Friedrich von Blowhard writes:

Dear Blowhards --

I just read an article in the New York Times which caused me to laugh so hard that I fell off the couch. It's on the new lobbying rules, which are attempts to stem the flood tide of organized corruption that passes as governance in this country. Fat chance of course, but the spectacle of politicians trying to persuade the rest of us that they are reforming themselves is always amusing. The best line was the following:

"All those people who grew up in the system - who arent evil-doers, just good people - used to be able to entertain and have fun," lamented Jim Ervin, a veteran military industry lobbyist.

As if a veteran military industry lobbyist could distinguish between good and evil! What a knee slapper!

You can read the rest of this article, which really outshines anything in The Onion, here.

Cheers,

Friedrich

My fave:

A self-described “earmarks guy” who specializes in spending items, Mr. Dyer said the new rules were an invitation to scandal hunters. For the first time, the law will require disclosure of both the lawmakers who sponsor such items and the campaign contributions of the lobbyists who seek them.

“It is a road map that says, ‘Hey, come look at me; I have got my name against an earmark,’ ” he said.

I really feel for these guys.

Posted by: Moira Breen on August 8, 2007 2:09 PM

Actually, most of the people I know in the Military/Defense industries are perfectly capable of distinguishing between good and evil, moreso than most academics I come into contact with. Besides, is lobbying really an "evil" activity? I suppose that it depens what is being lobbied for...

Posted by: tschafer on August 9, 2007 10:57 AM

"attempts to stem the flood tide of organized corruption..."

Some efforts were made to enact actual reform. These were watered down by Congressional leadership. The actual new rules are attempts to achieve the appearance of reform without actually changing anything.

BTW, the recent sham earmarks passed with support of about half the Republicans and nearly all Democrats. It's again a choice between the Stupid Party and the Evil Party.

Posted by: Rich Rostrom on August 12, 2007 2:49 AM






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