According to Senator Elizabeth Warren we need her Anti-Corruption & Public Integrity Act because we are “tired of a government that works only for the rich and powerful.”1 Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-OR) echoed this sentiment in support of her own anti corruption measure. Jayapal wants to ”change how our democracy works”2 with a companion bill in the House. Jayapal’s bill … [Read more...] about Warren Anti Corruption Act Raises Integrity Questions
Government Ethics
When the ends justify the means government ethics is an anachronism. Classic abuses like corruption in office are difficult to ignore and are usually punished sooner or later. Sneaky bad behaviors like spreading disinformation or shaming the nation into agreement on partisan imperatives do more damage and can influence millions of voters.
The worst kinds of unethical behavior are the ones we don’t see coming. They undermine what America stands for and what we believe in. Examples are political rhetoric that distorts the truth, pandering to big money donors, and selecting special interests for legislative favoritism. All of these things point to how government ethics falls by the wayside when opportunity knocks.
What is the Government Ethics category about?
The government ethics category is about what happens when political opportunity takes precedence over doing the right thing. From fake politics to outright thievery, as long as there is money and power to be had government ethics will be an inconvenience best ignored.
This Is Not Who We Are: Dems Seek Gain from New Tragedy
It didn’t take long for Congress to respond to Saturday’s mass shooting at the Tree of Life in Pittsburgh. Both parties issued short, hasty press releases. Most were appropriate and respectful. Some were not. 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.” … [Read more...] about This Is Not Who We Are: Dems Seek Gain from New Tragedy
Civility Rules? House Commitment Signers Choose Hostility
Can we politely agree that political losers don’t have any reason to be civil? That includes minority House Democrats who signed a civility commitment yet play by their own unique set of civility rules. Lately the politics of civility has proved less important than the politics of anger and repression. That means uncivil speech from Congress and even aggressive public … [Read more...] about Civility Rules? House Commitment Signers Choose Hostility
Sentencing Reform Bills Won’t Help the Guilty by Accusation
Washington lawmakers have finally managed to come together on an issue we would expect them to never agree on: sentencing reform. That’s a lucky thing for felons in prison who can’t vote but still have a say on Capitol Hill because both parties can use them to score a few points with voters. It’s not quite so lucky for those subjected to congressional-style partisan justice … [Read more...] about Sentencing Reform Bills Won’t Help the Guilty by Accusation
Not Normal, Not OK for Democrats to Threaten War
James Comey resorted to the incriminating not normal, not OK denunciation of President Trump on a nationally televised interview for the entire world to hear. It was not the first time this damning label was applied to something the president has said or done. Comey is now a media figure and in the media as well as in politics everything can be spun as normal and OK no matter … [Read more...] about Not Normal, Not OK for Democrats to Threaten War