Sunday, October 19, 2008

More On The "Invisble Hand": Palm Up Under The Table

Recently I've written about the need for voters to tell those in Congress that they will be voted out of office if they continue to take money from lobbyists, while tacitly acknowledging the quid pro quo of the deal; that they are consequently beholden to their donor just as surely as they would be to an employer, benefactor or patron.

I've focused on the taking of campaign money, but it seems that encouraging gifts to one's favorite charities also qualifies for scrutiny.

Here is a classic example. I've appreciated Murtha's opposition to the war in Iraq, but other than that he's a Democratic Congressman for whom I have come to hold little regard.

The subject of the article linked to here is a clear example of Murtha putting himself in a position of holding markers which defense lobbyists will surely call in. It's well known that Murtha is held in the highest regard by influential Pentagon types.

Last week he opened his big mouth about western PA being a hotbed of racism. Stupid. Just plain stupid. He's supposedly an Obama supporter. Joe Biden, from western PA must have gone ballistic.

Is it any wonder that the public is fed up with Congress? The exception of course is one's own Congressman, who is pure as the driven snow and above reproach. How many music lovers in Johnstown, PA are put out with Murtha? How many of them could care less that he greases the skids for defense contractors to have their way with Congress?

Leanderthal, Lighthouse Keeper

1 comment:

The Old New Englander said...

Corruption takes all forms. It is so easy to miss it.