Christopher Dodd, the president of the Motion Picture Association of America, was a U.S. senator for 30 years and a member of the House of Representatives for six years, so he knows as much as anybody about the customary relationships among lobbyists and members of Congress. How, then, could he have allowed these words to escape his mouth: “Those who count on Hollywood for support need to understand this industry is watching very carefully” [the outcome of anti-piracy bills supported by his association]. “Don’t ask me to write a check for you when you think your job is at risk and then don’t pay attention to me when my job is at risk.” [“Megaupload shutdown raises fears,” Jan. 21 news story]
At the very least, that statement documents in bold relief the fact that lobbyists and the objects of their work, certain members of Congress, have the expectation and knowledge that money is available in exchange for a vote in favor of the lobbyists’ position on legislation.
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