Why Is the House Ethics Committee Not Beginning an Inquiry Concerning Kucinich's Meeting With Assad?

Although the House Ethics Committee was swift to begin an inquiry concerning the revolting behavior of Congressman Anthony Weiner, I have yet to see any demand for an inquiry concerning the insidious journey by Congressman Dennis Kucinich, together with his wife, to Damascus in order to meet with President Assad. Apparently, Congress believes it is far more odious for a representative to Tweet a picture of his private parts than for one of its members to meet with a mass murdering dictator, thereby providing the monster with legitimacy.

Kucinich's website (http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=249063) has confirmed the visit:

"At the request of many of his constituents, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) is currently on a fact-finding mission to Syria and Lebanon. He is accompanied by a small delegation which includes his wife, Elizabeth.

Congressman Kucinich, who represents a district that includes many Arab-Americans, was asked by his constituents to investigate conditions on the ground in Syria and to see if resolution of a situation where violence has been spiraling and events are spinning out of control is possible.

During this working trip, Kucinich will meet with democracy activists, non-governmental organizations, small business owners, civilians as well as government officials. In his trip he expects to meet the Presidents of both Syria and Lebanon.

'Peace is not just the absence of war,' said Kucinich of his trip. 'Peace is a conscious, active pursuit that requires work and communication. My work as a member of Congress requires that I learn first hand about events in order to better understand policy alternatives for America and other nations.'

Congressman Kucinich, a proponent of peace and nonviolence, is one of a few Members of Congress who have traveled in the region to gather information to better understand local conditions."

"Many" of Kucinich's constituents asked that he travel with his wife to meet with Assad in Damascus? Please tell us how many.

Kucinich should also let us know all the "facts" that he learned by meeting with Assad. Assad, of course, has a reputation for telling the undivided truth.

Finally, Kucinich should provide us with a list of the Syrian "democracy activists" that he met, who risked, following their meetings, being chopped into pieces by Assad's security apparatus.

Sickening.