Friday, March 31, 2006
Leaving Politics Behind This Weekend, Riding the Harley
This weekend will be nice. The weather will be good, and I will be spending time with family and friends.
And I won't worry about politics at all.
But the best part -- I'll be riding the Harley Ultra Classic.
And I won't worry about politics at all.
But the best part -- I'll be riding the Harley Ultra Classic.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Rep. McKinney Not Doing Herself, or Anybody, Any Favors With Her Behavior
I hate to appear to speak ill of a fellow Democrat, but I must say that I am disappointed by Rep. Cynthia McKinney of Georgia.
Rep. McKinney seems to have a big chip on her shoulder, and always seems to be looking for a fight. Unfortunately, her fights usually seem to have racial overtones.
Rep. McKinney once complained in a letter to President Clinton when White House security staff didn't recognize her when she visited, accusing them of racism. She seemed to think that since she was a Member of Congress, everyone in the world, or at least every White House security officer, should know who she is.
The latest incident ocurred yesterday when she bypassed the House office building metal detectors, as Members may do. She was not wearing her Congressional pin, which would have identified her as a Member. When the security officer stopped her, she allegedly hit him with her cell phone.
Rep. McKinney issued a statement yesterday. She didn't apologize, but said "I deeply regret that the incident occurred."
I fully understand that racism is a fact of life in America. And I fully understand that blacks have felt the pain of racism, and may be particularly sensitive regarding police, given the well-documented history of incidents involving racist police officers.
But I don't think Rep. McKinnney is doing herself or anybody else any favors by her actions, which sometimes seem designed to force confrontation.
I don't know exactly what happened yesterday at the security checkpoint. But given her past behavior, and her history of complaints about what she sees as differential treatment of black Members of Congress, it would not be surprising to discover that she did in fact attempt to blow by the guard and became upset when he did his job and stopped her. I don't know the security officer, but I would assume he would have stopped anyone he didn't immediately recognize as a Member of Congress who attempted to pass him without going through the metal detector.
Unfortunately, conservative Republican-leaning Fox News is now running the story.
Rep. McKinney is right to say that racism exists, and right to fight it, but sometimes her attitude and her tactics don't help the cause.
Rep. McKinney seems to have a big chip on her shoulder, and always seems to be looking for a fight. Unfortunately, her fights usually seem to have racial overtones.
Rep. McKinney once complained in a letter to President Clinton when White House security staff didn't recognize her when she visited, accusing them of racism. She seemed to think that since she was a Member of Congress, everyone in the world, or at least every White House security officer, should know who she is.
The latest incident ocurred yesterday when she bypassed the House office building metal detectors, as Members may do. She was not wearing her Congressional pin, which would have identified her as a Member. When the security officer stopped her, she allegedly hit him with her cell phone.
Rep. McKinney issued a statement yesterday. She didn't apologize, but said "I deeply regret that the incident occurred."
I fully understand that racism is a fact of life in America. And I fully understand that blacks have felt the pain of racism, and may be particularly sensitive regarding police, given the well-documented history of incidents involving racist police officers.
But I don't think Rep. McKinnney is doing herself or anybody else any favors by her actions, which sometimes seem designed to force confrontation.
I don't know exactly what happened yesterday at the security checkpoint. But given her past behavior, and her history of complaints about what she sees as differential treatment of black Members of Congress, it would not be surprising to discover that she did in fact attempt to blow by the guard and became upset when he did his job and stopped her. I don't know the security officer, but I would assume he would have stopped anyone he didn't immediately recognize as a Member of Congress who attempted to pass him without going through the metal detector.
Unfortunately, conservative Republican-leaning Fox News is now running the story.
Rep. McKinney is right to say that racism exists, and right to fight it, but sometimes her attitude and her tactics don't help the cause.
Senate Passes Lobby "Reform" Bill
As predicted, the Senate passed a watered down bill aimed at "reform" of the practices revealed by the scandals surrounding Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
The bill will require a little more disclosure and would prevent registered lobbyists from giving lawmakers gifts, like sports tickets, or paying for their meals. Not surprisingly, the Senate, like the House, rejected the idea of a more independent ethics office.
As a corporate lobbyist, I don't think I will be affected in any major way by this "reform" measure.
The bill will require a little more disclosure and would prevent registered lobbyists from giving lawmakers gifts, like sports tickets, or paying for their meals. Not surprisingly, the Senate, like the House, rejected the idea of a more independent ethics office.
