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The misappropriation of funds (greed) is politically endemic. Delay got caught and should step down or return the money. The very least he owes is an apology to his constituents. Maybe he could make everyone happy by sponsoring a bill forbidding payment to any family member for any reason. Would it pass the Senate? Not likely. In politics, nepotism reigns supreme. Does anyone really believe this type of "thievery" is practiced only by members of the Republican party? Does the action of one member condemn the entire party regardless of affiliation?
To answer your question, "Is there a bigger scumbag than Tom Delay?", I submit that Sandy Berger, whose offense was criminal rather than ethical, has done more damage. Berger, for those of you unfamiliar with his story, is a former National Security Advisor who pleaded guilty to absconding with and destroying highly classified documents, obstensibly detailing a former administrations failure to take the threat of al Qaeda seriously. I say ostensibly, because there is no way to know if any prelusive efforts would have been effective; which somewhat diminishes the impact of Berger's criminal effort. He qualifies as a scumbag though...
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"The gift of liberty is like that of a horse, handsome, strong, and high-spirited. In some it arouses a wish to ride; in many others, on the contrary, it increases the desire to walk."
-- Massimo d'Azeglio
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