Lobbyists pushed off advisory panels - WH initiative to limit influence could affect thousands

[kpete]

Source: Washington Post

Lobbyists pushed off advisory panels
White House initiative to limit influence could affect thousands

By Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 27, 2009

Hundreds, if not thousands, of lobbyists are likely to be ejected from federal advisory panels as part of a little-noticed initiative by the Obama administration to curb K Street's influence in Washington, according to White House officials and lobbying experts.

The new policy -- issued with little fanfare this fall by the White House ethics counsel -- may turn out to be the most far-reaching lobbying rule change so far from President Obama, who also has sought to restrict the ability of lobbyists to get jobs in his administration and to negotiate over stimulus contracts.

The initiative is aimed at a system of advisory committees so vast that federal officials don't have exact numbers for its size; the most recent estimates tally nearly 1,000 panels with total membership exceeding 60,000 people.

Under the policy, which is being phased in over the coming months, none of the more than 13,000 lobbyists in Washington would be able to hold seats on the committees, which advise agencies on trade rules, troop levels, environmental regulations, consumer protections and thousands of other government policies.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/26/AR2009112602362_pf.html

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

[laughingliberal]

2. A good reason to be happy Obama is president. K & R

Many reasons to be disappointed in him these days but this could, actually, help get some of the corporate influence out of our government.

[tblue]

46. Yep. Very glad.

McCain wouldn't have done this in 1000 years.

[zogtheobvious]

83. Agreed

Every time I feel like I want to write off Obama as just another centrist, he throws a bone out there for those of us who are unhappy with the pace of change.

He is certainly the best President since Carter, but Liberals won't remember him with the same fawning orgy-esque ecstasy with which Conservatives remember Reagan, unless he CHANGES his governing policies (I HOPE he does! ;) )

[chill_wind]

3. This is a good decision. Any step in this direction

is good news to my ears. K & R.

[Go2Peace]

93. Now this is "change", as long as it is implimented as written here

It also shows that the "free speech" argument that paid lobbiests get the same access as ordinary citizens. Next we should make lobbying illegal period.

[jus_the_facts]

4. Instead of being called lobbyists they'll just change the name to *consultants*. n/t

[Deja Q]

11. There are times when even the most cynical must rely on luck.

(I nicked that line from my favorite sci-fi character, but it's still true.)

[pattmarty]

61. Myself, I kind of like the "old" standby of Whore.

[laughingliberal]

115. LOL! I know you mean no offense to legitimate sex workers nt

[bjobotts]

126. One man against a thousand,,,and he was the toughest little bastard we ever fought

[bjobotts]

127. out of the mouths of the lobbyist army...Does Fox News need greeters?

[Maraya1969]

92. I think it is going to matter who signs their paycheck. That is the criteria they should

or will use.

[pinto]

5. kick

:kick:

[mopinko]

6. that'snotthechangeivotedfor!!!

oh, wait....

[truedelphi]

71. Hey the guy was not saying "Change"

He was saying "Chains" (With thanks to another, smarter memebr here at DU.)

[mzmolly]

73. LOL

:hi:

[FreakinDJ]

7. Poor Lobbyist - their going to be Unemployed

[Frosty cupcake]

8. Not unemployed.

The lobbyists will simply stop working on these panels "for free." Instead, they will only continue to make money directly as lobbyists.

[patrice]

53. Except, if they are no longer capable of effecting "change" and writing policy, why would their empl

oyers continue to pay them?

[Deja Q]

12. You mean, "They're going to be unemployed"?

[clarence swinney]

9. BASH WALL STREET

FOR RAPE OF MIDDLE CLASS

no one will tell the people.

EMPIRE DESTRUCTION

1980 to 2007

20 YEARS OF 3 CONSERVATIVE PRESIDENTS
18 years Conservative Senate
12 years Conservative House
6 years Total Conservative Control

Redistribution of Wealth to top 20%.

Folk! It is downhill slide for Middle Class.

FACTS---numbers rounded-

1946--1% owned 30% of Total Wealth

1980—20%--a 33% decline due to Estate Tax and High Top Income Tax Rate.

thence cometh conservatism

1989-36%

80% Increase in 8 years of Reaganism

1993-47%

2007--20% owned 93% of Total non home Financial Wealth

80% owned equity in homes.

