Opinion

Playtime over; take their toys away

Posted June 15, 2009 11:00 pm

I have always wondered why it is that some unsuspecting politician/lobbyist is periodically culled from the herd and prosecuted over pay-to-play behavior. It is after all legal. That is why everybody does it (see opensecrets.org).

Well, I shouldn't say everybody, mostly those with lots of cash and an appetite for a big deal. Maybe laying some cash or favors on a lawmaker will get that big deal done. Maybe a fundraiser or campaign contribution will be just the right touch to get a new law passed that shuts out the competition and leaves you in the catbird seat. This is not just the way things work here, it's everywhere. It's human nature. This is not a Democrat-Republican issue. This is about power and money and it causes big problems.

So, when politicians behave like 2 or 3-year-olds, fighting over the same toy, playtime over. Take the toy away. Time for abolishing campaign contributions, term limits and an end to lifetime pensions.

Mike Simon

Glen Ellyn

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