As a corporate lobbyist, I don't think I will be affected in any major way by this "reform" measure.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Abramoff Gets 5 Years in Fraud Case; Senate Set to Pass Weak "Reform"
Jack Abramoff today was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison for fraud relating to his and his partner's purchase of SunCruz gambling boats.
Abramoff and his partner faked a $23 million wire transfer to make it seem they had contributed to the purchase of the boats. As a result of the fake wire transfer, they got $60 million from lenders. Garden variety bank fraud.
While Abramoff was being sentenced, the Senate prepared to pass a watered down "lobby reform" measure.
The bill would prohibit Senators from accepting meals and gifts from lobbyists, but still would permit lobbyist-funded travel, such as the lavish trips Abramoff provided to Tom DeLay. Not exactly how those seemingly contradictory issues will be resolved. Will it be OK to accept the private jet ride to Scotland for golf but not OK to accept breakfast while there?
The Senate bill failed to include a new ethics office. That idea was killed in Committee.
The House is considering similar weak measures. It also killed the idea of a special ethics office.
Nothing to see here. Couple of bad apples. Move along.
Abramoff and his partner faked a $23 million wire transfer to make it seem they had contributed to the purchase of the boats. As a result of the fake wire transfer, they got $60 million from lenders. Garden variety bank fraud.
While Abramoff was being sentenced, the Senate prepared to pass a watered down "lobby reform" measure.
The bill would prohibit Senators from accepting meals and gifts from lobbyists, but still would permit lobbyist-funded travel, such as the lavish trips Abramoff provided to Tom DeLay. Not exactly how those seemingly contradictory issues will be resolved. Will it be OK to accept the private jet ride to Scotland for golf but not OK to accept breakfast while there?
The Senate bill failed to include a new ethics office. That idea was killed in Committee.
The House is considering similar weak measures. It also killed the idea of a special ethics office.
Nothing to see here. Couple of bad apples. Move along.
Monday, March 27, 2006
More Sleeze From DeLay Aide; No Reform in Sight
The Washington Post reported in a big front page story that Tom DeLay's former chief of staff Edward Buckman appears to have enriched himself with a "pro-family" group he began operating while still on DeLay's staff.
Most of the money Buckman's group received came from Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his clients.
It appears that most of the group's expenditures went to Buckman and his wife -- things like a townhouse, two cars, artwork, lavish trips, salaries, fees and commissions. Part of the money went to Buckman's lobbying firm Alexander Strategy Group in the form of monthly fees. They even paid for Abramoff's skybox at the MCI Center in Washington one year.
The funds not used for Buckman and his wife seem to have gone to paying for advertisements against Democratic candidates for office. Interestingly, the Republican National Congressional Committee gave $500,000 to Buckman's "pro-family" group to pay for anti-Democrat ads, but Buckman kept $200,000 as his commission. The Post quotes Buckman as saying "If I raise money, I get a portion. It is in my contract."
Buckman closed his Alexander Strategy Group lobbying firm when the Abramoff scandal hit.
But despite the regular revelations of Republican wrongdoing, the much touted lobbying 'reform' is nowhere in sight.
The Washington Post reports today that New York Republican Congressman Tom Reynolds got a lobbying firm some business and soon thereafter contributions from that firm started to flow in.
There is nothing illegal about a lobbyist giving campaign contributions to a Member of Congress. I have done it. The idea being discussed is greater disclosure of such contributions. Don't hold your breath until Congress passes such a measure.
America deserves better.
Most of the money Buckman's group received came from Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his clients.
It appears that most of the group's expenditures went to Buckman and his wife -- things like a townhouse, two cars, artwork, lavish trips, salaries, fees and commissions. Part of the money went to Buckman's lobbying firm Alexander Strategy Group in the form of monthly fees. They even paid for Abramoff's skybox at the MCI Center in Washington one year.
The funds not used for Buckman and his wife seem to have gone to paying for advertisements against Democratic candidates for office. Interestingly, the Republican National Congressional Committee gave $500,000 to Buckman's "pro-family" group to pay for anti-Democrat ads, but Buckman kept $200,000 as his commission. The Post quotes Buckman as saying "If I raise money, I get a portion. It is in my contract."
Buckman closed his Alexander Strategy Group lobbying firm when the Abramoff scandal hit.
But despite the regular revelations of Republican wrongdoing, the much touted lobbying 'reform' is nowhere in sight.
The Washington Post reports today that New York Republican Congressman Tom Reynolds got a lobbying firm some business and soon thereafter contributions from that firm started to flow in.
