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Hours After Pelosi Backs off on Public Option, Health Lobbyist Announces Fundraiser in Her Honor

Posted by David Sirota, Open Left at 3:47 PM on September 11, 2009.


Corruption and legalized bribery has become so widespread that nobody in Washington even tries to hide it.

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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the first time yesterday suggested she may be backing off her support of the public option. According to CNN, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid "said they would support any provision that increases competition and accessibility for health insurance - whether or not it is the public option favored by most Democrats." When "asked if inclusion of a public option was a non-negotiable demand - as her previous statements had indicated  Pelosi ruled out any non-negotiable positions," according to CNN.

This announcement came just hours before Steve Elmendorf, a registered UnitedHealth lobbyist and the head of UnitedHealth's lobbying firm Elmendorf Strategies, blasted this email invitation throughout Washington, D.C. I just happened to get my hands on a copy of the invitation from a source - check out this OpenLeft exclusive:

 

From: Steve Elmendorf [mailto:steve@elmendorfstrategies.com]
Sent: Friday, September 11, 2009 8:31 AM
Subject: event with Speaker Pelosi at my home

You are cordially invited to a reception with

Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi

Thursday, September 24, 2009
6:30pm ~ 8:00pm

At the home of
Steve Elmendorf
2301 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Apt. 7B
Washington, D.C.

$5,000 PAC
$2,400 Individual

To RSVP or for additional information please contact
Carmela Clendening at (202) 485-3508 or clendening@dccc.org

Steve Elmendorf            
ELMENDORF STRATEGIES
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SOLUTIONS
900 7th Street NW Suite 750  Washington DC 20001
(202) 737-1655

Again, Elmendorf is a registered lobbyist for UnitedHealth, and his firm's website brags about its work for UnitedHealth on its website (Elmendorf was also a chief of staff for Democratic Minority Leader Dick Gephardt).

The sequencing here is important: Pelosi makes her announcement and then just hours later, the fundraising invitation goes out. Coincidental? I'm guessing no - these things rarely ever are.

I wrote a book a few years ago called Hostile Takeover whose premise was that corruption and legalized bribery has become so widespread that nobody in Washington even tries to hide it. This is about as good an example of that truism as I've ever seen.

Digg!

David Sirota was the top spokesman for Democrats on the House Appropriations Committee. He is currently writing a book on the middle class economic squeeze for Crown Publishers. You can contact him at Davidsirota.com.


Best Little Whorehouse in Washington
In town teeming with corporate brothels, the best little whorehouse in definitely the New Democratic Caucus.
October 1, 2009.
An Idiot's Guide to Tom Friedman's Idiocy
Tom Friedman may be the single stupidest figure in American public life, and certainly is the supidest writer with such a large platform.
September 24, 2009.
The Wrong Kind of Pressure from Obama?
Is Obama pushing progressives to drop the public option?
September 16, 2009.
Sign of the Apocalypse: Mike "Heckuva Job Brownie" Now Hosting Radio As a Political/Gov't Expert
I. Shit. You. Not.
August 12, 2009.
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View:
Kucinich IS Right ... Kill This Health Care Bill ...
Posted by: mmckinl on Sep 11, 2009 4:30 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Kill HR 3200 ... it is now nothing but welfare for Insurance and Pharma Companies ...

The betrayal of Pelosi is the last straw ...

We absolutely, positively need to support third party candidates ... with votes and money ...

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Kucinich ought to be the Speaker of the House. Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
Kucinich Interview ... A Must See ...
Posted by: mmckinl on Sep 11, 2009 4:39 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
4 minute interview

A LITTLE OVER 4 MINUTES ... THE SHAM IN A NUTSHELL

And NOW Pelosi kicks us to the curb ... after promising a public option !

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Congress Sucks and the Senate Blows
Posted by: Hiroak on Sep 11, 2009 4:54 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Congress Sucks and the Senate Blows that's why it's so windy in Washington. Pelosi is a joke or worse, Biden is a sellout, BO is lost, Republicans are, well, what they are. I will never vote for a major party candidate again.