Most major corporations are owned by WALL STREET RICH MEN CASINO

In 1945, corporations paid 35.4% of federal revenues and 7.4% in 2003

In 2000, 45% of corporations with revenue over 50 million paid no federal tax

Five Wall Street Banks own 75% of all Bank Deposits in America. 5.

Two own 20%.

Think that is not POWER???

FACT CHECK

In 8 years of Bush with 6 years of Total Control

They (wall street rich) created a Net New Jobs of 3000 per month.

Why? That is NET. You take the new jobs created and subtract the ones sent to China, etc

3000! Wow!

Bush took over after Clinton had created 237,000 Net New Jobs per month.

Clinton left Bush a spending of 1830 B Per Year.

Bush doubled it to 3600 B.

Bush inherited a 5700B Debt from Clinton. He took it to 11,500B

20 years of 3 conservative presidents did this horrible thing.

Took the Debt of less than 1000B after 200 years and added on 8000B.

In 2009 they are spinning big time to blame Obama for huge debt.

Conservatives will spend millions to coverup their Big Recession.

Much of that 8000B Debt add-on went to WALL STREET GAMBLERS.

The people do not know what has happened to them.

Forbes list of 400 Richest reveals how many became Billionaires via corporate
takeovers and Hedge Gambling

Right Wingers yell Rich Pay most of taxes.

Income Taxes!Yes! They have most of the money.

Yet! Conservatives transferred much of taxation from Rich to Middle Class. Reagan voiding REVENUE SHARING a disaster for Middle Class where taxes were transferred from Rich Income taxes to Middle Class in State and Local Taxes. Was it by design?

Was it a Designed Act of taxation transfer by Conservatives.

In 2008 the Middle Class paid 30% of nominal Income in Federal-State-Local Taxes.
Top 10% paid 30% also. Progressive tax system?

Social Security Tax Increase in 1983 was it designed to hit the Middle Class and ease on the rich?

Greenspan + Reagan. 6.2% Tax on Middle Class. One earns $50,000 pays 6.2%. Earns $1,000,00 pays 6.4%. Earns $10,000,000 pays 1/10th of 1%. By design to keep rich rich?

Was Destruction of S&Ls a deliberate act of wealth transfer from 400 local investors to individual Rich on Wall Street?

Key actor Michael Milken became a Multiple Billionaire with income of 550 Million in one year from raiding S&L deposits (plus) for his Rich Corporate Raiders on Wall Street.

Raiders like Perelman and Ichan became multiple Billionaires.
Sweat of Brow? Ho Ho.

Bush I had to borrow 140 Billion on 40 year bonds to pay for the raids on S&L's by Wall Streeters.
140B creates many Billionaires and Millionaires. Depositors money was used by those Corporate Raiders and bankrupted the S&L then the government pay off to depositors by Federal Deposit Insurance created Debt for Middle Class.

RAPE OF MIDDLE CLASS 1980-2007

Same ideology gave us Great Depression now Great Recession.

It is not a Depression due to:

Democratic Social Safety Nets such as
Social Security and Medicare

Only the uninformed vote to send conservatives to Washington.

[e-mail]

prove me wrong

[ShortnFiery]

13. self-delete

[clarence swinney]

19. corpocracy plutocracy totaliocracy

suckered suckered since 1980

1980--top 1% owned 20% of Total National Financial Wealth
1989--owned 36%---80% increase thanks ronnie.

2007--top 20% owned 93% of it.

80% owned equity in homes.7% of total wealth

Wall Street Rich Gamblers own most of our Largest Corporations.

1100 jobs headed to Mexico one firm
GE sent local jobs to Mexico
Bristol-Myers-Squibb sent them to India and Mexico
Hanes will soon close two large plants as soon As China subsidized huge plant is ready.

A fool thinks Wall Street Rich care for middle class jobs.

Increase stock value at any cost.

I feel bad for our children.

1946 to 1981

affordable housing
affordable education
affordable health care
pensions
health care

a ghost of the past

1980-2008--Wall Street Rich Vultures picked middle class bones.

courtesy Conservative Congressmen and Reagan + Bushaloon

PROVE ME WRONG PLEASE PLEASE

I would prefer to be wrong

[e-mail]

[tblue]

Thank you, Clarence. That feeling in our bones that "the fix is in"

is based on those solid facts. The teabaggers feel they are being screwed, too, tho they blame only Obama and Pelosi, not the people who are screwing them.

