For those who think we spend too much, are improperly influenced or just wonder why our government can’t seem to function as intended for the benefit of the people, here are a couple of items picked up from Political Wire.
The first, reported by the Boston Globe, shows that 80% of three and four star generals go to work as defense consultants or take jobs as executives with defense contractors when they retire.
“The generals are, in many cases, recruited for private sector roles well before they retire, raising questions about their independence and judgment while still in uniform. The Pentagon is aware and even supports this practice.”
The second, reported yesterday by the Washington Post, points out that House and Senate members routinely raise money from groups interested in legislation while they are working on legislation affecting those interest groups.
“The campaign donations often came from contributors with major stakes riding on the lawmakers’ actions.”
“The rules say that such sensitive timing could give the appearance that donors are improperly influencing decisions.”
Ya think?
Author’s Note: I’d love to link readers to Political Wire [politicalwire.com], the Boston Globe [boston.com] and the Washington Post [washingtonpost.com], but seem unable to create links at the moment…Pentagon interference?…or am I just being paranoid?
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.