|
This will be one of the most important questions facing the new Democratic Majority Controlled Congress. And surprisingly, it is not a partisan question.
We cannot air some of the wrongdoing by this Administration, and the roles played by those who enabled it, and 'protect' others from public disclosure. If that tact is adopted, then loss of credibility will follow, and the investigations needed to root out corruption will founder.
If the new Congress takes the unprecedented steps necessary to 'air publicly' the scope and depth of corrupt individuals and their activities, we can put this nation back on the right track and begin to reclaim the democracy that is the birthright of all Americans.
It always hurts to own up and admit to wrongdoing. However there is no other way to deal with it and put it behind us, if we are constantly trying to construct lies and mechanisms that shield individuals from responsibility for present and past egregious conduct.
Sure we all know that the Bush Administration will be painted as one of the worst of all time. What may surprise us in these investigations will be the extent and reach of money that has 'owned' respected officials at all levels of our Government, both elected and appointed.
Will we have the guts to admit this, and do something about it to change the way 'governing' has been done? I hope so. The jury is still out on that question, and the fate of our country may just well hang in the balance depending upon the answers we receive.
If we do take the leap, you will know it by the actions taken to curtail the influence of lobbyists, and the move toward reforms that include strict public campaign finance laws. Do not be mistaken, this battle will be the most intense any Congress has ever faced. It essentially will pit the "true statesmen" with primary concern for the well-being of this country against the "corrupt opportunists" who value the personal gain of themselves and their friendly supporters over duty to country.
Stay tuned.
|