More politicians caught taking bribes

and let's not forget the fact that William "Icebox" Jefferson was re-elected by the people of New Orleans even after being caught redhanded with bribe money.

I personally think they should also convict the people GIVING the bribes - they're just as bad!

I guess even though it's not our fault (by "our" I mean we, the voters and constituents of whatever level of elected official we're discussing) there are crooked people in office but it IS our fault if we don't try to do something to keep them from getting away with it an remaining in office. Maybe I should back up a bit and say it IS our fault if we vote someone in to begin with who we know is a crook; however, I'm referring mainly to those who sound great while they're running and have a clean record so we have no reason to suspect they'd become "dirty". Ideally, every government body, from a town council of a tiny little village to the U.S. Senate should police themselves and hold each other accountable. However, we all know they don't always do that so we have to start from the lowest level and make it crystal clear we will not only "kick out" those who break the laws but also those who enable them. Period. I'll use what could have happened with FORMER Senator Ted Stevens as an example, but it could be the same on any level, local, county, state or federal. Had he been reelected, whether he was immediately expelled or what the outcome may have been, I think it would be the responsibility of every single constituent of every single Senator who did NOT choose to kick his sorry a$$ out ASAP to contact that Senator and make sure to make it clear they will also soon be a former Senator. Unfortunately it would take people really sticking together and there are too many who really don't care what their lawmakers do as long as they bring home the bacon to their state or locality. Ted Stevens "did a lot for Alaska" so apparently the vote was so unbelievably close because some voters really didn't care that he'd gotten his home remodeled or whatever for nothing as long as they got what THEY wanted also. Unless and until the people stop putting up with this behavior I don't see it ending. Sad but true! Annie