Obama could really help himself and win over a lot of people. We really need him to be another FDR, unafraid and bold. Getting lobbyists off of advisory panels is a great step in the right direction. I just hope he doesn't stop there.

"In 2000, 45% of corporations with revenue over 50 million paid no federal tax."

Pisses me off to no end. :puke:

[maglatinavi]

84. What!?!?

No Federal Taxes ... what about the "the frigging corporate welfare???" How much was that??? Anyone knows? :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :mad: :mad: :mad: :puke: :puke: :puke:

[KakistocracyHater]

104. NOT corpocracy plutocracy totaliocracy, my name is what they really are

rule by the wicked, incompetent, self-importent, ignorant trust slugs.

[Tutankhamun]

28. Clarence, these are some truly eye opening statistics.

I've been hoping to find something like this for a while now. Can you post a source for more info?

[pundaint]

85. Nicely laid out.

[Maraya1969]

96. It would be great if you could take that information and put it into an easier to read format

and perhaps make it much smaller so people can send it around in emails. Even if you wanted to take it in part acts I would be happy to send this information around. But I know that most people do not read long emails

[Greyhound]

124. So close (a little scary, too)

Look @ the whole picture.

[Deja Q]

10. Yippie!!

I am starting to feel rather better.

This is the sort of news that will do more than merely reassure people.

Thank you, Mr. President!!

[ShortnFiery]

16. Yes, you sweet little people, go shopping now ... Every thing is FINE ! ! !

:sarcasm:

[geckosfeet]

18. So, you don't think that this will have any impact?

[bertman]

74. for some reason I get the feeling that having 10 months to plan how to deal with this

would have given the Powers That Be enough time to mitigate any real effects this would have had if it had been done on, say Feb 1 of this year.

I would call it a late-breaking bone to the people who have been demanding that he deliver on his major campaign promises.

Of course, I'm now sinking in cynicism as I see President Obama being jerked left and right by his puppetmasters. Mostly jerked to the right.

[geckosfeet]

79. Disillusion is a terrible thing.

[clarence swinney]

14. ADVISORS & WALL STREET

why not kick off all major voices on our national finances.

Each came off Wall Street

Greenspan
Geithner
Paulson
Bernarke

They will take care of pals especially-Goldman Sachs

Where are Robert Reich--Paul Krugman--?

folks we have been suckered since 1980 by Wall Street Rich Gambling Casino


Little will change under Obama. He is a lecturer.Very good.

I want a Butt Kicking SOB. LBJ type.

facts are indisputable non spinnable absolute

[e-mail]

[Horse with no Name]

15. Been nice if he had done this BEFORE healthcare and Wall Street

otherwise, will just take a "wait and see" attitude.

[tblue]

50. Careful now.

Or you'll get flamed for having an independant thought.

Is it me or is it true that every time I hear Obama's doing something really, really right, there's always a gotcha?

•Healthcare, must insure most Americans, but Rahm opposes the po

•Afghanistan, not gonna rush a decision/Karzai's a jerk, but we're sending in 32k troops

•Extraordinary rendition, gonna put an end to that, but not in every case, whattareyoucrazy?

•Lobbyists, not gonna have them around me, with a few, okay more than a few, exceptions but who's counting?

I realize Obama's got the toughest job in the world. But I feel like I'm riding a rollercoaster with him. I'm learning to take one day at a time. This lobbying move is a very good step in the right direction, if it really means what we hope it means.

[patrice]

52. Your mischaracterization of those to whom you refer undercuts your case.

[laughingliberal]

116. Flamed for having an independent thought. LOL!

Sad there is some truth in that. In 48 hours time I was accused of being an Obamabot and then a 'purist' who wants a purity test like the GOP.

[geckosfeet]

17. Good on O. Can't happen quickly enough IMO.

[Sentath]

20. YEs, this is a good step.

'Twill be interesting to see how quickly it can be done, and how they fight back.

[chill_wind]

117. If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well, It were done quickly.

[cowcommander]

21. Change I can believe in

My faith in Obama has been restored a bit. Now let's hope this will translate to actual change.

