By Elizabeth Weeks/NW news editor
Last year, Texas state Sen. Tom Delay was arrested after being accused of conspiracy and money laundering.
Jack Abramoff, Republican lobbyist, pled guilty Jan. 3, to felony charges of fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials as part of a plea bargain, which requires him to provide evidence about members of Congress.
Now Americans are hearing that the Patriot Act could be used to spy on them.
With scandals at every level of the government, the public can no longer trust their government. While this distrust has created problems, it also has led citizens to become more informed and question government issues and actions.
According to the Gallup Poll, Bush’s approval rating in January 2005 was 51 percent, but in November his rating fell to 37 percent. Currently, his approval rating stands at 43 percent. These polls not only indicate a lack of trust in the Bush administration, but also show American people want things done differently.
Scandals have perpetuated the weak faith in government. Americans are questioning the motives for the war in Iraq and pressuring the government to withdraw troops. Americans are inquiring about the validity of the Patriot Act bill and the powers it gives the government. This questioning has led to more government investigations and a more informed democracy.
The American people should become aware of what is going on in government, and those involved in scandals should be investigated and punished if necessary. United States citizens deserve an honest, upfront government.
Leaders are elected to create order and help people meet their goals. By using the government to further themselves, some officials have not only broken the law, but also have disrespected and harmed their constituents.
The American people cannot blindly trust their government. Such faith is against the nature of democracy. People must be involved beyond the election process.
The Bush administration needs to find a way to unify the public. The administration has done admirable things, such as re-organizing the FBI, passing the Patriot Act and creating the Terrorist Threat Integration Center. But unless the administration can clear up these scandals and create an honest trust with the American people, it cannot remain productive.
