Today is not a happy day in Virginia. No matter which side of the aisle you claim, the conviction of Bob and Maureen McDonnell on corruption charges seems not to be a political story so much as it is a sad human tale of poor decisions, hubris and loneliness.
McDonnell — by most accounts thought of as a promising leader — now joins John Edwards in the gallery of shame; the first-ever governor of Virginia to be convicted of a crime. Maureen is faced with a long and terrifying fall from the top of society to the bottom rung of despair. Their children confront a stigma of greed and dysfunction, played out on a national stage.
For complete details on this sad and sordid affair, read the complete coverage by the Post, and be sure to check out the list of gifts. It’s truly disgusting.
All in, one has to wonder if there was ever a point when the McDonnells thought to stop the gravy train given by a dietary supplement company. More important is this: as we move on, will our elected leaders have enough starch in their shirts to just say no thanks? A legislature can pass 1,001 laws that regulate graft…but nary a one can stop the intent to take when there’s a willing giver of things. Sometimes the law has naught to do with politics, and all to do with personal conviction.
