Chilling Implications when Lobbyists Testify

The New York Times reports that lobbyist Jack Abramoff may be trying to cut a deal in exchange for testimony on Congressional corruption.

[NYT: Lobbyist Is Said to Discuss Plea and Testimony]

Well, that’s as wrong as four left feet! Lobbyists often rely on the corruptibility of politicians, who in turn rely on lobbyists to provide some level of confidentiality around the sometimes illegal, and often unethical, activities they engage in in the throes of governing.

Lobbyists testifying about their activities, and revealing the identities of their political sources, amounts to a breach of confidence that could place in jeopardy many lobbyist-politician relationships.

Abramoff’s testimony could have a chilling effect on the corruptibility of politicians, and their willingness to work with lobbyists to reach politically viable solutions to our nation’s problems. Congress will likely grind to a halt. The entire political process will be in peril of failing once the conduit for donations, perks and bribes is effectively removed from the system.

Jack Abramoff should follow Judith Miller’s lead and take one for the profession. He should allow himself to be imprisoned; both to uphold his promise to his sources and to protect the integrity of lobbyism in general.

Just think how petty those prosecutors will look, Jack, when they send you to jail because you wouldn’t compromise your ethics or break your word to your source(s). You’ll come out a martyr on the other end of this thing.