Four More Years….Elsewhere

Reblogged from Fredericksburg.com

Just as predicted former governor Bob McDonnell has been indicted along with his wife in the gift taking scandal.

Yeah, every politician takes gifts but taking gifts, asking for loans, having the guy buy you a wardrobe, receiving a Rolex, driving his Ferrari, paying for your daughter’s wedding and then hosting a party at the governor’s mansion to promote his products…yeah bad idea.

What’ll happen at this point?  There will be a trial and Bob and Maureen will probably get off with probation and a fine.  I’d be surprised if they are convicted on more than one count.

I think the biggest thing to take from this is to reform how politicians accept gifts.  How about never?  I don’t care if it’s a Republican or a Democrat, anyone giving you something is trying to influence you.  I think it’s terrible in Washington, but it’s just as bad on the local and state level and Virginia has some of the most lenient laws governing politicians taking gifts.

We are paying these politicians.  They get pensions.  They’re not starving.  They can pay for their own clothes, cars, meals and vacations.

Here’s the rough.

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And here’s the idea we didn’t go with.