Two Days After Instituting Ethics Rules, President Obama Waives them for Deputy Pentagon Secretary Nominee

Us right-wingers have a saying – there are no Obama promises that come without an expiration date
…But this is ridiculuous

Ya know what, Jake? Life is gray, not black and white. And sometimes the perfect can be the enemy of the good. I realize this is a juicy “gotcha” situation for the press but please don’t treat the American public as if we are stupid and can’t understand nuance.

Lisa, I think you’re misguided. This is truly a “fox in the hen house” situation, and there must be hundreds of people as or more qualified for the position. What’s next, do Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop get their appointees, too? Methinks your love of Obama has affected your judgment, or can you honestly say you’d feel the same way if this were a Bush appointee?

Wow, already Obama is breaking his own promises and edicts, and he’s only been in office 3 full days.
I thought Obama was all about change, but saying one thing and doing another is simply the same old P.U. (Politics as Usual.) I am bitterly disappointed.

Hey…it’s not like it’s a real promise, it’s a politician’s promise. There’s a huge difference that I would think most everyone over the age of, say, 25 has learned by now.

Hey, the guy needs a job. :)
I am a little disappointed as well, but the ethics are self imposed. To that extent, who has even come out with such reforms?
Think how goofy you were during your first week at a new job. I think he will hit strided shortly. After all, this is the probationary period. :-P

What a joke! Sad

How quickly the right forgets that we are at war when their guy isn’t the one in the White House. Perhaps with the nation fighting two wars at once putting the right man in the right job in the Pentagon was more important than holding him to a higher standard than any other Dep. Sec. of Defense has ever been held to.
Mr Lynn will still have to obey more stringent ethical rules than anyone in Bush’s White House did.

Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!! Oh, this is too funny. Let’s sit back and listen to the Obamanites spin this one…..

Pretty stupid. Real mismanagement not to wait a week to get this nominee approved and then sign the ethics rules after that. Even so, his conflicts of interest don’t disappear because the rules are waived.

Where are all the liberals praising him for his courageous action on this one? Maybe day 4 will be a better day, huh?
Let’s see…he’s closing Gitmo and sending terrorists state-side. He’s abolished our interogation techniques that have saved American lives, he’s reversed a Bush rule so that we can now fund abortion clinics in Mexico, he’s already pissed off Israel and made Cuba, Syria, and Hamas happy. Darn! This guy’s on a roll!

“Thanks for the report, Jake Tapper. And to the numerous folks who love to say ABC is an irresponsible, liberal media outlet by not reporting honestly about Obama, take notice.”
In my opinion Jake Tapper brings things to the table exposing both sides so does some good reporting, but that doesn’t apply to all ABC.
The mainstream media getting a conscience AFTER THE ELECTION WHEN IT NO LONGER MATTERS does nothing to eccuse their 100% lack of integrity and ethical journalism during the election season.
2008 the media went way too far to plug their preferred candidate and shot their credibility to be trusted to fairly report facts in any future elections. That is america’s biggest loss from 2008.

How soon will the rest of the Chicago politicians come to the fore.

“Mr Lynn will still have to obey more stringent ethical rules than anyone in Bush’s White House did.”
Very true.
But the fact that they went ahead and did this knowing they would take a political hit points to it likely being a necessity.

Here is another interesting case of subjective morality because of the impending looming super bad crisis:
“A senior Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee said he believes Treasury Secretary-designate Timothy Geithner’s failure to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes is “completely unacceptable” and would in any other time disqualify Geithner from heading the Treasury Department. But the senator, Kent Conrad of North Dakota, decided to vote for Geithner because it would take too long to find a replacement candidate for the key cabinet post.
“On the matter of Mr. Geithner’s failure to pay certain self-employment taxes, I find it completely unacceptable,” Conrad said before the committee’s 18-5 vote to approve Geithner yesterday. “I’m a former tax commissioner, I’ve dealt with hundreds of cases like this one, and in normal times that alone would lead me to oppose his confirmation. But these are not normal times, and I personally don’t think we can afford a further delay in the filling of this critically important position.”"
Is there really no one else in the country who can run the Treasury?

A President Biden is looking better by the minute.
If somone throws water on Obama and Pelosi will they melt?
This is like an Oz story gone wrong.

Obama just forgot to put in his ethics clause that it only applies to republicans. I mean we don’t really expect the all knowing liberals to actually follow their own rules do we?
We’ve got a treasury head who didn’t pay his taxes and Rangel in charge of tax code who doesn’t pay his taxes. Maybe Biden needs to lecture them on their lack of patriotism ;)

McCain surge!
Palin/Santorum 2012!

“Obama just forgot to put in his ethics clause that it only applies to republicans”
Bringing ethics to to the fundamentally corrupt Republicans is an order that is probably too tall for any President, even someone like Obama.

“John McCain, said he was disappointed”
Didn’t stop John from hiring a massive number of lobbyists to run his campaign nor discourage John from accepting large contributions to his campaign from lobbyists. Maybe that’s what really disappoints him.
Pretty major hypocrisy there.

“Does anyone remember just a few weeks ago how mercilessly Bush was treated when he granted a pardon, then after getting more information, retracted the pardon? The media and pundits were merciless.”
ROFLMAO.
The pardon was retracted because several GOPers received big bucks from the guy’s father. That was the “more information” you allude to.
Why hand your political opposition the means to hammer you.

