January 25, 2004
Buying Congress
Henry at Crooked Timber offers congratulations to Congressman Billy Tauzin a republican from Louisiana:
CT extends its hearty congratulations to Congressman Billy Tauzin (R-La), who�s demonstrating his sincere attachment to free market virtues by retiring from politics and selling himself to the highest bidder.Well, yea, Henry is being a bit tongue in cheek. Tauzin's retirement plans (R) do have a peculiar (though common in Washington) stench.
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Henry also notes that:
Needless to say, Tauzin has been assiduous in his efforts to protect the interests of big pharma and the content industry over the last couple of years; it�s hard to believe that his grossly inflated salary is unconnected to services previously rendered.If this assessment is true, and I agree with it, it appears to directly conflict any idea of "...attachment to free market virtues..." Rather more likely is that Tauzin has dedicated himself to both protecting the interests of his suitors not the citizens he his supposed to serve and
There is an interesting discussion in the comment thread regarding the causes of this long standing environment of subtle and not so subtle corruption that permeates the relationship between government at all levels and the clients the goverment protects regulates.
Update (Jan 25): Also see Marx, Incentives and Liberalism at Catallarchy.
Posted by Steve on January 25, 2004
