Senator Chris Dodd (D) and Senator Kent Conrad (D) will not be investigated by the Senate Ethics Committee for going to some effort to get refinancing from Countrywide while they were a part of the committee that was handling the negotiations for this embattled lending institution that was so involved in the subprime mess. Many believe that Senators Dodd and Conrad were involved in a quid pro quo.
For me, I don't know if Senators Dodd and Conrad behaved unethically or not. I don't have all the facts. The point, however, arises if we can expect senators to judge other senators justly. I cannot help but to wonder that in a near all-boys club that it might be difficult to charge and indict your colleagues. Should we have independent committees for such grievances?
The Senate Ethics Committee's bar seems to be quite low. Senator David Vitter (R) had his ethics inquiry "dismissed without prejudice" even though he admitted to meeting with a prostitute while he was a congressman. Senator Larry Craig (R) got a public admonition after pleading guilty to bad behavior in a Minnesota airport bathroom. To solicit prostitute is criminal.
Can we expect the Senate Ethics Committee to be ethical towards its own members?
6 comments:
jUDITH
There are a few words you don't expect to see collide in the same sentence...Senate and ethics being two of them. All show and no substance. It is interesting how the committee places the blame, not on the judgement of these two Senators, but on themselves. "“The Committee also recognizes that it has not previously offered specific guidance to Senators, officers and employees on the matters they should consider when negotiating mortgages and other financial transactions.” Guess it the obvious has yet to be recognized by folks elected to this body. Amazing!
Electoral and campaign finance reform...need it now!
"There are a few words you don't expect to see collide in the same sentence...Senate and ethics being two of them."
Oh, Dave, even understanding what has been going on of late, this statement made me sad. It does not have to be this way. We all make mistakes. The incredible thing is the hypocrisy and cover up that follow. The ethics complaints in the post are crimina if proven: bribery and prostitution.
Judith,
This is sad indeed. I keep going back however to yours and DB's comments on my post on "Strength". DB's comment "Intelligence is a threat to the self-satisfied." is so on point and being played out today given all the labels being applied to those who are voicing their opinion on healthcare during their legislators town hall meetings. The arrogant think we're ignorant and take us for granted. And your observation "We are forever becoming more of what we will yet be collectively and individually." This is so true and so critical to convincing "We the People" we do have a voice and can effect change. Times change and old approaches won't solve many of todays problems. Individually and collectively, we each can make a difference!dne
Dave - I was just over at Chesapeake's blog. There is a lovely rememberance of the "small" things that make us great. She simply writes of baseball, "Root, Root, Root for the Home Team." Sometimes during difficult times we forget the small things that bind us together as a country; we forget that we are by and large a good people. BUT I absolutely think that the pressure should not be let up and that we should work diligently as a People to let our voices be heard in order to bring about needed change.
Judith,
You are right about the terrific-ness of the post on Chesapeake's blog. I have seen the same type of dynamic in public schools, working a picket line with a teacher's association who were left with no alternative but to strike and in many other places I have worked or volunteered at. Uniting behind a common goal or purpose can overcome a lot of differences....and get a lot accomplished!
I agree, Dave, and appreciate your efforts.
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