“Texas Ethics Commission” just knocked “army intelligence” off the top of the oxymoron list. I had to read the article twice, and I still have a hard time wrapping my brain around it. It’s so unfunckingbelievably blatant. They’re not even trying to hide their corruption anymore. I envision Home Depot selling politicians in their stores. They’ll put 'em right next to plumbing. That way you can pick up a state senator at the same time you purchase the toilet you’ll need to flush down your dreams of a fair democracy. One stop shopping and all that.
I did like this quote from the linked article, though:
Is anybody surprised that this is the same state who gave us the shining bastion of integrity that is Tom DeLay?
And I thought Georgia was bad. I gotta tell you, this definitely puts Texas at the bottom of the “most corrupt” cesspool. Lucky them. Lucky you.
You have my sympathy. I live in a state where the only thing I have to worry about is the cops wiping out my grandmother for no particular reason. I’m way ahead of you.
Heh. I was wondering when a Pit thread might show up on this subject.
Meanwhile, I would like to announce my intention to run for for State Senator in my district in the next election. I ask for nothing for myself for this opportunity to serve the public; if, however some grateful citizen or another wishes to bless me with a gift of currency, it would ungracious to refuse it.
You know, I really wanted to pick up a legislator or two for Christmas this year (they make great stocking stuffers!), but it seems that TXU grabbed up most of them in the Enron fire sale a few years ago. Nothing left but a few irregulars.
I, for one, will be sorely disappointed if Molly Ivins doesn’t stretch out and have a good ol’ time with this one! Which will surely be available over at WorkingforChange.com.
They aren’t bad when they’re hung up by the mantle, but be careful, if you let them out, they’ll end up leaving a trail of slime all around your living room.
And I wish to take a moment to commend those posters who have firmly resisted the “cheap shot” potential of friend Polycarp’s post. It is just this sort of self-discipline and restraint which has made this Board a paragon of civility.
here in MA, you don’t “buy” a politician. You merely give a gift to a “bagman”, who works for the corrupt politician.
The definition of an “honest” MA politician: “when you buy him, he STAYS bought”!
heck, i’m all for truth in politics-why don’t they just hang a sign outside their offices, and adverise the rates?
Actually, I think this is a good thing; with everything out and “above board” (relatively speaking), there’s no (or at least less) backroom, out-of-sight, wheelin’-‘n’-dealin’ skullduggery.
Makes it much easier to follow the slime, er, money trail(s).
There are honest Texas politicians, of a sort. What they do is, they examine the issue and determine the appropriate stance, and then look for someone to bribe them to do it. If no one will, the issue lacks gravity, and can be safely ignored. Unless its about Jesus, or football. Make that football or Jesus.
Do Texas legislators know how to cook, do laundry and clean? If that is the case I might be interested in one or two. It’s so hard to purchase slaves these days, glad they are making themselves available.
Sally: “Dear Santa Claus, How have you been? Did you have a nice summer? How is your wife? I have been extra good this year, so I have a long list of presents that I want. Please note the size and color of each item, and send as many as possible. If it seems too complicated, make it easy on yourself: just send money. How about tens and twenties?”
