Telecom Immunity Flip-Floppers Got More Telecom Money

ya really notes a nice analysis by Maplight.org indicating that those Democratic representatives who changed their vote on telecom immunity between March and June received on average 40% more in contributions from telecom interests than those Democrats who held firm. Maplight asks, "Why did these ninety-four House members have a change of heart? Their constituents deserve answers." Across both parties, representatives who voted for immunity in June had received almost twice as much telecom money as those who voted against. Wired's coverage includes a quote from Larry Lessig, who is on the Maplight board: "Money corrupts the process of reasoning. [Lawmakers] get a sixth sense of how what they do might affect how they raise money."

Save Money

[kmsigel]

We could have outsourced this flip-flopping to India for a lot less than was paid to members of congress.

To quote...

[Monkey_Genius]

C. Montgomery Burns; "Damn their oily hides!"

Re:Accountability

[Tubal-Cain]

Really? If I were burying a politician head-first in the sand, I would want to bury him up to the ankles.

Calvin and Hobbes

[Rob Simpson]

"I don't know which is worse...that everyone has his price, or that the price is always so low."

Re:Accountability

[Jason Levine]

No, no, no.

You bury the politicians up to their ankles. You did get the head first part right, though.

Re:Save Money

[Big Hairy Ian]

Why not just outsource congress it's not like the QOS could drop any further.

Re:Accountability

[Dexx]

Makes sense - get 'em at the larval stage, before they mature into politicians.