From Right Pundits

Democrat Representative Eric Massa (NY), expressing “a profound sense of failure”, is the latest Democrat in public office to succumb to poor judgment involving inappropriate actions with one of his male staffers. He leads a list of other Democrats facing ethics investigations of all kinds of stripes. One must wonder if it is the aloofness of these Democrats resulting in them being found-out, or if it is simply some kind of political karma.

To note, we have Democrat Eric Massa and his less than proper dealings with a male staffer. Then we have Democrat Charles Rangel (NY) of the House of Representatives having to actually “step down” from his leadership role on the House Ways and Means Committee due to ethics indiscretions.

“Now he’s trying to blame it on his staff,” said one New Yorker. “That’s no excuse.”

Yikes!
Moreover, there is New York State Democrat Governor, David Paterson, facing accusations he interfered with a domestic violence investigation:

“I am ending my campaign for governor of the state of New York.”

and an added investigation involving World Series tickets.

I recall the famous words spoken by then Speaker of the House-elect Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), back in 2006, when the Democrats took control.

“This leadership team will create the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history.”

When pressed on the issue of Democrats and these ethics problems, she responded:

“You know what? This is rumor city. Every single day there are rumors. I have a job to do.”

Okay, Madame Speaker, we all hear you. But what of Jesse Jackson Jr. (IL), Alan Mollohan (WV), and Californians Maxine Waters and Laura Richardson? Also making a poor showing is, of course, John Edwards. In this political world of exploiting any weaknesses of the other mainline party, the Democrats are facing severe scrutiny. Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington makes this observation:

“I think when a party comes in saying they are cleaning up corruption and they’re going to run the House differently than the last party, I think you really have to have your feet held to the fire.”

With the impending November elections fast approaching, this is definitely no time for the Democrats to have an ethics meltdown. Scandals make for great press, but are easily used as bullets, and the American people are taking notes. Seeing the balance of power at stake, the Democrats in public office need to exercise a little discipline. And discretion. And wisdom.

And humility.