So this is what it looks like living in a moral vacuum??

Through his public affairs firm, Berman and Company, Berman has fought unions, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, PETA and other watchdog groups in their efforts to raise awareness about obesity, the minimum wage, the dangers of smoking, mad cow disease, drunk driving, and other causes. Berman runs at least 15 industry-funded front groups and projects, such as the Center for Union Facts and holds 16 "positions" in those organizations. Each year, Berman, using his front groups to spread misinformation, spends millions of dollars distracting the public with misleading ads.

No, this isn't a preview for those of you who still haven't seen "Thank You For Smoking"...though it is a variation on the same theme. Rick Berman's business is deceiving and misleading American consumers for the benefit of his well-heeled corporate clients...and he's very, very good at it. It seems there isn't a fact that's safe if it runs counter to the interests of those paying him big bucks. If it requires an AstroTurf "grassroots" campaign, so be it. If it requires passing off junk science as legitimate scientific research, consider it done. If it requires promoting the propaganda that the dangers of mercury are highly overstated...well, thy will be done, eh? It seems that no lie, talking point, or half-truth is beneath Berman if it protects the interests of his high-paying clients. That protecting these clients usually runs counter to the health and safety interests of the American people seems of no concern to Berman. Then again, perhaps I'm guilty of proceeding from the assumption that even someone as evil and venal as Rick Berman must have a shred of human decency...somewhere. Yeah, right...there's a reason he's called "Dr. Evil", and it's not because of his sunny disposition.

Perhaps I've been a bit overly optimistic in thinking that trapped somewhere inside Berman is the pilot light of decency and humanity. After the jump, you'll get to see what an professional, wolrd-class liar looks like when he's in his natural environment. Man, I had NO idea that possession of a conscience was optional.