I am sick to my stomach this morning, reading the stories that detail the actions of former Congressman Duke Cunningham.
When he first resigned as news came out about how he had used his office for personal gain, I made my opinion on this very clear.
After all, like so many others, I had walked precincts for Cunningham and gotten to know him. During my many years of being a volunteer leader in conservative and Republican politics, I had always been proud that we had a decorated veteran, and a conservative stalwart like "Duke" in Congress.
Anyone involved or interested in public policy or politics needs to read these articles today. It is overwhelming that one person can have combined so much greed with so little ethical standards. We’re talking millions. We’re talking about handwritten memos detailing how much personal take the Congressman would need to award government favors (see the handwritten note?).
At the end of the day, Cunningham will get what he deserves – a long time in federal prison, and I hope it is as uncomfortable for him as possible. Any part of me that feels sorrow for him as a human being is more than offset by the anger and feelings of betrayal. More than anything, the length of Duke’s sentence, and how hard his ‘time’ served is, becomes an important sign to any and all others that would even think about condoning or engaging in this kind of shameful activity – you will pay the price.
That said, the reverberations of this case are being felt all over the country. And while the infamous prosecution of lobbyist Jack Abramoff is a separate case from that of Cunningham, the go-forward solution is the same for both.
THERE SHOULD NOT BE A MEANS OR MECHANISM FOR AN INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OF CONGRESS, NO MATTER HOW INFLUENTIAL OR HIGHLY PLACED, TO EARMARK FUNDS FOR ANY INDIVIDUAL BUSINESS OR COMPANY. PERIOD.
The idea that an individual member of the legislative branch can dole out favors like Cunningham did is reviling and shows that there is a serious need of ethical reform in Congress.
And with all due respect to Speaker Hastert, FR friend David Dreier, and others — the problem is NOT with the lobbyists. They do what they do – try to bring home the bacon for their clients. Reforming the system starts with purchasing 435 mirrors so that all Members of Congress can reflect on themselves and their own value system. Congress should end earmarking and pork-spending.
I could not make the case any better than Walter Williams has done here.
Anyways, enjoy your Saturday, but before you do, read some of these amazing stories that really spell out how rotten-to-the-core Randy Cunningham turned out to be. I am still shocked and hurt. And like so many others, in disbelief that I could have been so completely fooled by this criminal.
Jon
PS: Don’t miss the articles in the Sacramento Bee where my friend, Congressman John Doolittle, gives a candid interview about his friendship with Abramoff, as well as the folks that allegedly have colluded with Cunningham. I applaud Doolittle for getting out and being aggressive in communicating his feelings and thoughts. Let’s all remember that Abramoff and others fooled a lot of folks. Not everyone is as pathetic as Duke Cunningham.
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