After months of insisting he had done nothing wrong, Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham tearfully acknowledged taking $2.4 million in bribes, saying: "The truth is I broke the law."Cunningham served with distinction in Vietnam, including becoming the first ace of the war. He received the Navy Cross, two Silver Stars, fifteen Air Medals, and the Purple Heart.
The eight-term Republican and former Vietnam fighting ace pleaded guilty to graft Monday and resigned, admitting he took money mostly from defense contractors in exchange for government business and other favors.
"In my life, I have had great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame," a tearful Cunningham said after the plea. "I can't undo what I have done but I can atone."
But Cunningham, who could get up to 10 years in prison at sentencing Feb. 27 on charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and fraud, and tax evasion, may not be the only person ensnared in the case. Prosecutors have indicated they have more than him in mind.
However, just because you were a military hero doesn't mean that you'll be a good politician, or even an honest one. One has nothing to do with the other.
Let that be a lesson to anyone who thinks that serving in the military alone qualifies you for higher office or should burnish your record on defense matters.
UPDATE:
Others blogging Cunningham's flame out: Kerfuffles, Captain's Quarters, The Carpetbagger Report, ScrappleFace, The Democratic Daily Blog, The Club For Growth, Random Numbers, Skeptic's Eye, Peach Pundit (who notes some ethical problems with Georgia politicians), The People's Republic of Seabrook, and Neil Boortz.
UPDATE:
Point Five sees the humor in Duke's crying game.
UPDATE:
So does Wuzzadem. There's no crying in bribe club. What he said.
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