Meaningful reform in Illinois is out

Thanks to House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton, Democrats, lobbyists and others - even Pat Quinn who abandoned the strong ethics bill presented by his people - we can say farewell to the strong ethics legislation demanded by the people. There are so many loopholes in this bill that it can be compared to a balloon with holes in it.

This was the best opportunity in many years to get some action in Springfield. The open corruption had aroused enough angry voters to finally bring pressure on our representatives for change and controls. There are not enough honest representatives to offset the votes of those Democrats being led by the nose. With the power, publicity, and money provided at election time by their party they have no fear of losing their job.

Madigan, Quinn and others hailed this reform package balloon as a great step forward. There are indeed some needed improvements but there remain loopholes that make much of it meaningless. It can be likened to a written contract that says "any provisions in this contract can be changed at any time by management."

Rather than raise income tax and promote more gambling, etc. let us refuse a new tax increase. The legislature may have to cut some services that are badly needed and let them face the music. If banks were dishonest and inept when handling our money why would we add to our bank account. This same logic applies to our tax dollars.

Loss of services will affect a lot of needy people. However many of these same people do not vote or watch the actions of their elected officials.

The newspapers give good coverage and recommend good candidates every election time. When voters are too busy to vote, remain ignorant on the issues, or are benefiting in some way with the corruption we all suffer.

What will it take to arouse enough voters to kick out some of this corruption? Will people wake up? We have to wait until next year. Don't hold your breath.

William McNutt

Des Plaines