corruption? stupidity?

I was somewhat amused at former governor Blagojevich's closing statement during his impeachment trial. It seemed that his argument against the proceedings was, "well everyone else does it, why are you picking on me?"
Come now, most of us figured out that argument doesn't work by the time we left our pre-teens. I was especially interested in his questioning "what sort of message will this send to other governors and politicians?"
Well, hopefully sir, the message they take from it is DON'T ENGAGE IN ILLEGAL OR UNETHICAL ACTIVITIES! You are in public office because we put you there, if you abuse that, we are watching and you will be taken to task for your actions if they are found to be improper.

Also prominent in the news is our President's scolding of corporate CEO's for accepting huge bonuses as their companies are failing and looking for government handouts. Good for you, Mister President! It's about time that someone in a position to do something about such things stood up for what is right. I won't be at all surprised if those CEOs are echoing Mr. Blagojevich's cry of "why me?" Maybe they should consider themselves lucky that they aren't yet being subject to worse treatment.
The French found an effective (if brutal) way of dealing with those who abuse their positions of power and entitlement just a few hundred years ago. I think our country will likely show a bit more restraint than guillotining those who grow rich while squandering the money of those who have supported them in the past, but I think they had best start doing what is right while they still have the opportunity.