I will state again I once thought this country was the best hope for the world now it is the bane of enlightenment and a scourge on the world the faster we dissolve the better.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

I don't know which is more infuriating...
Posted by: Rusty Shackleford on Sep 11, 2009 8:17 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...
The Democrats, who lie and deceive the public by telling them what they want to hear just to get elected, or the republicans who make no secret of their resentment of the common man.

Nancy Pelosi was a promising individual in some respects, but now... She's just like all the rest: a sellout to the health industry. Wasn't it just about a week ago from right now that she issued her latest statement or two, reiterating that the house democrats would NOT pass any bill that didn't contain a public option? What the hell does she think she's doing? Oh yeah. Telling the liberals and progressives what they want to hear, but fucking around with the big interests instead. Democrats are hypocrites. At least republicans are all assholes all the time.

We can't trust Washington anymore. That system is so twisted and so corrupt, that I will bet my bottom dollar that there is no way to actually fix it. It's broken beyond repair, regardless of who we try to vote in.

We talk about a massive shift to third party candidates, but you DO realize that that's just us Liberals talking, right? That conversation doesn't include the blue-collar, working class conservatives, who will CONTINUE to elect the same republican assholes, who are completely bought and paid for by big businesses, and who don't actually care for their constituents.

Over the last few months, I've become more and more convinced that our system isn't going to help, short of a full-scale revolution. Whether that means some bloody coup by the proletariat of Washington, or numerous states seceding from the union, or something else, we're not going to get what we want until this country is changed at some fundamental level, or dissolved completely.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Wrong .. Posted by: lanerdion
Ask About Congressional Party Dues
Posted by: graycat3 on Sep 12, 2009 4:08 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
So email your Congressman. Ask him/her how much their Party dues are. Read the article in the New York Times, Oct, 2006. In order to keep their Party's support Congressmen pay between $90,000 to $600,000/year. They make about $180,000/year. For Pelosi the dues are $50,000/month. Where do you think she comes up with the "vig". I don't send her any money, do you?

Congressmen, you gotta love 'em. Hate unions, but belong to the two most power "unions" in the country, the Democratic Union or the Republican Union. Hate the public option for the public, but love it for themselves and their families. I suggest that we never hire the same person twice, until we break the "union's" backs. No career politicians, period.

So ask, "Why does a man pay on half to three time his annual salary to keep a $180,000/year job? And where does he get the money? Email me the list of donors."

See if you get a response from your Congressmen.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

The bargaining paid off, Nancy. Good job.
Posted by: peterjkraus on Sep 12, 2009 5:58 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The non-negotiability of the "public option" that Nancy Pelosi kept reassuring us was central in passing health care legislation has finally done what it was intended to do: paid off nicely in Health Care Industry bribes. So now, it can be dropped in favor of whatever the Industry decides to replace it with.

Notice my capitalization of health care industry? For the same reason God is capitalized.

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Not so Fast
Posted by: Gaubladt on Sep 12, 2009 7:33 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Is it possible that this is a "dirty trick"?
E-mail and phone in the above article reference Carmela Clendening as the go-to person for the campaign donation party. But the following url indicates that Ms. Clendening wasn't working with Speaker Pelosi after 2/18/09:
http://www.filamimage.com/articles/2009_022009embassy.html

"...Carmela Clendening, a former aide of Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a victory reception at
the Philippine Embassy 2/18/09"

So, why would she be holding an event for a representative with whom she is no longer working?

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Not so Fast Posted by: djnoll
» RE: Not so Fast Posted by: aichbe
Where is Holder?
Posted by: weathered on Sep 12, 2009 7:37 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
conflicts of interests, bribes and favors abound.

congress is in the business of public disservice and the MSM monster keeps it that way.

