What's the deal with Piyush Jindal, anyway?

[bushmeister0]

(From what I've read he started calling himself "Bobby" at the age of four after watching a Brady Bunch episode.)

I woke up this morning to Juan Williams on NPR gushing about what a "rock star" Jindal was in Louisiana and how successful he's been etc. and how he's the GOP's answer to Obama because he's a person of color and I was, like, huh?

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101076683

Who the hell is this guy? I mean, I've heard of him, but what's his deal?

What pricked up my ears was this quote from Meet The Press: "I think now is the time and it's a great opportunity for Republican governors and other leaders to offer conservative-based solutions to the problems."

And the one from the WH lawn: "Certainly, I think this could've been a very different stimulus bill written, truly targeted at infrastructure, focused on the kinds of tax credits that get investments moving in private sector." (I thought that's what the banks did.)

Yeah, because conservative-based solutions and the private sector have done such great jobs getting it right the past eight years.

Sounds like the same old crap to me, no? What's so new and interesting about this guy?

NPR reports:

"The first-term governor is a rising star in the national GOP who is increasingly popping up on talk shows and at events outside his state. That's leading to speculation that Jindal, 37, is being urged to run for the presidency."

Well, no shit! That's what he's been doing since he got elected as govenor. Six months into his term he was off meeting with John McCain to apply for the VEEP job and everyone in Louisiana has kind of noticed he's never around.

Get this: from Jeremy Alford of the Gambit:

"As an unprecedented $2 billion shortfall eats away at health care and higher education while state government braces for lockdown, Gov. Bobby Jindal has found a new way to address tough challenges: hitting the road. It's a sad day when, as Rome burns, the only thing you see of the emperor is his derriere as he hightails it out of town, but such is the case.

Consider his recent schedule:

Friday, Jan. 30 — Jindal spent the first part of his day at the Rapides Parish Courthouse discussing his legislative priorities for cracking down on sex offenders. While that's a worthy cause, the governor knows he doesn't need to beat this drum. Is anyone rising to the defense of sex offenders? Of course not. It's a PR move, a distraction.

Wednesday, Feb. 4 — In an effort to raise his national profile to help him not run for president, Jindal traveled to North Carolina for a campaign fundraiser 'in support of his gubernatorial re-election campaign.' The Shaw Group Inc., a Baton Rouge-based Fortune 500 company and frequent political player, served as host.

While Jindal was in another state, Louisiana officials unveiled plans to raid a special transportation fund to the tune of $750 million to help pay for a package of roads and bridges that voters approved more than 20 years ago.

Back on the trail of sex offenders, Jindal traveled to Monroe and Lafayette to tout his legislative priority."

http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A50535

(Read about his "ethics reform" here, which I'm sure will come up tonight: http://bestofneworleans.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A50961)

And who is the Shaw group, BTW? Well, they gave him $18,000 the last time he ran for congress, for a start. They keep coming up every time Jindal is mentioned, some how.

Sourcewatch says:

"After Katrina hit, the Shaw group hired the former head of the Projects and Contracting Office in Baghdad, Charles Hess, who also had experience working at FEMA and the Army Corps of Engineers.

As well, Shaw is one of several companies who won contracts from FEMA who are represented by former FEMA head, Joe Allbaugh. Other clients include Fluor Corporation and Kellogg Brown and Root.

Formed Shaw-Formiconi, CA (now known as Manufacturas Shaw South America, CA), a partnership with Formiconi CA to operate a fabrication facility in Venezuela. (they do business with Hugo Chavez! Ya Dios Mio!)

In 2004 Shaw created a joint venture, Shaw CENTCOM Services, LLC, with construction companies in Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia"

http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=The_Shaw_Group%2C_Inc.

These guys are really well connected, I'd say. And they like Jindal!

Get this, too, the lowdown on one of their big shots:

"Jeffery S. Merrifield, vice-president of the company's power group, was on the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission two weeks before he joined the Shaw Group. In his last few months at the NRC, 'Merrifield vigorously championed several major policy initiatives that directly benefited his future employer,' including a change that reduced government and public oversight of new nuclear power plant construction, and changes to the approval process for new nuclear plant construction that scaled back public hearings and public comment periods."

