Senator Chuck Schumer (Dem.–NY) is worried by Lt. Gen. Michael Hayden’s nomination to head the CIA. Schumer says:
"I think Hayden's a fine man, but I think keeping the agency independent is really important so the president gets truthful and unvarnished information and I worry that having someone so close to the Defense Department could jeopardize that independence."Well, yes, making sure the CIA gives the President “truthful and unvarnished information" is “really important.” In fact, many Americans want the agency to start doing that again. They'd also like the information to be more accurate.
Now about Senator Schumer:
According to The Center for Responsive Politics' opensecrets.org website (It's slow loading - JinC), since 1989 Schumer’s raised more that $45 million in campaign contributions and spent just over $36 million.
Nine of Schumer’s 10 top corporate contributors since 1989 are commercial banks and financial service corporations, including Citicorp, Goldman Sachs, and Merrill Lynch.
Schumer is a member of the Senate Banking Committee.
Surprised?
A large campaign war chest is one of the most effective means an incumbent has of discouraging able challengers.
From $45 million subtract $36 million and you see Schumer already has $9 million in a bank or banks; and he’s not even up for re-election until 2010.
What's that bankers tell us about nest eggs and investing for the long term?
Of course, under current campaign law, if Schumer decides not to seek re-election in 2010, he gets to keep the $9 million plus any other money the banks and financial service corporations give him between now and then that he doesn’t spend.
Does that help you understand why Schumer always looks like he's smiling?
I doubt Schumer ever worries about being “so close” to the banking industry he’s supposed to help regulate on our behalf.
But I do. What about you?
2 comments:
I don't believe Hayden is the man for the job. He knows nothing of the constitution he swore to protect as an officer and a gentleman in the nation's military. I would direct you to here http://libertyzone.blogspot.com/
Nicki has a good short and sweet post on the subject of his understanding, or rather lack of same, of the fourth amendment.
I also worry about Hayden. As far a Shumer goes, I wish he would worry more about all Americans more than he does, but I suppose if he only worries about one of us that is better than he has done up to now. Up to now he hasn't given a damn about any of us.
Greets to the webmaster of this wonderful site. Keep working. Thank you.
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