the success of bill richardson's presidential aspirations

are now irrevocably linked to the upcoming special session for ethics.

this issue of ethics, ethical government, ethical governors, is the subject of attention.

if is does not make it impossible, it certainly makes it difficult to get yourself elected as president, if you have a "sketchy" record.

it was on bill richardson's watch that some of the most egregious corruption in new mexico history came to light.

there really is a such thing as; a culture of corruption. a culture where everybody is either corrupt; or has guilty knowledge of corruption.

he was at the wheel.

he took money from lowlifes. the kind of money that is given for a reason. giving it to charity after you get caught, is not the same thing as having said, "take your bribe and stuff it", in the first place.

all of this goes away if he is the one who actually reforms public service; if he is the one who provides for transparent accountability in government.

if he is the one who will stand up and say, "for "eight hours" a day, I will hold myself honestly accountable to a meaningful standard of conduct". and then proves it by creating a system of transparent accountability that is beyond his influence even against his will;

then all is forgiven.

sooner or later, someone has to actually hold them self accountable for their conduct and competence as a public servant.

a political opponent who will not do the same is lost.

voters who are looking for someone to trust
will have found bill richardson.

within public service; transparent accountability
to a meaningful standard of conduct.

there is no equivalent gesture.