I'd say if Jindal becomes president the nuclear power industry and KBR will get right back in the saddle.

Again, more of the same.

And he likes to rewrite history for the benefit of his energy friends:

Thingprogress pointed out this exchange on Faux Snooze regarding Katrina:

Jindal: "You know, that’s one of the great unwritten success stories, after Katrina and Rita, these awful storms, no major spills."

Jindal is clueless about the reality in his own state. As noted in the Wonk Room, the Hurricanes caused offshore oil spills so large that they could be seen from space. The Minerals Management Service reported that 113 oil platforms were 'totally destroyed' — a total of 124 offshore spills.

In fact, oil seeped onshore into southeast Louisiana, which saw 44 onshore and offshore oil spills. The EPA called the spills 'worse than the worst-case scenario.' Even oil industry representatives admitted: 'nature can always topple you.'

http://thinkprogress.org/2008/06/27/jindal-katrina-oil-spill/

I'm sure there's a lot more dirt on this guy, but the intertubes are mainly full of stuff praising him. He's big into PR and he does a good job promoting himself and the media is kind of asleep at the wheel, so far, as usual.

Anyone got anything else on him (besides the excorism thing)? I'm thinking we should get the ball rolling before the media decides Obama is old news and Bobby is 'the new black' after tonight.

(Edit for spelling)

[LynneSin]

1. Don't call him 'Piyush' - according to some conservative nimwit who writes for an LA paper..

.that's considered racist.

:eyes:

[YOY]

2. So it isn't his real name?

Kind of like calling Mohammed Ali, "Cassius Clay" perhaps?

[Myrina]

7. I'm sure all the far-flung GOP knuckledraggers would have an aneurysm

... if they knew their 'leading contender' for the 2012 nom's real name was "Piyush Jindahl".


So yes, let's by all means call him by his real name! :applause:

[tabbycat31]

19. hey if they keep using our president's middle name

we should use their rising star's given name.

[katanalori]

44. Two wrongs do not make a right -

"Bobby" it is if that is what he prefers. That said, Jindal is a reactionary theocratic extremist
who makes rank-and-file Republicans look moderate by contrast - which is quite a feat.
He opposes any exceptions to his proposed total ban on abortion - even in the case of the rape of the mother or incest or pregnancy of a minor.

He opposes all stem cell research.

He is a rabid homophobe.

He supports the teaching of creationism in schools, and considers evolution a myth.

He is basically hostile to science and reason, and was a disaster as Health Dept director in Louisiana, and now as governor - so, he is incompetent as well as being an anti-intellectual primitive. "Rhodes scholar" my ass.

JINDAL CLAIMS TO HAVE PERFORMED AN EXORCISM ON A FRIEND. Of course, the head of his Catholic Church employs official exorcists in the Vatican, so that should not be a surprise to anyone.

I'd love to see him as a candidate for the presidency, fighting over future theocracy with witch-doctor-employing Sarah Palin. Let's get fanatical faith-based superstition out and in the open for a national discussion once and for all.

Either this nation will finally emerge from the Dark Ages for good, or we'll move boldly into the 14th century.

Please note that the comments above were copied from a daily koz post response that appeared last night - but the summary is spot on, and I agree with it entirely.

[bushmeister0]

56. Amen!

But I think saying 'we'll move Bobbily on into the 14th century' would be a better way to put it.

[Fire1]

35. I can't wait when they try to sell this guy to the base!!! lol!!

[treestar]

10. Like suddenly they care

Republics have no reason to claim any PC for themselves after all the whining they do about it.

[burythehatchet]

18. No call him "Piyush" becaus its not his policy positions that matter, it is important

to bring attention to his ethnic, real name in order to tap into any xenophobic sentiments that the audience may harbor.

You know, just like Barack "Hussein" Obama.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

41. Except Barack didn't change his name....even to Barry.

"Bobby" is completely made up to appease his wingnut base.

[Posteritatis]

45. So what?

All this silliness is still an attempt to condemn someone at least partly based on their fucking name. He could have changed his name to (or from) Superfly Vladimir McAaaargh and the only relevant thing would still be his policy positions.