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

So Nancy Pelosi bargained for the biggest BRIBE?
Posted by: weslen1 on Sep 12, 2009 7:54 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Where's the surprise coming from? Nancy Pelosi "betrayed" us?
Nancy Pelosi betrayed us 3 minutes after she took her "OATH" as Speaker of the House, WITH HER FINGERS CROSSED, and announced that "IMPEACHMENT IS OFF THE TABLE"! PERIOD! If Nancy Pelosi had not SHIRKED HER DUTY to OBEY the Constitution and Impeach Bush and Cheney for their OBVIOUS WAR CRIMES and OTHER HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS we would not have people, emboldened by the successes of the FAR RIGHT WACKOS, bringing assault weapons to greet the President of the United States, the President of the United States would not be in mortal DANGER from the CIA operatives who threaten his death IF his DOJ succeeds in PROSECUTING THEIR WAR CRIMES.
If SHE had not shirked her Constitutional DUTY, the worst and most dangerous people out there, the Cheneys and Bush's and Rummys and Roves and Yoos and Addingtons et al, would be in Maximum Security LOCKUP where they belong with NO communication with their paid KILLERS, Blackwater would be dissolved, ALL Prince's ill gotten gains confiscated and KBR and Halliburton closed forever.
If she had not shirked her DUTY, our MILITARY leaders would be working for the COUNTRY and not sending their troops out with orders to "kill human beings FOR JESUS".
Nancy Pelosi is ALMOST single handedly RESPONSIBLE, by IGNORING her Constitutional DUTY to UPHOLD the laws of this land, for whatever comes NEXT from the Wackos in CONGRESS who've been given a pat on the head and a "well done" instead of the censure and even expulsion for their OWN criminal activities AND their UNNATURAL HATRED of the President JUST BECAUSE HE'S NOT IN THEIR INNER CIRCLE OF WACKOS AND AMERICA HATERS.
While THEY might take "exception" at being CALLED AMERICA HATERS, maybe they just better take a look at the people they kiss up to in their hatred and take a stock of those who scream on CAMERA that they HATE AMERICA and HATE THE FLAG and talk about BURNING the FLAG and SPITTING ON THE FLAG and YET, in their crazy MINDS think of themselves as PATRIOTS.
Those people are POSTER CHILDREN for the need to OUTLAW HOME SCHOOLING because they sure aren't being EDUCATED!
Nancy Pelosi BETRAYED US? Well she's just one of MANY! But that's what ALL congress has been about for a very long time so she was the BEST ONE FOR THE JOB!

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And this surprises anyone, because...
Posted by: djnoll on Sep 12, 2009 7:56 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This woman is an economic opportunist, a political bitch that goes where the money is not where the people are. She took impeachment off the table as soon as Bush offered her husband a large, no-bid contract. Now she takes public option off the table and gets another reward. She is not a fool - she saw what happened this week in South Carolina when people across the nation donated to Rob Miller's account. Now it is time to start thinking about doing the same thing to a progressive Democrats campaign against her in 2010. SHE AND HARRY REID NEED TO GO! THEY ARE NOTHING BY PAID FOR WHORES SELLING OUT OUR RIGHTS AND OUR COUNTRY TO THE HIGHEST BIDDERS!

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Peee-ewww-losi
Posted by: QQOblivion on Sep 12, 2009 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Peee-ewww-losi has ALWAYS been a traitor to America. And what is really sickening is that the MSM considers her to be a "liberal", maybe even TOO LIBERAL in the opinion of Americans!

Now we know that she took Bush's "impeachment off the table" because she was complicit herself in the torture program. She is a traitor. Impeach HER!
(And Harry Reid too.)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

Peee-ewww-losi
Posted by: QQOblivion on Sep 12, 2009 9:09 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Peee-ewww-losi has ALWAYS been a traitor to America. And what is really sickening is that the MSM considers her to be a "liberal", maybe even TOO LIBERAL in the opinion of Americans!

Now we know that she took Bush's "impeachment off the table" because she was complicit herself in the torture program. She is a traitor. Impeach HER!
(And Harry Reid too.)

