Disgraced former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who virtually became a byword for corrupt lobbying in Washington D.C. is a changed man. So changed, in fact, that he seeks federal laws to prevent someone like him from flourishing.
Abramoff became infamous for selling influence to tribes that were interested in building casinos.
As have many crusaders before him, Abramoff has in his gun sights, “the corrupting influence of money on public policy.”
Before he was convicted on charges of federal fraud and tax evasions several years ago Abramoff came clean on his methods, a sort of “how to” book on dirty lobbying and influence peddling. His methods included bribing members of Congress with campaign contributions, sports and concert tickets, free meals and golf getaways. He also obtained cushy jobs for staff members.
In 2006 when he pleaded guilty to federal charges, Abramoff is said to have controlled 100 members of Congress from both parties and used them to help his Native American clients.
Abramoff’s solution for poisoning the waters to prevent fish such as he once was from swimming in them include banning corporations, special interests or individuals from contributing money to elected officials.
During a recent speech to a group of reforming activists Abramoff declared, “Our ethos was, if you are going to lose, don’t come back alive.” He added, “That’s great if it’s a movie … but it’s terrible for life. You can’t live like that.”
He also said, “There is nobody in politics who is giving big money and is not asking for something back. If we don’t fix this, it is going to undo our government.”