Obama has shoved more through on a 3 day drunken stupor than Bush got in 8 years.
He simply whips out the pen and asks questions later.
If we have a true anti American on board attempting to white flag and lose the war on terror, start a war with a Nuke armed Country with launch capability, how does he get reined in?
No one has ever had to ask that question before.
Who steps in to rein in the wild pen ?
We just move to dictatorship with no oversite?
Now he is penning to hit your wallet again.

President Obama is keeping his promises. He is all about CHANGE!!!!
Make policy then change it. I guess CHANGE really means flip flopping.

…it is in the public interest to grant the waiver given Mr. Lynn’s qualifications for his position and the current national security situation.
what about the above statement (meant to explain exactly why such an exemption was granted and the circumstances thereof) dont you understand?
dont you simpletons know there are not and can never be any concrete rules that completely handcuff a president on imperative national security issues ,of which this example/event is most clearly and certainly one ?
in any event ,this particular example of an entirely correct use of presidential authority is sure a lot easier to swallow than gitmo and waterboarding.

The provision for a waiver in certain cases was clearly stated. And the waiver was executed in full public view.
Again, what is shocking to the ‘right wing’ is that its open and can be seen – you’re so used to the hidden decisions, secrecy and paranoia from the Bush administration it’s hard for you to fathom.

Children think life is always black and white while adults know that life is a spectrum of grays. For every rule there must be exceptions. The problem is when exceptions become the rule. Our President is telling us through this rule what path he wants us to take when we are faced with choices. It is clear to me what he intended and I am not confused at all. I hope he continues to remind us about how to make tough choices and not BS us about his plans. I love the idea of looking at important issues and knowing where our country, through the President, stands. While I am not in total agreement with some of his positions, that’s life. I mean, really…it is just day 4 and I know more about what this President is about than I knew about #43 in eight years.

Gitmo and water boarding has saved American lives: The President’s resposibilty is to keep American’s safe.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Ryan C I remember you saying Fannie/Freddie wasn’t really a problem related to the economic situation. How do you feel about the CBO numbers now? Would you care to retract your statements?
Total cost of all private company bailouts against the 2008 deficit: $180 billion
Total cost of Fannie/Freddie bailout against the 2008 deficit: $240 billion
Hmmm looks like the liberal defenders of Fannie/Freddie were a little bit off ;)

Rules are for The but not for Me, isn’t that correct statement BO.

Change you can count on!!
What is this??? The rules only apply to until Obama changes his mind??
This certainly instils confidence in his decision making. Either the rule is a good rule and it applies. Or the rule is not a good rule and should not apply.
What ever happened to equality under the law???
Give me a break!

So what?
At least this government does things in the light of day….
Republicans do everything behind doors…look at the past 8 years of misery we had.
Thanks President Obama for letting US know when things change and what is the reason behind the changes.

Really? Seriously? I don’t even know what to think. Is this laughable? Tragic? Worrisome? If you can’t have integrity and be faithful in the small things, what about the bigger issues then? Why go to the trouble of reforming ethics if it’s all going to be relative anyway?

“Ryan C I remember you saying Fannie/Freddie wasn’t really a problem related to the economic situation.”
Except I never said that.
In fact I talked about Fannie/Freddie as specifically related to the economic situation from several perspectives.
But hey no one ever said right wingers were good at telling the truth.

Wow! Is THIS the change so many people voted for? Looks like another corrupt politician making up and then changing the rules to conform with his own agenda as he goes along. I genuinely had hoped that he would muster up a shred of integrity and be the harbinger for change he touted himself to be. I fear for my country!

“the 43rd President was about saving lives above all else. Including the unborn”
Which is why he read My Pet Goat while 3000 Americans died because he ignored warning of imminent attack.
Which is why he unleashed shock and awe military tactics on a nation that did not attack us and was no threat to us killing tens of thousands of innocents civilians.
Which is why in that same conflict thousands of US service men and women as well as civilian contractors have died because of incompetent post war planning.
That was Bush being all about saving lives.

“”Ryan C I remember you saying Fannie/Freddie wasn’t really a problem related to the economic situation.”
Except I never said that.
In fact I talked about Fannie/Freddie as specifically related to the economic situation from several perspectives.
But hey no one ever said right wingers were good at telling the truth.
Posted by: Ryan C”
==============
Oh yeah you did. It was “unchecked capitalism” and “republican deregulation” and Fannie/Freddie weren’t a big part of the problem.
It’s ok I know you know you’re playing dumb. I remember several big debates on this site. So would any liberals on this thread like to continue to support Fannie/Freddie? Thank you democrats for helping royally screw over the economy to get low income people and illegal immigrants homes.
Total cost of all private company bailouts against the 2008 deficit: $180 billion
Total cost of Fannie/Freddie bailout against the 2008 deficit: $240 billion

“Bertie you will lose the math game.”
Rangle? Dodd? Cold Cash Jefferson? Kwame Kirkpatrick? Richardson?
Can we include Clintons mysterious foreign millions?

Our President is telling us through this rule what path he wants us to take when we are faced with choices. It is clear to me what he intended and I am not confused at all.
Posted by: Michael Hall | Jan 23, 2009 6:21:31 PM
———————————-
I guess I’m not confused either— there must have been no other choice in his selection therefore the rule does not aply in this instance!
Give me a break!
What this tells me is that the rules he creates he is free to change to suit his liking!

When in doubt, make rules. When further doubt occurs, change rules. I am the President and I say so. Yeah, Sure, Right….uh, left?

RyanC,
Cheney was voted in by the people. Lynn is being recommeneded by a Pres. that can not even follow his own rules.

“So, what you are saying is that we should have left a mass murderer in charge of Iraq?”
If Saddam was in the middle of a mass killing as he had been in previous periods in Iraq this would make sense.
Instead we killed tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians based on lies told to us.

