Big-Money Contributors Line Up for Inauguration

[stevedeshazer]

By Thomas B. Edsall and Jeffrey H. Birnbaum
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, January 13, 2005; Page A01

President Bush wants to lower barriers to building nuclear power plants, and the lobby that promotes nuclear energy could not be happier. To show its thanks, the group has given $100,000 to help pay for his inauguration.

"He's a big supporter," said John E. Kane, chief lobbyist for the Nuclear Energy Institute. "Our donation is just a small way of supporting him."

The nuclear energy industry's contribution is part of a record-breaking outpouring of corporate cash to next week's inaugural festivities. At least 88 companies and trade associations, along with 39 CEOs and top executives -- all with huge stakes in administration policies -- already have donated $18 million toward a $40 million goal for the country's 55th inaugural celebration.

Wall Street investment firms seeking to profit from private Social Security accounts; oil, gas and mining companies pushing the White House to revive a stalled energy-subsidy bill; and hotels and casinos seeking an influx of immigrant labor are among the 44 interests that have each given $250,000 and the 66 that have donated $100,000 to $225,000. And the money keeps pouring in.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A5058-2005Jan12.html
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More from the party of smaller government and personal responsibility. :eyes:

on edit: read the whole article. This uncovers a nest of D.C. and Texas vipers not normally seen in broad daylight, e.g. page A 01 Wash Post.

[Vincardog]

1. Why don't they volunteer to pick up the 17MM security tab that they plan

on sticking DC with? I think if hey do not want to pay for security Security should join the Turn Your Back protest. What do you think?

[Bozita]

2. Later, they'll line up to get what they paid for

How is this different from baksheesh?

[stevebreeze]

3. It is wrong to think of campaign contributions as a bribe.

It is so much more then that! The big money seeks out those who already support the economic elites agenda. That way you need far less money, as you are not buying votes just reminding those who already agree with you who got you where you are. The public interest in these convenient relationships is not forgotten, the public interest is the enemy.

[Zan_of_Texas]

4. See the entire list of generous donors.....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1488887#1490908

[highnooner]

5. Who will be having Corporate tents there?

Halliburton, Raytheon, Diebold....