Sunday, September 12th, 2010
Stephan: This is what the American Congress has become, as represented by the man who would be the Republican Speaker. The only thing that could place John Boehner further in the bag would be if the corporations just paid his salary, and made him an employee. But they don't have to pay that money since you do it for them. It just makes him that much cheaper on their balance sheet. And it is all done unapologetically. Business as usual.
Boehner is far from alone. Not every Congress member, but on both sides of the aisle it is amazing how many are for sale, and how cheaply they can be bought. If you look at these influence transactions you see how little it takes, particularly in the context of how much the purchasing individual or corporation benefits from buying influence. What makes Boehner stand out is his crassness.
Doesn't it give you pause that the country sits still for this? We sit still for this.
These stories are like reading about the late Roman Empire.
WASHINGTON – House Democrats were preparing late last year for the first floor vote on the financial regulatory overhaul when Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio and other Republican leaders summoned more than 100 industry lobbyists and conservative political activists to Capitol Hill for a private strategy session.
The bill’s passage in the House already seemed inevitable. But Mr. Boehner and his deputies told the Wall Street lobbyists and trade association leaders that by teaming up, they could still perhaps block its final passage or at least water it down.
‘We need you to get out there and speak up against this,
