Dem corruption blues
June 15th 2009 01:02
The Democrats are having some problems with corruption, and it may benefit the GOP:
Of course, it was always just a matter of time until this happened. Both parties struggle with corruption issues. It is endemic to Washington. However, the party in power normally gets the most attention and blame. Also, the party in power is most susceptible to the lures of deceit because they hold the power and the pursestrings. The stench of malfeasance then grows and grows until the pots of depravity boil over. Once it becomes bad enough, the out-of-power party can use it as a campaign tool with which to bludgeon the in-power party. Have we reached the tipping point with the Dems? We're getting close. An astronomical amount of money is being spent in Washington, and that much money is a catalyst for the germination of corruption. It will certainly be an issue in some races in 2010. If it continues to spread (and it almost certainly will), it could be one the main GOP mantras throughout the country in next year's elections.
What I'm confused about, though, is this: Wasn't Barack Obama going to put an end to this favor-pedding? I thought he was going to bring us some of that RE-form (his official branding of it was hope and change, if I remember correctly). Oh, wait. That's right. He signed legislation to curtail lobbyist influence -- then he proceeded to make exceptions and install loopholes that you could drive a taxpayer-funded heavy equipment truck through. Oh, well. Maybe we can do better next time, right?
The revelation that Democratic appropriations kingpins may face an ethics investigation of their campaign donations moves Republicans closer to gaining a corruption issue in 2010.
Republicans know well how lapses in ethical standards can sink a political party. They lost control of the House in the 2006 midterm election, succumbing in part to accusations from Democrats that the GOP had produced a "culture of corruption" in which lobbyists showered gifts on lawmakers in exchange for government contracts and other legislative favors.
Republicans know well how lapses in ethical standards can sink a political party. They lost control of the House in the 2006 midterm election, succumbing in part to accusations from Democrats that the GOP had produced a "culture of corruption" in which lobbyists showered gifts on lawmakers in exchange for government contracts and other legislative favors.
Of course, it was always just a matter of time until this happened. Both parties struggle with corruption issues. It is endemic to Washington. However, the party in power normally gets the most attention and blame. Also, the party in power is most susceptible to the lures of deceit because they hold the power and the pursestrings. The stench of malfeasance then grows and grows until the pots of depravity boil over. Once it becomes bad enough, the out-of-power party can use it as a campaign tool with which to bludgeon the in-power party. Have we reached the tipping point with the Dems? We're getting close. An astronomical amount of money is being spent in Washington, and that much money is a catalyst for the germination of corruption. It will certainly be an issue in some races in 2010. If it continues to spread (and it almost certainly will), it could be one the main GOP mantras throughout the country in next year's elections.
What I'm confused about, though, is this: Wasn't Barack Obama going to put an end to this favor-pedding? I thought he was going to bring us some of that RE-form (his official branding of it was hope and change, if I remember correctly). Oh, wait. That's right. He signed legislation to curtail lobbyist influence -- then he proceeded to make exceptions and install loopholes that you could drive a taxpayer-funded heavy equipment truck through. Oh, well. Maybe we can do better next time, right?
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Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by Lester Caudill
Round Politics
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate
Again, term limits would solve a LOT of these problems.
Comment by Mike Pouraryan
Outsider Views:
Smooth Political
Kitten Politics
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by PopulistConservative
Angry Electorate
Comment by Mike Pouraryan
Outsider Views:
Smooth Political
Kitten Politics
Until the Constitution is torn up, I would presume all to be innocent. If you wish to stop believing in the constitution, that's your right..it is a free country...
Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief