Somehow, the prospect of John Rowland’s returning to a federal prison does not make me all warm, fuzzy and grateful to be living in this, the best of all possible worlds. Yet, you would think I would be thrilled. After all, wasn’t the former governor’s latest conviction a victory for transparency in government, for assuring that “we the people” are informed of who is doing what in our names?
That’s the line federal prosecutors were chirping, both in closing arguments during trial and after the verdict. Listening to their gibberish made me fear for the republic. Dark money —funds contributed by secret donors to organizations screaming hate and misinformation—is the coin of the realm in electoral politics. Both right and left have jammed the airwaves with swill. I suspect that’s one reason why national politics resembles less reasoned debate about the issues than catcalls by jeering groupies at an athletic event.
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