Op-Ed: Corrupted Congress Inevitably Corrupts Democratic Process

(BEND, Ore.) - Small personal story among my most pertinent memories of early days in Washington, D.C. working for a national association: I was in close contact then with what later became K Street, now notorious for heavy-lavish lobbyist "campaign contributions" shaping our destiny and that of our democracy.

This is the memorable scene encountered - actually, in a crowded Congressional corridor, not so far "off the floor."

One of my newly-made contacts, representing a then-very large producer of a basic "media machine" (to remain unnamed here albeit now out of business), had a handful of light-blue letter-size envelopes. He strolled nonchalantly through the crowded corridor, every so often button-holing a Congressman or their staff colleagues, bestowing on each at least one envelope. Some got two, a few even three.

Intrigued, I naively asked him what he was handing out. SO he handed me an envelope, too, carefully retaining his solid grip on the other end. Right on the face, in handwriting-style type, it read: "This contribution comes to you in recognition of your valued contributions."

Soon thereafter things like that changed, somewhat for the better, but "continued corporate corruption constantly concentrated on consolidating strong corporate efforts to control and promote continuing deregulation, privatization, and globalization are now historic events."

When I asked "Why light-blue?" regarding the envelopes, his answer was: "Plain-white ones would be far too obvious."

That was my introduction to "corporate campaign contributions" and the fraudulent legal assumptions on which it is known to be based.

Recent reports on the rapacious developments along now-notorious K Street count the lobbyist population, every one representing an individualized "special interest" - at over 60,000; thus overwhelming and outgunning our chosen and sometimes even honestly elected democratic representatives "pledged to the commonweal as their first and primary interest and responsibility."

Everything Congressional and, in many states, also Legislative, has gone downhill more and more rapidly, ever since; until now we are well aware of what is the reality in this world today: The democratic process on which the Foumding Fathers based their hopes - and shaped to offset their prescient fears, too has been allowed to deteriorate to the pernicious point of possible fatal failure, if allowed to continue only a little more.

In Oregon, for instance, we recently found that $500,000 was reportedly the key to lock up party-based opposition to any sensible solution for Big Tobacco tax-contribution via product-fee; forcing the sure-thing vote-by-initiative which - albeit forcing Big T to lavish many millions on determined media-channel attacks, ended by neatly rescuing many, many millions more in otherwise-lost "profits per package sold".

That reality-status is still so strong that some leading lobbyist-concerned forces, right here in Oregon, have currently sought continuing legal protections for the very questionable "right to speak" politically for corporations, at the heart of this whole issue.

That issue now revolves around the charter-granting right originally left to state control; but which corporations, now in very realistic command of much national policy, hope to see sent to D.C.

"Corporate campaign contributions" are clearly, if not so very cleanly - the major contributor (no pun!) to this concentrated proof of that political aphorism, well-known to every politician for its personal impacts: "Money is how you measure success in this game."

But, indeed, now, it is no longer "a democratic political game, but has become merely a manipulative business-for-business, in itself."

Yet there is no possible question that entirely fraudulent "human personhood" conferred on the corporate format known for centuries as only a legal fiction has been cannily and craftily promoted to its present major consequences by careful, cautious and controlled action continuing for many years; emanating entirely from known corporate powers, applied at every turn, in every court, and with compelling corporate money-power driving every action.

Books have been written and whole investigative careers devoted to the essential realities in how this has been accomplished: By dint of long-continued lobbying and legal effort by corporate-paid perpetrators at every level, in both legislative and court bases-for-effort.

The key court-decisions involved were basically decisive of small amounts (as little as $10 or $20) in tax-payments assessed by states against corporations; who then undertook the years-long, highly costly and long-continued court-struggles, simply and solely to distort and pervert Constitutional provisions primarily meant by Congress to protect, preserve and strengthen the transition of former slaves to full and democratic citizenship.

"Corporate personhood" is, legally, closely tied to application of the principles on which the Fourteenth Amendment was built by good faith Congressional action --and now used 100 to 1 for corporate defense purposes pertaining directly to "corporate personhood"; rather than the reasonable and rational original-intent of Congressional action; and despite conditions imposed during rapid acceptance by both the state and the legal components of our famed U.S. governance combination.

In combination by sharp legal minds, well/compensated from corporate funds, you may be sure the near-impossible task was finally achieved.

But NOT by actual court-action --ONLY by "head-note" on a key case, added by inference initiated by the court reporter.