There is nothing illegal about a lobbyist giving campaign contributions to a Member of Congress. I have done it. The idea being discussed is greater disclosure of such contributions. Don't hold your breath until Congress passes such a measure.
America deserves better.
Friday, March 24, 2006
And I Am So Tired of Cheney -- Check His Hotel Demands
Smoking Gun reveals a memo from Cheney's office outlining his requirements when staying in a hotel. The memo is sent prior to Cheney's arrival at any hotel.
Prior to his arrival, Cheney wants, among other things, all the lights turned on, decaf coffee brewed, and all the TVs tuned to Fox News.
I am so tired of Cheney.
Prior to his arrival, Cheney wants, among other things, all the lights turned on, decaf coffee brewed, and all the TVs tuned to Fox News.
I am so tired of Cheney.
I Am So Tired of Corruption; It's Hard to Stay Optimistic
I'm a generally optimistic person. Yes, I wear black -- but it's black leather when I'm riding the Harley.
But I am getting so tired of all the corruption I see. I am tired of Congress. And I am very tired of the Bush family.
The latest in the long list of Bush family corruption is the story out of Houston that mother Barbara Bush donated money to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, set up to help victims of the hurricanes, but she required that the money be spent only on products sold by her son Neil's education software company.
Remember, Neil is the other dopey Bush son who relied on the kindness of others to succeed in business. He was a director of Silverado Savings and Loan when it collapsed in scandal.
I hope the IRS will look at Barbara Bush's "contribution," although I doubt they will touch it. There is just something fundamentally wrong with making a charitable contribution, and deducting it on your income tax return, but requiring that the money be spent to benefit your son.
But I am getting so tired of all the corruption I see. I am tired of Congress. And I am very tired of the Bush family.
The latest in the long list of Bush family corruption is the story out of Houston that mother Barbara Bush donated money to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, set up to help victims of the hurricanes, but she required that the money be spent only on products sold by her son Neil's education software company.
Remember, Neil is the other dopey Bush son who relied on the kindness of others to succeed in business. He was a director of Silverado Savings and Loan when it collapsed in scandal.
I hope the IRS will look at Barbara Bush's "contribution," although I doubt they will touch it. There is just something fundamentally wrong with making a charitable contribution, and deducting it on your income tax return, but requiring that the money be spent to benefit your son.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Nice Work If You Can Get It
Once elected, a Member of Congress has it made.
Assuming they don't do anything stupid -- like Republican Rep. Duke Cunningham demanding kickbacks for appropriations -- Members can have the job for the rest of their lives.
And they don't have to work very hard for their $165,200 salary. (And those in leadership earn even more.)
Even when they are in session, they only work Tuesday to Thursday.
USAToday reports that the House of Representatives is on track to be in session fewer days than any Congress in the last sixty years. Not since the "do nothing" Congress, as Harry Truman dubbed it in 1948, has the House done less work.
I am a corporate lobbyist, and I have to deal with and listen to these folks, but I never want to hear another Member of this Congress complain about anything.
And no, I don't take Members on golf trips or fly on a corporate plane. I am one of the vast majority of lobbyists in DC who work hard every day on behalf of their companies, associations or clients, trying to get things done.
Assuming they don't do anything stupid -- like Republican Rep. Duke Cunningham demanding kickbacks for appropriations -- Members can have the job for the rest of their lives.
And they don't have to work very hard for their $165,200 salary. (And those in leadership earn even more.)
Even when they are in session, they only work Tuesday to Thursday.
USAToday reports that the House of Representatives is on track to be in session fewer days than any Congress in the last sixty years. Not since the "do nothing" Congress, as Harry Truman dubbed it in 1948, has the House done less work.
I am a corporate lobbyist, and I have to deal with and listen to these folks, but I never want to hear another Member of this Congress complain about anything.
And no, I don't take Members on golf trips or fly on a corporate plane. I am one of the vast majority of lobbyists in DC who work hard every day on behalf of their companies, associations or clients, trying to get things done.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Lobbying Reform Unlikely Now -- At Least Not Anything Significant
Lobbying "reform" in the post-Abramoff era has lost steam.
It was revealed last week that House Republican Leader John Boehner travels so much on trips paid by others that over the last six years he has spent a total of six months on these trips. No wonder Boehner is opposing even the modest Republican "reform" package put out by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert several weeks ago when the heat was on.
It now appears that any changes will be along the lines of prohibiting former Members of Congress from using the gym at the Capitol. Wow. That will change the way things are done on the Hill!
Lobbyists in town are already talking about ways to get around the proposed "reforms" if the Republican majority ends up enacting any.
