Sometimes You Just Shake Your Head
Some days you start reading the news and find yourself shaking your head.
Reid Accepted Free Boxing Tickets While a Related Bill Was Pending
Senate Democratic Leader Harry M. Reid (Nev.) accepted free ringside tickets from the Nevada Athletic Commission to three professional boxing matches while that state agency was trying to influence him on federal regulation of boxing.
Reid took the free seats for Las Vegas fights between 2003 and 2005 as he was pressing legislation to increase government oversight of the sport, including the creation of a federal boxing commission that Nevada's agency feared might usurp its authority.
I have noticed Harry's been a lot less vocal about the whole "culture of corruption" thing. It only gets worse in appearance, too. John McCain insisted on paying for tickets to fights he attended with Reid while another Senator, John Ensign (R-Nev) recused himself from the bill due to family ties to the fight industry.
It might be chicken feed in the great scheme of things, but an appearance of impropriety can pretty well knock you off the moral high ground. Right, Harry?
UPDATE: Scot Ott is sounding the alert on the growing pandemic. Be afraid, be very afraid!
Other Links to this Post
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Assorted Babble by Suzie — Tuesday, 30 May , 2006 @ 10:13 am
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The Sandbox — Tuesday, 30 May , 2006 @ 10:24 am
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Leaning Straight Up — Wednesday, 31 May , 2006 @ 3:15 pm
By Black Jack, Tuesday, 30 May , 2006 @ 11:42 am
Now, now, keep in mind it’s only corrupt if Republicans do it. Don’t you know that consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds? Our social and intellectual betters are exempt and thus immune from the consequences of such mundane considerations as restrict the more base inclinations of lesser mortals.
Harry Reid couldn’t care less what silly little people think or say, so long as the NY Times gives him the usual pass. After all, a wink is as good as a nod to a blind jackass. It’s a clear case of noblesse oblige.
By Donna, Tuesday, 30 May , 2006 @ 12:42 pm
Why, that Harry Reid is not even a good bribee! Geez, he took those tickets, then, splutter, he voted against what was wanted by those who gave him the tickets.
By Gaius, Tuesday, 30 May , 2006 @ 12:50 pm
So by one definition he’s a dishonest politician - he didn’t stay bought!
By Donna, Tuesday, 30 May , 2006 @ 1:04 pm
Too funny, Gaius. What’s the world coming too if you can’t rely on under-the-table ‘contractual understandings’ with a politician?
By Gaius, Tuesday, 30 May , 2006 @ 1:08 pm
Yeah, it’s getting ridiculous. You used to be able to buy a politician and they stayed bought!
What a world.