You’d have thought we learned something from that one.  Not!  This is one time when most folks on the outside agree that re-electing William Jefferson to Congress is a bad idea and that we ought to be ashamed of ourselves if we send him back to Congress.  But, being an insider on the outside, I understand why we’ll most likely re-elect him to Congress and why sometime after December 2^nd, we’ll spend a bunch more money holding a special election to send someone else to Congress.

As I looked over the commentary on blogs, news editorials and other information sources, I thought it was interesting that a couple of blog-posters suggested that the losing candidates should refrain from endorsing either Jefferson or Moreno in the election.   Makes perfect sense to me since they could all find themselves running again in the special election that is sure to come if Jefferson wins and is then convicted.  My inside sources say Jeff is sure to be sent back to Washington, as they are expecting one of the largest turnouts of African-American voters to support the candidacy of Barack Obama.

But, as an insider on the outside, it pains me to see my home city and state go through this.  I understand that we often vote along racial lines regardless of the quality of our political candidates.  I understand that we’ve done it this way for a long time.  But maybe, it’s time for us to really look at what being so set in our ways is doing to us.   

Jefferson has all but lost all his clout in Congress, which in the past has often caused us to keep voting our less than honorable politicians back into office.   Whatever contracts or federal dollars he might have brought to the city and state as a result of his seniority will most likely go elsewhere or be dramatically reduced.    Whether he is innocent or guilty no longer matters, because the court of public opinion has already placed some strong judgments on him that will not only hinder his progress but that of the city and state.

Who wants to do business in a city or state where a project will cost two or three times more than budgeted because the politics necessary to get what’s needed must be bought? Yes, I know it goes on everywhere, but Louisiana seems to be the master. 

Do we really want to do business with some company or individual who’s willing to buy-off our politicians at the expense of what’s in the best interest of residents?  What happens to the rights of the voters who sent that politician to Washington or Baton Rouge when they are sold to the highest bidder? 

We can continue to turn a blind eye or we can pay attention and do something different that might actually be good for us.   This is one time when we shouldn’t vote for the crook – it’s important!

PS – Bravo to House Speaker Jim Tucker and other legislative leaders for stripping leadership duties from Representative John LaBruzzo for his inappropriate and backwards suggestion to offer voluntary sterilization to poor women.   Their recognition of the damage such an idea does to the reputation of the state throughout the world (yes, it made international headlines, too) is to be applauded.

Aimee Thibodeaux is a pseudonym for a native New Orleanian living and working in another state.  She make frequent trips to the Crescent City to work, follows local news on-line and has her favorite Community Coffee dropped shipped to her home.   She can be reached at aimeethibodeaux54@gmail.com. 

Bayoubuzz Note:  This is a new series.  The opinions expressed are from this writer alone but it is to demonstrate her view of matters from outside Louisiana and New Orleans by one who is very involved in this state and this city’s future.

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