Saturday, January 06, 2007

Wake Up, Congress! Your Public Has Spoken

The culture of corruption coming from Washington has raised a stench that got my attention here in the Texas Hill Country. Like any American paying attention, I was appalled at the out-of-control and secretive earmarks, the blatant exchange of money for votes on favorable legislation, the favoritism shown to lobbyists and the legislation they pushed based on connections and donations, and allowing them to provide wording on bills. These practices are bad for the country and subvert the people's vested interest in good governance.

Now there is the opportunity to have reforms and get a fresh start. Setting the rules for lobbyists, legislation, and ethics is a high priority for almost all citizens of whatever party. We want to see very strong measures to prevent the same old practices from creeping in. There is truth in the idea that power corrupts and all those in powerful positions need checks on it. That is why Americans want a separate Office of Public Integrity, as is proposed in the Lieberman-Collins Amendment in the Senate. We also want an end to anonymous earmarks. Congress should not be in the position of policing itself. It is all too clear they do not do a good job of it.

Many Americans have woken up from complaisance and are scrutinizing every action of Congress very carefully to see if it adheres to principles of ethics and our Constitution. Real ethics reform with teeth in it is essential to restoring a sense of confidence in our government. We want change, and we want it now. Listen up, Congress.