"Faulting perks, Congress keeps some of its ow; Caucuses hold their retreats amid luxury" by Laurie Kellman, Associated Press | February 7, 2009
WASHINGTON - When corporate titans indulged in perks such as private jets and luxury junkets, members of Congress were quick to criticize. But that hasn't stopped lawmakers from heading for party retreats at resorts where they spend tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars and mingle with lobbyists....
Meredith McGehee of the Campaign Legal Center, a government ethics watchdog group. "They don't get that these are tough economic times, that Americans are struggling and they need to do their part."
No, they don't! Maybe a dunk in the Potomac would help!!!!
Wells Fargo took that point when the Associated Press reported this week that the bank was rewarding its top performers with a lavish conference in Las Vegas, just after the company received a $25 billion bailout from taxpayers. After criticism from Congress, Wells Fargo canceled the getaway.
Then they bitched about it! Related: Wells Fargo Won't Stay in Vegas
Democrats and Republicans defend the legislative trips as valuable for the relationships they strengthen and they say details of such retreats are cleared in advance by the House Ethics Committee and comply with all rules and laws. Lawmakers pay their own expenses at the House retreats, including room rental, and may use their campaign reelection funds.
Yeah, and WHO PAYS THEM?!! See what I'm saying?
Democrats spend taxpayer money on the caucus retreat but do not permit lobbyists to accompany them. The public pays for a charter train from Washington to Williamsburg for many of the 200 members who attend, as well as conference rooms, security, and catering.
Are you as OUTRAGED as I AM, AmeriKa!! You are GETTING LOOTED by these fucksticks!! GET the GUILLOTINE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The round-trip fare on Amtrak is $90 or more. Catered dinners at Kingsmill cost at least $60 per person. Kingsmill's rooms at this time of year start at $119 a night. Democrats will not disclose the exact costs of this year's retreat, though group discounts for travel, food, and lodging are common....
Why? Because we'd lynch their lying, looting asses?
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