It was revealed last week that House Republican Leader John Boehner travels so much on trips paid by others that over the last six years he has spent a total of six months on these trips. No wonder Boehner is opposing even the modest Republican "reform" package put out by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert several weeks ago when the heat was on.
It now appears that any changes will be along the lines of prohibiting former Members of Congress from using the gym at the Capitol. Wow. That will change the way things are done on the Hill!
Lobbyists in town are already talking about ways to get around the proposed "reforms" if the Republican majority ends up enacting any.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Bush Approval Rating Hits New Low; Repubs Increasingly Nervous About November Elections
Bush's approval rating hit a new low in the USAToday/CNN/Gallup poll. Only 36% of the American people approve of his performance in office.
Interestingly, Democrats have a 55% - 39% advantage among Americans when they are asked if they favor Democratic or Republican congressional candidates.
And Roll Call is reporting today that Republican Congressman Elton Gallegly, who said this week he would not seek re-election, has given in to very heavy pressure and is running again.
There are now 16 open seats in the House of Representatives. Democrats need to add 15 seats to gain majority status.
Bush's falling approval rating and the daily bad news (Katrina videotape, the ports deal, the arrest of his senior domestic policy advisor for defrauding department stores 25 times) are making Republicans very nervous.
And that's good.
America deserves better.
Interestingly, Democrats have a 55% - 39% advantage among Americans when they are asked if they favor Democratic or Republican congressional candidates.
And Roll Call is reporting today that Republican Congressman Elton Gallegly, who said this week he would not seek re-election, has given in to very heavy pressure and is running again.
There are now 16 open seats in the House of Representatives. Democrats need to add 15 seats to gain majority status.
Bush's falling approval rating and the daily bad news (Katrina videotape, the ports deal, the arrest of his senior domestic policy advisor for defrauding department stores 25 times) are making Republicans very nervous.
And that's good.
America deserves better.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Is The Move to Censure Bush for Warrantless Wiretapping Growing?
Senator Russ Feingold's plan to introduce a resolution censuring Bush for his warrantless wiretapping program, which virtually every legal scholar agrees is a violation of US law.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist attacked Senator Feingold's resolution as a "crazy political move." But the plan has been discussesd on TV and the radio for two solid days now. Is momentum growing?
I suspect, given Republican control of Congress, that the censure measure will not pass. But the more discussion this idea receives, the better.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist attacked Senator Feingold's resolution as a "crazy political move." But the plan has been discussesd on TV and the radio for two solid days now. Is momentum growing?
I suspect, given Republican control of Congress, that the censure measure will not pass. But the more discussion this idea receives, the better.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Another Top Bush Aide Arrested
Claude Allen, who until a few weeks ago was Bush's Domestic Policy Advisor with an office in the West Wing of the White House, was arrested for a scheme to defraud retail stores in the DC area.
According to the police, Allen would purchase items at department stores, such as Target, then take the merchandise to his car, return to the store, pick the same item off the shelf and "return" it using the receipt he just got when he purchased the first item. That way he gets the stuff for free.
Police say he ripped off stores for over $5,000 by doing this more than 25 times.
It never ends with this Administration.
According to the police, Allen would purchase items at department stores, such as Target, then take the merchandise to his car, return to the store, pick the same item off the shelf and "return" it using the receipt he just got when he purchased the first item. That way he gets the stuff for free.
Police say he ripped off stores for over $5,000 by doing this more than 25 times.
It never ends with this Administration.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Abramoff Annoyed With Republicans Who Now Claim They Don't Know Him
Vanity Fair has a great piece on Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He's annoyed with all the Republicans he did business with -- including Bush, Rove, House and Senate Members -- all claiming they didn't know him.
Obviously, they DID know him.
As Vanity Fair points out, Abramoff worked his whole life to be known, and it just doesn't sit well with him to have all these Republicans lying and saying they never had any dealings with him.
If he's talking like this to Vanity Fair, we can only wonder what he's talking to the proscecutors about.
Obviously, they DID know him.
As Vanity Fair points out, Abramoff worked his whole life to be known, and it just doesn't sit well with him to have all these Republicans lying and saying they never had any dealings with him.
If he's talking like this to Vanity Fair, we can only wonder what he's talking to the proscecutors about.
In Defeat for Bush, House Will Vote on Port Deal
Karl Rove has been working overtime twisting Republican arms to prevent an up or down vote on the deal to turn over management of major US ports to a company owned by the United Arab Emirates goverment.
But it appears the public backlash against the idea was too much even for him. The House will vote next week on a measure to kill the deal.
