We create the conditions that allow the greedy and the power hungry to undermine democracy and enrich themselves on our dime.
An independent investigation has found that imprisoned former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham took advantage of secrecy and badgered congressional aides to help slip items into classified bills that would benefit him and his associates.
The finding comes from Michael Stern, an outside investigator hired by the House Intelligence Committee to look into how Cunningham was able to carry out the scheme. Stern is working with the committee to fix vulnerabilities in the way top-secret legislation is written, said congressional officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the committee still is being briefed on Stern's findings.
Cunningham's case has put a stark spotlight on the oversight of classified -- or "black" -- budgets. Unlike legislation dealing with social and economic issues, intelligence bills and parts of defense bills are written in private, in the name of national security.
What they need to do is keep digging, and not just take Cuningham as the sacrifice. Root it out.
Posted by binky at July 23, 2006 10:55 PM | TrackBack | Posted to Corruption | Shine the Light on It