Foundation's Funds Diverted From Mission (GOP Lobbyist Abramoff & DeLay)

[Khephra]

Foundation's Funds Diverted From Mission
Records Detail Spending By GOP Lobbyist Abramoff

By R. Jeffrey Smith
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, September 28, 2004; Page A01

The Capital Athletic Foundation's Web site portrays youths at play: shaking hands over a tennis net, learning how to hold a bat, straining for a jump ball. Its text solicits donations for what it describes as "needy and deserving" sportsmanship programs.

In its first four years of operation, the charity has collected nearly $6 million. A gala fundraiser last year at the International Spy Museum at one point attracted the Washington Redskins' owner as its chairman and was to honor the co-founder of America Online.

But tax and spending records of the Capital Athletic Foundation obtained by The Washington Post show that less than 1 percent of its revenue has been spent on sports-related programs for youths.

Instead, the documents show that Jack Abramoff, one of Washington's high-powered Republican lobbyists, has repeatedly channeled money from corporate clients into the foundation and spent the overwhelming portion of its money on pet projects having little to do with the advertised sportsmanship programs, including political causes, a short-lived religious school and an overseas golf trip.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A55283-2004Sep27.html

[rooboy]

1. This is ok because it has nothing to do with Bill Clinton or sex. n/t

[UpInArms]

2. and just what do you think "charities" are for?

you thought that these monies were to be spent for "sportsmanship" - well, the GOP has ideas about what "sports" are all about and it's not about helping needy kids.

/sarcasm and cynicism on too long to turn off :sigh:

(edit: typo)

[Eye and Monkey]

3. there's not even a pretense at "doing good works" for this foundation

It's completely a sham. DeLay and Abramoff should do federal time, and not in the country-club.

[Hawkeye-X]

6. My sister was Abramoff's right hand woman

And she resigned the minute Abramoff got indicted. It has been miserable. Now she works for Cassidy and Associates, another lobbying firm that leans Dem.

My sister has to go through the senate hearings, which according to her is not fun.

[struggle4progress]

4. kick for scum-sucking pigs

:kick:

[hatrack]

5. I was stunned to actually hear NPR covering this last night

Their focus was mainly on the tribal gaming ripoff ($40 million and then some?!?!), but the story on the fake foundations may have developed since last night.