Combatting Corruption in Gov: What Can be Done?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the issue of corruption in government, particularly in relation to lobbying practices and the influence of private interests on public policy. Participants explore various examples of perceived corruption and question the effectiveness of current measures to combat it.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant highlights the hiring of a lobbyist from the EPA by Southern Co. and expresses concern over the transparency of such actions, suggesting it indicates a conflict of interest.
  • Another participant suggests that the situation is indicative of broader corruption, referencing Halliburton as a notable example.
  • A different participant points to a perceived pattern of corruption within the current administration, citing the actions of Richard Wiley as part of this trend.
  • One participant raises concerns about the commercial use of public spaces, specifically mentioning events involving celebrities and corporations, arguing that this undermines the intended purpose of these spaces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a general consensus on the existence of corruption in government, but there are differing views on specific examples and the implications of these actions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding effective solutions to combat corruption.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various examples of lobbying and public influence without providing detailed analysis or consensus on the implications of these actions. The discussion lacks a clear framework for addressing the identified issues.

Dissident Dan
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http://www.ajc.com/business/content/business/0903/03southern.html?urac=n&urvf=10627878396970.43001185796167174
Southern Co. hired a new congressional lobbyist this week, and a Washington D.C.-based environmental group is calling foul.

The lobbyist, John Pemberton, is currently a senior official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's air division, which delivered a key victory to Southern Co. and other coal-fired utility companies last week.

http://www.capitaleye.org/inside.asp?ID=85
Richard Wiley, a senior partner in the Washington lobbying powerhouse Wiley, Rein and Fielding, knows a thing or two about media ownership rules. As FCC chairman in 1975, Wiley supported the ban on newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership.

The proliferation of cable TV stations and the Web, however, changed his mind. These days he is among the staunchest advocates for relaxing the ownership limits. He is so often seen at the FCC—advocating the interests of media clients including Belo Corp., Clear Channel and Gannett—he is known to many as the unofficial "sixth commissioner." In an interview with Capital Eye, Wiley discussed the lobbying strategy of his clients.


These sorts of things should be transparent to people (especially the Pemberton one)...These administrators are in the hands of those that they are supposed to be regulating.

Such corruption is a horrible detriment to the people and the government. What can be done to combat the corruption.?
 
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****, if you think those examples are bad google Halliburton.
 
Yeah, I've known about the cheney ridiculously-obvious conspiracy for a while now. Obviously, the Richard Wiley thing had nothing to do with this administration, but I see a very strong pattern of corruption in this admin.
 
Don't forget about the recent blatantly commercial use of the D.C. Mall including Brittney spears, Pepsi, and NFL football promotion by the President.
"Are you ready for some football?" he asks. The purpose of the Mall is
1)Rememberance
2)Observance
3)Protest
according to its French Architect.