Bush nominee to get payment from old job.
Bush nominee to get payment from old job.
Michael Baroody, a senior lobbyist at the National Association of Manufacturers nominated by President Bush to lead the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “will receive a $150,000 departing payment from the association when he takes his new government job, which involves enforcing consumer laws against members of the association.”
Mr. Baroody said in the letter that the payment would not prevent him from considering matters involving individual companies that are members of the manufacturers’ association, many of whom are defendants in agency proceedings over defective products or have other business before the commission. Nor would it preclude him from involvement with smaller trade groups like those representing makers of home appliances and children’s products that have alliances with the association. [...]
As a major trade organization for the largest companies in the country, the National Association of Manufacturers often has issues before the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It recently prevailed on the agency, for instance, to relax the requirements for when companies must notify the agency about defective products.
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Jesus.
May 16th, 2007 at 7:40 pm“KISS MY A*S!”
-GW Bush-
…to all of DUHmerikkka…
…and most ESPECIALLY America…
May 16th, 2007 at 7:40 pmNAM is one of the worst organizations in the country for consumer protection and worker rights. After the ‘04 election they were ecstatic about being able to finally get things done. Things it had wanted to do for a long time, which were mentioned above.
To those ends they talked about how they were no longer going to shy away from issues important to social conservatives, which would help them get a judiciary that was pro-business. That was accomplished to a large degree.
Their voter “education” efforts in Ohio were one of the big things that tipped it toward Bush (along with voter suppression). That campaign will no doubt be back in ‘08.
It is no surprise at all that Bush wants a former NAMy in his camp, or that lobbyist is going to get a bonus before entering public service.
The level of corruption never ceases to amaze me.
May 16th, 2007 at 7:44 pmIn other words, “Trust me.” The republican mantra that is still used even though it doesn’t work anymore.
May 16th, 2007 at 7:44 pmSo what else is new? Just another fox to guard another chicken house. The inmates are running the asylum.
WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE????????????????
May 16th, 2007 at 7:45 pmConflict of interest is the name of one of the games GOPers like to play.
May 16th, 2007 at 7:47 pmBut what about that pesky Senate confirmation? Oh, right — they’ll recess-appoint him, given that he’s completely opposed to consumer protection of any sort.
May 16th, 2007 at 8:04 pmIt is a little incredible that this administration continues to act as if it had a Congressional majority and as if none of the series of scandals and outrages hadn’t occurred. You would think that someone in the WH might suggest keeping a somewhat lower profile, maybe steering away from the most outrageous and blatant instances of planting foxes in henhouses.
But, no, even when these appointments actually break through into the media, they go on like everything is just jake.
heh
May 16th, 2007 at 8:11 pmWho is Michael Baroody?
During his tenure at NAM, Michael Baroody:
Fought to allow a higher level of arsenic in drinking water: NAM claimed that negligent manufacturers would feel a pinch in their profits if forced to prevent their waste products from poisoning local communities.
Opposed attempts to ban tobacco billboards near schools: NAM claimed federal agencies were “silencing commercial speech without authority.”
Lobbied to keep corporate documents regarding unsafe products from the public.
Lobbied to immunize negligent corporations from responsibility for their actions.
Pushed to limit fines for corporate wrongdoing that placed American consumers in direct danger.
Worked to eliminate rules that protect and keep safe Americans in the workplace. NAM went so far as to sue the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to stop enforcement of rules regarding worker safety.
Worked to immunize corporate CEOs from criminal liability for marketing deadly products to the public, maintaining such actions might slow “productivity.” As an example, knowingly marketing clearly defective bulletproof vests – leading to deaths of soldiers, police and elected officials – would not be a criminal act.
May 16th, 2007 at 8:20 pmWow, this brings Eddie Murphy to mind as Mr. Robinson. “Children, can you say conflict of interest?”
May 16th, 2007 at 8:37 pmPOLITICAL
PARASITE
TERMITE
LEECH
CRONY
SCUMBAG
COMPLETE TRASH
May 16th, 2007 at 8:38 pmThat doesn’t seem like enough of a payoff for all the “good” Baroody did.
May 16th, 2007 at 8:53 pmJust gets better and better doesn’t folks?
May 16th, 2007 at 8:55 pmWhen did bundling make bribery legal?
May 16th, 2007 at 9:10 pmIt takes years for my husband and I to earn $150K.
May 16th, 2007 at 9:52 pmThe $150,000.00 was just a pre-bribe bribe; you know, just a warm up for the good stuff.
May 23rd, 2007 at 12:55 pmGoodbye and good riddance.