As always those that want to excuse Obama point to Bush. Bush is no longer in office. Bush didn’t promise sweeping changes. Obama is the one that did that. He sets standards one day and the next breaks them the next day. He wants to hire a treasury guy that cheated and lied on his taxes. Is this the change we were promised? I do find it funny that in both these cases, these two are the only ones that can do the job. No one else in the world is more qualified. Obama talks out of both sides of his mouth. People that support him will never criticize anything he does. He will get a pass no matter what he does or says.

Life is gray, not black and white.
===========
This isn’t Jake’s problem.
Anybody could have told Obama that life is gray, not black and white. He shouldn’t have demonized lobbyists in the first place.

One of Saddam’s favorite methods of torture, was to lower an individual into a meat grinder slowly, feet first. Yep, in war, lives are lost. Inncocent and not so innocent. Glad you were not around during WWII.

Ryan C,
Bill of Rights are full of waivers.

Has anyone checked into Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Daschle’s background? He wasn’t a “registered” lobbiest, but check out who was paying his salary.

Saddam’s method of torture, not mine. Perhaps you wish that he were still in power? Axis during WWII? Nope, proud American that would have followed in my grandfather’s footsteps in destroying evil. War is never popular, but at times necessary to save lives in the states.

Ryan C you are so misinformed would you please do your homework before you start writing, or can you only say the talking points of the democratic party?

How many of you feel safer now that we have ordered the closing of Gitmo? Let’s see a show of hands. Transparency? The press secretary would not answer any questions today about the bombings in Pakistan. Yep, transparency at its finest…….

Its called a rule for a reason. But I guess he can fold,spindle and mutilate the rules when he wants…I cant stop laughing

pefros if Bush had done that you would be screaming bloody murder.Its called hypocrisy and I guess we should get used to it for the next four years.

Just politics as usual. No need to keep promises even though it is only day four of his term.
What next?

Ryan C and Pefros
PSSSSST!
Bush is gone…..shhhhh it is a huge secret.
This is Obama screwing up big time.
psssssttt!!
Why did Obama rid us of war on terror, then with no skirt to hide under,and no Congressional approval,he alone Bombs Pakistan?
PSSSSST!
The President is not allowed to do that.
It gets worse, you know it, we know it, and Congress knows it.

Sounds like a typical politician.Sad.I had hoped for something better.

The things that we will never be told from histories past wars.

Its funny how the media starts immediately asking the question “Tell us George is this hypocrisy?” If it walks like a duck,looks like a duck and it quacks…guess what

pefros because you put it in print with nothing to back it up with doesnt make it so…it becomes your opinion,not to mention an excuse for your fearless leaders hypocrisy

What? That isn’t what I teach my kids and hope that this isn’t a sign of things to come. Worried.

Pefros, I seem to recall Democrats crying when the Repubs took control of the house and senate for the first time since the 50′s. Funny how things turn around. Same thing will happen in 2012.

Obama is a compulsive liar fraud…….yet another one of his exposed. He isn’t against lobbyist despite his PR move two days ago…..he is for them.
He is also for taxing the middle class to death….February 16 he and our demmie congress are going jump tax rates.

Good morning…this is your wake up call. Politicians (yes, President Obama is one) tell you what you want to hear (change, change, change) and hope you aren’t watching when they go against their word. Just words…just speeches? Yes, unfortunate, but true.

Obama already ended “war on terror”
The war is over ding dong…
Without the cover of “war on terror” he cannot launch on Pakistan without the approval of Congress.
This is new actions and is Obama’s war.
He made a terrible blunder.
“War on Terror” was approved by Congress and it allowed for incursions when deemed necessary.
Bush never deemed it necessary.
The “War on Terror” ended by Presidential decree.Obama did it.
Then Obama launched into Pakistan…Obama did it.
Which of these is true?
Obama is a mental midget idiot.
Obama is drunk on power and not thinking straight without sleep.
Obama is all of the above.
Take his pen away and lock him in for the night, for 3 days. Give Biden the keys and the watch, while Obama recovers from a mental break down.

“Clearly, President Obama knew that he would take heat by requesting this waiver.
If he feels the gentleman in question is so exceptional as to take the heat, then he has my support.
I am going to trust my President to make the right thing. At the end of the day, without trust, what do we really have any way? We will never get anything done if we have to throw a full scale “reject and denounce” everytime something doesn’t go the way we want it to.”
Well put nashville. The lobbyist policy was put in place for good reason, and so was the waiver and the requirement for full PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.

pefros let me let you in on a little something.I’m old enough to have been voting since Carter was in the house and I am an independent voter who has voted for both sides ….but if you cant see..or admit most likely, that this guy is no more different then any other nitwit up there you are truly delusional

pefros yes it is full public disclosure…of his hypocrisy.

HYPOCRITE plain and simple!

pefros so you support hypocrisy when its convenient and forth coming.Thats called a flaw.

Some of you really seem to have trouble understanding the English language.
The policy was put in place to drastically limit the influence of lobbyists in Washington – especially given the lobbyist influence that infected the Bush administration.
A waiver was put in place that could be used under exceptional circumstances, and it could only be used in exceptional circumstances, and done with FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE – those are the rules.
This waiver was made publicly and by special order.
As nashville said, “”Clearly, President Obama knew that he would take heat by requesting this waiver.
If he feels the gentleman in question is so exceptional as to take the heat, then he has my support.”
The policy itself is excellent. And any worthwhile watchdog organisation has supported it.
That you chose to see it as Obama filling the pockets of lobbyists is absurd and reflects your bias, not the policy or its implementation.

