From Politico:
" If you want to know how Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have survived scandal and crisis, consider this: Over the past decade, they have spent nearly $200 million on lobbying and campaign contributions.
But the political tentacles of the mortgage giants extend far beyond their checkbooks.
The two government-chartered companies run a highly sophisticated lobbying operation, with deep-pocketed lobbyists in Washington and scores of local Fannie- and Freddie-sponsored homeowner groups ready to pressure lawmakers back home.
They’ve stacked their payrolls with top Washington power brokers of all political stripes, including Republican John McCain’s presidential campaign manager, Rick Davis; Democrat Barack Obama’s original vice presidential vetter, Jim Johnson; and scores of others now working for the two rivals for the White House.
Fannie and Freddie’s aggressive political maneuvering has helped stave off increased regulation and preserve special benefits such as exemption from state and local income taxes and the ability to borrow at low rates.
When their stock prices took a dive last week, their government allies extended another helping hand with a plan for the Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and, possibly, Congress the taxpayers to shore up the companies.
I don't care what kind of problem you're trying to fix, be it the mortgage crisis, broadband coverage, education, medical care or aardvark overpopulation, absolutely NOTHING will be fixed in this country until we address the almost total corporate control over this nation's government.
You have to wonder that if the multitude of people fighting humanist, pro-consumer fights (environmentalists, consumer advocates, artists etc.) stopped what they were doing independently and collectively worked solely and tirelessly on first redefining the rules of corporate influence in Washington, the nation might be able to make progress elsewhere...
Or I guess we could just all sit around and debate just how offensive cartoons are.
