Last month, former minority leader and uber lobbyist Dick Gephardt, was a presenter at the National Endowment for Democracy’s annual “Democracy Award” ceremony. The purpose for the awards was to honor the “heroic efforts of Cuban workers, lawyers, and writers working to advance democratic values and fundamental rights within Cuba.” Sounds like a great cause right? Who’s against bringing democracy to Cuba. According to this Wikipedia entry, the organization seems to be a little overzealous in their efforts:
“NED says it does not directly fund any political party, as this is forbidden by law. However, it has been accused of providing funding to opposition candidates in elections in countries other than the USA. According to NED, it intervenes in elections by funding election observation and civic education on voting, such as student “get-out-the-vote” campaigns.
Critics such as Pat Buchanan accuse the NED of fomenting revolution and regularly interfering in the affairs of other countries, especially dictatorships and undemocratic regimes.
NED has principally supported candidates with strong ties to the military and who support the rights of U.S. corporations to invest in those countries with minimal restriction. The NED has not supported candidates who oppose investments by U.S. corporations or who promise restrictions on investment rights of U.S. corporations.” Read more…
Hmmm. Uber lobbyist Dick Gephardt (son of a milk truck driver!) wants a change of regime in Cuba, so he can maybe….say….enrich his firm MORE by lobbying for Cuba in front of his old buddies in the Congress? No, perish the thought, he’s for democracy!
Hat tip:nedontheweb
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