Today’s Reality: Nothing Is Secret
Washington, D.C., where I am based, is full of consultancies run by former members of Congress or government staffers who sell their connections and supposed clout to just about anyone who hopes to have greater influence before the federal government or in the halls of Congress. It’s influence peddling for a price, and often, their clients are some of the more unsavory characters in the world, like Col. Muammar Gaddafi (right). Many of the consultancies also sell public relations services even though their expertise rarely extends beyond the ability to write a dull news release.
One such consultancy is The Livingston Group, run by former Louisiana Republican congressman Bob Livingston. You may recall him that Livingston was the guy who denounced then-President Bill Clinton over the issue of adultery until it was disclosed that Livingston, himself, had extramarital affairs. That led to Livingston leaving Congress.
Now, Odwyerpr.com has disclosed that The Livingston Group is being paid $750,000 a year to help build goodwill in Washington for the country of Libya, a haven for terrorists, that’s run by the dictator, Col. Muammar Gaddafi. According to O’Dwyer, The Livingston Group “wants to help Libya reduce airport hassles by U.S. Transportation Security Administration screeners, celebrate the 40th anniversary of Col. Gaddafi’s takeover, craft a corporate responsibility program, educate American military contractors about opportunities available, and develop history- and eco-tourism, according to a document obtained by a Libyan opposition group.”
How does O’Dwyer know all this? Because Livingston’s 42-page PR plan to promote the image of Libya, marked “confidential” is now online for anyone to read. It is posted in Arabic and English on the website of the National Conference of the Libyan Opposition. Just click here to read the plan.
In the executive summary, Livingston advises Gaddafi and Libya -
“The end of the Bush administration also requires thinking and acting tactically and opportunistically in terms of what can be accomplished over these next six months.”
Wonder how such a boast will be greeted within the Obama administration?
One thing is for certain – in today’s online world, nothing is secret. Nothing.
By the way, I contacted The Livingston Group for comment. They did not return my call.
Category: Featured, Public Affairs, Public Relations
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This is absolutely great. Perhaps posts like these will change how business is done in WA and everywhere else. After all, clients wouldn’t want to work with those whom have the power to tarnish the very image they are trying to brandish.
David,
This is another example of why you are one of the most important journalist with one of the most important messages in today’s world.
Excellent work uncovering this relationship and embarrassment. Having lived in both Washington D.C. and Tyson’s Corner Virginia in the early 1990′s, I have seen (first hand) citizens threatened by people claiming to be “operatives.” I have witnessed these threats being made in public over conversations or debates people were having in the watering holes around the beltway.
Now we have someone who in my opinion is a threat to national security, who may have violated some type of treason laws, and someone who was a former political representative to the citizens of America “consulting” with a known American enemy?
When are we going to step up and begin cleaning our own house before we attempt to straighten out other countries? Well done!