HUTZPAH & HYPOCRISY

Never underestimate the hypocrisy of politicians. Ever since the bailout last October, our Congressmen in D.C. have demanded that the institutions receiving the 700 billion dollars in cash inforce certain fiscal disciplines. One of the things demanded of the banks, lending institutions and auto industry bigwigs is that they forego their huge salaries and bonuses in return for the taxpayer money. Given the size of the bailout and the dire economic conditions of these companies, it was not an altogether unreasonable request.

When it comes to taxpayer money, however, the street does not run both ways. Last week our Congressional representitives received a 4.7% salary increase. Given the state of the economy, one might have thought that those same people who lectured and badgered Wall Street CEO's about their bloated salaries would, themselves, refuse to take a bump in pay. Yeah, right. That's as likely as Barbra Striesand inviting the Bushs'to her home for dinner.

Democrat Representitive Harry Mitchell of Arizona even sponsored a bill that would have nullified the automatic pay raise. To no one's amazement, the bill never got out of committee.

If ever one needed proof that our Congressmen are vile, self-serving, repugnant rabble, one has only to look at their check stubs. Sacrifice is what they demand, not what they do.

WHY I AM A LIBERTARIAN

Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was busted by the Feds for--among other things--attempting to auction off Barack Obama's senate seat to the highest bidder, and for withholding 8 million dollars earmarked for a children's hospital because the head of that hospital would not kick in 50 large to the Governor.The word "vile" would have to be considered an understatement when discussing Blago's actions. He joins a long list of Illinois politicians indicted and ultimately imprisoned for wrongdoing. In my lifetime (and admittedly I am a bit of a geezer) he makes the fourth Illinois governor to be busted by the Feds. Otto Kerner, Dan Walker and of course George Ryan were all convicted and did or are doing time behind bars. That alone sums up why I am a libertarian.

Libertarians believe in limited government. We put no trust in politicians. The very fact that someone wants to run for public office makes them suspect. One of the real puzzles regarding Blagojevich is how the people of Illinois were dumb enough to re-elect this guy. The first time around can be forgiven. But after he has served 4 years and you know what this guy is about, how can you vote him back in office? The voters of Illinois should be ashamed of their electoral stupidity.

Based upon what was heard on the tapes of his conversation, it's clear that Blago is an immoral, greedy, power-hungry gangster who has betrayed and spat upon the public trust. This should serve has a lesson to all citizens in Illinois and elsewhere: Do not trust politicians. Government is not your friend; it is malevolent by nature, not benevolent.

It is said that people get the government they deserve. When you keep electing the same moral trash from the same gangs, whether that gang calls itself Democrat or Republican, then you deserve to be victimized by graft, corruption and the thirst for power.

The Who said it as well as anyone: Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.