David Durenberger: “I rise in support of final passage of the gift ban bill, as amended. When Americans are asked to rank professions in…”

“I rise in support of final passage of the gift ban bill, as amended. When Americans are asked to rank professions in terms of public esteem, politicians invariably end up wallowing at the bottom, somewhere in between lawyers and used car salesmen. This image problem isn't just any old public relations disaster; it is a threat to our system of government. When people lose faith in their elected officials, they become cynical about government and what it can accomplish. They stay away from the polls on election day. Even some of the good things we do here lose credibility. People participate in government less. The system becomes less democratic. I must say that I agree with many of my colleagues who have spoken against this bill that it is often the proponents of measures like these that contribute to the public relations problems. By suggesting that we cannot be trusted to accept the hospitality of our constituents, our allies and our friends in Washington, they suggest that something improper is happening. That is unfortunate and untrue. But to those colleagues that oppose this bill, I must say that placing the blame for the problem does not make the problem go away. Regardless of the origins of the problem, it is real and we need to deal with it.”