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davisął
Ethics and values for sale.


Corporate cash backs Bush inaugural bash


What do America's
big companies get
for all that money?

Everything they always wanted. Corporate whores and unethical, "bought and paid for" Republican power brokers all had a collective orgasm when they found out Bush won.




Blues legend B.B. King performed Tuesday night at a private affair closed to the public, but NBC managed to get a camera inside — to capture politicians partying, courtesy of some of the biggest companies in America.

We caught up with Rep. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who was talking to a lobbyist for telephone company MCI.

"Nothing wrong with a few corporate sponsors," said Rep. Wicker.

Was there any influence peddling going on?

"Oh, not any more than any other time," he said.

The parties are all legal. Dozens of companies do it, including NBC and its parent company, General Electric.

Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta attended the party thrown by General Motors.

"It's a time of festivity," he said. "It's inauguration."

And look who we found at a brunch hosted by gambling casinos — Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

"I have no idea who's paying for the lunch, thank you," Scalia told our camera.



This year, limos had to be brought in from New York just to meet the demand. Caterers call the parties more numerous and more grand than ever. Lobbyists call the expense both an investment and a cost of doing business. Critics call it buying access.

"The inauguration for lobbyists is a feeding ground," says Larry Noble, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics.

Even the official inaugural ceremonies are brought to you by a who's who of corporate America.

The top givers are Ameriquest and Marriott, which contributed $750,000 each. Almost 100 companies gave $100,000 or more.



Top donors to Inauguration 2005

What do big donors get?

Inaugural chairman Jeanne Phillips claims not much more than good tickets and briefly rubbing shoulders with the president. And, she says, the big contributions help make it all possible.

"[Without contributions] we would not have a free parade, we would not have a free fireworks celebration for families, we would not be able to entertain the soldiers who are coming this week," says Phillips.

Still, the most exclusive events are not free. Wednesday morning the president attended a brunch limited to those who gave $250,000. Wednesday night, it's three candlelight dinners that cost $2,500 per plate.

But one congressman has no use for complaints about corporate-funded celebrations.

"Anybody who is against that obviously must be a communist," says Rep. James Gibbons, R-Nev.

It's a snapshot of Inauguration 2005 — a celebration of democracy and deep corporate pockets.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6844539/

What a disgusting show of corporate corruption and payback. All US citizens who supported the Contract for America have been betrayed. But who gives a fucck as long as you get your cut?
Repub_Bub
QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 01:10 PM)
Everything they always wanted. Corporate whores and unethical, "bought and paid for" Republican power brokers all had a collective orgasm when they found out Bush won.


Do you never tire of the constant rant?
Bee
QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 08:10 AM)
Ethics and values for sale.
Corporate cash backs Bush inaugural bash
What do America's
big companies get
for all that money?

Everything they always wanted. Corporate whores and unethical, "bought and paid for" Republican power brokers all had a collective orgasm when they found out Bush won.


Blues legend B.B. King performed Tuesday night at a private affair closed to the public, but NBC managed to get a camera inside — to capture politicians partying, courtesy of some of the biggest companies in America.

We caught up with Rep. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who was talking to a lobbyist for telephone company MCI.

"Nothing wrong with a few corporate sponsors," said Rep. Wicker.

Was there any influence peddling going on?

"Oh, not any more than any other time," he said.

The parties are all legal. Dozens of companies do it, including NBC and its parent company, General Electric.

Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta attended the party thrown by General Motors.

"It's a time of festivity," he said. "It's inauguration."

And look who we found at a brunch hosted by gambling casinos — Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

"I have no idea who's paying for the lunch, thank you," Scalia told our camera.

This year, limos had to be brought in from New York just to meet the demand. Caterers call the parties more numerous and more grand than ever. Lobbyists call the expense both an investment and a cost of doing business. Critics call it buying access.

"The inauguration for lobbyists is a feeding ground," says Larry Noble, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics.

Even the official inaugural ceremonies are brought to you by a who's who of corporate America.

The top givers are Ameriquest and Marriott, which contributed $750,000 each. Almost 100 companies gave $100,000 or more.
Top donors to Inauguration 2005

What do big donors get?

Inaugural chairman Jeanne Phillips claims not much more than good tickets and briefly rubbing shoulders with the president. And, she says, the big contributions help make it all possible.

"[Without contributions] we would not have a free parade, we would not have a free fireworks celebration for families, we would not be able to entertain the soldiers who are coming this week," says Phillips.

Still, the most exclusive events are not free. Wednesday morning the president attended a brunch limited to those who gave $250,000. Wednesday night, it's three candlelight dinners that cost $2,500 per plate.

But one congressman has no use for complaints about corporate-funded celebrations.

"Anybody who is against that obviously must be a communist," says Rep. James Gibbons, R-Nev.

