bustardblog

Greed

I understand that in today's Republican controlled Washington, you have to pay to play. I just can't understand how they determine the rates.

• If you wanted to have a picnic lunch today with Senators John McCain and Linc Chaffee - it would have cost you $40.00. This fundraiser is being held in Rhode Island today from 12-2:00. 2 Senators, 2 hours, $40.00: So you're paying $10.00 per hour per Senator. (Plus you get Lunch)
• For access to Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Bill Thomas, the conservative American Enterprise Institute paid $873.81 per waking hour. In June of 2005 they spent $27,962.00 for him to spend  2 days in Beaver Creek, CO. (I am assuming that they had access to him 16 hours a day.) Appropriately enough, it was for a conference on entitlements.

Greed is not just good to these people; it is GOD

Bush vs. Carter

If you need further instruction on the difference between a Democrat and a Republican, please read this article in today's NY Times.

After serving as President for one term, President Carter started a foundation. One of its varied goals was the eradication of a horribly painful, disgusting, destructive disease - Guinea Worm. Carter used the fame and the connections he gained while President to fight it. In 1986 there were 3,000,000 cases. In 2005 there were 11,000- "thanks to a relentless 20 year campaign led by former President Jimmy Carter."

After serving as President for one term, President George H.W. Bush joined the Carlyle Group. Bush used the fame and connections he gained while President to, amongst other extremely remunerative activities, sell arms to the Saudis. On September 10, 2001, the former President was doing business with a brother of Osama Bin Laden.

One uses power to do good, one to further enrich himself.