One down, one to go...

I wish I coulda been there. I'd love to have seen Jack Abramoff do the perp walk! The only thing missing in my mind's eye is the man who calls him one of his "closest and dearest friends", Tom DeLay, walking beside him in handcuffs.

Abramoff used to be one of the most powerful lobbyists in Washington, but has been caught up in South Florida's notorious corruption. Already under investigation for the swindling of Native American Tribes and his role in DeLay's junket scandal, he's now been indicted for conspiracy and wire fraud for his role in presenting a fraudulent wire transfer document to lenders for the purchase of a fleet of gambling ships.

Also in the mix, although not part of the indictment, is the gangland style murder of Konstantinos "Gus" Boulis, the Greek turned Canadian turned South Floridian former owner of the fleet who sold it to Abramoff and his partner, Adam Kidan.

And of course we have the confirned identification of some of the 9/11 suicide terrorists on Abramoff's gambling ships a week before the attacks on New York and Washingrton DC, which links uncomfortably to the relationship between the Bushes and the bin Ladens, but I won't go there.

Meanwhile, the DeLay camp is busy claiming that the "accidental" illegal monies spent on election campaigns were "accounting errors". Yeah, okay. Who were their auditors, Arthur Anderson?

It's only a matter of time before DeLay is indicted along with his friend, both of whom espouse religious values as their driving force. Isn't it time we stop backing criminals because of their professed beliefs? Anyone with values themselves should question the actions of those who are supposed to lead based on these values.

It's time to stop believing those who shout about their piety, and support those who live their lives based on their principles.