It is on that ephemeral and insubstantial basis that this entire assembly of "overwhelming corporate money-power has been unleashed, with all its 'unforeseen' consequences not only nationally, but in corporate governance now around the world".

The decision done in D.C. overnight by the EPA, reported elsewhere in these channels today, is clearly a desperate attempt to avoid the now-focusing attention of Congressional leaders, shut down during the Christmas recess.

This is simply one more display of neocon power presented to eager corporate task-masters in denial and defiance of what the Founding Fathers wrote into our Constitution, clearly awarding corporate control via charter and other measures to the individual states.

These neocons now recognize the inevitable erosion of their once- inestimable powers once possessed, in the face of the ever-more-obvious "new progressive surge" being reported across the nation --led, again, by the spreading American labor union renaissance also a remarkable achievement now underway --and the topic of a forthcoming Op Ed, too.

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Reader’s Note: See also several Op Eds published during this past year, listed in STAFF reference to HCR writings. Quotes are summarized, shortened or condensed and combined; verbatim sources available on request to editor with much further detailed documentation from files kept since my D.C. days on this topic.

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Jefferson January 2, 2008 7:15 pm (Pacific time)

Yes Henry/TFI I did have an engine tuned up to handle pulling a heavy four-horse trailer with dressing room. This allows one less vehicle to be used when my grand-daughters attend different horse shows (while they also raise money for, e.g. , Vietnam (combat) disabled veterans, many with PTSD). Thanks for asking. And no I did not use my kicker check, you see Henry/TFI I have retired and have left myself with essentially capital gain(s) taxes to deal with, but of course there are various property taxes, etc. , but I have set up financing (similar to a life estate, but not) to minimize my heirs exposure from paying to much in taxes down the line. Remember you told me I was going to hell? You are the person that will be residing there, via a primary source. Life is good Henry/YFI, may yours improve. Try watching FOX and listen to Rush, he can help you, he really can, unless you are channeling Ivins?

Henry Ruark January 1, 2008 7:02 pm (Pacific time)

N-N et al: Forgot to ask if you DID buy that gas-guzzling new carburetor for your SUV, as stated in original comment from you re

Henry Ruark January 1, 2008 3:59 pm (Pacific time)

N-N et al: Got so excited at possible strong stories coming up on two strong prospective "interviews", I forgot to give you this one, which you may recognize since in your name. "Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law,' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the right of an individual."--Thomas Jefferson to Isaac H. Tiffany, 1819

Henry Ruark January 1, 2008 3:54 pm (Pacific time)

N-N: Might reassure you none of the three major authors of history texts I have in mind is "socialist" or in any possible way tied to "communist" label, either. One has been, until recently, the leading textbook in sales volume nationally, dunno now since no time to check that basic fact. Happens have been in intermittent contact with all of them for more than 20 years, starting with Ed.D. project which involved content check in then-current texts. Each is simple, easy contact and do believe one or more may be willing to participate. IF we carry off either this one, or the North "interview", we sure as h... make a bit of history ourselves, right here on S-N...ready or not !!! I await your response and note of your willingness to participate in this intriguing concept, surely strong for this open, honest, good faith, democratic dialog-channel.

Neal Feldman January 1, 2008 2:01 pm (Pacific time)

Jefferson - Oliver North is as much a 'patriot' of the US as Benedict Arnold was. He violated his oath, he violated the law. He abused his position. Nice to see how you define 'patriot'. Deal with it. Ah well...

Henry Ruark January 1, 2008 1:22 pm (Pacific time)

N-N: Occurs to me you might wish to meet and debate one or other of several major historical textbook authors, as you claim to have done with Sen. Morse. IF so, happens I have ongoing correspondence with several and will be happy to seek such written, recorded, phone or in-person comparison of views (not necessarily a "confrontation") for you. Let me know your availability via Tim, and we can set up, in written form here if you lack confidence to meet selected-author otherwise. But don't bring your waterboard; not permitted here, and probably unneeded to obtain frank, open, honest, and unmodulated responses from them to your expected points. NO kidding on this one...call my offer if you dare.

