A great day for corruption
It is a great day for former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and others who are similarly inclined to pervert public service by taking money and gifts from those who wish to influence public policy. This follows the unanimous U.S. Supreme Court decision Monday vacating federal corruption charges against McDonnell.
The Supreme Court did not recognize any unlawful conflict of interest engaged in by the former governor, and now the guilt of others who are similarly situated is called into question.
It seems that the new standard for prosecutors who wish to succeed in pressing corruption charges is that they must secure a document in which the two crooked parties agree to the transfer of a certain amount of money in exchange for some specific action on behalf of the “contributor”.
In a state like ours, known for legislative shenanigans, corruption, and law-breaking, the green light now shines for those who wish to cater to powerful, moneyed, palm-greasing special interests rather than ordinary members of the public.
Perhaps the Supreme Court will now mandate that former Vice President Spiro Agnew be posthumously pardoned for soliciting bribes as a Maryland elected official.
Oren M. Spiegler
Upper St. Clair