If Bill Richardson is found guilty, will you be surprised?

Former Governor Bill Richardson
has been implicated in yet another
pay to play scheme.

He has not been found guilty of
anything. But if he is found guilty,
will you be surprised?

Most I think, will not. Their faith
and trust in their government has
been betrayed too many times.

It lies shattered; perhaps beyond repair.

The people have lost faith in their government and in its ability to protect their interests from public corruption and incompetence that have become so pervasive that it is no longer even shocking. It's part and parcel of New Mexico state government.

That lack of faith is the cost of politicians and public servants creating appearances of impropriety. To voters the perception is that impropriety and the appearance of impropriety, are one and the same. Trust is destroyed; damage is done.

There is no proof, and I am not suggesting that, the envelope Richardson seen here taking, was full of cash in exchange for a judgeship or some other promise of favor. But if it was, would anyone be surprised?

Could it really be this easy to buy influence in New Mexico State Government? Many have come to believe it is.

There is no reason to believe that the system will protect the interests of the people. There is no reason to believe that the system could have prevented Richardson or any other powerful politician or public servant from selling their influence at will.
Proof to the contrary adorns headlines every day.

It needn't be that way. It can be made impossibly difficult to hide public corruption and incompetence. It can be made impossibly difficult to abuse power and betray the public trust without being exposed. Public corruption and incompetence can end; at once and for all.

We lack only of the will to make it so.

The terms of public service are the prerogative of the public.
Chief among them is honest accountability to the people, and to
meaningful standards of conduct and competence within their
public service.

It is the will of the people.

Their will be done.

Or, else.




photos Mark Bralley