Henry Ruark January 1, 2008 12:59 pm (Pacific time)

To all: For the record, again, here for all to see and understand: personal-professional attack began with this Op Ed, which presents indisputable data re cororate contrivance and impact on our lifestles, and with several others reviewing and reporting on Summit conference on corporation redesign. His quarrel is with trends he is unable to accept, not really with me...I just happen to be messenger with momentum in world his military and neocon life cannot accept. Which I understand, and accept, too, since that's part of price for writing for public acceptance, especially with growing audience perhaps working on same problems. Have you read preceding Op Eds ? If not, available in STAFF-HCR note with channel to archives. "See with own eyes"and "use own brain", then return with more Comment, at my special invitation. What can be more open, friendly, democratic and professional than that ?

Henry Ruark January 1, 2008 6:48 am (Pacific time)

N-N: Your action re North-comment typical of other revealing steps taken by you here. No problem: If opportunity presents, happy to interview him publicly, now, anytime, anywheres. On tv-news, if possible. I must note that your similar comments re FDR, Morse, and others impossible for same treatment --they all departed, fact of which you must be aware. OR are you still tuned to that era and period even on such mundane details > Rest of your philosophy, as revealed here, would indicate that might be reasonable assumption, which helps to explain ongoing obfuscation from behind tree, typical of many-then, including those who controlled North. He IS noted for clandestine work in defiance of Marine oath, in most histories I check. Which is why he was tried and convicted on coverup carried out at high levels.

Jefferson December 31, 2007 2:50 pm (Pacific time)

Henry/TFI I have forwarded your assessment of Col. North to his private email for his review. I am sure he will be greatly concerned about your uninformed opinion. P.S. Yeah, the statement, LTC North is a patriot, sure bothers some people and guess what, they seem to be non-combatants, but I'm sure others feel differently. People Col. North (retired) has made over 12 seperate trips to Iraq, and you would be hard-pressed to find many military personnel who would say negative things about him. Please assess Henry/TFI's comments in that light. cc: on/fl

Henry Ruark December 31, 2007 12:25 pm (Pacific time)

N-N: To place North on that high pedestal is to redefine the heights of absurdity. But with military so heavy in your own "career", that is expectable, especially in light of what Eisenhower said so sharply about that ongoing cabal, and what Gen. Smedley Butler, a true Marine, also stated re his findings after a lifetime of such service. But keep that trigger finger supple, any way you can; and don't forget your waterboarding apparatus, you may need it at any time for simple self-protection.

Jefferson December 31, 2007 10:00 am (Pacific time)

Ollie North is great patriot. That statement seems to bother some people.

Henry Ruark December 31, 2007 6:03 am (Pacific time)

To all: STILL awaiting any sign of acceptance on Op Ed invitation (read now "demand") to N-N. By this Comment publicly, seek from Editor Tim his own invitation by contact with N-N, if that is possible within our S-N system. If not, perhaps note here endorsing idea of such open, public, honest, documented "confrontation" by both of us as professional production of Point-By-Point facing-Op Eds might do the trick...if trick it takes to bring N-N into compliance with what is here demanded of others. As in John Dewey definition of democratic dialog, truly the heart of the issue here and now on this valuable site, threatened by ongoing malign attack intended to delay, deny and defy what many feel is really demanded to protect and preserve our remnant of real republic, per canny old Ben Franklin's statement familiar to all.

Henry Ruark December 30, 2007 3:47 pm (Pacific time)

To all: See Comment under Education story.

Henry Ruark December 30, 2007 11:48 am (Pacific time)

To all: Note unequivocal superior feeling re self and his own operation of military units here: "I think could have made it (qualified) in one of my former units." That's Col. Ollie North of whom he is still somewhat doubtful if "could have made it" in HIS surely-superior and supersharp unit. How psycho can one get and still operate as if capable of anything but continuing self-denial of realities ? Open question for any old geek, myself included, is test of behavior and statements, completely revealing for all to see, contemplate, appreciate and understand.

Neal Feldman December 30, 2007 10:48 am (Pacific time)

Jefferson - I see... so if the criminal is a darling of the neocons he is a 'patriot' huh? LOL! And the delusional hits from the neocon nitwit just keep on coming. Gotta love it! Watch your anger level you don't want to have a stroke. Who else is as much fun as you to make fun of by simply pointing out the truth? Ah well...

Henry Ruark December 30, 2007 8:14 am (Pacific time)

To all: North's own revealing record in revelation of role played for Reagan is historic fact. N-N statement here endorses what was treason then, and remains so no matter what N-N may choose to state now in further desperate defense of own military commitment. "Remorse" never happened, never does with all such simplistic seekers for own very personal satisfactions in psychological situation thus provided, including that great thrill when finally squeezing trigger...as learned from real vets really interviewed, long ago.

