Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Santa Rosa Advocates for Social Justice

Film Project Presents:

th The 8 in our CORRUPTION OF OUR DEMOCRACY SERIES

“ could sweet-talk a dog off a meat truck”, words voiced by Neil Volz, a disgraced former associate of the notorious Washington super-lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

This 2010 documentary tells the story of the high life and eventual downfall of wealthy Republican lobbyist, businessman and con man Jack Abramoff. Abramoff was involved in a massive corruption scandal that led to the conviction of himself, two Bush White House officials, Representative and nine other lobbyists and congressional staffers. Abramoff was convicted of fraud, conspiracy, and tax evasion in 2006 and of trading expensive gifts, meals and sports trips in exchange for political favors. We meet a number of familiar Republican folks as this story unfolds, from and to Karl Rove and President George W. Bush.

From the director, Alex Gibney, in an interview with Amy Goodman: "You know, he's now called 'disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff,' and a lot of people like to say that they didn't really know him. In fact, he was in the mainstream. He was very much a power broker in Washington, DC, (with) very good relationships with Karl Rove, President Bush, and particularly Tom DeLay, the former Majority Whip. So that's the big story about Jack Abramoff. He was a guy who really bought and sold politicians, is really what he did."

Discussion follows viewing of the film Please bring whatever you wish to eat. We will offer a snack, not lunch.