Is that satire? (4.00 / 2)

Or is that really list of events put out by the Blue Dogs. If it is that's hilarious.

John McCain: Beacuse lobbyists should have more power

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by: Populista @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 19:43:16 PM CDT

Hmm. . . (0.00 / 0)

It will be interesting to see who shows up for this event.

If lots of people show up, it may signify that the push-back campaign against Open Left's Bush Dog Campaign is gathering momentum.

If it is a flop, it may signify that the term "Blue Dog" is on its way to being regarded pejoratively even by Blue Dogs and their fellow travelers.

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by: Nancy Bordier @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 19:48:16 PM CDT

how will we know who shows up? (0.00 / 0)

It's by invitation only.

I assume my own Congressman Leonard Boswell will be there.

Join the Iowa progressive community at Bleeding Heartland.

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by: desmoinesdem @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 19:57:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

We'll find out (0.00 / 0)

One way or another.

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by: Nancy Bordier @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 20:18:25 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

if lots of people show up (0.00 / 0)

for a party, it really only proves that lots of people like to party.  Especially if it's on AT&T

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by: Querent @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 20:47:26 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

It's so repulsive (4.00 / 4)

It's so repulsive as to seem like a joke. Unfortunately, they are probably completely serious. It's disgusting to talk about being fiscally conservative while actively selling out the government to corporate interests. Thanks for posting this. It helps to keep thing in perspective about the challenges faced by the progressive movement.  

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by: Mark Wallace @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 20:12:38 PM CDT

"Fiscal conservative" is an oxymoron. (0.00 / 0)

Always was. It sounds impressive to the rubes but it was always code for "silly voters, welfare is for rich white men."

Montani semper liberi

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by: Sadie Baker @ Mon Aug 25, 2008 at 06:34:47 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Paging Al Wynn... (4.00 / 3)

... anyone want to place bets on whether or not he'll be there? A telecom's picking up the bill, after all.

John McCain thinks we haven't spent enough time in Iraq

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by: Aviva @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 21:12:41 PM CDT

The very definition of clueless (0.00 / 0)

assuming it is genuine.

John McCain doesn't care about Vets.

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by: MC @ Sun Aug 24, 2008 at 22:35:49 PM CDT

Can't one be fiscally conservative without supporting these awful corporations? (4.00 / 1)

It seems the term "fiscally conservative" is actually a euphamism for "someone who takes money from Exxon/AT&T."

These are two extremely powerful corporations with way too much power. Taking money from them or supporting them isn't being "conservative" at all. Both of them try their hardest for government subsidies and legislation which protects their monopolies.

I consider myself somewhat "fiscally conservative," in that in most cases I like the free-market capitalism (with the proper regulations). I just don't see how supporting monopolies and corporate welfare jives with this label. In both cases the candidates are actually just supporting the interests of corporate America over the interest of consumers (actual Americans). I believe much can/should be done to help promote our businesses and make sure they are strong and that our country has a strong trade deficit. Unfortunately many of the so-called "fiscal conservatives" are actually just using this label as an excuse to collect money from corrupt interests to help them be reelected/remain in power.

End this war. Stop John McCain. Cindy McCain is filthy rich.

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by: wiretapp @ Mon Aug 25, 2008 at 02:11:30 AM CDT

In Germany, up to three years in jail (0.00 / 0)

§331 SGB (1), acceptance of benefits by a public official:
Any public official, or someone drafted for public service, who demands a benefit for himself or a third person for his public service, let it be promised, or accepts it, shall be fined or imprisoned no more than three years [translation mine]

Of course, it's important what is viewed as a benefit. If a company picks up the restaurant tap for a meeting that focusses on a public contract or another matter that belongs to the normal duties of an official or representative, that's ok. If the representative is only of several guests at a party of that company, and there's a connection to his duties (say, the opening ceremony for a new airport, or something), that's also ok. But if the same company would pick up the bill for a party of that representative, say, his birthday, that would be regarded as criminal.

Sounds great, but in reality, only few officials ever get fined under §331. The best law doesn't help much when there's no real determination on enforcing it.  

Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter

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by: Gray @ Mon Aug 25, 2008 at 05:47:42 AM CDT