Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Bush Response to Critics: Trash 'em, Start PR Blitz
Shifting his vacation location from Crawford, Texas to remote Idaho so the demonstrators have a harder time getting close, Bush continues to trash his critics and keep his head in the sand.
In a CNN story today, Bush is trying to marginalize Cindy Sheehan, claiming she doesn't represent the views of most military families. Of course, he can't back that claim up, but that doesn't matter to him as the White House is in damage control mode trying to stop the groundswell one hurting mother has helped motivate.
Today Bush is giving a speech to a carefully screened audience of Idaho National Guard and their families. Perhaps they could use the device veteran Bill Moyer, 73, used when Bush spoke the other day at the Veterans of Foreign Wars meeting.
(AP Photo / Douglas C. Pizac)
Monday, August 22, 2005
Bush Breaks Reagan's Record for Vacation Days
This month, Bush broke Ronald Reagan's record for days on vacation while president. Last week, Bush passed Reagan's record of 335 days.
Reagan ran up all that vacation time in eight years in office. Bush passed him in only 4 1/2 years.
Given what he has done for our country while in office -- bogged down in his war in Iraq, lousy economy, high gas prices -- it's probably good Bush is on vacation so much.
Reagan ran up all that vacation time in eight years in office. Bush passed him in only 4 1/2 years.
Given what he has done for our country while in office -- bogged down in his war in Iraq, lousy economy, high gas prices -- it's probably good Bush is on vacation so much.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Life in DC -- Cops Doing What They Want
Countersignature had a great post today about life inside the Beltway, including a story about DC cops violating the laws they are supposed to enforce.
I frequently see police cars rolling through red lights, often flipping on their flashing lights and turning them off once they are through -- not only in DC, but also in northern Virginia.
When cops violate the law in such a public manner it undermines their authority. And worse, as in this story, good cops often are punished for taking action against bad cops.
And they wonder why they don't always get respect.
I frequently see police cars rolling through red lights, often flipping on their flashing lights and turning them off once they are through -- not only in DC, but also in northern Virginia.
When cops violate the law in such a public manner it undermines their authority. And worse, as in this story, good cops often are punished for taking action against bad cops.
And they wonder why they don't always get respect.
Can Today's Young Republican Staffers Be Effective Lobbyists?
We regularly see news or gossip page announcements of Hill staffers moving to association or corporate lobbying jobs here in DC. A recent story in a DC rag said some Republican staffers with just a few years experience are now expecting salaries of $150,000, $200,000 and even higher. (They aren't getting those big bucks, but they ask anyway.)
Many staffers assume their contacts on the Hill will justify that salary, but apparently all they can offer is a contact. Of course, when the next Congress comes in and the folks shift around, those contacts may or may not still be around.
What today's young Republican Hill staffers cannot offer is exactly those skills necessary for being a good lobbyist. Young staffers who have known only Republican majorities don't know how to work with others who have different views. It is well known on the House side that Republicans rarely even consult with Democrats on legislation. They have the votes already, so they never need to compromise.
But in the real world of lobbying, the ability to get along with others who don't always agree with you is essential. Today's young Republican staffers have never had to compromise, never had to put together a coalition, never had to do anything but tell people what their bosses want. Yet they strut around with fellow young Republicans and think they are great and think they deserve a big paycheck. Corporate America isn't buying it though.
Many staffers assume their contacts on the Hill will justify that salary, but apparently all they can offer is a contact. Of course, when the next Congress comes in and the folks shift around, those contacts may or may not still be around.
What today's young Republican Hill staffers cannot offer is exactly those skills necessary for being a good lobbyist. Young staffers who have known only Republican majorities don't know how to work with others who have different views. It is well known on the House side that Republicans rarely even consult with Democrats on legislation. They have the votes already, so they never need to compromise.
But in the real world of lobbying, the ability to get along with others who don't always agree with you is essential. Today's young Republican staffers have never had to compromise, never had to put together a coalition, never had to do anything but tell people what their bosses want. Yet they strut around with fellow young Republicans and think they are great and think they deserve a big paycheck. Corporate America isn't buying it though.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Update: Repub Gov. Taft Guilty, Fined $4,000
Ohio's Republican Governor Bob Taft this morning was found guilty of ethical violations and was given the maximum fine of $4,000, but no jail time.
He didn't plead guilty. Instead, he entered a plea of "no contest," which is not an admission of guilt, but an indication he would not fight the charges. Franklin County Municipal Judge Mark Froehlich found him guilty. In addition to the fine, Judge Froehlich ordered Taft to publicly apologize to the citizens of Ohio.
Although Taft has fired state employees for lesser ethical violations, he has vowed not to resign.
He didn't plead guilty. Instead, he entered a plea of "no contest," which is not an admission of guilt, but an indication he would not fight the charges. Franklin County Municipal Judge Mark Froehlich found him guilty. In addition to the fine, Judge Froehlich ordered Taft to publicly apologize to the citizens of Ohio.
