Trent Lott Appears on To Not Tell The Truth

When Trent Lott resigned his position he said that new restrictions on lobbying that take effect after Dec. 31 "didn't have a big role" in his decision to retire.

He actually stated that he wanted to spend more time with his family and to pursue other job opportunities, possibly teaching.

As you now know he's going to set up a lobbying shop with retired Democratic Senator John Breaux from Louisiana.

Roll Call:Putting weeks of speculation to rest, former Sens. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Breaux (D-La.) confirmed Friday they plan to file paperwork next week to form a powerful lobbying partnership called The Breaux Lott Leadership Group.

The Clarion Ledger has an appropriate response:

If he planned to turn lobbyist, but was not truthful about it, he has capped a 35-year career in public service by not being up-front and honest with those who supported him for decades.

If he decided out of the blue to turn lobbyist, he is capitalizing on a weakness in the ethics rules in squeaking by the 2007 deadline, and thumbing his nose at others who must abide by them.

And, either way, he's capitalizing on public service for private gain and using influence he garnered at public expense to affect the spending of public taxpayer dollars.

Whatever was on his mind, Trent Lott's actions speak louder than words, damaging the public's faith in government and elected public officials - and proving the cynics of government as justified. What a shame.

Enjoy The Supremes on "To Tell The Truth"


I used this Daily Kos post in preparing this post.