It's a snapshot of Inauguration 2005 — a celebration of democracy and deep corporate pockets.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6844539/

What a disgusting show of corporate corruption and payback. All US citizens  who supported the Contract for America have been betrayed. But who gives a fucck as long as you get your cut?
[right][snapback]41574[/snapback][/right]



The problem is that there are so many lies, so many trangressions, that Americans would rather ignore them them have to deal with them.

It's so much easier and pleasant that way.

I know this to be true.

I'm ignoring the most unpleasant trio of nitwits on this board, and things truly are a lot more pleasant--and interesting.

laugh.gif
davisął
QUOTE
The problem is that there are so many lies, so many trangressions, that Americans would rather ignore them them have to deal with them.


There are so many unethical things happening in government now, it's mind boggling.

You know, the upside is, any time anyone uses the "morals and values" argument to defend Republican's actions now, I will have more than enough ammunition to win any argument with anyone. (if they are honest that is)

By the time Bush is done, he'll have alienated all but the true-believers, the koolaid drinkers.

Nothing but a close, personal devastating loss will shock them into the truth. Financial ruin possibly, or maybe if one of them loses a son or daughter in Iraq it'll open their eyes.

Human Ills
QUOTE(Repub_Bub @ Jan 20 2005, 05:30 AM)
Do you never tire of the constant rant?
[right][snapback]41578[/snapback][/right]

He's a machine. A vibrating tool.
Mizilus
QUOTE(Repub_Bub @ Jan 20 2005, 05:30 AM)
Do you never tire of the constant rant?
[right][snapback]41578[/snapback][/right]



You ever tire of being a liar?
Bart Katz
Speaking of tools.. .. ...
davisął
QUOTE(Bart Katz @ Jan 20 2005, 09:50 AM)
Speaking of tools.. .. ...
[right][snapback]41655[/snapback][/right]



Where do you fit in the new order? You a loyal drone, are ya?

Praise Jesus while torturing or bombing all the Muslims?


Just what we need, the Confederate Fascists Party of 'Merca.

Got your 'mercan/confederate armbands ready? Or are you sticking with lapel pins?


Art.
So Dems will complain if they use taxpayer funds OR private funds for the inauguration?

I do love politics. There's always an argument.

Unless of course you just put everyone who disagrees on ignore. Is that sort of like only watching FOX news?
lil bart
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 10:06 AM)
So Dems will complain if they use taxpayer funds OR private funds for the inauguration?

I do love politics. There's always an argument.

Unless of course you just put everyone who disagrees on ignore.  Is that sort of like only watching FOX news?
[right][snapback]41714[/snapback][/right]


I would never put someone on "ignore" because we disagree. dry.gif
davisął
user posted image
davisął
user posted image
davisął
This one just may be my favorite.


user posted image
Mizilus
LOL

Ron Brownstein of the LA Times just slipped and accidently said, "...george w bitch, I mean, bush."

rofl
Art.
QUOTE(lil bart @ Jan 20 2005, 11:08 AM)
I would never put someone on "ignore" because we disagree.  dry.gif
[right][snapback]41717[/snapback][/right]


I would hope not. Yet some aren't so inclined. I got put on ignore by some guy at The Gaps after one post. laugh.gif Just pop by there now and then to converse with their owner and get attacked by some guy that thinks I suffer from "Christ-psychosis".
davisął
user posted image
Art.
QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 04:55 PM)
This one just may be my favorite.

[right][snapback]41856[/snapback][/right]


Exactly why the Dems don't want anyone to get rich. Ruins their "your vote for a subsistence check" plan.
lil bart
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 03:59 PM)
I would hope not. Yet some aren't so inclined. I got put on ignore by some guy at The Gaps after one post.  laugh.gif  Just pop by there now and then to converse with their owner and get attacked by some guy that thinks I suffer from "Christ-psychosis".
[right][snapback]41858[/snapback][/right]


Whatever that is. I think maybe that guy shouldn't meet davey-do.


QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 03:59 PM)
user posted image
[right][snapback]41859[/snapback][/right]


This one is my favorite. Cheap & dumb and truly roflorious.
davisął
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 06:02 PM)
Exactly why the Dems don't want anyone to get rich. Ruins their "your vote for a subsistence check" plan.
[right][snapback]41860[/snapback][/right]



What are you talking about? It's the Moneybags guy off of Monopoly.

Get it? Monopoly?

I have no idea where this comes from.

QUOTE
"your vote for a subsistence check"


I was for genuine welfare reform, not just shifting it to the rich and corporations like Bush did. I'm for getting people to work instead of either cutting them off completely with no opportunity or stringing them along for years with no motivation to improve themselves. That's another thing I'm in the center on. Not left or right. There is a balance. I understand the trap of welfare. I also understand people need help some time.