[Dappleganger]

22. Kicked and rec'd!

[BREMPRO]

23. this should have far reaching positive impacts on how government is run

public policy should no longer be written by lobbyists and be less directly influenced by special interest corporate $$'s. This IS the change we voted for!

[placton]

24. good for Obama!

Let's hope this is a first step in eliminating all these folks from sucking on our government - there are some others I can think of.

[JDPriestly]

25. Best news out of this White House since February.

I just hope this is for real. It will be very hard to enforce this or carry it through. There is so much pressure from the lobbyists and their masters to influence the White House and Congress.

So, then, what kinds of people are replacing the lobbyists?

[gateley]

26. Just when I'm so mad at him I want to wring his neck, I learn of something

like this Obama has implemented. He's done a LOT of good things, and it's too easy for us (and I'm totally including myself) to just get up and arms and bitch when he makes what we KNOW :7 is the wrong decision.

Thanks for this, Mr. President. It's important.

[Bette Noir]

34. Mr. President does the right thing 40-50% of the time.

It's easy to forget that his predecessor did the right thing ~1% of the time (I can't say zero, as he did make a marine reserve in the Northern Hawaiian Islands)

If McCain had won, instead of arguing about health care, and whether Guantanamo is closing fast enough, we'd be fighting over whether we should institute a draft or rely solely on volunteers to fight the war in Iran, which would have started six months ago.

[gateley]

54. Agree - and this isn't the only time I've heard of an action he's taken that

makes me go "that's so great!".

But it's not easy to forget that Bush did the right thing ~1% of the time -- we're reminded of it daily by the dire situations we're currently facing.

And trust me, I KNOW what we'd be in for if McCain was at the helm. :scared:

Even when I get mad at Obama, I totally support him and am SOOOOOO grateful he's our Prez! :hi:

[impik]

68. He's doing the right thing much more than 50% of the time

The fact that so much of the good he does is not recognized or even knows, is a disgrace.

[Tutankhamun]

27. Generally speaking, if lobbyists don't like an idea, it's probably good for America.

Since the lobbyists really seem to hate this thing, I'm very encouraged.

I find it somewhat ironic that lobbyists are stomping their feet and screaming because their vast technical expertise will no longer be available to those who make policy. After all, it's more than a little bit alarming if corporate lobbyists are the only ones in Washington who understand the intricacies necessary to govern competently. It is possible to find wonkish experts who aren't corporate shills.

Lobbyist: "Sign here, Mr. Senator."

Senator: "What does this mean?"

Lobbyist: "Just trust me."

[patrice]

56. "Experts" a salient issue here. How will this source of info be replaced? I have a few suggestions:

How about using the vast resources available to us in technology and USING the People's input, their VOICE on the matters that affect them?

Everyone should be asking their senators and representatives, federal and state, EXACTLY WHAT do they do with ALL of the input they receive. What gets attention and what doesn't, HOW, and why?????????

[Uncle Joe]

76. I was thinking of that as well, patrice. I would imagine the Internet would prove

to be a most valuable resource in that regard.

If 60,000 people's brain power is considered valuable on any given topic, or industry, the mental synergy created by tens of millions would be most precious giving perspectives never considered within the narrow confines of those select people; paid to support a given agenda.

[patrice]

91. The technology is absolutely ready and able to do this.

I know all of the usual caveats regarding privacy and such and those warnings should not be disregarded, but if we can (mostly) protect bank and investing accounts on the internet, i think maybe we can do this too.

. . . Oh! be still my heart!

[JoeyT]

100. Judging from the policies of the last 30 years, especially under the Bushes

We'd have been better off if they'd been flipping coins to decide things instead of listening to lobbyists.

[pokercat999]

66. Generally speaking if the RW doesn't like an idea it would be

very good for America.

[w4rma]

29. Extremely good. I want more and more news about this! (nt)

[NJmaverick]

30. Where are all the DU Obama bashers recs?????

they are so out to take down our President that they will not give credit where it is due????

[chill_wind]

Please. We have multiple co-current threads-

last counting at least 4-- on the GP with responses and recs spread out among all of them.
Maybe the mods would want to combine them. President Obama should be commended all the way on this.