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» Sorry, internet hickup Posted by: QQOblivion
Sirota Should Also List Corporate and Lobby "Donations" to Blue Dog Dems and Republicans in Congress
Posted by: hadashito on Sep 12, 2009 11:54 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Agreed. The Congress has been bought out top to bottom by corporate interests - - and, yes, they don't even try to hide it.
We don't own our own country anymore. The CEO's with
$multi-billion portfolios and their industries own us all and see to it that the country is run their way.
BUT - -
To give us the bad news that Pleosi has blatantly "accepted" a few measly $thousands from a lobby (although I'm sure she has gotten a lot more than that altogether), Sirota should at least be fair and list the $zillions that each of the Blue Dog Dems and the Congressional Republicans have garnered in bribes just from the med. and med. insurance industries alone - not even counting the rest, which would make your eyes pop out. And the bribes are all a matter of record if one cares dig all out all of that info stored away in Washington somewhere (by the Congress ?). Yes, I know that would be a lot of work, but why do we have the (Constituionally mandated) media if not to keep the our representatives honest ? [That's just a bitter joke, of course].
No doubt Congressional Democrats get a share of such bribes, but when it comes to "accepting" bribes, the Congressional Republicans, who are the corporations' partners in this boondoggle, make the Dems look like they're just beginning to learn the tricks of the game.
What we need is a revolution of some sort. But it's probably too late. If the ridiculously large corporate and trade union bribes to members of Congress were to be widely publicized,say, by the media (if we could ever wake them up !), instead of buried in reports somewhere in the gov't files, maybe the electorate might vote the worst of the bums out of office and the message might get through to them. But I doubt it. American voters are so hung up on party loyalty and ideology that even the worst crooks among their representatives are re-elected.
Take Rep. Joe "YOU LIE" Wilson of S. Carolina, for instance. He's well known as an absolute idiot among Congressional and media circles in DC, but you can bet he'll be re-elected by his red-neck constuituents no matter how big a moron he is and how much bribe money (especially from the med./med insurance industries) he stuffs away in his campaign coffers. However, maybe this time he's gone too far, and this latest outrage may unseat him at last - -beacuse his Dem opponent is accepting "conbtributions" faster than he is of late.
Let's face it. The members of Congress depend heavily on large bribes from corporations, lobbys, and trade unions because the
American electorate allows it.
We will very soon be a country like Italy which is a reasonably stable republic (after WWII) like the U S A, but where corruption is rampant, the government is incompetent, and tied tightly to organized crime. So the Italian people simply accept the inevitable, ignore their government, avoid paying taxes a much as possible, play footsie with the Mafia, cheat (tourists, each other, and the gov't) as much as they can get away with, and live their lives without caring about the continuing debacle that is their government. They are what we call a "mature" republic.
Sound cynical ? So what else is there ?

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With Pelosi, it's not a matter of IF she'll sell out...
Posted by: pelican beak on Sep 12, 2009 3:45 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
... it's simply a matter of WHEN she'll sell out.

It does no good to win elections when Pelosi and Reid control legislative agenda.

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» Great point and I agree. To replace them, Posted by: JenniferBedingfield
The so-called "public option" was in favor of Big Insurance more than the people to begin with.
Posted by: JenniferBedingfield on Sep 12, 2009 9:07 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
In that sense, the "public option" might as well go. Had there been a true public option put in place that actually puts coverage first and reins in Big Insurance, that option would have been harder to defeat. For those in SF who voted for Nancy Pelosi last year over Cindy Sheehan, how do you like it now? Dennis Kucinich could have been the Speaker of the House instead.

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» Bait & Switch Posted by: weightman
there is an answer
Posted by: barefeet on Sep 13, 2009 12:58 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Just forget our nightmarish money-run government system and have Obama by fiat initiate a creaking open to single payer, socialistic government-provided and taxpayer-paid health care under the aegis of medicaid and other government-provided health care programs, and on a Medicare-like basis.

It may take years but there would be a sea-change over from our present system of paying insurance companies for NOTHING.


Yes, it may open a near civil war in this country between the left and right but that is overdue anyway.

