Well, the Houston Chronicle's Rick Casey just surrendered part of his reputation as a crusader against public corruption.

There's something to be said for an investigation. Rosenthal was, after all, the man who was in charge of prosecuting crime in Harris County. It would be unseemly for strong evidence that he committed a crime — even a misdemeanor — to go unpursued.

It would also be unseemly to seek much punishment beyond what he has already suffered, the loss of his prestigious position and the public humiliation he has suffered.

Rosenthal would hardly be the first elected official to receive a deal that amounted to resignation and, sometimes, a modest fine.

Yes, Casey backs this position up with examples -- examples that only prove how wrong he is.

These plea deals didn't do a damn thing to stem public corruption. If anything, they make it easier for public officials to break the law. After all, there appears to be no penalty for criminal activity when what you get is a plea deal in public corruption cases. If anything, the policy needs to be NO PLEA DEALS FOR CORRUPT POLS.

If illegal activity by public officials is to be discouraged, then it must be fully prosecuted and punished. And I take this stand in the case of a member of my own party to make it clear that my calls for clean government are based upon principle, not politics.

Chuck Rosenthal needs to go to jail, go directly jail, not passing "GO" and not collecting his government pension.

After all, if three hots and a cot were appropriate for the criminals he spent years prosecuting, it is good enough for our corrupt former DA.

Posted by: Greg at 11:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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