Lots of whining going on, RE: Senator Kerry setting limits on partying by TARP-funded banks

[babylonsister]

http://undertheinfluence.nationaljournal.com/2009/02/groups-rebuke-kerry.php

Groups Rebuke Kerry Over TARP Funds

The party's over, folks.

That's the message Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., sent to all the banks receiving funds from the Troubled Asset Relief Program in a bill he introduced Tuesday. Lobbying groups, however, argue that the "parties" in question are the lifeblood of an industry employing hundreds of thousands of people. Kerry's legislation would put even more people out of jobs, the groups claim.

Kerry's bill would prevent TARP-funded banks from "hosting, sponsoring or paying for conferences, holiday parties and other entertainment events." It appears as though Northern Trust Bank's Hollywood getaway was the last straw for Kerry. The bank, which received $1.5 billion in bailout assistance, recently flew hundreds of employees and clients to Los Angeles and reportedly hosted "a series of lavish parties and concerts."

The American Society of Association Executives, the U.S. Travel Association and 10 hotel chains are pushing back. The ASAE sent a letter {PDF} to Kerry Thursday urging him to "consider the unintended fallout of your proposed legislation." Ten major hotel chains, including the Hilton and Marriott, began running online ads on political newspaper sites highlighting the number of travel-related jobs lost in 2008. Geoff Freeman, the travel association's senior vice president of public affairs, called Kerry's bill just the latest move in a government-wide "witch hunt."

Whitney Smith, a spokeswoman in Kerry's office, said the senator has received "overwhelming support" for the bill, and stands by its purpose regardless of lobbyist reaction against it.

[robinlynne]

1. wtf. If people on welfare were hosting lavish parties, the GOP would be all over it!

[PretzelWarrior]

2. F*** them. Economy sucks. The bank's money should be used to help

the greater economy....not throw some offscourings to some hotels and restaurants while the pretty and powerful go whoop it up on taxpayer money.

IT IS WRONG. I applaud Senator Kerry.

[SoCalNative]

3. Let the CEOs spend their money

from their bonuses and over-inflated salaries to pay for the parties if they want to have them.

[w4rma]

4. The parties are over, Banksters. (nt)

[madrchsod]

5. bcci buster kerry back on the job....

[bumblebee1]

6. I lnow, I know, bankers.

Senator Kerry is such a party pooper. :mad: