Brentology.com

Reports of ethical lapses by elected officials seem to be the norm these days as reports of misdeeds have been steadily flowing through TV news and print media. In Pennsylvania it was state lawmakers sneaking in a pay raise in a midnight session clearly intended to evade the public notice of taxpayers, many struggling in a tough economy, thus putting reelection hopes in jeopardy. In Washington the latest buffoon is Rep. Randy Cunningham of California. After getting caught taking bribes to enrich his already cushy life, he did the usual public apology, sorry to everyone especially family blah blah blah. We all know the speech, heard it many times. Tom Delay also comes to mind as a recent example and we could even list many going back to and including Bill Clinton. How pathetic and sad.

What really gets me is the sheer stupidity and greed of people like this. First of all, how can you not realize how good you already have it by having a high paying job with expenses paid and perks not found in the private sector? Second, how can you not learn from all the idiots that came before you and got caught? Finally, what happened to integrity and working for the public good? Not to mention the opportunity to be in such a position where you can have such an impact on your fellow man, your country, and the world. I mean you are shaping the future and will be a part of history and toss it away for a free trip you could already afford or for a tryst with an intern.

I always say there are more good people than bad in the world. I guess sometimes it is hard to remember. That is when it is time to turn off the news for awhile. But it will be the same tomorrow, the next day, and next week until we, voters and taxpayers demand better. Not just by our words of disgust and condemnation, but by our actions at the polls, online, and at the doorstep of the offices of our elected employees.