Kids Sent to Jail for Money

A pretty vile story out of PA. It's been making the media rounds recently so you may have heard about it. Basically, two judges were receiving money in return for placing juvenile offenders in jail. The judges were being bribed by two group who ran the private juvenile prisons where the kids ended up.

Some of the kids were sent to these facilities for fairly minor offenses, like stealing loose change or fist time drug paraphernalia offenses. Even more absurd is that many of the children appeared before these corrupt judges without any legal counsel.

Both former judges will spend about 7 years in prison. Here they are, the a-holes:



How many kids lives have been damaged by this? Why do people trust the Criminal Justice System again?

Another First

The election of the nation's first African American President is certainly a milestone. Here's another. Alaska may be about to elect the nations first Felon-Senator. Ted Stevens maintains a few thousand vote lead (there caould be a recount) despite his very recent conviction in Washington DC for failing to disclose gifts and renovations to his home.

Congratulations again Alaska!

By the way Stevens may be forced from the Senate by fellow Senators which would result in a run-off for his Senate seat. Guess who could be a potential candidate in that election....Sarah Palin? I betcha!

CORRECTION: No recount in Alaska but all the votes aren't counted yet.

Government Regulators Travel Comped by Industry Groups

The current and former head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (both under the Bush administration) have accepted money for trips from groups in industries ranging from the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory to the Toy Industry Association. These associations are lobbying groups that represent corporations within specific industries. The Commission head under Clinton only accepted travel money when announcing product recalls.

A portion of the Washington Post article sums it up nicely,

"Some say the commission's approach to gift travel points to a Bush administration philosophy that favors engaging corporations in policymaking that affects them. 'This administration apparently has taken the position that speaking and appearing before the regulated community, even where there are enforcement matters pending, does not create the appearance of a conflict,' said Kenneth Gross, an ethics lawyer at Skadden, Arps."