Hopefully it may help America to a true representative democratic government by getting rid of the office of Chief Executive in this country and the entire senate, both of which do nothing but make a mockery of true representative democracy .

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HEY! WE'VE GOT THE TIME, PLACE AND THE ADDRESS!
Posted by: Longdream on Sep 13, 2009 1:57 PM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let's crash the thing! We'll find out if it's really going on, and if it's really Ms. Nancy's party.

Appropriate Sign: "I voted Democratic, and all I got was this lousy Congress."

What's everybody doing next Thursday?

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Draft Matt Gonzalez to run against Pelosi
Posted by: greenferret on Sep 13, 2009 2:09 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Nancy Pelosi is arrogant, out of touch, and failing to represent her constituents or the voters who gave her party a super-majority in Washington. She needs a wake-up call.

Matt Gonzalez earned 47% of the vote for San Francisco Mayor in 2003. He can beat out-of-touch Nancy Pelosi and give voice in Congress to all of us who want to end the wars, enact Medicare for all, restore the Constitution, and put people before profits.

Join the movement to draft Matt Gonzalez to run against Nancy Pelosi in 2010!

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We have been screwed again..................
Posted by: peridot on Sep 14, 2009 4:13 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is probably better to kill 'reform' than to accept Obama's frightening prescription. I fear his treatment may well kill the patient.

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It all really blew up after 8 years of Bush
Posted by: timenotonmyside on Sep 14, 2009 5:15 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Thursday's annual Census Bureau report on income, poverty and access to health care-the Bureau's principal report card on the well-being of average Americans-closes the books on the economic record of George W. Bush.


It's not a record many Republicans are likely to point to with pride.


On every major measurement, the Census Bureau report shows that the country lost ground during Bush's two terms. While Bush was in office, the median household income declined, poverty increased, childhood poverty increased even more, and the number of Americans without health insurance spiked. By contrast, the country's condition improved on each of those measures during Bill Clinton's two terms, often substantially.


The Census' final report card on Bush's record presents an intriguing backdrop to today's economic debate. Bush built his economic strategy around tax cuts, passing large reductions both in 2001 and 2003. Congressional Republicans are insisting that a similar agenda focused on tax cuts offers better prospects of reviving the economy than President Obama's combination of some tax cuts with heavy government spending. But the bleak economic results from Bush's two terms, tarnish, to put it mildly, the idea that tax cuts represent an economic silver bullet.


But as we all know, tax cuts is all the GOP can talk about - I just don't get it.

Aren't any of these bubbas hurting?

Are all these bubbas millionaires?

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"Progress" is a Process
Posted by: Purple Girl on Sep 14, 2009 5:35 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
We have a 'Public Option'. Infact we have at least two open to the public, it's just a matter of changing the crriteria. Lower the age for Medicare Coverage and increase the income restrictions for Medicaid.
Come on folks we know how Washington works- Amendments. So wait for a Bill the Repugs and their Laps dogs write and/or can not refuse and add these changes as amendments.It's called ...'Making them an offer they can't refuse'.
so when they try to pass a bill that helps women keep their babies....We add wording which affords all americans that right to unhindered care and support. God knows we can't deny such Rights to White males- that would be Racist and Sexist.
I for one hate 'amendments' which have absolutely no relevance to the body of the Bill- but perhaps we should use this as a means to insert Liberal ideals- going through the back door like these assholes have done for Decades.
As a Single payer supporter- I am not freaking out, I'm plotting our next move. Medicare and Medicaid can offer Healthcare to all, thus be the Goal we hope to Ultimately achieve.
Take the 'Public option' verbage out of the limelight (and the Corp whores Arsenal) and work from the 'Shadows'- like Cheney. We know these morons of the Right lose interest when they conversion gets too complicated. Stick the changes in a Bill you can't misrepresent- 'The Right to Life' bill.

