One of my biggest pet peeves with the US political system has been driven home, again, by the recently concluded trial of Senator Ted Stevens. Isn't it ironic that many states deny convicted felons who have served their debt to society the right to ever vote again, but don't deny "other" convicted felons the priviledge to serve as ones' Congressman or Senator? Law Enforcement personnel, State & Federal, cannot begin or remain in service with past or current felonies on their record. Considering the authority they bring to bear, being held to a higher standard is certainly justified and desirable.
So why is it that our political leaders, who wield even greater authority, are not held to a higher standard of legal/ethical/moral behavior? Both parties "pay lip service" to ethical standards when it suits their party or personal interests, but no meaningful effective action is ever really accomplished. Giving these ethically challenged criminals the boot with loss of all pension benefits and perks would go a long way in restoring faith in our system. May Uncle Ted rot in at Club Med Correctional Facility, if he even gets served with jail time that is.
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