Citizen Journal Blog

The writing style in this defence of Tom DeLay is crude and offensive, but I was convinced nonetheless. I'm appalled that

the New York Times... report[s] legal, ethical, common and specifically Ethics Committee-approved activity like Mr. DeLay employing relatives on his campaign -- as if it were a crime.

There's a spectrum here. It's hard to define the difference between nepotism and cronyism, on the one hand, and "social capital," networking, and even just family values and community. I would love to work for my dad, not because he'd pay me more or give me special perks, but because he's a good guy and I love him, and also because he knows me well and might have a more comprehensive understanding of what I'm capable of than a stranger would. If anything, this should be encouraged, not purged.

I've never been a fan of Tom DeLay. I wouldn't mind seeing a new face in the House leadership. But I don't want to see him brought down by "ethics violations" which, to me, sound mostly phony.

Replies: 3 Comments

Posted by: Aaron On Monday, April 18th

I'm still waiting for a response on this one. "Oh I'm so angry! Democrats are complaining about ethics violations that are very similar to what Republicans were complaining about ten years ago! Such violations perpetrated by DeLay have been well documented and are currently being investigated by a Texas grand jury! But those liberals, this is all their fault! It's the liberal media! They made it all up! Those other Republicans that don't like what DeLay is doing don't count!"

Posted by: Aaron On Saturday, April 16th

It gets better:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2005/04/15/delay_and_charity/index_np.html

Read the quote. Why is DeLay resisting the investigations and refusing full disclosure? What does he have to hide?

http://nyobserver.com/pages/conason.asp

This one is as juicy as a good steak.

Posted by: Aaron On Saturday, April 16th

You're arguing in favor of Tom DeLay using incorrect information.

Quoting the BBC:

"It is alleged money for a trip to Britain, which included golfing in Scotland was arranged by Jack Abramoff, a political lobbyist and friend of Mr Delay, now being investigated for alleged corruption."

"It has also emerged that Mr DeLay's wife and daughter were paid a total of half a million dollars over four years by his campaign committees - not illegal but it has raised eyebrows."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4446489.stm

Then there's the grand jury probe looking into whether or not he illegally spent corporate money to support Republican candidates for Texas state legislature.

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