I think I speak for many Memphians in saying that I hope we’ll finally be rid of State Senator John Ford because of this. The guy’s a fucking asshole maniac with a penchant for threatening people (including working-schmo Memphis Light Gas and Water employees, for the love of “Bob”!) with firearms. The only reason he keeps getting reelected is that the generations-old Ford political machine is behind him.
Furthermore, I think that corruption–especially relatively legal forms of corruption like lobbyist paid trips and corporate campaign contributions–is one of if not THE biggest threat to democracy today.
However, the political side of this news cannot go without comment. John Ford is Congressman Harold Ford, Jr.'s uncle. Harold Ford Jr. offically announced his candidacy for Senator Bill Frist’s seat on Wednesday. On Thursday, three FBI agents arrested John Ford in his hotel in Nashville. I don’t believe the timing is a coincidence. Now, Jr. gets to spend the opening days of his campaign answering questions about his uncle. And what do you want to bet that the trial lasts through 2006?
John Ford deserves what’s coming to him. But the whole story is more complex than that.
So, I’m to understand from your post that, while you do decry political corruption, you’d prefer that prosecutions of Democrats be done when it’s advantageous to your schedule?
If that’s not what you mean, I do hope you’d explain further.
I’m guessing that what he means is that he prefers that the prosecutions of Democrats not SPECIFICALLY be done when it’s DISadvantageous to his schedule. That is, if the decision as to when to prosecute was made politically, that is bad. Although, of course, the dude being corrupt in the first place is presumably worse.
All available evidence, both legal and the acendotal kind you get from living in Memphis, suggests that John Ford is not only corrupt but is also a loon and that his eventual removal from the state sentate will be a good thing for both Memphis and the state of Tennessee.
I am suspicious of the timing of his arrest and fear that it may be politically motivated. I have no doubt that his trial will become an issue during Harold Ford, Jr’s Senate race, even though Jr. has been accused of no wrongdoing.
And this is but a small number of folks who’ve gone down recently. Several members of former Gov. Sundquist’s adminstration have been busted, with more arrests promised.
I am suspicious about the timing too, but at least John Ford’s corruption comes as no surprise. That man has been a potential albatross around his nephew’s neck. Better to get it over with. Anyone who tries to blame Harold for that lunatic’s antics will be making a misstep.
Harold’s a little conservative, but I wouldn’t mind working in his campaign.
I just don’t understand how people in the legislature can be so easily corrupted.
I am surprised, I thought it would take much longer for him to leave office. This kind of thing is one of the reasons I dislike politics and politicians.
This thing (Operation Tennessee Waltz) has been in the works for around 2 years, from what I’ve read.
By the way, keep your fewmets to yourself, all of y’all.
Just kidding. But I can act all high n’ might n’ superior over it.
State legistlatures are often coruptible because they’re often in mediocre financial straights. Most people skilled enough to get to the top of the political heap are (no suprprise here) smart enough to make a heap of dough.
It makes me sick. There’s not enough money for education or health care for the poor or decent law enforcement, but this arrogant fucker is set for life. I’ll be real damn surprised if he ever spends a day behind bars.
One of my coworkers claimed that Ford had made death threats against the prosecutor, so it’ll be difficult for him to weasel out of this, I’d say.
And I don’t know about the state laws, but IIRC on the Federal level, if a member of US Congress is convicted of a particular heinous crime, Congress can vote to yank their pension and benefits. IMHO, any elected official who commits an abuse of power should be subjected to the death penalty.
Corruption at higher levels of gov should be considered treason, IMHO. Especially if the person is a judge or someone with control over life/death situations of other people.