That's one thing I liked about the Contract for America era Republicans, they were for more fiscal responsibility. I probably wouldn't go as far as them but I wouldn't want the old system either.

You know, in all the time I've been at CSPAN I can't remember talking about welfare reform.
Art.
QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 05:20 PM)
What are you talking about? It's the Moneybags guy off of Monopoly.

Get it? Monopoly?


[right][snapback]41864[/snapback][/right]


If everyone got rich they'd be there, voting Republican.(by your own reasoning)

If all rich people vote Republican, why would Dems want anyone to get rich? If all poor people vote Dem, why would Reps want people poor?

I'm only using Democrat style cartoon logic.
davisął
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 06:25 PM)
If everyone got rich they'd be there, voting Republican.(by your own reasoning)

If all rich people vote Republican, why would Dems want anyone to get rich? If all poor people vote Dem, why would Reps want people poor?

I'm only using Democrat style cartoon logic.
[right][snapback]41865[/snapback][/right]


Oh give me a break. Republicans favor people with money. Business donated something like 10 to 1 to Republicans compared to Democrats. Don't go all weird over it. It's a political cartoon.

You don't think the rich are getting richer?
Art.
QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 05:33 PM)
Oh give me a break. Republicans favor people with money. Business donated something like 10 to 1 to Republicans compared to Democrats. Don't go all weird over it. It's a political cartoon.

You don't think the rich are getting richer?
[right][snapback]41868[/snapback][/right]


Not "going wierd", just noting the cartoon's logic cuts both ways. You're wrong on the amounts on business donations, but both sides have their benefactors. If you think unions or lawyers care about the average person for anything but a profit you're wrong as well.

I don't care so much about the rich as I do about the rest of us. It's like saying Bears 14 and asking me who is winning.
Nomarchy
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 05:46 PM)
Not "going wierd", just noting the cartoon's logic cuts both ways. You're wrong on the amounts on business donations, but both sides have their benefactors. If you think unions or lawyers care  about the average person for anything but a profit you're wrong as well.

I don't care so much about the rich as I do about the rest of us. It's like saying Bears 14 and asking me who is winning.
[right][snapback]41869[/snapback][/right]


Ok, so how have the rest of us been doing since 1977, say?
arebuntz
QUOTE(Nomarchy @ Jan 20 2005, 09:32 PM)
Ok, so how have the rest of us been doing since 1977, say?
[right][snapback]41872[/snapback][/right]

Great, fantastic, couldn't have been better.
Bart Katz
QUOTE(arebuntz @ Jan 20 2005, 08:06 PM)
Great, fantastic, couldn't have been better.
[right][snapback]41881[/snapback][/right]


Been going alright, myself.
lil bart
Ok .. well ... we're two up!
Art.
QUOTE(Nomarchy @ Jan 20 2005, 06:32 PM)
Ok, so how have the rest of us been doing since 1977, say?
[right][snapback]41872[/snapback][/right]


Not as much casual sex, that's for sure. Why 1977? I recall we were all worried about nuclear annihilation, now were only competing in the marketplace and not for nuclear superiority.

Things change.
Repub_Bub
QUOTE(Nomarchy @ Jan 21 2005, 01:32 AM)
Ok, so how have the rest of us been doing since 1977, say?
[right][snapback]41872[/snapback][/right]

Ok, gonna be a fine four years....OK with you?
Art.
QUOTE(arebuntz @ Jan 20 2005, 07:06 PM)
Great, fantastic, couldn't have been better.
[right][snapback]41881[/snapback][/right]


By the looks of that shiny new collar things must be pretty good.
Bart Katz
If things have gotten, are so bad, then why don't we have any nere do well posters posting here? I just don't see any.

My nephew was homeless, but I took himi in, and now he's manager. Did I do the right thing?
lil bart
QUOTE(Bart Katz @ Jan 20 2005, 06:39 PM)
If things have gotten, are so bad, then why don't we have any nere do well posters posting here?  I just don't see any.

My nephew was homeless, but I took himi in, and now he's manager.  Did I do the right thing?
[right][snapback]41923[/snapback][/right]


The ne'er do well posters can't get enough computer time at the library.

You & your nephew are good for each other. smile.gif I didn't even know you took him in when he was down 'n out.
Bart Katz
QUOTE(lil bart @ Jan 20 2005, 08:47 PM)
The ne'er do well posters can't get enough computer time at the library.

