The similarities between Republican officials in DC and the mob are unkind, but nevertheless noticeable. Operating in secret, punishing enemies, circumventing the law, demanding for total loyalty, striking shady and corrupt deals … Tom DeLay hasn’t shot anyone, but there is a resemblance.
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) knows a little something about organized crime after mobsters literally tried to kill him while he chaired the Nevada Gaming Commission in the 1970s — and refused to tolerate any corruption. With this in mind, Reid’s op-ed in today’s Houston Chronicle strikes an important chord.
My term on the gaming commission came to an end in 1981, and when it did, I thought I had seen such corruption for the last time. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. It is not quite the mafia of Las Vegas in the 1970s, but what is happening today in Washington is every bit as corrupt and the consequences for our country have been severe.
Our nation’s capital has been overrun by organized crime — Tom DeLay-style.
The gangsters are the lobbyists, cronies and lawmakers who have banded together and abused their power to serve their own self-interest. The casinos are the Capitol, which has had its doors thrown open for special interests to waltz in and help themselves, and the victims, of course, are the American people.
There is a price to pay for the culture of corruption, and we can see it in the state of our union.
Reid makes the point that Rahm Emanuel raised the other day: corruption is not just morally and legally wrong, it’s also costly for taxpayers when congressional Republicans let corporate lobbyists write federal legislation to favor their clients. Similarly, Reid’s op-ed notes that DC corruption has led to disastrous legislation on energy, health care, and taxes.
Remember, Reid has quite a bit of credibility when it comes to a no-nonsense approach to corruption.
In July of 1978, a man named Jack Gordon, who was later married to LaToya Jackson, offered Reid twelve thousand dollars to approve two new, carnival-like gaming devices for casino use. Reid reported the attempted bribe to the F.B.I. and arranged a meeting with Gordon in his office. By agreement, F.B.I. agents burst in to arrest Gordon at the point where Reid asked, “Is this the money?” Although he was taking part in a sting, Reid was unable to control his temper; the videotape shows him getting up from his chair and saying, “You son of a bitch, you tried to bribe me!” and attempting to choke Gordon, before startled agents pulled him off. (emphasis added)
If only congressional Republicans had taken this approach to Jack Abramoff, they wouldn’t be in the mess they’re in now.