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No “Public Option” Means So Health Insurance For Millions
Posted by: Ross Wolf on Sep 14, 2009 5:57 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Obama repeatedly has said he wants a Health Bill that will ensure that insurance companies provide medical coverage for Citizens with preexisting conditions: but never mentions whether that insurance need be affordable. Democrats mention charging Americans a $750 penalty that “opt-out” buying health insurance, but never clarify whether Americans should be forced to pay the $750 penalty, when the reason for opting out, was because they could not afford the higher costs of health insurance. Could Americans denied a “Public Option” get caught in a trap where they can pay the $750 penalty but not the higher costs of health insurance? Obama has discussed government-subsidized premiums for the poor, but never clarified what constitutes a poor person. Millions of Americans that own homes have no money to buy health insurance, will they be classified as poor under a Health bill or qualify for Obama’s proposed government-subsidized premiums?

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The surest sign...
Posted by: mercianomad on Sep 14, 2009 7:10 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The surest sign that this is horrendous corporate sleezery is that not one of the usual Alternet right wing trolls has anything to say about this article. This should be front and center too, not just on the side caps.

The neocon cognitive dissonance must be terrible. "Wait, she's supposed to be a liberal commie!"

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» RE: The surest sign... Posted by: shinseiji
» RE: The surest sign... Posted by: mercianomad
Just wait, you ain't heard nothin yet!
Posted by: warrior woman on Sep 14, 2009 7:30 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Supreme Court to hear campaign finance case
By Reid Wilson - 09/07/09 06:29 PM ET http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/
57553-high-court-ruling-may-have-
huge-impact-on-2010-elections
"The Supreme Court on Wednesday will hear arguments from campaign finance reform advocates and opponents in a case many insiders say will be the most significant decision in more than 35 years.
The case the court will hear, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, has the potential to overturn key elements of campaign finance law that prevent corporate spending on elections, a move that would open the door to millions of dollars that could not be spent previously.
"This is the biggest case in campaign finance law, really, since Buckley v. Valeo in 1976," said Rob Kelner, a partner at Covington & Burling and a leading Republican election lawyer. "It has the potential to make the 2010 election the first one in the living memory of most American adults in which huge volumes of corporate money are thrown into the process."

That decision "would have a devastating impact for citizens and for the democratic process," said Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, a pro-reform group. "It would unleash the immense wealth of corporations on Washington government decision making and open the door to enormous amounts to be spent by corporations to buy influence with federal officeholders."

The case started simply enough; late last term, the court heard arguments over whether Citizens United, the conservative nonprofit organization, could run a documentary attacking former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The documentary was partially funded by corporate contributions, which the Federal Election Commission (FEC) said was a violation of campaign law.

Federal campaign law also prohibits outside groups from running advertisements in the final 30 days before a primary election and 60 days before a general, and the FEC asserted the documentary violated that provision as well.

But instead of deciding narrowly on the documentary itself, as Chief Justice John Roberts has urged his colleagues in the past, the court declined to rule on the case. Instead, on Wednesday, the court will hear arguments over whether it should re-evaluate two previously decided cases.

One, McConnell v. FEC, tested whether outside groups could run ads within the primary- or general-election window. The other, Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce, upheld a century-old restriction on corporate money in political campaigns.

Ordering new arguments on a case is rare, as is a special session to be held before the traditional opening of the court's term in October. The court has also extended the time allotted for arguments from 60 minutes to 80, in order to allow congressional sponsors of campaign finance laws, including attorneys for Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Russ Feingold (D-Wis.), to make their case.

The unusual circumstances, election law experts say, could lead to an unprecedented change in the way campaigns are run.

"For more than a century, Congress has banned corporate expenditures in connection with federal elections, and the Supreme Court has indicated an interest in having a case like that reheard," said Marc Elias, the Democratic election lawyer at Perkins Coie.

For those who see campaign spending as a logical extension of the First Amendment guarantee for free speech, the case presents opportunities they could not have guessed at, thanks largely to Roberts and Associate Justice Samuel Alito, President George W. Bush's two appointees to the high court.