Although Taft has fired state employees for lesser ethical violations, he has vowed not to resign.
Ohio's Republican Governor Charged
Ohio's Republican governor Bob Taft has been charged with failing to report thousands of dollars in free gifts, golf, meals and other favors.
Republican operatives are trying to contain the damage by saying this is just a failure to fill out a form -- a defense Tom DeLay has used. But the Columbus Dispatch today explains that Taft's ethical violations are a serious matter.
Republicans control Ohio's legislature and state-wide offices, just as Republicans control the White House and both houses of Congress.
I am reminded of the observation by British historian Lord Acton that a person's sense of morality lessens as his or her power increases. His famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Republican operatives are trying to contain the damage by saying this is just a failure to fill out a form -- a defense Tom DeLay has used. But the Columbus Dispatch today explains that Taft's ethical violations are a serious matter.
Republicans control Ohio's legislature and state-wide offices, just as Republicans control the White House and both houses of Congress.
I am reminded of the observation by British historian Lord Acton that a person's sense of morality lessens as his or her power increases. His famous quote: "Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Inside Congress -- Not Always a Pretty Sight
You may have seen the Rolling Stone article that presents an inside look at what actually goes on in the House of Representatives.
Rep. Bernie Sanders (Independent, Vermont) provided journalist Matt Taibbi with behind-the-scenes access so citizens could see how Congress conducts the people's business. "It's unbelievable," he [Sanders] said. "Worse than you can possibly imagine. The things that go on. . . "
The article paints a none-too-flattering picture of heavy-handed tactics by the Republican majority and strong-arm lobbying tactics by House Leadership, government agencies, and corporations.
As a corporate lobbyist, I can say that while Taibbi's characterizations are sometimes a bit over the top, I was not surprised by anything he wrote.
The article is lenghy, but worth the read if you have an interest in the workings of Congress.
Rep. Bernie Sanders (Independent, Vermont) provided journalist Matt Taibbi with behind-the-scenes access so citizens could see how Congress conducts the people's business. "It's unbelievable," he [Sanders] said. "Worse than you can possibly imagine. The things that go on. . . "
The article paints a none-too-flattering picture of heavy-handed tactics by the Republican majority and strong-arm lobbying tactics by House Leadership, government agencies, and corporations.
As a corporate lobbyist, I can say that while Taibbi's characterizations are sometimes a bit over the top, I was not surprised by anything he wrote.
The article is lenghy, but worth the read if you have an interest in the workings of Congress.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Dreary DC Day -- Wish I Could Go Riding
I guess it's a good thing I'll be busy at work today, and the weather is dark and dreary -- cloudy, scattered showers all day -- 'cause I sure would like to take off and go riding today. I should call in sick. Nah! Better not.
I ride a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic -- a big, comfortable bike meant for long rides. I have made good friends among my Harley riding buddies, and have enjoyed short and long rides, by myself and with others.
This past weekend I rode with five people I have never ridden with before, and had a great ride through northern Virginia's horse country and Skyline Drive.
On the 25th, I am leaving for a 12-day road trip. I can't wait. First, we'll ride to Chattanooga for the National Harley Owners Group Rally, then to Mississippi to spend time with the family, then to Knoxville for the Tennessee Vols' home opener, and then back to DC. It will be a 2,500 mile round trip.
Although DC is in many ways a small Southern town, getting back to my roots in the deep south will be good for me. And doing it on a Harley will be lots of fun. I'll be on the interstate much of the way, but I will take backroads whenever I can. Twisty two-lane blacktops are great for clearing your mind.
There are millions of reasons to ride. Ask any rider.
I ride a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic -- a big, comfortable bike meant for long rides. I have made good friends among my Harley riding buddies, and have enjoyed short and long rides, by myself and with others.
This past weekend I rode with five people I have never ridden with before, and had a great ride through northern Virginia's horse country and Skyline Drive.
On the 25th, I am leaving for a 12-day road trip. I can't wait. First, we'll ride to Chattanooga for the National Harley Owners Group Rally, then to Mississippi to spend time with the family, then to Knoxville for the Tennessee Vols' home opener, and then back to DC. It will be a 2,500 mile round trip.
Although DC is in many ways a small Southern town, getting back to my roots in the deep south will be good for me. And doing it on a Harley will be lots of fun. I'll be on the interstate much of the way, but I will take backroads whenever I can. Twisty two-lane blacktops are great for clearing your mind.
There are millions of reasons to ride. Ask any rider.
Bush's Strategy: Pretend Everything is OK
Worried about Bush's low job approval rating and his low ratings on handling the economy, the White House put together a closed door session for advisors of the vacationing president.
In Iraq, daily deaths, failure of the government to produce a constitution as planned, no end in sight. In the U.S., very high gas prices and public concern about where Bush is leading the country.
