Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, November 21, 1993 TAG: 9404220004
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Hallmark? Is it really on the list? Maker of schmaltzy cards and sponsor of quality, family-oriented TV specials? Perhaps our eyes deceive us. And Turner Broadcasting? Does Jane know about this?
Sure, every person has a right to the best defense he can pay for, but the disgraced senator from Oregon has admitted to the accusations that have been made against him by 28 women. What's left to decide is the consequences.
Packwood seems to think a "Shucks, sorry," should suffice, after which he can go back to the important business of being a U.S. senator. And, by their financial support, these companies, along with labor groups, fellow politicians, friends - 243 contributors, in all, who have given a total of $275,000 - seem to be agreeing.
It's not a matter of actually favoring sexual harassment, of course. Many have good records with their own company policies. Yet, for whatever reasons, opposing such abuses elsewhere - like in Congress - apparently isn't as important as keeping a friend in office.
Some of these companies may not have known about their contributions, as MCI maintains. Its Washington lobbyist had made a personal gift of which it was unaware, a company spokeswoman said.
But this just goes to show how loosely money is thrown around in the legal purchase of legislative influence.
Perhaps the ethical crisis now shaking the Senate illuminates another need: not just for campaign-finance reform, but for a close look at the rules covering legal defense funds of lawmakers once they win office.
by CNB