Promises, Schromises : Ethics-Challenged Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Promised “Open, Transparent & Accountable Government”
Michael Matthew Bloomer, July 11, 2013
Ronald Reagan was a funny man, a natural. Recall how we laughed and laughed when he adopted supply side economics as national economic policy. That was a hoot! His observation above about “promises,” however, is a timeless gem, one that candidate Bob McDonnell, a Reagan admirer, might have encountered. Nevertheless, candidate McDonnell was never short of promises during his 2009 gubernatorial campaign, particularly about his dedication to improving governmental accountability and transparency.
Below was his 2009 position on government reform, from his McDonnell for Governor website, or – as we now have reason to say – the text below was his position on government reform, as in past tense:
Government Reform
Open & Honest Government Plan
Bob McDonnell and [Lt. Governor] Bill Bolling will provide open, transparent, and accountable government. Taxpayers and voters are the owners of our government agencies and their assets. It is imperative that we provide Virginians with the opportunity to participate more in how their government operates, and have a greater ability to monitor the activities of their elected and appointed officials.
For democracy to work effectively citizens must have a high level of confidence and trust in their government and those elected to represent them. Bob McDonnell is also committed to dramatically reducing any waste or inefficiencies when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars. An effective state government is essential to providing excellent services to our Virginia families while ensuring that they keep more of the money they earn.
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Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises,
for never intending to go beyond promise,
it costs nothing.
~Edmund Burke
Perfect.