"The Roberts court, in recent years taking these cases, has really signaled that the 1st Amendment is no longer a speed bump on the way to stricter campaign finance legislation," said William McGinley, the Patton Boggs atty. "

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Alternet...Put This Article On the Home Page
Posted by: picket on Sep 14, 2009 7:59 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It is not surprising that our so called leaders are bought for a price. They look so innocent while doing it. Let us not let them do it in the dark. The corruption needs to be broadcast from the highest mountain.
.

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Told you so! Vote Green!
Posted by: Alan8 on Sep 14, 2009 9:15 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The corporate-financed Democrats won't give us decent health care.

It's a SCAM to get you to vote for them.

For REAL change, vote GREEN!. The Green Party has been backing Medicare For All forever.

If you vote Democratic (for whatever reason) YOU are allowing these betrayals to continue, and YOU are part of the problem.

Vote Green!

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» RE: Told you so! Vote Green! Posted by: greenferret
Term Limits in all Government Posts!! EXTORTION!!
Posted by: Frugalvoter on Sep 14, 2009 10:05 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Is it bribery or extortion? With Gangster government and gangster unions having all the power what is a company to do? Pay the protection fee or stand down and be put out of business? Gangster government never lets a good crisis go to waste! They will create a crisis to meet their objective.

Government is too big now! This is the evidence! TERM LIMITS FOR ALL!!!!

When a politician makes unbelievable promises
look hard at who will really gain. It isn't the people clue # one. They will pat you on the back with one hand and pick your pocket with the other unless you already have nothing then you are thrown under the bus!

With term limits they can't get that big and can't make the connections!

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Single Payer = Gov Controle = TYRANNY!
Posted by: Frugalvoter on Sep 14, 2009 10:24 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Government should be OUT OF healthcare period. They are the greatest contributor to the problem. If allowed to compete across state lines health insurance could be competetive and free market would cause the lowest possible premiums. Tarp reform at the state level would stop the unnecessary tests and proceedures done to cover the doctor and hospital from frivolous lawsuits. Another cost saving that isn't addressed.

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The distruction of true health care reform
Posted by: Shama on Sep 14, 2009 10:56 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
No public option, no real cost control, every one required to purchase health insurance with a government premium subsidy - this is simply the private insurance industry’s dream come true. This sell out, this insurance industry welfare plan, will haunt the democratic party for a generation. Why vote Democratic as nothing changes? Although I like the proposed concepts of no refusal of coverage and no cancellation, if you think that insurance companies will simply offer these changes at no increased cost, you are either a dreamer or your mental capacity is limited. Insurance company actuaries already have morbidity tables to price these changes. In addition, Obama’s proposed unlimited benefits will also not come free and might face a reinsurance capacity problem unless he exempts all employer plans. If you think big government that doesn’t need to make a profit is a problem, wait until you see how the for profit only, too big to fail, insurance oligopolies address your future medical care under Wall Street’s careful guidance. Single payer which has always been the best option was rejected by Obama and now he and the Democrat Congress are on track to eliminate a public option, the only step toward true reform in our healthcare for profit system.