[NJmaverick]

49. Yet none of them have as many recs as a thread that cherry picks Skinner's rules

sad state for the DU

[chill_wind]

58. error- move post

[pundaint]

86. Criticism of an employee's performance is not "bashing"

He manifestly deserves his Needs Improvement job rating to date.

For this particular action, however, he deserves an "attaboy"

[Go2Peace]

97. How to respond? Another post saying those who expect more from Obama want to "take him down"

It sure would be nice if people would get away from that dialog destroying rhetoric.

We are all liberals, right, and we tend to see "larger pictures"? I think when you really think about that statement you must admit that most here are not trying to "take Obama down", rather they are trying to get people to make our leadership more accountable. The only way DU affects politics is when we dialog and people open their minds, in whatever direction. And most people here are intelligent enough that they are careful to consider information before making decisions.

By the way, I am one of those who has felt that Obama is not listening well to the grassroots and is too centrist in many of his policies. And I *rec'd* this thread friend. If Obama starts making more progressive moves I am ready to follow him.

I will also watch to see if this gets implimented as suggested or if, as often happens when the powers begin complaining, this gets watered down.

[Enthusiast]

128. See post # 86.

I am in full agreement. On the other hand you behave as if we have nothing to complain about, that we are only wanting something unrealistic, like a pony. I call bullshit on that notion.

[geckosfeet]

31. I am somewhat embarrassed for DU. This post should hundreds of recs.

This is (IMO) a major policy implementation.

Lately DU has be quick and efficient at eviscerating the president. How about giving some kudos when they are due.

[NJmaverick]

32. Agreed

[redqueen]

35. No kudos are due, according to many.

From what I read this morning:

1. the lobbyists will just start calling themselves consultants (or whatever other new label...)
2. story in the news recently about lots of lobbyists quitting
3. they'll just find some way around it

I'm sure there's more ...

[NJmaverick]

37. Would those same "many" be the ones that recced up an anti Obama post

that was about the self admitted "SPECULATION" of the Obama Administration having "SECRET" lobbying efforts for the Patriot Act?

Seems pretty hypocritical to have no standard for Obama bashing articles and refusing to credit good efforts in the right direction because there MIGHT be loop holes that will limit the degree of success achieved.

[redqueen]

63. I would agree...

I guess I'm just not cynical enough.

[Go2Peace]

106. So let me ask this, the OP is a post that is positive for Obama, but what is half the dialog about?

So if your interest is in "getting the word out" and defeating rumor, why have this conversation here?
There has been so much nastyness and labling, a LOT of it from the, shall we say, "non-disalusioned" side. If what you are REALLY after is changing hearts and minds and educating others, why keep up the "us vs them" thinking? You have severely alienated a lot of people. Maybe it is time to tone things down, admit that we *all* care and are mostly "on the same side", we are *all* far from "teabaggers" and "republicans", and start addressing issues and educating.
The key is on your side of the divide. Because it is mostly folks in your camp that have been hurling the lables when folks don't agree with you. Think about it?

[Go2Peace]

107. oh, and I rec'd the post and was feeling good about the news until I started reading down this

thread.

I still feel good about what the administration is proposing.

[Go2Peace]

105. why do you guys insist on labling and alienating others here?

you conpletely mislabel. When folks stop dialoging and make intellectually dishonest statements about the positions each other has folks start taking it personal and that is why the rec "wars" keep moving forward. So just blame yourself when you post statements like this.

[redqueen]

140. How exactly did I 'label' anyone?

Please do explain.

[Bette Noir]

36. +1

[impik]

69. Positive Obama threds are against the law now

[geckosfeet]

80. I am,,, shamed.

[Go2Peace]

98. People are still skeptical and a little wary of rec'ing these kinds of posts after the "war" that ha...

gone on between members. There are a lot of people who were willing to spin heavily in the last few weeks and that may affect it.

[Enthusiast]

130. I recommended the post. It does have

100s of recommendations. But, did you ever wonder that this action the president took might be in response to the growing criticism?

The criticism has been warranted. It has come from strong Democrats, like me, life long Democrats.

[tekisui]

135. It has 230 now.

[mvd]

33. K&R

The President needs to be encouraged when he does the right thing - or he'll think we don't care.

