Government Ethics

S. 3357 seeks to cut the rotten parts from our political system by addressing an Elizabeth Warren crisis. The buzz has been growing about her possible run for the White House, so we should ask how much of what the senator wants in this doomed to fail anti-corruption legislation is about her political campaign, how much is about Democrats taking down a president, and whether either one justifies proposing this sweeping ethical boondoggle that clearly targets conservatives.

Politicians frequently tell us what we believe and what we stand for. Often their remarks are preceded by something like “this is who we are” or “this is not who we are.” What they really mean is “this is how you should think.” The tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh yesterday gave us examples of each. A few stand out to unequivocally show what “this is not who we are” means.

The current push for sentencing reform bills is a lucky thing for felons who have secured a voice on Capitol Hill even though they are locked up and can’t vote. It doesn’t do anything for the most maligned figures of all, those unfortunate individuals caught in congressional crosshairs because they have been tapped by the president for a prized appointment. In our social climate of de facto guilt for white males accused of sexual impropriety it is very easy to be tried, convicted, and ruined without ever being charged with a crime. Just ask Brett Kavanaugh.