The People's Work

We all know Tom DeLay is the king of political money raising in America. DeLay and his fellow indicted, mobster-affliated, money shuffler Jack Abramoff certainly have made for a well-oiled machine of political influence peddling. But you probably didn't realize just how well-oiled it has been:

Over the past six years, the former House majority leader and his associates have visited places of luxury most Americans have never seen, often getting there aboard corporate jets arranged by lobbyists and other special interests.

Public documents reviewed by The Associated Press tell the story: at least 48 visits to golf clubs and resorts; 100 flights aboard company planes; 200 stays at hotels, many world-class; and 500 meals at restaurants, some averaging nearly $200 for a dinner for two.

Of course, none of this is paid for by Tom DeLay but by flush campaign donors who are more than happy to entertain the influential Republican. Who says money can't buy love?

I took a little trip in the way back machine and found this little nugget. Here is what Tom DeLay had to say about the obvious graft he saw in Congress when he first moved into the House leadership:

The time has come that the American people know exactly what their Representatives are doing here in Washington. Are they feeding at the public trough, taking lobbyist-paid vacations, getting wined and dined by special interest groups? Or are they working hard to represent their constituents? The people, the American people, have a right to know...I say the best disinfectant is full disclosure, not isolation.
- U.S. Rep.Tom DeLay, 11/16/95

Tom DeLay claimed to be steamin' mad at dirt back in those long forgotten days of the GOP's Contract with America. Remember that quaint notion?