U.S. Government

Another Sweetheart Deal in the White House

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

Democrats still reeling from the Bush v. Gore decision in December must have cringed when President Bush announced his choice for solicitor of the Labor Department: Eugene Scalia, the son of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. In his career to date as a labor lawyer, Eugene Scalia has specialized in representing management in labor disputes related to worker safety, especially the dangers of repetitive-stress injuries.

No
Main Source: 
American Prospect, Sept. 10, 2001
Topics: 
Labor
U.S. Government

Bush vs. Big Business? You Never Know

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

The Bush administration's recently-announced plan to force General Electric to pay for a $460 million cleanup of the Hudson River is designed to battle the popular impression that his White House, particularly on environmental issues, is operating under corporate sponsorship.

No
Main Source: 
Time, August 13, 2001
Topics: 
Corporations
U.S. Government

CIA's Tricks Are for Kids

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

The Central Intelligence Agency has its own website for kids, complete with animal cartoon mascots that present an "antidrug message to America's youth." Spinning U.S. spy operations as an effort to keep kids straight seems hypocritical to Martin A. Lee, who has written previously about the CIA's history of experiments with drug-based mind-control and its collaborations with heroin and cocaine dealers in Southeast Asia and Latin America.

No
Main Source: 
http://www.sfbg.com/reality/16.html
Topics: 
U.S. Government

B-M Paid to Wave the Flag and Burn the Constitution

Submitted by John Stauber on

Gutting the First Amendment has become the "patriotic" last refuge for scoundrel PR firm Burson-Marsteller (B-M). Citizens Flag Alliance depicts themselves as a frustrated group of proud veterans saving our nation from flag burning by amending the constitution. However, the CFA website and media reports fail to identify perhaps their most important "member," the giant PR firm reaping big bucks managing the campaign. B-M's masterminds are no doubt the source of CFA talking points such as: "Putting a few disgusting means of expression out of bounds in no way threatens ...

No
Main Source: 
http://www.cfa-inc.org/
Topics: 
Democracy
Public Relations
U.S. Government

Bush Taps Irradiation Advocate For Food Safey Post

Submitted by Laura Miller on

A microbiologist who advocates the use of irradiation to kill food-borne pathogens was nominated by President Bush on Tuesday to oversee the Agriculture Department's food-safety programs. Elsa Murano, 41, is director of the Center for Food Safety at Texas A&M University, where she has done research on a variety of pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7, and methods for destroying them including irradiation.

No
Main Source: 
Associated Press, July 11, 2001
Topics: 
U.S. Government

Using "Changing the Tone" to Suppress Criticism

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

Though some may not admit it, Democrats have been largely ineffective in opposing President Bush during the first few months of his administration. One reason for this is the way that Bush has successfully shaped the political debate. In particular, Bush's seemingly innocuous campaign promise to "change the tone" in Washington has proven to be a powerful rhetorical weapon, helping suppress criticism while portraying the President as above the fray.

No
Main Source: 
Spinsanity, June 4, 2001
Topics: 
Politics
U.S. Government

Former Monsanto Exec Takes Another Turn Through the Industry-Government Revolving Door

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

President Bush announced that he will nominate Linda J. Fisher, a former executive of the Monsanto Company, as well as an official with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the Reagan Administration, to be Deputy EPA Administrator. Fisher most recently served as Vice President of Government Affairs for Monsanto, an agricultural biotechnology firm. Fisher served as Chief of Staff for EPA Administrator Lee M. Thomas from 1985 to 1988.

No
Main Source: 
CSO Weekly Report, April 2, 2001
Topics: 
Corporations
U.S. Government

Bush Policies Ease Transition For Aides Into Lobbyist Jobs

Submitted by Sheldon Rampton on

More than 150 Republicans who work as Washington lobbyists helped George Bush during his transition to power. "Coalition for Vehicle Choice lobbyist Diane Steed assisted the Department of Transportation; all-purpose lobbyist Peter Madigan helped set up the U.S. Trade Representative's office; and Jack Abramoff, who represents several Indian tribes, advised the Interior Department.

No
Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal, March 19, 2001
Topics: 
Lobbying
U.S. Government

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