After conferring, the president's advisors determined that everything is great but they just haven't done a good enough job of telling the country. They decided they need a better PR plan.
The spin in the conservative Washington Times article today is masterful.
In Iraq, daily deaths, failure of the government to produce a constitution as planned, no end in sight. In the U.S., very high gas prices and public concern about where Bush is leading the country.
After conferring, the president's advisors determined that everything is great but they just haven't done a good enough job of telling the country. They decided they need a better PR plan.
The spin in the conservative Washington Times article today is masterful.
Monday, August 15, 2005
August: Slow, yet Busy?
Congress left town at the end of July and won't be back until after Labor Day. Bush left town a few days into August, and is now enjoying a five-week vacation.
Many Congressional staffers and lots of us lobbyists typically use August for getting caught up, in addition to a little vacation.
But the month is turning out to be surprisingly busy for me. Who knew?
Congress will come back after Labor Day and hopes to adjourn at the end of September. Most of that month will be consumed by hearings and debate over the Supreme Court nominee and the various budget bills. Congress spent the last several days of July doing several months worth of work on some of the major bills, so we won't likely see much legislation of substance in September. But we are preparing just in case.
How is August for you?
Many Congressional staffers and lots of us lobbyists typically use August for getting caught up, in addition to a little vacation.
But the month is turning out to be surprisingly busy for me. Who knew?
Congress will come back after Labor Day and hopes to adjourn at the end of September. Most of that month will be consumed by hearings and debate over the Supreme Court nominee and the various budget bills. Congress spent the last several days of July doing several months worth of work on some of the major bills, so we won't likely see much legislation of substance in September. But we are preparing just in case.
How is August for you?
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Tom DeLay's Friend Indicted
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff, close friend of Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay, was indicted for faking a wire transfer to defraud two lenders out of $60 million.
MSNBC.com posted the AP story:
Associate of DeLay in court on fraud charges
Indictment says he defrauded lenders and used funds to support politicians
Abramoff also is under investigation for fees charged and work done for clients, financing trips for DeLay and others, and for all sorts of other slimy things.
No, this is not just the way lobbyists are.
Lobbying sometimes gets a bad rap-- and the Abramoff situation reinforces the negative sterotype -- but the reality is that lobbyists work hard every day representing their employers or their clients in very honorable ways, educating Members of Congress or the Administration on issues affecting them.
Yes, lobbyists make campaign contributions, and yes, sometimes campaign contributions help provide a bit more access for non-constituents. Abramoff's actions, if proven true, were way over the top and have further tarnished the profession.
Sometimes it's tough to explain to friends and family exactly what I do for a living.
MSNBC.com posted the AP story:
Associate of DeLay in court on fraud charges
Indictment says he defrauded lenders and used funds to support politicians
Abramoff also is under investigation for fees charged and work done for clients, financing trips for DeLay and others, and for all sorts of other slimy things.
No, this is not just the way lobbyists are.
Lobbying sometimes gets a bad rap-- and the Abramoff situation reinforces the negative sterotype -- but the reality is that lobbyists work hard every day representing their employers or their clients in very honorable ways, educating Members of Congress or the Administration on issues affecting them.
Yes, lobbyists make campaign contributions, and yes, sometimes campaign contributions help provide a bit more access for non-constituents. Abramoff's actions, if proven true, were way over the top and have further tarnished the profession.
Sometimes it's tough to explain to friends and family exactly what I do for a living.
Life in DC. . . . and Elsewhere
I enjoy life inside the beltway in Washington, DC.
Washington is really a small town. It's a company town -- and the government is the company. Most people who work here either work for the government or somehow interact with the government or government employees -- as a lobbyist like myself, or as a vendor, lawyer, dentist, reporter or in countless other ways.
"Inside the beltway" often is used to create an image of elitists -- and many inside the beltway are. Or used to minimize an issue -- such as saying only those inside the beltway care -- implying that most people don't.
With this blog, I plan to write about things that might be of interest to my fellow lobbyists and others in government-related jobs inside the beltway.
But I also plan to write about life outside our jobs. My outside life revolves around motorcycles.
I won't be writing about my company -- or even naming them. I assume no one reading this will really care who I work for.
Washington is really a small town. It's a company town -- and the government is the company. Most people who work here either work for the government or somehow interact with the government or government employees -- as a lobbyist like myself, or as a vendor, lawyer, dentist, reporter or in countless other ways.
"Inside the beltway" often is used to create an image of elitists -- and many inside the beltway are. Or used to minimize an issue -- such as saying only those inside the beltway care -- implying that most people don't.
With this blog, I plan to write about things that might be of interest to my fellow lobbyists and others in government-related jobs inside the beltway.
But I also plan to write about life outside our jobs. My outside life revolves around motorcycles.
I won't be writing about my company -- or even naming them. I assume no one reading this will really care who I work for.
