The Washington Post has a story today about Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers lobbyist Frederick L. Webber and his "epiphany" in the wake of Katrina. It seems Mr. Weber has realized that the constant political donations he shells out would be better spent helping people, and that the non-stop fundraising politicians feel the need to do hurts our democracy.
The Post seems to think this is significant news, never bothering to point out that lobbyists are part of the problem to begin with. The esteemed Mr. Webber might be frustrated with the system for a few minutes, but he obviously hopped right in, pressuring politicians to vote the way his association would prefer, and using political donations as the carrot to get his wishes fulfilled.
And now he wants out, and wonders why everyone won't follow.
Well, at least he'll be getting out of the game. One less lobbyist attending fundraisers and bugging the politicians supposed to be representing the little people would be great.
Spoke too soon:
Even Webber found himself attending a small political breakfast by week's end because, he said, "it was a reasonable request."
Congratulations, Mr. Webber, you've really struck a blow. I feel the winds of change.
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Article comments
1 - Nancy
A nanosecond of doubt is still a beginning. Considering the venal nature of lobbyists & politicians, this is akin to lightning striking, hence the attention in the Post.
2 - ryan
what a douche.