A Few Decent Members

I was recently in Alaska, where I witnessed firsthand the love most Alaskans have for their embattled elder statesman, Sen. Ted Stevens (R).

Since 1968, Stevens has committed just about all his time and energy to helping the great state get everything it deserves, and then some. And the citizens up there recognize that and are willing to give the recently indicted Republican the benefit of the doubt on this one. But Stevens’s behavior throughout the years is symptomatic of a larger problem that I fear is permeating American politics today, and certainly the Republican Party.

It appears the United States Congress and its members have lost all semblance of shame. They appear as though they are impregnable at times, absent humility; and when the wheels of justice turn against them, they sprinkle around the magical pixie dust of crying “political witch hunt!” and hope they get off.

In a politically puzzling time like this, undecided and independent voters are looking at both sides to find an individual for whom to cast their ballots. If members of Congress — Republican or Democrat — want to get or stay elected, they need to pay more attention to not only what they do, but the appearance of their actions and what sort of message that sends to voters who put their trust in our system of government. Remember, the people have the power, and with each passing scandal, they are more likely to use that power at the election booth.