![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jaunthie Today's paper has an article about how Microsoft is paying Ralph Reed $20,000.00 a month for "consulting services". Yes, you read that right. That Ralph Reed. Founder of the Christian Coalition. What the heck can he advise a software company about that's worth $20K a month? Never mind, I can guess.
If that weren't sickening enough, the article goes on to say (emphasis added in bold):
Public interest groups that track business influence and lobbying in Washington, D.C., said it isn't surprising that Microsoft -- or any major company -- would sign up a Republican operative.
Republican leaders, most notably House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas, have told companies that they need to shift business to Republican-leaning firms or lobbyists if they want a reception on Capitol Hill. The initiative is called the K Street Project, after the street in Washington, D.C., where many lobbyists have offices.
"It's inarguable that the K Street Project has been effective getting Republican lobbyists and consultants hired for high-profile assignments," said Steve Weiss, spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics, an independent watchdog group.
"Organizations and companies know that Republicans are watching."
Oh goody, Big Brother is not only watching, he wants your lunch money.
Now I'm not politically naive. I know that payola has been a way of life in Washington D.C. for decades, if not centuries. But the blatant extortion, malfeance, and ethical bankruptcy on display in this administration is just stunning. Remember, this is the same Republican majority that changed the House Ethics rules to protect Tom DeLay from any further investigation of improprieties.
Our tax dollars are paying a government that won't listen to its citizens unless they pay a big fat bribe up front. How exactly is this government by the people, for the people, with liberty and justice for all?
To Thomas Paine's "summer soldiers" and "sunshine patriots" I think we're going to have to add a new enemy of liberty: the "payola public servant" - and those who tolerate, no, encourage such blatant profiteerism as just a normal part of governing this country. These are the times that try men's souls, indeed.
If that weren't sickening enough, the article goes on to say (emphasis added in bold):
Public interest groups that track business influence and lobbying in Washington, D.C., said it isn't surprising that Microsoft -- or any major company -- would sign up a Republican operative.
Republican leaders, most notably House Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas, have told companies that they need to shift business to Republican-leaning firms or lobbyists if they want a reception on Capitol Hill. The initiative is called the K Street Project, after the street in Washington, D.C., where many lobbyists have offices.
"It's inarguable that the K Street Project has been effective getting Republican lobbyists and consultants hired for high-profile assignments," said Steve Weiss, spokesman for the Center for Responsive Politics, an independent watchdog group.
"Organizations and companies know that Republicans are watching."
Oh goody, Big Brother is not only watching, he wants your lunch money.
Now I'm not politically naive. I know that payola has been a way of life in Washington D.C. for decades, if not centuries. But the blatant extortion, malfeance, and ethical bankruptcy on display in this administration is just stunning. Remember, this is the same Republican majority that changed the House Ethics rules to protect Tom DeLay from any further investigation of improprieties.
Our tax dollars are paying a government that won't listen to its citizens unless they pay a big fat bribe up front. How exactly is this government by the people, for the people, with liberty and justice for all?
To Thomas Paine's "summer soldiers" and "sunshine patriots" I think we're going to have to add a new enemy of liberty: the "payola public servant" - and those who tolerate, no, encourage such blatant profiteerism as just a normal part of governing this country. These are the times that try men's souls, indeed.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2005-04-27 06:31 pm (UTC)Sure, it's corrupt and probably illegal (there was a stink awhile back when a Republican representative publically complained about the arm twisting he got to vote for the prescription drug bill; he shut up when someone pointed out he was accusing specific House leaders of bribery and blackmail) but it works and no one's investigating, so why not?
(I'm not bitter.)
no subject
Date: 2005-04-27 06:47 pm (UTC)So I'm kvetching, in the probably vain hope that our country will wake up and smell the corruption. And the Ralph Reed bit really is news to me.
no subject
Date: 2005-04-27 06:57 pm (UTC)