[censored] rationales that seem to apply to government officials, but no one else. Let me give an example. Let's say I have a really bright student from a wealthy family. That same family is also very generous and often gives me gifts. I continue to give that student good grades, and the gifts continue to pour in. Is accepting those gifts ethical?<br><br>Of course it is not and there are rules in my profession that restrict it. It is thought to be supreme moral turpitude because although I may have given those grades for good performance, the fact that I have accepted gifts gives the impression of corruption. The same behavior may also be feared to color my judgement of other students and other grades. Whether or not my judgement is impaired, it may be seen to be by other people and fairness in my classroom is too important to let that happen.<br><br>So why don't we apply the same logic and the same ethical standards to Congressmen, Administration Officials, or Supreme Court Judges?<br><br>It boils my blood that we hold people in such important positions to such low standards, especially when those same people get on about standards and accountability in public education.<br><br>-- Cee Bee Double-U

I hear ya New... it stinks.... <br><br>That's why no campaign finance BS law will work... always a way around... we need publically financed campaigns.<br>People pay for this BS any way (in the cost of goods and services) and it'd cost a lot less with direct public funds !!<br><br>David (OFI)

it also hinders any later investigative efforts. these things must be open and transparent.<br><br>no excuse is acceptable. the people's government simply cannot be for sale.<br><br>let collective donors (corporations, etc.) give anonymously if they must. personally, i don't see corporations as individuals with inalienable rights. (then, i don't see the state as victim either.)<br><br>"if you wish to fear nothing, consider that everything is to be feared." <br><br>[color:red]Libertarian Communist</font color=red>

Boy, did you hit an old hot button of mine.<br><br>Doctors, architects, politicians and any number of other professional groups are given free reign to make ghastly mistakes in judgement, engage in horrendous conduct and rack up the DUIs. However, a public school teacher nailed for any of the egregious things our "leaders" (political and community) routinely get away with will quickly be without a career in public education.<br><br>"Do as I say, not as I do" is the mantra of our political "leaders".<br><br>