Sex, drugs, gifts uncovered in

government oil probe

WASHINGTON (CNN) — U.S. government employees received improper gifts from energy industry representatives, and engaged with them in illegal drug use and inappropriate sexual relations, according to a report issued Wednesday.

The National Energy Policy Development Group was a group, created by Executive Order on January 29, 2001, that was chaired by Vice President Richard Cheney. The group, commonly referred to as the “Cheney Energy Task Force,” produced a National Energy Policy report in May 2001

From Wikipedia:”With both Bush and Cheney coming from the energy industry, which had contributed heavily to their campaign, and with the group proceeding in extreme secrecy, critics charged that the energy industry was exercising undue influence over national policy.

Congressmen Henry Waxman and John Dingell prompted the General Accounting Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress, to pursue Congress’s oversight authority. Eventually the GAO filed a lawsuit known as Walker v. Cheney against the administration. This represented a power struggle between the legislative and executive branches. Judge John D. Bates, a recent Bush appointee, dismissed the case but did not rule on the Executive Privilege issue.”

Exxon’s Profits: Measuring a Record Windfall

By Marianne Lavelle Posted February 1, 2008

Exxon Mobil’s staggering $40.6 billion earnings for 2007 drive the truth home: There’s no business on the planet that gushes forth more profit than selling oil—nothing even close.

If you believe there is even the remotest possibility

that money may have impacted the decisions which

allowed these profits;

Is it not worth making the tiny

effort required to let the government know your fed up?

Give to Get? Financial Institutions That Made Hefty Campaign

Contributions Score Big Bucks from the Government

by Nicole Albertson-Nuanes, March 19, 2009

The Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) was intended to stabilize the country’s financial sector by distributing hundreds of billions of dollars. 300+ banks have received nearly $200 billion thus far. FollowTheMoney.org studied 75 institutions that received TARP funds. They contributed $20.4 million to state-level politics from 2000 to 2007: 62% went to statewide candidates; 27% to political parties; and 11% to ballot measure committees.

Industries Storm States Over Climate Change

by Tyler Evilsizer, March 18, 2009

As the climate change debate heats up in the states, those with a keen interest in the issue have turned up the pressure to make sure their voices are heard in the lawmaking process. Between 2003 and 2007, energy-related companies contributed $151 million to state-level politics; chambers of commerce, manufacturers and pro-business organizations gave an additional $31.4 million. In sharp contrast, environmental organizations and alternative energy companies contributed only $26 million.

Who do you think wins that battle?

Names in the News: Gov. Bill Richardson

by Peter Quist, Jan. 05, 2009

When President-elect Barack Obama nominated New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be Secretary of Commerce on Dec. 3, 2008, he selected a seasoned politician who could raise millions in donations — [even when he faced little opposition]

Hmm… now why would he need lot’s of money when facing little opposition?

— from the very interests he was to regulate: finance, insurance and real estate. In fact, Richardson has been the focus of an ongoing federal probe into a financial company and the contracts it received from the state, and he withdrew his name from consideration because of that investigation.

Can you please not be dissuaded by the enormity of the task and take the 3 more minutes to add your voice?

Cure 4 Apathy