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TRANSPARENCY Business Practices
Posted by: Kimberly on Sep 14, 2009 11:45 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
[CITE: 48CFR3][Page 38-62] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 3--IMPROPER BUSINESS PRACTICES AND PERSONAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Subpart 3.1--Safeguards
The general rule is to avoid strictly any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in Government-Contractor relationships. While many Federal laws and regulations place restrictions on the actions of Government personnel, their official conduct must, in addition, be such that they would have no reluctance to make a full public disclosure of their actions.
.
TRANSPARENCY - OPM illegal agreement with U.S. Attorneys and Federal HMO Hospital Insurance Service Contract PROVIDERS - T5CFR890.105 systematic Denial of COVERED T42CFR409.33 Post Hospital Extended Care Service Claims FEHB|HMO T42CFR417.1 systematic Denial of COVERED T42CFR409.33 Post Hospital Extended Care Service Claims - anti-dumping violation, to force - fraud by fright, illegal HCFA State Medicaid Kickback Conversion - * Alternate Dispute Resolution T18CFR242CRIME - racketeering
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Subj: RE: US Attornies conceal Hospital HMO Insurance fraud
Date: 9/22/2005 1:47:54 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: NewCase.ATR@usdoj.gov
To: LawISAmootIssue@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Dear Ms. Kimball:
Thank you for contacting the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. Upon review of your email [ DOJ and HHS|OIG T18CFR242CRIME Alternate Dispute Resolution T18CFR371CRIME ], we have determined that your complaint does not fall under the purview of the Division.
Thank you for your interest in the enforcement of federal antitrust laws, and we wish you the best in resolving your concerns.
Sincerely,
New Case Unit
Antitrust Division
.
From: Antitrust.Complaints@usdoj.gov
To: JustmyOpnion@aol.com
Sent: 8/20/2009 4:32:50 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: RE: Citizens of Michigan DENIED civil and criminal rights BY DOJ
Thank you for contacting the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. The Citizen Complaint Center receives, reviews and files complaints and concerns [ OPM T18CFR242CRIME deprivation of Rights T6CFR900.401 ]. We are prohibited from providing legal advice or offering opinions on whether conduct may violate the law. However, if you have a complaint, we would be happy to receive it.
We appreciate your interest in the enforcement of federal antitrust laws.
Sincerely,
Citizen Complaint Center
Antitrust Division
Department of Justice
.
Sincerely,
All ENTITLED Federal Employee Health Beneficiaries & the General Public in Region 5 HCFA, who are being criminally denied HHS T42CFR417.1 Existing ( Federal State Private ) HMO Health Insurance Coverage, illegally billed for HMO denied covered claims and forced into HCFA State Medicaid Programs for the POOR. Title18CFR1001Crime. 1998 still pending 2009, denial of civil and criminal rights - reporting waste fraud and abuse - Color of Law, alternate dispute resolution T18CFR242CRIME.

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agreed... the healthcare debate is over... and the insurance companies won
Posted by: Bearzerker on Sep 14, 2009 3:28 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
nt

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leftbank
Posted by: markw4786 on Sep 14, 2009 5:23 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Next time you vote for a Democrat, remember this.

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Washington reads
Posted by: osd on Sep 15, 2009 8:42 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
like the treasonous horses they are. Not many there that aren't paid for by the "Military Industrial Congressional Complex." Liars and thieves abound.

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PELOSI IS A JOKE again
Posted by: reelman on Sep 17, 2009 5:42 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
PELOSI…VIOLENCE CRY MAKES ME SICK

SEPT 17.2009…THERE WILL BE BLOOD: PELOSI WARNS OF POLITICAL ‘VIOLENCE’
This baloney is coming from a top leader of the socialist democrat party!
This kooky party recently sent union goons to bite off fingers, to block access, to chant what they were told earlier…..
they allow their thugs with nightsticks to stand at voting entrances…..have a (video) history of filthy-mouthed trashy looking supporters that leave a huge litter mess while flipping off people and making personally vulgar signs having nothing to do with the issues at hand…..
they even hire people to pretend to be conservatives (aka repubs) and do damage!

This democrat party is a criminal enterprise. This party will accuse others of what it does or is about to do as a matter of course.
Its a party that does not read huge bills or allow others time to read them…on purpose. Its a party infested with tax cheats and nepotism.
Its a party with the sole goal of staying in the congress 40+ years to achieve total control over every American.
Its a party that is known for voter fraud and giving America 9 trillion in new debt on its vote-buying spree.
Its a party that will lie about lying then refuse to answer questions about either.

The democrat party has a factual (even filmed) history of ugly violence going back to the late 1960s…when it “was heroic and American” (they said)…..now that millions of voters have finally had enough lying secular socialism…..we get these crocodile tears from the fountainhead of political thugism! They never change and they never blush….because they have no shame and no respect…..its part of the mental disorder we call modern liberalism.

The fringe media cannot change their full diapers any longer……the game is up…..many millions are no longer fooled by either.

http://conservablogs.com/theconservativecrawfish

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