The Cronies in Politics

OK, so you like the candidate. You campaign for him. You make the calls. You contribute to his/her election and you expect nothing in return because you did it for the good of the country--at least that's what you were telling everyone, right? Well, if the truth be told, the campaigner who devotes himself to the election of someone is not doing it for totally selfless motives. No campaigner in his right mind would say that he'll work his tail off for the candidate and forgo all remuneration, benefits, perks, etc. associated with a win.

I have no clear solution but just now I brainstormed and how about this: after the election, all cronies have to wear a lapel pin that symbolizes that a, they campaigned for the incumbent and b, they were hired by the incumbent or by a higher-up crony.

What would be the purpose of this scarlet letter? Well, they would have to be willing to wear something that says they got hired--at least in part--by virtue of who they knew. This, I think, would keep them honest. We, the people would know that so and so was a crony hire. If they did something wrong, we would know who not to vote for in the next election. Anyone hiring someone and not admitting that it was a crony hire would be subject to impeachment/dismissal and heavy fines.

Cronyism is a bad thing and is encouraged by elected officials because the top man needs some people to be his eyes and ears but why can't they be hired like anyone else. Just have them take an oath of alligiance to the official. This would ensure that we minimize the possibility of ending up with the likes of Mr. Brown of Katrina infamy. If you campaign for someone, you should do it because you believe that person is best for the country not because it's going to land you a cushy job. Your reward should be that you helped get the right person elected. Have the official publish a document listing all whose help was instrumental.

Now, what to do with a re-election. There are no cronies to work on the re-election. Would those who worked their butts off do it again for the the gipper? Perhaps the public should pay them for their compaign effort. Why not? It sure beats years of salary to someone whose only real and documented skill is public relations and advertising. (If cronies are hired, keep them in those fields).

homosexuality and Representative Kerns

I didn't listen to the Kern speech but it was probably not PC. Except when you consider that many of the biggest civilizations on Earth have met their demise at a time when homosexuality was accepted 100%. Gibbons in "The Rise of Fall of the Roman Empire" gave homosexuality as one of the reasons for the fall. Greece at it's height fully accepted gays.

It is hard to prove that one thing or another causes something but stop for a moment and consider the consequences of individuals NOT procreating. If I lived somewhere where homosexuality was acceptable, might I not be more inclined to shack up with a sexual partner who had no danger of bringing the added responsibilities of child rearing? I am a libertarian of sorts but I also believe in the uniqueness of the human being and would like to see the species survive. With or without homosexuality, Homo sapiens would continue but for optimum evolutionary success, the pool must be refreshed and not allowed to go stagnant. 

Those who seek to further their gain in society must be prepared to draw the line at absolutes. They must acknowledge differences (the Kerns of this world) and understand that the world is better off with Kerns and, yes, with homosexuals. I fully understand the dilemma of someone different from the majority, standing up for his/her rights, and being met with ridicule, prejudice, and even condemnation. But gays are making good progress. I empathize with them but when you are a minority you should proceed quietly to make your position known while at the same time going out of your way not to scare the majority into thinking you are taking over. Take a lesson from the rich. They do not flaunt their wealth like the aristocracy in pre-revolutionary France. They've learned to quietly exist within their own communities.

spitzer spritzer

So the man fought crime. Is he a cleric? Why not cut him some slack? If he ran a ring, that's a little more serious (for a public official) but if he just needed some cuddling in D.C., leave him alone all ye who are with sin.

And besides, sex and our proclivities for same are so deeply ingrained in our DNA that no thinking man could possibly condemn this man. It would be akin to a biologist condemning the Bonobo monkeys for their sexual escapades.

My only regret is that he was so apologetic. If he's going to resign as all the pundits and holier-than-thou people seem to say, he should take a stand for all men who need to avail themselves of the women working the world's oldest profession. It's the world's oldest for a reason, people; wake up, you moralistic ignoramuses!

One last question to answer: did Spitzer go after any perpetrators of victim-less crimes? If so, that would be the only other reason I can think of for demanding his resignation.