[robinlynne]

38. great. Now if lobbyists should not be advising in washington, why does obama hire them and

put them in his cabinet? seriously. he clearly knows what the outcome will be.

[lillypaddle]

39. How many other "good' things are being quietly accomplished

"The new policy -- issued with little fanfare this fall by the White House ethics counsel -- may turn out to be the most far-reaching lobbying rule change so far from President Obama, who also has sought to restrict the ability of lobbyists to get jobs in his administration and to negotiate over stimulus contracts."

This is change we should all believe in. Amazing that so many are still negative about every damn thing being done. You don't have to be a cheerleader to acknowledge the good that happens.

WTG Mr. President! You show 'em! K&R :headbang:

[Go2Peace]

99. So post them then. I rec'd this. People are more reasonable than you think

If this actually ends up being implimented as proposed it will be a very good thing. But I won't celebrate until it is actually in place and the lobbiests are leaving the committies.

[lillypaddle]

112. That's fair

[gaspee]

40. Good!

[Surya Gayatri]

41. But....but... there must be some mistake, kpete!

As any pure-hearted, bono-fide progressive knows, Obama can't do anything properly (or do anything that might be construed as 'left-leaning').

Need I add..............:sarcasm:

[tblue]

45. The world is saved! We can all sit back and relax now. Otay!!!

I don't understand the sarcasm directed against people who want substantive change. Everything isn't black and white/either you're with Obama or against Obama.

Attempts to silence people won't make their legitimate concerns disappear.

Just sayin'. And this is nothing personal. I'm sure you're a better person than that sarcasm indicates.

[gtar100]

42. This is a good thing but we should be prepared for an alternate

attack plan by the lobbyists. This is just one move in a big game. You can bet they are searching for loopholes and other avenues of influence.

As it is, this policy change is a good move but we need to do more - campaign finance reform, regulations, enforcement, fair trade policies, stop the subsidies of already profitable industries. We have to make the system to not only support the benefit and welfare of people but protect against these predators of humanity. Because we are unwilling to kill them (a la the French Revolution), we need to be constantly vigilant and fight back to build our government on the principles that serve the people. These so-called capitalists ("economic royalists") will not stop.

They have shown (for probably ages) that they are willing to heap poverty, slavery and war on humanity so that they may live in comfort and play out their games. They are living off the fruits of our labor, our sweat, and the breaking of *our* backs. It's got to stop.

[JimWis]

43. K&R

[TwentyFive]

44. This is sad news about America and the Tea Baggers

Thank you President Obama!

But this is sad because news reports say this was done QUIETLY. What is wrong with America...that great news must be QUIETLY announced on a news dump Friday? I'm sure Limbaugh/O'Rielly/Hannity/Bush/Beck/Gingrich/Teabaggers/etc will blast this act as a form of socialistic censorship that will lead to Nazism and higher taxes and an implosion of moral values.

And the sad thing is...some people will believe it.

[Go2Peace]

101. It's the media, if they repeat it then the the people will fight for it to get fully implimented

If it is not repeated on the news the corporations and corporatists can quietly gatther their corporate allies in the administration and try to get it changed before anyone knows it was there.

[winyanstaz]

47. Wow...now that is great news...

and if it happens I shall be giving Obama the credit as well as not being so unhappy with him.
I have been disappointed so many times with his appointments and policies that this is like a breath of fresh air.
What's that strange feeling I am having? Well dang,I think it's hope. :)

[Love Bug]

48. Hey, lobbyists: Cry me a river

:nopity:

[notesdev]

51. Well, now

This will be a very welcome change. Being very skeptical by nature, however, I can't help but notice there is no date attached to the enactment of this policy. When exactly is it coming into effect? Anyone have a link to the actual text of the policy?

[era veteran]

55. I guess they wouldn't have a union

Fantastic Mr. President!

[Lindsey]

57. Rigth on President Obama! n/t

[chill_wind]

59. Here's the orginal EO

http://regulations.justia.com/view/133040/

[defendandprotect]

60. Good news . . . thanks, Obama!

[Sebastian Doyle]

62. Now if he'd only do the same with cabinet members

Cleaning up the advisory panels is fine, but it doesn't change the fact that he's now appointed at least three MonSatan shills, and the entire economic team works for Wall $treet and the "federal" reserve

[mother earth]

64. This is a ray of sunshine, I'm all for it and applaud Obama.

Now, let's keep this momentum going. Any progress is better than no progress, but it's damn slow with all of the turmoil and chaos we were left with. I'm not giving up hope, this is promising. K & R
:kick:

Thank you, kpete!