Christ, we're all back in grade school or something.

[City of Mills]

27. I don't think freeps are aware of his real name

I searched freeprepublic, no hits? :shrug:

[bushmeister0]

29. Someone should inform them of the bad news.

[City of Mills]

31. I did find this enlightening comment

which went unchallenged, of course:

Just because some people want to will Jindal into someone important, it does not make it so. Jindal has one thing going against him, HIS LOOKS. Nobody will want a beady-eyed dude who looks like a foreigner. Sorry folks, but it is only a popularity contest these days and someone who looks like he belongs on the Geek Squad won’t cut it.

This comment was quickly followed by a large photo of Sarah Palin.

[bushmeister0]

32. Beautiful!

Man, Jindal is taking it on the jaw from both sides today. Juan Williams better find another candidate to get excited about.

[Occam Bandage]

60. Yes, racism is indeed a beautiful thing, isn't it?

Seriously, the dude is such a whackjob, do we need to start off our opposition to him with vile tactics of last resort?

[ZombieNixon]

54. Well, I don't exactly like it either.

But that's just because I don't like being reminded his parents came from the same country as mine. x(

[peekaloo]

3. he should switch to Marcia.

after tonight it'll be Marcia, Marcia, Marcia.

[Jim__]

4. Jindal supports the teaching of intelligent design in public schools.

According to wikipedia.

I hope the American people have more sense than to vote for this clown for president.

[Myrina]

8. "But, he's one of those BROWN people ...

... so the intelligent design he'd want to teach little GOP'ers might be HINDU design! Not our 'White Jesus' design!! Gasp!!"

:sarcasm:

[bluestateguy]

5. "If he becomes president, he'll ship all of our jobs to India!"

Actaully, I think that line of argument could work very well with your low-information voters.

[jayfish]

26. It's Base And Dirty, But You Know What They Say About "Turnabout". -NT-

Jay

[Fire1]

33. And that's not the only line that will work against him. I can hear

it now.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

6. His southern drawl is as bogus as W's.

http://www.ultrabrown.com/posts/the-governors-new-accent

[Doremus]

39. They took down the youtube vid at that link.

Here's another:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnBZrBL7N2I

[bushmeister0]

51. Too bad Star Trek wasn't his favorite show.

He could have called himself Spock and then we wouldn't have to worry about him.

[Gidney N Cloyd]

62. I bet somebody talked him out of "Gilligan"

[napi21]

9. It's obvious the Pubs are pushing Jindal for 2012, but their premise

is all wrong! They think the way to fight against Obama is to pick anyone who's not white! That's a stupid assumption on it's face. The majority of voters got past Obama being a black man because he's smart, honest, very personable, and people trust him. He knows how to talk to everyone, and he can make you smile. So far, I haven't seen ANY of those abilities in Jindal.

The problem is, the Pubs don't have ANYBODY ELSE! Dimwit from Alaska is, well, a dimwit! All the rest of the "party leaders" can attract their base but everybody else thinks their idiots. The only other Pub I've seen who stands a possible chance in 2012 is Crist, who's trying to give Jindal a challenge.

[bushmeister0]

15. They must think we're really stoopid!

I mean, seriously, it's like the '04 Republican convention, with all those black faces on stage and nowhere in power.

And that Michael Steele piece of crap as the GOP leader is just a joke. Hiring homeless guys to hand out phony fliers saying black Maryland Dems supported him and Eherlichman was a real cynical maneuver, alright. Just the kind of person they like, not even a whiff of any ethics. Wow!

[gratuitous]

17. This is Sarah Palin for people of color

"Oh, some of you Democrats are mad because Hillary Clinton didn't win the nomination? Vote for Sarah Palin!"

"Oh, so now all you Independents like people of color? Vote for Bobby Jindal!"

The fallacy, of course, is that Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are certified, bona fide politicians. Office holders who know what they're doing and how government works. The GOP, which figures one woman is as valid as any other woman (which is to say useless, and the same goes for people of color), offers up ersatz copies of the real deal. Some people will be taken in by the fraud, but anyone paying the least bit of attention will discern the difference.

