JOIN THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION
18 January 2006 11:43 am by Taylor Marsh
FROM HARRY REID and the DEMOCRATS
JOIN
THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST REPUBLICAN CORRUPTION
Our demand is simple. We want truly democratic government,
served by elected representatives who uphold the highest standards of honesty
and integrity. We demand sweeping reform to return our government to its basic
responsibility: serving all the people of this great nation.
American history tells a story of expanding democracy,
opportunity, and accountable governance. Throughout our history, the American
people have demanded that their government reflect our nation's highest ideals
of openness and honesty, transparency and integrity and — above all else
— a clear commitment to protecting the interests of the American people,
not powerful special interests.
When the excesses of a corrupt establishment have gone
too far, the American people have risen up and reformed the political process
to correct our course — because ultimately it is the people who must lead.
Today, to achieve and maintain power, the leaders of
the Republican Party have built a system where money not only buys influence,
but the right to govern. Special interests and their lobbyists not only buy
access, they buy results — on any issue, no matter the public interest. This
Republican culture of corruption prevails through all levels of government.
Republican leaders have made the terms of the deal
very clear. Those who make an investment in keeping Republican leaders in
power will see a huge return on their investment in the form of corporate
welfare, no-bid contracts and favorable regulation — at the expense of the
public interest.
This corrupt cycle must be broken. When our elected
officials bend government to serve their own interests or those of their friends,
our democracy is at risk.
Today Democrats are unveiling an ethics reforms package
that will clean up our government so the American people can have the honest
leadership they deserve, and so our government can get back to the work of
the people.
Honest leadership is not a partisan goal — it is the
key to a stronger Union. It is time to put progress ahead of politics. Together,
we can change this government and rebuild trust with the American people.
We call on Republicans to join Democrats in restoring honest leadership to
all levels of government. The American people deserve nothing less.
