I guess it is no surprise to learn that lobbyists are paying congressmen not only what to think, but also telling them what to say.
Consider the following example:
"“One of the reasons I have long supported the U.S. biotechnology industry is that it is a homegrown success story that has been an engine of job creation in this country.” This written statement by Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina on the health care bill was identical to one by Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer and used language suggested by lobbyists." (NYT, 11/14/09)
The NYT goes onto say : "Genentech, a subsidiary of the Swiss drug giant Roche, estimates that 42 House members picked up some of its talking points — 22 Republicans and 20 Democrats, an unusual bipartisan coup for lobbyists."
We knew the the drug industry was throwing tons of money at these congressmen, but we did not suspect that they were allowing the lobbyists to tell them what to say, word-for word. Is this what our democracy has come to? A bunch of puppets being manipulated by big business puppeteers. Why am I thinking--Miss Piggy?
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