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GJOFJ3 · 61-69, M
Don't thank Trump. This has been going on for a long time
This article is from 2009
Stand-ins hold spots in line for lobbyists
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Rose and Zine Hosein have stand-up jobs — and get paid $15 an hour for it. They've also learned that being a line-stander is tougher than being a bystander.
The 60-something couple has the ultimate niche occupation in Washington's influence economy, holding places in line for lobbyists outside crowded congressional hearing rooms. They bring folding chairs, coffee and patience to a job regarded by some about as highly as the influence brokers who hire them.
Their days can start before 3 a.m., leaving them to wait — sometimes outdoors — for six or more hours. They take off after turning over their spot in line to their customers, and the hearing-room doors swing open. Finding elbow room is up to them.
In Washington, where access often equals action, lobbyists consider it crucial to attend congressional hearings or similar meetings in person. It's here that they can speak directly with key lawmakers and their staff during breaks or after the hearing. They can also see who else is in the audience and pick up subtle hints about how a lawmaker may be leaning on a subject critical to their clients.
Outside a recent health care hearing, the Hoseins were among dozens of placeholders awaiting their customers. Some leaned against the wall. Others looked like limousine drivers, carrying white signs with the names of people or organizations that they were holding places for.
Neil Scott stood several paces from the same hearing room door with a stool in his hand. He said he passes the time in line reading newspapers that he picks up at a nearby Metro station.
‘A sweet gig’
Scott, who's 69 and semi-retired, has worked as a line-stander for three years. His work week typically is three days, sometimes only three hours a day. He said fellow line-standers are courteous when it comes to keeping an eye on each others' spots if someone peels off to grab food or take a break. "It's a sweet gig," he said.
This article is from 2009
Stand-ins hold spots in line for lobbyists
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Rose and Zine Hosein have stand-up jobs — and get paid $15 an hour for it. They've also learned that being a line-stander is tougher than being a bystander.
The 60-something couple has the ultimate niche occupation in Washington's influence economy, holding places in line for lobbyists outside crowded congressional hearing rooms. They bring folding chairs, coffee and patience to a job regarded by some about as highly as the influence brokers who hire them.
Their days can start before 3 a.m., leaving them to wait — sometimes outdoors — for six or more hours. They take off after turning over their spot in line to their customers, and the hearing-room doors swing open. Finding elbow room is up to them.
In Washington, where access often equals action, lobbyists consider it crucial to attend congressional hearings or similar meetings in person. It's here that they can speak directly with key lawmakers and their staff during breaks or after the hearing. They can also see who else is in the audience and pick up subtle hints about how a lawmaker may be leaning on a subject critical to their clients.
Outside a recent health care hearing, the Hoseins were among dozens of placeholders awaiting their customers. Some leaned against the wall. Others looked like limousine drivers, carrying white signs with the names of people or organizations that they were holding places for.
Neil Scott stood several paces from the same hearing room door with a stool in his hand. He said he passes the time in line reading newspapers that he picks up at a nearby Metro station.
‘A sweet gig’
Scott, who's 69 and semi-retired, has worked as a line-stander for three years. His work week typically is three days, sometimes only three hours a day. He said fellow line-standers are courteous when it comes to keeping an eye on each others' spots if someone peels off to grab food or take a break. "It's a sweet gig," he said.
easterniowegin · 51-55, M
So they are selling their services....free market. Lol
And with unemployment at the lowest in a generation, how is this trump's fault?
And with unemployment at the lowest in a generation, how is this trump's fault?
Weird, Google links this picture to Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Jazzy · 26-30, F
WTF! The guy standing in the tan colored coat doesn’t look homeless.
SW-User
Thanks A lot Trump