The way to a lawmaker's heart is through his wallet. whether its soft-money campaign donations, corporate jets, or freebie junkets to exotic lands, cash greases the wheels in D.C. and capitals worldwide. Look here for Bush's "pioneers," political allies who get fat federal contracts, and influence peddling of all stripes.
Comcast is the largest cable provider and the second largest internet service provider in the United States. It has had a reputation for abysmal customer service and is being investigated by the FCC for blocking customer's access to internet content.
Orascom is an Egyptian business group. It holds a portfolio of business activities ranging from contracting to railways and navigation services to manufacturing, and also maintains significant holdings in telecommunications, information technology, and networking. It has recently acquired a contract to establish telecommunication service in post-war iraq. Inspite of other famous and more influential competitors orascom got this project which in itself is evidence of political rigging.
American Express (NYSE: AXP), sometimes known as "AmEx" or "Amex", is a diversified global financial services company, headquartered in New York City. The company is best known for its credit card, charge card and traveler's cheque businesses.
Telefónica, S.A. is one of the largest telecommunications companies worldwide. Based in Spain Telefónica owns and operates neumerious fixed-line and mobile communications companies around the globe; of the five major telecommunications companies worldwide Telefónica is second in terms of clients and in 2007 ranked fourth behind China Mobile, AT&T, and Vodafone in market value.
General Motors, headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, is the leading car and truck maker under brands such as Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Saab, and Saturn. In addition, the company produces communications and commercial transportation products. The company has 335,000 employees and reported $192.6 billion in revenues in 2005.