After the conflicts with Clinton (Bill’s donors), Holder (Rich’s buddy and terrorists), and Geitner (inability to pay taxes), Lobbyists are not a big deal. I wish he’d chosen lobbyists for State, AG, and Treasury – they actually would have been more ethically sound.

Let me get this straight.A few days ago, Obama said…he was going to “close the revolving door that lets lobbyists come into government freely”..Now he is making an exception for his nominee for the Deputy Secretary of Defense. He was a register lobbyist. LOL

All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.

Interesting to watch the anti-Obama types scratching around for dirt on Obama – and coming up with so little.
You did it all through the election – and you lost.
You did it all through the time leading up the the Inauguration, and it’s now President Obama.
You now continue to scratch desperately to drag Obama down to the Bush/Cheney level. Hahahah . . . not a chance!
This is excellent policy, the waiver was included, the waiver was executed publicly for an exceptional case – of course few of you know anything about the actual man who is being appointed – why would you care?

Who’da thunk it? A politician changed his mind after gettin elected! And on a major campaign promise. Say, “hello” to the new boss, same as the old boss!

pefros typical…so we can definitely label you as someone who has undying love and devotion to a typical politican/car salesman. What size blinders do you wear?

Wow. Would a Republican be able to get away with the same thing? I’m amazed at the way some are trying to justify this and explain it away. If you never understood what folks meant when they talk about moral relativism, this would be Lesson 1. It’s wrong unless I say it’s right until I say it’s wrong again. And although it may still be wrong for you, it is now right for me, and who are you to judge me?

I believe there will be more than one person other than Mr. Lynn who qualify for the job.
When the administration put forward a rule that they themselves cannot abide, how can they expect others to abide or how can they denied waiver if asked by opposition.

Jim, this waiver is put in place to be used in exceptional cases and only with full public disclosure.
Your characterizing President Obama as a dictator is simple name calling and insult and verges on the politically infantile.
Talk about fear and smear and name calling.

I guess when you follow blindly a man (or woman) they can do no wrong. Our President has been very busy. Each day he manages to allienate, offend and generally leap in full speed ahead. Again, the dems got us into this financial hole, their spend spend policies, their fanny mae freddy mac can do no wrong support, their everyone should own a home whether they can afford one or not. That folks, rests squarely on them. Should be interesting to see how they plan to get us out of this mess. Tick tock. What happened to putting getting the economy on track a priority. It seems EVERYTHING else is a priority for him now that he is president. promises promises promises

THis is yet another example of Obama being a mere politicia fooling people.

Man, stop blaming the groups….these are people who you elected. Speak up, move in action, write and make your piece or peace known. Are you there in your community or are you just sitting there watching others to do it for you….
It is amazing how lethargic this society is becoming about anything. Slackers. Quite blaming and starting moving those bones and joints and the thing between your shoulders called the brain start to work and come up with alternative approaches to things.
You all sit in a country that has offered more than you can imagine. Living overseas as an American has opened my eyes early. I don’t take things just as is….question it, look at it, examine it and then act on it in a prudent manner.
You guys put our fore-fathers to shame. Where are you all…Mars?

this is certainly a digrace to this great country. this reveals the fact that americans are yet again fooled by falls promises of the change.

Aloha Boxcar, thank you for your free speech. Yes, we have that right and now, lets put it into writing or join things that may speak on our behalf….lets not depend on lobbyists but do what children did and other adults did over the years. One letter of concern with many to write.
Lets move it. We proved it….one man started and many reacted and raised much in matter of less than two years. It can be done again. Nobody has seen what one person can do like this election has done…More voted, more spoke up and more put their monies where their mouthes were.
I am ready…can we start now?

pefros if you think Im going to defend the republicans well…your wrong.They are screwups too.I know that they all are….you dont seem to realize that.

Closing Gitmo too fast, he definitely jumped the gun.
Posted by: boxcar
= = = = = = = = =
Gitmo is still there and still operating. What are you talking about?

No Mike, he didn’t ‘break his own rule’ . .. the policy was specifically designed to allow for waivers in exceptional cases. He followed his policy. He will be judged on how often he makes these ‘exceptional cases’ not on you saying he’s breaking the rules. The policy stands publicly for all to see. It’s a major step forward in terms of keeping corporate lobbyists from walking in and out of higher echelon government jobs.

Willem van Oranje …he has orderd it closed . Whats your take on where they are going?

pefros…with all due respect, that’s a load of bull. He built a loophole in allowing him to break his own rule whenever he saw fit. Same as no rule. No matter how you try to spin it. Also, where did you get your deficit numbers? They don’t match the statistics from the Congressional Budget Office or the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Just trying to see if I’m looking at the wrong numbers. By the way, I thought this blog was about this Obama “exemption” on his own ethics rule, not the level of government spending during the first 6 years of the Bush administration (which was appalling, but just as appalling as the spending when the Democrats took over…two wrongs don’t make a right, neither does the ‘they did it, so we should be able, too’ argument…do you allow your kids to use that argument with you?).

Oh Great! We have 4 years to go!

Mike he did not break his own rule. He put in a waiver for exceptional cases . .. and he chose to use that waiver for William J. Lynn as Deputy Secretary of Defense. If he repeatedly abuses that waiver – that would be cause for concern.
Who is Lynn and why is he so valued by President Obama?

