Corruption and Graft, in DC? Really?
As the world watches Rep. Jefferson try to justify the $90,000 in his freezer, I have to stop and laugh. First, at Rep. Jefferson for trying to deny the story in public, despite FBI video, wiretap results, and all manner of other evidence. Second, at Congress for keeping people like Jefferson, Ney, and Duke Cunnigham amongst their membership without firmly kicking their sorry asses back to their home states in handcuffs. Third, at the American people and the voters who elected these sad-sacks to come to our town and commit their crimes here.
As it seems a good percentage of the House is on the take, and the Senate can’t get off their asses to do anything about the wiretapping scandals that are rocking this country, and while the House Communications Committee can’t seem to tell why Network Neutrality is a must for the internet, all I can do is laugh.
With Congressional Approval Ratings at 27%, once has to ask, are we going to get a whole new crop of grafters?
Remeber Tom, the bitch set him up.
I totally forgot about that :D
Honestly I am almost at the point where I find it charming and quaint when a pol gets nailed for old-fashioned bribery rather than just doing the bidding of their Corporate Overlords who got them elected. It reflects a simplicity of thought and an unwillingness to go along with the new-fangled indirect bribery systems rather than the simpler old ways of “if you want me to do something, put money in my hand.”
Aw, Jefferson ain’t got NOTHING on Jim Traficant. That guy…man, an artist I tell you – an artist.
When Traficant was running for sheriff (or prosecutor, I can’t remember) he got busted taking a bribe. His defense? He was only taking the bribe so he’d know who to go after once he got elected.
That’s right, his very own sting operation.
He defended himself in Federal Court.
He won.
He was already sheriff at the time. Might have been running for re-election, though.
I miss Traficant, I loved his “banging away in D.C.” animated gif.
Beam me up!
Don – the Wikipedia entry isn’t clear enough. True, he was charged and tried while sheriff – but the case revolved around activities during his campaign for the office.
From Roll Call (2-3-2000)
Traficant at least had the presence of mind to be completely batshit crazy.
Traficant at least had the presence of mind to be completely batshit crazy.