It's cynical Republicanism at its best, and it's about all they have left to offer the American people. Startlingly to them, it's just not good enough anymore.

[DevonRex]

11. I'm gonna call him pee-yoo! As in smelly. :) No idea how to spell that.

[theoldman]

12. Jindal's biggest appeal to the right-wing nuts is that he does

not believe in evolution. All Palin had to say was that she did not believe in abortion. 30 million Republicans stepped forward to support her.

[KharmaTrain]

13. It's Also A Common Hindu "Nickname"

I've worked with Hindu-Pak folk who use Americanized names even among themselves. A way for someone to "assimilate" into anglo society and gain acceptance.

"Bobby" is using the GOOP and visa versa. Reminds me a lot of the JC Watt experiment. The party has long been accused of being inclusive and here's a perfect stalking horse. While he's not black, he's not white. While he's Christian, he's just Christian enough...a face to pretend to show a party that is not just one of middle aged white christians. Looks good on the teevee...but it's all window dressing.

Inversely, "Bobby" is playing the GOOP into a nice meal ticket. By playing the glamour boy, his ego gets stroked and he becomes somehow relevant. He's just a face, not any substance...and a poor second to not just President Obama, but other very accomplished Hindu-Pak writers, educators and local politicians. He didn't get where he is because of who he is, but because what he is. His rise is limited, but he doesn't know it yet.

[WI_DEM]

14. So the GOP has some far right nut with a brown face and they say he's another Obama!

[TlalocW]

16. They can compare him to Obama all they want

Where it becomes a sticky wicket for them is comparing democratic voters to republican voters and how open they are to a candidate of color. Add on to the difference in opinion with the fact that the republicans and their talking heads will be gearing up the racism - both over and subtle - over the next 4 (and then 8 when Obama wins re-election), and Bobby's got a pretty big hurdle to overcome.

That said, I don't know anything about him, but if he's anything like the other recent saviors of the party - like Palin was supposed to be - then he could be dumber than a bag of hammers, and it just hasn't gotten out yet.

TlalocW

[bushmeister0]

28. They'll try wining on the margins again.

Jindal is rabidly anti-choice, believes in creationism and wants to legislate marriage between a man and a woman, so they got the religious-types sewn up no matter what. They know these idiots can be fooled into voting for a cocker spaniel if they tell them to.

All they need to do is split enough of the right leaning independents away from the democrats and they have a chance. Maybe, they put him on the ticket with Crist or Palin (with a major gravitas makeover), they sprinkle in the usual dose of fear, dirty tricks and class demagoguery and there you have it.

[bushmeister0]

20. On the issues: He gets 100% rating from the NRLC.

His votes in congress:

Voted NO on allowing human embryonic stem cell research.

Voted NO on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines

http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Bobby_Jindal_Abortion.htm

On civil rights:

Supports constitutional amendment to define marriage

Voted YES on making the PATRIOT Act permanent

Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance

Rated 33% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance

http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Bobby_Jindal_Civil_Rights.htm

On the economy:

Invest the retirement benefits for teachers & state workers

On Drugs:

Rated -10 by NORML, indicating a "hard-on-drugs" stance.

http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Bobby_Jindal_Drugs.htm

On homeland security:

Voted YES on restricting no-bid defense contracts

Voted YES on allowing electronic surveillance without a warrant

Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight.

Voted YES on federalizing rules for driver licenses to hinder terrorists.

Voted YES on continuing military recruitment on college campuses

http://www.ontheissues.org/House/Bobby_Jindal_Homeland_Security.htm

Wow, this guy is a real Neanderthal!

[Johonny]

21. yes the media loves this guy

But it's funny Jon Stewart totally destroyed him last night. Showing what a phony he is on the stimulus money. The dude is taking 99+ % of the stimulus money and then has the right to act self righteous and more fiscally responsible than liberals. What a joke.

[MrPerson]

22. I find this whole thread racist.

[cherokeeprogressive]

23. Ya think?

[MrPerson]

24. IBTL

[bushmeister0]

30. Huh? How so?

[Richard Steele]

47. As usual, your CONCERN is duly noted.

nm

[KG]

25. he took his nickname from the brady bunch? that's a total hoot!

