In Congress, 'we simply have too much power' (Rep. Flake R-Ariz)

[Synnical]

http://tinyurl.com/a85bh

News analysis by Jim Drinkard, USA TODAY Tue Jan 10, 7:06 AM ET

In 1980, a House member got caught on videotape stuffing cash into his pockets, one of five lawmakers snared in the Abscam FBI corruption sting operation.

Today, Washington is roiled by new bribery and fraud scandals, and the amounts involved wouldn't come close to fitting into a coat pocket. Tens of millions of dollars, luxury travel and expensive gifts have been used to influence - and in at least one case, bribe - members of Congress.

The revelations are damaging faith in the federal government, triggering calls for tighter rules and prompting some to ask whether Congress is once again for sale.

"We simply have too much power," says Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., speaking of lawmakers' ability to target tax dollars for particular projects, contractors or campaign donors. "We Republicans have abused that power badly over the past several years."

More at link

[stepnw1f]

1. What a Flake (nt)

[FreedomAngel82]

2. And now you pay the price

It's your own fault for getting caught up in greed.

[Skidmore]

3. If they have too much power, why is * ignoring them and running

amok.

[ClintonTyree]

4. The "Firm Grasp of the Obvious" award goes to..........

Jeff Flake, Diphit- Az!!! :party: :toast: :party:

[MissMarple]

5. Too little, too late. Like he's really, really sorry. Not.

:nopity:

[Synnical]

6. Kick for the nite crowd

'Cause my eyes bugged when I read a Republican admitting they had abused their power.

More from the article:

The dealings between lobbyists and members of Congress have become "unfortunately, the ordinary way of doing business in this town," said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who introduced a proposal last month designed to make the influence business more transparent.

"It's obvious why it's needed," he said. "One word: Abramoff."

"The Influence Business"??? What a kind way to describe a legalized bribe.