Ex-Lobbyist: Most In Congress Accept Bribes !

So, you think you elect those baboons to represent you ? …Think again, bubby !

Nov 03, 2011

Ex-lobbyist: Most in Congress accept bribes

By Catalina Camia, USA TODAY

Disgraced lobbyist >> Jack Abramoff says >> the political system and Congress remain corrupt, > despite ethics rules put in place to curb influence peddling.

Abramoff, who served more than three years in federal prison, talked to CBS’ 60 Minutes for an interview airing Sunday. In excerpts provided by the network, the former high-powered Republican says nothing has changed since he pleaded guilty to bilking Indian tribes.

“The system hasn’t been cleaned up at all,” Abramoff says. “There’s an arrogance on the part of lobbyists … that no matter what they come up with … we’ll just find another way through.”

Abramoff was involved in one of the most far-reaching lobbying scandals in Washington. His colleague, Kevin Ring, was recently sentenced to 20 months in prison plus 30 months probation for his role.

In all, 20 people were convicted and the scandal ended the political career of GOP congressman Bob Ney of Ohio, who admitted taking bribes from Abramoff. In response to the scandal, Congress approved new ethics rules in 2007 that limit the travel and gifts lawmakers can accept from lobbyists.

>> Abramoff told Lesley Stahl of CBS >> that “very few members” of Congress don’t accept some form of bribery. >> He says  >> the top way to exert influence over a lawmaker is to promise a future, lucrative job to a staffer.

>>> “I am talking about giving a gift to somebody who makes a decision on behalf of the public >> and at the end of the day that’s really what bribery is,” >> “But it’s done every day and it’s still being done … >>> There were very few members … who didn’t at some level participate in that.”

Source: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2011/11/jack-abramoff-lobbyist-congress-bribes-/1?csp=34news

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