Will K Street be punished for Jack Abramoff ?
Monday, January 2, 2006; Page D10
Congress does nothing better than react. So if the investigations of lobbyist Jack Abramoff produce indictments of members of Congress, their spouses, their staffers or of other lobbyists, don't be surprised if lawmakers pass new rules to rein in the influence industry. They would need to protect themselves from a voter backlash against excessive coziness with paid advocates.
Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Russell Feingold (D-Wis.) are among a growing number of politicians suggesting ways to put distance between government officials and lobbyists. Among other things, they would restrict sponsored travel by members of Congress, impose a tighter gift ban, and slow the revolving door between government and private industry. But don't expect the changes to change lobbying forever; money in politics always finds a way.
posted by Jamie at 8:17 AM
1 Comments:
John Buchanan devoted a chapter to this lobbying problem in his book Fixing America and I agree with him and you.
There are so many things wrong with this system it's hard to know where to start. First of all why do Congresmen and Senators feel they need more luxuries thrown at them? They already have universal health care, a solid pension and they do nothing while in office except set themselves up for private life.
We need to call it what it is: BRIBERY. We are literally placing these people in positions of power so that they can scheme for personal profits while undermining the American working class.
Secondly, how are regular working class people supposed to gain the attention of their congressmen with a phone call or letter while the pharmecutical and oil lobbyists are wining and dining them and playing all sorts of material favors? Is this how are founders set this country up to run equitably? I don't think so.
2:15 PM
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