We Got One! But Can We Send The Guilty Congress Critters To Jail As Well?
Contractor Pleads Guilty to Corruption: Probe Extends Beyond Bribes to Congressman
Finally, one of the rotten SOBs that have been buying influence and access is going to get his due. He will probably be sent to jail and sit in a cell right next to Duke Cunningham. However, we need to make sure that Representative Goode and Representative Harris are sharing cells in the same "rehabilitation institution." If we start sending the crooked contractors and politicians to jail for ripping us off, gouging us for toilet seats at $600 bucks per unit, and bribery to gain access and develop influence, then just maybe there will be fewer contractors willing to try these methods. If we sent the congress critters, other elected officials and career politicians to prison for selling access and influence, maybe we would have fewer pols putting out feelers for bribes and "lucrative favors"... at least we would make some room for more honorable people to takeover the offices.
Washington defense contractor Mitchell J. Wade admitted yesterday in federal court that he attempted to illegally influence Defense Department contracting officials and tried to curry favor with two House members, in addition to lavishing more than $1 million in cash, cars, a boat, antiques and other bribes on convicted Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.).
The new admissions, including details that identify Reps. Virgil H. Goode Jr. (R-Va.) and Katherine Harris (R-Fla.) as recipients of illegal campaign contributions, are contained in Wade's agreement to plead guilty to four criminal charges stemming from his role in the Cunningham probe. The congressman resigned after pleading guilty in November to taking $2.4 million in bribes from Wade and others in return for steering federal funds and contracts their way.
The court filings indicated a new direction for the corruption inquiry, as Wade pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge that he also provided benefits to an unnamed Defense official and other Defense employees to get them to help Wade's company, MZM Inc.
Finally, one of the rotten SOBs that have been buying influence and access is going to get his due. He will probably be sent to jail and sit in a cell right next to Duke Cunningham. However, we need to make sure that Representative Goode and Representative Harris are sharing cells in the same "rehabilitation institution." If we start sending the crooked contractors and politicians to jail for ripping us off, gouging us for toilet seats at $600 bucks per unit, and bribery to gain access and develop influence, then just maybe there will be fewer contractors willing to try these methods. If we sent the congress critters, other elected officials and career politicians to prison for selling access and influence, maybe we would have fewer pols putting out feelers for bribes and "lucrative favors"... at least we would make some room for more honorable people to takeover the offices.
posted by Jim Downey at 4:55 AM
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