American Indian Movement activist on the Abramoff scandal:

Socialist Worker Online

GEORGE BUSH and his Republican buddies are scrambling to shift attention away from a scandal that could send some of the most powerful people in Washington packing--if not land them behind bars.

At the center of the scandal is Jack Abramoff, a longtime Republican Party operative who became a high-powered lobbyist in the 1990s. Abramoff goes way back with important Republican leaders (former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed was a college buddy), and he became increasingly powerful as the right-wingers like ex-Majority Leader Tom DeLay took over in the House of Representatives.

Because of his connections to DeLay and other prominent Republicans--such as Ohio Rep. Bob “Freedom Fries” Ney--Abramoff was able to offer his lobbying clients inside access when their interests were threatened by legislation pending in Congress. In return, Abramoff got filthy rich.

But Abramoff isn’t in hot water for selling political influence. He got caught ripping off his clients--in particular, Native American tribes who run casino and gambling operations.

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