Jefferson December 29, 2007 1:04 pm (Pacific time)

Feldman, Ollie North is one terrific patriot, he's the only marine I've gotten to know (albeit briefly), I think could have made it (qualified) in one of my former units. But the point I was making feldman with the below list of congressional convicts, were they were elected, get it Goron! Did IQ"s just suddenly drop for you lefty's?

Henry Ruark December 29, 2007 12:55 pm (Pacific time)

"Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." That's the true Jefferson; so why defy, deny, demean and damage in any way what the S-N seeks to do in this open, honest, democratic channel depending on good faith usage by readership ? Tells you all you need ever know re this rant, rage, reduction to absurdity attack ongoing now ever since we twanged N-N's string re kicker statement reflecting his major generala attitudes.

Henry Ruark December 29, 2007 12:31 pm (Pacific time)

Simple fact that even GOP leaders now accept reality of such real corruption in heavy crony capitalism and Iraq corporate largesse that they avoid this issue. "See with own eyes" in current D.C. coverage by major media. Dems were "outside" for twelve long years, with heavy investigative agency control firmly in GOP (read neocon) hands, and even with control of Supremes, per controversial decisions still festering at root of our judicial system. Some of decisions cited are known to have been manipulated and "managed";some are on appeal, fact N-N never mentioned Others are legitimate -some bad apples in any group, especially given political money-pressures created by neocon demands on corporations. Personally not supported either party for some years, on evidence at hand re what's reported in Op Ed. Some corporations now refusing to pay up for legislative delivery on special interest deals, esp. with neocons known to seek full compensation without any action --which is why N-N so eager to establish list he cites so lovingly, in advance of stories sure to come soon. But expect any kind of possible smoke-screen from past, from N-N, unable to ID self for some strange reason, while fullofstuff re all others - and naturally always ready for waterboarding when available for psychological satisfactions.

Neal Feldman December 29, 2007 12:10 pm (Pacific time)

Jefferson - Remorse? LOL List is nearly endless of neocon criminals but here is one, convicted, clearly guilty of the crimes charged, never pardoned but hailed as a hero of the neocon right... Oliver North. Where is his remorse? You cherry pick just like Cheney. Neocon to the end it seems. Ah well...

Jefferson December 29, 2007 11:23 am (Pacific time)

People (and Henry) regarding your 12/29 (8:49 am) post: So how do you square away the below facts Henry? People he will most likely ignore the below facts (he hates contrary viewpoints) or he will cherry-pick and evade (like feldman) the democratic party corruption because, opps, the real criminals are those he supports! I imagine Sandy Berger is his hero... Nancy Pelosi's Culture of Corruption: See the below truth!! Convictions: #TEN DEMOCRATS and two Republicans! Since the 1970s, more than a dozen congressmen have been convicted in criminal court. Their cases and sentences include: — Rep. Andrew J. Hinshaw, R-Calif., spent a year in jail after being convicted in 1976 of accepting bribes when he was county tax assessor. He lost the primary election and resigned at the end of his term. — Rep. Charles Diggs Jr., D-Mich., was convicted in 1978 of operating a payroll kickback scheme in his congressional office. He served seven months of a three-year prison term. He was re-elected, then resigned in 1980. — Rep. Michael Myers, D-Pa., served 20 ½ months of a three-year prison sentence for accepting bribes from FBI agents impersonating Arab businessmen. He was convicted in 1980 and expelled from Congress. — Four other House members were convicted in the Arab businessmen bribery scandal: Democratic Reps. John Murphy of New York, Frank Thompson and John Jenrette of New Jersey, and Raymond Lederer of South Carolina. Thompson and Murphy were sentenced to three years; Jenrette, two years; and Lederer, one year. — Rep. Mario Biaggi, D-N.Y., was convicted in 1988 of extorting nearly $2 million from defense contractor Wedtech Corp. He resigned from Congress and served two years and two months of an eight-year sentence. He was defeated for re-election in 1992. — Rep. Mel Reynolds, D-Ill., was sentenced in 1995 to five years in prison for having sex with an underage campaign worker. He resigned from Congress, then was sentenced in 1997 to 6 ½ years for bank fraud and other violations. The second sentence, which was to run at the same time as first, was commuted in 2001 by President Clinton. — Rep. Walter Tucker III, D-Calif., was sentenced in 1996 to two years and three months in prison for accepting and demanding bribes while mayor of a Los Angeles suburb. He resigned from Congress a week after his 1995 conviction. — Rep. Dan Rostenkowski, D-Ill., pleaded guilty in 1996 to two felony mail fraud charges, lost re-election and served 15 months in prison. Clinton pardoned him in 2000. ---Rep Cunningham, R-Calif., Bribery- Note: Decorated fighter pilot who resigned and pleaded guilty, whereas democrat felon's put the nation through long trial procedures. Scum to the end, no sense of remorse for democrats, none!

