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The new party of corruption
The Democratic Party can't fight corruption if it is the source of it.
Paul Hawkins
Issue date: 1/13/09 Section: Opinion
As 2009 begins, change is in the air regarding American politics. A new Congress and a new Presidential administration are taking office as well as new governors, mayors and state representatives all across the country.
In 2006, the Democrats took Congress after 12 years of Republican rule --the year they made fighting corruption a centerpiece of their campaign.
In 2008, they increased their majorities, won the White House, and captured several state and local offices. As we put the reigns of control into the hands of the Democrats, we should examine how this corruption-fighting party has done over the past couple of years. It may be an indication of what is to come.
There are two types of good-ole' political scandals: The bribery and conflict of interest scandals and sex scandals. There has been a plethora of Democrat activity in both fields. Let us start with Rep. William "Cold Cash" Jefferson (D-LA). I literally mean "cold cash," since when the Congressman's office was raided there were thousands of dollars in cash hidden in his freezer. Recently there was Bill Richardson, President-elect Obama's choice for Commerce Secretary. He was forced to withdraw his name from consideration for being investigated for involvement in pay-to-play deals while serving as governor of New Mexico. Recent stories of corruption in this manner involve the recently arrested mayor of Birmingham, Ala. Larry Langford and the recently impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. This was the guy who literally tried to auction Barack Obama's senate seat. This scandal caught up rising Democratic star Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. in its wake.
The list of Democrats involved in sex scandals can be just as dizzying. To start off, there was Gov. Eliot "Client #9" Spitzer (D-NY)--the governor of New York who was found to be involved in a prostitution ring under investigation by the FBI. He reportedly paid Ashley Dupre' $1,000 an hour for her services. At least Gov. Spitzer only goes for the best. Moving right along, recently convicted Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick who was found to have been sending dirty text messages to an aid at city expense. However, this was the least of his worries, since he was later charged on several felony counts, including obstruction of justice (involving other matters).
In 2006, the Democrats took Congress after 12 years of Republican rule --the year they made fighting corruption a centerpiece of their campaign.
In 2008, they increased their majorities, won the White House, and captured several state and local offices. As we put the reigns of control into the hands of the Democrats, we should examine how this corruption-fighting party has done over the past couple of years. It may be an indication of what is to come.
There are two types of good-ole' political scandals: The bribery and conflict of interest scandals and sex scandals. There has been a plethora of Democrat activity in both fields. Let us start with Rep. William "Cold Cash" Jefferson (D-LA). I literally mean "cold cash," since when the Congressman's office was raided there were thousands of dollars in cash hidden in his freezer. Recently there was Bill Richardson, President-elect Obama's choice for Commerce Secretary. He was forced to withdraw his name from consideration for being investigated for involvement in pay-to-play deals while serving as governor of New Mexico. Recent stories of corruption in this manner involve the recently arrested mayor of Birmingham, Ala. Larry Langford and the recently impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. This was the guy who literally tried to auction Barack Obama's senate seat. This scandal caught up rising Democratic star Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. in its wake.
The list of Democrats involved in sex scandals can be just as dizzying. To start off, there was Gov. Eliot "Client #9" Spitzer (D-NY)--the governor of New York who was found to be involved in a prostitution ring under investigation by the FBI. He reportedly paid Ashley Dupre' $1,000 an hour for her services. At least Gov. Spitzer only goes for the best. Moving right along, recently convicted Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick who was found to have been sending dirty text messages to an aid at city expense. However, this was the least of his worries, since he was later charged on several felony counts, including obstruction of justice (involving other matters).
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Sinjun
posted 1/13/09 @ 6:15 PM EST
perhaps we get the goverment we deserve, and will pay the price for a great number of news stations deciding to worship at the foot of the democratic party rather than reporting the news. (Continued…)
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