This is a bipartisan story of converting high level government jobs into lucrative jobs in the private sector. Often it appears that the reason for the high pay is the contacts that the former government official has in the government. At other times it appears that part of the appeal is the ability to make a government official sympathetic and helpful while still working for the government and shaping policy that will benefit that officials future company.

This story shows that it is becoming more blatant, mostly because nothing seems to be done to stop a practice that is ethically wrong but legally permissable with waiting periods and loopholes. The loopholes have cut out a lot of that waiting period, and the revolving door has filled pockets fairly blatantly for the past 15 years. now there is no apology for jumping right into the arms of the companies that officials had previously regulated.

Here is a news story on this issue.
From Homeland Security to lucrative contract work

Questions for debate:

1) Are these Homeland Security departures to the private industry wrong? Why or why not?

2) Should much tougher laws and ethics rules be placed on government officials in terms of going to work for companies they used to regulate or effect? Or in terms of lobbying agencies and governmental bodies they used to work for or head?

3) Are any restrictions a violation of individual rights to find a way to earn a living?

4) Is the revolving door a symptom of corruption in the United States?

5) What rules or laws would you like to see used or enforced for this issue?

1) Are these Homeland Security departures to the private industry wrong? Why or why not?

There's nothing wrong with working for private industry. There is something wrong with working for private industry to manipulate the government. I call this larceny, the theft of taxpayer dollars. Indirectly, it's also murder in certain cases.

2) Should much tougher laws and ethics rules be placed on government officials in terms of going to work for companies they used to regulate or effect? Or in terms of lobbying agencies and governmental bodies they used to work for or head?

Yes. These practices ought to be illegal and punishable by life in prison.

3) Are any restrictions a violation of individual rights to find a way to earn a living?

No. Non-compete clauses are common parts of employment contracts. These usually run around five years time, but some are forever. It depends on how many corporate secrets one gets exposed to during the employment.

4) Is the revolving door a symptom of corruption in the United States?

Big time. I'm pretty certain that this is what got us into Iraq. The evidence of this involves the contracts that have been and are being granted without bidding. War is hell, but it is also lucrative.

5) What rules or laws would you like to see used or enforced for this issue?

See #2.

I'm not holding my breath for any meaningful reform on this situation. The good ol' boy and girl system is firmly in place. I just don't know how these people can look themselves in the mirror without upchucking. They have the gaul to claim to be patriotic and religious while serving only the almighty dollar. There's blood on their hands and ugliness in their souls, which reflects in mugs that even mothers can't love.