[DrZeeLit]

65. Everybody's been looking for something good. Okay... this is something good. Happy holidays.

[truedelphi]

67. Why did this not happen BEFORE the damn HCR debate? n/t

[Skittles]

70. take a big fat guess

[truedelphi]

72. Because folks in the Obama Admin thought that

They were only "Consultants" I guess.

[girl gone mad]

78. Exactly. Why wasn't this done BEFORE the lobbyists screwed up health care reform..

and the bank bailouts, etc.?

[Go2Peace]

102. I think this is coming forward now because the administration is feeling the heat from the grassroot

to a certain extent. I wish that the cheerleaders would just realize that is just the way things happen. If the president has no heat from his supporters and lots of heat from the corporatists and opposition he will become weak and innefectual. That is the way things work, politically and in human nature.

[Enthusiast]

131. You ask bad questions.

:spank:
















:sarcasm:

[unpossibles]

75. rec'd nt

[Uncle Joe]

77. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, kpete.:thumbsup:

[diane in sf]

81. very good

[Confusious]

82. I feel so sad for them

Damn, no crying smiley

BTW :sarcasm:

[Deep13]

87. Merry Christmas and don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. nt

[Canuckistanian]

88. Good.

Registered lobbyists are, by nature, advocacy agents for ONE point of view.

Let them lobby, but get them OFF regulatory and contract negotiating panels.

[McCamy Taylor]

89. Good. The candidate who ran as lobbyist free should keep a lobbyist free WH.

[paparush]

90. This is a great step. Too bad it didn't happen BEFORE we took up healthcare reform.

But, we beggars can't be choosers.

[Imperialism Inc.]

94. Sound like a pretty good idea and a pretty big deal.

Hopefully that will have some effect.

[martymar64]

95. I agree with it as long as it is actually implemented and enforced

[Go2Peace]

103. +1

exactly, I rec'd this and am very happy it seem to be being pursued. But I will remain slightly sceptical until it is actually put into practice.

[rollingrock]

108. No problemo!

lobbyists will simply continue with their record-breaking closed door meetings at the White House.
there's always a loophole or two.


http://www.alternet.org/politics/144209/white_house%27s_ties_to_health_care_industry_deeper_than_visitor_records_show">The White House released records cataloging 575 visits by health care industry heavyweights since Jan. 20.

[undergroundpanther]

109. Seeing this made my day!

The beginning of separation of corporation and state?? I hope so! Yayyyyy!!!!

[jpak]

110. but...but...but...Obama is a corporatist stooge and is worse than Bush!!!!1111

nevermind

:D

[judesedit]

142. Is that all ya got?

Ha

[lonestarnot]

111. Very fucking excellent!!!!!!

[jacobfloyd]

113. K&R - That's MY President!

[RedCloud]

114. Put them in jail for bribing elected officials.

[live love laugh]

118. He's got this!

[JonQ]

119. I find myself cautiously optimistic

[heliarc]

120. I love the part where...

the lobbyist from Caterpillar contends that his 20 years of work was to promote open markets and competition...
:sarcasm:

[glinda]

121. hope the Church people were also removed

[grahamhgreen]

122. Can we make it retroactive and restart the healthcare debate with Medicare for All?

Yes I want more!!!

Good start though...

"It's taken me years to learn what the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade is," said Robert Vastine, a lobbyist for the Coalition of Service Industries who also serves as chairman of a trade advisory board. "It's a whole different and specialized world. It is not easily obtained knowledge, and they are crippling themselves terribly by ruling out all registered lobbyists."

Funny - the rest of America figured out it was a screw job before it was ever passed into law!

Get rid of these con-artists and theives!

[Eric68601]

123. K&R

This is the best news I have EVER heard coming out of Washington.

Get the damn lobbyists out of the government created by and for "WE THE PEOPLE".

We need to counter back with a PROGRESSIVE TEA PARTY on the corporations. Bet we'd get some fence jumping tea baggers and then some to wake up and realize who really are the one's screwing them over with this health care resistance movement they have been a patsy for.

