We didn’t know where Tom was last November, but we do now. Tom and his wife have traveled the world at the expense of the Ripon Society and the Franklin Center–Prague, London, Berlin, and Paris last November. According to Tom:
Participation in this trip will build relationships and enhance communication between our two countries.
Congressional delegations love to go to Paris, and the French welcome them. If the trips are worthwhile, why is Tom so secretive about his travel, one wonders. The trip for Tom and Jean Reed cost the Ripon Society more than $11,000. Reportedly, lobbyists fund these trips to “gain access” to members of Congress.
https://franceintheus.org/spip.php?article2413
Click to access Franklin-Center-Ripon-Society-News-2018-TransAtlantic-Capital-to-Ca….pdf
New NY 23rd 
Trips like this are the reason Representatives of the “People’s House” get smug looks on their faces after a couple of years of service. Here in Corning, I have seen it evolve on the faces of a couple of Representatives when I see them at Wegman’s.
These trips have a psychological effect that benefits the lobbyists who pay for them. It broadens the Representatives horizons and concerns and diminishes their once held local concerns. It’s the field of poppies where Dorothy slept in Oz.
Tom Zoidal
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It is called “bribery”. No matter how much mustard you want to spread on it.
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Tom Reed’s views have changed, but I don’t recall when he held local concerns. When first elected he was a bear on government spending, especially for programs that benefit those residents of his district struggling with widespread poverty.
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Reed floats to where the money is. Local originally and then beyond…
Tom Zoidal
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This is not just a “Republican” thing.
Former and current multimillionaire House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has absconded the American taxpayers with her criminal use of government aircraft.
https://newspunch.com/nancy-pelosi-family-air-force-one/
It did my heart good when the Trumpster canceled Nancy Pelosi’s recent taxpayer funded junket.
Many of our politicians are living like royalty on the taxpayer’s backs while the government slips further and further into debt.
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Judicial Watch FOILS documents on Nancy Pelosi’s taxpayer funded military aircraft junkets
https://www.judicialwatch.org/press-room/press-releases/judicial-watch-uncovers-new-documents-detailing-pelosis-use-of-air-force-aircraft-for-her-family-in-2010/
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Chris Mathews on Nancy Pelosi and fellow Dems trying to “sneak” out of town on a military flight.
https://www.westernjournal.com/chris-matthews-trump-made-pelosi-schumer-look-like-fools/?utm_source=american-truth_org
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Former White House aide claims “White House absolutely out of control.” Do you agree, Gary (Rynstone)?
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NEWSFLASH..Members of Congress fly on military planes when flying on official government junkets? And now, after more than 60 years we discover that is a CRIME !!! WOWSER. What a SCOOP!!! And they bring their families!!! Thank god that Melania never flies anywhere at government expense! Is that all you got?
Meanwhile, Congressman Reed and his family fly on trips paid for by LOBBYISTS? Gee, any possibility that he might repay them by voting “properly”? Or does someone think that Reed’s vote is NOT for sale? In other words, blatant bribery.
I would rather have Congressman fly on the taxpayers’ dollar than accept BRIBES from various companies and organizations. But that’s just me. I want an honest government. Which is why I always vote Democratic.
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Gary, I agree that “Many of our politicians are living like royalty on the taxpayer’s backs (and at lobbyist’s expense) while the government slips further and further into debt.” But that isn’t the reason for rapidly increasing debt. The reason is unjustified tax cuts.
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Added summary:
Click to access Franklin-Center-Ripon-Society-News-2018-TransAtlantic-Capital-to-Ca….pdf
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