The Paradox of Vision

Well, here is a big surprise - Bobby Jindal's "ethics reforms" are meeting a little resistance in the Louisiana legislature, due to the fact that his idea of reform involves throwing a few meaningless bones disguised as bills out and hoping no one notices that they a) don't include the executive branch and b) have no real teeth. For instance:

Jindal's office issued a statement today in opposition to a bill proposed by Rep. Wayne Waddell of Shreveport which aims to treat the governor's office like any other state agency in that all records should be made public. Jimmy Faircloth, the governor's lawyer, said they opposed the bill because it would impede the free flow of ideas, policy recommendations and contract negotiations which should be kept private. Yes, that's the ticket...private.

Additionally, there is currently a little debate going on about differing versions of another ethics bill which would possibly prohibit Louisiana public officials from receiving free tickets to sports or cultural events. One proposal, sponsored by Democrat Ben Nevers, would bar that particular little perk, while a rival bill introduced by Joel Chaisson of Destrehan would leave the ticket grubbing intact. Chaisson, is, of course, Jindal's choice for Senate Majority Leader.

This is what makes me mad about media coverage - "JINDAL'S ETHICS REFORM" is splashed all over every front page around here, and the general public thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread because he's trying to "clean up Louisiana politics" when the truth is that through a series of sidesteps and watered-down bills he's not changing much at all. This, while totally excluding campaign finance laws as part of the "ethics revolution" amid questions concerning his own campaign finances. *Sigh* What the hell, when does Jazz Fest start?