FBI, IRS Investigating Senator Stevens for Corruption
It is becoming clear that we have very few honest politicians left in Washington. These power and money hungry individuals have themselves so entrenched in their part time jobs as legislators that it seems the only way to remove some of them is through investigations by the FBI, IRS and local authorities.
While I believe all are innocent until proven guilty this story from Fox News once again shows there is at least the appearance of corruption in Congress.
FBI and Internal Revenue Service agents searched the home of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens on Monday.
Stevens, who was formerly chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is the latest lawmaker reportedly under investigation for exchanging federal contracts for bribes, illegal gratuities and unreported gifts. The Stevens probe relates to dealings with VECO Corp., Alaska’s largest oil-field engineering firm. VECO has several federal contracts to provide logistics support for arctic research.
Perhaps what we should demand is that anyone desiring to run for office lay open all of their financial dealings once a year beginning with their entrance in to any race, local, state or federal. Show the public, on line or otherwise where your interests truly lie. I am not asking for just a tax return, all transactions which could give the appearance of impropriety or show complete honesty would be required.
Then write into law that anyone, no matter the position found in violation of the laws not only of the office they serve, but those of the United States, will be immediately removed and a special election (not an appointment by a Governor) will ensue.
I know, this is just a pipe dream. The same inidivduals of which I speak would be the ones to write legislation which would be signed into law. It would also eliminate many of the lobbyists and special interest groups on which the politics in this country thrives. So, nah, this would never, ever work..and besides even if it did happen, there would be loopholes and end arounds and we ordinary folk would continue to be duped by those in “power”.
I do not mean to imply that every politician in this country is unscrupulous. There are those who have served honorably. The problem is, the longer in power, the better the chances you will owe someone or they will owe you. Once that cycle begins, the taxpayer has no way of maintaining an account of every deal made and every payback accepted.
Earmarks are simple to slide past the noses of even those who carefully track this information and when they are uncovered or disclosed, it is too late.
When was the last time anyone heard of this money being returned to the till in Washington? That’s what I thought.
Written by Sue
Guss Says:
July 31st, 2007 at 6:53 pmVisit Guss
I was really amused today when I heard Sen. Stevens say that all this investigating and press coverage is hurting Alaska. No Mr. Stevens you are hurting Alaska. This reminds me of the post that I did last week.
I guess I can be grateful for one thing He hasn’t blamed Clinton.
Sue Says:
July 31st, 2007 at 11:14 pmVisit Sue
I believe there are many states which are hurt by those Representing them. Sad isn’t it.
Sorry if you found the post repetitive Guss, I should have checked to see if you put something up on Stevens before.
Guss Says:
August 1st, 2007 at 4:13 amVisit Guss
Sue,
Your post is an update and a damn good update at that.