Progressives get involved in politics because of their dedication to their principles. That doesn’t seem to be why politics appealed to Fred Thompson. On the contrary, Fred Thompson’s professional resume shows that he has used politics mainly for two reasons: To serve the rich and powerful, and to make some money for himself.
Fred Thompson’s entry into politics was as a lobbyist. Fred Thompson’s career as a lobbyist began way back in the 1970s, but has continued almost right up to his entry into the field of politicians seeking the Republican nomination in 2008.
The influence of Fred Thompson appears to be for hire. He’s worked, for instance, as a lobbyist for big energy corporations like General Electric and Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He promoted the dishonest economic schemes of the savings and loan industry as one of its hired hands back in the 1980s, right before the savings and loan institutions were exposed as part of a sham that profited at the expense of ordinary working Americans.
Fred Thompson has spent almost all of his political life as lobbyist, promoting the selfish schemes of the rich and powerful. What makes anyone think he wouldn’t continue this aspect of his career if elected President?
(Sources: USA Today, June 6, 2007; The Nation, May 2, 2007; Media Matters, June 5, 2007)
