For those unfamiliar with Rich and why Abel Maldonado should be bestowed with an award in his name, Rich was Lord Chancellor during the reign of Edward VI of England and Solicitor General under Henry the VIII. Rich is best known for perjuring himself in order to secure a death sentence for Saint Thomas More (who happens to be the patron saint of those who work in politics and government affairs). For this horrible deed, Henry the VIII named Richard Rich the head Noble of Wales.

 

In February of this year Abel Maldonado provided the deciding vote for a more than $12 billion tax increase on Californians, the largest state tax increase in U.S. history, breaking his pledge to constituents in the process. For his horrible deed Maldonado, pending confirmation by the state Senate, will now be awarded the post of Lt. Governor. 

 

The 1966 film "A Man for All Seasons" depicted Rich's betrayal of More in 16th century England. At the end, More asks Rich, "why Richard, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world... but for Wales?"

 

Heavily taxed Californians might ask, "why Abel, it profits a man nothing to give his soul for the whole world....but for the Lt. Governorship of a bankrupt state?"

Unless there's an emergency
>> Doug Tuesday, November 24, 2009 12:30 PM Report Comment

Right on !!! Call you assemblyman and State Senator and tell them they will be losing your vote in their next election if they even think of confirming this traitor. Dem or Rep in this state it does not matter they are all corrupt to the core.
>> Jeff Tuesday, November 24, 2009 11:51 PM Report Comment

WRONG!!!...Richard Rich...1st Baron Rich was born in 1496-7 and wasn't even alive during the reign of Henry VI who died in the Tower during the reign of Edward IV in 1461...how you got the idea that Rich was Chancellor during his reign is one of the mysteries of the ages
>> Robbins Mitchell Friday, November 27, 2009 7:48 PM Report Comment

Robbins Mitchell, I entered Henry VI where I meant to write Edward the VI. Problem solved. Correction made. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
>> Patrick Gleason Sunday, November 29, 2009 11:28 AM Report Comment