David Freddoso: Survival Guide for the Morally Corrupt Congressman

Great new column from David Freddoso at the Washington Examiner that is worth a read today, not necessarily taking just Anthony Weiner to task, but all of Congress, and offers them a little help. Here’s an excerpt below, read the rest at the Examiner:

You’d think that the instincts that propel politicians to success would also instill in them some basic common sense. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. If members of Congress lack the good sense to read bills before voting on them (Exhibit A: Obamacare), how can you be surprised when they get caught sending obscene photographs to strangers over the Internet?That was Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner’s especial foible, but recent congressional history suggests that neither he nor his political party have a monopoly on the stupidity and moral corruption that go together so well in Washington.

There is a glorious and fairly recent history of Republican flameouts that includes such names as Chris Lee, Larry Craig, Ed Schrock and John Ensign, all now former members of Congress.

Perhaps we should take the recent rash of congressional exits-in-disgrace as the sign of an unmet need. Congressmen cannot be counted on to be honest or faithful. But maybe someone could help them by jotting down a few basic tips for making a life of taxpayer-funded debauchery more manageable.

It would contain important lessons taken from recent members of Congress — luminaries like Eric Massa, D-N.Y., and Mark Foley, R-Fla. Of course, most ordinary people already know not to play “pile-on” or “tickle-fight” with their employees, or to send salacious IMs to interns. But now, members of Congress will have a handy guide to remind them.

Some important caveats will apply especially to married men in political life:

» DON’T choke your mistress. (The very important “Don Sherwood Rule,” which must never be broken.)

» DON’T use campaign funds to pay off your mistress.

Read the rest of the hilarious tips!