Friday, January 13, 2006
YOTD - Day 13 (Unshitting Their Pants Part II)
In an effort to innoculate themselves against the culture of corruption that has infected the Republican party, many Republicans are calling for those implicated in the Abramoff scandal to step down from their leadership roles. The latest target is Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH).
According to Hotline On Call, Hastert would like to unveil lobbying reform legislation but is reticent to do so as long as Ney is still in a leadership position. While this may appear logical on the surface, Hastert is attempting to do something I like to call unshitting his pants. You see, there are certain things in life that can't be undone. You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, you can't unfuck the neighbor's wife/husband, and you simply can not unshit your pants. Try as you might, it's a done deal.
No matter how honorable Hastert's intentions are with this lobbyist reform legislation, the Republicans in Congress are already tainted. With DeLay and now Ney in the crosshairs, the party has acquired a reputation. The party's image has been damaged. The culture of corruption has taken root.
Unfortunately for Hastert and the rest of the Republicans, they've waited too long and dipped their hands too deeply into the cookie jar. This legislation would have meant a hell of a lot more if it had been introduced before Abramoff copped a plea. Now it just looks like a pathetic attempt to kiss up to their constituents.
Nice try Denny, but it's too little, too late.
- House Speaker Dennis Hastert is making moves to push fellow Republican Rep. Bob Ney from his post as chairman of the House Administration Committee, Republican sources said Friday.
Hastert, who voiced his support for Ney just days ago, is under pressure from his own caucus to take a stand against ethical misconduct, the sources said.
Ney is linked in documents to the investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who recently pleaded guilty to fraud, conspiracy and tax-evasion charges stemming from an influence-peddling scheme.
The Ohio congressman could be ousted from his post as early as next week, the sources said.
According to Hotline On Call, Hastert would like to unveil lobbying reform legislation but is reticent to do so as long as Ney is still in a leadership position. While this may appear logical on the surface, Hastert is attempting to do something I like to call unshitting his pants. You see, there are certain things in life that can't be undone. You can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, you can't unfuck the neighbor's wife/husband, and you simply can not unshit your pants. Try as you might, it's a done deal.
No matter how honorable Hastert's intentions are with this lobbyist reform legislation, the Republicans in Congress are already tainted. With DeLay and now Ney in the crosshairs, the party has acquired a reputation. The party's image has been damaged. The culture of corruption has taken root.
Unfortunately for Hastert and the rest of the Republicans, they've waited too long and dipped their hands too deeply into the cookie jar. This legislation would have meant a hell of a lot more if it had been introduced before Abramoff copped a plea. Now it just looks like a pathetic attempt to kiss up to their constituents.
Nice try Denny, but it's too little, too late.
