Ivins Writes on Congress

The best title for a political article in 2006 may be this one by Molly Ivin: "Without DeLay, Has Congress Lost Its Moral Compass?" Here's Ivin's article via Truthout:

Gee, the Republicans seem to have lost their moral compass since Tom DeLay quit. Who knew it could get worse without that pillar of rectitude from Texas? What a snakes' nest of corruption and nastiness.

The latest involves Speaker Denny Hastert and a land deal.

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Also making news is California Rep. Jerry Lewis, who is in deep with a lobbying firm that is El Stinko. This wouldn't matter so much if Lewis were just another congressman, but he is chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, the one that hands out the money. Lewis' family and friends have profited nicely from contractors and lobbyists who court his favor. Such cozy arrangements.

(snip)

Meanwhile, back on the Jack Abramoff-and-related fronts (lest we forget good old Dusty Foggo, ex-No. 3 at the CIA), a letter had been found, despite initial denials by the Department of Homeland Security, from the now-convicted ex-Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham recommending that the government use the limo firm that allegedly ferried whores to the poker parties given by defense contractors who were paying off Cunningham.

House Republicans seem to get angry when people notice how corrupt they are. It will be interesting to see if voters make the connection this year: it's impossible to reform Congress if the same right wing Republicans are returned year after year.