Henry Ruark December 29, 2007 8:49 am (Pacific time)

To all: Don't usually reveal actual part of working notes for Op Ed draft, but here's one sheet from several in file: Working Notes for Op Ed "Corrupted Congress" 1. Lobbyism now $2.3 billion industry in D.C. (2006) 2. GOP dominated for 12 yrs., to point where DeLay became new term denoting demand for exclusive “contributions” to GOP -- OR action on needed legislation unfortunately delayed at all levels. 3. Corruption became No.1 voting issue, with Abrams biggest corruption scandal tyig closely to both Norquist and White House, with side-ties to former corporate record scandals starting with Enron, in more than 50 corporate situations. Similar bad record for GOP legislators, caught in close relation to lobbyists. 4. Situation so sensitive first promise by Pelosi was for new rules and regulations limiting contact between lobbyists and lawmakers, unfortunately still blocked by same solid use of corporate money-power. (Note Oregon in similar situation, too.) 5. Same situations prevailing in many states, via GOP full continuance of laissez faire lobbying policies protecting “campaign contributions” in desperate attempt to offset inevitable national-level changes in obvious fraudulent “corporate personhood.” 6. Leading lobbyist firms gross multi-millions in fees and charges, with former Congressional members reaping $1 million per year, and starting salaries in $200,000 to $400,000 range for corporate-connected others. 7. Typical corporate-project charges range from $180,000 to $600,000, often on annual contract basis, with additonal charges as demanded and still extractable. 8. Quote: “Earmarks, the targeted handouts that have dramatically expanded over the past decade, now total in the tens of billions each year. And everyone wants a piece.” (TIME "Take Back K Street",4 Dec. 06) Total documentation count for this Op Ed topped 80 items from last ten years alone.

Henry Ruark December 29, 2007 5:32 am (Pacific time)

Reversal-of-role is outmoded propaganda mode, probably now superseded by water-boarding. Check of records and legislation will reveal the truth":go "see with own eyes" on Internet, from non-party allegiance sources.

Jefferson December 28, 2007 10:42 pm (Pacific time)

Democrats, the party of the rich, refuse to raise taxes on key contributors: hedge fund managers. Why is that Henry?

Henry Ruark December 28, 2007 10:41 am (Pacific time)

Al M, Len et al: Understand now emphasis is heavily on corporate-stock purchased privately, then run through separate entity as foundation or whatever... Boston Summit, Len, was first strong leader effort to redesign corporate structure, moving it to original intent for strong institution for management and profit; but with major contribution to the commonweal, with heavy charter control of operational record for renewal, and final death if commonweal interests defied or denied. That simply restores the original charter setup by the states, sabotaged when NJ et al sold out by reducing and eliminating most corporate charter requirements, to lure corporate hq and thus taxes, at heavy cost to all others. We can rebuild corporate structure for commonweal, or we can allow profit-only to continue as major controlling motivation..and we will now harvest whatever we allow to continue to grow as corporate format, while providing huge strengths for real practical changes in capitalistic system or NOT --strictly our choice NOW.

Leonardo December 28, 2007 7:58 am (Pacific time)

Corporate America is destroying the world, Hank, just as you've described. And the problem is their measure is success is always profit. Until we find others measures of achievement, we will not only disassemble American democracy, but we will destroy our planet.

Henry Ruark December 28, 2007 5:44 am (Pacific time)

To all: Wonder why some political leaders deny and defy realities of world climate decimation ? World-famous economist Keynes knew. He stated: "Capitalism is the astounding belief that the most wickedest of men will do the most wickedest of things for the greatest good of everyone." -John Maynard Keynes

Albert Marnell December 28, 2007 4:59 am (Pacific time)

Hank, Money is still floating around D.C. from office to office except now they do not use envelopes for cash. They use large briefcases.

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