You & your nephew are good for each other.  smile.gif  I didn't even know you took him in when he was down 'n out.
[right][snapback]41926[/snapback][/right]


Mama and Papa bird threw him out of the nest and he couldn't fly so good. sad.gif
Art.
QUOTE(lil bart @ Jan 20 2005, 07:47 PM)


You & your nephew are good for each other.  smile.gif  I didn't even know you took him in when he was down 'n out.
[right][snapback]41926[/snapback][/right]


Darn bleeding hearts.
Mizilus
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 04:25 PM)
If everyone got rich they'd be there, voting Republican.(by your own reasoning)

If all rich people vote Republican, why would Dems want anyone to get rich? If all poor people vote Dem, why would Reps want people poor?

I'm only using Democrat style cartoon logic.
[right][snapback]41865[/snapback][/right]



Why would repuslickans want people poor? I dunno. Why do they keep ripping people off?
Mizilus
Maybe they want poor people to keep pat (liquor officer) robertson in business.
davisął
QUOTE(Mizilus @ Jan 20 2005, 08:55 PM)
Why would repuslickans want people poor? I dunno. Why do they keep ripping people off?
[right][snapback]41930[/snapback][/right]


Because poor people can't afford good attorneys.

Did you see this week they were talking about sheilding a manufacturer of a drug or device from lawsuits if they are approved by the FDA? There is a lot of room for wrong doing there. Less oversight = more casualties.

The medical field is already full of nightmare cases of criminal negligence. Now the companies are handed a "get out of jail free card".
davisął
Hey miz, you seem awful calm on this board compared to the HeadHunterChief days.

What gives?
Bart Katz
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 08:52 PM)
Darn bleeding hearts.
[right][snapback]41929[/snapback][/right]


He couldn't get on welfare.
Art.
QUOTE(Bart Katz @ Jan 20 2005, 08:06 PM)
He couldn't get on welfare.
[right][snapback]41936[/snapback][/right]


In the long run he'll probably be a lot better off. If he ever hits the lottery maybe it will be payback time.
Mizilus
QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 07:05 PM)
Hey miz, you seem awful calm on this board compared to the HeadHunterChief days.

What gives?
[right][snapback]41935[/snapback][/right]


My headhunter costume is at the cleaners and that bone in my nose hurts like hell so I can only wear it so long.

As to being calm there are far fewer simply retarded arrogant lying reich wingers here. Still a few, but we dont have to deal with the likes of LP, manofsteelbeams, and cleburne. You know, the real true believer koolaid swillers.
davisął
QUOTE(Mizilus @ Jan 20 2005, 09:20 PM)
My headhunter costume is at the cleaners and that bone in my nose hurts like hell so I can only wear it so long.

As to being calm there are far fewer simply retarded arrogant lying reich wingers here. Still  a few, but we dont have to deal with the likes of LP, manofsteelbeams, and cleburne. You know, the real true believer koolaid swillers.
[right][snapback]41945[/snapback][/right]



Actually I had Cleburne agreeing that Ollie North and other Republican folk were consorting with Islamic terrorists and drug dealers when Manosteelbeams still wanted proof. Of course mano still defended them after I posted parts of the report. Seems cleburne had some reservations about some of the Iran/Contra crap.

He could be stubborn but wasn't near as bad as LP or mano. It was a start.
Mizilus
Yeah well you can lead some monkeys to the banana and still have to peel it for 'em
Bart Katz
I love it when the ignored posts come in clusters. Very neat and compact.
davisął
QUOTE(Mizilus @ Jan 20 2005, 09:29 PM)
Yeah well you can lead some monkeys to the banana and still have to peel it for 'em
[right][snapback]41952[/snapback][/right]



laugh.gif yep. there are a few who aren't quite delusional.

The Bush followers are like the Heaven's Gate cult. They have little concept of reality, future or past.
Mizilus
bush

you can butter that turd all you want and its still gonna taste like sh_t.
Art.
QUOTE(Mizilus @ Jan 20 2005, 08:35 PM)
bush

you can butter that turd all you want and its still gonna taste like poopy.
[right][snapback]41956[/snapback][/right]



Buttered turd a big delicacy around there?
Mizilus
thats funny. I was just saying to myself (outloud), "f__kin arti."

And look who shows up.
Art.
I'm eating plain cauliflower. Buttered turd would have more flavor. (stinkin' healthy food)
davisął
QUOTE(Arturo_Vandelay @ Jan 20 2005, 09:42 PM)
I'm eating plain cauliflower. Buttered turd would have more flavor. (stinkin' healthy food)
[right][snapback]41960[/snapback][/right]



rabbit food. I'd rather eat the rabbit.
Art.
QUOTE(davisął @ Jan 20 2005, 08:48 PM)
rabbit food. I'd rather eat the rabbit.
[right][snapback]41963[/snapback][/right]


They used to have those at the store, Pel-freeze brand. Not as bad as the Mexican grocer with the cow head in the freezer section. Eyeballs and big smiling teeth up above the rim of the freezer. Chock full of heady goodness.
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