Comments on: Printed letters, April 28, 2008

By: hitekredneck

hitekredneck — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:59:59 +0000

corruption: noun 1. the act of corrupting or state of being corrupt.
2. moral perversion; depravity.
3. perversion of integrity.
4. corrupt or dishonest proceedings.
5. bribery.
6. debasement or alteration, as of language or a text.
7. a debased form of a word.
8. putrefactive decay; rottenness.
9. any corrupting influence or agency.

pretty much sounds like politics in general, esp definition #5

By: RLaitres

RLaitres — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:48:14 +0000

Many would restrict the definition of “corruption” to that of taking a “bribe” of money or other material recompense. That, I would submit, may be much too narrow a view. The term “corruption” might be broadened to include “the use of a thing, be it a concept or position that is used for that for which it was not intended.”

When any individual, particularly in politics, attains a position of authority or influence then, once attained, places his/her own personal well-being or ambition ahead of the interests of the public he/she is obligated to serve, and begins serving the interests of specific groups or individuals who can be beneficial to his/her career, instead of serving the public interest, that also is corruption, corruption of the position.

By: Curmudgeon

Curmudgeon — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:14:44 +0000

Well, not quite every politician. I think there are some who actually care about their constituents more than they care about their next office, but they’re the exception, rather than the rule.
Still, does that make what Penry is doing right, just because everyone else is doing it? He’s not alone in his ambition, to be sure. In my opinion, that doesn’t make it okay to forget who got you where you are.

By: Willis_Leon_Johnson

Willis_Leon_Johnson — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:06:01 +0000

Mr. Penry is looking for a permanent position for life.

Beginning as a “statesman”, then progressing to something like president of some prestigious university with a handsome paycheck, benefits that mere mortals cannot even dream of, and a retirement in the millions per year.

Just like every other politician?

By: Curmudgeon

Curmudgeon — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:50:47 +0000

You’re right, of course, hiteredneck; and I should have been more careful with my hyperbole. To be clearer, I don’t think Penry is corrupt in the sense that he would take a bribe or engage in any illegality; he’s just succumbed to an all-consuming desire for the next step up the ladder, to the detriment of those who put him there. And, as you pointed out, that’s not exactly uncommon.

By: hitekredneck

hitekredneck — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:42:00 +0000

curmudgeon, i’m holding my opinion of mr penry until i see more evidence of corruption….but what you state is typical of most politicians nowadays…my grandfather (the smartest man in the world) put it to me like this…”politicians are nothing more than high-priced lawyers, and lawyers are nothing more than parasites….they live off the misery of others”

By: Curmudgeon

Curmudgeon — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:36:17 +0000

Penry has been corrupted for quite a while. His persona is nothing more than a Republican mirror image of Bill Clinton’s; He will say and do anything to further his own political ambition. His mantra has been, “Keep supporting me; help me get up the next rung on the political ladder, so the Western Slope will finally have some political clout!” And too many of us bought it.
His allegiance now is to whoever will help him advance, and we on the Western Slope don’t have the kind of power he wants anymore. We served our purpose. We got him to Denver, where he is fulfilling his promise to serve the people. It’s just that none of those people are from the Western Slope anymore. His sights are set much higher than the State Legislature, and this area’s only worth to him now is as his “local boy makes good” backstory.
He doesn’t have a lot of intelligence or integrity, but he is blessed with what will get him ahead politcally; a complete lack of conscience, and blind obedience to his Masters. And those will serve him very, very well.

By: Willis_Leon_Johnson

Willis_Leon_Johnson — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:26:04 +0000

Denigrating Mr. Penry for what reason?

” It is sad to say but, Mr. Penry is by far not the “brightest” bulb in the chandelier.”

However, he made it to the “chandelier”, you sir, did not, nor did you even have the courage to put yourself on the ballot.

Did you have something substantive to comment on that is even slightly related to the body of this letter?

We missed it.
That would make you off topic again.

By: RLaitres

RLaitres — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 04:26:10 +0000

In the initial letter Mr. Charles Kerr refers to Josh Penry, and his efforts on the part of the energy companies. That is only to be expected. It is sad to say but, Mr. Penry is by far not the “brightest” bulb in the chandelier. I would agree with one of his colleagues said of him in the Senate, that if he doesn’t have the “facts”, he makes some up. I don’t know about that but, have had the opportunity to meet him once, I know that he is not one to think things through. He claims to be a “fiscal conservative” but, like so many who like to be seen in that way, when comes the time to “feed at the trough”, he likes to first in line and “get my fair share.” That, in my humble opinion, is not only being intellectually dishonest, it is downright deceptive. It is truly sad to see one so young already corrupted. Perhaps his political mentor was not that virtuous after all.