Cold Cash

June 7, 2006

The U.S. Congress (including both parties) doesn't get very high marks from the people. Their approval rating is under 30 percent. And, it is not going to get any better unless they get some things done. Will we get an immigration bill? Don't hold your breath. It is still all but impossible to stop the earmarking of special spending for powerful Members of Congress. We couldn't muster the 60 votes needed to bury the death tax. Can the Congress pass an acceptable compromise? Again, no progress.

But, there seemed to be general agreement across party lines on one thing. House Republicans and Democrats were up in arms complaining about the FBI search of Louisiana Congressman Jefferson's office. I don't know what they have to complain about. The guy is a crook. He was caught on tape accepting a $100,000 bribe. In searching Jefferson's house, they found $90,000, of all places, in the freezer. Now that is cold cash!

The Congressman has not been indicted yet. You can bet that he will be soon. Unless he can come up with a creative explanation as to why he needed to freeze the $90,000. If you had $90,000 in your home, would you keep it in the freezer?

Anyway, the objection of the Congress to the search is not going to raise their poll numbers. They are not above the law. Congressman Duke Cunningham of California had to resign because of a bribe. Congressman Tom Delay resigned after being indicted, although it is still unclear if he will be found guilty of anything. Congressman Mollhan of West Virginia is under investigation. Two Republicans and two Democrats. It doesn't appear that either party has any comer on the so-called "culture of corruption."

I would suggest that the Congress needs to find some middle ground, pass some bills. Just do the people's work. And stop trying to protect a crook. Even if he is their crook.

Until next week, I am John Block from Washington.