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Genentech Puts Words In the Mouths of Congress Members
theodp writes "In the official record of the historic House debate on overhauling health care, the speeches of many lawmakers echo with remarkable similarities. Often, that was no accident. Statements by more than a dozen lawmakers were ghostwritten by Washington lobbyists working for Genentech. E-mail obtained by the NY Times shows that lobbyists drafted one statement for Democrats and another for Republicans. Genentech, a subsidiary of Swiss drug giant Roche, estimates that 42 House members picked up some of its talking points — 22 Republicans and 20 Democrats, an unusual bipartisan coup for lobbyists. ... The statements were not intended to change the bill, which was not open for much amendment during the debate. They were meant to show bipartisan support for certain provisions, even though the vote on passage generally followed party lines. ... Asked about the Congressional statements, a lobbyist close to Genentech said: 'This happens all the time. There was nothing nefarious about it.'"
I wondered what was up with all the damn yodeling on the House Floor lately.
Also explains the "Austria's Olympic Ski Team sucks" comment on the record from Rep. Michelle Bachman
No, it is always almost impossible to gather detailed, timely inside evidence about the innermost workings of any Affair of State, but years later the truth tends to out; so I am amazed (maybe not) at your factual ignorance ... as General Haigh, Nixon's Chief of Staff, made sure that what happened was leaked ... pour discouage un autre.
... he would have, he was much more immoral that Bush. So, with respect STFU.
If Nixon could have got away with it
Assrape isn't fine once you've gotten used to it.
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.