Yesterday, I read that former House member, Tom DeLay was sentenced to three years in prison for undermining the political process in Texas, then lying about it.
"The Hammer" was convicted in November, 2010 on two counts of money laundering and conspiracy charges... taking corporate monies and funneling that money to Republican candidates running in Texas. After the verdict was read, he apparently leaned over to one of his children and whispered he could not get a fair trail in Austin (it being a "liberal" community and all.) As he exited the courthouse, he commented "This is an abuse of power. It's a miscarriage of justice, and I still maintain that I am innocent. The criminalization of politics undermines our very system and I'm very disappointed in the outcome,"
Frankly, I'm not exactly sure what criminalization he refers to... he subverted the process and that (in my estimation) was the true criminal act. The money he funneled helped state Republicans take control of the Texas House which in turn, enabled the GOP majority to push through a congressional redistricting plan sending more Texas Republicans to Congress in 2004 – and strengthening his political cache.
To those who believed him innocent, and continued to cast their ballots for him, I wonder whether he had their best interests in mind as he moved through Congress. Further, did he have the best interests of his state, or even his country in mind as he cast some of his votes, and developed relationships with the likes of convicted former lobbyist, Jack Abramoff... or, was he just looking out for "Number 1?"
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