That this Serious Person's advisory council would adopt the business model of an extortion racket:
Last week I received a fax that began:"Late yesterday, Newt's Business Defense and Advisory Council named you as a 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year representing Illinois."
It came on the letterhead of Newt Gingrich, general chairman. It invited me to a "private dinner‚" on the evening of Oct. 7 in Washington, where I would get my award and Newt and I would exchange ideas on getting the economy moving again. At the bottom of the letter in a font designed to look as if it were handwritten, it said, "Newt is looking forward to finally meeting you face to face and get your thoughts on Cap and Trade and Obama's Tax Policy."
Awesome news! Why don't these things ever happen to the Baron?
I called back the next day to sign up and to see if they had any hotel deals. I also decided to get something out of the way: "I know you probably can't answer this question, but are they going to try to strong-arm me to give them money if I come?" The woman who answered this time---apparently, Newt was still away---replied: "There is a cost to come. It is $5,000 per couple."
It gets even better.
While it had become evident to me that Newt has little respect for entrepreneurs, I did wonder if he really would send out the award if someone wanted it. So I called back and asked."Have you donated any money?" asked the woman who answered.
"No."
"We can send you the award if you give us $250."
No shame.
None of which, I am willing to wager, will prevent this Respected Elder Statesman™ from being invited back to at least one Sunday talk show this weekend. Let me know if it happens.
---Vitelius
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