Cronyism, Cronyism, Cronyism

If I had one word to describe Obama’s accountability policies or his methods for creating a responsible administration, what would it be? Is there one word that describes the actions and motivations behind the decisions made in the Democratically controlled congress, how would I define it? If ever there was one word that links all of this together it would be; Cronyism.

The definition of cronyism – the practice of favoring one’s political allies; at least according to dictionary.com. According to Webster, it is partiality to cronies especially as evidenced in the appointment of office without regard to their qualifications.

As I write this I’m reminded of a Times article talking about Bush’s cronyism. I’m impressed by the list Time was able to compile, especially since it took them five years to weed through all the low level government appointees. If that was news worthy, then Obama’s cronyistic practices should be a monumental journalistic work of art.

In February, Congress passed and Obama wrote into law his stimulus plan making ACORN eligible for billions of taxpayer money. Surely, this is not cronyism. Then in March, he decided to partner with ACORN to conduct the census. Apparently, having 14 voter fraud investigations is still within Obama’s definition of responsible and cannot be considered cronyism.

If you were wondering, the definition of responsible – Able to be trusted or depended upon.

In April, Obama turned the rule of law on its head and rushed a bankruptcy proceeding on behalf of Chrysler that placed the UAW, not the autoworkers, over the interests of the company bondholders. The word cronyism comes to mind.

In June, Obama fired Inspector General Walpin as he was closing in on an investigation tying Obama supporter Kevin Johnson to fraudulent use of AmeriCorps funds. One might call this act cronyism. Perhaps this was a new form of executive accountability?

The definition of accountability – an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.

In July, Obama announced his new financial regulations to mitigate the likelihood of future bank failures. Obama was originally considering the notion of breaking up some of the country's largest financial institutions, but changed his mind. Or shall I say, GE Capital changed his mind for him. If you didn't know, GE owns MSNBC. Can anyone say, “Cronyism?”

I won't go into the fact that GE and Al Gore are heavily invested in Cap and Trade, the Bar Association is against tort reform, or that DC teacher unions are against school vouchers.

Or how about congress?

Today, newly sworn in Democratic Senator Al Franken gets a high profile appointment to the Judiciary Committee. Democrats are rallying in support of the decision despite the fact that Franken is a former comedian and knows nothing about law. Don't pay attention to the fact that he is replacing a lawyer to be on the committee. I would expect Franken to receive some form of sinecure for his leftist viewpoints, but appointing him to the Judiciary Committee at a time the President desperately needs his 60th vote? Who could possibly call this action cronyism?