Bush vowed to veto any legislation that interfered with the deal. Let's see if he has the nerve to do it.
But it appears the public backlash against the idea was too much even for him. The House will vote next week on a measure to kill the deal.
Bush vowed to veto any legislation that interfered with the deal. Let's see if he has the nerve to do it.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Another Republican Congressman Retiring
House Ways and Means Committee Chaiman Bill Thomas is a nasty old fart. He is arrogant and disagreeable. No one is sorry to see him retire.
Thomas is leaving because he cannot bear the thought of going back to being just a regular member after being chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He constant bullying -- even of his own party -- has left him with no friends in Congress. The idea of being equal with every other member doesn't appeal to him, so he is quitting.
Thomas' retirement brings to 16 the number of Republicans leaving Congress. Maybe they smell defeat and don't want to be around for their return to minority party status.
Thomas is leaving because he cannot bear the thought of going back to being just a regular member after being chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He constant bullying -- even of his own party -- has left him with no friends in Congress. The idea of being equal with every other member doesn't appeal to him, so he is quitting.
Thomas' retirement brings to 16 the number of Republicans leaving Congress. Maybe they smell defeat and don't want to be around for their return to minority party status.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Senate Discussing New Lobbyist Rules; Nothing Substantive Expected
The Senate today is considering legislation that would require lobbyists to disclose more information more quickly on who they are treating to lunch or dinner or who they are taking on trips.
This largely cosmetic legislation likely will pass the Senate, enabling them to declare an end to the scandal brought by Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pled guilty to bribing a Member of Congress, among other charges, and Republican Representative Duke Cunningham, who pled guilty to accepting millions of dollars in bribes from a defense contractor.
The Associated Press quotes Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist as saying, "It is time for us to re-examine the rules so that bad apples are exposed before they spoil the whole lot."
Interestingly, Frist failed to mention that he himself is under investigation by the Justice Department and the US Securities and Exchange Commission for his actions surrounding the sale of his stock in his family-controlled business just before bad news caused the stock to tumble. (Just remember, Frist appears to have done what Martha Stewart went to jail for doing.)
House Republicans are still dickering about their lobbying "reform" package, but it likely will be along the lines of the Senate package -- more disclosure, but no end to lobbyist funded trips, etc.
The Republican lobbyist and bribery scandals will result in some enhanced disclosure, but no real change.
This largely cosmetic legislation likely will pass the Senate, enabling them to declare an end to the scandal brought by Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pled guilty to bribing a Member of Congress, among other charges, and Republican Representative Duke Cunningham, who pled guilty to accepting millions of dollars in bribes from a defense contractor.
The Associated Press quotes Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist as saying, "It is time for us to re-examine the rules so that bad apples are exposed before they spoil the whole lot."
Interestingly, Frist failed to mention that he himself is under investigation by the Justice Department and the US Securities and Exchange Commission for his actions surrounding the sale of his stock in his family-controlled business just before bad news caused the stock to tumble. (Just remember, Frist appears to have done what Martha Stewart went to jail for doing.)
House Republicans are still dickering about their lobbying "reform" package, but it likely will be along the lines of the Senate package -- more disclosure, but no end to lobbyist funded trips, etc.
The Republican lobbyist and bribery scandals will result in some enhanced disclosure, but no real change.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
Frist Demonstrates More Republican Arrogance
Republicans know that if they don't like the rules, they can just change them.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist is trying as hard as he can to block a Senate investigation into Bush's warrantless spying on Americans.
The Senate Intelligence Committee has a 30-year old structure that preserves a balance of power and prevents the majority from politicizing the Committee's intelligence oversight function.
As Glenn Greenwald points out on Unclaimed Territory, Frist is threatening that if the Committee moves ahead with hearings, he will restructure it to make the Intelligence Committee like other Senate Committees, that is, with a larger, and presumably more cooperative, Republican majority that will do his and bush's bidding.
Republican arrogance knows no bounds.
Senate Republican Leader Bill Frist is trying as hard as he can to block a Senate investigation into Bush's warrantless spying on Americans.
The Senate Intelligence Committee has a 30-year old structure that preserves a balance of power and prevents the majority from politicizing the Committee's intelligence oversight function.
As Glenn Greenwald points out on Unclaimed Territory, Frist is threatening that if the Committee moves ahead with hearings, he will restructure it to make the Intelligence Committee like other Senate Committees, that is, with a larger, and presumably more cooperative, Republican majority that will do his and bush's bidding.
Republican arrogance knows no bounds.
