"Former Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff is the subject of more recent newspaper articles than Osama bin Laden. If charges are filed, Mr. Abramoff will answer for his specific conduct alleged to violate specific laws. However, what he should not have to answer for � to the Justice Department, Congress or the media � is engaging in the same conduct as other lobbyists.

Mr. Abramoff was berated for charging clients � especially Native Americans operating casinos � too much money. Putting aside the fact that Mr. Abramoff's efforts literally saved some of his clients hundreds of millions for the single digit millions charged, why are so many questioning an agreement between a willing buyer and seller?

Stories are legend in Washington of powerbrokers who make a two-minute phone call and bill their clients hundreds of thousands of dollars. The media contributes to stereotypes when it assumes that executives at Halliburton or Boeing know the value of the lobbying dollars they spend, but that Native American leaders do not. Disclosure of lobbying and fees is the answer, and it worked here (revealing Mr. Abramoff's fees)."

Get the Story:
Abbe Lowell: Don't scapegoat my client (USA Today 5/23)

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