In light of Texas Republican and former house leader Tom DeLay’s conviction on money-laundering charges, I guess our recent look at political corruption in America was more timely than I had thought. I’ve shared some of my thoughts on Tom DeLay before (Warning, F-Bombs!), but I didn’t get very specific about why I find him as utterly detestable as I do. His own words sum much of it up. Making a statement outside the courtroom after his conviction, he said “This is an abuse of power. It’s a miscarriage of justice, and I still maintain that I am innocent. The criminalization of politics undermines our very system and I’m very disappointed in the outcome” (extra emphasis mine). The Napoleonic narcissism and contempt for his role as a public servant inherent in those words is reflected in his career as a political figure who has been central to the destruction of America as a model democracy over the last two decades. The visible face of his idea of serving the public is evident in activities like his involvement with the K Street Project, which facilitated the unrelenting corporatization of American politics that has led to corporations now having the same rights as you or I do. His aggressive role in the Gerrymandering of Texas displays his contempt for voter rights. Most of his real accomplishments were behind-the-scenes power plays that skirted legislative rules, making a mockery of the public trust. His smirky stance as a birther displays either delusional thinking or delight in sowing untruth, neither of which are qualities I look for in a leader. His reputation speaks for itself; I’m not going to try to list all the things he HASN’T been indicted for, or further describe the utter failure of his moral compass and delusional misrepresentation of himself as some kind of “good Christian”. I’m probably more disappointed with the American people themselves for not caring more (or being more enlightened) about the corruption amongst the leaders they factionalize themselves with by arguing about incessantly. It’s not about red vs. blue these days, it’s about struggling working class people vs. entitled, lying politicians. And DeLay’s conviction? It’s probably meaningless. He’ll either appeal and win, or get probation, and in the interim make more smug appearances on dance shows. And even if he does do time, he’ll probably end up later as a talking head on cable news like other convicted GOP felons. In the meantime, I hear he’s been working on new dance moves with his cellmate. See below.