For anyone (like me) who works for the federal government in any capacity, we know that the new “transparancy” restrictments are:
1. Not new at all, they were enacted with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Obama’s “new” restrictions are just a direct quote from the FAR that prohibits any federal employee from being involved with lobbyists or contractors from being involved in government acquisition acitivities. Failing to abide by these restrictions carries punitive and monetary damages. (jail and fine)
2. Are only effective if everyone including the President holds himself accountable to them. All we have heard during the election and transition was how Bush felt he was an exception to the consitution and that it was unacceptable behavior. Obama is pointing to the speck in Bush’s eye while ignoring the log in his.
3. Not meant to be “mostly” followed. I believe it was Nixon who gave us the unforgettable quote, “When the President does it it’s NOT illegal.”
I think our government is setting a precedent and Barack Obama is not enacting any change…He’s towing the government line and the Democratic line.

NJ you’d have to be an idiot to blame 6 straight years of RECORD OVERSPENDING by the Republican President and his Republican Congress (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006) on the Democrats.
Do you not think this record overspending of money that didn’t exist started to spin the economy into bull**it land?
The Republicans instituted 6 straight years of massive spending of money they didn’t have . . . spending money you don’t have gets people into problems.
Don’t blame it all on the Democrats.

michelle you are right .He said the government should be held accountable for there actions.I am trying to see that he does just that.Right out of the chute he is practicing politics as usual just with a slightly diffrent format. He continues at this rate we can vote him out.

Oh yes, spending on military for post 9/11. Yep you got me there. You still seem to excuse the dems for this current banking crisis and I guess you always will. Burying your head in the sand on this specific topic doesn’t make it untrue.
Yes, Michelle, work together, put forth ideas, vote, volunteer, get involved. Have done those things since I was old enough. It will be great if more people do….. Just don’t believe our president is going to do all he has promised even with the congress ‘behind’ him.

Not even a week since the god of change has become the commander in chief, you are seing the real motive and action by him.
My god, god only can save us.

most in here are not posting pro republican crap..Most I see are questioning the hypocrisy of our current president .

I’ve said it before, Democrat or Republican, both parties are going to destroy the country unchecked. We need to take off the Party blinders and start making both parties accountable.

We didn’t fall into the bankrupt category until this last fall and we keep falling, not just us but the whole world. That wasn’t a result of the Bush adminstration, that was congress, a dem. congress. As I said, you keep denying this and that doesn’t change the fact.

Pefros:
You again have not understood anything about poltics and reality. We are not supporting or a supporter of Bush. WE are are rather independent people, who look at the reality.

pefros….who said anything about abuse? He played his loophole card within 48 hours of signing the rule. The loophole NEVER should have been there to begin with. I assert that the loophole was put there to allow him to break it whenever he wants (or any of his successors once he leaves office) which renders the rule moot, since he will have the discretion to decide when he enforces it on himself. But I guess as long as he’s doing it with full disclosure, we should just nod our heads and say “OK.” I think not.

MikeO :
The recovery package is not something President Obama drew up in his sleep – it has been worked on by highly respected economist and experts in the field. It is their measured opinion of what will best serve.
If you disagree with those experts fine, but it is not your responsibility. It’s easy to throw stones from the side with little knowledge of the current system.
From my perspective, the country has been left in pathetic shape by the previous administration. the entire world has suffered.
I see no champions so far.

I hope Carolin will not find a place in The Change Guru’s team

Comment by pefros…”Mike, you’re apparently playing dumb on the lobbyist policy. President Obama has designed this so any use by him of the waiver is FULLY DISCLOSED. It is not hidden, he can be judged and held accountable should people think there was abuse.”
——–
OK…I’m calling him out. I think this was abuse of the policy. Nothing I see about this appointment is extraordinary and justifiable. Explain it to me. This lobbyist policy, without a loophole, would be making a statement about change. With a loophole, it is the same politics as usual.

Mike that is exactly the question I asked you earlier. Who is William J. Lynn that he is so important to President Obama as Deputy Defense Secretary?
?

Name dropping proves nothing.

pefros keep the faith..your going to need it.

“Bedtime for Frances” (it’s a kid’s book)…g’night, all.

Well, Lynn’s profile is available of course and as expected it looks excellent . ..
“Lynn was awarded three Department of Defense medals for distinguished public service, the Joint Distinguished Civilian Service Award from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and awards from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
He also received the 2000 Distinguished Federal Leadership Award from the Association of Government Accountants for his efforts to improve defense accounting practices.”

pefros..and he is a lobbyist

This is something I would expect from Hugo Chavez.

Im out of here

I must be “slow” when our Preisident institutes a new policy, Ethics none the less, then backtracks on it…..I think it is business as usual in Washington. Ethics? This has to be an all time record THREE DAYS and out with the Ethics. So ethics only apply when he doesn’t need them. Very disconcerting. Change, oh that’s correct there was a change of party! Scary, they are soo arrogant to tell the American public, can you imagine what will be kept secret? Just three days ago I was full of HOPE!

“He also received the 2000 Distinguished Federal Leadership Award from the Association of Government Accountants for his efforts to improve defense accounting practices.”
He is a Democrat accountant.
That’s the special unique qualifications.
Glad to know the GWOT is being taken seriously that we can have an accountant heading things up.

“A waiver was put in place that could be used under exceptional circumstances, and it could only be used in exceptional circumstances, and done with FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE – those are the rules. ”
Try and explain why that makes any difference.
Will Lynn be getting more over sight? Will his personal finances be audited? As his relatives prohibited from certain employment?
Who decides how special these ‘special circumstances’ are?
Is there ANYTHING different than if Bush had appointed the guy last year?
I dont see any. There is a single press release. This one happened to have gotten traction with Tapper. Who knows what happens with #11 next year. A press release is not the same as “full disclosure” at all.

