TPM points to
this little tidbit about our friend Scooter... apparently, the Hudson Institute has retained Libby as a "senior advisor" and the press release blabs on about how his expertise will be sooo valuable to the Hudson's mission.
Quote:"Scooter Libby brings decades of experience to Hudson Institute that will strengthen our robust research efforts. We look forward to drawing on his expertise," said Hudson Institute Chairman Walter P. Stern.
What he should have said:"Scooter Libby brings decades of experience to Hudson Institute that will strengthen our robust propaganda efforts. We look forward to subsidizing his legal defense."
So I called the Hudson to confirm and inquire why...
The conversation is below the fold...
I explained to them that I was a going to write a blurb in a blog. The front desk transferred me to person "a", who transferred me to the communications person, who, upon hearing that I was writing this up on DailyKos, connected me with Kenneth R. Weinstein, the CEO of the Institute.
I asked him if it was true and if he was concerned with the damage that it would do to the Institute's <cough> reputation. I then quickly asked if there were any other persons that have been indicted or convicted currently on the payroll at Hudson and if they intended to hire Jack Abramoff. This is when he hung up on me... I mean, we got disconnected.
I called back and explained to the front desk that I was speaking with the CEO and we were "inadvertently" disconnected. Person "a", same thing, then on hold, and back to Ken.
Me: "I'm sorry Ken, I think we were disconnected, I was asking about Libby."
Ken: "Okay, one question at a time though"
Me: "Is it true that Libby is on the payroll and are you not concerned about the "reputation" of the Institute (I quote the mission statement)?"
Ken: "Libby is presumed innocent, and the Institute has many different view points, including William Odom"
Me: "Do you currently employ, or make it a practice to, any other persons under criminal indictment or that have been convicted of a crime? And would Hudson fire Libby if he is convicted but gets probation or is pardoned?"
Ken: "That is a hypothetical I won't answer"
Me: "Well the president did, he said he would fire anyone involved in the affair. Why won't you?"
Ken: "unintelligible"
Me: "Will you state yes or no, whether or not Hudson will hire Abramoff too?"
Ken: "He doesn't have any expertise in areas that we cover"
Me: "Is that a no?"
Ken: "That's utterly ridiculous"
Me: "Is that a no?"
Ken: "Yes, that is a no."
Me: "Okay, thanks, have a nice day."
They tried to get me to give them my last name, I said fat chance, I don't wanna be on a no-fly list, thanks though...
Fun, fun, fun...
Call them, be nice, but be annoying.
Let them know that we citizens are watching and the days of lack of accountability are over...