Congress Finds Ways to Avoid Lobbyist Limits

[caligirl]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/11/us/politics/11trips.html?hp&ex=1171170000&en=e1bbc0cbbdc25f89&ei=5094&partner=homepage


"In just the last two months, lawmakers invited lobbyists to help pay for a catalog of outings: lavish birthday parties in a lawmaker’s honor ($1,000 a lobbyist), martinis and margaritas at Washington restaurants (at least $1,000), a California wine-tasting tour (all donors welcome), hunting and fishing trips (typically $5,000), weekend golf tournaments ($2,500 and up), a Presidents’ Day weekend at Disney World ($5,000), parties in South Beach in Miami ($5,000), concerts by the Who or Bob Seger ($2,500 for two seats), and even Broadway shows like “Mary Poppins” and “The Drowsy Chaperone” (also $2,500 for two)."



And those who need influence are once again left out in the cold. POS!

[Rose Siding]

1. Geeze, look at this one!-

Representative Eric Cantor, a Virginia Republican famous on K Street for his annual fund-raising weekends in Beverly Hills and South Beach, has recently invited lobbyists to join him for some expensive cups of coffee. A $2,500 contribution from a lobbyist’s political action committee entitles the company’s lobbyist to join Mr. Cantor at a Starbucks near his Capitol Hill office four times this spring.

“What’s next? Come help me pick up my dry cleaning?” said Massie Ritsch, spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics, a group that tracks political fund-raising.

World's oldest profession. :grr:

[iamjoy]

3. SECOND Oldest Profession

Politics is the world's second oldest profession. It just bears a great resemblance to the first.

:evilgrin:

sorry, this is no laughing matter.

[katsy]

2. Now here's the defining quote from your article:

“If you are not going to have publicly financed elections and you are getting your support from private individuals — which I believe in — I don’t see any problem with having events where private individuals who give you money can talk to you,” said Mr. Graham, who like the other senators quoted in this article voted for the ethics reform. He added, “Hunting is a very popular attraction in South Carolina.” --- Lindsy Graham

Well in that case, legalize prostitution mr. graham OR cut off private money.

Taking money for favors makes one a whore mr. graham, not a representative of the people.

And yet another priceless gem:

"Mr. Martinez, who will be spending next weekend with lobbyists at Disney World, said, “I’ve heard from many other members that they have had very successful weekend events.” He added, “People can bring their families to it and bring their children, and it’s going to be fun.”

Lots of people have been having fun out here too. Paraplegics dumped in skid row with colostomy bags broken... kids killed in Iraq... other kids here just going hungry, people homeless, people who can't seek medical care.

Hope you choke on your hot dogs mr. martinez.

This country is governed by fucking whores.

[lpbk2713]

4. So that explains it .....

I was wondering what promotional material Katherine Harris was handing out at the SOTU. Now I have a better idea.


Link: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/washingtonwhispers/070124/and_you_thought_katherine_harr.htm

[Solo_in_MD]

5. I would expect no less from pols

[Vidar]

6. Selling us out, day by day, our "democracy" for perpetual sale.

[rocktivity]

7. Outlaw lobbying altogether

If money is the great un-equalizer, subtract it!

:headbang:
rocknation

[ohio2007]

8. What congressman will sponsor that bill without it being

pigeon holed to death with loopholes. Looks like it's
buisness as usual.

[RestoreGore]

9. Thomas Jefferson knew

"Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence."

Thomas Jefferson

He knew so well that he also claimed a man that goes in to be President never comes out as he went in... he even went so far as to have the accomplishments he wished to be remembered for engraved on his gravestone at Monticello:

Authoring the Declaration of Independence

The Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom

Father of the University of Virginia.

He made no mention on his gravestone of being president as one of his accomplishments. To me he will always be one of my true American heroes along with Al Gore who is similarly following in his footsteps as a man of great accomplishments away from the corruption.

[Doondoo]

10. same old song and dance