The Livingston Group wants to help Libya reduce airport hassles by U.S. Transportation Security Administration screeners, celebrate the 40th anniversary of Col. Gaddafi’s takeover, craft a corporate responsibility program, educate American military contractors about opportunities available, and develop history- and eco-tourism, according to a document obtained by a Libyan opposition group.

Read the PR plan (PDF)

The 42-page document is marked "confidential" and called "2008-2009 Full Normalization Action Program: Moving the New Libya-U.S. Bilateral Relationship Forward." It is posted in Arabic and English on the website of the National Conference of the Libyan Opposition (www.libya-nclo.com).

The document credits former Speaker-designate Bob Livingston and team members for working "around the clock" to ensure passage of the bill signed into law in August, approving settlement claims with family members of Pan Am Flight 103, which was blown out of the sky over Lockerbie, Scotland by Libyan agents.

Livingston, according to the document, vows to meet personally with high level Dept. of Homeland Security officials to "prevent the harassment of Libyan officials and citizens" at this country’s more than 400 commercial airports.

"Recognition of 40th Anniversary of the Revolution" is among special projects that TLG plans to tackle. It plans to show how life has improved under Gaddafi and identify U.S. companies eager to join the festivities.

This website reported March 9 that TLG received more than $750K in fees from Libya since September.

Joe Honick, GMA International Ltd (3/20):
The day that Gadaffi and his henchmen who slaughtered more than 200 innocent airline passengers over Lockerbie are brought before the law will be the date on which DISCUSSIONS can BEGIN on this legislation to make life easier for those folks...and not before. What remains as inexcusable was the combination of hugs for the dictator by Messrs George W Bush and Tony Blair who, with the UN warmly welcomed Gadaffi and Libya back to the family of nations..and in so many words.

They overlooked and continue to overlook how the dictator dangled promised money to victims' families, reneged, readjusted and wound up with Bush's approval after two decades.

As our government grapples with whom to blame for everything, let at least the TSA do the job on the Libyans since we have done so little else except make the former miniority leader designate very well off.

Capitol Flack (3/20):
It always makes me cringe when PR plans or lobbying documents are leaked. These plans aren't meant for the public because they are often strategy outlines. The terrorist bombing of the Pan Am plane (not to mention other heinous acts) was unconscionable, but the country has to move on and re-enter the world. We can't blame their PR advisors for trying to do this. It's what we do.

Joe Honick, GMA International Ltd (3/23):
I just got to read Capitol Flack's comments about what we can and cannot hold PR advisors to ethically because "it's just what we do." There is a two-syllable word for that commentary not printable here. CF should read my proposal to question just that kind of thinking. Would CF carry the ball to Capitol Hill for Charles Manson if the dough was terrific because "that's what we do"?

Perhaps CF's thinking was what made it all just lovely when American PR folks helped get nice mentions for Mussolini in Saturday Evening Post and coverered over the racism and anti-Semitism of Nazi lovers like Henry Ford and his ilk of the 30's and into the 40's. We raise hell with corporate types right now for getting bonuses that are questionable.

We should raise hell with those who use CF's philosophy and the claim to be ethical practitioners ... and who, no doubt, seem this writer with long years of experience, as functionally naive.

Fed Up In NYC! (3/23):
Mr. Honick- I second that thought. Thank you!

Fed Up In NYC! (3/20):
CELEBRATE 40 years in power.. the man is a terrorist and despite our "new found" relationship, that can never be forgotten. Shame on our industry for supporting this!

Wes Pedersen (3/20):
Bad cess to anyone who would represent Khaddafi or his country with the excuse that time should heal all wounds. This wound will never heal.

Bill Huey, Strategic Communications, Atlanta (3/20):
This is a fascinating document. Everything but shining their shoes and getting them dates, which may be covered in a separate document.

Not only does TLG seek wave-through at airports while the rest of us are being hassled, they will also go for “Easing International Traffic in Arms Regulations” (ITAR), so that materials with “dual use” (that is, both military and civilian applications) can be imported.

I guess that includes shoulder-mount missile launchers that can be placed on one’s office credenza or home mantelpiece.

Bob Livingston never showed much talent as a congressman, but he has found his métier as a lobbyist, “engaging” with high-level officials here, there and everywhere he and his staffers have trod in Washington. Nice, easy money, and WAY easier than being a legislator.

I think that all lobbying firms representing foreign governments should be required to file documents like this, and they should be readily accessible at a government web site.

bilal.bilal31@yahoo.com (3/29):
I get very frustrated with stories like this one. On one hand the USA slaughters innocent Iraqis in the name of "spresding democracy and human rights" and on the other ignores, totally, the dreadrul conditions in Libya. All because of a fistfull of dollars!! And I am not talking about what happened during the 40 years of this brutal regime. I am talking about NOW!! Gaddafi and his lot are nothing but butchers and they will NEVER change. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.