December 7, 2022
The three St. Louis aldermen who were sentenced to prison for taking bribes got several letters of support from people recounting all the good things the aldermen have done. Apparently, it’s OK to help yourself and make decisions that aren’t in the best interests of your constituents as long as you do one or two good things.
I guess people just feel entitled to “perks.” I remember the leader of a Bible study I was in saying, “Who hasn’t taken home a roll of tape or some paper clips from the office?” I stared at her in disbelief. (For the record, I still haven’t.)
So, maybe that’s how it starts—first with paper clips because you work hard and deserve a perk, and then, when the responsibilities are greater, the “perks” get greater, too.
And if the perks influence you to make policy decisions that are bad for the public, then, with any luck for the populace, you go to jail.
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