BernieHund: The Political Watchdog

Today is one of those days when I wonder if I am overcome by the grey skies and the promise of snow by morning or if I’m just tired of reading the news.   New Year’s Day is always a day for new beginnings and new hope.  Being just sixteen days into 2008 one would think we could get through our first cold spell before the headlines filled with more governmental corruption.  I suppose it has become a January ritual for me to see how many days go by before one elected official or another makes the headlines with some sort of  personal embarrassment or indictment.

We made it fifteen days.  And, on the sixteenth day the former Republican congressman from Michigan, Mark Deli Siljander, was charged with money laundering, conspiracy and obstructing justice for allegedly lying about lobbying senators on behalf of an Islamic charity.  I believe there was a 42-count indictment in all.  Please note that Mr. Siljander is “the former” Republican congressman. 

My emotions run between dispair and hope as I read the headlines.  I don’t know what I expect, or what I should expect any more.  It just seems to me that some jobs and positions are supposed to be filled with citizens who are above reproach, not above the law. 

Maybe I still live with a with too much idealism, too much hope, and expectations that are too high for today’s reality.  It’s something I was taught as a child.  As a teenager in the sixties… the 1960’s, that is… I grew up believing that all U.S. Presidents were smart and honest, that our elected officials deserved our support and respect, that our government was honest and looked after the best interests of the people.  The ”people” being descendants and heirs of “We, the people….”

I watch Congress grilling the baseball players on the use of steroids.  I see Marion Jones being derided for being dishonest.  Again, there is no need to go through the litany of fallen athletic heroes.  I hear our outspoken senators, representatives, and even our president speaking out, chiding and chastising these athletes for the examples they are setting for our young people. 

Perhaps, the better example would be set if those in Washington and those in our state capitals lived up to their expectations of others.  Lead by example.  Does that ring a bell with anyone?