In yet another round of pseudo-intellectual masturbation...

Where have we heard something like this before?

By LARRY MARGASAK Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON

House Republicans moved to seize the initiative for ethics reform Tuesday with a comprehensive package of changes, including a ban on privately sponsored travel like the trips arranged by lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

"I know that fact-finding trips are important, but private travel has been abused by some," Speaker Dennis Hastert said at a news conference.

Hastert, an Illinois Republican, responded aggressively after months of inaction and unfavorable headlines about lawmakers' ties to Abramoff, who showered donations, expensive meals, travel and skybox seats on members of Congress. Abramoff has pleaded guilty to corruption-related charges and is cooperating with prosecutors.

The GOP proposal also includes a virtual ban on gifts, except for small items such as baseball caps.

It would increase _ from one year to two years _ the waiting period before former lawmakers and senior staff members could lobby Congress.

The plan also includes enhanced disclosure of lobbying contacts and spending.

Democrats, who have begun a "culture of corruption" theme against Republicans in an election year, were to unveil their ethics reform package Wednesday.

So now we're in a race to see who can out-ethic whom?

These "plans" will probably be every bit as effective in removing corruption as, say, this plan was at getting the "big money" out of politics while protecting our First Amendment rights.

You want an ethics plan? Well how's this for an ethics plan:

SELF-RESTRAINT

We elect you to serve the people, not to be a mob of self-serving crooks who can't tell right from wrong enough to keep from breaking a law. Why the hell do you need a new code of ethics? What was wrong with the old one? Are you so devoid of scruples that you can't just simply follow what's right and what's wrong?

Have we gotten so bad that the only ones that we can get to guard the henhouse are the foxes?

***UPDATE****

It appears that I'm not the only conservative blogger to say enough is enough..

Truth Laid Bear has more here.
(topic bumped)


(Filed under pass the pork)