were more folks like the Thompson's in the Republican party, I would not be a Democrat. Signed: Barry Goldwater Democrat