Obama called me, collect. He said he now approves of this thread. . .because he won.

“And Obama’s decision to use the waiver is FULLY PUBLIC ”
Can I have a link to the waiver document?

Oh bertW, you haven`t heard about President Obama using the waiver to open the way for the potential Deputy Defence Secretary William Lynn?

He needs to lead by example not exception. This move begins to undermine his credibility. His political capital is already being wasted. Please reconsider this action you are taking Mr. President!

No no no! You make the rules…You follow the rules!2 days in office and he is already screwing his own system.

“Any time the President uses this waiver it is public and he can be held accountable to the electorate. That is exactly what is stopping him from abusing or overusing the waiver is just that.”
Yeah so where is this link to the full filled out waiver document?
Or is it just one of these things where he says ‘Oh yeah, I waved him’.

You seem to misunderstand the rules christian. There is a waiver written into the policy that does allow for extraordinary exceptions to be made. President Obama has chosen in this situation to follow that rule.
If President Obama abuse or overuses that waiver, certainly he is accountable to the electorate and they will decide the severity of his abuse.
However, no rules have been broken, one of the rules has been followed.

Pefros- This is not an extraordinary exception.
Follow these rules. No lobbyists means no.Follow the rules,dont manipulate them.
And also….Pay your taxes!!

Steve your post is so right on,I too can not understand McCains disappointment when he had so many lobbiest on his team and giving to his team. He has nothing to cry about. We needed to stop the tortured their was a loop hole there also but not torture as defined as water boarding and such.Does not mean we can’t use truth serum or something like that.As for the people over at the base in Cuba,put them in our prisons,I don’t know how long they would last though.They can still be tried so whats the problem.I also gave Bush 2 tries and still do not bash him just because he was our president no matter what and the office should be respected if not the man.Mr and Mrs Bush have been so good about welcoming the Obama’s to the white house Give credit where it is due and I give him lots for making the transition go smoothly.Seems like the republicans in the senate and house give president Obama more credit than most of you republicans etc on this board.

Wasn’t Scooter Libby one of Bush’s senior staff?

And President Bush, Scooter’s friend . .. just signed a piece of paper and that convicted criminal didn’t have to go to jail.
He did that for a friend. Isn’t he a nice President.
Get your head on straight when you’re talking ethics. You blather like fools.

And Scooter was not just a friend, but one of President Bush’s senior staff!
Isn’t that amazing!

Hey who put the ethics rules in? Certainly not the party that is exiting the White House. So before we get all worked up and start throwing accusations shouldn’t we first maybe consider what the mans qualifications are? I really doubt that ethics rules are being bypassed just for the sake of doing so? Maybe just maybe there is a benefit in this appointment?
But hey, let’s not allow the details to circumvent our dislike for this Obama or anything this administration trys to do. Let’s just be as difficult as we can possibly be, and let’s find fault and point the finger at anything we possibly can.

Libby is not in jail christian, you should get your facts straight.
Bush signed an order that turned over the jail sentence for his friend and criminal senior staff member Scooter Libby.
That was done months ago, long before the Presidential pardons you’re thinking of.

bertW I explained it for you early and asked you to read the explanation . . . nice and slowly so you’d understand.
Since you failed that, I have now moved on to comparing the ethics of the last administration with the ethics of the present one.
Unfortunately, this comparison is also beyond your grasp.

christian Conservative- please get your facts straight. Libby is not in jail, his sentence was commuted by President Bush, but not pardoned, so he is unable to practice law.

All conservatives move to Texas and we will form the new Republic of Texas. Our economy is strong and our concervativism runs rampant. Let’s make Texas a nation once again. Any other consevative state that wants to join, just give us a call.

Ethics in an Obama administration? There’s no such thing….

I am willing to give Obama another year or two before I decide if he is doing a good job of not. However, this decision of granting an except to his rule from two days ago is pretty stupid. It implies that his rules are not realy rules. All presidents make good decisions and bad decisions so I will wait and see if things really do improve.

bertieW:
Of course there is a waiver process and of course there was full public disclosure the waiver was used.
This wasn’t something sneakily discovered by that terrible liberal press – this was made public.
And of course this is groundbreaking lobbyist policy if you could only read, or cared to let the information sink into your brain.
Previously lobbyists could move directly from lobbying for corporate interests directly into a senior government jobs dealing with the same matters. This has now been restricted by time frames.
And previously senior government employees could move directly into lobbying jobs for corporate clients dealing in the same area. This also has now been restricted by time frames.
Cheney would be an extreme example of this (despite his recent executive position) having held a CEO position in the Halliburton corporation from which he moved directly into a position of great influence in Government dealing with issues that ended up being very profitable for Halliburton.
This is the type of thing President Obama has begun to address with his new lobbyist policy.
It’s a step in the right direction according to almost anybody with any stature in Government oversight.

I think alot of you are taking this wrong actually. The point of his new ethics rules is to make what they do more transparent to the people. You don’t think Obama knew he would take heat for this? Of course he knew. But by waiving the rules for this guy and then declaring it to the people is proof of the transparency of the new government.

The botton line is that the “anti-lobbying” statute eliminates the most qualified people for a hell of a lot of position in government. The only people I know who support it either have never held real jobs or (in addition) have only worked in government and never had to really produce measurable results.

