So goes the continual corruption within Congress, both Republican and Democratic Party alike.
WHERE ARE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADERS WITHIN CONGRESS, AND 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES?
Independents across America are looking for honest and strong leaders that will truly embrace ethics reform.
Concerned citizens continue to ask the question: What is the status of the creation of the promised Office of Public Integrity within the House and Senate. The much needed independent office - a Democratic Party Nov. 2006 election promise?
The Democratic Party and leadership talk a good game about ethics reform, but only enacting transparency and trivial restrictions.
Only a handful introduced legislation (S192 & 230, H.R. 422) to create these minimal cost offices. Yet, they will NOT bring either to the floor for a vote and have failed the American citizen AGAIN!
This is why Congress (both Party's) have such low credibility and trust in the eyes of the American public.
I do not believe the Democratic Party (nor the Republican) are serious about bringing meaningful and lasting change of ethics reform within Congress.
The minimal changes on gifts, disclosure and transparency are trivial in respect to REAL oversight by an independent Office of Public Integrity.
Speakers Reid and Pelosi, and the Democratic Party have been given an opportunity by middle class Independents (like myself) that believe in ethics and fiscal discipline within the Federal government.
The Democratic Party and Congress appear to no longer embrace a bipartisan office that will provide much needed oversight, accountability and consequences/punishment to members of Congress that have broken the trust of the American public and taxpayer.
Power, legislation and our treasury will continue to corrupt our Congressional process and its members. 30,000 Lobbyists again are "banking" on the Democratic Party to fail on their promise of the Office of Public Integrity.
All Federal Agencies have an Inpector General, and even the White House has an Office of Public Integrity.
Where was the outrage to the House Ethics investigation(coverup) of the Mark Foley R-FL "don't ask, don't tell" predator club of our adolescent Pages.
I do not believe anyone received punishment or even admonishment; and Foley was allowed to retire on a comfortable retirement at taxpayers expense.
Also, what about Rep. Jefferson (D-LA) who had $90,000 in his freezer; again where is the public (Party) outrage and accountability?
Until Speakers Reid and Pelosi (TO INCLUDE 2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES) go public and endore legislation for these minimal cost offices, Independents and others like myself will NEVER trust "the new an improved Democratic Party of 2006", nor their Presidential candidates.
If the political Party's think that this issue will go away or is no longer a priority, they are sadly mistaken.
Voters and the American public will not forget broken promises and a lost opportunity for REAL oversight and accountability.
TO all: If you truly believe in ethics and fisical discipline in Congress, PLEASE embrace and work towards the creation of this important office.
America's treasury (whats left after staggering debt) belongs to all hard working American's, NOT the lobbyists of greed that represent the top 1% and corrupted businsess entities.
THANKYOU!