Sen. Cranston
The story (Aug. 20, Part I) concerning Sen. Alan Cranston’s difficulties arising from his questionable financial dealings contained the following remarkable quote: “I don’t see (my current problem) as a major issue compared with 20 years of service in the Senate.”
What kind of distorted logic is this? Does long service give a politician some kind of immunity from unethical behavior? Is this some new seniority system whereby the most senior members are most entitled to ignore the rules and the proprieties of political morality?
Unfortuantely this seems to be the case, not just with Cranston, but, as we have seen lately, with too many of our elected officials. It seems that experience gained from length of service is used not to benefit the electorate but to avoid ethical responsibilities.
AARON KOMMEL
Northridge
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