I thought Obama was supposed to be restoring trust in the american people after such bad 8 years. Hell of a way to do it Obama! The fact that Obama gave a few republicans “token” jobs so he can tout his attempt to be bi-partison is the biggest farce yet. Now I know he had no intentions of putting a republican in this position. But can you just imagine how much pissing and moaning the liberals would be doing if he “waived” ANY part of “ethics requirements” for a republican? Doesn’t surprise me a bit though that Obama would pull such an ignorant stunt, HE HAS NO ETHICS. Other than the ones he picked up in Chicago like the rest of his corrupt Chicago ilk. Obama transparency? Now there’s an oxy-moron coming from a president who’s just a moron!

By the way, it was Defense Secretary Robert Gates (a REPUBLICAN appointee and a holdover from the Bush administration) who requested Lynn as his deputy.

Oh Geez, the Obamabots still haven’t figured it out. Obama says one thing and does another all the time. His words are empty like many of his followers heads for supporting him. His whole spill 2 days ago about banning Lobbyist was a PR stunt for the gullible. It doesn’t exist. Obama will just waive the rule anytime it suits him therefore the rule should not even exist. It means NOTHING.

chattyway you’d think you’d have figured out the fear and smear thing didn’t work during the election, and it won’t work now. Pretty juvenile stuff and pretty sad.

There are rules unless I dont like the rules. LOL Typical liberal mentality. Its OK I hired a guy who doesnt pay his taxes to be in charge of people paying their taxes. Does that make any sense?
What insanity.

how noble of obama to go against his own promises and allow a lobbyist in on his administration. i thought he was gonig to change things??? oh yeah, change things for the worse

fiercely independent, you should of learned by now you cannot make intelligent conversation with these extreme liberal. when you start speaking the truth and they are pushed in a corner, the name calling begins (just be glad they didnt call you a racists for not agreeing with obama)

what about black republicans (are they racists too) because believe it or not there are black republicans

isnt it true? – You posted three paragraphs… and said nothing…

Do as I say not as I do. Hum, isn’t that the truth when it comes to Obama.

I think everyone better start to get use to this kind of governing. We are stuck with it for the next 4 years.

Typical politician.

Look people, his ethics laws make it much more difficult for lobbyists to come to Washington. I do not believe he is going to make the same mistakes that Bush has done and surround himself by lobbyists but I do think one or two exceptions for people who are genuinely qualified for the job are okay. Also Micheal F brought up a good point about the part that was not quoted in the executive order. The part where it does outline that there can be waivers if the person in question is qualified enough and not too much of a risk to hire. HE IS NOT BREAKING HIS OWN RULE. He also did say “Lobbyists will no longer come to Washington freely”. He is right. It is going to be a lot more difficult for lobbyists to come meaning that the number of lobbyists will go down. STOP HATING ON OBAMA FOR BREAKING HIS OWN RULE. HE IS A SMART GUY AND THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION WILL PUT MORE POWER TO THE PEOPLE.

Andrew, I think a lot of disappointment is coming your way if you think O is any better than any other politician.
He talks the talk, but he doesn’t walk the walk.

You mean you couldn’t even follow your own rule for ONE DAY?!?!? It’s not like the Republicans made up this rule, YOU MADE IT!!!! Sheesh!
Can we trust anything this guy says?

Only four days into his presidency, and all the Obama supporters can come up with is (1) you lost, get over it; (2) Bush did the same thing, but more of it; (3) you’re all fear mongers; and (4) you non-believers are not smart enough to understand how this is really not a waiver. Sounds a lot like “ends justifies the means,” “do what I say, not what I do,” and “my candidate right or wrong” than “change you can believe in.” And you true liberals — a lobbyist for Raytheon — are you kidding me? Where’s all that military-industrial complex stuff we’ve been hearing about for the last 60 years?

Even though many of you are having a fabulous time bashing President Obama for providing a waiver to this rule, the obvious truth is that President Obama is the ONLY candidate who has even ATTEMPTED to reduce the influence of lobbyists in his adminstration.
Gripe if you must, point out the obvious contradiction if it makes you feel better, but the simple fact is we would not be talking about this AT ALL if President Obama had not made it such an issue in his campaign and his administration.
President Obama was elected to the Presidency without taking lobbyist money, while John McCain’s campaign manager was taking millions of dollars from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to provide “access” to John McCain. So forgive me if John McCain’s “disappoint” rings a little hollow to me.
You can lament that the world is not perfect, but you can’t say that President Obama is being controlled by lobbyists.
And that is a HUGE CHANGE.

“As if this is a big surprise….. Just shows that BO’s words are worthless… he’s a liar, plain and simple… Over 350 million people in this county, and we are supposed to believe this is the only one that can do this job…. yeah right… – vet1973
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
vet1973,
Even though I disagree with your “he’s a liar” statement, I will let it stand and point out that so far, President Obama’s lies have not decimated countries and killed over 4000 American soldiers.
And as for the President’s qualifications for the office, I look forward to watching your campaign in 4 years.
Those who can, do. Those who can’t gripe about those who can on the “internets”.

The Dems would be screaming impeachment by now if a Republican had made so many blunders in only 4 days.

Is it 2012 yet?

Again I raise the subject of Tom Daschle’s appointment to Sec of HSS. Not a “registered” lobbyist, but employed by a medical lobbyist firm. A former Senator so partisan his home state of South Dakota got fed up with him and did not re-elect him.

Back on the job so soon pefros??
In four years the only change we will believe in is the loose change left in our pockets.

