tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6951788.post7479031953825322242..comments2007-09-06T21:02:09.159-04:00velvelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11986513907580199238noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6951788.post-54055902672818020752007-09-06T21:02:00.000-04:002007-09-06T21:02:00.000-04:00The committee for honest government<BR/>FBI arrests N.J. public officials 9/6/2007<BR/>Mayor, lawmakers, others accused of taking bribes to influence contracts<BR/>Calif. charter school leader indicted 9/5/2007<BR/>Prosecutors say he, city councilman siphoned millions in public school funds<BR/>I guess being a public official – politician is a license to abuse the public confidence and take bribes and kickbacks. I think any public official who abuses his power and takes bribes, kickbacks and influence should get the full punishment the law can give and in an expedited manner. <BR/>It is time public officials should abide by the law do their job honestly and build the public trust and confidence.<BR/>Public officials should know that public office is not for sale under no circumstances.<BR/>Honest government is a must<BR/><BR/>Throughout our history, the American people have demanded that their government reflect our nation’s highest ideals of openness and honesty, transparency and integrity and -- above all else -- a clear commitment to protecting the interest of the American people, not powerful special interests.<BR/><BR/>When the excesses of a corrupt establishment have gone too far, the American people have risen up and reformed the political process to correct our course -- because ultimately it is the people who must lead. <BR/><BR/>Today, to achieve and maintain power, the leaders of our country have built a system where money not only buys influence, but the right to govern. Special interests and their lobbyists not only buy access, they buy results -- on any issue, no matter the public interest. This culture of corruption prevails through all levels of government. <BR/><BR/>Our leaders have made the terms of the deal very clear. Those who make an investment in keeping dishonest leaders in power will see a huge return on their investment in the form of corporate welfare, no-bid contracts and favorable regulation -- at the expense of the public interest. <BR/><BR/>This corrupt cycle must be broken. When our elected officials bend government to serve their own interests or those of their friends, our democracy is at risk. <BR/><BR/>Today we should be unveiling an ethics reforms package that will clean up our government so the American people can have the honest leadership they deserve, and so our government can get back to the work of the people for the people. <BR/><BR/>Honest leadership is not a partisan goal -- it is the key to a stronger Union. It is time to put progress ahead of politics. Together, we can change our government and rebuild trust with the American people. We call on all American’s to join the efforts in restoring honest leadership to all levels of government. The American people deserve nothing less.<BR/><BR/>The committee for honest government.<BR/>How come the City of Chicago is allowing an Energy company in Skokie, Illinois to collect City of Chicago taxes on natural gas for over 15 years without paying any of it to the city or refunding it to the customers. Maybe someone has clout - a former Federal judge was part owner in that company.Jay Draimanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02379758854590131726noreply@blogger.com