Why Can’t the Governor Sell Obama’s Seat?

In order to stop government officials from corruption, some countries have set up tight watchdog groups. In Europe for example, officials are scared of the media’s eye simply because it is a corruption killer. In addition, to publicize the income of officials also opens a door for various monitoring groups to be able to trace the source.

Rod Blagojevich, the governor of the state of Illinois, has lately been accused for selling one of his state’s Senate seats. It is now widely known to the world as a case of “pay for play.” This scandal tells people that even in the U.S., well-known for its democracy and legal system, it is still not able to eliminate the lust of senior officials like Blagojevich as well as to prevent bribery. Meanwhile, it also tells the world how this country prevents government officials form corruption and how such matters are addressed. Blagojevich offered $500,000 USD for the job, but was exposed before the deal was made. He was then arrested when the FBI’s phone recording evidence was presented.

In the U.S. and U.K., investigation institutes such as the FBI and the U.K. Police Service all have the right to listen in on government officials if they are suspected of corruption. Media sends people out to test the politicians. If any government official is suspected of abusing power for personal gain or has indicated the possibility to sell power, that particular official’s work will no longer be credited once exposed, regardless if it lacks substantial evidence. The official can hardly stay in the position and the next thing to do then will be to resign.

Some countries have introduced tight monitoring systems such as the Office of Public Integrity of the Department of Justice in the U.S. and a specific police office in the U.K. They will lie out a thorough investigation soon when they receive a report or have had some leads. In 2006, the U.S. Department of Justice searched Congressman William Jefferson of Louisiana and found $90,000 USD wrapped in aluminum foil and kept in his freezer. The revelation caused a firestorm and Jefferson was consequently charged with 16 counts by the Grand Jury, one of which was bribing foreign government officials.

Monitors from opposition parties are another useful force. In order to protect their own interests, soon when opposition parties find any stakes that can be used to attack their competitors, they will bring those to the public. Back in 1997, when Tony Blair first became the Prime Minister of the U.K., the Conservative Party revealed that the Labor Party gained political donations from the “Formula One” racing companies and the condition was to postpone the policy of not allowing cigarette advertisements on racing cars. The Labor Party gave back the donations and the policy was immediately put into effect.

Government officials from the U.S. and Europe are also scared of their media, as they are good terminators of corruption. Any careless speech or action will make officials become the media’s eyesore and will easily lead them to a career fiasco. For example, this is the fourth time for the current Business Secretary Peter Mandelson to work for the government. He was forced by the media to leave the last few times. When he worked for the Blair administration the first time, he was exposed by reporters that before his appointment in 1997, he had a real estate mortgage where he doesn’t need to pay interest. He resigned immediately. Later he returned, but not for long. Diligent reporters found out that he called the immigration officer of his jurisdiction for some rich people’s permanent residence. He didn’t recall but resigned two days later.

Such a multi-layered watchdog network pushes officials to be extremely careful. In addition, to publicize officials’ incomes is another way for these monitoring forces to trace any potential misbehavior. For example, you didn’t pay for a speech you gave or your purchasing capability exceeds the amount of your income, these will all trigger an investigation, no matter if it is done by law enforcement or the media. This is also why corruption is seldom heard in the U.S. and the U.K. political circles. Because once a corruption is brought to light, it will certainly be all over the place. Like Blagojevich, when he succumbed to corruption, the public attacked him. We foresee his resignation very soon.

(Bai Shuo works for media in Guangdong Province)