They promised us a new era of ethics if we elected them in 2006, so we decided to give them a chance. Other than switching the "D" for the "R," however, I wonder if it's a distinction without a difference:
William Jefferson gets seat on Homeland Security committee
Rep. William Jefferson, the Louisiana Democrat who's facing an ongoing federal corruption probe, is being granted a spot on the Homeland Security Committee, according to Democratic aides.
The appointment will be announced Friday, according to one aide who requested anonymity because the decision isn't yet official.
Jefferson was removed from his seat on the Ways and Means Committee, one of the most important panels in Congress, by Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) last summer in an attempt to show how seriously Democrats viewed the allegations of corruption.
But the move by Pelosi, who was still minority leader at the time, infuriated members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who said Jefferson shouldn't be punished unless he is indicted; federal prosecutors have yet to bring an indictment, despite an FBI raid 18 months ago on his home that yielded $90,000 in cash in his freezer.
So, let's see. John Murtha, an unindicted co-conspirator in the Abscam scandal who escaped prosecution only by testifying against his colleagues, now chairs the powerful House Appropriations Committee. In other words, a congressman caught on tape negotiating over bribes now runs one of the most influential committees in Congress when it comes to deciding how our money is spent.
Then there's Nancy Pelosi, who tried to exempt Starkist Tuna from the most recent minimum wage increase. Oddly, Starkist is based in her district. But, caught with her hands in the bait jar, she had to back off. Sorry, Charlie.
Or Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D - Real Estate Nevada), whose land deals might be of interest to a prosecutor.
I'm not saying the Republicans didn't desrve to get trounced for their own arrogance and ethical lacunae, but, well, like the song says, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!"
(hat tip: Michelle Malkin)
LINKS: More on Dollar Bill Jefferson from Ed Morrissey
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