Questions

-

There are laws that cover:

1). Not using information to buy stocks based on what you learn through your government job.

There were senators accused of just that as they knew what Covid-19 would do. They bought stock in dust masks and hand sanitizers.

Big story.

No charges.

2). There are laws in place to keep political candidates from shifting campaign funds into their own personal coffers.

I know of a great number of high-profile politicians who did just that. The FBI knows.

No charges.

3). There are tax laws. Most Americans are terrified of the IRS. They will chase hard-working Americans to check the mileage.

Some politicians who are either millionaires or pretend billionaires have publicly proclaimed that they don’t need to pay taxes.

We can’t even check it, I guess.

Certainly no one outside of Wesley Snipes or Al Capone have ever faced consequences.

4). Inciting violence?

Check the tapes.

Wasn’t just one guy trying to get a gang of people to storm the castle.

One even said, “We need trial by combat.”

Once there violence resulted in 5 deaths - deaths! Murder!!

The story of who said what is now as clear as mud.

Don’t worry about it!

No charges forthcoming!

5). Subpoena?

Congress used the power of subpoenas all last year.

No one showed up!

Ah well.

No consequences!

Around here, I am well known as a guy who gets upset when rules appear to be arbitrary.

If I’m watching a football game and the rules of the game are breeched I’ll go crazy.

Even if it benefits the team I’m rooting for.

Why have any rules if they aren’t going to be followed?

And the rules that are being trampled now are the ones that the forefathers found important enough to put into the constitution.

Those are being trampled.

It all came to the forefront on Friday afternoon as I followed the rules that govern my life and finished up my work.

Instead of going directly to reruns of a sitcom I tuned into the impeachment trial.

A lawyer on the screen told a demonstrable lie.

Followed it up with another.

Then another.

There used to be a fear that lying under oath in a congressional hearing was worthy of a prison term.

Apparently, that law is also off the books.

The lawyer - who is supposed to respect the rules of law - was breaking them one after another.

Easily provable lies.

Under oath!

So, I have a lot of questions about where we are.

One thing I know to be true:

If we no longer hold people to account...

...we will no longer be a country of law and order.

One final thought:

Laws apply to the rich too.

They used to, anyway.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more