Well, it’s a high holy day in St. Louis tomorrow as the Cardinals hold their home opener. And just in time for the festivities is a story out of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch detailing the flow of free Cardinal tickets from lobbyists to Missouri lawmakers. Though some see the obvious ethical lapse, some, like Rep. Chris Carter (photo above, left) have no problem with it. Stunning.
There WAS actually good news brewing in Washington regarding ethics. A permanent independent office was set up about two years ago to investigate ethical lapses in Congress. The Office of Congressional Ethics is supposed to help nurish the new ethical culture of Congress. But when the topic is ethics and there’s "good" news, you know you have to balance it out eventually with "bad" news.
That came in the decision Februray 26th by the House Ethics Committee to ignore the investigative findings and recommendations of the OCE. Seven House member up on serious ethics charges by the OCE were exonerated by their peers. Just. Like. That.
Jefferson City is a mess. To get the kind of public policy Missouri families deserve we must start with fundamental reform in the way Jefferson City does business. And that begins with reforming the ethical environment. (more…)