[beac]

34. Why "besides the exorcism thing"? I think the exorcism thing

is the very thing that will drive away the same GOPers that rejected McCain b/c of Sarah Palin. Checkbook Republicans want "fiscal responsibility" (i.e. massive tax cuts), but they aren't too keen on religious insanity. And claiming you participated in an exorcism, that ALSO cured cancer BTW, is about as religiously insane as it comes.

I have NO doubt that his GOP opponents in the primary will make SURE the good people of the voting public know ALL about Bobby's dorm-room devil slaying. It's going to be UGLY. And FUN to watch, frankly.

But, in the meantime, they are HAPPY to let him be the GOP's DBP (designated brown person) just like Governor Barbie is their "girl wonder." For the other GOP Presidential contenders, the over-exposure and accompanying asshattery of these two is a great way to make sure Bobby & Sarah's stars are good and tarnished by 2010 when the real race begins.

[bushmeister0]

38. Oh, OK. "Bobby Jindal will exorcise all those demons in Washington!"

Time's swampland blog:

Jindal recounts the exorcism of his friend "Susan."

"The crucifix had a calming effect on Susan, and her sister was soon brave enough to bring a Bible to her face. At first, Susan responded to biblical pas­sages with curses and profanities. Mixed in with her vile attacks were short and desperate pleas for help. In the same breath that she attacked Christ, the Bible's authenticity, and everyone assembled in prayer, Susan would suddenly urge us to rescue her. It appeared as if we were observing a tremendous battle between the Susan we knew and loved and some strange evil force. But the momentum had shifted and we now sensed that victory was at hand.

While Alice and Louise held Susan, her sister continued holding the Bible to her face. Almost taunting the evil spirit that had almost beaten us minutes before, the students dared Susan to read biblical passages. She choked on certain passages and could not finish the sentence 'Jesus is Lord.' Over and over, she repeated 'Jesus is L..L..LL,' often ending in profanities. In between her futile attempts, Susan pleaded with us to continue trying and often smiled between the grimaces that accompanied her readings of Scripture. Just as suddenly as she went into the trance, Susan suddenly reappeared and claimed 'Jesus is Lord.'

With an almost comical smile, Susan then looked up as if awakening from a deep sleep and asked, 'Has something happened?' She did not re­member any of the past few hours and was startled to find her friends breaking out in cheers and laugh­ter, overwhelmed by sudden joy and relief."

http://swampland.blogs.time.com/2008/06/11/jindals_exorcism/

Too bad Susan doesn't remember any of this so some inquiring reporter could interview her.

If you look closely, you can see Jindal chanting:

[Posteritatis]

48. Less insane than some stuff in the previous admin, anyway..

I know enough republicans who literally and sincerely believe that Bush was sent to Earth by God himself to save us. I'd kind of thought upper management already had that base covered. Either way, that makes a 'mere' exorcism look a little tame.

I dunno if he won't gain as many supporters as he'll lose with the exorcism thing, or at least have a similar enough on both to more or less balance. The concept is still depressingly popular in places; one of my best friends spent some years piecing herself back together because her church exorcised her for being depressed, and I don't think she ever got one syllable of apology over it. :mad:

[pretty]

36. Piyush appears to be ashamed of his name

Our president is PROUD of his name. Jindal is just a phony wannabe.

[Deja Q]

37. He can call himself whatever name he wants. I call him 'Mud", because

it seems conservative ideals were by and large responsible for what got this country into the mess it is in today.

14 years of Congressional dominance, 6 of which included the Presidency as well. Never mind the 14 years preceding that. And the 10 before that. It's not so simple (or fair) to point out one entity and plop the blame solely onto it.

Not that it's as simple as that, there are plenty of Dems who can be called "Mud" as well. The President merely signs what Congress comes up with (unless I'm wrong and need to take 'Remedial American Governance 101'?). The President can veto too, of course. He still has a say despite all checks and balances and it's up to Congress to override the veto or not.

