by Peggy Kerns
Convicted felon Jack Abramoff stood before the Kentucky legislature and bared his soul, opening up about his years as a Washington lobbyist and his conviction for fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy. Though he has spoken at Harvard and on hundreds of television and radio programs, this was his first time speaking to a state legislative body.
“I thought of myself as a strategic adviser, not a lobbyist,” he said. “I believed I was doing what everyone else was doing–only I was doing it better,” Abramoff added. “I always thought−if it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing.” He attributed this arrogance to thinking he was above the law. “I lost sight of the line in the sand and of right and wrong,” he said. “To my great shame.”
From his prison cell, Abramoff decided that he had a base of knowledge that he should not waste. To try to rectify his crimes, his new mission is to educate lawmakers and the public about how the system should be reformed.
Abramoff spoke at the annual ethics training sponsored by the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission. Previous speakers included respected names such as Norman Ornstein, American Enterprise Institute, and Rushworth Kidder, Institute for Global Ethics. This year, the commission reached beyond “safe” speakers and brought in Abramoff. His speaking fee of $5,000 is the price the commission normally pays. In Abramoff’s case, his fee goes toward his $44 million debt in court-ordered restitution to Indian tribes and other clients. He also is promoting his book, Capitol Punishment: The Hard Truth About Washington Corruption From American’s Most Notorious Lobbyist.
Initially, the appearance of Abramoff was controversial among many Kentucky legislators. After hearing his speech, some changed their minds. Legislators from both sides of the aisle thought Abramoff had significant things to say, according to the Courier-Journal. Speaker Greg Stumbo said the talk will help lawmakers discern what is proper in their relationships with lobbyists. Rep. Mike Harmon said he had some reservations initially, but believes Abramoff made some good points and was worth the speaking fee.
Abramoff had lots to say about how lobbyists work and the traps for public officials. Legislators may be doing things that are not illegal, but are wrong, he said. Legal lines are drawn, but these lines are not always “right.” Abramoff explained what he sees as a corrupt system. “No lawmaker believes he or she can be bought.” But government is composed of “ordinary, decent people who slowly accommodate themselves to a system that is rife with moral predicaments,” he said. Lobbyists build relationships and gifts from them make a person feel good, he warned. “Always be five steps ahead.”
In response to a question, he said that fulltime or part-time legislatures are not an influence on ethical behavior. “The ability to corrupt resides in the soul of the individual.”
Abramoff offered this advice to Kentucky lawmakers:
- There is a connection between money and politics. Any gift, no matter how small, is a form of bribery.
- Public officials should not be allowed to accept any gifts, including campaign contributions, from lobbyists or their clients or anyone seeking government awards.
- Politicians are human and humans are grateful to people who do nice things for them. This is how lobbyists gain access.
- Terms limits are necessary for lawmakers and their aides to curb a culture of arrogance.
- There should be a lifetime ban on public officials becoming lobbyists–no revolving door.
- Everything about gambling and gaming is political. Stay away from it, he warns. “Beware of the power of money in that industry.”
- And remember that a public servant works for the public, not for lobbyists.
Abramoff acknowledges that many in the lobbying industry do not like his message. His friends are sticking with him, he said, and are helping him with his reforms. Abramoff served 3 ½ years in prison before he was released in December 2010. He wore an ankle bracelet for several months afterwards.
The NCSL Center for Ethics in Government has an extensive database on states' ethics laws, including gift restrictions and lobbying regulations.
Book cover image: WND Books
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