On Aug. 5 Rep. Dan Rostenkowski's "chief" lawyer, in concert with the rest of his lawyers, filed a series of motions and arguments with a federal judge. Rostenkowski has been served with 17 criminal charges in connection with his activities as a longtime Washington power broker. The charges indicate that he has unlawfully enriched himself at the expense of all U.S. taxpayers. Sworn testimony has already been given on at least one of the charges.
Due to the immense influence he has accumulated from his power base in the Congress, he has funneled exorbitant amounts of federal monies into his home state of Illinois. Apparently his influence continues with Democratic leaders. It has been announced this past week that Chicago has been selected to host the national Democratic Convention.The briefs filed in his behalf clearly indicate just how much respect he has for laws which govern we ordinary citizens. When we violate the laws, we are held accountable. When the big power broker is found in violation, he tries to hide behind his (too) long held federal position. His brief indicates that the charges brought against him are unconstitutional because the courts have no right to try him since as a representative of the legislative branch of government, he is protected under the separation of powers provision in the U.S. Constitution. Apparently he even believes he has personally become a separate branch of government.
We should no longer allow legislators such repeated terms in office that they become a law unto themselves. "Power," as the man said, can become corrupting. With the perpetuation of power, men of good intentions can, and all too often do, develop an agenda far from that which they profess to their constituents. Some, like Rostenkowski, can reach the point where their power is merely a means by which they justify doing that which is unseemly, even in violation of law. A very few may even reach the point where they have no respect for the laws, which they believe must govern the rest of us.
Is it time to limit the length of terms for public officials?
Kyle B. Sorensen
Salt Lake City