CORRUPTION IN THE SENATE

Have you heard about Former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno? He was recently convicted Monday on two of eight felony federal corruption charges. How many times have we seen this movie? Too many times those who are supposed to be upholding the law are the very ones who manipulate it to suit their selfish needs and finance their opulent lifestyles. I'm not the least bit shocked by this news because its been happening for a long time. These political figures take an oath but yet somehow down the road their head get a little swollen and they figure they're above the law. Bruno is now 80 years old and his conviction could land him in prison Suspended In Time for the rest of his natural life. I hope he thinks it was worth it. He was accused of depriving the public by using his status as one of New York's most powerful leaders to rake in $3.2 million in consulting fees and failing to disclose his conflicts of interest according to prosecutors. Bruno was also convicted for taking eleven payments worth $200,000 from two companies controlled by his friend and businessman Jared Abbruzzese for consulting work that was never done. He also was found guilty for receiving $80,000 from Abbruzzese for a horse that was worthless. These funds was a reward for Bruno's aide in obtaining state grants for another company linked to Abbruzzese according to prosecutors. In Albany, Bruno is labeled the Republican Kingpin. An upstate jury of seven women and five men took seven days to find Bruno guilty on two counts, and acquit him on five others. They came to no agreement on an eighth count. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each count and a $250,000 fine when sentenced March 31, 2010. Leaving the courthouse, a shaken Bruno, who did not testify at the trial, promised an appeal.

"It goes without saying that I'm very, very disappointed in the verdict that I just heard and the legal process is going to continue," he said. "In my mind and in my heart, it is not over until it's over. And I think it's far from over."

Of course he is now taking the role of the victim claiming that his conviction is a direct result of overzealous prosecutors. You be the judge, but I know how shady the business dealings of political figures as they've unfolded right before our eyes over the years. To those who think they're above the law, just ask Bruno what is Plan B. Even law makers are calling for stricter ethic laws but all this remains to be seen. Corruption is all over the world, especially in the hands of those who claim to be upholding the law.