Deseret News | Chaffetz helps free tourists held in Antigua

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Chaffetz helps free tourists held in Antigua

Anonymous | 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Sounds like Chaffetz got a free although short trip to Antigua. Why did he need to go?

From Provo | 8:42 p.m. Oct. 5, 2009

Quick Question: what does this have to do with his business of representing the good people of Utah's 3rd district?

Mr. Chaffetz, stick to stuff that matters to Utahns, instead of flying down to Antigua to "rescue" frat boys on a cruise.

Also: 50 dollars for a taxi?? Among six people? They are from NY aren't they supposed to be savvy about that stuff? If its too good to be true it probably is.

Anonymous | 1:06 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009

How much money did it cost the American people to send Mr.Chaffetz and his friend to act as lawyers for these people? I for one would like to see the bill.

Comments continue below

RPH | 3:35 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009

How is this not the epitome of big government? Americans get in a little trouble abroad, and we send members of Congress to get them out of jail? Way to go Chaffetz. Way to practice what you preach.

Zadruga Guy | 5:55 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009

I'd like to be one of Chaffetz's free tourists in Antigua. How do I sign up, and is it REALLY completely free?

Why Did He Go? | 8:28 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009

So he went at the request of Democratic Chairman? But the article says Chaffetz didn't even attend the court proceeding invovled with these people's release. What did Chaffetz do instead? Why did he go? Did his mere presence on the Island have some miraculous effect? Seems to me there's enough problems in Utah that spending time and taxpayer money on this trip to spring New Yorkers out of jail shows lack of judgment.

work only | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 6, 2009

Some people from the US get in trouble and don't think they are being treated fairly. The call the US for help. One of the people that comes to help (after a month of it dragging on) is their own NY Congressman. He is a democrat, and to make sure the trip is work and nothing else, he takes someone from the other party, gop, and someone from one of the comittee he is chair of, Rep. Jason Chaffetz.

It is exactly what Chaffetz should have done.

Stewart | 12:11 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009

Sounds like these New Yorkers didn't understand the tourist trap taxi shake-down. One rule in these places, never take an unlicensed taxi, the licensed ones are bad enough. Since these places operate on graft, it is best to pay-up, shrug your shoulders and walk away. Going to the police only increases the cost since the graft (bribes) will have to be paid to the police and the courts. Remember the taxi driver has to pay his bribe to the police(graft), and so you can't win.

Sounds like these New Yorkers have never traveled abroad to third world countries. Graft and corruption are major reasons they stay poor.

Adano | 1:01 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009

So Chaffetz believes in amnesty for people who do illegal things in other countries?

Wait... wasn't opposition to such mercies the whole reason people put him in Cannon's place back in 2008?

Next thing you know Chaffetz will be pushing amnesty for illegal immigrants. Either that or he's a hypocrite.

antiguan | 3:02 p.m. Oct. 6, 2009

If the government (Antigua)could not stop the court proceedings from continuing, how could two unknown politicians from Utah and N.Y do so? They (The Convicted ones) entered guilty pleas instead of starting their defences.The trip of those politicians made no difference to the trial's outcome. I suppose the trip was made and paid for out of their pockets and the kindness of their hearts. Now, if they can go to Japan (American held on attempted kidnapping), Mexico and U.K.where they can use tax payers money and and their big stick to seek their release. Isn't "GRAFT" traded on Wallstreet by all those banks and brokerage instutions that need "bail out money"?

Anonymous | 2:29 p.m. Oct. 8, 2009

"So Chaffetz believes in amnesty for people who do illegal things in other countries?

Wait... wasn't opposition to such mercies the whole reason people put him in Cannon's place back in 2008?

Next thing you know Chaffetz will be pushing amnesty for illegal immigrants. Either that or he's a hypocrite."

I like apples and oranges because they look and taste EXACTLY the same

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