“After more or less 8 years of the Government being run in the dark by the sharks, the sharks are upset the humans are swimming around . . . “look that one made a mistake, look!”
Slink back into your caves, that’s not blood you smell . . . your feeding time is over.”
I guess we should all just say “I will work harder” and “Napoleon is always right.” Right, Squealer?

I am beginning to think this country IS becoming the Old Soviet Union.
The Liberal Media in this country is using ‘Repetitious Media Indoctrinating’ to produce a CONTROLLED ELECTORIATE, just like The SOVIET UNION used to. The bias prior to the election was unprecedented and so far, since Obama has assumed office, it has actually gotten worse. The Liberal Media does not seem to be ashamed, they seem to be proud as they examine (and admit) their bias. One of CNN’s reporters actually said they had a “love fest” going on. They are NOT ashamed , they are Gloating as they INDOCTRINATE.

If Obama would have had the backbone to serve in the military for at least one day then maybe he would have learned to “Lead By Example”. Guess most of “his” voters could care less about honor.

“Seems to be that Gates asked for the man president Obama nominated and he is a republican, so president went along with the loyal opposition in this case”
Yes, President Obama went out of his way to get Gates (a Republican holdover) his man (Lynn)as requested. And Obama did this despite knowing he would draw heat . ..

2cents it’s just interesting that President Obama chose to support (a Republican appointee) Gate’s selection (Lynn) for Deputy – despite the heat Obama knew he would take.
Obama stuck his head out for the Republican-appointed Defense Secretary Gates.
And Obama knew he would get political heat like crazy.
I can only guess Obama felt national defense (and Gate’s recommendation) was important enough to stick his head out and take the heat. That’s a guess.

pefros, I care less that Lynn’s republican or not. Gates can recommend another republican that “qualified” for the job. Pres can stick his head out for the other candidate.
Should Lynn had the experience, then wait out for the 2year period and then join the administration 2 year from now.

Lynn started his career working for Ted Kennedy

The Obama ethics rules were to bring “change” to Washington………but the “waiver” clause has to be available for someone who Obama thinks “is” worthy………..I guess it dpends upon the definition of “is”………….is

“bertW you think President Obama would stick his neck out to take the political heat supporting Bush appointee Gates’ selection – for a $4600 contribution to Hillary?”
******************************
Folks are working overtime in this pocket of cyberspace to pin anything they can on Obama. I have to say there’s creativity involved in expanding on some of the minutiae.

Fierce, President Obama did not reverse himself. He used a waiver that is to be used – as he sees fit – in circumstances he sees as exceptional circumstance. This is done with FULL PUBLIC DISCLOSURE and HE CAN BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE for any abuse or overuse of this waiver.
He knew he was going to take incredible political heat over this waiver. I wonder why he stuck his neck out to give the Bush appointee Gates his choice of Deputy? That is the question.

And we’re off…I knew Obama would be breaking his promises, but he’s made history on the time frame. We’re in for a looooong miserable 4 years!! Think about it – he told different things to whatever group he was addressing during his campaign to win votes. Hope he can keep his stories straight, but I seriously doubt it. The man’s a chameleon.

This will be a long 4 years! I just don’t feel safe at 3 AM Knowing the Country is in his hands.

Bush Lied,…wait, wrong party. This was a perfectly acceptable application of protocols…
Personally I could care less, but spare me the double-standard.

hmmm, i don’t get it. Why would he be so blatantly self-contradictory? What does this guy have or can provide that he would do such a bone-headed thing? Does he really think the Obama Love Train is that strong?
oh and Richard, your comment…
Hey…it’s not like it’s a real
promise, it’s a politician’s promise.
There’s a huge difference that I would
think most everyone over the age of,
say, 25 has learned by now.
That just shows how obviously Obama leaning you are. I seriously doubt you’d have made the same comment had it been Bush. Thank goodness he’s not a dictator, I think ol’ Richie here would be his opposition executioner.

Sweeping rules without exemption are almost always a bad idea. Example one, the eight years of the Bush, Jr. presidency. The tension with lobbyists is that they often no the topic of their work better than many others. The point of the ethics rules instituted by Obama was an attempt to prevent lobbyists from entering government to benefit prior affiliations and interests. If the former lobbyist is the best person for the job, commits to performing his government position in the publics best interest, and does so, we should have no problem with the former lobbyist being appointed to a government position. Not all former lobbyists have alterior motivations for accepting a government appointment. The issue should not be about the rule made and the granting an exception to the rule, but whether President Obama has made a wise decision in instituting the waiver and that the appointment of the former lobbyist is in the country’s best interest.
I am tired of the past eight years of adhering to principal when the principal is clearly not in the country’s best interest. Obama has always said that if he takes a position, and that position appears to be not in the country’s best interest, he would change course. As a general rule the ethics guidelines set forth by Obama are a good thing, which is why he has issued “waivers” but has not scraped the program altogether. Any intelligent person working for the BENEFIT of the people rather than PANDERING to the principals of the people would do the same.
I can’t help but not that, as human beings themselves, there is not one commentator on this blog who has not changed course within there lives, leaving principal in favor of good functioning practicality. Our President is human. If you want something else vote for God.
Ultimately, we should want a well run government. We should not waste our time focusing on trifle issues. Time will tell whether Obama has made a wise decision in issuing these waivers, but given the fact that he has already made so many wise decisions, we should be giving him the benefit of the doubt until there is information to prove otherwise.
This blatantly “we, the public” are holier than thou dear, President, really pisses me off, is completely illogical, and results from profound ignorant adherence to principal even where the maintenance of that principal could either not be best for the country or, in the case of Bush, be downright harmful.
Let it go. Move on.