[jillan]

125. Happy Thanksgiving! I am truly thankful!

Feels good to feel a little more hopeful than I have been feeling over the last couple of months.

[AllTooEasy]

129. What about lobbyists that represent progressive interests and charities?!

Remember enviromentalists, civil rights orgs (racial, gender, LGBT), animal rights, and every major charity have/hire lobbyists too. I kinda' don't want to see them go.

Other than that, the rest of the lobbyists can kiss my a$$!

[Frustratedlady]

132. I was hoping that would happen the first month in office, but I'm glad it finally is.

They've been given too much power in the past and many probably should have been prosecuted. Happy New Year!

[NorthCarolina]

133. Now that these Lobbyisys have finished crafting America's Health Care *reform*

he no longer needs their services....for the time being.

[ezdidit]

134. Bush slammed the door on DFH lobbyists in February 2001.

This is not a big deal at all. It isn't so unusual. Within weeks of inauguration, NRDC was literally out picketing on the street with the sheeple.

[tekisui]

136. knr!~ Good move.

[Better Believe It]

137. But what about Wall Street/Corporate influence in the White House?

They come in the front door.

They even head up government agencies!

[judesedit]

138. Bravo, PRESIDENT Obama! Prevent planned Republican Armegeddon

Don't let the lying neo-con hypocrites with their totally gullible, intellectually un-curious for the facts,sheeple-like, scrambled tea-bag comedy-player F-students with racist tendencies and mighty big mouths fool you into thinking they are all holy and should be destined to power by GOD. They are the farthest thing from anything ever taught in the Bible, Torah, or Koran. They are more apt to be ruled by the Anti-Christ, if their truly is one. They're real big and bad with guns in their hands. THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE. EVEN THEIR OWN MOTHERS AND CHILDREN THEY WILL THROW UNDER THE BUS. How shameful and sad those corporate-puppets ever landed in office. I'd say probably 65% of the positions were stolen. That's the one thing we will have to admit the republican party does better than the democratic. But in no way do they hold a monopoly. Vote the greedy dems out of office,too, while you can. They are hawks in doves clothing. In no way can we let these crooks back into majority. We will surely perish if they succeed. And how stupid are they? Who will wash their cars, care for their kids, their money, their parents, build and clean their houses, cook their food, pay THEIR taxes, teach in their schools, entertain, protect their lives and their assets, as everyone knows the biggest thieves are the rich. The immigrants they so loudly curse? Need I go on? Please spread one simple message constantly in your travels...REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVE ARMEGEDDON, REPUBLICAN CONSERVATINVE ARMEGEDDON, REPUBLICAN CONSERVATIVE ARMEGEDDON.

[RTBerry]

139. Lobbyist: a right-wing buzz word usually prefaced by "special-interest"

In everyone's zeal to pounce on the black-hearted (sarcasm) lobbyists we've apparently overlooked that the committees where these 13,000 vile scoundrels (more sarcasm) offer advice likewise concern "...environmental regulations, consumer protections and thousands of other government policies." It's self-satisfying to think that all lobbyists are cronies of corporate fat-cats; but small environmental groups, local governments fighting for federal assistance, and scores of social advocacy groups also hire lobbyists (gasp!) to advance their causes. I fear it will be these (and other poorly funded) groups that will suffer the most, while the truly powerful corporate interests will again find a way to preserve their influence.

Fun tough it might be to pronounce righteous judgment, it often comes back to bite you in the ass.

[judesedit]

141. One thing you forgot... The fat-cats have all the $$$$$$$

Agreed?

[quakerboy]

143. that will teach me to read first and post later

Woo hoo. A rule change that is not.

"Administration lawyers determined that they couldn't ban lobbyists from advisory committees directly because most of the panels are overseen by individual agencies rather than the White House; so Eisen encouraged -- rather than ordered -- the prohibition. Nonetheless, administration officials said, most Cabinet secretaries have implemented the recommendation, usually by barring renewals or new appointments for lobbyists."

This seems underwhelming when you add that information. How is this any different than Obama making a speech or just sending everyone a note explaining that all the lobbyists make govt look bad, so please deep six them if you can.

[SpartanDem]

144. k&r

[avalonofmists]

145. Very good news. Thank you.