[bushmeister0]

42. You're forgetting all of W.'s "signing statements."

Whatever congress sent to Bush, he just rewrote it to his liking with a signing statement.

And I think you mean to say "Mudd" as in Dr. Mudd, the guy who set John Wilkes Booth's leg. That's where the term comes from.

Or should it be updated to Daniel Mudd, the former CEO of Fannie Mae?

Roger Mudd was apparently the black sheep of the family.

[bushmeister0]

50. A little off the subject, but Deja Q is one of the best STNG episodes ever.

[KamaAina]

40. The GOP's answer to Obama?

Since when is Obama a giant douchebag? :shrug:

Anyone got anything else on him (besides the excorism thing)?

A major science convention just pulled out of NOLA because of Gov. Douchebag's Orwellianly-titled "Louisiana Science Education Act", which requires creationism to be indoctrinated taught alongside evolution in La. schools*.

Here's the kicker: The convention moved to Salt Lake City! :rofl: Utah is now seen as more science-friendly than the once-Gret Stet. of Looziana. :eyes:

[bushmeister0]

43. Who said Obama was a douche?

I think you must have read something wrong (besides my typo, that is).

That's a great story, though. Huey Long must be rolling over in his grave!

[KamaAina]

61. Well, if Gov. Douchebag is supposed to be the repuke answer to Obama,

then that would logically* follow.

Can't really blame you for not being able to follow repuke logic*, though. :-)

[Occam Bandage]

46. Calling him "Piyush" is like calling the President "B. Hussein." The intent is clear. nt

[bushmeister0]

49. No it's not that clear, really. Bobby isn't his legal name. Piyush is.

Bobby is a nick name he gave himself from a tv show when he was four!

At least, Obama is proud of his real name.

[Occam Bandage]

55. So? Hillary never legally changed her name to Clinton; she just adopted the name

during Bill's second run for Governor, since polling found that backwards dumbass hicks were upset by a woman who didn't take her husband's name. She was "Hillary Clinton" then. She started going by "Hillary Rodham Clinton" in the White House and then the Senate, and then dropped the "Rodham" when running for President. For all anyone knows, her name is still legally Hillary Rodham. But yet nobody calls her Hillary Rodham, because she chooses to be called Hillary Clinton, and so we do. People have a right to their own names.

My sister is legally named Margaret Rose (last name redacted). Yet everyone has called her Molly since she was very young. I don't remember how or why, but either way it's her name, though not legally. It isn't a nickname; Molly is never used by anyone as a nickname for Margaret. Everyone calls her Molly, and always has. She dislikes the name Margaret, and corrects anyone who reads her name off an official form (like a driver's license or a college transcript). I would hope that people would respect that and call her Molly; people have a right to their own names.

I once had a certain friend. Her name is Swastika Trisha (last name redacted). She is Indian, born in India, and her last name (though I omit it for her sake) is Indian as well. She chooses to go by "Trisha" for obvious reasons. If someone were to call her "Swastika" despite knowing that she prefers Trisha, that would be accurate. It would also be strongly offensive. People have a right to their own names.

Similarly, Bobby Jindal wishes to be called Bobby, and has wished that since he was four years old. Calling him "Piyush" is attracting undue attention to his ethnicity, just as calling Obama "B. Hussein" is. Claims of "accuracy" are bogus. It is racist and it is ugly.

[bushmeister0]

63. Oh, brother!

Then go marry the guy, but please calm down!

[noiretextatique]

64. psst

that person who is so intent on claiming that using jindal's legal name is racism is the same person who did not see any "malevolent intent" in that NY post carton.

[Sultana]

52. Then he should have legally changed it to Bobby

:eyes:

[bushmeister0]

53. I agree.

If this guy can't even be honest about his real name, can we really trust him?

Sounds like a hell of an attack ad.

[Occam Bandage]

57. If he did so now, it would look transparently political. But why do you care?

Seriously. The man chooses to be called Bobby. Why not respect that? Why is it important to you that he take the politically unfeasible step of legally changing his name away from Piyush?

[Sultana]

58. Booo-fucking-hoo

[Occam Bandage]

59. So you're simply a race-baiter then. Gotcha. nt