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Mario, personal ethics, while important, are only part of the solution.
In a properly functioning, representative form of government, citizens and lawmakers must work to institutionalize ethics. By institutionalizing ethics in New Mexico, we can make an unambiguous statement about what is acceptable and what is not.
One of the foremost challenges with many of New Mexico’s disclosure and campaign finance laws is their vagueness. If someone can make a legitimate legal argument that the exchange of thousands of dollars in cash (in an envelope) is simply a campaign contribution, we have failed to fully institutionalize ethics.
And, it’s not just the reformer types calling for the passage of specific laws.
You cite overwhelming Democratic support for contribution limits, an ethics commission and better lobbyist disclosure. But, the Journal has polled likely voters of all political persuasions from around New Mexico on this matter before-90% favored limiting gifts to public officials and 80% favored creating campaign contribution limits. I would add voluntary public financing to the growing list of popular, nonpartisan reforms.
Only a miniscule minority still believes comprehensive reform is not needed. We must do the right thing and fully institutionalize ethics in New Mexico.
Mario: I agree legislating ethics has problems, so instead let's focus on the enforcement side when it comes to lobbying, contributions, etc.
Just as we don't assume a high ethical standard on the part of motorists when it comes to speeding, let's have some police on the legislative beat, patrolling the odd nook, cranny or near-Roundhouse Happy Hour, and investigate infractions with as much energy as possible.
I'd love to have more faith in the "vote out the unethical" plan, but it's precisely that lack of ethics (i.e. corruption) which lies at the core of getting the miscreants re-elected time and again.
This viciously successful cycle of election, corruption, re-election is hard to stop, but without rules/laws and adequate enforcement of those rules/laws waiting for the honest politician will be like Waiting for Godot.
The idea that you can't legislate ethics is nonsense. It is a standard of conduct just like the law; which is of course, legislated.
The meaning of the word ethics, is confusing only to those who lack them.
Commenting by HaloScan
