WP: The Road to Riches Is Called K Street

[kskiska]

Lobbying Firms Hire More, Pay More, Charge More to Influence Government

Wednesday, June 22, 2005; A01

To the great growth industries of America such as health care and home building add one more: influence peddling.

The number of registered lobbyists in Washington has more than doubled since 2000 to more than 34,750 while the amount that lobbyists charge their new clients has increased by as much as 100 percent. Only a few other businesses have enjoyed greater prosperity in an otherwise fitful economy.

The lobbying boom has been caused by three factors, experts say: rapid growth in government, Republican control of both the White House and Congress, and wide acceptance among corporations that they need to hire professional lobbyists to secure their share of federal benefits.

"There's unlimited business out there for us," said former Rep. Robert L. Livingston (R-La.), who was chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and now is president of a thriving six-year-old lobbying firm. "Companies need lobbying help."

more…
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/21/AR2005062101632.html

[depakid]

1. This just goes to show the extent of corruption

in the Republican party.

It's as bad as any third world country- and it's only going to get worse.

Personally, I think the vast majority of them should be in prison- and I'm not talking Club Fed. In other Western countries- that actually have ethics and semi-honest democracy- they would be.

[Hand]

2. Isn't it great to live in a democracy?

:sarcasm: :grr: :sarcasm:

[Donailin]

3. The government, this whole country is just thoroughly corrupted

This is mafia style the way it works . You want to see the boss? Pay me. You want your business to get in on some action? Pay me.
You need a favor? Pay me. You need protection? Pay me.

And Bush is Don Corleone.

this is a fucking nightmare.