Usually when we hear or read of organized crime, it is with reference to the American Mafia, Russian Mafia, Japanese Yakuza, La Cosa Nostra, Triads, South American drug cartels and other crime syndicates, not elected U.S. officials.
The FBI defines organized crime as any group having a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities. Such groups maintain their position through the use of actual or threatened violence, corrupt public officials, graft or extortion and generally have a significant impact on the people in their region or country as a whole.
Does this sound familiar? Have you noticed that some members of Congress are now expressing concern that recent corruption gossip could cast a dark cloud over the 2006 elections?
The scandals center on one of the nation’s highest-profile Republican lobbyists, Jack Abramoff, who recently pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe a public official. He has agreed to turn state’s evidence in an investigation that could smear dozens of the nation’s most highly profiled lawmakers.
The term “lawmaker” almost seems laughable because many of these politicians are elected to establish and uphold the very regulations they are accused of abusing. Corruption takes place because individuals who have been entrusted with power take liberties with the law and with public funds.
I certainly don’t want to disparage those honest and hard working individuals who live by their oath, principles and courage. They are in the majority. But there are a few exceptions.
Abramoff’s guilty pleas have increased the stress level on Capitol Hill, and politicians from the president to House Speaker Dennis Hastert are donating the amount of money their campaign obtained from Abramoff to charity. The revelation that U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay is giving up his post as majority leader of the House of Representatives is a direct result of Abramoff’s guilty pleas.
The question is how many members of both parties took gambling money or gambling-related money. Have morals become burdensome and outmoded on Capitol Hill? Values and morals should not only guide but inspire and motivate those who were elected by the people.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist promised to examine and act on the changes needed in the Senate to improve accountability, while Senator Rick Santorum is working on legislation that would address some of the charges revealed in the Abramoff case. Meanwhile, Sen. John McCain wants to increase disclosure requirements on travel and meals paid by lobbyists.
What should our reaction be when our elected officials fail us by being dishonest, inconsiderate or irresponsible? How can some politicians talk about family and moral values when so many are accused with crimes? Some of today’s political leaders don’t hold strong visions and deal with their constituents or issues honestly. Will there be changes? Should we check more on the lifestyles, assets, and behavior of public officials?
Political leaders should not have to make a judgment between being pragmatic and doing the right thing. One of the few comforts of this scandal is that it provides us an opportunity to stop and reflect as well as to inspect the conduct of these trusted individuals. Should those who are guilty be charged with illegal acts committed in the performance of public duty, or given a slap on the hand and returned to business as usual? Who will be the judge?
I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-3349 or by e-mail at: berhay@swbell.net.