Who cleans the stables

ROOTING out corruption is finally regaining some attention in the halls of Congress - but only, it seems, because there are alleged criminals to be found in both political parties. Toledo Blade

Media coverage of the ethics challenged Washington elite is fascinating. Who would ever thunk a leading Ohio newspaper would go so far as being bipartisan on any issue.

Across the country editorials are mixed, but in the end, generally agreeing that the stench is getting too strong to ignore.

That the media, the leader writers and commentators especially, are starting to distance themselves from previously solid partisan positions must indicate just how far desperate the situation has become.

Lawmakers at all levels have lost control; lost control of political agendas and more importantly, of their power to persuade.

I admit I’m no expert on the US system, but can safely assume that apart from any other motivation, the media rely heavily on government advertising as a bread and butter revenue base. Watching the way government services have been ‘gifted’, or denied, under the prevailing culture would suggest key lawmakers were in a position to ‘massage’ media support.

Were in a position, of course, is the key phrase. If nothing else, the mounting stench of corruption has loosened many of the previous restraints. I doubt any lawmaker would be willing to start the ball rolling on charges of coercing the media.

Given the overall complicity of a willing media, until recently, I see no reason why they should not take up their shovels now and get on with the dirty cleanup. Sure they risk getting splattered a little, but that is just fair compensation.

The depressing part, the chase for easy revenues being so compelling, is that once the mess is cleared out the pack will fall back into the old ways.

Of all the areas of procurement, media buying is the one which should be distanced most from partisan politics. The ability to grant or withhold advertising contracts undermines any potential for a free and impartial press.