Tag Archives: Politics

Chriss James: You’re Wrong!

General, Politics, ,

Corruption in our political system is minor compared to what I’ve witnessed in Bulgaria and the Philippines. It does exist, however. For example (Idaho State Journal, Saturday March 1, 1008):

Caribou County’s embattled prosecutor, Chriss James … pleaded no contest to the facts alleged by Attorney General Lawrence Wasden’s office — that he dismissed citations in exchange for cash totaling $3,800.

According to news reports (which are locked up behind a stupid pay wall at the Idaho State Journal newspaper), James (the Prosecutor for Caribou County in Soda Springs, Idaho) would meet with people cited for a misdemeanor traffic offense and allowed them to make a “contribution” in exchange for dismissing the charges. The “contribution”, he told them, would be used for the Caribou County Fair’s 5-kilometer run. After receiving the “contribution”, James then deposited the money in his personal bank account.

In a hearing last Friday, James attempted to get the 11 felony counts of misusing public funds dismissed. Thankfully, he was not successful. His reason? “Everyone is doing it, so it shouldn’t be illegal.”

Wrong, Mr. James. Everyone is NOT doing it. Besides, it is illegal.

Politics? Don’t Talk No Mormon Politics Here!

General, Politics,

The church meeting this morning was going fairly well. The group leader’s topic was about the Mormon Church and political stands. He was trying very hard to keep on topic and not where many in the group wanted to go: Why.Don’t.We.Have.Anyone.To.Vote.For.In.This.Election? The discussion moved closer and closer to the edge until the patriarch of the group announced, “There’s 25 seconds until the end of the class and we still have to have a closing prayer.”

The group leader responded, “That’s a good reminder, Bill. Why don’t you….” At which time Bill stood up, folded his arms, and pronounced the benediction on the class. We ended ten seconds early, according to Bill’s watch. We were saved once again from a furious debate about why Mitt Romney pulled out of the nomination race before we in Idaho had a chance to vote for him.