Corruption at the highest levels, again - Abramoff and Rove

[Rach3]

Corruption at the highest levels, again.

Abramoff and Rove Had 82 Contacts, Report Says

The House Government Reform Committee report, based on e-mail messages and other records subpoenaed from Mr. Abramoff’s lobbying firm, found 485 contacts between Mr. Abramoff’s lobbying team and White House officials from 2001 to 2004, including 82 with Mr. Rove’s office.

The lobbyists spent almost $25,000 in meals and drinks for the White House officials and provided them with tickets to numerous sporting events and concerts, according to the report, scheduled for release Friday.

The authors of the report said it was generally unclear from available records whether the aides reimbursed Mr. Abramoff for the meals or tickets.. Ethics rules bar White House officials from accepting lobbyists’ gifts worth more than $20.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/29/washington/29abramoff.html?_r=1&ref=washington&oref=slogin

 

[Astronuc]

http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=newsOne&storyID=2006-09-29T221643Z_01_N29366934_RTRUKOC_0_US-ABRAMOFF.xml&WTmodLoc=Home-C2-TopNews-newsOne-7

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats called on the White House on Friday to explain a congressional report showing many contacts with Jack Abramoff, but aides to President George W. Bush dismissed the notion the disgraced lobbyist wielded any influence.

Abramoff and his associates have pleaded guilty to conspiracy, fraud and related crimes, in an influence-peddling scandal that Democrats are using this election season to wrest control of Congress from the Republicans.

"For months, White House officials have refused to be straight with the American people about Jack Abramoff," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

"Now we know the truth: a disgraced lobbyist traded perks and campaign contributions for special access to the Bush White House," she said.

A report by a House of Representatives panel found Abramoff and his lobbying team had about 485 contacts with the White House, including 10 with Karl Rove, who is Bush's top political adviser.

E-mails and billing records were used to compile the report by the House Government Reform Committee that looked at the period spanning three years ended in 2003.

So it's 10 contacts with Rove and 82 contacts with Rove's office. No surprise that the democrats will make as big a deal as possible during the next 5 weeks.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

Corruption at the highest levels is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed and dealt with swiftly. It is disheartening to see individuals in positions of power and influence engage in unethical and illegal practices. The findings of the House Government Reform Committee's report on the connections between Jack Abramoff and Karl Rove are alarming and raise serious questions about the integrity of our government officials.

It is crucial for our leaders to uphold ethical standards and avoid any conflicts of interest, especially when it comes to dealings with lobbyists. The fact that these contacts and exchanges of gifts took place is deeply concerning and undermines the trust and confidence of the public in our government.

It is imperative that investigations are conducted to determine the extent of the corruption and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The ethics rules in place are meant to prevent such situations and it is unacceptable for them to be disregarded.

I believe in the importance of evidence-based decision making and the need for transparency and accountability in all aspects of our society, including government. Corruption at any level is detrimental to the progress and well-being of our nation and it is our responsibility to demand and work towards a government that operates with integrity and serves the best interests of its citizens.