Legal Question in Legal Ethics in District of Columbia

Re: government

Seems to me that you have some misunderstandings of blending certain ideas together. Don't worry, this is not unusual as you hear these things thrown about by the media and certain politicos who have little understanding of the differences between them.

"Corruption" refers to people that are violating the law and public trust. For instance, where a governor of a state attempts to sell the appointment of a vacant Senate seat. This is a corrupt act where the governor is under a duty not to sell the office.

Conspiracy is where two or more individuals agree to conduct certain actions, typically criminal actions, in violation of the law. For instance where a governer agrees to sell the senate appointment to an individual who agrees to purchase the senate seat. You might have a conspiracy to commit bribery.

"Pork" is a different matter entirely. Typically "pork" is what is referred to when a Congressmember (Senate or House) arranges funding for projects within their congressional districts or states. "Pork" can be good, worthwhile projects. For instance, my congressman (whom I have very little regard for) was able to obtain federal funding for a freeway widening project in the district. Technically, this is "pork". However, it served to bring some jobs to the area and make the commute for a whole lot of peole a lot shorter. So, although "pork", it has done some good. Also, it is not illegal as he was able to obtain the funding through legitimate congressional appropriations.

One problem is that politicians and the media tend to label "pork" as all bad. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. Sometimes it's quite useful in getting certain congresspersons to vote to approve certain legislation.

Another area that is along similar lines are "earmarks". These are not technically "corrupt" or illegal. However, these are additional funding for certain projects that do not necessarily go through the entire legislature for review. Thus, it is somewhat sneaky.

The whole government has problems. Come up with a better way and perhaps we can use it. However, the current method, despite its problems, is the best we can come up with.