Killing the messenger . . .

[flamin lib]

Suddenly the Republican Congress has found religion. Plans and rumors of plans of Lobby reform abound.

How unbelievably stupid and self serving. In an effort to distract us from what the real issue is they blame the lobbyists. It’s always somebody else’s fault in the age of personal responsibility.

First, there is nothing wrong with lobbyists. They serve a very useful and important purpose. Serving groups as disparate as AARP and the Drug Industry they keep watch on legislation that is being written which will affect their clients. They advise their clients on how the legislation will impact them and make efforts to educate the legislators on how to change bills to the advantage of their clients. There is nothing immoral or illegal about any of that.

This isn’t about legitimate lobbying efforts, it’s about CRIME. It’s about taking and giving bribes. It’s about buying and selling influence. It’s about lobbyists writing legislation and providing it directly to Congress. It’s about legislators using and abusing the rules of Congress for quid pro quo. Holding votes open past the deadline to twist arms for votes. Inserting amendments to bills at 2:00 AM before the vote so the rest of the Congress will never see much less debate them. Adding special earmarks to spending bills specifically aimed at rewarding favors.

It’s about breaking the law. It’s about absolute power corrupting absolutely. It’s about hubris and arrogance beyond all reason.

For every bribe offered, there was someone accepting it.

For every piece of influence bought, there was someone selling.

For every favor offered there was favor granted.

It takes two. Jack Abramoff would be in no trouble at all had any of those receiving his favors simply said, “No, I can’t do that. It’s wrong.”