Great post; I have so many stories of my own. But anytime someone reads about, say, the conviction of a US Senator for taking bribes, they think they “all do it.” The stock-trading habits of Members also looks very bad and desperately needs changing.
I’ve actually told a few, many of which are also public. But I agree with your premise. The bad old days are just that. The reason people like Jack Abramoff become well known is because they are caught and prosecuted (sometimes twice). Congress then overreacts due to the obvious optics (The “Honest Leadership and Open Government Act” of 2008 is a case in point). During my brief time as Secretary of the Senate, I saw nothing that would come close to “corruption,” although some of the stock trades by Members gave, and continue to give me pause.
Kevin, I loved this article, but I'm also blown away by the breadth and depth of your inquiries into the dusty attics of American political history, where so many good stories are waiting to be discovered--by first-rate journalists like you.
Great post; I have so many stories of my own. But anytime someone reads about, say, the conviction of a US Senator for taking bribes, they think they “all do it.” The stock-trading habits of Members also looks very bad and desperately needs changing.
Thanks, Kelly! Oh, I bet you have some sotirs to tell. But can you tell them? ;-)
I’ve actually told a few, many of which are also public. But I agree with your premise. The bad old days are just that. The reason people like Jack Abramoff become well known is because they are caught and prosecuted (sometimes twice). Congress then overreacts due to the obvious optics (The “Honest Leadership and Open Government Act” of 2008 is a case in point). During my brief time as Secretary of the Senate, I saw nothing that would come close to “corruption,” although some of the stock trades by Members gave, and continue to give me pause.
Kevin, I loved this article, but I'm also blown away by the breadth and depth of your inquiries into the dusty attics of American political history, where so many good stories are waiting to be discovered--by first-rate journalists like you.
Thank you, J! And I hope to see you again at a Moldea dinner!