Abramoff On 60 Minutes

[Satchel]

I agree with Jack about one thing. It's not possible to have the much needed true reform without making it impossible for "servants of the people" to enrich themselves as lobbyists:

Yesterday, CBS News’ 60 Minutes aired a segment with infamous lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Abramoff, released from prison and promoting a new book, expressed remorse for his role in buying and selling public policy. During his interview with Lesley Stahl, Abramoff talked about how he used gifts, campaign contributions, and other legal and illegal bribes to influence members of Congress.

 

[utstudboy]

great story on 60 minutes......our elected officials are much of the problem

 

[majorwhiteapples]

It was very interesting.

I did notice in traditional CBS style the editing and cutting. CBS made sure to get in their Tom Delay digs and specifically pointed out one Republican Congressman. Now, I will agree that Abramoff did work mostly with Republicans, however, there is a long list of Democrats on his client list.

I think they should all have gone to jail for defrauding the US government for a very very long time. 20+ Years.

They should have set an example and put the fear of god to anyone who cheats or abuses the system.

 

[Uninformed]

^^ Agree

 

[Bevo Incognito]

In reply to:

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[Sangre Naranjada]

He did not say that. He pointed out that CBS chose to highlight a specific R, and not any D at all.

 

[BrothaHorn]

This is what bothers me about the protests. The source of 80% of their frustration is right there in front of their face. Yet they would rather tackle the 20%. The 20%, that they have no control over.

 

[accuratehorn]

That story was excellent, and that is exactly why there is an Occupy Wallstreet Movement, and in a large way why there is a Tea Party movement. This isn't Democratic Party or Republican Party. It is that our government is controlled by large donors and their lobbyists. The policies are instituted to benefit the rich and the big business interests, not the middle class or the small businesses which create the most new jobs.
It is the rigged game.
It is defining "free speech" as money by the judicial activists on the Supreme Court.
There's a lot of frustration out there, and the Tea Pary and OWS reflect it, and on some of the exact same issues.

 

[majorwhiteapples]

Excuse my ignorance, I am missing how the OWS is tied to Lobbyists in Washington DC. I thought they were protesting Banks and Wall Street? Please help me understand and tie OWS into K-Street, thank you.

 

[accuratehorn]

Because neither party is willing to regulate Wall Street due to the rigged game. Lobbyists prevent any meaningful reforms to our financial system from happening.